The Side effects of the AP-Trip#6 Oct 10 Final thoughts and some TMI

[Poolrat]

Thursday Oct 22


This day was a conference day. A full day of meeting sessions, trade show and business. The one thing that is nice is that, well, it is a Waterpark conference so it is fun. I get to see the latest and greatest rides that are coming out and get to commiserate with others about how we can make sure we are people who visit actually read and follow the rules.
After the educational sessions for the day are over, I visit the trade show. Most every booth has some sort of give away, so I am constantly on the look out for good freebies that I pass along to my staff. I head to the room with bags full of freebies to pass along.

Tonight’s entertainment is the annual reunion party. This gives everyone a chance to get together and eat, drink dance and talk. When the conference is held at Disney the party is at Typhoon Lagoon. Meeting time at 6:30 at the convention center’s porte cochere.

Not wanting to be late I set out early. I was going to walk around and take pictures of the resort while I had the time.

From the casitas

I made to El Centro where I saw these guys.

I may have stopped here for a drink.

We get to Typhoon Lagoon without incident and I am on the first bus. Typhoon does not usually operate at night so the lack of lighting is evident as we walk in. There is minimal low lighting on the paths but when we get to the beach area lights are abundant and the area is bright and inviting.
There is music playing and there is food and drink set up around the beach. As waterpark geeks, tours are set up for us, mechanical rooms, concession areas and closer tours of the attractions are offered.
A perspective no everyone gets to see.

The reef

The wave pool

The same wave pool with big getting ready to let loose.

A picture towards to beach.

One of the best things was watching CM’s who had to work, enjoying themselves like this.

This guy was dancing up a storm.

As our time ended we were herded up and brought back to the resort. I took this opportunity to turn in early and catch up on some sleep.

Next up Friday Oct 23-

 

[Poolrat]

According the Disney Blog, Toontown will close Feb 11 2011.


I have officially taken my last pictures of Toontown.

On the other hand, I am excited to see when the future brings in the expanded Fantasyland. I know what the renderings show what is to come, but I can't wait to experience the new Fantasyland.

 

[reelmom]

We knew it was coming but it still makes me sad about Toontown as we know it. There are so many memories for my kids there.

 

[Poolrat]

We knew it was coming but it still makes me sad about Toontown as we know it. There are so many memories for my kids there.

Somehow having the date makes it so final. And it will be final. I know Toontown was originally designed to be temporary and it as outlived the expectation.

My kids never really spent time in Toontown. It was always so crowded and overrun with strollers so the most time I did spend there, I did spend in the past year and alone mostly taking pictures.

I am glad I did it, and I have my pictures to prove it existed.

 

[Flossbolna]

I saw the info about Toontown as well... I wonder how it will feel like in the MK with that whole area walled off. But then the new expansion with Belle's castle and the Little Mermaid ride looks really huge. I have seen some recent aerial photos of the construction here.

I wonder when they will start to open up this new area... I wish it would be already in October 2011... But I am sure I am way too optimistic!

What an interesting party at Typhoon Lagoon! So you are really in the water park business? We really don't have this concept here in Germany (I guess due to the climate), but a lot of indoor swimming pools have added one or two slides and they are really fun! One of my goals next trip is spending more time at TL and BB - that's one of the reasons why I want to arrive in October, so that I can really catch both of them.

 

[Poolrat]

I saw the info about Toontown as well... I wonder how it will feel like in the MK with that whole area walled off. But then the new expansion with Belle's castle and the Little Mermaid ride looks really huge. I have seen some recent aerial photos of the construction here

Ok After seeing those pictures I am over Toontown closing. I wonder if they will be able to open that section by February? Once it does open Fantasyland will be HUGE. I will miss it for nostalgic reasons, but if the new stuff is as awesome as it is supposed to be... I am excited.
.

I wonder when they will start to open up this new area... I wish it would be already in October 2011... But I am sure I am way too optimistic!

I think it actually looks like it may be ready by Oct 2011. If I can swing it, I will be there either late Sept/Early Oct or after the 7th for a bit. Maybe both?
I am not sure if they would want to open the area without the resturant and Little Mermaid being totally ready. Remember they need to go back and refurb what is existing too. The buildings and facades are being done now but Dumbo will stay until new Dumbo is ready. I need to go back and read more about it.

