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We Came To Play!

We Came To Play!

Opening Magic Kingdom

Opening Magic Kingdom

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Gone But Not Forgotten

Just as Bo Peep is gone in Toy Story 3, other Disney characters can also disappear from the parks. Our advice: meet them when you can.

Bo Peep, pictured above, was present in the daily Block Party Bash at Hollywood Studios until May 9, 2010. She has since been replaced by Lotso from Toy Story 3. Click here to read our review of Toy Story 3.
The characters from Bolt had their own meet and greet at the Magic of Disney Animation attraction. There have been two other characters move into that space since March of 2009. I am not aware of any other opportunities in the parks to meet the characters from Bolt.

Ah, Remy from Ratatouille. He was also found in the Magic of Disney Animation location--before the Bolt characters. Now, Remy has returned to the parks, but in a different form. He can be found at Les Chefs de France restaurant in the France Pavilion in his, umm. . . more authentic size thanks to the magic of animatronics. We have an ADR for Les Chefs de France for our upcoming trip and have timed it so we will get to meet him again. Remy is on the "menu" so to speak at 20 after the hour. His last showing of the day is at 5:20 pm.



Russel, Dug, and Carl, the characters for UP could also be found at the Magic of Disney Animation. We had the opportunity to meet them twice. They have now been replaced by Lotso Huggin' Bear from Toy Story 3. I'm wondering if more people came to meet him after his debut on May 9, 2010 than after the movie came out on June 18. I'm still thinking of something nice I can say to him if we do indeed get to meet him. . .


Anyway, like any modern entity, Disney changes things up once in a while. That's part of what keeps us coming back. . . we know there is something new we haven't experienced. (Click here to read more about what keeps us coming back.)
So, our advice would be if you see something or "someones" that you want to photograph, meet, or find out more, take the time out of your hustling park touring pace to do it. 'Cause you just never know if when you get back to it that it might be gone. But isn't that just a good philosophy for life, too?

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Germany Pavilion At EPCOT

After 6 trips to the Walt Disney World Resort, the boy still says that Germany is his favorite thing in all of the resort. What makes Germany his favorite? The train garden. Pictured below, is the expansive and multi-leveled train garden that has bridges, tunnels, and towns for the trains to run through and a landscape that gets redecorated as often as the rest of the park. For example, EPCOT was celebrating the International Flower and Garden Festival, so small topiaries of Disney characters were placed in the town in the train garden. Only at Disney!

In the photo above, the boy is pointing out details that
can be found in the train garden.
We know each time we visit Germany it will be 45 minutes or more
before we can move on. We grab a bench and take turns
strolling the shops.

Disney characters can also be found in the Germany Pavilion. Snow White has her own meet and greet location. Singing bird sounds are piped into the area for the meet and greet. Only at Disney!


OK, I must confess that it took us 6 trips to Walt Disney World before we ate at the Biergarten restaurant in Germany. We had made 1-2 trips to EPCOT during each visit, but on our last trip, we made and ADR for the Biergarten. We were impressed!
The Biergarten serves lunch and dinner daily via buffet. The restaurant has large stone arches, multiple levels, and is painted to look like evening in an outside German garden complete with twinkling stars on the ceiling. The food is a combination of German favorites and German delicacies for the more adventurous diners. Know that the tables are large so you may be dining with others or another family. We were sitting with another family with young children. I didn't know that it was a shared dining experience until we checked in for our ADR. While we didn't mind, it could come as a surprise to some.
As you can tell from the photo above, beer is sold by the liter. The husband reported that it was very good.

The Octoberfest Musikanten show is performed during dinner. I understand that this 6 person musical group performs Bavarian music every hour or so for about 25 minutes. Again, we were pleasantly surprised.


Dancing and audience participation is encouraged. While the photo above is a bit blurry, you can see the archways that lead to the buffet area.

