City, Sand, and Savanna - Link to new trip report

[englishrose47]

Glenn needs a BUMP!!!!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

All caught up! One of these days I have to try Boma. I'd go just for that prime rib you pictured.

We loved those lanterns in front of Kidani too. Such a cool area.

 

[glennbo123]

Sorry for my absence from my own thread for a little while here folks! Work’s been a little busy, and I fully intended to get another chapter posted over the holiday and well, you can see how that went. I’ve also been trying to stay caught up (or get caught up!) on some of your threads...sometimes it’s a choice between writing or reading. I know that I’m overdue for some replies, so let’s get to that.

 

[glennbo123]

My Dad always told me "If you can dish it out you better be able to take it !!!

Anyone who says that has done some dishing. And yes, Ive said that myself.

Hey I think I should get appoint for every time I've done it !!!

Well of course you do!

Thank you!

Youre getting pretty good (whoops, let me say it in Texan), I mean purty good with those smilies.

i do enjoy my wood smoker.

We visited some friends yesterday and the husband had just smoked a brisket and fed us some. Hes just learning to use the smoker and was disappointed that he didnt take the meat out a little earlier, he thought it got a little too dry, but it tasted good to me!

 

[glennbo123]

I know I have been MIA for a while but I am back and all caught up. Thanks for sharing the Boma review. We haven't been there for quite a while, but I always enjoy it. Since we only have one ADR currently for our October trip, and that one can be easier to get, we might end up there.

Sounds like the trip is still progressing well and looking forward to the next chapter.

Hey, no problem, I’ve been a little MIA here myself. You can’t go wrong with Boma, in my biased opinion. How long will you be at WDW in October?

Glenn needs a BUMP!!!!

Aw, thanks for thinking of me Rosie!

All caught up!

Hey, you’re back! Where can we go to read about your trip? I’m sure it was fantastic!

One of these days I have to try Boma. I'd go just for that prime rib you pictured.

You’ve gotta try it Cap’n. I know you wouldn’t be disappointed. The question might be, how much would your kids eat? It’s always discouraging to pay buffet prices if they just get chicken fingers. But yes, someday you must try it!

We loved those lanterns in front of Kidani too. Such a cool area.

Very picturesque, very relaxing. Aahhh, I just slouched down in my chair in a little lower.

 

[glennbo123]

7:45am. That's what time I woke up in our Kidani suite back on June 28, 2012. I swear, 7:45 is like sleeping in when you're at Disney, right? But after a few days of hard park touring, my body was taking advantage of that nice bed and very dark room. Sleeping in like that though, there'd be no time for the fitness center or jogging or a workout video being played. (Under my breath, I yelled Woohoo!) But hey, we'd been hoofing it around the parks so much, who needed more of a workout than that?

Today was to be our Epcot day, but...
I don't remember when the concerns started being raised, but by this point the kids could see the week winding to a close and there were some "must do's" in their heads that they weren't sure were going to be met. They voiced their concerns which were: 1) they wanted to ride Expedition Everest, which was down when we were at Animal Kingdom earlier in the week, and 2) Marlene wanted to give The American Idol Experience casting another shot. So, today we'd switch things up a little bit. We quickly devised a plan which made everybody happy, and it went like this: I'd accompany Lauren, Marlene, and James to Animal Kingdom at rope drop and we'd ride EE. (Rope drop was important if we were going to have time for all of this park-hopping.) Then I'd accompany Marlene over to Hollywood Studios for another try at the American Idol audition. After that, we'd all meet up at the World Showcase at Epcot. It was a "Plan B" put together on the spot, but it was actually a pretty good plan. In addition to satisfying the kids' wants, it gave Gram and Poppy a leisurely morning after a few fast-paced days, and it gave Judy some time to say goodbye to her sister and nephew as they got ready and packed their car to head home. Basically, we were trading-off some time in Future World at Epcot, but that was okay -- Test Track was closed for refurb, and Soarin' is not a must-do for us (sacrilege, I know!). But best of all, the new plan gave me a (figurative) whip to crack to get these kids moving! C'mon, let's go!!

Breakfast consisted of cereal and Starbucks Via coffee, and the kids and I were at the bus stop at 8:45. We had a little bit of a wait for a bus, but arrived at Animal Kingdom at about 9:10. We had to laugh going through bag check, because one of the security guys was announcing all of the types of bags that required guests to go through bag check. "If you have a bag. If you have a purse. If you have a backpack." He ended by saying, "If you think its a bag...".

