Clearskies photographic Journey to the World and Beyond - 8 theme parks & much more

[clearskies]

After getting in some good entertainment from Katonga, we made our way out to explore more of the park. We next headed though a gorilla exhibit in a section called Myombe reserve.

******WARNING*****************
IF you happen to be eating you may want to stop reading at this time and come back later. If you have a hearty stomach and want to continue then don't say I didn't warn you!
******************************

While we were watching, the gorilla decided to provide the crowd some "entertainment" by regurgitating its food into its hand. That was unpleasant enough to watch. However, the gorilla next decided to kick it up a notch in the scale of gross things to see in an park. It then started to bring the reguritated food back towards its face. Oh, no you don't, you are not going to do that. Holey Moley, yes you are. It proceeded to re-eat the regurgitated food. Somehow it was strangely compelling to watch and you could not look away from this disturbing show. The reactions from the crowd were priceless. Supposedly this is not uncommon for gorillas in captivity to do this. I am going to spare you from any pictures of the actual recycling of the food. You can thank me for leaving them off this TR. I think the description alone was more than enough to share.

So what better thing to do after watching a gorilla gross everybody out than to go grab some lunch, right? We next headed to the Timbuktu section of the park to the Desert Grill. We had eaten there in our last visit and we found that there was a good selection and the food was decent. Once again the food did not disappoint and as an added bonus we were spared from any musical revue show this time around.

After lunch we we stayed in the Timbuktu section and we rode a couple of attractions.

first my wife and kids went on the carousel

Next the kids wanted to ride on a wild mouse coaster called the cheetah chase. My wife did not want to go on so I went with the kids while she relaxed outside. This was enjoyable but not really different that any other wild mouse-type coaster that you will find.

We were going to see the 4-D movie next but we just missed getting in for the showing so we decided we would bypass the movie this trip.

Our next stop was to take the train around the park. The train has three stops and between two of the stops there is a safari section and you get to view the animals in their Edge of Africa and Serengeti Plains sections. In our last trip we got some great views of the animals so we were looking forward to this. I did not think that on this go around that we has as good a view of the animals as the last time. It probably is just the luck of the draw on which animals are out and about and whether they are closer to the train tracks at the time. We still enjoyed it this time around. Here are some pictures.


Strangely it seemed to be a requirement for the animals to be facing our left.

What do you think is going on? Come on you, get in formation and face left like you are supposed to be

Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry......

I'm not getting up to turn around so deal with it.

I am going to stop here for today. I'll be finishing up Busch Gardens in my next installment.

 

[TanzUnited99]

I was just going to say that it's great you found a show you really enjoyed after all this time and then I scroll to the bottom and see you mention that it is being closed down! Isn't that just typical? Look forward to hearing your reviews on the replacement, when you see it.

The gorilla pics look gorgeous - the story of regurgitating it's food not so great! Am just glad I was not having something to eat whilst reading this part of your report.

The safari section pics look good though think the train should have a sign saying that only the left side of animals will be allowed to be photographed!

 

[IheartDDuck]

That is so funny that all of the animals were facing left! Priceless. Almost like there was something to look at.

Isn't it such a shame that when you find something good, they always get rid of it? That show looked really good!

 

[clearskies]

I was just going to say that it's great you found a show you really enjoyed after all this time and then I scroll to the bottom and see you mention that it is being closed down! Isn't that just typical? Look forward to hearing your reviews on the replacement, when you see it.

Isn't it such a shame that when you find something good, they always get rid of it? That show looked really good!

I had no idea that I was there the last week the show was playing. I did an online search for it this weekend and found out and said no way. They must have closed it on purpose just to make me continue my quest for a good live entertainment musical show outside of Disney. It's all a plot against me darn it all. The whole world is against me

OK, I am at least happy that my daughter wanted to see it so I was able to catch it once. I am going to be optimistic and will think that the new show will be great as well. We'll see if my search will need to continue later this year.

The gorilla pics look gorgeous - the story of regurgitating it's food not so great! Am just glad I was not having something to eat whilst reading this part of your report.

Oops, I am sorry. Perhaps I should have put a warning before it got the explaining the details of that gorilla encounter. I guess I should go back and add one now just in case. I can see how eating and reading this installment could be a dangerous proposition.

