Author's note: Trip is from September, it's 4 months late, blah blah. Enjoy.
Me: 33, 5th WDW trip
DH Dan: 36, 1st-timer
Where are we going today? Dan asks this morning. Youll see, I tell him. Why does he even bother asking? Should I bring my camera? Always bring your camera.
We get up early today because we have an 8am PS at Donalds Breakfastosaurus. But ooh lucky us, the bus is late picking us up so by the time we get to the Animal Kingdom, we have missed our PS time. We wait around 10 minutes inside the gates before finally getting picked to eat. Along the way to the restaurant, Pal Mickey vibrates at the Oasis. Say Pal, I hear theres a hidden trail around here. Lets see if we can find it wanna? No! Were hungry, late, and sort of need to follow our breakfast tour guide. No matter, Mickey is practically vibrating right out of my hands all along the way. Boy does he have a lot to say here mostly about the architecture, the animals, and the Tree of Life. Fortunately few jokes are told. I noticed the couple walking ahead of us have slowed their pace so that they can listen in to Mickey too. He becomes addicting after awhile.
We see Donald and Goofy near our table as soon as we enter the restaurant, and that was the last we would see of them. But Pluto and Mickey pay us a visit, and end up making up for the former characters absence. Pluto visits and licks my hand. Mickey comes a little later and gets ready to pose with me. Dan, however, is having a little camera trouble and takes a few minutes to prepare. Mickey lets him know that hes running a little late and to hurry up a bit. Dan apologizes and eventually takes a picture of us. Mickey moves on to the couple sitting next to us. He poses with the man, but the wife is now having problems getting the camera ready. So Mickey gestures to us that Dan and the woman should hook up, and then starts pushing our tables together.
We head to the food line. I am told that my vegetarian pickings are slim, but I soon discover the omelet grill. While waiting for the chef to make my veggie omelet, I hear lips smacking together as my sides get poked. Dan, cut it out! I almost dropped my plate! I turn around, but it isnt Dan. Mickey, you are very sassy this morning. I wag my finger at him and he runs away.
Dan and I really enjoyed our meal here. I loved the omelet the best, but Dan said just about everything on his plate was great. He gets a second, then later (with little encouragement from me), a third helping of food. Eventually Mickey makes his way back to our area. He tries a second time to push our tables together. We laugh at him and he steps back, but he doesnt leave. When a waitress came by, he gestures like hes holding a camera, then shows that he wants our tables combined. The waitress warns him to leave us alone, which was too bad. We were all having fun with the guy.
After our yummy breakfast, Dan burns one and then we ride Dinosaur. Dan loved this attraction. In fact, it became one of his favorite attractions in the World. That last dinosaur just before we make it back scares me every time. Hes overhead, hes loud, hes huge. That should be where they take our picture! I bet you get better expressions from that guy.
Flights of Wonder is an attraction that I never have seen before. As a bird lover, this show really blew me away. The birds were so impressive and beautiful, and the show was very informative. I loved being able to talk to the trainers. Its Tough To Be A Bug is a favorite for me, although I was pretty disappointed when I couldnt smell the stink bug. I tend to sit in the rear of 3D attractions, so perhaps the scent maker things dont reach the back seats too well.
Dan is not too impressed with Kilimanjaro Safaris. Dan, do you realize this is the highlight of AK? Yes, I know how impressed you were with Dinosaur. But those dinos were fake, and well, these animals are yes, I realize the animals ran and hid when they heard our truck approaching. But wasnt that shaking bridge and fake elephant really cool?
Dan wants to know what other attractions are in AK. Well, do you want soggy shoes for the rest of the day? Do you want to take a long train ride to nowhere? Then we have like two options left. Oh wait, Festival of the Lion King is closed for refurbishment. Make that one option left. (There is no way Im subjecting my tresses to a few gallons of water on Kali Rapids, an attraction I have yet to experience. I have a no hair-mussing rides rule.)
From the smoking area (Dan is burning another one) we hear some ruckus from the main path. I was so happy to see Divine! Ive never seen her with my own eyes, and the only reason I knew she was there was she tends to draw crowds when someone with a keen eye spots her. I stood and watched her frighten small children while Dan finished his cigarette.
