I guess I'm rope dropping IASW! ~ A March 2024 TR Update with new TR link 09/02

[suse66]

Love the outfit. You’re off to a fab start.
That pineapple crisp sundae sounds scrumptious
I’m hoping you have good luck with the buses and get swiftly on your way to MK

Thank you! I love spring trips for the opportunity to wear my Disney hoodies and sweaters. No need for those in August!

The hoodie is adorable.

Thank you! I came across it at Walmart years ago and scooped it up.

The early morning safari seems to lack animals. I like seeing the giraffes on the savanna but they aren't out that early.

It's true. I enjoy the cooler temperatures and lower crowds in the morning but wish more animals were out early.

You are lucky to see the tiger. We always seem to miss them.

The tiger was amazing!

Can't wait to hear about your 4 park challenge. My DH decided to do this in April and wow...it makes for one long day!
Love the bird show. That pineapple cake sounds amazing! I didn't know about it, and now I hope it sticks around so it'll be there the next time I'm in DAK.

Did you do the 4 parks with Alex? The bird show is a family favourite...I have to see it at least once per trip. You will love that pineapple cake sundae!

I finally got a chance to try Flying Fish (we changed around a few ADRs) and our meals were delicious. I had exactly the same thing as you (the scallops and the Florida Sunset) and both were wonderful!

I am so glad you enjoyed Flying Fish! I can't wait to hear all about your trip!!

Hooray for a four parks challenge! I’d love to try that one day. I’ve been to three parks in a day, but never four!

I've done 4 a couple of times but not since before Covid.

AK is the best park to start your challenge.

Love your outfit!

Thank you!

I have never heard of this and it sounds so good. I need to have it.

It's delicious!

Yay to 4 park challenge. I love your outfit!

Thanks Caroline!

I’m getting excited for our trip in December!

Me too!

I have heard so many good things about the Pineapple crisp sundae I must try it on my next trip!

It's so good!

 

[kclark9830]

Love the outfit! A 4 park challenge sounds fun.

 

[suse66]

Love the outfit! A 4 park challenge sounds fun.

Thank you! I tried a 4 parks day last summer and at Christmas with Caroline but never made it past 3 parks with the 2 pm hopping rule in effect. Now that you can hop all day it is much easier to complete the challenge.

 

[pkondz]

I was going to finally make 4 parks happen after being thwarted by the 2 pm hopping rule for so long

Oh, of course.
That would make it difficult, if not impossible.

several CMs looked at my outfit and said "you must be going to AK." I guess my Simba hoodie was a dead giveaway.

Now all the other CMs at the the other three parks are going to look at you oddly and ask if you're in the right park.

First animals of the day were the hippos with three of them floating in the pool.

Actually no!
I only learned a while ago that hippos don't swim. And they don't float, either. They either walk along the bottom or push off from it. They're too dense to float. Who knew?

The zebras were not interested in so just ended up with a rear view of the three of them.

"Ladies and gentlemen... the ninth wonder of the world! The backside of zebras!"

Speaking of the middle of the road, we were about to be treated to quite a show by several white rhinos. They were blocking our truck and our guide was not sure if they were just showing off or getting a bit aggressive.

I actually really like when that happens. Gives you tons of opportunity to take pictures and highlights that the animals are not in fact, in cages. (Well...some of them.)

Mama lion was stretched out enjoying a little relaxation.

animatronic

got a couple of cute shots

I completely forgot to do a number 1 sigh for my parks challenge though.

Fail!!!

(Okay... I didn't even know that was a thing. Or forgot, at least.)

The Maharajah Jungle Trek never disappoints. The lush landscaping, the peaceful trails and the magnificent animals who live here are such a treat to see.

This day the Komodo dragon was on display.

Cool! Haven't seen one if a while.

I was glad there was a fair distance between us as I know they are both quick and vicious.

And both venomous and poisonous. Scary-boo.

The male was very intrigued by her scent and paced around vocalizing.

