Celebrating w/D23 as they turn 1! March 10: TR finished! Relive the Magic! updt 11/18

[MyMuse]

I loved Jellyrolls when I went back in December. It was so much fun, even if it made me realize that I'm getting older. I just don't have the stamina to stay out late anymore.

I can still stay out, just not every night for a prolonged period of time. Then, I need alot of this

So glad to hear you enjoyed JellyRolls Looking forward to hearing more about the tour

Yes, should be coming up tonight! I'm finished with yardwork for now, so I can concentrate on this TR.

So glad you had fun at Jellyrolls; I'd love to try it! Question: we have been to dueling piano bars where they change the words to the song to make it more "adult." Do they do that at Jellyrolls (i.e. would I be embarrassed to be there with my parents)?

No, not on my night. I never heard of Jellyrolls doing that though, so I don't think you have anything to worry about. It may not be owned by Disney, but it's still a family place.

I did have a good time and so far, my trip in October does include a night out at Jellyrolls again. I still haven't bought my air, so it still can be cancel-able until I do.

 

[BippityBoo]

Wow! The bus system is crazy sometimes!! I am glad you finally made it---sounds like a great dinner. COOL pics of Jellyrolls! Always wanted to try it

 

[MyMuse]

THURSDAY, MARCH 4 - AK AGAIN!

So, my first day is over and I wake up at 6:40am to get ready for my Backstage Safari tour! I got dressed in my safari outfit, but wish I had a neato hat to complete the outfit. I was out for 7:30am to head back to Animal Kingdom for 8:30am start time for the tour.

good morning! waiting for beastly kingdom bus to a backstage safari tour!
7:42 AM Mar 4th

I only waited a few minutes and I was the only person on the bus!!! And my driver was super talkative. I got there around 8am, so I decided to take advantage of time and do a hidden mickey search. This was hard, there is supposed to be HMs by the ticketing gates, but heck if I could find them!

...is the only person on the beastly kingdom bus!
7:48 AM Mar 4th

is always wearing a cute safari outfit - i wish i brought a safario hat too....
7:50 AM Mar 4th

this may or may not be a HM by the ticketing gates

I did check-in for the tour and started tour with CM Paul. Very Good! It was all backstage, so there are no pics to show you for the morning.

I'm official now!
8:20 AM Mar 4th

After the initial hello (& rules), we loaded up in a van since it was so cold. I rode shotgun with Paul (solo advantage?). Our first stop was the Elephant Barn. After, we cleaned our shoes; we walked up to the second level of the Barn. A big male was still in his stall and the other stalls were being cleaned out. We also got a talk about the them, their tusks, Disney’s birthing/breeding program, etc. As a side note, no more baby hippos can be born at Disney because they reached their quota.

We also had 2 other Disney CMs shadowing us, Paul’s boss and some other person. CM Paul said he’s been with AK since it opened, practically created the program, but these other CMs were just hanging about. We stayed awhile here.

We headed back to the van and went to our next stop, the Vet Hospital at Rafiki’s Planet Watch/Conversation Station. Unfortunately, no operations going on and could not go beyond the one room because the vets were having a meeting. The cool thing was that we were behind the glass watching people watch us.

Next we head to the Nutrition Center, which is in the same area. We saw what the animals eat – in their original frozen state! – was kinda icky. We were able to see some of the workers preparing the next day’s food. It is all very regimented and controlled. For every animal you can think of! We were again behind the window at Conversation Station looking through the glass watching people watch us.

After finishing at the Nutrition Center, we stopped at the Education Center for a snack. While walking there from the parking lot, CM Paul answered a question by me that migratory birds do indeed come to this back area, so they built birdhouses on top of the parking lights. My snack consisted of a granola bar (of course!) and hot chocolate in my souvenir travel mug. There was tea and a bit of coffee as well.