The safari section pics look good though think the train should have a sign saying that only the left side of animals will be allowed to be photographed!

That is so funny that all of the animals were facing left! Priceless. Almost like there was something to look at.

I didn't even realize until afterwards that most of the animals were lined up one way. I think they all conspired at the beginning of the day and decided it would be a goof if they all faced the same direction. You can never trust those ostriches though to stick to a plan.

 

[norybell]

I have been to a lot of different amusement parks. Let's see, I can think of 26 different amusement parks that we have visited and that does not include water parks.

Twenty-six??!!!

These costumes (or is that second one a puppet?) are incredible. And a bit terrifying.

Glad to know there's at least one other good park show out there! Or that there was, anyhow.

 

[clearskies]

Twenty-six??!!!

Ok, yes that sounds like we are amusement park fanatics but that is not really the case. We would go on family trips to see other things and then build a few days into those trips and visit nearby parks. For example we took a trip to Niagara Falls and at the tail end we spent a few days visiting Canada's Wonderland and Marineland. We visited Amish country one year and built in days for Hershey Park and Dutch Wonderland. Things like that.

These costumes (or is that second one a puppet?) are incredible. And a bit terrifying.

Glad to know there's at least one other good park show out there! Or that there was, anyhow.

They were both costumes and I agree they were amazing. I just love the picture of the lion costume. That second one was still a great costume but yes a bit scary but it was not meant to be. Perhaps I just caught it with a bad expression at the time

At least I can tell my grandkids one day that yes, there once was a time I found a good show outside of Disney. Oh, those were the day.

 

[mickeystoontown]

The show looks amazing and a bit creepy at the same time. The orange faced thingie reminds me of one of the beaked creatures on Narnia. Oh and the monkey looking one made me think of Wizard of Oz too. Very creepy indeed!

I know I would have been one of the ones who stood and watched the regurgitating gorilla. I'm sure it was one of those "I want to look away but I can't" moments. Speaking of gorillas, the pictures were awesome as always.

 

[brdlyleon]

I'm coming along for the ride! I'm always late so I apologize

so much to address!! I'm only going to go into like three points so dont worry!!!

I've been to all of the parks you've mentioned (with the exception of Seaworld) and you made some great choices! Aquatica is a realliy nice park...the tampa version (i'm from tampa) is called Adventure Island (which I'm sure you knew) and I much rather enjoy Aquatica! Not as big but just...better, ya know?
Love your pictures too!! I've always been into photography but never enough to know lighting, lens, and ISO and all that...someday though. You never know!

On the resort front...you mentioned the Jack in the Box in the Fantasia Bldg...i'm not sure if you were asking who he was or why he would be there if he was creepy but he's in Fantasia 2000...such a great movie! I agree though...def. extremely creepy!

On BG & Katonga....I LOVED Katonga...its been about 2 years since I last saw it but it was great! Being from Tampa (and actually living about 6 blocks down) I've had my fair share of visits and I always tried to go! That was actually my first theme park show EVER and i was in awe at how amazing the effects were! (Kinda disappointed you didn't get a picture of the giant hippo in one of those last sequences...its a favorite!) So from then on I held every show in comparison to that one. I think this one is actually better than the Lion King show at AK....dont kill me but that one hardly keep my attention :/
I would NEVER ride any of the coasters at BG...they're all far to big and pretentious for me to even think about it!

EXCITED FOR WHATS NEXT!! waiting to see a Disney though....AAAAANY day now....*waits*

 

[clearskies]

The show looks amazing and a bit creepy at the same time. The orange faced thingie reminds me of one of the beaked creatures on Narnia. Oh and the monkey looking one made me think of Wizard of Oz too. Very creepy indeed!

The show really was amazing but nah it wasn't at all creepy. I think some of my pictures may make it look like a few of the costumes were a tad on the creepy side but I promise they were all nice creepy characters.

I know I would have been one of the ones who stood and watched the regurgitating gorilla. I'm sure it was one of those "I want to look away but I can't" moments. Speaking of gorillas, the pictures were awesome as always.

OMG it was definitely something so strangely compelling that you just couldn't look away from. You just had to watch to see what he was going to do next in his act. That gorilla sure knew how to captivate the crowd with his stomach turning spectacle. He was a real pro with reeling us in.

