Firsts, Fourths, and Farewells (4/28 Back to the Future!)

[thecapells]

We departed Agrabah heading towards the Caribbean Plaza.
But on our way, I noticed something odd.
One of my favorite attractions, The Enchanted Tiki Room, was closed.
But that wasn’t the odd part.
I noticed something on the side I never noticed before.
Do these seem odd to you?

Skulls and shields adorn the walls of the Tiki Room.
And here I always thought this was an uplifting ride...

Meanwhile, J was snapping the Dream Builders signs:

But now, back to the story.
We arrived in the Caribbean and were immediately warned that “Dead Men Tell No Tales.”

However, we rounded the corner and noticed a sign I’ve never seen above the fort before.
“Wait Time – 35 Minutes.”
For Pirates?
Really?
I don’t think so.
So, there goes my color-coded, double-sided Excel spreadsheet.
Never fear, I ALWAYS have a back-up plan!

Author’s Note: We found out later that the ride had stopped earlier and that backed everything up.

 

[thecapells]

With the Pirates at bay, we turned around and decided to cruise the jungle.

But first, a look around the queue:

Complete with bad puns…

Then we boarded our boat and headed off into the magical jungle that connects 4 rivers from different continents…
First stop, Inspiration Falls

Then it was on the wild animals on safari.
From the zebras…

To the giraffes

And the king of the jungle

Don’t look now but I think we’re being watched…

Hey look – it’s an advertisement for “Lost!”

Around the corner and we’re being attacked.
Everybody now, “Ooo, Eee, Ooo Aah Ahh, Ting Tang, Walla Walla Bing Bang!”

And then, the Eighth Wonder of the World…
The Backside of Water (I still love that joke)

We pressed on deeper and deeper into the jungle until we approached a cave.
Should we go in?
There could be danger!
There could be adventure!
There could be… a gift shop!

Or Tigers…

And Snakes.
Why did it have to be snakes?

Who let the monkeys out?

Re-emerging into the light, we were greeted by a pool of elephants.

They were all here splashing, having fun, and taking a bath.
But don’t be embarrassed – they all have their trunks on!

But luck was with us today!
Beyond the elephants, we were introduced to Trader Sam.
And he was having a special today!
Two of his heads for one of ours!

Finally we arrived back at the “pair-o-docks” (paradox) and disembarked.
Apparently all the luggage was there waiting for us – no carousel or anything.

Except this one was a bit damaged.
Anyone see a Wild Orangutan run through here?

Oh, nevermind.
I found him…

And now that we were all regrouped back on shore, we were headed back… to the future!
But first, a quick stop for dinner.
Thoughts on what delicacies we should end our day with?
Here's a hint - it was shipped directly from Yew Nork, Yew Nork.

 

[dawnbu40]

Fun update! I love the Jungle Cruise and it's one of the MK rides we're most looking forward to sharing with our newbie

No idea where you're headed next

 

[thecapells]

Fun update! I love the Jungle Cruise and it's one of the MK rides we're most looking forward to sharing with our newbie

No idea where you're headed next

Really? I thought I made that one too easy.
As for Jungle Cruise, it is definitely a classic.
And now, we even love it at night with the lights on - it's like a whole new ride (and even borders on scary for the little ones).
I almost want to do it twice every trip now - once during the day and once at night.

 

[MEK]

I love the Jungle Cruise too! It's so fun! I especially enjoy it in the dark and since I haven't done it for the past few trips, I think I will add it to my December itinerary!!!! Thanks for the idea!

 

[thecapells]

I love the Jungle Cruise too! It's so fun! I especially enjoy it in the dark and since I haven't done it for the past few trips, I think I will add it to my December itinerary!!!! Thanks for the idea!

If you want a brand new experience, check it out at night.
It's a whole different attraction!!

 

[thecapells]

Hey gang.
Sorry it's been a while.
Work has been insane this week with lots of late nights.
But I'm back now and plan to post several updates this weekend.
So let's get right to it!

 

[thecapells]

As we headed out of the land of Adventure, we thought about a quick snack.
And there is only one snack anyone on these boards should think of when they think Adventureland.
And this sign may give you a clue…

Alas, the lines were very long so we made a pact to come back for J’s 1st experience with the delectable Dole Whip.
Instead we headed back to the hub.
Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It was underway.
Is it me or does that ALWAYS seem to be underway?
Anyway, with everyone gathered to watch the parade/show, I decided to take advantage of the empty castle.
So I grabbed Mom and made her pose. Take it away Mom!

Apparently, J was busy with an artistic series of castle angles.
Which, in hindsight, makes me wonder where the kids were!!
Some babysitter he was…

We regrouped near the bridge to the Enchanted Grove and were given our assignments.
Mom took the kids to go grab seats, J began the ordering process, and I headed off to Buzz Lightyear to snag fastpasses for later.
For those who haven’t guessed yet, we were planning to dine with the greatest lounge singer Yew Nork, Yew Nork has to offer – Mr. Sonny Eclipse himself.
As luck would have it, he was appearing “today only” at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café!!

