Adopted ducks + Wild Africa Trek + seriously great food= an AWESOME trip! The end p10

[PhoenixStrength]

Love the pictures. I went to Tom Sawyer Island on my first trip about 14 years ago, but never since. I meant to last year but never found the time. I have to make sure I do the next time, since it has been a while.

I hate mushrooms too, but don't know if I would be brave enough to try the soup anyway. But good for you that you like it!

 

[407-W-DISNEY]

maybe its the texture of the mushrooms you don't like and when they are pureed you don't mind them????
The soup does look yummy....

boo to the grumpy taxi driver

 

[aprilisis]

Yay for having made it over to Tom Sawyer Island. While there's not a whole lot to do over there, it's a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of the park itself.

The pictures of the boat ride to the Polynesian as well as those of the resort are beautiful. We took the boat over to the Poly and it was so nice and relaxing.

I always get tickled when I hear you say that you hate mushrooms but love the mushroom soup at Artist Point. I don't know how that works either.

Thanks so much for the great photos you posted of TSI & from TSI- I don't think I ever would have gone there if it wasn't for you. Now I want to visit during every trip!

I've never been to Tom Sawyer Island either. I'll have to try it one of these days! And the Wilderness Lodge looks gorgeous in your photos. My cousin said its one of her favorite places to stay at Disney World.

TSI was cool- it was almost like not being in the park. I love WL, too. It is so pretty & I love the boat transportation to & from MK.

Tom Sawyer's Island is one that I haven't done in a few trips. By the time we think about it, it's about time for them to close it down.

Great Poly pics! Ooh, and the food pics from WL, I looove mushrooms so both of those dishes would have been simply devine.

Thanks! I'm telling you- that soup is a "must do" for me now!

Love the pictures. I went to Tom Sawyer Island on my first trip about 14 years ago, but never since. I meant to last year but never found the time. I have to make sure I do the next time, since it has been a while.

I hate mushrooms too, but don't know if I would be brave enough to try the soup anyway. But good for you that you like it!

I think the soup tastes more truffle-y than mushroom-y. I didn't eat any of the mushrooms in the entree- but the sweet potato gnocchi was very good.

maybe its the texture of the mushrooms you don't like and when they are pureed you don't mind them????
The soup does look yummy....

boo to the grumpy taxi driver

I don't know what the deal is with the soup. Maybe they put some addictive substance in it. Seriously- that and the egg rolls on the path from Africa to Asia in AK....I literally have to have them both on every trip now.

 

[KatMark]

Great Main Street photos at the MK (love the balloons). In over 20+ visits, we have never been to Tom Sawyer's Island either (not even when the boys were young and probably would have enjoyed it ).

Your pictures of the Poly are spectacular. I really do miss that resort, but just can't justify the cost.

 

[aprilisis]

Great Main Street photos at the MK (love the balloons). In over 20+ visits, we have never been to Tom Sawyer's Island either (not even when the boys were young and probably would have enjoyed it ).

Your pictures of the Poly are spectacular. I really do miss that resort, but just can't justify the cost.

Thanks! TSI was cool- it was almost like not even being in the park.
I have to admit- I'm spoiled as far as resorts go. If I had to buy more tickets for people or more food for other people while on the trip, I wouldn't splurge on the resort. This trip, in particular, I did splurge on the "Theme Park View" because of the awful winter we had.

 

[aprilisis]

As you can see, I tried to photograph fireworks, but there were 2 palm trees in the way. I kept thinking that I would get another chance to photograph them, but it never happened.

Continued in next post...

 

[aprilisis]

I ended up watching the America's Next Top Model finale, called my mom to check on Isis, then crashed.
You guys are going to kill me. I have NO photos from Thursday- AT ALL. I woke up & got breakfast at 1900 Park Fare. I had an omelet with peppers, onions, tomatoes, & cheese- and a ton of fruit. I was happy to see they had the jungle juice there, too- I'm hooked on that stuff! I didn't take my camera with me because I kind of wanted to just relax & not think about taking pictures of everything. I took a bus from the GF to DHS- I waited less than 5 minutes for a bus! I went straight to Star Tours & got a fastpass. I went into the standby line & waited about 10 minutes. I am a big Star Wars dork. I absolutely love the movies, so I was really excited to go on the updated attraction. It was awesome. It is a HUGE improvement! It looks better, they incorporate many of the characters, and the ride seems a little more smooth to me. After Star Tours, I walked over to Tower of Terror. Tower of Terror is one of my favorites. I rode once, then headed over to do the animation class. I arrived about 2 minutes after one class went in- and I waited the 28 minutes for the next class. I was the first one waiting & I was determined to do it this time. I tried on the last 2 trips, but never made it. Our class drew Donald. It was so fun! I really enjoyed it & I'm definitely going to do it again. My Donald didn't turn out too well- and the photo quality is a little poor (I took this with my phone):

After the class, I waited for TSMM. The wait was about 50 minutes- I really didn't mind waiting, but I couldn't help but think they should have a single rider line. More phone photos:

TSMM was a blast as always. At this point, it was time for my FP for Star Tours. It was completely different from the last time, so I was happy! I exited the park & took the boat to Epcot. I actually took the boat to Yacht Club & walked to Epcot. I went to La Cava & got some guacamole & chips. It was the best guacamole I have had that I didn't make myself. If you like guacamole, you have to stop in & try it. At that point in the day, I was overheated & I knew I had to go back & shower before dinner at Jiko. My friend actually decided (if you remember from my PTR) last minute to fly in & hang out for a few days. She actually had a ton of travel issues, but we made it to dinner on time. I have no photos. Sorry!! I don't even remember what I got, but I ordered from the vegetarian menu. My friend got shrimp. She also ordered dessert, but I didn't. We ended up chatting for a while, then I went back & got some sleep.

The next morning, I was still up bright & early:

My friend convinced me to join her at Universal & IOA on Friday, so I did. So we would remember where we parked:

We got there a little after opening & headed right to Universal. We paid the extra for the Express pass (or whatever it's called). We walked right on to Hollywood, Rip, Ride, Rock it. Now- she told me her eyes were closed the whole time!!! I love that coaster. My only complaint is that it is too short.

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[Soopafly]

Great trip report! Really enjoying it so far, had to post just because we are big Poly fans and are also hoping to book the Wild Africa Trek shortly. Your trek photos are fantastic and I am a little jealous lol. I am a newbie to the SLR stuff and only have the 18-55mm kit lens so far. Do you think that would be suitable enough to take on the trek or would a good point and shoot be better? The point and shoot has 12x zoom and something like 14mega pixel and is what I usually take to WDW. Also, how did you secure it to yourself? I had heard that you couldn't bring big cameras unless you could strap it to your vest.

Anyways thanks again!

 

[PhoenixStrength]

Wow, Universal looks dead in those pictures! I went there last November while I was at Disney, but did almost nothing. My sister flew down for the day because she is a huge HP fan, but rode the Buckbeak rollercoaster and then complained and refused to ride anything else all day, so we left early.

Can't wait to read the rest!

 

[aprilisis]

Great trip report! Really enjoying it so far, had to post just because we are big Poly fans and are also hoping to book the Wild Africa Trek shortly. Your trek photos are fantastic and I am a little jealous lol. I am a newbie to the SLR stuff and only have the 18-55mm kit lens so far. Do you think that would be suitable enough to take on the trek or would a good point and shoot be better? The point and shoot has 12x zoom and something like 14mega pixel and is what I usually take to WDW. Also, how did you secure it to yourself? I had heard that you couldn't bring big cameras unless you could strap it to your vest.

Anyways thanks again!

Thanks!! I am new to the SLR camera, too, so I know how you feel! I think you will definitely want the zoom on WAT. You get pretty close to the Crocs, but everything else you will want the zoom for. If you take the point and shoot, I think you can keep it in your pocket. I did notice other people in my group with a point and shoot. I just had my SLR camera around my neck. I'm surprised the strap held up, but it did really well. If you go on the trek, be sure to post photos!!

 

[aprilisis]

Wow, Universal looks dead in those pictures! I went there last November while I was at Disney, but did almost nothing. My sister flew down for the day because she is a huge HP fan, but rode the Buckbeak rollercoaster and then complained and refused to ride anything else all day, so we left early.

Can't wait to read the rest!

Thanks! Oh, man! That is the worst of the 3 rides in WWoHP!! The Forbidden Journey is the best ride I have been on in years, though. You have to go back & do that. Even if the wait is an hour- it is SOOO worth it! The queue outside is boring, but once you're inside, the waiting is half of the fun.
Universal was totally dead that morning, but IOA was PACKED- especially in the WWoHP area. It was almost impossible to get through the stores & even to just walk around.

 

[mickeystoontown]

I know that the view of the fireworks wasn't the absolute best but I kind of like the palm trees in the pictures. It looks cool.

I wish I could make myself go an entire day without taking pictures. I bet I would be more relaxed but I just can't do it.

Yay for your friend arriving and ya'lll having a nice dinner together. Hopefully her travel woes weren't too terribly bad.

Universal Studios looks deserted? Where are all the people?

 

[wdwgirl03]

You sure got some great pictures. I love the ones of the Polynesian. Makes me miss it there so much.

Wow, where are all the people at Universal? Probably at Islands of Adventure. I just saw one of your responses and I totally agree about FJ. It is an AWESOME ride. I was so afraid to try it but am so glad I did!

 

[Chaitali]

I'm thinking of trying to get some firework photos from the Poly beach when we're there in October. Was it pretty crowded out there during firework time? I love the morning shots at the the Poly.

We were at DHS that same day! But we went over in the afternoon since we were at the MK in the morning but saw that Star Tours was having a soft opening We loved the new ride!

I absolutely know what you mean about not wanting to take the camera sometimes. In addition to being heavy, its nice to just be in the moment for some things.

 

[407-W-DISNEY]

Hi April,
I agreee with Lisa....having the Palm trees in the pictures is cool.....gives it a different perspective...