Then we were horrified by the huge crowd at the turnstiles. Sorry, no picture...we were too busy springing into action!

And here's where Glennbo redeemed himself with his park knowledge. (Thank you Disboards!) We zipped into the Rainforest Café and simply walked through to the turnstile that almost no one knows about!

The kids were practically skipping and laughing as they approached the completely empty turnstile!

Emerging into the park on the other side, I took a shot of the crowd that we had just bypassed.

The kids were like, "Yay, Dad! That Disboards stuff finally paid off!" Yeah, finally!

Okay, now it was time to fast-walk to Expedition Everest.

I'm sure this will turn out to be one of those "you had to be there stories", but somewhere around Discovery Island we zipped past a mother who was at a counter-service restaurant (maybe Isle of Java). Right at the very moment we passed, she yelled back to whoever she was with asking, "Do you want anything?" Marlene replied (just as loudly), "No, thank you", as we speed-walked by. She really wouldn't mess with a stranger like that, so I'm sure that in that split-second she really thought that she was being asked. We laughed about that the rest of the way to Everest.

We arrived at Expedition Everest only to be greeted by more delays!

For some reason, Expedition Everest had a delayed opening. Cue the Price is Right loser music: Ba da ba ba daa, waaaaah.

Of course we still got some fastpasses.

We decided to line-up at the single rider entrance even though no one else was there yet, and the ride hadn't even opened. (I think we may have seen some trains make a run or two, testing the track.) While there, we got to meet cast members Heather and Amy and had a great time talking with them. We learned that the ride was down the day we were there earlier in the week because of bamboo debris on the tracks, not just from rain itself. I guess the storms were harder than I thought.

Then we started talking about the theming of the area around Expedition Everest.

I'm sure I read about most of these items in my "Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World" book, but they were things like:

• The amount of wood on the rooftops indicates wealth.
• The prayer flags are replaced by bells when worn (in reality).
• Red paint, such as appears on the heads of some of the figurines in the queue, indicates danger.
• The backpacks, like those that hang in that area where we had taken refuge from the rain a couple of days earlier, really are from Everest. Climbers shed them as they make their ascent, and these were really picked up and brought here by Imagineers.
• The Anandapur ice cream truck is original except for the murals of EE and Kali River Rapids. It was supposed to be located near Yak & Yeti, but where it is is as far as it got. (I forget, did the wheels give out or something?)
• The ladder in Bob's office, in the EE queue, is original and they made copies of it.
• And they said that for a more intense ride on Expedition Everest, look at your left foot when going backwards. And on the drop, cross your arms and legs.

This picture of the Serka Zong Bazaar demonstrates what they were saying. The merchant would've been wealthier than others, so there's quite a bit of wood on the roof.

We finally got to ride, a little before 10am.

Even though cast members Heather and Amy had just told me to cross my arms and legs for the drop, I was contemplating whether to follow my DIS-friend Nory's advice and in addition to holding up my arms...pick up my legs for the drop! I wasn't sure if I'd try it or not until I got there, and I did it...awesome! Thanks Nory! And I reached the end of the ride only 3 cars behind where I started. (Just kidding, of course! )

Unfortunately, since we went through the single rider line, we all got split up and I only got a picture of our last rider, Lauren.

Here's a picture of some of the bamboo that was damaged by the storms earlier in the week.

continued in next post
Link to next post

 

[glennbo123]

continued from previous post

With the delayed opening of Everest, one ride was all that Marlene and I could spare before getting her over to DHS, but Lauren and James wanted to ride a few more times so we gave them the fastpasses and then Marlene and I headed for the exit. We went through the Rainforest Café on the way out too. By 10:15 we were at the bus stop, and arrived at DHS at 10:35.

On our way in, I saw my favorite Streetmosphere performer, Dorma Nesmond. No, wait, excuse me...the Divine Dorma Nesmond. My fan-dom stems from the interaction I had with her back in this chapter from my last trip report.

We had to keep moving, but I paused to take a picture of the crowds on the street. Marlene gave me a Daaaad!

Okay, okay. On we went to the American Idol audition. This time, I thought to take a picture of the songlist if anyone is curious of the choices you have. For your first song you can sing anything you want, but if you are asked to sing a second song, you have to pick one from this list.

Then we were let in and met our auditioner, Katie. Katie greeted us and asked Marlene if she'd ever auditioned here before and Marlene said that she had a couple of days earlier in the week.