I'm coming along for the ride! I'm always late so I apologize

Hi brdlyleon. Not need at all to apologize. I love new readers

I've been to all of the parks you've mentioned (with the exception of Seaworld) and you made some great choices! Aquatica is a realliy nice park...the tampa version (i'm from tampa) is called Adventure Island (which I'm sure you knew) and I much rather enjoy Aquatica! Not as big but just...better, ya know?

Thank you for that information. I have been curious about Adventure Island but I was not sure it was worth the long drive just to go to that water park when there were closer water parks such as Aquatica that we could visit. I know not all water parks are the same but I am less compelled to take a long drive just for a water park as opposed to an amusement park. Good to know you prefer Aquatica.

Love your pictures too!! I've always been into photography but never enough to know lighting, lens, and ISO and all that...someday though. You never know!

Thank you! The auto everything point and shoot cameras can get you great shots as well. So you don't necessarily need to learn all about the manual settings to get great results. If you even know the word "ISO" though then you must know something

On the resort front...you mentioned the Jack in the Box in the Fantasia Bldg...i'm not sure if you were asking who he was or why he would be there if he was creepy but he's in Fantasia 2000...such a great movie! I agree though...def. extremely creepy!

Oh yes, I know the Jack in the box is from "The Steadfast Tin Soldier" in Fantasia 2000. I am also with you on that it was a great movie. I just am mystified why they made this creepy villian one of the main icons on the buildings. Out of all the characters in the movie you would think they might want to showcase something else.

On BG & Katonga....I LOVED Katonga...its been about 2 years since I last saw it but it was great! Being from Tampa (and actually living about 6 blocks down) I've had my fair share of visits and I always tried to go! That was actually my first theme park show EVER and i was in awe at how amazing the effects were! (Kinda disappointed you didn't get a picture of the giant hippo in one of those last sequences...its a favorite!) So from then on I held every show in comparison to that one. I think this one is actually better than the Lion King show at AK....dont kill me but that one hardly keep my attention :/
I would NEVER ride any of the coasters at BG...they're all far to big and pretentious for me to even think about it!

Such a shame that they shut this show down. Personally I love the Lion King but I won't dispute you if you think that Katonga is better than the Lion King. I can see how some people may think that. I just loved them both. Have you heard anything about the replacement show?

I am with you 100% on the coasters at BGT. I am ok with Expedition Everest type coasters but those Busch Gardens coasters all seemed a bit too intense to my inner chicken. People who love the big thrill coasters should definitely enjoy the park though.

EXCITED FOR WHATS NEXT!! waiting to see a Disney though....AAAAANY day now....*waits*

Well, I am going to hope for some patience for Disney parks since they come last but I do have some Disney fireworks coming up soon. I also have an amazing experience of Disney magic coming up in out next day.

 

[clearskies]

When I left off we had just completed the train ride though the safari section of the park where we got a good view of the left side of many animals. Next on our tour was the Congo section of the park. The kids wanted to get wet on the Congo River Rapids so I took them while my wife stayed behind and relaxed on a bench. Since this is a water ride, my camera equipment and I parted ways and I left them in good hands with my wife in a nice dry spot. Thus, I have no pictures to share of this ride. This is fairly similar to a Kail River Rapids raft ride but without the theming. In general the rides in Busch gardens were your standard amusement park type rides without much theming in the queues or the actual rides. Disney and Universal are unparalleled in my book in the theming department. Don't get me wrong, the rides are still a lot of fun but they are not kicked up a notch as in Disney and Universal. Across the 3 parks I think IOA is a clear winner on River Rapids rides as far as the overall ride experience. This is assuming you want to get wet which you better be prepared for anyway if you are going on one of these rides otherwise you made a mistake getting on one. Kali comes in second in this three park river rapid contest and Congo River Rapids brings up the rear. There was no shame to be had on the Congo river Rapids ride though. We still were entertained.

After we got our soak on we made our way into the Jungala section. There are some climbing nets areas in this section but fortunately the kids did not want to play on them. Since I wanted to finish up the rest of the park in time to head out for our Dinner ADR at the Poly I was happy to bypass this. What we did experience in this section was another great animal exhibit. There is a tiger exhibit where you can get some good views of tigers including white tigers. Here are my pictures. I just love the big cats.

