Anything could happen but I am going to Disney! An August 2023 PTR (new TR link 09/22)

[pkondz]

Amazing what they can do with animatronics these days.

I would love to do one of the animal tours afterwards and am debating between the Caring for Giants or the Up Close with Rhinos. Have you done either one of these tours? Which one would you pick?

I'd definitely pick Rhinos. You can touch one vs seeing an elephant from a distance, albeit nearer one than the safari.
Except getting a Rhino tour is easier said than done. I've never seen it not sold out.

I am thinking of checking out Harambe Market for lunch today as I have been hearing great things about their grilled chicken bowl.

That's good. I've been disappointed there twice.

I am also looking at Dawa Bar for a little beverage after going to the Lion King show. Any favourites here?

I haven't tried, but have my eye on the Ngumu Jungle Juice or the African Margarita.

Would you hop on the monorail to Epcot? Go to Disney Springs and hang out? Or just enjoy the simple pleasures of being at the Lodge and watch the Electric Water Pageant and call it a night?

Yes. All of the above.

 

[Wood Nymph]

We really enjoyed Caring for Giants. You can see more elephants than are visible during the safari.

 

[suse66]

Amazing what they can do with animatronics these days.

So are you in that camp? You're sure they aren't real?

I'd definitely pick Rhinos. You can touch one vs seeing an elephant from a distance, albeit nearer one than the safari.
Except getting a Rhino tour is easier said than done. I've never seen it not sold out.

I guess I will have to see how my luck holds out when reservation day rolls around.

That's good. I've been disappointed there twice.

Oh no! Recent trips? I am trying to branch out. Maybe I should try Flame Tree instead.

I haven't tried, but have my eye on the Ngumu Jungle Juice or the African Margarita.

Thanks for the recos!

Yes. All of the above.

Well, that's not helpful, lol!!

We really enjoyed Caring for Giants. You can see more elephants than are visible during the safari.

I do love elephants.

 

[pkondz]

So are you in that camp? You're sure they aren't real?

I guess I will have to see how my luck holds out when reservation day rolls around.

Good luck. Just out of curiosity, I tried to book as far out as possible. I tried for several days and there was no availability. I think if you have a resort reservation, you can book farther out than the 60 days, so maybe try to book when you're 60 days out, but for the last days of your stay? Maybe?

Oh no! Recent trips? I am trying to branch out. Maybe I should try Flame Tree instead.

Not recent. The last time I was in AK I didn't try anything there and the time before that was pre-covid... and don't think I tried anything that time, either.

Well, that's not helpful, lol!!

Sorry!

 

[Heatherhy01]

Next up will be what I affectionately call "The Bird Show"

I have never seen this show but have been hearing good things lately, I might have to check it out on our next visit.

 

[suse66]

I have never seen this show but have been hearing good things lately, I might have to check it out on our next visit.

I highly recommend it! On my Mom and son trip for my oldest's 21st, he said "Mom, the bird show is the best show!" Hope you enjoy it!

 

[suse66]

It's time for a 4 parks day!

I love a good 4 parks day and haven't done one for a while. Here's the plan of action...

* I will definitely buy Genie+ for this day.

* Start the day off at Hollywood Studios with must dos of ToT, MMRR and Slinky. Tall order, right? Also on the list is One Man's Dream (love it so much!) and the Frozen Sing a Long. Essential snack item is a carrot cake cookie and my must have character photo is with Sorcerer Mickey.

* Skyliner to Riveria for lunch at either Bar Riva or Primo Piatto depending on the weather. I am obsessed with the delcious grilled vegetable skewer here. So good!

* Skyliner to Epcot to check out some of the Food and Wine offerings. Must do's are trying for a post 1 pm boarding group for Guardians, Living with the Land, character photo with Daisy Duck, the Seas pavilion and Spaceship Earth.

* Back to WL for a nap/rest/ pool time.

* Animal Kingdom for the last 2 hours of the park day. Ride an evening safari, have a drink at Nomad Lounge and try to get on FoP before park close. Character meet with Chip and Dale.

* Hit the lounge at Sanaa for the bread service and the African white wine flight.

* Hop to MK for extra hours for deluxe guests ( will probably spring for a Minnie Van here) Watch HEA of course. Character meet with Mickey. Do as many rides a possible with park hours until 1 am.

* Boat back to WL and sleep!

​

 

[Wood Nymph]

I love being able to take the boat back to WL after the MK fireworks. It is goo d way to end the day.

 

[pkondz]

I love a good 4 parks day and haven't done one for a while.

Ambitious! I've never done that and not sure if I ever will. I've always thought it sounds like more work than it's worth, but I like how you've added in quite a bit of relaxation time and not trying to do "all the things".

 

[disneyAndi14]

Definitely seats and treats, Tinkerbell literally flew right over us. You can see the projections just fine on the upper part of the castle. It is so relaxing to sit, drink, and eat chocolate covered strawberries during the fireworks.
I have done all 3 and the crowded feeling and chaotic atmosphere with the pre and post was not my favorite.
Viewing from the hub is awesome for the projections. I suggest on your genie+ day, get a “FP” for the hub, super easy to get one. I saw these available every night we were there. That way you will have a truly magical and relaxing show seated and one from the hub as well.
We have done both the elephants and rhino tour, loved both. The rhino one is extra special because you touch the rhino, when can you ever say you touched a rhino, lol it was so cool!

