Exclusive Baby Gorilla Photos! (plus bonus Trip Report) - June '15 - completed 10/23 - Page 31

[HeyIt'sMe]

I missed some, but not a ton. You have to forgive me though, because I think you know where I was! My TR will be started in the next week I hope. Just have to deal with getting pictures uploaded. We had a GREAT trip, but August is HOT. Face melting hot. But I digress. This isn't my TR.

Welcome Back Clare!

Yes, August is face melting HOT!! I remembered you were checking in August 20 - the day we were leaving - and I was wondering how your trip was going. I'll be anxious to read your TR!

 

[nilla]

I missed some, but not a ton. You have to forgive me though, because I think you know where I was! My TR will be started in the next week I hope. Just have to deal with getting pictures uploaded. We had a GREAT trip, but August is HOT. Face melting hot. But I digress. This isn't my TR.

Welcome back! Can't wait for your TR!

Mr. Happy! And a shout out! Awesome. Beautiful pics of CBR. We did miss it this year, even though we enjoyed POR. YOur pool shots are postcard worthy!

Thank you! Love that pool theming.

Shutters looks great. Jason would love that steak. I'll have to put it on the radar for our next as yet unplanned trip.

It was one of my favorite meals of the trip! Just a great experience all around.

Great Epcot day! I had no idea Duffy was leaving. He was there last week. We met him for the first time. The girls loved him.

TheMaxRebo heard Duffy may just be relocated in WDW, which would be nice. I heard he's HUGE in Japan, and have watched videos of the "My Friend Duffy" stage show!

Love your Seas pics. The manatees ARE stinky, but so cool. Can you believe they eat only lettuce and maybe ocassionally another vegetable? They weigh like 1500 pounds on just lettuce!

I blame TV and video games.

Looking forward to Coral Reef. I'll let you know when I start my TR.

That update's coming tonight. Can't wait for yours!

Oh, and Dylan's in high school?!?!?!?!? OMG.

Yep. And 5' 10" now.

And tell Kristinn I hope she's feeling better. Yikes on the kidney stone!

Thanks! I will. She's getting there, but still has a stent in from the procedure that will be removed next Tuesday. She's getting around now, at least.

Poor Kristin! Kidney stones are so painful. I hope she is feeling better. Am I dreaming or did she have kidney stones before?

Yes. Right before a drive to the Outer Banks, and right before a WDW trip, though I don't recall which one. They never come at convenient times, but I guess there is no convenient time. She was able to pass those on her own.

Since I know everyone wants to read about my medical history .......... I developed kidney stones because my parathyroid glands were overactive. Those glands secrete a hormone that regulates calcium levels in the blood and since mine were overactive I had too much calcium in my system and it was forming kidney stones. I had parathyroid surgery and that took care of the problem. The End.

Hmmm...interesting. Her mom has had thyroid issues, so perhaps there's a link. I'll mention that to her.

How is Dylan liking high school? Emily started her college courses a couple weeks ago and she's enjoying them. She's made some new friends too which is always nice.

He called it "kind of stupid" on the first day, but seems to enjoy it so far. As much as he'll ever enjoy school. Glad to hear Emily is adjusting well!

RIP Dean Jones

I'll have to re-watch the monkey movie soon in remembrance.

I emailed the info to one of my monkey-loving friends, and here was his response:

"May he rest in peace and find solace in the next world, hopefully the pain of being snubbed for the Oscar for this legendary performance will sting less in Heaven's kingdom."

 

[ksromack]

I missed some, but not a ton. You have to forgive me though, because I think you know where I was! My TR will be started in the next week I hope. Just have to deal with getting pictures uploaded. We had a GREAT trip, but August is HOT. Face melting hot. But I digress. This isn't my TR.
Shutters looks great. Jason would love that steak. I'll have to put it on the radar for our next as yet unplanned trip.

We've been in August before....like in 2005? Way too hot....besides we decided after that trip to return without kids, lol! In our defense we had 4 teens/preteens and it was way too hormonal.

We do not have room for Shutters, which makes me a bit sad now. I don't know what I would cut out, though.....next trip!