Note that they seemed a bit tired. It was about 4PM. Perhaps this was their nap time.

ah, I look so peaceful and innocent don't I.....come on over and pet me... I could use an afternoon snack.

We interrupt this exhibition to bring you a picture that by no means should be mistaken for a tiger

ok, now back to the tigers

ok, now back to the real tigers

I love the look of this last one since it reminds me of the cat we once owned.
It looks like a sweet puddy cat here.

As you finish up the tiger exhibit there is an orangutan exhibit.

he started out a bit shy but soon decided to snap out of it and entertain the crowd.

We made out way next to stanleyville. My son wanted to ride the log flume but my daughter was not up for it. She looked at the drop and did not want any part of it. I was not overly surprised since she can waffle on rides with drops. Last year we could not get her on Splash Mountain so we had to take turns. I was ok sitting this one out with her but when it comes time for Splash Mountain this trip I am hoping she has a change in mindset. Splash is one of my favority rides in MK.

By the time my wife and son rejoined us the skies were looking seriously ominous. It did not look like we had much time before the skies unloaded on us. I was getting deja vu from our last trip to this park where the weather did not cooperate late in the day. We were almost through the park and we had a couple more bird exhibits I wanted to see before I could declare victory and leave. I know you have not seen enough bird pictures already from me so I just had to capture some more.

We made it to Lorry Landing and there was this exotic looking bird outside that seemed to be a fashionable stork with a fantasic color scheme. As we started to admire this bird, the rain started. I snapped off these couple of pics and we started to hunt for shelter

Soon buckets of rain started to get unleashed on us. We made a mad dash and found some shelter in a gift shop and we were joined by with what seemed to be most of the inhabitants of the park that day. Ah, there is nothing like being crammed into a small space with a horde of wet people. As soon as it looked like the rain was lightening up just a little we escaped from the sardine can and forged ahead. We met up with this group. They did not seem to mind the rain too much.

Soon the skies unleashed the rain with a renewed fury down upon us. We sought shelter near the Garden Aviary and we waited...and waited...and waited...for the rain to die down so that we could make it back to our car without getting absolutely drenched.

This is the only one near us that was having a good time with the weather.

Did I mention we waited...and waited...and waited...for the rain to die down.

I eventually realized and we couldn't sit this out any longer and we had to get moving if we were going to make our Dinner ADR. The rain was not stopping though it was not as bad as it was earlier. We could not wait any longer though. It was 5:30 PM and we had a 7PM ADR at Kona. so that left us 90 min to get from where we were sheltered over to the park exit, get from the park exit to our car, drive 70 miles in the rain to the Poly and oh yeah stop for gas along the way since we were not going to make it back without more fuel. Did we make it on time? Will you get to see another steak rating? Stay tuned for all this and more when I continue my next installment.

 

[IheartDDuck]

Love the pictures of the tigers. Especially the white tigers, they are so beautiful. Thanks for the rating system in the rapids rides. Kali is the only one of the three that I've been on, but I will definitely have to go on the one at IOA.

 

[TanzUnited99]

Am glad to hear you rated the rapids at IOA the best as we will definitely be wanting to get wet, so am looking forward to trying them!

Love the white tiger pics - though they do look a bit tired. Had to go back on the butterfly pic as was expecting another tiger to appear

The birds sure didn't seem to mind the rain. Hope you manage to make it back to Poly on time as am looking forward to hearing your review of Kona.

 

[norybell]

Ooooh, I love the white tigers. So cool.

I also love this duck:

What a beautiful picture!

 

[MNTwinsMom]

Beautiful tiger pics! I love the white tigers and consider them a reason to visit Busch Gardens so Thank You for sharing! Too bad you got caught in the rain. . . hope you made your ADR at the Poly

 

[clearskies]

Love the pictures of the tigers. Especially the white tigers, they are so beautiful. Thanks for the rating system in the rapids rides. Kali is the only one of the three that I've been on, but I will definitely have to go on the one at IOA.

Thank you Danielle. I loved the tigers as well. Next time I may need to get to them earlier in the day. Perhaps they will be more active. I was going to say "what you did not ride the barges at IOA?" but I guess it was probably a bit cold for that on your recent trip so I'll cut you some slack.