What an interesting party at Typhoon Lagoon! So you are really in the water park business? We really don't have this concept here in Germany (I guess due to the climate), but a lot of indoor swimming pools have added one or two slides and they are really fun! One of my goals next trip is spending more time at TL and BB - that's one of the reasons why I want to arrive in October, so that I can really catch both of them.

I am the Aquatic Supervisor at an indoor waterpark that is operated through our County Park and Recreation department. I have worked around pools and most of them have been "traditional" pools for lap swimming etc. Five years ago I switched jobs and took thisone at the indoor waterpark. I enjoy the difference since it is a relatively new concept in our area too.

Looking at World Waterpark there are a few sites that have memberships in Germany. In Berlin, there is Tropical Islands, Alpamare in Bad Tolz, Fildorado and Waterworld Bergische-Sonne. Other than the names I know close to nothing about those parks.

We had a Goodbye party too. That is coming up eventually and was held at Blizzard Beach.

 

[glennbo123]

Hey, I recognize this fountain!

 

[jillyb]

According the Disney Blog, Toontown will close Feb 11 2011.


I have officially taken my last pictures of Toontown.

On the other hand, I am excited to see when the future brings in the expanded Fantasyland. I know what the renderings show what is to come, but I can't wait to experience the new Fantasyland.

I'm so glad that we were able to go to Toon Town to ride Barnstormer and see Mickey & Minnie's houses on our trip. I took alot of pictures. And, of course, I got some covert construction photos while riding Dumbo. LOL

I told the girls yesterday about Toon Town was closing and that the next time we went to Disney World it would be gone. They were both very sad to hear that. I know I told them while we were there but I guess they were distracted by other things and didn't hear me.

 

[MeMom]

I have taken my last pictures, as well. I hope whatever is coming down the road will be awesome. It was fun while it lasted, and I have plenty of pictures to remember it by. Let's see what new things they have in store for us!

I'll have to go look at the newest pictures now.

 

[Poolrat]

Hey, I recognize this fountain!

I bet you do. I have another walk around that includes the dig site pool.

 

[Poolrat]

I'm so glad that we were able to go to Toon Town to ride Barnstormer and see Mickey & Minnie's houses on our trip. I took alot of pictures. And, of course, I got some covert construction photos while riding Dumbo. LOL

I told the girls yesterday about Toon Town was closing and that the next time we went to Disney World it would be gone. They were both very sad to hear that. I know I told them while we were there but I guess they were distracted by other things and didn't hear me.

I am satisified that I have preserved Toontown for myself. I am also glad so many of our Dis friends have been able to do the same. The latest aerial shots show how much progress has been made since October.

I have taken my last pictures, as well. I hope whatever is coming down the road will be awesome. It was fun while it lasted, and I have plenty of pictures to remember it by. Let's see what new things they have in store for us!

I'll have to go look at the newest pictures now.

I opened up the aerial shots and said WOW. It really looks like something now and i am looking forward to it.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Cool picturesof Typhoon Lagoon after dark! That must have been neat!

 

[Poolrat]

Cool picturesof Typhoon Lagoon after dark! That must have been neat!

It was really neat but dark. That park is not set up for operating at night so the paths were not well lit, just some low level lighting.
The poor CM's who would guide us around would point some things out sometimes they were just pointing in the darkness.

The beach area all lit up and seeing waves still crashin on the beach at night was neat.
We were also able to see a control station for the Crush N gusher. It was basically a closet tucked behind a building with monitors but it was out of the public eye so it wouldn't interfere with the theme.

 

[Poolrat]

DAY 8 Friday Oct 23
Up early and back down to the convention center. I am lucky that breakfast items are provided so between having the QSDP for the first part and now I am being fed for the most part. Life is good.
After a morning of looking at legal issues and getting to participate in a mock trial we were released for the day. A trip back to the trade show is in order to find more goodies for my staff. I drop my treasure back at the room.
At 3pm, I free for the rest of the day. This time I head out of Casitas 2 and turn right.

I made it across the parking lot.

My destination today?

Right away, I stumble upon this.

Is this is the Native North American Disney trainer exhibit? Of course it stops me in my tracks. Why is there a person in there? I closely look and the trainer explains that they are slowly trying to acclimate the animal to the habitat. I did not get exactly what that animal was but it did seem rather skittish.
I do walk around the Oasis a bit more and catch the anteater out

My goal was to tour the Tree of Life along the trails. I have always gotten pictures of the tree itself, now I want to get up close and really take my time looking at it.
I approach the tree and the trail. It is amazing how real this tree looks even close up.

