A Salute to All Orlando Area Theme Parks But Mostly Walt Disney World ***THE END***

[Queenofallthings]

ANIMAL!!!! That just made my day!!

 

[teekathepony]

Hello fellow Nova Scotian! I just found your report and am now all caught up and subscribing for the rest.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Clever TR title for sure! I will definitely have to remember the key under the mat at the Muppets... good to know for future visits.

Yay for Characterpalooza! We accidently encountered it (them?) several years ago and kept going back and not seeing the unique characters until we learned about the select hours. I've always wanted to see the evil queen! (Queen of Hearts and Tweedle Dee/Dum were the BEST!!)

I'm loving your TR! Looking forward to more.

Brenda, thank you so much and . I'm so very pleased you're here.
The competition for clever trip titles is definitely tough.

I was so happy to remember the key, but so bummed I forgot to take a picture.

Characterpalooza is pretty darn cool. I hear they've moved it back out to the Streets of America again.

Thank you again so much for following along!

ANIMAL!!!! That just made my day!!

Thank you my Queen. I'm so very happy to hear that!

Hello fellow Nova Scotian! I just found your report and am now all caught up and subscribing for the rest.

OMG yay! So excited to have a Cape Bretoner along! That's so awesome!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

ANIMALS, EXPEDITIONS, AND A FIREWORKS FINALE!
Day 3 – October 10, 2012 Part 2​

​

First, Happy St. Patrick's Day to all who celebrate this fine day of... well... Drinking and stuff.

Second, I've come to realize that at this time of year I'm always either on a trip, just back from a trip, or getting ready for a trip.
So, I've begun checking flights daily, and if I come across a good price, I may finally take that solo trip I've been considering forever.
If it happens, it would just be too quick to round anybody else up.
I'm currently shooting for end of April. If I find the right price... I'm gone.
I really need a Disney Fix. We'll see.
Also, I plan to take my parents to Disney in the fall as a small token of appreciation for having taken me so many times in my life.
Not to mention being such wonderful parents in general.

With that, I now return you to our regularly scheduled trip report.


After seeing sufficient amounts of animals doing animal stuff,
(Basically eating and resting… actually not unlike human stuff),
The Safari wait time was up to 30 minutes.
So, we took a stroll down the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail.
I really love the walking trails because, unlike the safari, you can go at your own pace.
You can actually stop and watch and photograph without being jerked out of your shorts by a suddenly rampaging safari jeep.
Plus, they're usually not overly crowded since so many people skip them.

Meerkat R Cool.

Next up… Everest. I just couldn’t hold out any longer. I needed my fix.
Nothing was going to stand in my way short of some DiVine intervention!

She is sooooooo cool.

We grabbed some fast passes for our expedition since the wait was a little on the high side,
And headed on over towards DinoLand to kill time until our return window opened.

This park is just breathtaking to look at.

Soon we will be together!

As you can see…

…It was packed

We did a quick whirl on Primeval Whirl,
A ride which just brings out the giggles in me for some reason,
Before boarding our Time Rover to head back into “Dinosaur Times”
And save our beloved iguanodon Aladar.
Take that Mrs. Huxtable!! You can’t stop me!

Oddly, I have no ride photo, so it must have been pretty uninteresting.
Or I was just anxious to get back to Everest.

Anyway, we saved Aladar…….. AGAIN…
Seriously, every time I ride this I have to save this dino.
How does he keep getting back into the past?
Can’t somebody keep an eye on him when we bring him back?
We risked our lives here!

Finally the wait was over and our Everest fastpass window was officially open!

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeee

I... love... this... ride!


TO BE CONTINUED…​

 

[Queenofallthings]

I just poured myself a cup of coffee with a little Bailey's in it to enjoy my St. Patrick's Day morning and your TR!!!

Shanleigh and I did Pangani last trip and we looked at each other and asked why we don't do it every trip...to which I replied, cause you always want to be on a ride!! Like you, EE, is her favourite ride!

I love that you're gonna book a trip last minute...good for you!!! And the trip where you're planning to take your parents brought a tear to my eye...that, or I put too much Bailey's in my coffee! My sister and her hubby took my parents in 2004 and they loved it! I know they would have loved to have gone back but it wasn't to be

Hope you enjoy your Sunday!

 

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

Great AK day! Can't wait to see more of your wonderful photos. That Picture of you with Divine made me do a double take. Someone who didn't know about her would think you took a photo next to a bush!

 

[emmysmommy]

And a very Happy St. Patrick's day to you too! I choose to celebrate with a nice beef brisket, hold the cabbage please!