 

[BrdwayBoy]

Ok, I'm all caught up now!

Get out of my Disney, please.

Love this. I'm going to have to use it!

We also love that it's called the "Lanai", for Golden Girls reference reasons.

The Golden Girls. YES.

Anyway, I reached into my sandal to get the mystery debris out.

Oh...

my...

dead lizard. Smushed. Ugh.

Grossed out and LOL-ing at the same time!

 

[nilla]

We've been in August before....like in 2005? Way too hot....besides we decided after that trip to return without kids, lol! In our defense we had 4 teens/preteens and it was way too hormonal.

We do not have room for Shutters, which makes me a bit sad now. I don't know what I would cut out, though.....next trip!

The answer is a longer trip

Ok, I'm all caught up now!

More updates tonight! Finally.

Grossed out and LOL-ing at the same time!

It's traumatized me for puddles. Still in recovery.

Alright, let's head to Coral Reef!

 

[nilla]

Coral Reef has become a pernenial favorite of ours. Or, as our host from Puerto Rico calls it, our "to go restaurant". I'm assuming he meant "go to"...and he was right!

Two more photos before we enter:





Not sure what those cacti are doing out of Frontierland. Use the utiladors, man! Completely unaccpetable.

Into Coral Reef we go, and we're at the front desk not long after opening, a few minutes early for our ADRs. Kristin asks to wait for tankside, and the pager is passed. After the legendary Sofa Crack Pager Drop of 2010, the pager does not leave an adult's hands, in spite of the kids' assurances that the fumble-prone days of their past are gone.

Kristin has to hit the restroom, which for us at Coral Reef means our pager will go off the second she is out of sight. The host is really nice and personable, though, and soon enough, she's out and we're in. The restaurant, that is.

We're seated at the far end of the restaurant, at a table we've been at before.



Then again, I think we've been at every one of these tankside tables. By the way, that last photo was courtesy of the dad across the aisle from us, who offered to take our picture, CLEARLY with the ulterior motive of demanding the same from us. Sneaky. But hey, we'll take it!

Emily gets to work on the completely obvious puzzles on the kids menu ("unscramble the following words: OJY. SDANSSE. RFEA. AGNRE. MNYDI ALKNGI.")...



...while Dylan poses with a shark:



The sharks are dropping by a lot, which is great. Love this restaurant!





One day, I'll scuba dive in there. But not this day.

Both kids pose with one of them now...



Here's a shot of the tank, this time with no sharks in view:



There are some fish in there, but they're far less interesting than the sharks. For the most part.

Emily calls in a lifeline for the word find:



I am a superstar at word find. Not gloating - just being honest. The words just pop out of the puzzle at me. I'm also good at finding small objects on the floor. But I usually do that by accidentally stepping on them. But yeah, word find. I got this.

 

[nilla]

Alright, time for the food! Drinks, at least. Kristin got this:



To be honest, I don't know what it is. But it's non-alcoholic, since Kristin doesn't drink anymore. And hasn't for quite some time. I have a permament designated driver now, and will recommend it to anyone!

Dylan got it, too, which makes me believe it was the "Odwalla All-Natural Lemonade - topped with a Wildberry Foam".



It was really good! Me, being the lush that I am, got a beer:



Also, really good, though I don't remember much about it. I see the waiter pours about as well as I do.

The bread came out next, and the black sea salt butter is amazing!

Dylan paused for what Emily calls a "yousie" (a photo taken by you, of someone else)...



...and the food's here!

I got this:



Oh, wait - that was last year. And never again.

It wasn't awful, but not good enough to warrant the visual. Instead, I got the Jumbo Shrimp and Grits, which was out of this world:



In spite of ruining my dinner last year with a Sunshine Seasons shrimp lunch that was better than my San Angel Inn shrimp dinner, I rolled the dice on this one. And it was a winner. Not surprising, because I am a HUGE fan of grits. And shrimp.

You'll never guess what Emily got:



Or Kristin:



She loved it, even though we're not the biggest fans of lobster tail. It's good, but we prefer crab MUCH more than lobster.