Only a few as I wind my way through the trails.

I made it to some of the movie posters that hang outside.

Back to more animals.

Gorilla fingers

I finally reach the theater. Of course there is a giant dung ball there.

And more movie posters

CONT NEXT POST

 

[Poolrat]

I stay for the show

I exit the show and walk back to the main path passing this along the way.

I go in search of the picturesque area behind Flame tree BBQ.

I am not disappointed.

Even along the buildings, the details are amazing.

Let’s take a little bathroom break shall we?

The floor tile

The wall tile

A close up of the entrance

I get back out on the main path again and try to make the last Nemo show.

 

[Poolrat]

Part 1 and 2 are on the previous page




I must add this to the collection.

Even the stroller parking area is themed

I get to the theater and a band is playing.

While I wait to be let in the theater, I “sea” the signs about keeping our oceans clean.

I move into the theater and take a seat pretty high up. While we wait, apparently a family seated in the row in front of us drops a bottle of soda. The soda drops to the ground and opens sending soda spraying everywhere. A couple of other families jump up trying to get away from the spraying soda. Then words begin to get exchanged. Not so nice words. Words that some might call fighting words. Apparently, one family felt an apology was not enough. I was really wondering if CM’s were going to intervene. Everyone was trying to contain the mess and no one did anything on purpose but really folks, spraying soda happens.

The show finally starts and while my pictures are nowhere near as good as glennbo123’s,( if you want to check out fabulous photos go check out his TR) here are a couple.

I enjoy the show minus the spraying soda and walk back towards camp Minnie Mickey. It was EMH so I had 3 more hours to play here.
A few more animals along the way

A Pole of animals

A close up

Passing the benches in this area.

Passing Pizzafari- I have never eaten here. I will have to fix that.

A menu

 

[Poolrat]

What is left of the Beastly kingdom

The benches change as we enter Camp Minnie Mickey

This is what is next on my agenda

As the show begins

I love the stilt walkers

I love the tumble monkeys but this one is not my favorite. Heck at this point, I had no idea I would have a favorite.

The firedancer

I love how engaging the actors are with the kids in the audience.

The Grand finale

As I exit the theater I see this from the bridge. All those white things are birds and they are kind of freaky, in a Hitchcock kind of way.

I pass this light and now that it is getting dark, it is lit up.

Back past

And more detail

I am crossing the park (again) I pass this guy who is believes AK is his second home and that bench is his living room couch.

AK EMH and it is ride time.

 

[Poolrat]

I keep walking and this time I enter Dinoland. I am greeted by signs and of course a Dino.

I will not be scared by the huge displays of dinosaurs.
I will not be scared of a meteor storm either.

I enter. I survive. I have no pictures. I am dumped here.

Oh look a carnival! In my best Dory voice.

I get in line for PW. I am somewhat neutral about this ride. I enjoy it but I can pass it by too if the line is too long. I don’t mind the spinning and I don’t mind jerkiness of the ride…. Too much. Every once in a while I mind the feeling like I am on the edge and I might fall but I get over those moments with a pulled tight safety bar.
I like this sign

The wait today was short. I went from being in line looking at this…

To getting off the ride in about 8 minutes.
Another short line. I wonder where everyone is? It is Friday night. I think I might know. Anyhow I give this a spin.

I go back to Dinosaur apparently to correct a wrong. I must cut through the gift shop and walk back that way since this picture is next. No one climbing on the Dino to take a picture now.

I am stopped to wait or I just stopped myself to look around.

This time I begin the ride photo picture, redneck photo tradition. I cannot resist being scared.

The time is now 7:30pm. I have given this advice before, and now I will take my own advice. What is next on my list?

 

[Poolrat]

I head out under the Dino’s belly. Look they light up.

I head past the closed theater.

Yes I head back to Asia. Time for EE with NO line. Single ride line is closed so I walk through the regular queue.

I ride. Judging by picture time stamps the line was about 10 minutes. I am on a roll with ride pictures.

Maybe because it was not a complete walk on, maybe I had enough, maybe I had other plans, but I only rode once.
I begin to walk out but go around past Yak and Yeti.

As I work my way here.

I will leave you with my 2 favorite pictures from AK at night.

I find myself on a bus at 8:08. The question is, With it being only 8pm is this bus taking me to CSR or somewhere else?

 

[brookelizabeth]

Double post - see below.