fladogfan aka Gretchen

I feel guilty for not reporting sooner.  We were incredibly lucky to see this little darling the morning he was born.  He was visible on the Safari, along with a whole ton of cast members that were observing Mommy and Baby.  According to our driver, they had been with the mother for over 24 hours.  The driver was explaining that the baby had been born as we were rounding the bend and the little guy lifted his head up out of the water.  It was a breathtaking moment!!
Also, the tiger cubs are now out for viewing on the Maharajah Trail.  They weren't out much when we were there because the temperature was too cold.

Thanks for all the reply's.  The website was very instructive.  I have a hat and t-shirt that says "remain calm and be Dapper."   As for who told me I was going, that would be DW and DD.  I have a very important task of pushing the baby buggy around with the grandson in it.  I am much relieved that I will not have to sing.

Thanks everyone!  I'm most happy about being able to provide content to this forum that I get so much enjoyment reading. 
 I'm not always in the know about current Disney events, and not one to post just to put in my 2 cents, so I take it as a compliment that you all value my updates.  
Can't wait to try this thing out with its maiden repaired voyage being the Fort. 
 

How about they don't use DDC, and don't accept reservations, walk up only.  Just like the good old days!
 

I don’t know if it’s been reported here but a new baby hippo was born at AK. 
Story from https://m.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2018/02/22/disney-introduces-new-burly-boy-hippo
 
Disney introduces new burly boy hippo
by Gunnar Shuler
comment photo via Disney Disney just announced the name and gender of their new baby hippo at Animal Kingdom, and it's a burly boy named Augustus. 
When you think of the name Augustus, you may think of a pudgy kid from Willy Wonka fell into the chocolate river. However, in terms of the new addition to Animal Kingdom, it's a 168-pound hippo.  

Augustus is said to have a playful personality and has spent the last monthbonding with his mom, Luma. RELATED A baby hippo was born at Disney's Animal Kingdom last night
The Nile hippopotamus is the first hippo to be born at the park in 13 years, according to Dr. Scott Terrell, director of animal and science operations.

The Nile hippopotamus is considered a vulnerable species with a declining population, which makes this a birth a pretty big deal.

Ok.......thanks all for sticking with this thread since the beginning. I'd say I'm 95 percent complete and only have some minor issues to take care of.....that and to get some wax on this thing. I got 4 new Goodyears installed and took care of the bearings and seals over the last few days. Last thing is to check the plumbing and hot water tank but I'm confident they will work fine.

See you at the Fort!!

Here's the photo debut for your viewing pleasure!




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Wanna take a bet that it's almost the same show, except instead of tour guide stumbling in there, it is Russell and Dug stumbling in there and learning to be friends with the animals.

add some cinnamon!!!!!!

Finally got a chance to pull the tarp off! I'm not joking when I say that it nas been a solid month of precipitation or well sub freezing temps. Even at that, I only had about 5 hours before a 2.5 inch snowfall was expected (and came).

I got a chance to see what really happened to this thing. I can definitely say they hit a low underpass as the tv antenna was pushed back in a straight line about 2 feet. I took all of the vents off and took inventory for wood. I bought 4 sheets of OSB last night and hope to get it changed out today.

When the snow started, I went inside and made 6 valances to replace the missing ones. We bought batting and some vinyl that matches the couch and I went to town.

I hope to get this thing buttoned up this week, then get the new tires put on and begin to test all of the plumbing and such. I'm really looking forward to the final clean up and to give it a much needed bath.

More to come.....

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These look fun!  Has anyone checked them out?
https://wdwnt.com/2018/02/review-disney-parks-presents-book-series/

They should build cars with powerful magnets along the front edge to pick up nails before the tires drive over them.  

We love adventure! Whether it’s pulling our accommodations behind us, or moving rooms every day!
 

 
Thanks. That little tent really does make a difference. We didn’t bring it with us on this trip, since we had the big tent.
 
As far as favorite DVC.....that is tough. We really love them all for different reasons. We still haven’t tried Aulani or the Grand Floridian. If I absolutely had to pick one right now, it might be Poly. We stayed there in October for the first time and fell in love with that resort. When they first announced it, kenneth was ready to add on. I didn’t get what the big deal was. We finally got around to booking a room there. The floor plan is great with the bathroom being split and I just adore that resort. I love walking around the grounds of the Poly, especially at night. It also has a great location. When we wanted to go to EPCOT, we just walked next door to the TTC and jumped on the monorail. We’ll be back there in May (we booked that trip while we were staying there in October).
 

 
Thanks, Carol!
 

 
We’re very happy with this little trailer! Sometimes it’s good to keep things simple.
 

 
There were a few times in the evening, that we left them in there with the heat going and windows closed. Like, when we just needed to run up to the trading post to grab some stuff or go get a GAG. We didn’t hear any barking then - we’d ride by on our bikes a few times to check. I think maybe he had a harder time when he could hear everything outside. But, I think we still have some work to do with the Buzzer!
 

There is so much about that story that doesn't add up.  For instance, if Pebbles was so small it could fit in the palm of her hand, why not hide it and sneak it on the flight?  Also, I can't imagine someone that needs an emotional support animal would ever willingly flush that animal down the toilet.  I would think they'd do anything in their power to protect that animal.  Thirdly, since when does PETA not respond to a request for comment from the media?  I've never known them to pass up free publicity.  And finally, why is it news that Spirit Airlines provided poor customer service to someone?  Isn't that the only thing they are good at? 
Too many things ain't right with that story.  

