7 AM Extra Magic Hours? We're in!...NEW 12/27 p. 31

[Angies1274]

Wow! That's great that you were able to do all the Kim Possible Missions!

Visiting the caramel store in Germany is at the top of our lists of snacks to try in the World Showcase. The treat that you got sounds so yummy! I know I'm going to have such a hard time choosing too!

 

[RachelNinja]

That's so cool that you were able to do ALL the countries for Kim Possible! I wish we had the chance to do that before it changed over. We totally could have done one in April, but we just didn't spend that much time in World Showcase. I think those missions are definitely February missions!

Next trip I'd like to at least take a look at all the caramel goodies!

 

[OhMari]

Hi, isn't this hot weather crazy for WI? We might go to Summerfest Friday. It is suppose to be a lot cooler by the lake tomorrow.

Me and my dh, had our picture taken in Japan and I never noticed the Car"s topiatry till I downloaded my pics.

 

[TanzUnited99]

Oh no on getting stuck on Maelstrom...glad it was only a short delay and you were able to enjoy the rest of the ride.

Great WS pics and it sure is hard choosing one or two things from Karamelle Kuche...could easily eat one of everything!

I've not seen Duffy with a Goofy hat but he sure looks cute

 

[wdwgirl03]

Ahhh now I get it. Cars is probably the only Pixar movie I didn't like so I never saw the 2nd one. Thanks for explaining!

No problem.

Wandered around in the caramel store in Germany for the first time ever during our last trip. Everything looked (and smelled) so delicious, I was completely overwhelmed, and couldn't even begin to make a decision.

So, how did your treat taste?

I know, I have no clue how I ever decided. The cookie was pretty good. But next time I'll have to try something different.

I LOVED Brave. I've already seen it twice and I kinda want to see it again... I won't though.

Cool that you got to do all the Kim Possible missions! I never did any, but I heard that the Perry the platypus one was basically the exact same thing as far as the effects go.

Wow, you've already seen it two times? Nice.

Yeah, I have a feeling they are still going to be the same basic idea, just with different characters.

Wow! That's great that you were able to do all the Kim Possible Missions!

Visiting the caramel store in Germany is at the top of our lists of snacks to try in the World Showcase. The treat that you got sounds so yummy! I know I'm going to have such a hard time choosing too!

I know you are gone now, but hopefully you are having a great time on your trip. Can't wait to hear about it when you get back.

That's so cool that you were able to do ALL the countries for Kim Possible! I wish we had the chance to do that before it changed over. We totally could have done one in April, but we just didn't spend that much time in World Showcase. I think those missions are definitely February missions!

Next trip I'd like to at least take a look at all the caramel goodies!

Yup, I'm glad I got to do them all. They are fun. Hope you get to do them on your next trip!

haha, that's the first step. Claire and I went in the shop last year and it took me a year to finally get something (though we did only have 2 days in October...).

Hi, isn't this hot weather crazy for WI? We might go to Summerfest Friday. It is suppose to be a lot cooler by the lake tomorrow.

Me and my dh, had our picture taken in Japan and I never noticed the Car"s topiatry till I downloaded my pics.

So glad the hot weather is done and it's more normal now. Did you end up going to Summerfest? I was reading in the paper how the heat affected the attendance.

Oh no on getting stuck on Maelstrom...glad it was only a short delay and you were able to enjoy the rest of the ride.

Great WS pics and it sure is hard choosing one or two things from Karamelle Kuche...could easily eat one of everything!

I've not seen Duffy with a Goofy hat but he sure looks cute

Yeah, I'm glad it wasn't too long of a delay.

I hear ya! I'll definitely have to go back next trip and get something else. I love caramel!

Isn't he adorable? I just loved it. Heck I still sort of want him...LOL.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Tuesday, April 10, 2012 cont'd (part 4)...Pins, Port Orleans, and Prehistoric Dining

After our tour of World Showcase, we headed back to the Boardwalk via our "private" entrance/exit. Have I mentioned how nice it is being able to walk back to the resort?

