It's a SO-LO trip report! Oct 09, CR/YC, MNSSHP, F&W, and Independence! FINAL UPDATE!

[GreatBiscuit]

Hats off to you on the mad Nemo photo skillz! Those pics were fantastic! I hear you on the camera screens. I don't think folks realize just how distracting they can be to others. Glad to hear you enjoyed the shows. And I was cracking up that you were camera stalking the cast.

 

[praisehisname]

After my third trip down the mountain, I needed a little pick me up

You needed a "pick me up" after three time on Everest???

So glad to hear Nemo made up for the disappointing FotLK experience.

 

[norybell]

Oh norybell! I know you were smitten by his geeky looks... in fact he looks like he lives in a school... but I bet the guy is just a clown!

Hooray for puns!

Also I've only ridden EE once hopefully that would be fixed too next year

Only ridden EE once! Oh no! I challenge you to ride it at least 5 times on your next trip.

I'm dying over here! Mostly because you're smitten with that puppeteer! Didn't he look cross-eyed in one of those pics?

He was cross-eyed because he was so focused on me, of course! And I was sitting so close! Besides, if you're a talented geeky cutie-pie, you're allowed to be cross-eyed.

Anyhow, I was interested to hear that you enjoyed the chai tea. Truth be told, I'm a bit of chai tea snob and know the local places that make a good cup. But I wasn't thrilled with the AK one, although mine was hot which made absolutely no sense considering it was about 89 degrees outside with like 1,000% humidity!

I order a chai tea about twice a year, so I bow down to your expertise. This one was cold and refreshing, which was really all I was looking for in that moment. As far as chai teas go, it could very well have been terrible, and I would never know!

I totally thought you were going to say that Nemo, the fish, was really cute or something. I'm totally flummoxed. I did not see that one coming.

Oh, glennbo. Clearly your daughters are still young!

Have you ever seen "Being John Malkovich"?

Ha, that movie has a clear example of a non-sexy puppeteer. Funny thing, though...years ago, DH and I jokingly had a deal that we were allowed to...ahem...hang out with any one of a previously-agreed-upon list of three celebrities, if we got the chance, and it wouldn't be considered cheating. And John Cusack was one of mine. (We lived in Chicago then, and he's from the area -- I figured I'd have better odds if I picked local!) I worked at a bookstore at the time, and one day he came into the store, and I just about died! (Needless to say, I didn't broach the subject.)

No really...your obsession with this guy is perfectly normal.

Normal like wanting to visit WDW multiple times in one year? Normal like spending way too much time reading TRs? I knew you guys would understand! After all, we're all normal here, right?

That's because he was thinking about your ballet picture.

You mean my new computer desktop picture?

Ew. Thanks, guys. Actually, back in high school I had a ballet picture in the local paper, and I did get some pervy phone calls for a few days. The truly embarrassing thing about it was that it took me quite a while to figure out what was going on. Oh, the innocence of youth!

I love all the parade and Nemo pics. I'm kind of the opposite. I can take or leave the Nemo show, but I just adore FotLK. I'm always developing crushes on the tumblemonkeys.

One of the many awesome things about WDW -- enough fictional characters for everyone to find the perfect one to crush on!

You needed a "pick me up" after three time on Everest???

What can I say, I guess I was really, really tired!

How did you get such fabulous shots of the show?? I'm in awe because all of mine came out like crappola. Granted, my flash was off and I'm definitely a novice when it comes to photography! Were you sitting up front?

Hats off to you on the mad Nemo photo skillz! Those pics were fantastic! I hear you on the camera screens. I don't think folks realize just how distracting they can be to others. Glad to hear you enjoyed the shows. And I was cracking up that you were camera stalking the cast.

Thanks for the photo compliments! I was really happy with how they turned out. I wish I could remember exactly what I did...my camera (a Sony Superzoom) was new to me for this trip, and I spent a lot of time experimenting, without really knowing what I was doing. I had the flash off, so I'm sure I bumped up the ISO some, but luckily the stage lights were bright enough I didn't need to raise it to grainy levels. I turned off the screen and was actually using the tiny viewfinder, which I think had some positive effect for some unknown reason. But mostly I think I was just lucky! (Plus I took about a million pics, and a few were bound to turn out!)

 

[norybell]

So far I’d spent nearly the entire day at AK, and I was having a wonderful time. But the thing my day had surprisingly lacked? Many real animals! And it was already after 4:00; I was about to give up on the elusive creatures, hope for better luck next time, and be happy with my Everest-focused trip. But I did have one last FP in my pocket, for the safari, so I thought I’d give the animals one last chance. I’d heard that sometimes they’re particularly active near the end of the day—a.k.a., feeding time—so I had my fingers crossed and my camera ready.