Keeping with the nautical theme, Dylan got...manicotti?



Just then, the non-deadly fish finally decided to get interesting:



And a ray:



Soon enough, it was time for dessert!

While the meals are always good here, Coral Reef has some of the best desserts in WDW, in our opinions. Dylan got the turtle cheesecake, shaped like....guess what? Yep, a turtle!



Emily got the cupcake:



Kristin, as usual, got the Chocolate Wave, which is probably the best cake in WDW:



I got the usual, as well, which for me is the Bailey's and Jack Mousse:



Hey, they changed it again! It went from in a tall glass, to in a shorter glass, to on a plate in cake form. But it's still fantastic. Definitely one of my favorites. Nice presentation, too.

We didn't really have a lot of people Coral Reefing us this year (remember, that's when people get uncomfortably close to your table to see the tank up close), and I'm guessing that was because we were all the way at the end.

In all, the meal was a great time, the kids were well-behaved, and the food was delicious, as usual. Looks like this place's standing as a "to go" restaurant for us is firmly in place.

One last photo, and we're out!

 

[nilla]

We missed our first two FPs of the day (Spaceship Earth and Figment), and we added our fourth as Illuminations, so it's standby lines for the rest of the evening. No worries - the line for SE is really short, and we're inside in no time!

But wait - first, we have to get there!







Onto the ride we go, and we're sure to thank the Phonecians for the letters that make up this Trip Report...



...watch a quick speech from a stand-up philosopher...



...drop in on a hookah party...



...ALMOST get a photo of a Hidden Mickey...



...catch this guy napping...



...cite this print shop for labor law violations...



...catch a glimpse of our friends from the Carousel of Progress in the background...



...get a better, though not much better photo of a different Hidden Mickey...



...remark on what a feeling it is to be paintin' on the ceiling...



...rave over this woman's outfit...



...and head back outside. That ride's always a fun one, and I like the recent modifications to it, with the touch screen gimmick.

The touchscreen didn't work for the kids today, for who knows what reason. Maybe they'll get it right on our next Epcot day!

 

[nilla]

That ride down, we decide to venture into World Showcase, this time by sea:





Hey, it's Morocco again! Again, what is it, exactly, that we do in Morocco?



Oh, yeah - take pictures!









I keep suggesting Restaurant Marakesh, but no one else ever wants to do it. I think the kids are the main roadblock. Jerks.

More photos:



















This is a really neat pavilion, but there's really not a whole lot to do here. Besides take pictures. Oh, and "shop without ever buying", which is a Morocco staple. Hey, what's in that fez?



Santa Claus? What's that? Who's he?

The fezes have wrapping paper lining the inside of them, which is a bit odd. Especially since it was all paper from old shows, like Rudolph and Scooby Doo.

Another pavilion shot:



Now a fez shot:



...and we're done. You can meet Aladdin and Jasmine in this pavilion, apparently, but we don't. Off to Japan!

 

[nilla]

But first, more photos!





Hey, there's the globe!



And there's Japan!



We also went all-out on candy buying today, but you can't start from that side of the store. That would make no sense. Plus, you'd miss this:



This is possibly the greatest mask ever. But I really don't think it will EVER sell.



It lights up, too. Who wouldn't want it? Besides everyone?

Here are the cards for the game this store sells the book about (Hanafuda). English teachers reading this Trip Report should ignore that last sentence. Anyway, no Hanafuda cards here, except for these, themed for some Studio Ghibli film none of us have seen/ And they were really expensive to boot.



So no.

Hey, remember the other day when I said I saw Agent P in a boat, and the other day, when I said he was too quick for me to photograph?

Well, it turns out those were lies, awful lies, and that it was actually on THIS day that I saw him, and that I did get to photograph him:



You can see him in the distance.

Not sure why I walked outside, but I'm back inside now, where Emily flagrantly skirts the rules and saturates the pad for other guests. They'll never be able to pin it on her, though.



Back outside (again), where I get my FAVORITE ICED TEA IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD.



Absolutely amazing. Kristin hates it, saying it's too "earthy". I think she's right, but that's what I love about it.