Once we got back, we rested for a bit and then went down to the quiet pool for a quick swim. It would have been fun to go to the main pool but since the weather was so nice you can probably guess it was pretty crowded down there. So I didn't get a chance to ride the clown slide at all. Oh well. It was still nice to cool off for a bit and just enjoy another part of the resort.

The plan for the evening then was to head over to Downtown Disney because we had an ADR at the T-Rex Cafe. If you've been following along with my PTRs, you know I've been saying for how long that I wanted to eat there so I was pretty excited about finally getting that chance! Our ADR wasn't until later on, but we still left early because you can't go to Downtown Disney and not do any shopping!

One of our first stops was Disney Pin Traders. Of course I had to buy a couple new pins to add to my collection. Here's what I chose:

A Boardwalk pin since I like to get one of each resort I stay at, and also a new Epcot one. I couldn't resist since it has Figment on it, plus it's purple (my favorite color).

I had also been eyeing up this Splash Mountain mystery box set, that has various scenes from the ride in pin form. You could buy a set of 2 pins. I think they call it reveal/conceal because you can see one pin you're getting but the other is a mystery (sort of like vinylmation). Well, one of the revealed pins in the set was of the "It's a Zip A Dee Do Dah Day" sign at the end of the ride. OK, I don't know why but I LOVE that sign and needed to get that pin. How awesome is this?

Every time I look at it I think about riding Splash Mountain. Love it!

Happy with my new purchases, we started walking over toward the T-Rex Cafe.

Love the lego statues!

Dad checked us in, and while he did that I opened up my SM box to see which mystery pin I got. I ended up with this one:

Soon we were taken to our table inside the restaurant. There is so much going on in there with the dinosaurs and the big fish tank but it's so fun. Our table ended up being right next to this guy:

And yes, if you've never been to the T-Rex Cafe before, the dinosaurs move and growl and all that good stuff.

And just a random view of the restaurant from our table:

Shortly after we were seated, one of the meteor showers took place (click to play the video). You can see the flashing lights and hear our dinosaur friend growling. LOL.


For our meal, both Dad and I ordered the Fire Roasted Rotisserie chicken, and you could pick which sides you wanted. I know I got mashed potatoes but don't remember if I got anything else. We were served quickly and we both definitely enjoyed the chicken. It was so juicy and the mashed potatoes were good too. The portions were pretty generous, so unfortunately we didn't have any room left for dessert. But overall it was a great meal and I would eat there again. The menu has a good variety and you really can't beat the theming.

Here's a couple parting shots from the restaurant:

From T-Rex, we headed over to the West Side to visit one of my other favorite stores, D-Street (aka vinylmation heaven). As we passed the Characters in Flight balloon, I really wanted to do that too but since the sun was setting, Dad said it probably wouldn't be all that enjoyable. So you'll have to keep reading to see if we were able to fit that in on another day. Anyway, once we got to D-Street I started shopping. For a vinylmation junkie like me that store could be dangerous, but luckily I had some self-control. I ended up buying 4 vinylmations...but only one of them was for me. The others were for my sisters. There are so many series to pick from these days, but I always like the park ones. So I picked one from the Park 8 series.

After finishing shopping, Dad and I decided to do another thing that we have been talking about for a long time: take the boat to Port Orleans! I have never been to Port Orleans before and always like seeing the different resorts. So we hopped on one of the boats and enjoyed the peaceful ride.

Hello, Saratoga Springs!

On the way there you also pass the Treehouse Villas. Ok, I know I say I want to try all the DVC resorts but for some reason the Treehouses just don't really appeal to me. Maybe it's just too woodsy or something. I don't know.

Our first glimpse of Port Orleans!

We got off at the French Quarter and walked around for a bit. In a way it sort of reminded me of Saratoga Springs because it seemed like there are a lot of buildings and the resort is really spread out. We saw where the pool was and walked up toward the main building.

We didn't stay too long but it was neat to see another resort and try something new for a change. One of the great things about Disney World! There really is so much to do and you don't need to spend every waking moment in the parks. So from POFQ we took a bus to Hollywood Studios and then walked back to the Boardwalk from there.