Lunchtime! Hmmm now this is strange. From a theme park that promotes the importance of animal conservation and respect, they sure do offer a lot of charred flesh on the menu. In fact I dont see anything plant-based at the Flame Tree BBQ. Lets see Do I want the Rhino and Alligator Stir Fry or Barbequed Gazelle? No matter, Pizzafari is around the corner and Im sure veggie pizzas are available. Oh, you just have pepperoni or cheese? For petes sake, where can a girl find a vegetable around here?
Pal Mickey buzzes and says that some characters are around the corner for autographs and hugs if were interested. Any of them got a veggie burger?
Tarzan ROCKS! This is another performance I have not experienced before. One of the cast members outside of Tarzan ROCKS! informs us that the Lion King show reopens on our last day in the World. Dan, make a note that we return to AK on Saturday. Yes, we can ride Dinosaur again when we come back. In the theatre we take all sorts of silly pictures while waiting for the show to begin.
Options exhausted, Dan and I escape the sweltering park and catch a bus to Epcot. Dan wants to know why were going back. I gently remind him that we sort of missed the headline attraction the day before. Oh yeah, he says. Thats why IM the brains of this operation, sweetie. So the three of us (Dan, me, and Pal Mickey) stroll into the park and Mickey vibrates on the way to Mission: Space. Were next to Spaceship Earth. Some folks think it looks like a giant golf ball Dude, you just said this yesterday. Yes, I know over a mile tall to play golf with it blah blah. I get it. How about something I dont know?
I dont say anything to Dan, but standing in line for Mission: Space was nerve-racking for me. I am eager to tackle this thing, but also afraid of the spinning centrifuge. Not that I cant handle spinning, even after a meal (see Day 1), but I know this also isnt a big plastic teacup were getting into. Our wait is like 6 minutes, if that, and the next thing I know were sitting down and getting ready for launch. Feel that adrenaline rush! Then, the most incredible sensation hits me. Were actually leaving the atmosphere! Incredible! Oh my god I love this! This is awesome! I cannot shut up. My poor copilots had to endure my gibberish rants during the entire simulation. As a roller coaster junkie, I have never experienced anything so intense before. Oh, did I miss my instructions somewhere in there? Forgot to push a button? No matter, were riding this bad boy again because I HAVE to experience this thing with my mouth shut. Dan and I, shaken from the experience, get right back in line again. Except this time were no rookies, were veteran astronauts on a mission to Mars.
I make Dan walk through World Showcase again as we start near the eerily quiet Odyssey and work our way toward Canada. Dan is getting hungry at this point and wants to know about dinner. But, loving my recently acquired power status, refuse to give him any indication where or when we would be eating, and continue to weave our way through the countries.
Lucky us! The living statue is out and drawing a large crowd in Italy. Im very happy that Dan gets to witness this act. One by one people approach the statue and get their picture taken. Hilarity ensues. Dan and I must have stood and watched this guy for 10 minutes, and he did something different for each individual. Oh, its my turn. Living Statue Man keeps my face obscured while Dan tries to take my picture. Hey, Im not THAT unattractive. Am I?
Throughout our World tour, Pal Mickey reminds us of great Illuminations viewing spots.
When we finally walk under the trellis marked Le Cellier Steakhouse, Dan wants to know whats up. Hes a meat eater, hungry, and curious why a vegetarian would willingly arrange for a steak dinner. He doesnt know that my favorite meal in the World was right here. Oh good, its no longer on the menu. Wait, there is another option available. Our waitress Karrie highly recommends the stuffed pepper and polenta. Dan and I did very much enjoy our meals here the breads, the cheddar cheese soup, and our entrees were excellent. It was unfortunate, however, that the original meal was better. By the time dinner is over, Dan is extremely tired and cannot wait to go to the room. We cant go yet! I say. He gives me an exasperated look and demands to know why we cant leave. Youll see, I cringe, hoping that Illuminations will make it worth the wait.
After dinner, we step outside and a good crowd is gathered around the lagoon. Pal Mickey vibrates and reminds us that Illuminations will begin in 30 minutes. Poor Dan has no idea why we are sitting around for forty-five minutes (Illuminations was delayed 15 minutes due to technical difficulties that night), and I know the wait was wearing him down.
Illuminations finally begins. I do not remember being so blown away last time, but perhaps it is because this year Im with my most favorite person. By the time its over, I have tears and a warm chill all over my body. I am so happy to have experienced this with Dan. And, what the heck you too, Mickey. Aww, gosh!
Coming back to our room, we discover that Mousekeeping forgot to clean the coffeemaker again.