Dylan, meanwhile, got this Pokemon hat, which garnered compliments from people of all ages the rest of the trip:



One more scenery shot...



...and it's time for kaki-gori! For Emily, at least.



I don't recall the flavor she got, but I do recall that it was good. As always. More scenery...











...and we're out.

 

[nilla]

Before we move on, have you noticed that those flying lantern things are all the rage now? The concept is simple: create a fireball, then launch it skyward, completely away from your control. What could be more entertaining than unpredictable, flaming death parachutes in the sky? How about when launched by drunk people? What's the downside?

They do look really cool, though.

Anyway, we've left Japan, I've enjoyed my GREATEST ICED TEA EVER, and we've just mysteriously teleported to Italy:



But first, speaking of fireballs...




More Italy pics:











Emily recreates an old Photopass shot:



Sort of:



Here's another one from that year (2010), for absolutely no reason:



Back to 2015, did you know we have more Italy pics?





It's true!

Italy is sort of like Morocco, in that there's nothing beyond the pale here. Though this is nice:



And this is tall:



Ok, enough Italy. Moving on again.

 

[nilla]

We're in "get to our Illuminations seating" mode now, but have to pass a lot of interesting places on the way:





Hey, look up!



That's a lot of birds. Mickey with a slingshot could solve that problem. Hire ME, Disney. I have a lot of ideas like this.

Dylan wants an apple soda from Mexico, but we're still not there yet:



Finally, we reach the Illuminations FastPass area. It's right at the front of World Showcase, which means you have a perfectly centered view of everything. Plus, there's a lot of room.





I don't know how we missed it with the camera, but there was a CM at the front there, behind the fence, with those air traffic control glow sticks. And he was was the greatest man EVER. He was dancing the ENTIRE time, and spectacularly. But sort of goofily. He was fantastic.

Duffy dug him, too:



In keeping with the "no fireworks photos" theme of this TR, we have...no fireworks photos! But we loved the show. And the claim that it has the most fireworks launched during it, in the world (or something), is 100% true. I didn't think so until the finale. It was insane. This show is LONG, too. Very well done!

The show over, we exit the park:



Bye, Epcot!

We're back at CBR by 9:30. We walk over to Centertown to fill our mugs and pick up more packages, then it's back to the room. We're finally asleep by 11:00, which isn't TOO bad. We're going to try to make rope drop at MK tomorrow, so we need our sleep.

Oh, I'm sleeping better now, by the way. Not sure of the reason for the insomnia before the Animal Kingdom day, but it's behind me. And the wi-fi is working. Most of the time. Still not uploading any photos to Photobucket yet, but I've resized them. Ready to start writing that (this) Trip Report when I get back! Things are looking up now. The kids are quiet.

Good night!

(up next, Day 8 and a return to the Magic Kingdom!)

 

[jdd]

Hysterical updates - laughing out loud!!

The Bailey's dessert at Coral Reef is absolutely the best thing I've ever eaten in my entire life - but it was in the glass when I had it (with a chocolate straw thingy that my son stole from me ). Anyway, hope it's still as good as now I'm thinking a meal there is necessary on our next trip....is there a trick to getting a table by the tanks - we've never been able to get that.

Okay, so when Kristen says that iced tea is too "earthy" does she really mean it tastes like dirt?? Because my hubby has these green tea bags that smell, and taste, just like dirt. Nasty. And I like green tea, just not this stuff.

 

[skysmom99]

In sad news that is loosely related to this Trip Report, Disney film mainstay Dean Jones just passed away. You may remember him from such Disney films as "That Darn Cat!" and "The Love Bug".

R.I.P., Dean Jones - 1931-2015

I hadn't seen that. I loved his old Disney movies. I must say my favorite was "The Ugly Dachshund".

 

[nilla]

Hysterical updates - laughing out loud!!

Thanks!

The Bailey's dessert at Coral Reef is absolutely the best thing I've ever eaten in my entire life - but it was in the glass when I had it (with a chocolate straw thingy that my son stole from me ). Anyway, hope it's still as good as now I'm thinking a meal there is necessary on our next trip....is there a trick to getting a table by the tanks - we've never been able to get that.