Am glad to hear you rated the rapids at IOA the best as we will definitely be wanting to get wet, so am looking forward to trying them!

Love the white tiger pics - though they do look a bit tired. Had to go back on the butterfly pic as was expecting another tiger to appear

The birds sure didn't seem to mind the rain. Hope you manage to make it back to Poly on time as am looking forward to hearing your review of Kona.

If you want to get wet Tanz then you will LOVE the IOA ride. It is a lot of fun except when you bring on a big camera knapsack that won't fit into the storage area and then it can get a little scary.

The weather was definitely "for the birds". At least we got to see a lot of the park before it got bad.

Ooooh, I love the white tigers. So cool.

I also love this duck:



What a beautiful picture!

Thank you Nory. The big cats are my favorite "zoo animals". The white tigers are beautiful animals. You should take you new camera over to the bronx zoo one day. They have a snow leopard there that I love.

Beautiful tiger pics! I love the white tigers and consider them a reason to visit Busch Gardens so Thank You for sharing! Too bad you got caught in the rain. . . hope you made your ADR at the Poly

Thank you very much!
I think the trip to Busch Gardens is totally worth it to see the animals and the tigers is one of my favorites there. We could have had it worse with the rain. Fortunately this is the last of the bad rains we faced.

I was hoping to get another post out before I went away yet again for the weekend but I am not going to be able to finish it. Sorry, you'll have to wait until Sunday to see if we will be staring longingly at the people eating in Kona or if we made it in.

 

[norybell]

Thank you Nory. The big cats are my favorite "zoo animals". The white tigers are beautiful animals. You should take you new camera over to the bronx zoo one day. They have a snow leopard there that I love.

That is an excellent idea. I've (embarrassingly) never even been to the Bronx Zoo. I'm hoping this new camera will help DH and I get over our hermit-like tendencies and get out of the neighborhood more often. Is it too much to ask, of an inanimate electronic object, to lead to a bit of a personality change?

Have a great weekend!

 

[aprilisis]

Your photos are fantastic!!! I loved them all. I can't wait to see more!
I just got a DSLR- do you have any tips for park touring with a DSLR & multiple lenses?

 

[Antigua08]

All caught up! Had gotten a bit behind but back on track now.
Really enjoyed all the Sea World pics, and Busch Gdns is one of my favourite parks so loving seeing and reading about that. Very disapointing to hear about Rhino Rally though, but l guess good to know in advance of my trip or l think l'd be left wondering what was going on?

 

[clearskies]

That is an excellent idea. I've (embarrassingly) never even been to the Bronx Zoo.

What? never been to the Bronx Zoo and you are in New York? I'll give you a pass but my friend has something to say

Stare deeply into my eyes Nory. Your eyes are getting heavier......and heavier.....and heavier...................You are now asleep.

From now on you will feel the sudden urge to come visit me whenever you hear the word "Disney". Oh, and you'll cluck like a chicken as well. Once you do visit me you will no longer feel this urge when you hear that special word.
You won't remember any of this conversation when you wake up but you will continue to remember what to do when you hear the word "Disney". Ok, you can wake up.

I'm hoping this new camera will help DH and I get over our hermit-like tendencies and get out of the neighborhood more often. Is it too much to ask, of an inanimate electronic object, to lead to a bit of a personality change?

Have a great weekend!

Hmmm, I have a funny feeling you just might have a change in your tendencies soon. You may want to go talk to your DH about your upcoming trip down to "Disney"

Your photos are fantastic!!! I loved them all. I can't wait to see more!
I just got a DSLR- do you have any tips for park touring with a DSLR & multiple lenses?

