Neglectful me.... trying to get caught up here so let's see how many comments I can respond to before I get too loopy from being tired and call it a night!
You found one of my photo safari items for my trip in October!!
The bag of apples and the mess Maximus left behind. The Tangled Rest Area looks soooo good. It's amazing how much effort they put into some restrooms.
Ok, is it just me or does that kid "punching you in the face" on Splash Mtn have freakishly long arms?!?
I know that's on your list Dave so I'm looking forward to see your genius at work with that photo op!
It is pretty amazing... when you think that there's not a lot to do there...
That kid is another example of Disney's "forced perspective" ...
I love CoP, but if DH was subjected to a second round like that, he would never go again. Actually, I probably would have been upset too, in a hurry to move to the next attraction.
These magic bands seem to be causing a lot of issues for a lot of people.
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Hi Jill! Your hubby's not the only one! My DH is not such a fan as well.
There was another issue or two with them coming up but we were in a test phase so I couldn't expect perfection. Oh well.
You've kind of left us hanging on the club level snacks. Inquiring minds want to know.
Two rounds of Carousel of Progress?! Yikes!
I love the new Fantasy Land. The detailing is fantastic.
Overall, how would you rate the Magic Bands?
I forget that I bounce back and forth between my Dining Review and this TR so you can pick up anything that I miss food/dining wise in my other report. Didn't mean to leave you hanging though!
Yep, two rounds which didn't make me upset but apparently other people were not happy.
Tough question regarding how I rate the.... again, considering we were in a test phase. Overall, I like the concept and the ease of use and not having to get passes out all the time or room keys. However, we didn't plan wisely for use of FP+ on many days so they were limiting. And I don't necessarily like the marketing genius of embellishing your MB. Who want's a plain one when they sell flair??
(I didn't purchase anything for our MBs but then again most people hadn't at that point. I expect to see more in the near future.) So there you have my opinion!!
Wow! I still can't belive how much you were able to accomplish this morning - try as we might, we never do...
I loved the Rapunzel area - but we never did make it into the bathrooms. We also found2 Pascals, neither of which were the same ones you did. I would also like to spend more time in this area... Cause for another trip! WHOOT!
I love that the MBs display your name - that is really cool. But clearly - there is no way that a CM could let anyone in earlier/later - unless it's still a little lenient?
And AWESOME Dismeet - you know I love those!!!
Excellent idea to wait for snacking until you checked into CL... I am curious how that turned out? I hope you didn't have to wait too long for food.
D~
Hi there Miss D~! If we'd planned our morning better we could have covered more ground but you know how it is traveling with teens!!
We saw people having pic-nic lunches at the Tangled rest area. I think that sounds fabulous.
Since we policed ourselves and stuck to our return window for FP+ (other than the oops! this day) so I'm thinking they probably do enforce the window of time just like the paper FP.
You my dear, are the queen of Dismeets so I know you agree that they are always a highlight of our days!!
We missed snacks at CL at AKL but ......stay tuned to see what we did have. (unless you peeked at my DR!)
This is a really cool picture. Love it!
I also love the picture from the ascent on Splash Mountain. Actually, all the splash photos are really good. Did you take them with a camera or your phone. So clear.
I didn't read your dining review, but I am guessing that those nachos were not your favorite culinary delight of the trip.
How annoying that Em's magic band did not work as expected. I am curious to see how ours work. We only have them for the end of the trip as I guess BWV does not use them.
What a great morning in MK. Looks like a beautiful day.
Yay for AKL checkin. I am very excited to be staying at the Jambo house this time. My last stay was in Kidani. Looking forward to your Jiko dinner as that's where we are celebrating Denny's birthday.
Wonderful updates!
Thanks Mary Ellen! All those photos are with my Nikon 7700. (Point and shoot/bridge camera)
Oh my gosh! Those nachos were the opposite of amazing!
There were more issues with the MBs but again, they were still in a test phase so I feel I need to be more forgiving.