I joined J who was still figuring out our orders.
I grabbed a cheesesteak (I heard they were good here) with fries and a Coke.
And, of course, I loaded it with toppings from the bar. The best part is the cheese fries!!
It was okay, but I think I like Ray’s burgers better (and the cheesesteaks are better at the Plaza).
Mom opted for a veggie burger with apples.
She thought the flavor was fine but there was not much texture to it.
J made me drool with a Bacon Cheeseburger and rubbed it in when he said that the bacon was really good.
He also had fries and tried the sugar free brownie which he quickly trashed. Yuk!
Our princess also opted for the Bacon Cheeseburger but had hers with apples.
I love the fact that at Counter Service meals, you can order any entrée you want for kids on the Dining Plan – it’s a little known loophole that the kid’s meal is not mandatory.
DS had his standard hot dog and fries but longed for Casey’s.
X had a hot dog and grapes.
But the reason this is my favorite Counter Service in the Magic Kingdom is due to the “live” performances by Sonny himself.

He’s cheesy. He’s campy. But he’s a lot of fun and keeps the kids entertained while the adults can enjoy a decent meal.
And the free cheese sauce puts it over the top(ping).
Sorry – couldn’t resist.

After dinner, we packed up our desserts (little cheesecakes and some fruit) for later as we had a better idea for our next activity.
We circled around Cosmic Ray’s and headed over to the Tomorrowland Bridge.
However, before we reached it, we took a quick left towards the Tomorrowland Terrace.
It was time for Dessert Under the Stars…

 

[dawnbu40]

for an update.

So I now know why I had no clue where you were going...we've never eaten at Cosmic Ray's. We always do either ts, Casey's or CHH.

We love the dessert party. Hoping to hear that you all enjoyed it too!

 

[thecapells]

for an update.

So I now know why I had no clue where you were going...we've never eaten at Cosmic Ray's. We always do either ts, Casey's or CHH.

We love the dessert party. Hoping to hear that you all enjoyed it too!

BLASPHEMY!
And you call yourself a Disney fan.
You guys definitely should give it a shot next trip.
The campy lounge singer factor itself makes it worthwhile!

 

[boxmaster]

Apparently, J was busy with an artistic series of castle angles.
Which, in hindsight, makes me wonder where the kids were!!

Hey! I could see them perfectly well as they were wandering about aimlessly on their own amid the huge throng of people swirling all about in dizzying patterns!

J made me drool with a Bacon Cheeseburger and rubbed it in when he said that the bacon was really good.

Not my fault you decided to be silly and get a cheesesteak. This isn't Philly, after all.

He also had fries and tried the sugar free brownie which he quickly trashed. Yuk!

Heck, there was nothing else that they had which was dessert oriented as far as I was concerned. Next time, I'll just get some extra apple slices for the kids.

And the free cheese sauce puts it over the top(ping).
Sorry – couldn’t resist.

Yes, Mickeys and Minnies, that particular mouse is definitely the cheesey one.

 

[MEK]

Wait - you can order a kid's CS meal from the adult menu on the meal plan? Did I just read that right? I better go look.

Ah - Sonny - always the entertainer.

Fun update, but you are making me hungry!

 

[TheCapellsMom]

Oh folks, I wish you were all here with me right now listening to DH and J try to sort through the thousands of pics from this trip! I's hysterical!

You see, there were 3 of us taking pictures on 3 cameras and we made the mistake of forgetting to sync the time stamps on the cameras before the trip. OOOPS!

Right now, DH is trying to put the pics in the correct order while also sorting through to find the best ones. What a pain in the <<BEEP>>!
Yesiree, he has been mumbling some very unDisneyish explatives!

Anyhow, I am so happy to have all of you following along with us! After reading the last few updates, I wanted to pipe in and clarify a couple of things:

1) Despite DH's claims, I am NOT afraid of the Aladdin Ride. I actually LOVE rides that spin but I am not a huge fan of heights.
So, the kiddos think it is great fun to make the carpet fly as high as it can & watch me get nervous.
I sat out the ride that day because I wanted everyone to be able to fit on one carpet an I wanted to try getting photos of the kids mid-flight.

2) Given my feelings about heights, I admit that I was not at all disappointed to miss out on Swiss Family Robinson while I waited for Ariel.
BTW- didn't she look beautiful in her ballgown & feet? The up close details of the tapestry on the dress were magnificent!
Also, I thought that prince Eric was odd looking but DD didn't seem to notice!

3) Cosmic Rays is OK but I DO NOT agree with DH about it being sooo wonderful! If you have never been there before, it can be neat to sit by Sonny Eclipse and hear his lounge act.
But- I WARN YOU- it is only about 15-20 minutes long and when you are hearing it for the 2nd or 2rd time through, it gets annoying very quickly.
Also, the room is very noisy and it's a pain to tread through the huge crowded restaurant when the kids need to go "potty!"