Thank you very much aprilisis. Oh boy, I am not sure you want advice from me on touring the parks with a DSLR and multiple lenses since I carry around an awful lot more than most sensible people are willing to carry. It is also a bit tough to answer without knowing which lenses you have to work with. This is probably a case of "Do as I say, not as I do". I am used to lugging around a lot of equipment and I don't mind the heat as much as others. If you are not as accustomed to carring around so much and/or the heat (depending on when you go) then don't overdo it and push yourself to lug around too much otherwise you will likely be miserable by the end of the day and your primary objective should be to have fun first. Before you head out in the morning think about what your objectives might be and try to choose the best lenses to suit those needs. A lens that can cover a wide range of focal lengths may be best for you. If you want to get good pictures inside the dark rides (ex. Haunted Mansion) and some of the darker shows then bring along a fast lens (lens with the largest aperture). A 50mm 1.8 lens can be a good lightweight solution for having a fast lens. Also note that you should always have a spare battery as well as extra memory cards with you. If you want good fireworks pictures or some nighttime pictures of the parks then it is good to have a tripod but do not tote one of those around all day. If that is an objective then get a locker and store it there during the day. If you plan to take pictures on Splash Mountain then you should bring a waterproof bag with you and protect the camera and lens in the beginning and end of the ride. some people use a ziploc bag. I use a Dry Sack
(ex. Dry Sack Example).
This is some scattershot general advice. I figured I would stress some important points that came to mind. If you have any more specific questions then pease feel free to ask and I will certainly try to answer as best I can.

All caught up! Had gotten a bit behind but back on track now.
Really enjoyed all the Sea World pics, and Busch Gdns is one of my favourite parks so loving seeing and reading about that. Very disapointing to hear about Rhino Rally though, but l guess good to know in advance of my trip or l think l'd be left wondering what was going on?

Thank you for coming back and checking back in as well
Really a shame about Rhino Rally. I am with you, I wish I had know before we got there so at least I won't not have expected the same experience and perhaps would not have made a point to rush there first when we got into the park. At least I've helped at least one less visitor from saying "What the heck?"

 

[clearskies]

I hate being late! Hate it I say. Tell me I need to be somewhere at a certain time and you can lay a safe bet I will be there a bit early or at least on time but almost never will I show up late. Thus when I was driving along the highway from Busch Gardens back to Disney country and my GPS was indicating I was going to be about 20 minutes late just to get to the Poly (let alone getting from the parking lot to the restaurant) my anxiety started to build and my foot started to get heavier on the gas petal. I had never missed an ADR and I was wondering if this would be the first and we would be dining at Captain Cooks vs having my first meal at Kona. So as I was making our ride a preview of the Test Track ride my wife called her sister and explained our situation. Fortunately we were eating with them and they were already on their way to the Poly. SIL said she would talk to the hostess when she got there and call back. Meanwhile, I continued to take my chances with the Florida law enforcement as I tried to make up time. After some time my SIL called back and said that it was ok and the hostess said we could check in when we got there. Whew. ok good. Looks like I will be able give a review of the steak at Kona afterall. We pulled into the lot about 10 min late so we did make up some ground and we quickly made our way in to meet up with SIL's family and we checked in.

The Poly has some great theming in their gift shops so as we were waiting I walked around to the shops and took some pictures.

Out of all the interesting and fun things to see in the gift stores in Disney, this is my favorite. Unfortunately the lighting was not optimal to get that good a picture of this since it was starting to get darker outside.

some more interesting sights to see....

We got seated and ordered our meals. I took a few more shotes while waiting for our meals...

This is a chocolate Lilo and Stitch that are in the Kona.

I ordered the Teriyaki-style New York Strip. Usually it comes as follows: sirloin strip grilled with pineapple teriyaki glaze served with mashed Yukon gold potatoes and stir-fried broccolini. IT sounds delicious but I substituted rice for the mashed potatoes. Here is a picture of my meal.

This steak had great flavor and it was an excellent steak but I did have an issue with it that caused me to knock it down a notch. I ordered Med rare and it the steak came out quite rare. It was not even borderline. The inside of the meat was not warm. I never return food so I still comsumed it and I was very tasty but it would have been better to me if it was cooked as I ordered. Note that the broccolini that came with it was excellent. My son was sitting next to me and he ordered the same steak to the same doneness and his also was very rare. I am going to chalk this down to an anomaly though and we will definitely return in the future. Here is my updated rankings so far:

1. Sharks Underwater Grill
2. Kona
3. Turf Club (pretty close with Kona)
4. WCC

After dinner I wanted to stay and watch Wishes from the beach. I had never seen the show from the Poly beach so I wanted to see it from here. Since I won't be able to include all of my wishes pictures in this post due to the picture limit I will continue in the next post....