I hope Denny and you enjoy Jiko. I'll be interested to see what you thought.
The Rapunzel bathrooms look beautiful! So much detail! Finding the pascals would be fun!
I love AKL! I stayed at Kidani before...so beautiful and relaxing! I have never stayed club level before, but never felt the need since we always get the dining plan when we go and usually end up with food left over on that. If/when we get to go to DL I am thinking of going club level at Paradise Pier. Would that be a good choice?
Anyway, great updates! Awesome Dismeet!
I wish I had cheated and looked up where all the Pascals were ahead of time so I could have photographed them.
Definitely the dining plan trumps CL since the lounges are usually only snacks and continental type stuff for breakfast.
I don't really know too much about Paradise Pier or what they offer for CL. Sometimes they offer other perks other than just the food offerings. I've only peeked in that hotel in the lobby so I'm not sure.... sorry can't answer that one.
Thanks!!
All caught up, I love your pics in the MK.
Hi Lori! Thanks!
I have to admit, I kinda like the "personalization" thing with the MB where the CM's can call you by name. It's like Cheers and we're all Norm!
You're definitely not alone in regards to seeing the mermaids on POTC. I had to ride 3 times to see them, and to be honest, there's not a lot to see.
Wow, you know it's a busier time when Tortuga Tavern is open.
Wow, you got some amazing Splash photos. That new camera is sure paying off. One of the perils of sitting in the back is getting blocked in the ride photo.
Hahaha Critter Country... NICE!
Ahhh I so love your little video clips. Too precious. Maybe I'll get to be in one someday. You two do Disney right!
Awesome DISmeet (and so random) made even better in that you missed her in D-land I think.
Ha ha! Norm! Or it's like wearing a name tag to the parks.
I don't know... maybe because I've not actually seen the mermaids I'm too critical but Disney, don't make it so subtle that most people don't actually see it. Maybe I just don't know where to look.
So Tortuga Tavern is like the Tomorrowland Terrace which I NEVER see open?? Seasonal. Didn't really know that.
Yep, that's the trade off... front row = gonna get wet, back row = exuberant ride companions blocking your face.
You caught that reference!
Hmmm..... I do believe you may make a guest appearance. I hesitate to post videos. There's so many that I just don't upload since 1. they don't make sense a lot of time since we do a lot of silly inside jokes and 2. I hate the way I look/sound on video and 3. I have no idea how to edit these to get rid of the stupid parts!!
You remembered I was at D-land same time as Kristen in July. You have a great memory.
Man! I got way behind again. I thought September would be kind to me and allow me some leisure time. So far -- no good!
Day one's end sounds great, very nice and relaxing. I LOVE all the lodge photos, what a gorgeous place!
Love hearing about the MBs and how they're working out. I hope we get to use them in November! There are rumours going both ways so I guess we'll have to wait and see.
I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for the mermaid additions. The mermaid skeleton freaks me out though.
You did get some great shots on POTC! That's a really dark dark ride so it's hard to get anything in there.
I can't even contain my excitement for the Tangled themed bathroom/area It's so pretty! I'll have to remember to look for 10 Pascals.
A second go-round on COP? I'm in!
AKL! AKL! I'm so excited for this part!!! AHHHH!
Hi Wendy! No worries. You have a lot going on with your trip coming up as well!
I forget which resorts are using the MB. AKL was part of the test when we were there.
I was pretty lucky with some of those photos. I'll let you in on a secret, I cheated and pre-set one of the dummy user settings on my camera. After all those photo tips/lessons I couldn't remember do I want my ISO increased or decreased.
Definitely GO visit the Tangled restroom area. I fully expect to see some awesome photos too!!
AKL coming up ...
Another great TR installment! So, did the MB's bother yours or Em's wrists? That's the part I'm unsure about- I don't know that I'll want something on my wrist- especially in the heat. That's why I stopped wearing a watch 20 years ago!