 

[Ensusieasm]

Definitely seats and treats, Tinkerbell literally flew right over us. You can see the projections just fine on the upper part of the castle. It is so relaxing to sit, drink, and eat chocolate covered strawberries during the fireworks.
I have done all 3 and the crowded feeling and chaotic atmosphere with the pre and post was not my favorite.
Viewing from the hub is awesome for the projections. I suggest on your genie+ day, get a “FP” for the hub, super easy to get one. I saw these available every night we were there. That way you will have a truly magical and relaxing show seated and one from the hub as well.
We have done both the elephants and rhino tour, loved both. The rhino one is extra special because you touch the rhino, when can you ever say you touched a rhino, lol it was so cool!

Is “a fast pass for the hub” for fireworks?????
I haven’t heard of this. I thought that was only offered for the parade.
Is this something new I haven’t heard about?

 

[disneyAndi14]

Is “a fast pass for the hub” for fireworks?????
I haven’t heard of this. I thought that was only offered for the parade.
Is this something new I haven’t heard about?

Yes it is now on Genie+ for HEA. I saw it available on our trip we just got back from. Unless it just shows the time on the tip board but I think it was an option you could pick. Just like Fantasmic and Harmoniou.

 

[Ensusieasm]

Yes it is now on Genie+ for HEA. I saw it available on our trip we just got back from. Unless it just shows the time on the tip board but I think it was an option you could pick. Just like Fantasmic and Harmoniou.

This must be very new. None of the nighttime shows had genie+ LL when I was there in March.

 

[suse66]

I love being able to take the boat back to WL after the MK fireworks. It is goo d way to end the day.

The launch across Bay Lake is just so lovely!

Ambitious! I've never done that and not sure if I ever will. I've always thought it sounds like more work than it's worth, but I like how you've added in quite a bit of relaxation time and not trying to do "all the things".

I've done it a couple of times and it's really fun. Definitely something to do on a longer trip when you can sleep in and relax the next day.

Definitely seats and treats, Tinkerbell literally flew right over us. You can see the projections just fine on the upper part of the castle. It is so relaxing to sit, drink, and eat chocolate covered strawberries during the fireworks.

Siunds dreamy!

I suggest on your genie+ day, get a “FP” for the hub, super easy to get one. I saw these available every night we were there. That way you will have a truly magical and relaxing show seated and one from the hub as well.

That would be perfect! I love that they are offering such a great option for HEA now.

We have done both the elephants and rhino tour, loved both. The rhino one is extra special because you touch the rhino, when can you ever say you touched a rhino, lol it was so cool!

Awesome!! It's going to be so hard to pick!

 

[disneyAndi14]

That would be perfect! I love that they are offering such a great option for HEA now.

I maybe mistaken sorry It might only be in the Genie+ tip board to let you know the time of the fireworks. I never clicked on it so it might not be an option! I just went to click on it now and it just shows the time!

 

[Ensusieasm]

I maybe mistaken sorry It might only be in the Genie+ tip board to let you know the time of the fireworks. I never clicked on it so it might not be an option! I just went to click on it now and it just shows the time!

Unfortunately Fantasmic and the Epcot fireworks show also do not have genie+ LL

 

[suse66]

A perfect day for some R&R on day 5!

Afrer a busy 4 parks day the day before, the plan is for some serious pool time and relaxation this morning. You may know that there are cabanas at the Boulder Ridge Cove pool and I will be up super early to snag one of those.

The best part is these are free! Yes, I know this is unheard of in Disney but nontheless is true.
I will probably mobile order lunch from Geyser Point to enjoy pool side. No better way to spend a few hours!

In the afternoon I am planning to head to Animal Kingdom as I am hoping to book the Savour the Savannah tour! I have heard from several Disney friends including @disneyAndi14 that it is an incredible experience and I am looking forward to trying it for myself.



After the Savannah experience I may spend some time just hanging out in AK until park close. Alternately, I may hop to Epcot depending which band is playing for Eat to the Beat. Or simply head back to WL to enjoy my last evening there before moving to OKW the next day. We will see what the evening brings. What would you choose?

104 days to go!
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[disneyAndi14]

You will love the Savor the Savannah tour!
Hard call I would probably hop over to Epcot unless it is Saturday evening, usually really crowded!
The cabana relaxing and mobile order from Geyser Point is perfection!

 

[Wood Nymph]

The best part is these are free! Yes, I know this is unheard of in Disney but nontheless is true.
I will probably mobile order lunch from Geyser Point to enjoy pool side. No better way to spend a few hours!

The cabanas are really nice and it is great to have them be available for no charge! We've been lucky to find them available in the afternoons.

 

[pkondz]

You may know that there are cabanas at the Boulder Ridge Cove pool and I will be up super early to snag one of those.

I did not know that!

The best part is these are free! Yes, I know this is unheard of in Disney but nontheless is true.

Whoops! Little typo there. You wrote that the cabanas are free. Obviously a typo. Has to be.

In the afternoon I am planning to head to Animal Kingdom as I am hoping to book the Savour the Savannah tour! I have heard from several Disney friends including @disneyAndi14 that it is an incredible experience and I am looking forward to trying it for myself.