February 28, 2011 by Leanne
The name totally fits the experience. It is wild – it is Africa and it’s a trek. The Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is an amazing adventure like nothing Disney has ever offered before.
Our journey was a three-hour trek from start to finish which included gearing up and the mini-training. Walt Disney World Moms Panelist and blogger Suzannah of Zannaland has a terrific summary of the experience on her blog – here.
For me the most terrifying (and yes, I mean terrifying) part were the two walks across the shaky, swaying rope bridges. First over the hippopotamus river, then once you catch your breath from that it’s on to crossing over the crocodile pit.
Yes, those are real live 20-foot crocs below sunning on the island and swimming in the water. Oddly, I was so nervous being so high up and concentrating on the swaying bridge that I never looked down at the ground. I was holding on to both sides of the ropes so hard and focusing on where my next step would go. As you look closely at the bridge you can see the planks are unequally spaced and purposely broken so you have to walk very slowly and carefully to not fall in between them. UGH!! I have no idea how those other people managed to stop and shoot photos while on the bridge. The cool thing about Disney is they have the trek guides taking professional photos of you all along the way. So when I download my Disney Photo Pass pictures later today there will be some of me actually on the bridge making the terrifying journey across.
The good news is – I did survive. I made it across both bridges albeit with quite a few more grey hairs on my head.
And from there the trip was a piece of cake.
Category Disney | Tags: Animal Kingdom,Bridge,Disney,Wild Africa Trek | 6 Comments
February 27, 2011 by Leanne
In just a short time later this morning I’m heading out to Disney’s Animal Kingdom to experience the new Wild Africa Trek. It’s best described as an Africa-safari style adventure that goes on unusual, off-the-beaten paths giving an amazing and often thrilling view of the theme park. (Check out these stories from the Disney Parks Blog for more background and information)
My biggest challenge with this experience will be the high-in-the-air rope walk over the crocodile pit. Yes, the height scares me some, but my bigger fear than that are the crocodiles. Living in Florida my whole life I have a huge fear of alligators and reptiles in general. Huge fear! So, if I can overcome this I think I’m going to have an amazing time!
Wish me luck! Check back here for post-trip pictures.
Category Disney | Tags: Animal Kingdom,Animals,Crocodile,Disney,Wild Africa Trek | No Comments
February 22, 2011 by Leanne
Sorry northern friends…
but this weekend I put away my winter clothes. I folded all the turtlenecks and moved all the heavy sweaters into the spare bedroom closet.
I moved the thermostat notch from “heat” to “cool”.
I changed out the bedding from the heavy comforter to the lightweight bedspread.
And I even put on my bathing suit and laid out by the pool for a little while.
The calendar may say it’s still winter but it’s spring in Florida.
Category Daily Life, Featured | Tags: Florida,spring,winter | 4 Comments
February 20, 2011 by Leanne
I find shopping for appliances gut-wrenching. How on earth am I going to make the right decision spending so much money?
My refrigerator is slowly falling apart and I want to replace it before it dies. I started online at Consumer Reports then check out retailer’s websites – looking at customer reviews, then check other online reviews to see if their sentiments are widespread. Turns out, apparently there is not a product around that everyone loves. Someone inevitably will have a complaint about something. Then there’s the other problem of having found the perfect product only to find no-one locally carries it in stock. Ugh.
So after much analysis, angst and anxiety – I decided on a Frigidaire refrigerator from HH Gregg. And that was another drama because I’ve never shopped with them before and don’t know anything about their customer service. I can only hope it is stellar. I’m waiting on a call from their delivery team to find out when my new kitchen addition arrives.
Category Daily Life | Tags: appliance,home,refrigerator | 1 Comment
February 19, 2011 by Leanne
You may have noticed I’ve changed the design of my blog this month. I also rearranged my office and changed out all the art on my walls at home. I’m someone who needs change to stay motivated. Change is good. It keeps me inspired and motivated.
Do you change things around periodically?
TV also changes for me regularly. Here are the shows I’m most interested in for 2011.
My MUST SEE shows for 2011 so far are:
- Gossip Girl
- Grey’s Anatomy
- Glee
- The Big Bang Theory
- America’s Next Top Model
- Chelsea Lately
- David Letterman
- American Idol
- Harry’s Law – this is a surprisingly great show!!
Yes- I DVR most of these shows and watch them when it is convenient for me. What are your favorites this year?
Category Daily Life | Tags: Favorites,TV | 7 Comments
Yes, those are real live 20-foot crocs below sunning on the island and swimming in the water. Oddly, I was so nervous being so high up and concentrating on the swaying bridge that I never looked down at the ground. I was holding on to both sides of the ropes so hard and focusing on where my next step would go. As you look closely at the bridge you can see the planks are unequally spaced and purposely broken so you have to walk very slowly and carefully to not fall in between them. UGH!! I have no idea how those other people managed to stop and shoot photos while on the bridge. The cool thing about Disney is they have the trek guides taking professional photos of you all along the way. So when I download my Disney Photo Pass pictures later today there will be some of me actually on the bridge making the terrifying journey across.