Wow, Universal was dead!! Glad your friend met up with you.

guacamole is yummy!!! I'll have to check it out....that the Tequila bar inside Mexico, right?

That's ok you didn't take pictures one day....it's good to just go with the flow and not worry about capturing anything!

 

[PhoenixStrength]

Thanks! Oh, man! That is the worst of the 3 rides in WWoHP!! The Forbidden Journey is the best ride I have been on in years, though. You have to go back & do that. Even if the wait is an hour- it is SOOO worth it! The queue outside is boring, but once you're inside, the waiting is half of the fun.
Universal was totally dead that morning, but IOA was PACKED- especially in the WWoHP area. It was almost impossible to get through the stores & even to just walk around.

I have actually been on Dragon Challenge before (before it was re-themed for WWoHP) and unfortunately FJ was down that day. I did get to walk thru Hogwarts in the que, but the ride itself was shut down all day!

 

[aprilisis]

I know that the view of the fireworks wasn't the absolute best but I kind of like the palm trees in the pictures. It looks cool.

I wish I could make myself go an entire day without taking pictures. I bet I would be more relaxed but I just can't do it.

Yay for your friend arriving and ya'lll having a nice dinner together. Hopefully her travel woes weren't too terribly bad.

Universal Studios looks deserted? Where are all the people?

Thanks! Universal is so deserted on weekdays at 9am- it is great!
My friend had to take the subway to the airport- it broke down. Then she had to take a cab & it got stuck in traffic for hours. I guess she *just* made her flight!

You sure got some great pictures. I love the ones of the Polynesian. Makes me miss it there so much.

Wow, where are all the people at Universal? Probably at Islands of Adventure. I just saw one of your responses and I totally agree about FJ. It is an AWESOME ride. I was so afraid to try it but am so glad I did!

Thank you! The Poly is so peaceful & pretty. I love all of the vegetation.... & the Dole Whip!
All of the people definitely were at Islands of Adventure! All of them were CRAMMED into WWoHP!

I'm thinking of trying to get some firework photos from the Poly beach when we're there in October. Was it pretty crowded out there during firework time? I love the morning shots at the the Poly.

We were at DHS that same day! But we went over in the afternoon since we were at the MK in the morning but saw that Star Tours was having a soft opening We loved the new ride!

I absolutely know what you mean about not wanting to take the camera sometimes. In addition to being heavy, its nice to just be in the moment for some things.

I was in the Tahiti building which is closest to the TTC, so it wasn't too crowded there. I'm not sure about the other areas, though.
I still regret not taking at least my point and shoot. I have no photos from DHS this trip. There's always November, though!
It's so funny that we were in the same places on the same days. I wonder if we crossed paths.

Hi April,
I agreee with Lisa....having the Palm trees in the pictures is cool.....gives it a different perspective...

Wow, Universal was dead!! Glad your friend met up with you.

guacamole is yummy!!! I'll have to check it out....that the Tequila bar inside Mexico, right?

That's ok you didn't take pictures one day....it's good to just go with the flow and not worry about capturing anything!

The guacamole is in the tequila bar inside Mexico. Have a jalapeno margarita, too.
Universal is great at opening. This is the third time I have gone at 9am, and every time every ride has been a walk on.

I have actually been on Dragon Challenge before (before it was re-themed for WWoHP) and unfortunately FJ was down that day. I did get to walk thru Hogwarts in the que, but the ride itself was shut down all day!

That stinks that it was shut down! You seriously have to go back & go on FJ. Dragon Challenge (when it was Dueling Dragons) made me dizzy. I have no idea why, though.

 

[aprilisis]

After that ride, we walked on the Mummy twice. That is one of my favorite rides. We continued on to Men in Black, then the Simpsons. The Simpsons ride is so fun- I just love it!

We watched Shrek after that, browsed some of the shops, then headed to IOA.

I stopped for some fries because I was starving. We were making our way over to the WWOHP and I knew we would be in line for a little while. That area of the park was packed as it always is. We only waited for about 30 minutes to get on the Forbidden Journey. My friend wanted to go on "Flight of the Hippogriff"- but you know it is one of the 2 attractions that Universal just renamed for the Harry Potter section of the park. It is a really lame and short kids coaster. We rode that & my friend said "wait...that was IT??" We both had a bunch of laughs about that through the rest of the trip.

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[aprilisis]

We walked through the rest of the park- we only rode Spiderman & shopped. It was very warm and I think that made both of us run out of steam pretty fast.

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[aprilisis]

We went back to the Polynesian & took the monorail over to Epcot EMH after taking a little break. At this point, we were both starving, so we went to Mexico for some guacamole & chips. We ate a few different things from WS. I tried the pizza from Via Napoli (counter service) and I hate to say that it was NOT good. It was cold & didn't have much sauce on it at all. I bet the pizza in the actual "sit-down" restaurant is better. But I also have to say that I've been spoiled by pizza in the Northeast. The falafel in Morocco was great- this time I asked for extra Tahini, so it wasn't too dry.

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