Me: 33, 5th WDW trip
DH Dan: 36, 1st-timer
Where are we going today? Dan asks this morning. Youll see, I tell him. Why does he even bother asking? Should I bring my camera? Always bring your camera.
We get up early today because we have an 8am PS at Donalds Breakfastosaurus. But ooh lucky us, the bus is late picking us up so by the time we get to the Animal Kingdom, we have missed our PS time. We wait around 10 minutes inside the gates before finally getting picked to eat. Along the way to the restaurant, Pal Mickey vibrates at the Oasis. Say Pal, I hear theres a hidden trail around here. Lets see if we can find it wanna? No! Were hungry, late, and sort of need to follow our breakfast tour guide. No matter, Mickey is practically vibrating right out of my hands all along the way. Boy does he have a lot to say here mostly about the architecture, the animals, and the Tree of Life. Fortunately few jokes are told. I noticed the couple walking ahead of us have slowed their pace so that they can listen in to Mickey too. He becomes addicting after awhile.
We see Donald and Goofy near our table as soon as we enter the restaurant, and that was the last we would see of them. But Pluto and Mickey pay us a visit, and end up making up for the former characters absence. Pluto visits and licks my hand. Mickey comes a little later and gets ready to pose with me. Dan, however, is having a little camera trouble and takes a few minutes to prepare. Mickey lets him know that hes running a little late and to hurry up a bit. Dan apologizes and eventually takes a picture of us. Mickey moves on to the couple sitting next to us. He poses with the man, but the wife is now having problems getting the camera ready. So Mickey gestures to us that Dan and the woman should hook up, and then starts pushing our tables together.
We head to the food line. I am told that my vegetarian pickings are slim, but I soon discover the omelet grill. While waiting for the chef to make my veggie omelet, I hear lips smacking together as my sides get poked. Dan, cut it out! I almost dropped my plate! I turn around, but it isnt Dan. Mickey, you are very sassy this morning. I wag my finger at him and he runs away.
Dan and I really enjoyed our meal here. I loved the omelet the best, but Dan said just about everything on his plate was great. He gets a second, then later (with little encouragement from me), a third helping of food. Eventually Mickey makes his way back to our area. He tries a second time to push our tables together. We laugh at him and he steps back, but he doesnt leave. When a waitress came by, he gestures like hes holding a camera, then shows that he wants our tables combined. The waitress warns him to leave us alone, which was too bad. We were all having fun with the guy.
After our yummy breakfast, Dan burns one and then we ride Dinosaur. Dan loved this attraction. In fact, it became one of his favorite attractions in the World. That last dinosaur just before we make it back scares me every time. Hes overhead, hes loud, hes huge. That should be where they take our picture! I bet you get better expressions from that guy.
Flights of Wonder is an attraction that I never have seen before. As a bird lover, this show really blew me away. The birds were so impressive and beautiful, and the show was very informative. I loved being able to talk to the trainers. Its Tough To Be A Bug is a favorite for me, although I was pretty disappointed when I couldnt smell the stink bug. I tend to sit in the rear of 3D attractions, so perhaps the scent maker things dont reach the back seats too well.
Dan is not too impressed with Kilimanjaro Safaris. Dan, do you realize this is the highlight of AK? Yes, I know how impressed you were with Dinosaur. But those dinos were fake, and well, these animals are yes, I realize the animals ran and hid when they heard our truck approaching. But wasnt that shaking bridge and fake elephant really cool?
Dan wants to know what other attractions are in AK. Well, do you want soggy shoes for the rest of the day? Do you want to take a long train ride to nowhere? Then we have like two options left. Oh wait, Festival of the Lion King is closed for refurbishment. Make that one option left. (There is no way Im subjecting my tresses to a few gallons of water on Kali Rapids, an attraction I have yet to experience. I have a no hair-mussing rides rule.)
From the smoking area (Dan is burning another one) we hear some ruckus from the main path. I was so happy to see Divine! Ive never seen her with my own eyes, and the only reason I knew she was there was she tends to draw crowds when someone with a keen eye spots her. I stood and watched her frighten small children while Dan finished his cigarette.