Love your embedded DR's! Great idea! Those nachos did look nasty!
The POC pics were great- one of my favorite rides. Although they could make it better by placing Johnny Depp at the entrance/exit.
And what are the odds that the camel would get you right in the face? LOL
We were at Fantasyland for their official Grand Opening on 12/6/12. We didn't make it to the Tangled Restroom, though, so thanks for those pics! Great theming. Disney sure does that right, don't they? And I didn't know about the Pascals either! Definitely something to see on our next trip.
And big kudos to that very insightful CM who brought you a mimosa! It looked fantastic! Makes me want one right now!!
Liesel
Hi Liesel. No, the bands didn't bother us. Of course they were loose on us even on the smallest fastener. You could adjust them further with a kid setting but I didn't bother.
Oh thanks. Makes it easy to jump to the dining part if anyone wishes to do so.
A Johnny Depp fan are you??
More Johnny wouldn't bother me!
Wow!! You were there for a huge milestone with NFL open! Did you receive a commemorative park map or pin or anything? That is cool to just be a part of that.
Ha! Yes, that was very nice of the CM. Mimosa's make everything better, right?
Wonderful updates. The photos were awesome!!
Must watch out for those spitting camels!!!
I loved the area around Rapunzel's bathrooms. But can you believe I never went in?! I missed all that was inside! And I forgot all about looking for Pascals. Must go back!
Wow!! A mimosa for having to wait too long! Just going to have to try that CL some day. (even if only for a night) What I really want to be able to do is the safari for CL at AKL only. I absolutely love sitting and watching the animals on the savannah.
Sorry your magic bands seemed to give you trouble. But do you think the FP lines are going to be so much slower with those? I was feeling like they stalled the lines more-especially when we used ours to get into Fantasmic. And so many people are entering an area at the same time. I thought maybe we would be sent a survey after getting home on what we thought of the bands, but no such luck. I loved them for the ease of getting in and out of the rooms and at the CS food places.
Thank you!!
I've gotta go back and find the other 7 Pascals. (I think I mentioned I saw one in one of my photos from a hint I got from another Diser.)
We didn't see too much difference with using the MB for the FP lines but it was still in test so I would hope they thought that one through and don't bottle neck the FP lines with these. BTW, I received and completed a survey that Disney sent me. Definitely perks to these. Especially if your hands are full when returning to the room you don't need to dig in your pockets or bag for your room card/key.
I saw another AK club level guest who was offered a mimosa so perhaps that is their traditional welcome drink? Not sure but it sure was good!
Awesome info on the MagicBands. My mom and I are already talking about the possibility of having them for our Thanksgiving trip!
Oh my gosh, poor Brenda with the camel spit!
Wonderful Splash photos!!
Haha, funny story semi-related to the Critter Country reference...we went to
Disneyland in 2011 and I loved Bengal Barbecue so much. Our next trip to the World, my dad suggested we go to that place in Adventureland where we can get meat on a stick. Uhh, that's across the country, Dad...
I found a few of Pascal's pals, but not the two that you found, I don't think! So I will have to keep an eye out next time.
Two spins on the Carousel of Progress?! I love it!
Hi Courtney! Yeah, the aim was perfect. And I know the camel does that. That's what I get for not paying attention.
Ha ha!!! Yeah, Bengal BBQ is only at D-land. At least your dad didn't say let's go on Indiana Jones ride by Bengal BBQ!!
I really need to look up where all the Pascals are. I'm too impatient to hunt for them.
What a pain that the MB didn't work right but the way the screen on the podium showed your name looked very cool
I love CoP and have to do it every trip but to go round twice
The CL lounge at AKL is lovely, I can't wait to see what snacks you were offered
Hi there!! Good concept but definitely has some bugs to work out for those MBs.
I'm a huge CoP fan too!!! I didn't mind the second spin around since it was nice and cool in there.
It was a lovely lounge...if you peek at my dining review links you'll get a preview since that report is moving a lot faster than this one.