Thanks! We had no plans on getting one for a long time, but it ended up just being the right time for us.
There's a few balconies at Beach Club that are very unique. I guess this one was really long since it's a one-bedroom. We've gotten some in a studio that are HUGE! And the trailer is very compact! I'll show how compact it is, in the next update.
I really wasn't looking forward to moving every day, but we said we would just try to pack pretty light and it wouldn't be a big deal. It wasn't so bad, but I definitely would prefer one room for the whole trip, lol. The dogs seem to like the camper, and they are the main reason we purchased it. Crazy, I know. But, we really wanted them to be able to stay at the Fort with us.  It didn't completely work out. I'll get into that in a bit.

We use Sand Lake/Turkey Creek quite a bit.
And since that new Daryl Carter road opened it's a quick way to get to the crazy Outlet mall where the Character Warehouse is, and also to International Drive

I don't know how close Snowhill is to D.C. but the weather in D.C. in July an August is very like here in Florida.  Hot, humid and chance of rain.
 

One little known fact is that for the past few years, there is a bus that goes directly from the Settlement bus stop to the MK. It only runs in the evening, starting at around 4 pm. It is there for guests leaving the Hoop Dee Doo dinner show, but anyone can ride it. On the return trip, the bus stops at Wilderness Lodge before heading to the Fort.
This direct bus is faster and less crowded than the boat. 
TCD

Very nice. Hoping for many happy camping trips for you.

That does sound interesting. It has good reviews on Amazon too. I'll have to see if my library has it. Sort of like a Hidden Figures for Disney animation.

I hope so too.  And it feels comforting that I have a GAG prescription from none other than Dr. Mo.  
Thanks Ray.  
Yes, I absolutely recommend Dolly's DreamMore resort.  Fantastic hotel....very homey, good food, great rooms.  Can be pricey during certain times, but if you are flexible on timing they have some good deals.  

WDW is nutz

This sounds interesting....
 
'Her-story' in Disney animation
By Chelsea Tatham
[email protected]
When author and historian Mindy Johnson first visited the Walt Disney animation archives to research the women of the Ink and Paint department, she was handed a folder with just five pieces of paper inside.
About five years later, she published a hefty, almost 400-page illustrated work on the women who helped make Disney's animated films globally renowned. Ink & Paint: The Women of Walt Disney's Animationchronicles the careers of these artists, whose job it was to add colors and characters after animators were done sketching. The book follows the department, primarily made up of women, from the time of physically painting onto transparent celluloid to the beginnings of digital production.
'I had been led to believe, like anyone else, that it was simply pretty girls who traced and colored,' Johnson said. 'As I got into it, I learned about the landmark work accomplished by these women.' Johnson recently visited Epcot for the park's annual International Festival of the Arts. At panels during the festival's opening weekend, Johnson talked about writing Ink & Paint , released in September, and previous project
Tinker Bell: An Evolution along with the 'herstory' of women in animation.
'These women were artists in their own right; they were animating and moving color, and we don't talk about that,' she said. 'We focus on men wielding pencils, but there were women wielding pencils, as well.' Johnson actually worked at Disney doing global publicity for the classic animated films. Her time at Disney helped spark a passion for animation history, particularly the role women had and still have in bringing these culture-defining films to life.
'I love shedding light on those who normally wouldn't get the credit they deserve,' she said. 'Working with Disney legends, sharing these stories with new generations, finding a new way to tell them, finding the artists and voices behind the scenes - it's magical; timeless.' Ink & Paint brings together more than 130 interviews from the women of Disney's early Ink and Paint department and their families. Johnson spent countless hours digging through the Disney archives searching for every scrap of information on all the women who worked in Disney Animation Studios since its founding 95 years ago. Johnson met with influ ential women like Wilma Baker, who painted on Snow White.
Baker said at the time she didn't realize how extraordinary her job was.
Johnson also chronicled the story of Ink and Paint girl Ginni Mack, who died last year at 90, a groundbreaking artist at Disney Animation and is immortalized as the original model for Tinker Bell.
She said some of the greatest reactions she gets from the book came from the seminar at the International Festival of the Arts - one from a couple of older women and one from a 12-year-old aspiring artist.
'These ladies in their 60s pulled me aside later with tears in their eyes,' she said. 'They said, 'We had no idea women had such a major contribution.'' The 12-year-old girl said she had asked for Ink & Paint for Christmas and showed Johnson some of her work that she animates on her computer.
'I said, 'All right, this is for you,'' Johnson said. 'I told her she has incredible shoulders to stand on; the way has been paved for you. Focus on your art work and get out there with it.'
Epcot International Festival of the Arts
A celebration of visual, culinary and performance arts. Check out exhibits with work from legendary Disney artists, taste creative dishes and experience Disney on Broadway with performances by stars from The Lion King, Tarzan and more. The festival also includes work and performances from local artists in Orlando and around Central Florida. Through Feb. 19. Included with park admission. Seminars, workshops, concerts, food and drink are separate. More information at disneyworld.com.

How about a Fort Fiend corporate membership?

We’ve discussed it here and I personally have talked to a few true service dog owners and even a service dog trainer (at Lowes) and they all say there needs to some sort of government regulation and licensing.  And they agree with you that they wouldn’t mind carrying a license to prove they have a legitimate service animal. 
I do think it will happen. Unless the travel and hospitality industry self regulates the problem. 
However, Everyone (company) has been afraid to step forward and say this abuse is wrong. But it looks like delta got the bal%# to do it first.  And good for delta. 
And your right those people that are currently abusing the system will cry foul but I hope the rest of us will shame them into backing down. 
Just my humble thoughts.