Bells and horns were a part of the performance from the musical group. I can say that I had never seen or heard live Bavarian music and thoroughly enjoyed it. The Biergarten in Germany has made it to the top of our list. If a taste of Germany is all you want, try Sommerfest, a counter service dining location right next door to the Biergarten.
The Germany Pavilion is about to get a new sweet treat shop. Also know that at one time a river attraction was planned for Germany, but never came to fruition. When you go to the Germany Pavilion, see if you can find St. George slaying a dragon.
To read about the American Adventure Pavilion click here.
For more about the United Kingdom Pavilion click here.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Kilimanjaro Safaris--Animal Kingdom

A headline attraction at Disney's Animal Kingdom is Kilimanjaro Safaris. This is a "not miss" for us when we head to Animal Kingdom.



To get to Kilimanjaro Safaris, head to Africa. You can either ride the attraction or get a FASTPASS for later. We have done both and it mostly depends on the weather. If the temps are cool, we know the animals will be out all day, so we head to Dinoland for Dinosaur and Triceratop Spin while sending the husband off to run for FASTPASSes. (Click here to read more about FASTPASS.) If the weather is warmer, we know it is going to heat up during the day so we head to Kilimanjaro first thing when the park opens.



Once you go through the queue, know that it eventually divides into left and right. Note: It divides at the point where the FASTPASS return joins and there will be a Cast Member at this location. When the line divides, you can go left or right. We usually go to the left. You will find through the queue a few more times then be counted off by the number of people in your party and assigned to a row. This row will be the row you sit in on the safari vehicle.



Here comes the safari vehicle! Notice the brushing trim that goes all the way to the ground. This is to keep birds and other small creatures from heading under the vehicle.

The trucks usually come in twos and they load two at a time. Here are two safari trucks ready to be loaded.



Here's our safari vehicle with its driver. Let's load!



We are ready to go! Now, as with all Disney attractions, theming and story are very important. So, you as a guest on Kilimanjaro Safaris are not just taking a tour through the savanna, you are ready for a two week safari in the depths of Africa.




Harambe Wildlife Reserve is your first stop. After meandering the various animal habitats--what you will encounter is a bit up to chance--your driver will get a call on the radio. In the meantime, enjoy the sites and the music on the radio.



Here are some rhinos we have seen on the safari. We have also seen the lions active, giraffes, and hippos.
Be prepared for the wild ride when chasing down the poachers. Unfortunately, your safari will get cut short and will not last the two weeks it was intended. But, you can always come back again for another safari!
Hints and Tips:
  • The rows in the back of the vehicle are the bumpiest. Sit here and you will get lots of "air time."
  • Have your camera ready. The photo opportunities come fast.
  • Children are expected to sit on the insides of the vehicle, but this does make it more difficult for them to see. Use your best judgement.
  • There are animal guides on the roof of the vehicle. Pictures along with animal names are included.
  • Pangani Forest Exploration Trail entrance is near the Kilimanjaro exit. This is good time to visit. On the trail you will see the gorillas, the hippo pool, and naked mole rats. If you can't find the entrance, just ask a cast member at the exit or near the stroller parking.
  • Get into the story! We've participated in this attraction many times and we still play along with the story.
  • Be in awe of the animals!

Healthy Family Fest

On Sunday, American Homefinding held its annual Healthy Family Fest at Greater Ottumwa Park. Many individuals and organizations were on hand to provide activities for kids. Fun, food, and prizes were on hand for all participants.

Iowa State Highway Patrol was on hand to talk about bicycle safety and pass out bags of goodies.
Human Bowling was one of the activities kids could participate in along with the pool of "oats" for scooping, etc.


Students from the high school were on hand to apply tattoos to willing participants.

Tours of the fire truck were also a part of the festivities. The boy got to sit in the cab and learn about all the knobs and switches.


A fun time was had by all who attended. What a great event to encourage healthy families.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Cape May Donald Duck Submitted By Readers

Thanks to the Rich Family for their photo of Cape May Donald Duck found at the Cape May Restaurant at Disney's Beach Club.

Donald Duck as. . .

Donald Duck, is by tradition, a sailor, so it is only appropriate that he is getting a fair amount of press recently. As Admiral Donald, he will be the icon for the new Disney Dream cruise ship, and as Frontier Donald, he is the spokesman for the Alaskan itineraries on the Disney Wonder next summer.

This is the fourth post in a series of character posts, and credit for the idea for this series must be given to the husband. To read the post about Mickey Mouse, click here. And, for his partner Minnie, click here. And, of course there's always one goof in the crowd, so click here to read about Goofy.

