ADRs, Touring Plans, Free Dining, What?

[lazydoxy66]

We didn't make it to Peco Bill's this year but loved it last year. They had this peanut butter chocolate mousse desert thing that was to-die-for. The guys in my party loved the pulled pork sandwiches.

I didn't see that. If I had you would have seen it on my plate.

Love Peco's Bills, but they don't have the Taco Salad anymore

DId the HM for the first time in years this summer. Loved the changes

Sounds like they have been changing all the menus quite a bit. As far as the changes at HM, I didn't notice. It's only been 19+ years since I was on it. It is and always will be a favorite.

 

[Mrs. The King]

Great pictures! Pinchy Winchy? That sounds like a great one I love Doug's picture with he three fine looking ladies. I have never encountered them before and now I want to! Thanks for the updates, it was a fun read before work today

 

[xoktenox]

The food at Peco Bill's looked yummy, I def would have enjoyed that chicken wrap!

 

[Hoosier Mom]

Any additional thoughts on the drive down from Indiana? So you stayed overnight in Tennessee? I was thinking of trying to get to Macon and then stop. Thanks for listing the toll cost.

I'm considering whether to fly or drive. Our trip will be a winter one though. (Jan 2010). We'll have our son with us (will be almost 5 by then). So have to weigh the cost of 3 airline tickets versus the risk of slick roads until we get farther away from wintry weather.

Thanks for the trip report and all the pictures. What is toy story mania?

 

[DisneyJo]

That wrap is huge, did you manage it all?

 

[mickeysmyboy]

I love the picture of Doug with the stepsisters and stepmother!! Too funny!!!

 

[lazydoxy66]

Great pictures! Pinchy Winchy? That sounds like a great one I love Doug's picture with he three fine looking ladies. I have never encountered them before and now I want to! Thanks for the updates, it was a fun read before work today

Thank you! I'm glad I could put you in the right frame of mind for work.

The food at Peco Bill's looked yummy, I def would have enjoyed that chicken wrap!

It was very good. I expected to be dissappointed at least once with the Quick service places. Didn't happen.

Any additional thoughts on the drive down from Indiana? So you stayed overnight in Tennessee? I was thinking of trying to get to Macon and then stop. Thanks for listing the toll cost.
I'm considering whether to fly or drive. Our trip will be a winter one though. (Jan 2010). We'll have our son with us (will be almost 5 by then). So have to weigh the cost of 3 airline tickets versus the risk of slick roads until we get farther away from wintry weather.

Thanks for the trip report and all the pictures. What is toy story mania?

We stayed in Georgia at Cartersville, 8 hours from where I am here in Indiana. It is just north of Atlanta. If you go all the way to Macon you'll only be about 4 - 5 hours from WDW. Just remember, Atlanta is a bear to drive around or through during the day, especially during the week. It could add a considerable amount of time to your first day. We drove though it at 5AM. It was Sunday and deserted. A snow storm can put a crimp in your flight plans also.

Toy Story Midway Mania is the newest ride at Disney Hollywood Studios. It takes it's cue from 'Toy Story' and is a shooting gallery that awards you points for hitting targets on a 3-D screen. You are in a moving car that takes you from 1 screen of targets to another. The gun has a pull string trigger. You jerk on it to fire these balls from the gun. Your 5 year old will love it! I don't know how busy it will be come 2010. Right now it is very popular. Waits can get up to 2 hrs very quickly.

That wrap is huge, did you manage it all?

Yes I did. I think Doug ate 1 bite to try it. Boy was I full! If I had had a big breakfast, no way could I have done it.

I love the picture of Doug with the stepsisters and stepmother!! Too funny!!!

It is classic, for sure!!! I have it as my screen saver at work. I love it!!!

 

[lazydoxy66]

How's that weather treatin' ya'?

Remember that the weather man said there would be rain. I was beginning to think they were looking in the wrong direction. It was still a be-a-u-ti-ful day!

The natural path from Pecos Bill's leads you right straight to Pirates of the Caribbean. That rascal Captain Jack was entertaining the people. Please keep an eye on your wallets and rum when you are around this guy!

I think he was enlisting some youngin's for the pirate trade.

What can I say about PoTC? It still is one of my favorites. I like the 'Depp' connection. I was a good DISer and didn't bother anyone with my flash while on this ride. It was very tempting to take a couple a pictures though! I didn't want the Popo to run me off. My record is still clean at WDW and I am gonna' keep it that way!