Ha ha! "Take that Mrs. Huxtable!" You're funny! I am always fascinated when I see a celebrity (quasi celebrity?) stumping for Dis. Now, I fully endorse Gary Sinise for Mission space - he just fits that part so well. Anyways... back to YOUR TR.

Do you notice for the Pangani Trail thing that when you get to the gorillas - it has a smell? Yeah, that's what I notice after seeing these amazing creatures?? But they are fascinating even if they exhibit the same characteristics as seeing my hubby snoozing in front of the TV!

That is so very nice of you to treat your folks to a Disney trip.

 

[teekathepony]

Happy St. Paddy's day to you! (<-- He's green, he's celebrating!)
I also love the walking trails in AK, I always take my good ole' time with my camera.
Your Everest pics made me want to be there RIGHT NOW!

 

[natebenma]

A great morning at AK continues!

Your pictures on the trail are amazing! The hippos are beautiful. No, seriously! Fantastic photos!

The gorilla shots are also incredible- such expression on his face.

Killing time in Dinoland- good thing that you didn't add time to your EE wait by going back to the past.

Because, what a fun ride!!!


Looking for a place where someone might appreciate this, and I think this is just the spot! And it goes with one of your pictures:

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I just poured myself a cup of coffee with a little Bailey's in it to enjoy my St. Patrick's Day morning and your TR!!!

A great big for a little Bailey's in the morning.

Shanleigh and I did Pangani last trip and we looked at each other and asked why we don't do it every trip...to which I replied, cause you always want to be on a ride!! Like you, EE, is her favourite ride!

I had to laugh at at this. That's too funny... but it's true. Tell Shan she has awesome taste in rides.

I love that you're gonna book a trip last minute...good for you!!! And the trip where you're planning to take your parents brought a tear to my eye...that, or I put too much Bailey's in my coffee! My sister and her hubby took my parents in 2004 and they loved it! I know they would have loved to have gone back but it wasn't to be

Certainly nothing is certain yet, but I'm hopeful. There is a sweet fare next week for $360 direct (which is amazing for here), but just too near to pull the trigger. So I'm hoping to see something similar for when I can go. Fingers are crossed.

I'm definitely looking forward to taking to rents down. It really came about so out of the blue. When I was at their place on Christmas morning, I put on the Disney Christmas Parade (since Christmas isn't Christmas without the Disney Christmas parade), and my father just mentioned that "when he wins the lottery he'd like to go back one more time". That's when I decided to do just that!

Hope you enjoy your Sunday!

Thank you. I did.

Great AK day! Can't wait to see more of your wonderful photos. That Picture of you with Divine made me do a double take. Someone who didn't know about her would think you took a photo next to a bush!

Thank you so very much! I really appreciate that a great deal.
Haha, I know. It's so funny to watch people... "Why is everybody looking at that tree". Then she moves. It's so hysterical!
It's funny too because I went so many times to AK and never saw her. On this day, she seemed to be there every time we went through her area.

And a very Happy St. Patrick's day to you too! I choose to celebrate with a nice beef brisket, hold the cabbage please!

Hey Brenda! Thank you, and welcome back over to this side. Not a fan of cabbage myself.

Ha ha! "Take that Mrs. Huxtable!" You're funny! I am always fascinated when I see a celebrity (quasi celebrity?) stumping for Dis. Now, I fully endorse Gary Sinise for Mission space - he just fits that part so well. Anyways... back to YOUR TR.

Haha, yes I know, the celebs are everywhere. My fav is actually Patrick Warburton at Soarin'. He just cracks me up. "Nice work Pal!" It gets me every time. Everyone else is just waiting to ride, and I can't take my eyes off the screen. I'm like, "People be quiet, Puddy's talking!"

Do you notice for the Pangani Trail thing that when you get to the gorillas - it has a smell? Yeah, that's what I notice after seeing these amazing creatures?? But they are fascinating even if they exhibit the same characteristics as seeing my hubby snoozing in front of the TV!

OMG, that's too funny. Yes, they do indeed have an aroma. But darn if I couldn't keep watching them all day.

That is so very nice of you to treat your folks to a Disney trip.

Thank you for that. I really hope it comes to pass. Plus, I can actually takes notes and stuff to do a PROPER TR. I'll bet Em takes you down one of these days!

Happy St. Paddy's day to you! (<-- He's green, he's celebrating!)
I also love the walking trails in AK, I always take my good ole' time with my camera.
Your Everest pics made me want to be there RIGHT NOW!

Ha, I love it. And a perfect green thumb ups back at you.
Aren't the trails wonderful? More people need to do them.