Donald Duck in his traditional sailor uniform.
Always #1 and can be found at EPCOT Character Spot.
Click here to read more.

Donald Duck as Scrooge McDuck--especially for the holidays.
We saw Scrooge at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.
Click here to read more.

Safari Donald at his character breakfast
at Tusker House in Animal Kingdom.
He is the host!
Click here to read about dining at Tusker House.


Fiesta Donald outside the Mexico Pavilion in EPCOT.
One of the Three Caballeros.


Frontier Donald
now the spokesman for the Alaskan Cruises
on the Disney Wonder.


Caribbean Donald--nothing says vacation like his shirt.



Donald as Baby New Year--one of our favorites.

Of course, Chef Donald
helping Mickey at Chef Mickey's.
Click here to read about dining at Chef Mickey's.


Fiesta Donald with his pal Mickey.


A sailor Donald on the high seas.



Safari Donald in Animal Kingdom.
While we have had he chance to meet Donald Duck several times, I know there are more variations to be had. For example, I can't wait to meet Admiral Donald on the Dream and Pirate Donald is hosting a pirate dinner on Monday evenings at Disney's Vero Beach Resort.
If you have a Donald variation, let us know through comments and tell us where you found him.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Edmundson Park Swimming Pool in Oskaloosa, Iowa

When temperatures soared to almost 90 degrees, we decided to add another stop in our pool tour of Southeast Iowa at the Edmundson Park Swimming Pool in Oskaloosa.
Edmundson Park Swimming Pool
Location: 1405 South F Street, Oskaloosa, IA--Located on the west edge of town. Find Highway 63 and go west on 11th Ave. Edmundson Park will be on your left. There are signs indicated which direction to go to the pool. Enjoy the stone walkways and bridges on your drive to the pool. A golf course, disc golf course, ball field, and picnic shelters are nearby.
Cost: Youth $4.00; Adult $4.00; Passes and Punch cards are available.
Hours: 1:00 pm -7:00 pm daily; Caution: Rumor on the street is that the pool can close at any time without notice. The rumor was substantiated with a sign at the admission desk indicating the same based on the number of patrons at the pool. It may be wise to call ahead. 641-672-2233

Description: The Edmundson Park Swimming Pools is located in the picturesque Edmundson Park. The stone work on the building at the pools says "Oskaloosa Municipal Pool" and was built in 1937 during the Works Project Administration. Osky did it right. They didn't tear down the pool and out buildings they had, they improved them. The pool has a zero depth entry with a shade structure in the pool for little swimmers. Water sprays and jets along with a not-so-kiddie slide is on the other side of the kiddie play area. The drop off of the kiddie slide is padded on the bottom of the pool. There is a large 1.5' to 3.5' swimming area which includes a water basketball hoop on one end--it comes with a ball. There is an even larger 4'-5.5' swimming area that could be used for lap swimming. The deep end is roped off for the two diving boards and then there is the exit area for the two water slides.


Rules to Know: Masks, goggles, dive sticks, balls, and toys are all OK. Only flotation devices worn on the body are allowed. No outside food or drink allowed, but we walked in holding two water bottles and had snacks in our bag. 48" is the height requirement on the slides.
Food: Snacks and food are available for $.25-$2.00 and include candy, drinks, popcorn, hotdogs, etc.
Cleanliness: Very clean! The flower box planters separating the concession area from the pool area are a nice touch.
Friendliness: Friendly. All the workers spoke to us on their way in and the gal at the admission desk was helpful.
Web-sitehttp://ia-oskaloosa.civicplus.com/index.aspx?nid=99  The information is updated for 2012.