While eating and relaxing was able to talk a bit to CM Paul’s boss as he showed us a one of the leaves on the Tree of Life. As you can imagine, it was quite large… and plastic. Very hard plastic. LOL! He also explained that the leaves never fades or bleaches in the sun. Disney owns the patent and will not release it. The leaves have yet to be replaced. This was one of the times I wanted to get my camera out! Plus, the snack room was pretty spiffy too.

Afterwards, we went back into the van, parked in the back of the Safari ride for our own private version. CM Paul didn’t do the script, so we were able to be told about the various animals in our path. He was just as entertaining though. Did you know the chains on the ride are supposed to keep hoofed animals away from the tracks? There are fences around the entire property, so animals aren’t really roaming out there, granted the acreage is thousands. And the “upside down tree” is a “Disney” tree. Sorry, people, it’s not real! And obviously not the ostrich eggs or termite piles. LOL!

now that we r back "on stage" we r going on a private kili safari ride!
10:54 AM Mar 4th


we did elephant barn, vet hospital, nutrition ctr-we rode all over backstage in a warm comfy van!
11:01 AM Mar 4th

We saw a baby giraffe! CM Paul also pointed out all the animal trails and where they come in and out of their barns into the Safari. Also, that the wheels are sprayed with water since they rub against the side so much.

baby giraffe!

animal trail back to their barns

bad guys camp-site!

has concluded her backstage safari tour! it was great! i was able to tell tour leader that baby gorilla is a girl! 2 funny!
11:50 AM Mar 4th


After the private Safari, he led us to Tusker House to fill out survey and I gave him one of my thank yous. I thought this was a little weird as Safari & tusker are not exactly next door to each other and didn’t tell us anything until we got to Tusker House. What happens if I didn’t want to fill out a survey and I wanted to go on with my day?

 

[scottny]

Hi,
Great tr so far. The backstage tour looks like fun. Enjoying the pics.

 

[dawnbu40]

Glad you enjoyed the tour

The private safari sounds awesome

 

[jenseib]

Love the picture of the elephants. The baby looks like he is taking a drink with his nose in his mouth. How cool.

 

[disneychic]

Yay So glad I found your new TR! I read your Christmas TR and LOVED IT! Now I'm hooked! I wish I had your TR writing talent! Glad to hear of your clean bill of health I've had my share of serious health issues (4 invasive breast surgeries in the last 3 years). So, I know how hard that can be. Looking forward to the rest of your report!

 

[praisehisname]

The Backstage Safari tour sounds cool! Another thing to add to my "someday" list...

 

[MyMuse]

Wow! The bus system is crazy sometimes!! I am glad you finally made it---sounds like a great dinner. COOL pics of Jellyrolls! Always wanted to try it

It was really neat and you can be as involved as you want. We just enjoyed it and sang along. Definbitely on the list to do it again.

so far, the bus system has been ok with me. For some reason or another, I just got completely turned around. There should not be so many stops!

Hi,
Great tr so far. The backstage tour looks like fun. Enjoying the pics.

Thank you!

Glad you enjoyed the tour

The private safari sounds awesome

It really was nice! I enjoyed it so much!

Love the picture of the elephants. The baby looks like he is taking a drink with his nose in his mouth. How cool.

I need to stop taking photos during the Safari and just look at the animals, but they are always so cute!!!

Yay So glad I found your new TR! I read your Christmas TR and LOVED IT! Now I'm hooked! I wish I had your TR writing talent! Glad to hear of your clean bill of health I've had my share of serious health issues (4 invasive breast surgeries in the last 3 years). So, I know how hard that can be. Looking forward to the rest of your report!

Hi!!! and Thank you very much!

I'm not completely done with that one yet! LOL! So glad you enjoyed it.

So glad you are feeling better! for me, so far, so good. I have to do another physical in July per doctor's orders, but it should be fine.

The Backstage Safari tour sounds cool! Another thing to add to my "someday" list...