Anyone wondering about this random bus picture?

Random story to go with it. When my parents and I visited Emma back in October when she was on her CP, she would always point out the "CP buses." The strange thing is, before that, I can honestly say I've never noticed them before, but once she pointed them out, I felt like I saw them everywhere. When I saw that one (even though I don't think this was exactly a CP bus-but it was one like it) I thought of Emma and had to take a picture.

Anyway...

Once we were back in our room, I opened up my vinylmation. I was pretty excited when I saw I got this one:

WALT DISNEY WORLD'S 25th ANNIVERSARY!!

I love this design because we were there in 1997, which was part of the year-long celebration and it just brings back memories of that trip. And I love how on the back it says, "Remember the Magic."

So I was very happy, considering I usually blindbox the ugly vinylmations.

up next: More 7 am EMH at the Animal Kingdom!

 

[marDgreen88]

Ahh, awesome pins! I'm the same way, I like to get my resort pins too. (Right now I only have one but that's beside the point. )

HAHAHA that Splash pin is hilarious. That part of the ride always makes me giggle... I mean, Brer Bear's behind is just so prevalent through the ride. It cracks me up.

Glad yall enjoyed T-Rex!!!

I'm currently reading a TR where the family stayed in the Treehouse Villas, and they're surprisingly very pretty inside! It's definitely not at the top of my list but I'm sure I'll try to stay there someday haha.

 

[RachelNinja]

I don't think I'll ever do Rainforest cafe or T-Rex! Haha, those things are probably too scary for me, and I'd end up not being able to eat much of my food! I am always intrigued when someone goes to T-Rex though; I don't quite know why. Probably because I think the concept is so awesome!

Awesome Vinylmation! We have (haha, well it's really Howard, but we're married so I guess I can say we!) the Kilamanjaro Safari truck one from that series. We were able to get it in a trade, so we're really happy about that!

 

[Caretames1]

I'm glad you enjoyed T-Rex! We did and I would love to go back. I'm still trying to think of a way to fit it in for Nov.


Shopping....I thinks it's law in DTD that you must shop!


YAY, the boats to PO! I love those boats! You didn't go to POR ?!?! You missed a great resort! Next time!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Do you have any trips planned yet for 2013? That is the one good thing that if my December trip ends up being cancelled atleast I'll get to see the F&GF again.

We do! I need to update my ticker! We'll be going in February and have a Club Level AKV room booked.

T-Rex has been on my list as well, I think Henry would love it. We need about 28 more trips to cover all the restaurants I still want to do.

Love your new Vinylmation!!!

 

[Nermel9]

Your pins are so cute! I think I might try to get into pin trading on my next trip...there are just so many adorable ones, maybe I'll give Vinylmations a break and try pins!

I really need to go to TRex, it looks so cute! I think I have an ADR there for sometime in November, but I think it's at a weird time so I'm not sure if we're keeping it, but I hope we can!

POFQ looks adorable, I really want to stay there someday!

I got the 25 year anniversary Vinyl too! I was really happy, because I was there that year (pink castle!) so I'm glad I got a little reminder of that trip!

 

[MHTeacher]

Glad you enjoyed your meal at T-Rex.

Love the Splash Mtn. pins-especially the Zip-a-dee-doo-dah one!

 

[Bridora]

Ah-the caramel store in Germany-I really really really want to go there! (Just imagine that's some kind of gooey caramel treat instead of popcorn!)

And I'm just the opposite on the Treehouse Villas - really want to stay there! I think they're all 3 bedroom though, so we probably won't be doing that any time soon.

We stayed at POR one year and enjoyed the boat to DTD.

I can't read what the cast member bus says--how can you tell?

 

[wdwgirl03]

Ahh, awesome pins! I'm the same way, I like to get my resort pins too. (Right now I only have one but that's beside the point. )

HAHAHA that Splash pin is hilarious. That part of the ride always makes me giggle... I mean, Brer Bear's behind is just so prevalent through the ride. It cracks me up.