Thank you. OMG, yes I want to be there right now too!

A great morning at AK continues!

Your pictures on the trail are amazing! The hippos are beautiful. No, seriously! Fantastic photos!

The gorilla shots are also incredible- such expression on his face.

Aww, thank you Dee. Honestly, thanks so much. If I had planned to do a TR I probably would have focused even more on the photos so that really means a lot to me.

Killing time in Dinoland- good thing that you didn't add time to your EE wait by going back to the past.

Because, what a fun ride!!!

Haha, I know, right? I never considered that. I'll pretend that you actually come back at the exact moment that you left, so no time lost. Yes, EE is just too fantastic!

Looking for a place where someone might appreciate this, and I think this is just the spot! And it goes with one of your pictures:

That photo is priceless. A mere cat... awesome. Thanks for posting that!

 

[SimplyGoofy]

I know I've done both trails on previous trips, but I made a point to spend time on both of them during my last Disney-venture. I agree that they're a great highlight, and I don't understand why people skip them either?! Not only are the animals fun - the details along the trail are incredible!

Hooray for Everest! I love that ride.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I know I've done both trails on previous trips, but I made a point to spend time on both of them during my last Disney-venture. I agree that they're a great highlight, and I don't understand why people skip them either?! Not only are the animals fun - the details along the trail are incredible!

Hooray for Everest! I love that ride.

I know right? The trails are amazing even without the animals. But if people want to skip it, all the more room for the rest of us!!

Hooray for Everest indeed!

 

[danimaroo]

I am soooo with you on Expedition Everest! It's my favorite and I find the theming to be unreal. They did such an amazing job with that ride as a whole, seriously.

I love doing the Trails at AK! The park is so beautiful but like you said, it seems like a lot of people forget about them! Oh well, their loss and our gain, right?!

DiVine is awesome! I know some people find her creepy or whatever but I find her really neat to watch.

Glad I'm not the only one who says "weeee" because I'll sometimes throw one out in the middle of EE just for giggles, hahaha.

 

[Marsheliz]

Wow- What a cool encounter with the hippo under water.. that is super cool!

AK did seem pretty dead, LOL.

Ya'll totally rocked it out on the coaster!

 

[khertz]

That would be so great if you were able to swing a solo trip!

I really don't know why people skip the trails, they are one of our favorite things to do at AK! One time we spent at least 20 minutes watching the hippos. You got some great photos of them by the way. Last trip they were in the water way to the back so you couldn't really see them all that well. And DH loves the meerkats, he could watch those forever I think.

EE is probably my second favorite roller coaster after RNRC, but it is still so amazing! And you can get some great views of the rest of WDW from the top.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I am soooo with you on Expedition Everest! It's my favorite and I find the theming to be unreal. They did such an amazing job with that ride as a whole, seriously.

Dani, it is mah-veh-lous indeed. A true work of art.

I love doing the Trails at AK! The park is so beautiful but like you said, it seems like a lot of people forget about them! Oh well, their loss and our gain, right?!

I'm not sure if they forget them or just aren't interested. Either way... more for us

DiVine is awesome! I know some people find her creepy or whatever but I find her really neat to watch.

She kinda is creepy the way she moves, but in a good way. She just fascinates me.

Glad I'm not the only one who says "weeee" because I'll sometimes throw one out in the middle of EE just for giggles, hahaha.

Bahaha, I know, I can't help it. It's just so fun, how can you not?

Wow- What a cool encounter with the hippo under water.. that is super cool!

The hippos surprised me too. That's the beauty of the trails... you really just never know what your going to get.

AK did seem pretty dead, LOL.

That's the thing about AK... Everyone is usually at the Safari or Everest.

Ya'll totally rocked it out on the coaster!

I do me some Everest!

That would be so great if you were able to swing a solo trip!

I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Not the end of the world if the flights don't drop, but any opportunity to go to Disney, I'm in.

I really don't know why people skip the trails, they are one of our favorite things to do at AK! One time we spent at least 20 minutes watching the hippos. You got some great photos of them by the way. Last trip they were in the water way to the back so you couldn't really see them all that well. And DH loves the meerkats, he could watch those forever I think.

I love the trails, often going through them at different times because you just never know what you're going to see. Thanks for the kind words on the photos too.

EE is probably my second favorite roller coaster after RNRC, but it is still so amazing! And you can get some great views of the rest of WDW from the top.