LOL! Sorry!

 

[MyMuse]

I last left you as I was completing my survey for CM Paul about the Backstage Safari. It was a great tour and if you are interested in the workings of Animal Kingdom, I would highly recommend it.

As we were finishing, I decided to stay for the dance lesson in front of Tusker House. It is really fun to watch!

it's time for a dance lesson!
11:52 AM Mar 4th

at least they tried...

Afterwards, I decided to visit Camp Minnie-Mickey for some Hidden Mickey hunting. As it turns out, they were doing last call for Lion King, so I veered off and watched that.

Seriously, this is the best way to see the show. I was directed to enter through the exit and a light was placed to see my row. I sat down and powee! Show started. Now, this will not work if you want to be in front row, but it was fine by me. To me, Nemo show is still the better of the two, but I still enjoyed watching this.


oohhhh ...I'm a giraffe at lion king show!
12:05 PM Mar 4th

my section at fest of lion king show
12:12 PM Mar 4th

do NOT try this at home!

Best part of this, since we were last out, I was able to catch this….

there's NO WAY I would have been able to see this HM any other way!

The CMs were tickled pink that I wanted a pic of the HM and I think had the float wait a second for me to take the pic.


here's a closer look at the float!

Afterwards, I commenced my HM hunt at ...

Pretty decoration on the refreshment stand, right?

looooook closer! it's only on one panel!

Some area pics of the bridge area: sooo cute!

No HMs above, but there was in the walkway next to it, but I couldn't get near it since some peeps were standing there and never moved off. Next time!

Nice area pic, right?

yup, a HM waaaaay up there!

and a side profile HM by the entrance of lion king...took me awhile to find this one!

Afterwards, I go.....

 

[jenseib]

What fun pictures. I loved the Lion King show. But have yet to see Nemo. Hope to someday.

 

[dawnbu40]

All your Hidden Mickey pictures have convinced me that we have to get a HM book for August

We saw Lion King twice that trip and I must say that it is almost like seeing a different showdepending on where you're seated so next time you go you might want to try and catch it from another vantage point.

Nice update!

 

[MyMuse]

What fun pictures. I loved the Lion King show. But have yet to see Nemo. Hope to someday.

Thanks! Nemo is just a great show! Very Broadway quality.

I like Lion King show, but Nemo to me is the much better show.

and if you have lunch at Tusker House, you get reserved seating!

All your Hidden Mickey pictures have convinced me that we have to get a HM book for August

We saw Lion King twice that trip and I must say that it is almost like seeing a different showdepending on where you're seated so next time you go you might want to try and catch it from another vantage point.

Nice update!

Hidden mickey hunts are the best! I still have more to find, I'm sure for next time.

The last few times, I haven't gotten there early enough to pick my seat. This last time, we were told where to sit, since the theater was already dark.

I wanted to say that I've been the lion & giraffe sections.

Thank you so much for reading everyone! I *meant* to do another update (or few updates), but time completely got away from me.

 

[praisehisname]

Great update! I love the HM on the float, so cool you were able to get it!

 

[MyMuse]

After my fun-filled HM hunt through Camp Minnie-Mickey, I went off to Asia to see if I can catch Devine, but got Flick instead.

Flick decided he wanted a photobook for lunch...

I also took some PP pics (of course!) and yet more area pics.

nice area pic.....

..with a one-legged duck!

Meerkat!

By this time, it was my ADR for lunch at Tusker House! Since this was lunch, I also received a reserved seating voucher for the 3:15 showing of Nemo. I checked in outside and had just enough time to watch another dance lesson. One even posed for me! LOL!

my buddy

VIDEO - Tusker House dance lesson


Afterwards, I went into the back area of Tusker House to wait & took more area photos.

it's time for lunch at ....
1:34 PM Mar 4th

I was called into Tusker House, got my seat, some food and took even more area pics. It wasn’t overly busy, so it was very relaxing.

view from my seat

food area

ceiling of food area

closer look

The food was very good. I know most of the reviews are positive about Tusker House and it is most definitely true.