Jungle Cruise - another classic! It hasn't changed much. Everyone knows all the jokes. But if they weren't there, it wouldn't be the same ride.

Our terrific guide was - Pat.

She even improvised a bit at the end of the tour. There were these ducks. Pat said that they were the only fakes on the tour - wind 'em up first thing and they run all day!

Another good shot of Cindy's Castle.

Can you take a bad shot of any castle? I think they kind of sell themselves even if they're out a focus.

On around the bend, we entered everybody's favorite area - Fantasyland.

Nobody pulled the sword out t'day!

We didn't see Philharmagic. Send all hate mail to Doug.

I'll hit it on the next trip. You know, my list of things to do on my next trip is already getting a tad large!
I absolutely had to ride It's a Small World. Silly, I know. But there isn't nothing at WDW that takes me back 30, u-hum, 20 years like this ride. This is the only good shot I got. I pretty much blew it with the camera in here.

A parting shot with the "Man" and his "Mouse".

Look at them skies! Aren't they gorgeous! Keep in mind that I took this shot at nearly 1:00PM.

As we were walking back toward the front of the park, Doug wanted to check out some of the shops. I noticed him gravitating towards the pins whenever he spied any. I was beginning to see a Disney pin monster develop. I am not lying!

When we got to the front, Doug had to do what Doug does best. Uh-huh, it was time to visit the throne room again. So I parked my carcass on a bench just in time to see this.

I don't think you can tell by the pictures but things was getting kinda grey and even dark over yonder! It was now 1:45PM. How quickly things change!

Our timing was perfect. Just as our bus pulled up, all heck broke loose. It was so windy it was pushing the rain sideways. Thunder and lightning was all around. I think I'll call this a pixie dust moment too!

Next: Day 5, Part 5 - Pinchy Winchy and Pixie Dust

The Boardwalk and Do they cancel the carriage ride if it rains?

 

[lazydoxy66]

The Boardwalk and Do they cancel the carriage ride if it rains?

We were back at the room around 2:30PM. Our reservations for Big River Grill and Brew Works were for 5:45PM. Here's the exciting part - Nap time!

After brief showers, both inside and outside the room, we got in the car and drove to the Boardwalk. Doug and I walked around a bit and looked in the shops. It was wet but the rain had stopped.

Beautiful Art in here.

The Dolphin

Beach Club/Yacht Club

I liked this shop.

Wanna know why?
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'Cause it is where I found this....

I was tired of waiting on Doug to realize it was our anniversary. I did show it to him and let him do the actual transaction just to make it look good. It set us back $133.13 total. I think that's a pretty fair trade off for 10 years of agon...., oops, I mean MAGIC!
This is Big River Grill and Brew Works (BRG&BW)

Inside

We were seated on the bar side.

It was modern and clean. Holly was our waitress. She told us the Chef's specials and explained everything to us. She was very nice and an excellent server!

I asked Doug if he wanted to try any of the beers. He just wasn't in a drinking mood. He ordered the Chef's Special - Steak Diane with shrimp. It came with asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes.

Doug's steak medallions were cooked to a perfect medium. He said it was the best steak he had ever had. He also loved the potatoes.

I ordered the New York Oscar (bernie's mayo and crab) with shrimp. It came with snow peas and garlic mashed potatoes.

Folks, I think I died and went to heaven. The rest of the evening is a blur. I haven't eaten this good since the county fair chili cook-off. I still can't believe this is free!
Ah, dessert!
Doug had the Chocolate Confusion and me, well, I was in the mood again for some cheesecake w/raspberry puree!

Both of these were as sinful as they looked.
Cost would have been $91.58. Let me tell ya - it would have been worth every penny. Do you see where I'm headed with this? You don't hear too much about this place. I'm telling you right now, you have to go. If I'd known how good it was going be, I would have booked it for our actual anniversary evening. Can you tell I was impressed!?

I probably don't even need to put this up but here it is....
We give it 5 of these
BRG&BW get's the highest honor I can bestow upon her - The Redneck Seal of Approval
1. I love the Boardwalk
2. I loved the food
3. It wasn't so fancy that you didn't know what you were eating and it was casual.

Now we got a date with a man and his horse. And guess what, it's raining again!
There was a bit of confusion as to whether or not the carriage ride would happen. I went to the concierge and asked about it. She said if they canceled, they wouldn't do it until about 15 minutes before it was to commence. ???????? OK and how will I know, will they call me? NO. So am I just supposed to hang around and see if he shows up? She gave me a number to call. Hmmmm. Alrighty then.
You see I had sent Doug back to our room with the car thinking it was probably canceled. I went outside and the rain had stopped again. I figured unless it was a nasty storm like earlier, the ride would go on. I gave Doug a call and he walked back to the main lobby.

