My tummy was growling and ready to try the delicious Flame Tree pulled pork I had heard so much about on the DIS, so I decided it was time to head to AK. As I was waiting for the bus, I made some quick phone calls home. It was nice to talk to someone!
I've decided that as much as I LOVE being alone, I'd much rather be sharing my Disney memories with someone...
I got in quickly at AK.... GUESS WHAT?!!? I was in AK and it WASN'T HOT!!! REALLY!! I was very comfortable in my sweatshirt and long pants. It felt great!
I took a quick walk over to Camp Minnie Mickey to check out the show time for FotLK (I know, I could've just looked at a times guide, but I wanted to stroll....) Here's a pretty waterfall I found:
I decided against seeing FotLK, and waiting until Matt was with me. So I headed over to Discovery Island to find Flame Tree...
After making my way to Discovery Island, I decided to check out It's Tough to Be a Bug. The wait time was only 5 minutes, and I really didn't get to experience it 4 years ago, because I was busy consoling my son who was FREAKING OUT! Looking back at it, I can't believe I brought him in that place when he was only 3... He's almost 8 and I think he'd STILL be scared. That bug invasion is SCARY!!
But I'm glad I saw it again as an adult. Cool effects... and even cooler posters in the pre-show area:
There were bunches of these. All broadway musicals with a buggy twist. I also loved the walk into the show.. you get some really up-close moments with the carvings on the tree of life. Not sure why I didn't take pictures... probably because we weren't waiting, we were walking... and I didn't want to stop and block people behind me...
I emerged from the roots of the tree to see that the rain had started to fall. Bummer... it was okay, though. It was light enough to not be miserable. And I did have my Dollar Store poncho.. worked great! But I didn't want to eat in the rain, plus... EE was calling!
I walked to EE to grab a FP, but the return time wasn't until FOUR!! Then I noticed they had a single rider line... SWEET!! I still ended up waiting 30 minutes... booo! The Single Rider line for EE is not as effective as the one for TT. Reason... EE is set up for groups of two, four, six... most people travel in twos, fours, or sixes. TT has cars for 3 or six... so there's usually an odd number and a need for a single rider. Not so at EE. I saw two to four trains take off sometimes in between needs for a single rider. I almost felt like I should have just waited in the the standby line, simply because it would've always been in motion. The single rider line would stand STILL for several minutes at a time. Made me feel like I was waiting for Soarin' again.
BUT.. the wait was TOTALLY worth it!!! Expedition Everest has OFFICIALLY replaced RNRC as my absolute favorite ride in all of WDW!!! The theming, the smoothness, the G Force on the backwards part, the big drop, the Yeti... just AWESOME!!!!
I'm still starving after my fabulous EE ride so I start to head towards Flame Tree. WAIT!!! NEMO!!!! The next show is in 45 minutes, but they are already letting people in...!?! SWEET! I'm going in now and getting myself an up-close-and-personal seat. I love to sit close and feel the energy of the performers. I snagged SECOND row seats!! Warning.. if you are going to sit up front, sit on the AISLE. If you sit next to the stage, you can't see very well!
I'm telling you, folks. Nemo, The Musical is STUNNING. That show is unbelievable. The sets, the costumes, the props, the puppetry, the musical score, the Broadway-caliber talent... you just CAN'T miss this show!! And sitting that close... I got to see sweat and spit flying.. and I got to feel the energy of those performers. I teared up MANY times throughout the show.. just tears of pride, joy, artsy-fartsy appreciation, I guess!!
Some pics from the show (no flash, please!)
Testing to see if it's okay to come out!
Jellyfish!
Nigel.. this prop is amazing! SO HUGE!!
The Dentist's tank
The Tank gang
Crush.. sorry, terribly blurry!
Dory? Are you okay?
So, I've been in the park now for over 2 hours... I'm STARVING!!!
I found Flame Tree and got the famous pulled pork, a Diet Coke, and a chocolate cake. The table seating area for this place is cool!
FLAME TREE TIP: Don't waste your time battling crowds at the condiment stand next to the counter service. There are full condiment stations in the covered seating areas!! Here's my food:
And here's my view:
I got to watch EE as I enjoyed the most DELICIOUS pulled pork sandwich I've had! It was perfect!!
While I was eating, Matt called and wanted to meet me for dinner with Beast.(remember our friend from Massachusetts that joined us for our last trip?) He wanted to know if I could scrounge up some reservations for 5:45 somewhere in DTD. Ummmm.. honey? It's a Saturday night.. and 5:45 is only 3 hours away... I guess I can give it a shot!
With that, I decided to head back to POR to see if the concierge could help me. Plus, I was hurting. I was very tired and my eyes were just burning. I was planning on going over to AKL to do some exploring, but decided not to kill myself on this trip. If a break was needed, I was going to take it.
But do I spend the next few hours trying to find us a place to eat...?
OR maybe I spend the next few hours just trying to get back to POR...!
...Looking forward to your next installment! 
I hope I can get in there to try this one day. You look like you are having a blast on your solo mission! Great pic's. Can't wait to find out what kept you from eating! Did you get stopped by the Dream Team??
Did you just say 'skinny bod'? That is very kind! Don't worry, I'll feed it... just not as soon as I thought!!
. And I am with you, LOVE EE, I think it really feels like you go upside down during part of the ride, it is SO much Fun! You are doing a great job keeping yourself busy.