Then Marlene sang a song called "River" by Lights.

Katie said that the song she chose didn't have a lot of melodic range and sounded difficult to sing live. Then she talked about how important song choice is for an audition. She didn't request a second song, probably due to Marlene auditioning a couple of days earlier. And that was it. It was a much harder let-down than her previous auditions, which I feared, but what're you going to do? I think that the outcome was set as soon as she said that she'd already auditioned that week. Oh well.

Pretty dejected, we started to leave the park in order to meet up with everybody at Epcot. We saw some Streetmosphere performers on our way out.

I love the KPUT (as in "kaput") call letters.

I saw Dorma again, and even though her back was toward me, I yelled out "Dorma, you're my favorite!"

She swung around and in her most sultry voice said, "and you're my favorite."

She didn't miss a beat. Love her!

We decided to take a new route of transportation for us, the Friendship boats from DHS to Epcot. Of course though, as we approached the dock a boat was just pulling away. We passed a little time by feeding the fish at the boat dock some Chex mix crumbs. The ducks soon joined in. After waiting about 10 minutes, another boat arrived for us.

We got off at an early stop so that we could walk around the Boardwalk resort a little bit.

Walking through the resort, we were able to beat our boat to the stop at the Boardwalk and then waited for it to take us the rest of the way to Epcot.

Up next: Reuniting to take on the World! (ahem, Showcase)
First, a diversion to Mahtha's Vinyahd

 

[marvali]

0 Judy's plus 0 judy's = 0 Judy's!

 

[glennbo123]

0 Judy's plus 0 judy's = 0 Judy's!

Were you stalking me the whole holiday weekend?

Correct!


Updated scores

Marvin - 18 Judy-sighting wins, 8 Eagle Eye points
Pat - 6 Judy-sighting wins, 2 Eagle Eye points
Mark - 4 Judy-sighting wins, 2 Eagle Eye points
Dee - 4 Judy-sighting wins, 1 Eagle Eye point
Rosie - 4 Judy-sighting wins, 2 Eagle Eye point
Dan - 3 Judy-sighting wins, 3 Eagle Eye points
Kelly - 3 Judy-sighting wins
Katharina - 3 Judy-sighting wins
Magdalene - 2 Judy-sighting wins, 1 Eagle Eye point
Mary Ellen - 2 Judy-sighting wins
Jenn (elphie101) - 1 Judy-sighting win, First Subscriber Honors!
Tanya - 1 Judy-sighting win
Molly - 1 Judy-sighting win
Kathy - 1 Judy-sighting win
MissLiz - 1 Judy-sighting win
Andy - 1 Judy-sighting win
sesame_123 - 1 Eagle Eye point

 

[marvali]

Nice updates! Isn't it great for that DIS knowledge to actually pay off!!!

Marlene's spur of the moment interaction turning down the lady's offer for something is just too funny!

Nice "insider" CM info about EE. And I can't wait to try out some of those ride tips!

Sorry about the AI audition outcome. I know Marlene was really disappointed. The songs you get to sing.......do they provide you with the words or do you have to have them all memorized???

 

[marvali]

Were you stalking me the whole holiday weekend? [/B]

Actually I did see that Rosie was trying to call you out for an update, and knew you hadn't posted lately, but other than that I spent almost no time on the DIS this past weekend. I just happened to check the App on my phone and your update popped up on top of my list. It appears Mark is back and has been busy this morning, so I figured he would be all over it before I could log on with the computer to look at the pictures and put in my guess.

Another case of really lucky (I mean GREAT of course) timing!!!

 

[eandesmom]

Awww, poor Marlene! That had to be really really hard the 2nd time, first one bad enough. Major props for trying again!

I had no idea you could cut through Rainforest Cafe to a turnstile, need to file that tidbit away, very valuable info!

Glad you got at least one ride on EE in and very fun that you did the Nory version, another thing I need to remember!

 

[Poolrat]

Stop making the storms come ion over here so I can get some DIS time in - I mean get caught up at work.

Great plan B. I do like hopping from park to park when I have an eclectic mix of things I want to get done.

Good job with the Rainforest entrance, and getting off at the Swolfin to beat the boat. The path the DHS is not too bad either, you can pick it up around the other side of the boat dock and it brings you along the back of the Boardwalk.

and of course Dang it !!!!! Storms here and general chaos kept me from keeping an eye on you .... I mean checking in to see if another update was posted.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Hey, you’re back! Where can we go to read about your trip? I’m sure it was fantastic!