Sure enough in about 15 minutes along come Steve and Dan. Dan was the horse.

This was a pleasant way to end an evening. Steve asked if we'd rather go around the river or POR. We chose the river. It was so peaceful after the rain. Just beautiful with the lights reflecting off the wet surfaces and river. It was also very romantic. I felt my heart flutter. Not because of Doug. Those mansions! Oh how I long to stay there. They are stunning at night.

One funny little ditty. Dan, the horse, is pretty set in his ways. Especially when it comes to potty time. Kinda like Doug. We had to pull off in some grassy area so he could, uh, you know, like a race horse. Steve said a couple later on would be blessed with the big dump! I'm glad we rode when we did.

It cost $35. Which I'm sure has been raised by now. Plus I gave Dan a $5 tip.
I'd like to end every day like this, but I couldn't afford it.

End of Day 5!

Next: Day 6, Part 1 - Walking Vines, Gorillas and Cheap Beer

 

[lazydoxy66]

Big River Grill and Brew Works Menu

River Roost

Nachos W/Beef Chili, Cheddar Cheese & Salsa...$8.49

Boneless Buffalo Wings W/celery... $7.99

BBQ Shrimp on Cornbread W/Cilantro Cream Sauce... $9.99

Onion Rings W/Dips...$5.49
We never got a chance to eat at the Roost.

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Kirstel! Those meals and that menu look soooooo good! Again your TR is making me hungry! I swear I could gain 5 lbs just reading!!!

 

[xoktenox]

I love the idea of the carriage ride at the end of the night, how romantical

BRG&BW sounds really good, it was on my "maybe" list for my trip in April but it got crossed out...I might have to rethink that one now!

Bummer that it rained but at least you made it to the bus right in time to get shelter.

 

[jcc0621]

Sneaked an update and didn't tell the Fockers...shame, shame!

ANother greatupdate. I lvoe the store on the Boardwalk too, it's never as chaotic as the other stores and you can just browse without feeling cramped.

Yours is the first good review I have red about the Brewery, but those meals have me thinking about it!

 

[lazydoxy66]

Kirstel! Those meals and that menu look soooooo good! Again your TR is making me hungry! I swear I could gain 5 lbs just reading!!!

It makes me hungry too. I've never had anything like that before. I mean with the special sauces. It was perfect.

I love the idea of the carriage ride at the end of the night, how romantical

BRG&BW sounds really good, it was on my "maybe" list for my trip in April but it got crossed out...I might have to rethink that one now!

Bummer that it rained but at least you made it to the bus right in time to get shelter.

The carriage ride was very relaxing. It was so quiet after the rain.

Sneaked an update and didn't tell the Fockers...shame, shame!

ANother greatupdate. I lvoe the store on the Boardwalk too, it's never as chaotic as the other stores and you can just browse without feeling cramped.

Yours is the first good review I have red about the Brewery, but those meals have me thinking about it!

Yeah I forgot to mention it, didn't I. I don't know if it was the timing or the fact that we sat on the bar side or just hit it on a good day. I thought BRG&BW was perfect. You know by this TR that I let you know if I don't like something.

 

[Diamondintheruff]

Sign me up for that chocolate confusion cake!

Love the watch too!

 

[DisneyJo]

Love your watch and good for you just buying it and not waiting for Doug

Your meal sounds lovely, I've only heard bad reports about it so it's a refreshing change!

The carriage ride sounds beautiful, a bit silly about the cancelation policy though!

 

[lazydoxy66]

Sign me up for that chocolate confusion cake!

Love the watch too!

Doug is the chocoholic. Me, not so much. I like a good candy bar just not the rich dark stuff. Kind of crazy for a woman to say that, huh?

Love your watch and good for you just buying it and not waiting for Doug

Your meal sounds lovely, I've only heard bad reports about it so it's a refreshing change!

The carriage ride sounds beautiful, a bit silly about the cancelation policy though!

I knew that watch had to be mine when I first laid eyes on it. It's unique. Not the typical Mickey. It does have a pinkinsh tone to it also which I liked.
I didn't like the way they handled the carriage thing, but what are you going to do. I would have called the number if they didn't show up on time.

 

[lazydoxy66]

Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008

Animal Kingdom Day

Forecast: What else, Hot and Rain.