Yep, just as good.

Okay, so when Kristen says that iced tea is too "earthy" does she really mean it tastes like dirt?? Because my hubby has these green tea bags that smell, and taste, just like dirt. Nasty. And I like green tea, just not this stuff.

Correct - that's exactly what she means! I can sort of see her point of view, but still love it

I hadn't seen that. I loved his old Disney movies. I must say my favorite was "The Ugly Dachshund".

I haven't seen that one, but will look for it!

"Monkeys, Go Home" is a fascinating tale of xenophobia that highlights the issues of organized labor, unfair business practices, and abusive, jealous suitors. Plus, it has chimps in it.

 

[jdd]

Correct - that's exactly what she means! I can sort of see her point of view, but still love it

must be a guy thing....

 

[ksromack]

Coral Reef has become a pernenial favorite of ours. Or, as our host from Puerto Rico calls it, our "to go restaurant". I'm assuming he meant "go to"...and he was right!

Emily gets to work on the completely obvious puzzles on the kids menu ("unscramble the following words: OJY. SDANSSE. RFEA. AGNRE. MNYDI ALKNGI.")...

Um. I.can't.figure.out.the.second.word.or.the.last.two.
Honestly. I graduated from college, really, I did. Are they real words? <-i know that's a math emoticon.....but it was the closest to a teacher I could find.

Also, we have never been to Coral Reef. In my defense, I'm allergic to shellfish and that place just gives me the willies. Like I should just shoot myself with epinephrine before we walk in.

Hey, remember the other day when I said I saw Agent P in a boat, and the other day, when I said he was too quick for me to photograph?

Well, it turns out those were lies, awful lies, and that it was actually on THIS day that I saw him, and that I did get to photograph him

Lies. All lies.

Not sure why I walked outside, but I'm back inside now, where Emily flagrantly skirts the rules and saturates the pad for other guests. They'll never be able to pin it on her, though.

You might want to check the surveillance cameras. Maybe it was Agent P?

...and it's time for kaki-gori! For Emily, at least.

YUMMY! I will have this in less than a month. I wonder if they still do the 3 flavor one?

Sooooooooo, FP+ for Illuminations. I wonder if this is the same area for the Illuminations Sparkling Dessert Party? We are booked for that on our first day and I'm not sure where the outside viewing area is located......

Great update! I'm such a slacker. You've inspired me to work on my own report!

 

[KathyM2]

Loving your TR!

Hey, look - the car's back!

That's great - so you can get a pic in daylight!!

Kristin got the Chocolate Cherry shake

That sounds really good!

But the dessert is soooooo darned good!

I really want to try this but never have room...maybe I will have a kids' meal for lunch just to be able to eat that.

House-made Popcorn Soup

Sounds....interesting...

I like the recent modifications to it, with the touch screen gimmick.

I'm looking forward to this too - haven't been on this ride in forever.

Absolutely amazing. Kristin hates it, saying it's too "earthy".

I may have to try that - love unsweetened iced tea!

 

[AllysonL]

Great update!! I really need to get into the Seas on our next trip.

 

[HeyIt'sMe]

It was really good! Me, being the lush that I am, got a beer:

"Tank" beer. How fitting!

Dylan paused for what Emily calls a "yousie" (a photo taken by you, of someone else)...

Oh, wait - that was last year. And never again.

I still can't believe they served the fish like that. It looks like it came out of a dumpster. Your dinner this year looks much better. And that dessert looks amazing in any shape.

We ate at Coral Reef for dinner last year and thought one of the giant turtles met his maker the night we were there. We saw him swimming around when we first got there but then he slowly drifted down, head first, and landed right by one of the tank windows. He didn't move the rest of the time we were there. Hopefully he was just sleeping!

The fezes have wrapping paper lining the inside of them, which is a bit odd. Especially since it was all paper from old shows, like Rudolph and Scooby Doo.

They should have used paper from Secret Squirrel since his sidekick was Morocco Mole and he wore a fez.

I loved your pictures of World Showcase. I can't wait to get back there!