Glad yall enjoyed T-Rex!!!

I'm currently reading a TR where the family stayed in the Treehouse Villas, and they're surprisingly very pretty inside! It's definitely not at the top of my list but I'm sure I'll try to stay there someday haha.

It's funny because the only resort I don't have a pin for is the All Stars (which is the one you just posted in your TR wrap-up!). I think it's because I just thought that design was too big for my liking. It is cute though. Hopefully they'll come out with some newer ones for the AS resorts.

It is a pretty funny design, isn't it? The whole set though was so cool.

I'm sure the Treehouse Villas are really nice and eventually I might cave and just go there since I do want to stay at all the DVC places.

I don't think I'll ever do Rainforest cafe or T-Rex! Haha, those things are probably too scary for me, and I'd end up not being able to eat much of my food! I am always intrigued when someone goes to T-Rex though; I don't quite know why. Probably because I think the concept is so awesome!

Awesome Vinylmation! We have (haha, well it's really Howard, but we're married so I guess I can say we!) the Kilamanjaro Safari truck one from that series. We were able to get it in a trade, so we're really happy about that!

LOL, it's not scary in there. Both the T-Rex and Rainforest Cafes are awesome.

Thanks! The safari truck is pretty cool too. Might need to add that to my collection since I love that ride so much.

I'm glad you enjoyed T-Rex! We did and I would love to go back. I'm still trying to think of a way to fit it in for Nov.


Shopping....I thinks it's law in DTD that you must shop!


YAY, the boats to PO! I love those boats! You didn't go to POR ?!?! You missed a great resort! Next time!

LOL, well, you do have 10 days. Or is it more? I can't keep track anymore. All I know is I'm jealous.

Well, it is for me anyway.

No, we didn't go to POR. I think the bus might've stopped there on the way out though. Because I do remember seeing it.

We do! I need to update my ticker! We'll be going in February and have a Club Level AKV room booked.

T-Rex has been on my list as well, I think Henry would love it. We need about 28 more trips to cover all the restaurants I still want to do.

Love your new Vinylmation!!!

Ooh, that will be fun. I love AKL! And if Emma gets accepted into the CP again maybe you can look out for her since she'd be going in January. We'll see what happens with that!

I have a feeling Henry would love T-Rex!

Thanks...I love it too.

Your pins are so cute! I think I might try to get into pin trading on my next trip...there are just so many adorable ones, maybe I'll give Vinylmations a break and try pins!

I really need to go to TRex, it looks so cute! I think I have an ADR there for sometime in November, but I think it's at a weird time so I'm not sure if we're keeping it, but I hope we can!

POFQ looks adorable, I really want to stay there someday!

I got the 25 year anniversary Vinyl too! I was really happy, because I was there that year (pink castle!) so I'm glad I got a little reminder of that trip!

Yeah, there are a lot of cute pins, which is part of the problem. I've been into pins for a while now so as you can imagine I've accumulated quite a few over the years. So now I really try to limit myself to ones of my favorite attractions, the resort ones (only if I've stayed there!) and the yearly/special event ones. OK that still sounds like a lot...LOL. Anyway, pins are a lot of fun too!

I hope you keep your ADR there. It was a cool place.

I know a lot of people rave about POR/POFQ but I didn't really care for it. I shouldn't judge though, considering we weren't there very long. Or maybe I'm just becoming a DVC snob.

Yup, that's why I like it too! We were also there for the pink castle cake. Ahh memories.

Glad you enjoyed your meal at T-Rex.

Love the Splash Mtn. pins-especially the Zip-a-dee-doo-dah one!

I am too. I would love to go back there!

Thanks...I think that is one of my all-time favorite pins now. It just makes me happy.

Ah-the caramel store in Germany-I really really really want to go there! (Just imagine that's some kind of gooey caramel treat instead of popcorn!)

And I'm just the opposite on the Treehouse Villas - really want to stay there! I think they're all 3 bedroom though, so we probably won't be doing that any time soon.