I think that's one of the reasons I love it so much. The views are spectacular.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

ANIMALS, EXPEDITIONS, AND A FIREWORKS FINALE!
Day 3 – October 10, 2012 Part 3​

​

We left off having just finished our first Everest expedition of the day, but certainly not the last.
After this expedition was complete, we grabbed another set of fast passes and then grabbed some lunch at Yak & Yeti quick service.

This is one of my favorite QS on property.
Sweet and sour chicken and rice in a tub? Ummmm, Yes Please! Delicious and extremely filling.
It’s a LOT of food.

Plus, it's something different than the traditional burger/fries combo.
The only thing I can criticize is that it can be tough to find a place to sit when it’s busy.
And, all the seating is outdoors, which can be uncomfortable when it’s hot.
It's still some yummy eats though.

We let our food digest a bit before walking back to Everest for another run.

I just love Everest! I know… Shocker!
It’s so incredibly well done that even a Bee Gee groovin’, Saturday Night Fever obsessed Yeti can’t ruin it.
There may be more extreme "thrill rides" in the world, but nobody touches Disney creativity and attention to detail.

We grabbed yet another set of fast passes for later (note the pattern) and then stopped into It’s Tough to Be a Bug inside the Tree of Life.
It's so hard to believe this thing is an oil rig! Amazing! It’s so nice to see Disney recycling.

I love this show mostly because I so enjoy watching and listening to everyone else.
It’s pretty easy to spot the first timers.
It's not my favourite show (Philharmagic takes that honour for me), but for audience reaction, it's hard to beat.

I know it scares little kids, and I never feel good about that, but watching everyone jump and squeal in here just entertains me.
I just can’t help it.
And oh do they jump and squeal!

Nothing says entertainment like watching people shriek like a little girl as a variety of critters make their way beneath him.

Pure… Evil… Joy.

After being thoroughly entertained by the squealing masses (Katie being one of them), we made our way to what is arguably the best show in all of Walt Disney World.
If you guessed,

“How many people can they squeeze onto this Disney bus?”

You’d be close. Certainly that's awesome and entertaining to watch too.

But I’m talking about The Festival of the Lion King.

We strolled on to Camp Minnie-Mickey and got in line for the next show.
When we were let in, we were seated in the Lion section.
RAWR!!!

This show is so beautiful, and the performances and the vocals are truly world class.
These guys and gals sing their faces off!
Katie absolutely loved it. LOVED IT!

I particularly love the fact that they don't try to recreate the movie.
It really is its own story.
I honestly think they could sell separate tickets for it and people would still go.
It's that good.

If you haven’t seen it, see it! That’s all I can say.
Plus, you learn the sound a giraffe makes.
What more could you possibly ask for?

After singing and dancing with Elephants, Giraffes, Lions, and Warthogs, we decided to head back to Asia for another ride with the Yeti.

Yeah, we like this ride!

Before that though, we took the Maharajah Jungle Trek; another area that gets skipped a lot.

I’m trying not to cheat and use photos from prior trips, which is why I have only one from this particular trek.
I know… “L” to the “AME”.

It was hot out so the animals just weren’t particularly interesting on this particular trek.
Hey, it happens.

It's what makes the trails so cool. Every time through is different. Sometimes you win, and sometimes you don’t.
The trails are beautiful regardless.

Then finally it was off to Everest…

Again.

TO BE CONTINUED…​

[/B]

 

[katt789]

FOTLK, multiple EE rides and FOOD. All my favorite things in one place! I accept!

I do not accept it's tough to be a bug, I will NEVER sit through that, just no, NO, I would not do well in there and probably cry. Haha.

Glad Katie enjoyed FOTLK! Obviously you know it's my favorite thing ever.

Also, for your parents trip in fall do you know when you're going yet? Or just "fall"?

 

[emelee1053]

We left just before you arrived. Can't wait to hear what you thought of MNSSHP. I loved it! Being from Maine, though, I keep listening for the "aye"... (it's a regional thing) . I'll be following along. Thanks.

 

[natebenma]

More fun at AK!

Good to see you got another shot or two at EE!

We haven't had lunch at Yak & Yeti QS. Sounds good, but my family has been going to Tamu Tamu- The Restaurant that Guests forgot. Nobody seem to know it is there on the corner of where the path from Asia meets Africa.

Too funny about It's Tough to Be a Bug. It seems innocent enough, but I have never heard more screaming and crying at Disney than at that show. My boys still won't go back from their first time when I failed to warn them about the stinging seats.

The Lion King show is just spectacular! The songs are awesome, the performers are beyond talented and the sets and costumes are beautiful!

The picture of the tiger is timeless, so no problem adding that into the report, even if it wasn't exactly taken during this trip.