Been there, done that!

After the trek I headed to Expedition Everest for a date with a Yeti.

You just said they were trying to get the tigers to have a "date" to make baby tigers and then you post this?!!?!?!?

My last must do of the morning was the Bird Show.....It's always a great show!

I decided upon a snack before heading out and settled on the Pineapple Crisp sundae (Pineapple Crisp Cake, Vanilla Ice Cream, Pineapple Caramel, Crispy Streusel Topping) at Tamu Tamu.

hmmm... I'd either really like that... or hate it.
Only one way to find out!

Of course I finished every bite...I needed energy to head to my next park.

 

[suse66]

Oh, of course.
That would make it difficult, if not impossible.

It was super difficult to get to all the parks. Well you could do it at stretch but you really wouldn't have much time in your other three parks. Especially with everything seeming to close by 10 pm these days. Now if we had our old days of EMH until 3 am it would be a different story.

Now all the other CMs at the the other three parks are going to look at you oddly and ask if you're in the right park.

Outfit change. The only thing I wish I had remembered to do was pack a separate Tshirt for Epcot. Or maybe I should have switched up with HS outfit for Epcot. Oh well!

I only learned a while ago that hippos don't swim. And they don't float, either. They either walk along the bottom or push off from it. They're too dense to float. Who knew?

That's interesting! You learn something new every day!

"Ladies and gentlemen... the ninth wonder of the world! The backside of zebras!"

The newest attraction on the Jungle Cruise!

And both venomous and poisonous. Scary-boo.

Yup !

Been there, done that!

You just said they were trying to get the tigers to have a "date" to make baby tigers and then you post this?!!?!?!?

Oh my goodness, I never even made that connection!

Only one way to find out!

Book a trip to try a new dessert. It's Disney Math at it's best!

 

[pkondz]

It was super difficult to get to all the parks. Well you could do it at stretch but you really wouldn't have much time in your other three parks. Especially with everything seeming to close by 10 pm these days. Now if we had our old days of EMH until 3 am it would be a different story.

And be more exhausted.
But that's what Disney is for, right???

Outfit change.

The only thing I wish I had remembered to do was pack a separate Tshirt for Epcot.

I take the "" back

The newest attraction on the Jungle Cruise!

Oh my goodness, I never even made that connection!

Book a trip to try a new dessert. It's Disney Math at it's best!

 

[suse66]

Everyone loves a parade!

The buses for the other parks started running after 10 am and I only had to wait about 15 minutes before a bus for Magic Kingdom arrived. I was trying to time my arrival with the noon showing of the Festival of fantasy parade and I am happy to say it worked out perfectly. Did I mention I was NOT using Genie+ during my 4 parks day? My plan was to only do attractions that had a wait line of 20 minutes or less. The only exception I made was an ILL for Guardians because it is essential.

I managed to snag an empty spot underneath the train platform with a perfect view of the parade. it really could not have worked out any better!

Here comes the parade!








Love Flora, Fauna and Merriweather!


Are they on a rolling platform? A hoverboard? How do they keep their balance so perfectly? I always wonder about these things as I watch the parade.

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[suse66]

The stilt walkers are always awe inspiring. I love when they bend right down to you and try to freak people out.

The dragon was incredible. Here is my question...is there a motor in the dragon? Electric powered? It looks almost as if one CM is pedalling it but that can't be true? Does anyone know how it works?



Of course the King and Queen of Magic Kingdom finished out the parade!



After the parade I popped up to the train platform for a ride around the park. I am SO happy the train is back and never tire of it.



My last thing I wanted to do before hopping again was some pictures on Main Street.

Officially park 2!!


Classic balloon shot!


By this point I was getting hungry so I headed towards the monorail and the delectable treats at the Flower and Garden food booths!​

 

[Wood Nymph]

Are they on a rolling platform? A hoverboard? How do they keep their balance so perfectly? I always wonder about these things as I watch the parade.

I've wondered the same thing. They must have good balance.