We stayed at POR one year and enjoyed the boat to DTD.

I can't read what the cast member bus says--how can you tell?

Mmmm...I'll pretend it's the caramel corn that everyone talks about and says is so good!

Yeah, I don't know, I think it's just a little too woodsy for my liking. Not to mention it just doesn't seem very convenient if you don't have a car. I think you have to take a bus over to SSR to catch the park buses.

I love all the boat rides in WDW-they're so peaceful.

haha, I can't really read it either but I seem to remember it saying "Walt Disney World" on the sign. I think the CP buses/routes are identified by letters. But that is what the CP buses look like.

 

[PlutosRHM55]

All caught up... FINALLY! Well, it seems that this trip definitely seemed to be another fun one for you. I can't believe you got to play all of the World Showcase adventures. I never even got to do one. But I love Phineas and Ferb so I'm sure the new adventures with Doofenshmirtz and Perry will be epic! The fairy gardens look really cool, I just love all the little extras the F&GF has to offer. to all the new Vinylmation and pins, I just started getting into Vinylmation after I went to NYC and visited the store there. The 25th anniversary one looks really cool. That was when the Cake Castle was made right? I'm definitely going to have to be on the lookout for one like that I think that's awesome you guys were right next to a rampaging DINOSAUR and that meteor shower looks amazing, I have to make reservations at T-Rex now even if I'm not going to the World anytime soon

Well, can't wait to read more!

 

[MickeyisBeast]

I love the Splash Mountain pins, all the pins are very cute!
And the Vinylmation looks awesome, you got a good one!
I know what you mean about the CP buses, I randomly noticed one of them one day and then boom- they were everywhere

 

[TanzUnited99]

Love the new pins and I think it's great that you have one of every resort you have stayed at

Am glad you finally got to experience a meal at T-Rex and enjoyed it.

I never knew 'CP buses' but now that I know I'll have to keep and eye out for them on a future trip.

 

[wdwgirl03]

All caught up... FINALLY! Well, it seems that this trip definitely seemed to be another fun one for you. I can't believe you got to play all of the World Showcase adventures. I never even got to do one. But I love Phineas and Ferb so I'm sure the new adventures with Doofenshmirtz and Perry will be epic! The fairy gardens look really cool, I just love all the little extras the F&GF has to offer. to all the new Vinylmation and pins, I just started getting into Vinylmation after I went to NYC and visited the store there. The 25th anniversary one looks really cool. That was when the Cake Castle was made right? I'm definitely going to have to be on the lookout for one like that I think that's awesome you guys were right next to a rampaging DINOSAUR and that meteor shower looks amazing, I have to make reservations at T-Rex now even if I'm not going to the World anytime soon

Well, can't wait to read more!

Yes it was a fun trip (but aren't they always? ). haha yeah, I'm surprised we got to do all of the KP missions but I'm glad we did. They're a neat way to explore WS. I don't know much about Phineas and Ferb (but then again I can't say I knew a lot about KP either) so that should be interesting next time I go. Yup, the 25th anniversary was when they had the castle cake. I remember at the time thinking it was so cool and not wanting it to go back to normal. Now I don't know why I ever thought that. A lot of people seriously hated it. Well, on your next trip (whenever that might be!) you should definitely try to get an ADR at T-Rex. Great restaurant.

I love the Splash Mountain pins, all the pins are very cute!
And the Vinylmation looks awesome, you got a good one!
I know what you mean about the CP buses, I randomly noticed one of them one day and then boom- they were everywhere

Thanks! I was really happy to get that vinylmation considering I usually get the ugly ones. LOL.

Isn't it weird how you don't notice something and then all of a sudden they're everywhere you look?

Love the new pins and I think it's great that you have one of every resort you have stayed at

Am glad you finally got to experience a meal at T-Rex and enjoyed it.

I never knew 'CP buses' but now that I know I'll have to keep and eye out for them on a future trip.

Thanks! Yeah, I love having one from each of the resorts I've been to. It's fun looking at them and remembering that trip.