Oh- and one more thing- for all of you folks who have been faithful followers of our previous adventures, isn't it nice to read a trip report WITHOUT any of that annoying pirate jargon???

 

[TheCapellsMom]

Wait - you can order a kid's CS meal from the adult menu on the meal plan? Did I just read that right? I better go look.

Yup- that's right! Of course, it is not published anywhere official and the CM's at the CS restaurants aren't supposed to tell you... but Disney just keeps track of how many CS credits you have used without distinguishing between adult credits and kids credits. So, we almost always order adult CS meals for everybody. It's more food to go around and offers better choices for kids like DD who is a total foodie like her parents.

 

[thecapells]

Wait - you can order a kid's CS meal from the adult menu on the meal plan? Did I just read that right? I better go look.

Ah - Sonny - always the entertainer.

Fun update, but you are making me hungry!

Yeah - little known fact.
Credits come off the meal plan as just a credit.
There is no distinction between kids meal and adult meal.
So for a family of 6, you can get 6 adult meals at a counter service and it is 6 credits.
It makes no difference if it is a child or an adult.
A CM pointed this out to us when Princess wanted a Bacon Cheeseburger and there was none on the kid's menu.
She advised us to just order the regular meal and it worked.
We've been using the trick ever since!

 

[thecapells]

Oh folks, I wish you were all here with me right now listening to DH and J try to sort through the thousands of pics from this trip! I's hysterical!

I just finished sorting Day 2.
1400+ pictures down to 400.
That was fun.
NOT.

But- I WARN YOU- it is only about 15-20 minutes long and when you are hearing it for the 2nd or 2rd time through, it gets annoying very quickly.

She lies.
It's not that short.
She's no fun.

Oh- and one more thing- for all of you folks who have been faithful followers of our previous adventures, isn't it nice to read a trip report WITHOUT any of that annoying pirate jargon???

MATEY!

 

[boxmaster]

TheCapellsMom wrote:
Oh folks, I wish you were all here with me right now listening to DH and J try to sort through the thousands of pics from this trip! I's hysterical!

I just finished sorting Day 2.
1400+ pictures down to 400.
That was fun.
NOT.

TheCapellsMom wrote:
But- I WARN YOU- it is only about 15-20 minutes long and when you are hearing it for the 2nd or 2rd time through, it gets annoying very quickly.

She lies.
It's not that short.
She's no fun.

Couple o' notes. (Shame I don't know how to to inset quotes from multiple people in the one post...) As for DW's posts, I was giggling at some of the more amusing typos (backquoted above -- can anyone tell me how to actually pronounce "2rd"? ), but given DW's dyslexia, there are actually very few. Not making fun of the dyslexia, but amused by the unwitting results at times, nonetheless.

While there were over 1400 pictures total for Day Two, don't get suckered into giving him THAT much sympathy now. Mike has long since departed with a good 600 or so of my pictures from that day, as I had taken advantage of the automatic setting that he demonstrated the night before, much to his chagrin. (No way I would've tried doing that with real film. Oy!) Because of that setting, I was able to capture some of the action at one particular, fast-paced event we were packed into on Day Two. Any guesses as to which?

As for Sonny Eclipse's routine, darned if I could weigh in on who was right about the length of time it took. I couldn't hear ANYTHING that was supposed to be coming out of his mouth or keyboard, it was so loud in the place overall. And we really weren't that many tables away. Still, the burger was pretty good. Maybe next time Mike will even get it.

 

[shan23877]

Been following along, but i had to laugh when DW posted about the expletive filled photo project. I laugh because I am smack in the middle of mine. I'm trying to sort about 2200 pictures, develop some, and then sort the ones I've developed for photo albums, scrapbooks, frames, and autograph books. So, some pics I need like 4 copies of! It's crazy!

 

[katman2540]

Fighting our own photo battle here. After 3 weeks driving adounr the country adn many awesome stops we have 6500 plus photos to try and get down to album quantities. Good luck with the pictures.

 

[thecapells]

Been following along, but i had to laugh when DW posted about the expletive filled photo project. I laugh because I am smack in the middle of mine. I'm trying to sort about 2200 pictures, develop some, and then sort the ones I've developed for photo albums, scrapbooks, frames, and autograph books. So, some pics I need like 4 copies of! It's crazy!

Fighting our own photo battle here. After 3 weeks driving adounr the country adn many awesome stops we have 6500 plus photos to try and get down to album quantities. Good luck with the pictures.

It's been tough.
And I'm only through the 2nd day - just trying to stay a bit ahead of the trip report.
Now I'm off to start sorting Day 3.
Lesson learned - ALWAYS MAKE SURE ALL THE CAMERAS IN YOUR PARTY HAVE THEIR DATES AND TIMES SYNC'ED. Ugh!