This was the day I and Doug had been waiting for! Up and at um' again at 6AM. Still no Stitch. Doug always answered. Today it was some kind of music he said.
We had a quick snack in the room. I ran up to the main lobby and dropped off some 'Wish you was here' cards. POR sure is quiet at that time of the morning. We were at the West bus stop by 7:30AM. Guess what? The AK bus was there lickety split. Only one other couple was on it!

We arrived at the park at 8:05 AM. Again it is quite a walk to the entrance.

We had ourselves a seat and watched as families that were going to eat breakfast filed into the park. Some folks started to line up. I was over trying to be the first one in the park. ( If you are a Focker buddy go to the next paragraph or you might faint!)As the matter of fact, this was the first day I really, really felt like I was on vacation. I think there's just this switch in you that finally clicks. You are so used to timelines, and go, go, go, gotta do this and gotta do that. It just took me a bit to adjust to this don't gotta nothing, you know what I'm saying? We had such good luck with the crowds and our timing, I just had a mind to say 'who cares'? today.

They asked a family to open the park. It was cute. I guess that's why you want to stand up by the turnstiles. The rope drop was also cute with Minnie, Goofy, and Pluto.

Our fist look at the Tree of Life.

One of the colorful stores up in the front of the park.

Doug and I hung back and took the long way to Expedition Everest. We walked through Dinoland.

Doug got the FPs for EE and then we jumped in line. 5 minutes if you don't count the que area.

I liked it! I would have waited an hour for this one. It's a good thing I didn't have to!
We had an hour before our FPs would come around. Next we were going on safari! I snapped some pics along the way.

Harambi Village and the fruit stand.

I thought this was the most beautiful park I had ever been in. Even most zoos can't hold a candle to AK. It most certainly takes you away from the every day hub bub.
We were on Kilimanjaro Safaris at 9:36AM. We had only waited 5-7 minutes in line. I, like a true idiot, sat to the inside again. These photos were taken by Doug. In his defense, our CM guide never stopped the big honkin' safari mobile once, NOT ONCE. Getting a good shot was tough. Plus I usually do the photos so he didn't get much practice with my camera.

This one is for fellow DISer, Lessa and her ninja beating brothers.

Next: Day 6, Part 2 - Walking Vines, Gorillas and Cheap Beer
Holy Smokers - That thing just moved!

 

[lazydoxy66]

Holy Smokers - That thing just moved!

After successfully tracking down the smugglers while on the safari, which took us approximately 25 minutes, we decided to head back towards EE. We took our time and explored a bit.
While back in the village of Harambi, Doug was sucked into the void of this small stand.

One minute he was right next to me and the next he had veered off like some huge magnet had been turned on and was pulling some invisible steel that was tucked away in his shorts! I think it was his wallet. More pins! Dang, he's becoming quite the little Disney pin monster. You know how expensive some of those itty bitty pins are? They add up quick, I tell you what! He was especially interested in Goofy and Donald Duck. I wandered over and pretended I knew something about drums.

It was at this point in our wandering that I had noticed a certain 'character' hanging around the area. My keen observation would prove even more curious in a couple of hours. Hmmmm.

As we were walking the path back to EE, there was a child and a couple of other people standing in the middle looking at something to the right.

Doug is clueless at what I'm seeing. I said, 'Do you see her?' He takes a look in the direction I am pointed at and says, 'Huh?'.

I gave it a few more seconds as she started to move, slowly, kind of like a snake, very subtle-like. We all were entranced. Yep, that plant is alive.

It was too funny, because a lot of people had no clue and just walked on by. They must have thought we were all nuts. I felt sorry for them.

It was a hoot watching the kids as she snaked across the path to the other side. Mouths open, eyes wide. I hadn't told Doug about Devine. I didn't think we would be lucky enough to catch her performance. It was beautiful the way she worked her magic on all of us.

That was one sight I will never forget!

We were back on EE at around 10:15AM. I don't believe the standby was all that long. We used our FPs. It was even better the second time around!
EE is in the background here.

Primeval Whirl was down for upgrades while we were there so the next must do was - Dinosaur!

Pluto and Goofy - I don't know what they were doing.

The entrance to Dinosaur.

Yeah, I'm ready, bring it on!
This was my kinda ride! Dark, things jumping out at you, the world coming to the end - ARMEGEDDON!!!! Woo-wee! Oh yeah and did I tell you there was no wait. We should have ridden it again! But our bellies were growling.

The minute I told Doug about Flame Tree BBQ, he was hooked. It was just up around the bend from where we were. Of course we had to visit Dinoflush first.