Classic balloon shot!

The balloons match your cute shirt.

 

[vamassey1]

I managed to snag an empty spot underneath the train platform with a perfect view of the parade. it really could not have worked out any better!

You got a great spot for the parade and worked out perfectly for catching the train afterwards.

I am SO happy the train is back and never tire of it.

I'm happy the train is back too. I have yet to ride all the way around but it's on my list.

My last thing I wanted to do before hopping again was some pictures on Main Street.

Very cute photos!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Really enjoying your updates

 

[suse66]

I've wondered the same thing. They must have good balance.

I have no idea how they manage to stay perfectly in character while gliding. I would fall flat on my face!

The balloons match your cute shirt.

Thank you! It was fun being there so close to St Patty's.

You got a great spot for the parade and worked out perfectly for catching the train afterwards.

I couldn't believe there was an open space there. I think a lot of people don't want to come that far down in the park for parade viewing so there tends to be more space available.

Very cute photos!

Thank you!

Really enjoying your updates

Thanks so much Moira! Glad you are here.

 

[pkondz]

I only had to wait about 15 minutes before a bus for Magic Kingdom arrived

"only"... most people I know would not be happy with a 15 minute wait.

Did I mention I was NOT using Genie+ during my 4 parks day? My plan was to only do attractions that had a wait line of 20 minutes or less.

Interesting strategy. Cheaper, for sure... but means you won't be doing headliners.
But... maybe that's not the point here.

The only exception I made was an ILL for Guardians because it is essential.

Unless you enjoy not riding it.

Love Flora, Fauna and Merriweather!

Are they on a rolling platform? A hoverboard? How do they keep their balance so perfectly? I always wonder about these things as I watch the parade.

I've wondered that too. It can't be someone else controlling it, or they'd lose their balance, I'd think?

The stilt walkers are always awe inspiring. I love when they bend right down to you and try to freak people out.

The dragon was incredible. Here is my question...is there a motor in the dragon? Electric powered? It looks almost as if one CM is pedalling it but that can't be true? Does anyone know how it works?

It's a Dragon, Susan! It moves itself!


(my way of saying I have no idea... it's just cool)

I am SO happy the train is back and never tire of it.

I am too! It's such an integral part of the park.

Cute shot, but I love your shirt!

 

[suse66]

"only"... most people I know would not be happy with a 15 minute wait.

15 minutes to chill in line and think about all the fun I had that morning doesn't bug me at all.

But... maybe that's not the point here.

No, not the point at all. My plan was to do my favourite things in each of the parks.

I've wondered that too. It can't be someone else controlling it, or they'd lose their balance, I'd think?

I am very impressed by how they make it seem so effortless!

(my way of saying I have no idea... it's just cool)

It is totally cool. I just want to know how it all works.

I am too! It's such an integral part of the park.

It's my favourite and it really felt like something was missing when it was closed. One of the things I am looking forward to most at my stay at Bay lake Tower this summer is being able to hear the train from my balcony.

Cute shot, but I love your shirt!

Thank you! I saw it on Shop Disney a couple of years ago and had to have it. If only color was spelled correctly it would be perfect!

 

[pkondz]

15 minutes to chill in line and think about all the fun I had that morning doesn't bug me at all.

No, not the point at all. My plan was to do my favourite things in each of the parks.

I don’t know if I could do that without using Genie+

I am very impressed by how they make it seem so effortless!

One of the things I am looking forward to most at my stay at Bay lake Tower this summer is being able to hear the train from my balcony.

I’ve never thought of that!! I love that!

If only color was spelled correctly it would be perfect!

And yet I note how you just spelled it.

 

[suse66]

And yet I note how you just spelled it.

Only because that is how it is spelled on the shirt. Don't worry, I'm a good Canadian who never forgets the "u".

 

[pkondz]

Only because that is how it is spelled on the shirt. Don't worry, I'm a good Canadian who never forgets the "u".

Glad u don’t.