Pros: If you want to swim, jump, and dive this is a good pool to go to. It is obviously a pool heavily used by kids as the adult to kid ratio was quite low. We saw lots of kids being dropped off. This means that the community deems the pool a safe place for their kids to go and hang out. Lots to do. The boy wasn't ready to go until a little after two hours. Lots of space to move around in the water. The guards kept eye contact on the pool when switching stations every 15 minutes and there were plenty of guards. There were also two gentlemen supervising (when we were there in July of 2011 if was a young woman and man). Head guards? In addition to the lady at the admission desk, there was another lady who seemed to be supervising the "head guards." (Didn't see this person in July of 2011.) So, plenty of supervision. Birthday parties seem to be a big thing, as the area roped off for birthday parties indicated there were two parties on this day. The XM radio being broadcast over the speakers was a nice touch. Easier to make sure the language is appropriate in the songs being played. Food selection, while minimal, hit the basics and the price was right.
Cons: I counted no more than 3 dozen pool chairs--that's not enough. Guests were bringing in their own chairs as there was plenty of room. The metal trim around the edge of the pool can get a bit hot. Be sure to cool it down with water before sitting on the edge. It is time for a bit of diversity.
Fun Factor: High fun factor! Being able to use water balls, dive sticks, and other water toys allows for more fun. The slides and diving boards just add to the fun.

To read about our experience at The Beach Ottumwa, click here. See how Monroe County Aquatic Center stacks up by clicking here.


Our pool tour will continue. I wonder what will be our next stop. . .

We Got To Crew A Hot Air Balloon

This week-end, Ottumwa, Iowa, is hosting its 33rd Annual Pro Balloon Classic and we got a chance to crew a balloon for Night Glow. The balloon and pilot, Kim Rosenboom from LeMars, Iowa, pictured below, were sponsored by OCP and OCCP. (Click here and here to read about our latest adventures with OCP and OCCP.) The festivities featured 46 balloon pilots from around the U.S.--most of them from Iowa.


Here's a license plate of one of the balloonists.

After the fun flight, more about that below, the pilots and crews pulled trucks and trailers around the perimeter of the open field and began the process of setting up their balloons for the Night Glow. Not all 46 pilots participate in the Night Glow. The requirement is to show your balloon on either of the two nights of Night Glow, unless you get a smiley face on your participation card. This means your balloon gets to be in Night Glow both nights.



Paula, Kim's wife, was the crew chief, and they both were able to direct us. After the basket came out, it was time to set up the poles and secure the cables. The big red bag in the trailer holds the balloon.


The basket get set on its side and the balloon is taken out of the bag and draped along the ground. The balloon is then attached to the basket.



The husband and I each hung onto a side of the opening of the balloon while the fan blew air into the opening to get the process of blowing up the balloon started. The size of the balloons is amazing! What was also pretty cool is the several balloonists were setting up their balloons all around us.


Time for some hot air. Kim directed the flames to heat up the air inside the balloon. Soon both the balloon and the basket were upright.


We discovered that many of the pilots of trading cards with information and stats along with a picture of their balloon. The trading cards get passed out to kids and adults. It is a calling card of sorts. Below are the trading cards for the Foofaraw, the balloon we crewed, and Hocus Pocus, the balloon of our friends Dale and Holly--organizers of the event. I have flown in Hocus Pocus, but that story if for another time.




The Night Glow lasted for several minutes and included music from the accompanying festivities in Greater Ottumwa Park. The song "Light My Fire" was playing as pilots synchronized the fires in their balloons. At several times, all of the balloons on the field were glowing.
We got to help take the balloon down. Kim let out some of the hot air and waited as other crews put away their balloons. Then it was our turn. Paula grabbed the rope and pulled the balloon on its side as Kim tipped over the basket. We used the "milker" and ties to get the hot air out of the balloon. Then it was time to put the deflated balloon back into the bag. That was a bit of an assembly line process with the boy sitting on the bag at the end to help get air out of the bag. Poles and cables came off the basket and the last item to be loaded into the trailer was the basket. All ready for the next flight. We thanked Kim and Paula for the experience. What a treat!


Dale's balloon Hocus Pocus--on the left--was in the fun flight. A multi-foot pole was erected in the middle of the landing field and had a $500 prize sitting on top. The balloon that retrieved the prize without hitting the pole, got to keep the $500. While a few balloons came close, no one got the prize. Only one balloon landed on the field.
It was fun to watch the balloons come over the tree line in an attempt to get the prize. Not all of the pilots and balloons flew in the fun flight, as the wind was a bit tricky.


Our vantage point on the side of the field gave us great views of the balloons.


Of course the boy talked his way into the balloon basket.
Next, he's hoping for a hot air balloon ride.



Here's Kim, the boy, and Paula enjoying the Night Glow festivities.



The field awash in balloons!