T-Rex was definitely a lot of fun. Can't wait to go back!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Alright everyone, so we're about halfway through this trip report...and it's only taken 3 months to do 3 days. At this rate I'll be done by October and maybe by then I'll know when exactly my next trip will be.

I'm hoping to get atleast a couple more updates done quickly because in a couple of weeks my dad, sister and I will be going on a little summer vacation. And no, it has nothing to do with Disney at all. But I'm still looking forward to it-I've been wanting to visit this city for a while now. Feel free to take guesses though.

Anyways...onto our Animal Kingdom morning!

Wednesday, April 11, 2012...Everest, Tigers, and One Crowded Bus

After a couple mornings of "sleeping in" (atleast by our standards), it was time for another super early morning. The Animal Kingdom had Extra Magic Hours at 7 am that day and we were excited about that. You always hear about how the animals seem to be more active in the morning (though that doesn't always seem to be the case-we've seen them quite active in the afternoon too), and we were hoping to get on one of the first safaris of the morning.

We got ready and ate breakfast in our room before heading out to the bus stop. Shortly after we made it outside the DAK bus pulled up. There might've been one other family get on the bus but other than that it was pretty empty. But that didn't last...

So the bus from the Boardwalk to DAK shares with the Swan and Dolphin. We first stopped at the Swan, and again, just a couple families got on. I remember Dad making some comment about the Magic Kingdom having 7 am EMH that morning (as it had all week) and how he thought most people who were up early would probably be going there instead of to the Animal Kingdom. We were quickly proven wrong. When we pulled up to the Dolphin, there were literally dozens of people waiting. Keep in mind that the bus we were on was pretty much empty. By the time we left the Dolphin, it was so packed. Think like park-closing, people standing in the aisles, sardine-can packed. The driver was trying to tell people to wait because there was another bus pulling in right behind and there was literally no more room on our bus. It was crazy-I've never seen a bus that crowded so early in the morning. I don't know what it is about those Dolphin people but it seemed like every time we stopped there, there were a lot of people waiting. Weird.

But anyways...

After a packed bus ride, we arrived at the Animal Kingdom!

Good morning, Tree of Life!

Notice the sun still wasn't even completely up at that time. Like I said, our goal was to get on an early safari, but I started wondering on the bus if the safaris wouldn't start until later. Sure enough, we got over to the safari and there was a CM telling people the first safari wasn't until 7:45 or something. Some people stood there to wait but rather than waste our time, Dad and I ended up going over to Asia to ride Expedition Everest.

Normally we would do single riders, but again since it was so early the single rider line wasn't even operating. So it was a rare opportunity for us to go through the actual queue.

Soon we were on our train and heading up the mountain. Gotta love this view (and the sun's starting to come out)!

As usual we enjoyed the ride. One parting shot of Asia...isn't it amazing how much detail goes into the park?

From there we walked over to Dinorama.

I thought this sign was cute.

Since it was closed on our last trip, we rode Primeval Whirl. It was actually a nice ride because we got our own vehicle so we weren't crammed in like we usually are.

Dad asked if I wanted to do Dinosaur again but we ended up skipping that. I only need to be scared once a trip.

So we backtracked to Asia because Dad wanted to see the tigers on the Maharajah Jungle Trek.

We spotted a couple other animals first, like the Komodo dragon.

And the bats. Eek! We actually stayed in there a while and talked to the CM who was there doing her speil about bats.

Then we got to the main attraction!

These next two pictures are sort of creepy. It's like the animals knew I was taking their picture. LOL.

On the way out of the trail there was a cute little duck family.

We also stopped to watch the brave souls on Kali River Rapids.

I like that ride but don't like the whole getting drenched part. One of these days I'll have to suck it up and just ride again.

Next stop? Africa!

 

[Nermel9]

Great update! I love AK morning magic hours, the park is always so empty!

All of your animal pics are adorable, but I especially love the one of the baby ducks!

I think I saw you mention where you're next vacation is going to be on FB! You're going to love it there!