Lunchtime! Hmmm now this is strange. From a theme park that promotes the importance of animal conservation and respect, they sure do offer a lot of charred flesh on the menu. In fact I dont see anything plant-based at the Flame Tree BBQ. Lets see Do I want the Rhino and Alligator Stir Fry or Barbequed Gazelle? No matter, Pizzafari is around the corner and Im sure veggie pizzas are available. Oh, you just have pepperoni or cheese? For petes sake, where can a girl find a vegetable around here?
Pal Mickey buzzes and says that some characters are around the corner for autographs and hugs if were interested. Any of them got a veggie burger?
Tarzan ROCKS! This is another performance I have not experienced before. One of the cast members outside of Tarzan ROCKS! informs us that the Lion King show reopens on our last day in the World. Dan, make a note that we return to AK on Saturday. Yes, we can ride Dinosaur again when we come back. In the theatre we take all sorts of silly pictures while waiting for the show to begin.
Options exhausted, Dan and I escape the sweltering park and catch a bus to Epcot. Dan wants to know why were going back. I gently remind him that we sort of missed the headline attraction the day before. Oh yeah, he says. Thats why IM the brains of this operation, sweetie. So the three of us (Dan, me, and Pal Mickey) stroll into the park and Mickey vibrates on the way to Mission: Space. Were next to Spaceship Earth. Some folks think it looks like a giant golf ball Dude, you just said this yesterday. Yes, I know over a mile tall to play golf with it blah blah. I get it. How about something I dont know?
I dont say anything to Dan, but standing in line for Mission: Space was nerve-racking for me. I am eager to tackle this thing, but also afraid of the spinning centrifuge. Not that I cant handle spinning, even after a meal (see Day 1), but I know this also isnt a big plastic teacup were getting into. Our wait is like 6 minutes, if that, and the next thing I know were sitting down and getting ready for launch. Feel that adrenaline rush! Then, the most incredible sensation hits me. Were actually leaving the atmosphere! Incredible! Oh my god I love this! This is awesome! I cannot shut up. My poor copilots had to endure my gibberish rants during the entire simulation. As a roller coaster junkie, I have never experienced anything so intense before. Oh, did I miss my instructions somewhere in there? Forgot to push a button? No matter, were riding this bad boy again because I HAVE to experience this thing with my mouth shut. Dan and I, shaken from the experience, get right back in line again. Except this time were no rookies, were veteran astronauts on a mission to Mars.
I make Dan walk through World Showcase again as we start near the eerily quiet Odyssey and work our way toward Canada. Dan is getting hungry at this point and wants to know about dinner. But, loving my recently acquired power status, refuse to give him any indication where or when we would be eating, and continue to weave our way through the countries.
Lucky us! The living statue is out and drawing a large crowd in Italy. Im very happy that Dan gets to witness this act. One by one people approach the statue and get their picture taken. Hilarity ensues. Dan and I must have stood and watched this guy for 10 minutes, and he did something different for each individual. Oh, its my turn. Living Statue Man keeps my face obscured while Dan tries to take my picture. Hey, Im not THAT unattractive. Am I?
Throughout our World tour, Pal Mickey reminds us of great Illuminations viewing spots.
When we finally walk under the trellis marked Le Cellier Steakhouse, Dan wants to know whats up. Hes a meat eater, hungry, and curious why a vegetarian would willingly arrange for a steak dinner. He doesnt know that my favorite meal in the World was right here. Oh good, its no longer on the menu. Wait, there is another option available. Our waitress Karrie highly recommends the stuffed pepper and polenta. Dan and I did very much enjoy our meals here the breads, the cheddar cheese soup, and our entrees were excellent. It was unfortunate, however, that the original meal was better. By the time dinner is over, Dan is extremely tired and cannot wait to go to the room. We cant go yet! I say. He gives me an exasperated look and demands to know why we cant leave. Youll see, I cringe, hoping that Illuminations will make it worth the wait.
After dinner, we step outside and a good crowd is gathered around the lagoon. Pal Mickey vibrates and reminds us that Illuminations will begin in 30 minutes. Poor Dan has no idea why we are sitting around for forty-five minutes (Illuminations was delayed 15 minutes due to technical difficulties that night), and I know the wait was wearing him down.
Illuminations finally begins. I do not remember being so blown away last time, but perhaps it is because this year Im with my most favorite person. By the time its over, I have tears and a warm chill all over my body. I am so happy to have experienced this with Dan. And, what the heck you too, Mickey. Aww, gosh!
Coming back to our room, we discover that Mousekeeping forgot to clean the coffeemaker again.
You did a great job planning
.