I tried to have a little taste of almost everything – there was pork tenderloin marinated in coffee!, several kinds of rice, salmon, curry chicken, breads, corn nuggets, mashed & roasted wedge potatoes. My favorites were the chicken curry, salmon, roasted wedge potatoes and rice.

my lunch - with my Backstage Safari cup! at Tusker House
1:56 PM Mar 4th

Speaking of Backstage Safari, I answered this tweet about the tour:
no white rhino on my backstage safari tour - the mom rhino is still too skittish for visitors...
2:20 PM Mar 4th


I never did finish this fantastic food as I wanted to leave room for dessert. I chose taste of a brownie, spicy carrot cake, bread pudding with glaze and fruit cobbler. I also didn’t finish, but all the desserts were very well made. Delicious!

dessert at tusker house
2:32 PM Mar 4th

ceiling above my head!

I was so stuffed (& $26.42 lighter!), I practically rolled out of the place, but I had a very important date!

 

[If U Had Wings]

The safari sounds great. It's definitely on my "one of these days" list. I just need to go more often to fit everything in.

 

[MyMuse]

Great update! I love the HM on the float, so cool you were able to get it!

The only reason was because I answered the last call for Lion king and where I was sitting was right there. It was Karma.

Do't know if I can make that happen again!

The safari sounds great. It's definitely on my "one of these days" list. I just need to go more often to fit everything in.

It as a really nice tour. I'm glad I did it. Plus, there a discount for Visa / AP holders. It did last from 8:30-just before noon so it does take a big chunk out of an AK day.

 

[dawnbu40]

Glad you enjoyed your meal at Tusker House! Isn't the theming there great?! So many details to enjoy!

Also-thanks for the nice words on the Illuminations thread

 

[MyMuse]

At this point, I was hightailing over to the Nemo Theater for my 3:15pm show. My fav! PLUS my BFF and goddaughter were going to join me there.

My BFF had no idea when she was able to arrive at the park, so we winged it. I want to say she called a few times and while I was eating, so I told her just to go to the Theater. Thankfully, she found it but she was nervous about it! LOL!

at Finding Nemo show! love love this!
3:06 PM Mar 4th

I arrived at the theater and they were already there but I sat in my nifty reserved seating and was able to get them to join me. It wasn’t exactly busy, so it was no big deal, plus the show was about to start. So, my goddaughter came to my side, found me in my row (which was empty, I was sitting next to the ramp) and ran into my arms! Love that girlie girl.

my goddaughter and her mom
my gorgeous goddaughter is seeing Nemo first time!!
3:10 PM Mar 4th

I just think Nemo is great! And my goddaughter LOVED it, plus we kept our eye out for the floating Nemo across the bubbles on the stage. It kept her entertained. Of course, I took pictures and a couple of videos through-out the show.

..in a big blue world....
3:26 PM Mar 4th

at the ramp!

enraptured!

VIDEOS:I tweeted them out

dude where's my kid?
3:54 PM Mar 4th
http://twitvid.com/B84BF

..just keep swimming....
3:49 PM Mar 4th
http://twitvid.com/DBFE2


Afterwards, we spent the rest of the day at AK together. We stopped to see some monkey trouble on our way out of the theater, you know we had to do a PP! and then went over to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. The train ride is very nice and you do get to see a bit of backstage where the animals lay their heads.

The PP were so-so..

When we got to Planet Watch/Conversation Station, we saw Vet Hospital & Nutrition Center from the other side this time and made some small talk with the CMs.

on the train....

arrival!

hospital/nutrition area..

to be continued!......

 

[PrincessCaitlin]

Great pics of the Nemo show! I can never get good pictures of the show

Your goddaughter is adorable!

Can't wait to hear about the rest of your day!