DisneySMMoms | The Angel Forever

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Up Close and Personal With Hippos

Posted on August 11, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Back in March, I was able to participate in the Wild African Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. As one of the lucky people that signed up quickly enough, I was part of a small group of bloggers during out time. When I left off, we had started out tour and had just arrived at the Hippo area. Alex stopped to tell us all about hippos. We learned about their blood sweat, how they communicate with wheeze honking, and more.

Then, it was time to head over to the viewing area. This is where our harnesses would be hooked for the first official time on our trek. Yes, those gorgeous black straps seen in back were going up and over us for some prime viewing of the hippos.

It is against my better judgment to share this photo, but here I am looking out at the hippos. You can see my harness stretching back onto the apparatus that allowed us to move around the area (forgot to take a photo of that).

Here’s another view of others in our group around the platform.

You can see that we are across the water from where the vehicles on the Kilimanjaro Safari go during their tours that visitors can take in the park. Here is a group. I must say often times they were more curious about us on the ledge, and not the two giant hippos feeding down below.

Our timing was amazing, we got there with some of the hippo research scientists who were going to feed the animals below us. The two gentleman were so nice explaining what they were doing and answering questions. Of course, they were skeptical when we asked them to do a wheeze honk demonstrations – perhaps it was the cameras and videos that stopped them.

They explained that feeding time is also when they are able to check the dental care of the hippos and make sure they have no injuries in their mouths. This gave me a new appreciation for the game Hungry Hungry Hippos.

These two particular hippos were father and son and they were near us. All of the girls were at the other end of the water area. Here are a few more photos of the boys from our view on the ledge:

Soon, it was time to head to the next part of our adventure. We thanked the researchers for all of the learning and continued on. When we saw the next item on the trail, we knew there was no turning back.

Finally, it was time for some of us to face our fears. Yes – we would soon be meeting both of these

The days of joking about this were over. Now it was time for Shannan and I to meet the bridges. To be continued!

So what do you think so far? Would you have gone on this amazing adventure within the wonderful world of Disney? Please share any behind the scenes tours that you have experienced.

Disclosure: Although we paid for our own trip to Disney World, we were given an incredible deal thanks to Disney. The sweet conference fee included 3 nights at the Grand Floridian, several meals for the entire family, 7 day park hoppers for everyone, conference/meals for me and some other items to take home. Also note that Disney never asked us to blog about this event. As a long time Disney fan, it is my pleasure to share my experiences from the event.

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Blogging Conference bloggy friends Disney DisneySMMoms Educational fun interesting looking back me moments photos

My African Trek Adventure Begins

Posted on July 28, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Have you ever wished you could go on an African Safari and watch animals running, eating, and playing in the wild? I did, but the reality is that going to Africa is not in my future right now.

Lucky for me, I was one of the lucky people that was able to try out the new Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. As part of the Saturday afternoon activities of Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, I had the chance to go on the adventure of my life. Of course, the biggest decision I had to make once it was finally time to go, which camera to take. With some major prodding from Ellen of Confessions of an IT Girl, I took TechyDad’s new DSLR along. Please note – this is his baby. Often times, the look of panic on my face is of ruining his new toy and not fear for my life.

We were picked up from the Grand Floridian Resort early in the morning. We took a back entrance into the Animal Kingdom. Before heading to Disney, Shannan, From Cribs to Car Keys, and I joked that we would hold each other up as we crossed the bridge and promised to keep each other moving. Here is Shannan signing her life away:

From here, our group was taken to the area to get weighed (there is a max here) and fitted with our Trek uniforms. No, they were not uniforms – just harnesses that had to fit just right for certain areas of the trek.

Later on there is a great shot of me from the rear where you can see just where this fun contraption goes. It honestly looked a lot more intimidating than it was. Once we were all in our gear, had our water bottles, we were ushered to the lockers. You are not allowed to take anything along on the trek that is not attached to you. Bye-bye phone, DSLR lens cap, and hello safari animal protection. Then, it was time to try the practice bridges.

From here, we were given some juice. You know this was just to test how good our bladders were since there are no restrooms for close to two hours while on the trek. This is where my pre-kid teacher bladder had to kick it back in. There was NO coffee for me this morning.

Once we were all set, the entire group stopped for a photo as we set off on our adventure.

Yes, the real fun was about to begin. We started by walking into the Pangani Forest area where anyone can explore. I was not going to include this photo, since my rear is quite visible. Shannan persuaded me with a reminder: “That harness totally made our asses look HAWT. So here’s the photo of our hawt derrières.

The time in the Pangani Forest area was to explore and check our audio. Yes, we all hate cute little ear pieces in so we could hear these two amazing tour guides that took us on our adventure. A huge thank you to Alex and Bethany for everything. They were so great knowing that a group of Social Media Moms was watching their every move.

At a point in the forest, we went off road to where only guests on the Trek are allowed.