 

[franandaj]

Unfortunately Figment had finished meeting for the day by 4 pm so we missed him. Kathy wanted to go on the ride so we headed there next. I hadn't been on this ride since our first trip in 2009!

That's too bad that you missed the Figment meet.

I chose the Heirloom Tomatoes as my appetizer while Kathy enjoyed the Oak Grilled Romaine and Billie had the shrimp cocktail.

All of those sound like delicious options!

For my entree I chose the Plancha seared scallops

That looks fantastic!

I chose the Florida Sunset.

Another solid choice!

What a terrific evening with great friends, awesome food and stimulating conversation. Can't wait to do it again!

Sounds like a great time!

I would be attempting a 4 parks challenge the next day. Would I finally make it to all 4 parks?

That sounds very amibitious!

My goal was an early morning safari and I didn't have to wait long. The safari hadn't even officially opened so it looked as though there was quite a line but it moved quickly once the ride opened.

That's nice, I'm glad the line moved quickly.

The zebras were not interested in so just ended up with a rear view of the three of them.

That's a funny shot!

Mama lion was stretched out enjoying a little relaxation.

Great shot of the lion!

On the way I spied a photopass photographer and got a couple of cute shots. I completely forgot to do a number 1 sigh for my parks challenge though.

Very cute photos!

This day the Komodo dragon was on display. I was glad there was a fair distance between us as I know they are both quick and vicious.

I didn't know that they were vicious, and quick too, I'm gad that they are behind some sort of barrier or sorts.

I decided upon a snack before heading out and settled on the Pineapple Crisp sundae (Pineapple Crisp Cake, Vanilla Ice Cream, Pineapple Caramel, Crispy Streusel Topping) at Tamu Tamu.

This sounds absolutely delicious!

 

[suse66]

That's too bad that you missed the Figment meet.

It was more Kathy that wanted to meet him so I was disappointed for her. Now give me an Orange Bird meet and I am in!

All of those sound like delicious options!

They really were!

That looks fantastic!

It was very well done but there is nothing that beats the scallops from Nova Scotia in the summer.

This sounds absolutely delicious!

It is fantastic! Hit up Tamu Tamu the next time you are in AK.

 

[suse66]

Snack time!

​

Officially park number three!

I hit up Spaceship Earth as it's one of my favourite classic attractions. Does anyone have an idea of when they are going to do the refurbishment on it? I know it was announced before Covid (ish?). I always enjoy Dame Judy Dench with her beautiful narration. I know it definitely needs love to restore it to it's full glory the question of when, what and how long always occupy my mind when I am on this attraction.

I had a boarding group for my friends the Guardians so headed there next. Of course I had to get a picture with the best new topiary at the F&G festival. Could Groot be any cuter?



No picture on GotG today but I got one of my missing songs, "I Ran" by Flock of Seagulls. I only had one song missing now, "Everyone Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears and one opportunity to ride the next day. Would I make it and close in on my song collection goal? What do you think?

It was definitely snack o'clock at this point and I headed off to to Trowel and Trellis to get the Impossible meatball (Farmhouse Meatball with lentil bread, spinach, marinated vegetables, and creamy herb aïoli). This was a huge hit in my books with a great flavour profile. I washed it down with the Brew Hub Strawberry Heatwave Berliner (also a winner).

I strolled up for China next as I knew I wanted the chicken satay with spicy peanut sauce (Spicy Mala Chicken Skewer with creamy peanut sauce). The chicken was juicy and tender and the spices and creamy peanut sauce worked really well together.


Refreshment Outpost was my last stop for dessert and a water bottle fill up. My choice was the seasonal fruit parfait with mango Dole Whip (Seasonal Fruit Parfait with sweet chili sauce and DOLE Whip Mango). This was fantastic but HUGE! I couldn't manage to finish it all.


Feeling full and happy with three out of three choices being outstanding, I headed off to Japan for a little candy shopping for the boys. Who knew there were so many different kinds of KitKats?


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