You know it occurred to me that they are missing a great opportunity here. Think about how many people stand around waiting on their partners at this point. They should put up some beer troughs or mini canteens near every toilet. I'm just sayin'.

Flame Tree BBQ
Doug got the Pulled Pork Sandwich. It came with baked beans. $7.59 for OOP.

He said it was very good. I was impressed with the amount of meat on it.

I got some ribs!! Yes sir, let's see if these folks know what they are doing. It came with baked beans and a corn muffin. $10.49 if OOP.

Let me just say, I've had a lot a BBQ in my day. I have some friends that know how to cook up some mighty fine hog!! So I am a wee bit particular when it comes to ribs! The sauce was excellent-smokey and sweet- which I like. There was plenty of meat but it was a bit on the dry and tough side. The baked beans needed some more soaking as the were a tad hard yet. Excellent flavor though. The corn muffin - PFT! Just bland and dry. I am being completely honest here folks. If you know your BBQ (ie, Texas, Kentucky, Trailer Park, etc.) - get the sandwich and skip the ribs.
We also ordered some onion rings which we did pay for OOP - $4.04 with the tax. No pic of them. 50's PTC's were better but they weren't bad.

For dessert we both got the key lime pie. $3.59 if OOP.

I am not a fan of key lime pie. I didn't want the chocolate cake. I know, I'm a strange female. You aren't the first to tell me. This pie was #1 in my book. Creamy and cool, a perfect ending to the BBQ.
We would have spent around $33 total OOP. Again there was enough food on my plate to feed 2. I was stuffed.

I am going to say that the seating areas down by the water are the best place to eat your food. If you can ignore the birds. They never bothered us. Do not feed them! Ya'll hear me! Here some of the views.

Oops I think some of my kin decided it was laundry day. You can take the Rednecks our of the trailer park but.....

Decor on the gazebo.

A moocher

He's so ashamed of himself he won't even look at the camera.

Next: Day 6, Part 3 - Walking Vines, Gorillas and Cheap Beer
The Trail and The Stranger At Harambi

 

[lazydoxy66]

The Trail and The Stranger At Harambi

After our lunch, we decided it was time to walk some of it off. As we were headed to Pangani Trail look who I found...

Unfortunately the CM moved a bit. I should of had her take 2. Stitch was so cute. I showed him a pin I had stuck on my hat. It was of him, of course. He did a little jiggy and clapped his hands. I asked him if he liked BBQ. He jumped up and down and nodded his head. I told him we liked Flame Tree and he waved his hands and pointed to himself which I guess meant he did too. Then he grabbed my arm and waved goodbye to Doug as we strolled off. It was so funny. He had everybody in 'stitches'. Yeah, I know that was bad.

This is just before the bridge to Harambi. As we walked by Tusker House, I noticed that strange character again. Hmmmm????? I'll get back to him in a minute.

You know, I never read the sign until now. Yep, I can read! Ya smart alecs! I guess there are a few rules to follow. Now I see that I didn't do anything to call the Popo out for. Shoo!
It was around 1:15PM and there wasn't too many people back here.

There are lots of CMs around the exhibits. You can ask them anything you want to know. Some of them have some great stories.

They were just feeding the gorillas. We got to see 2 females and 1 big male close up.

This was fascinating. The CM said some of the younger males are fun to watch as they like to pick on each other. She said they are just like a bunch of teenagers showing off. We did catch a glimpse of them later horseing around but they were moving too fast and they were too far off to get any good pictures. They were playing what I would call 'tag', only their tag was one heck of a swat!
Here's a part of the ruins that is back by the tigers in the Maharaja trek.

We did get to see the tigers. They are beautiful creatures. I couldn't get a good shot of them, dang it!
Pangani Forest Trail and Maharaja are very nice. There are some exhibits inside these little shacks along the paths. There's also places to just sit fur a spell if you need to.
We marched on back to Harambi so Doug could do the do-do again. And there he was - again. This guy.

He must be some of Indy's kin. All I can tell you is he was here for at least 4 hrs. I'm not kidding! I have no clue what he was doing. The whole time I sat there, which you know by now was considerable, I never once saw anyone approach him. I was thinking he might be a tour guide CM, or a photographer dressed like that. I mean the dude looked serious. Maybe he was just a big fan of AK or Indy J. I guess I should have just taken my carcass over there and asked. Has anyone else seen him???

Next: Day 6, Part 4 - Walking Vines, Gorillas and Cheap Beer

Hidden Paths and My Favorite Disney Resort