This path was where you had to watch where you walk because the terrain got a little different. We were now in Africa and you never know what you may “bump” into.

Alex stopped to tell us about the fossil that was along the trail. We soon learned that it was from a hippo. As we listened, Bethany was snapping photos. One of the great perks of participating in the African Trek is that you get a Photo Pass CD of your adventure. If you ask, they will snap a photo of anything along the way.

Moments after this, we were hooked up with our harness to observe the hippos. I will save this for another post. Just an FYI, this was one of my favorite parts of the experience and one that I will never forget. Hungry, hungry, hippos really left an impression.

Have you ever been on a special tour at Disney World? If you have I would love to know. If not, which would you like to try.

Categories:
bloggy friends Conference Disney DisneySMMoms interesting me moments photos TechyDad travel

Type-A Whine

Posted on June 23, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

At this very moment, I am sitting here feeling pretty sorry for myself. Yes, I will admit it – there are tears in my eyes. So far, Wednesday (when typing this) has been a pretty horrible day. I think things were going too well. It just had to crash a bit for a slight reality check.

The rain outside is not helping my mood. Sure the rain can make things beautiful and green, but it can add to the depressed nature of a day.

Of course, the biggest thing on my mind right now is that I want to be on an adventure with some of my Tech Valley Bloggers friends. They are on their way to Asheville, NC. Why Asheville? Well, they are off to Type-A Parent Conference.

I have dreamed about going to Kelby’s amazing event. After Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, we met Kelby and her beautiful family at Hollywood Studios. We chatted for a while until our kids were anxious to keep moving, seeing, and doing things in the park. I told her I planned on getting to Asheville for #TypeACon. Before we split up, we stopped to take a photo.

Ironic that I am wearing my Eeyore shirt. I sit here and feel a big gloomy right now. Of course, the reality is that TypeACon was not meant to be this year. Several items in real life made it impossible to swing. I am a mother and wife, but also a girl that is bummed. The opportunities to learn, network, and then some in Asheville are amazing. To all of my friends – have an amazing time. Learn lots and please share what you can. I know I will be looking forward to CutestKidEver’s live blogging from the event.

So please don’t mind me if I whine just a little the next few days. I will perk up Friday for my 10th Anniversary with TechyDad. Now, I may take another walk in the rain, listening to the pitter patter of the drops instead of watching the Twitter stream all a buzz in the south where many lucky women and men will be taking everything in in Asheville.

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Conference decisions DisneySMMoms friends looking back me moments photos vent

Disney Junior – Live on Stage!

Posted on May 19, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

During our extended stay at Walt Disney World in March, we knew there was a new show at Hollywood Studios that we had to go to. Just a week or so before we arrived, the park opened up the revamped Disney Junior – Live on Stage! Prior to this, it had been a Playhouse Disney Live show, but was redone to go with the new branding.

The boys knew that Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny, and Little Einsteins would be back. JSL recalled the previous show and was upset that Tigger and Pooh were no longer included. This disappointment quickly went away thanks to something else. A new Jake and the Never Land Pirates part would be in the show and intrigued all of us.

This was especially true after the Disney Junior Party during the Disney Social Media Moms event. That was where the boys met THE Sharkey and Bones.

We knew that this show meant sitting on the floor, surrounded by other parents and children, but it was well worth it. Check out the excitement on JSL’s face just before the Jake and the Never Land Pirates section was coming on:

That happy little guy fell in love with all over again with his Disney Junior friends. Minutes later, the audience got really excited as Jake, Izzy, Cubby, Skully, Sharkey, and Bones came onto the stage.

Before we knew it, it was time for Captain Hook and Mr. Smee to add to the story line.

Now, I am kicking myself for not keeping the video on during the entire show. I will admit – my feet fell asleep sitting on the floor. Man, getting older is the pits. Anyway, thank you to Disney for creating a fun filled and interactive show that is perfect for young children.

Have you seen the Disney Junior Live Show? I would love to hear what you think.

Categories:
Disney DisneySMMoms fun jsl looking back photos show television video

Supplies For a Neverland Pirate Party

Posted on May 13, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

When you ask your child what they would like to decorate their birthday party with, you always hope for something easy. JSL’s birthday is this weekend. He decided that he wanted his 4th birthday to be with this theme:

The problem is that they have not marketed anything for Jake and the Neverland Pirates – yet. So, we had to improvise. We are doing a small family party with some pirate supplies for our little matey. We bought doubloons, pirate flags, gold sprinkles, and cupcake making items.

We still need to figure out the menu for the party and a few other items for the kids to do. So my question to you this week:

What is your favorite party theme that you have ever been to and why? It could have been your own birthday party, your child’s, or some other fun event.

Pssst – be sure to check out my Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides giveaway.

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Thanks to Kailani at An Island Life for starting this fun for Friday. Please be sure to head over to her blog to say hello and sign the linky there if you are participating.