We had a great time! We're still sorting through 2,358 pictures (I am not making that number up) so I can get them uploaded to google storage. Then the TR can begin.

You’ve gotta try it Cap’n. I know you wouldn’t be disappointed. The question might be, how much would your kids eat? It’s always discouraging to pay buffet prices if they just get chicken fingers. But yes, someday you must try it!

My daughter would give it a go. The boys...well, they're a work in progress.

Now to go and read your latest update.

 

[englishrose47]

Actually I did see that Rosie was trying to call you out for an update, and knew you hadn't posted lately, but other than that I spent almost no time on the DIS this past weekend. I just happened to check the App on my phone and your update popped up on top of my list. It appears Mark is back and has been busy this morning, so I figured he would be all over it before I could log on with the computer to look at the pictures and put in my guess.

Another case of really lucky (I mean GREAT of course) timing!!!

Sure Marv, you are too busy keeping TABS on Glenn's updates to post on anyone elses , including your own !!

 

[englishrose47]

1 Marlene in first post and 3 in second !~~~

 

[englishrose47]

I am storing that RainForesst Café tip for future needs !!Thanks Glenn!!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Sleeping in like that though, there'd be no time for the fitness center or jogging or a workout video being played. (Under my breath, I yelled Woohoo!)

Aw, golly gee willikers.

But hey, we'd been hoofing it around the parks so much, who needed more of a workout than that?

That's how I've always rationalized it.

It was a "Plan B" put together on the spot, but it was actually a pretty good plan.

Sounds like it would work pretty well.

Soarin' is not a must-do for us (sacrilege, I know!).

And here's where Glennbo redeemed himself with his park knowledge. (Thank you Disboards!) We zipped into the Rainforest Café and simply walked through to the turnstile that almost no one knows about!

The kids were practically skipping and laughing as they approached the completely empty turnstile!

I will admit, I had no idea that existed.

We arrived at Expedition Everest only to be greeted by more delays!

For some reason, Expedition Everest had a delayed opening. Cue the Price is Right loser music: Ba da ba ba daa, waaaaah.

Aw, come on...

I'm sure I read about most of these items in my "Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World" book, but they were things like:

• The amount of wood on the rooftops indicates wealth.
• The prayer flags are replaced by bells when worn (in reality).
• Red paint, such as appears on the heads of some of the figurines in the queue, indicates danger.
• The backpacks, like those that hang in that area where we had taken refuge from the rain a couple of days earlier, really are from Everest. Climbers shed them as they make their ascent, and these were really picked up and brought here by Imagineers.
• The Anandapur ice cream truck is original except for the murals of EE and Kali River Rapids. It was supposed to be located near Yak & Yeti, but where it is is as far as it got. (I forget, did the wheels give out or something?)
• The ladder in Bob's office, in the EE queue, is original and they made copies of it.
• And they said that for a more intense ride on Expedition Everest, look at your left foot when going backwards. And on the drop, cross your arms and legs.

Very cool stuff. Suddenly the delay doesn't seem so bad. I don't think I'll try that left foot thing, though. The backwards part messes with my head enough as it is.

Katie said that the song she chose didn't have a lot of melodic range and sounded difficult to sing live. Then she talked about how important song choice is for an audition. She didn't request a second song, probably due to Marlene auditioning a couple of days earlier. And that was it. It was a much harder let-down than her previous auditions, which I feared, but what're going to do? I think that the outcome was set as soon as she said that she'd already auditioned that week.

Aw, that stinks. Poor Marlene. I think a Dole Whip could cure this despair, though.

I love the KPUT (as in "kaput") call letters.

I saw Dorma again, and even though her back was toward me, I yelled out "Dorma, youre my favorite!"

She swung around and in her most sultry voice said, "and youre my favorite."

Very nice!

Walking through the resort, we were able to beat our boat to the stop at the Boardwalk and then waited for it to take us the rest of the way to Epcot.

Wow! I had no idea the boats were that slow. Um, I mean, I'm sure you're a fast walker and all.

 

[KatMark]

Way to come up with a new plan and have it work, Glenn. Glad you didn't have to wait too long for EE. Sorry that Marlene was disappointed again. But I give her all the credit for giving it another try!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Oh, and I can't let the chapter title go without saying:

Glenn, just when I think you can't possibly be any dumber, you go and do something like this...










....AND TOTALLY REDEEM YOURSELF!