Turns out I didn’t even need the FP; since there was absolutely no line, they were letting everyone walk straight through the FP line. I ended up with a whole row to myself (score! I could do the awesome butt-slide from one side to the other without bothering anyone!). A man was riding solo, also in his own row, behind me, and he had a serious camera. I felt very in-the-know, riding at the same time as an obvious photography professional. My Sony Superzoom, on the other hand, experienced some inadequacy issues. I’ve signed it up for therapy since we got back.

Guess what I saw? ANIMALS!

Bird: If I bow down to you, Rhino, will you please not gore me with that magnificent horn of yours?

This hippo does not have as cushy of a life as this one:

Have you guys heard of this hippo, Jessica, who these insane people adopted as a pet? I think I’d rather be a hippo at AK, actually. So I could really embrace my inner hippo self, and not have to pretend to be a dog or something.

OK, major challenge for you. Put your thinking caps on and get ready for some serious brainwork. Which of these pictures contains real alligators (or crocodiles, I never did learn the difference)?

Pretty savannah:

If you have, like, an indefinite amount of time on your hands, feel free to try to find the animal in this one!

Despite hailing from the cattle-friendly land of Wisconsin, I really wouldn’t want to try to milk one of these!

I think these animals (at AK, anyhow) must have a very nice life. I wouldn’t mind chilling in a field like that all day.

Hello, my name is Ellie Elephant. Or else it’s Eliot Elephant, I’m not really sure. Because I’m an elephant, so I don’t really have to know these things.

I want to tell you the story of my life at AK, because it’s very exciting.

Sometimes I stand in the pretty foliage.

Sometimes I eat things.

Sometimes I watch the trucks going by.

The end. Thank you for listening.

The (blurry) piece de resistance:

I was very happy with my safari this time around. Still not as many animals as I’d seen in the past, but more than I’d seen all day, so I took what I could get! I chatted a bit with Big Camera Man on my way out…he said the safari was one of his favorite photographic challenges, between the unpredictable nature of the animals and the extreme bumpiness of the truck.

It was near closing time by this point, but I took my time on my way out, meandering around some of the Discovery Island trails. I love the way you can get so close to the Tree of Life…I love the Tree of Life, in general. Despite my passion for the castle and Epcot’s golf ball, the Tree may actually be my favorite park centerpiece of the bunch. It’s just such an amazing work of art.

A lot of the carvings are really quite creepy, aren’t they? If I were trapped in AK all alone in the middle of the night, I’d be pretty freaked out! (Though that would also be pretty awesome…)

With one last, long look at my beloved Tree

I decided it was time to call it a day. It was a little after 5:00, meaning I’d been at the AK for nearly the entire day. I was proud of myself! I don’t think I’d ever spent an entire day—from opening to closing—at a Disney park before. Granted, it was at the park with the shortest day. But it’s still the kind of thing I’d never be able to do if I were with another person, because I’m sure one of us would’ve gotten cranky at some point and needed a break. All alone, it was easy to power through and enjoy every minute of it.

I headed out to the bus stop, and I was in luck: a YC bus was sitting there waiting for me. Of course, just because my AK day was over, my Disney day was not. It was my last night, after all!

Coming Soon: One Night at Epcot Is Never Enough—Let’s Have Another!

 

[clearskies]

Welcome back. It is great to see you back to finish up the TR and congratulations on the Wedding(s)!!

I am sorry to hear FOLK did not live up to the hype for you. I absolutely agree that is can't come close to the Lion King on Broadway but heck this is theme park entertainment we are talking about here and compared to what else is out there I think this is top notch. I do agree with you on the Nemo show but not quite for all the same reasons. Perhaps I should not stir the pot now that you are a married woman and all but here are a couple more pics of your geeky puppeteer heartthrob.

Oh, if only I could find my soul mate. An ex-ballet dancer type that loves iphone scrabble as much as I do.

Crush, my friend, I hear there is such a woman named Nory that lives on an island called Manhattan. Please, please take me to this island to find the woman of my dreams.


We also had no intention of seeing the AK parade but gained a new appreciation when we ran into it. you captured some nice photos of it.

Looking forward to the rest of the Trip report

 

[glennbo123]

I ended up with a whole row to myself (score! I could do the awesome butt-slide from one side to the other without bothering anyone!).

That's awesome luck! Everybody in my row hates it when I do that.

Have you guys heard of this hippo, Jessica, who these insane people adopted as a pet? I think I’d rather be a hippo at AK, actually. So I could really embrace my inner hippo self, and not have to pretend to be a dog or something.

I've heard that hippos kill more people than elephants, lions, and rhinos do. They're actually extemely dangerous.

If you have, like, an indefinite amount of time on your hands, feel free to try to find the animal in this one!

I see it....it's right over there. Uh huh.

Despite hailing from the cattle-friendly land of Wisconsin, I really wouldn’t want to try to milk one of these!

Especially since it's a bull. (Just kidding, I have no idea.)

I love the way you can get so close to the Tree of Life…I love the Tree of Life, in general. Despite my passion for the castle and Epcot’s golf ball, the Tree may actually be my favorite park centerpiece of the bunch. It’s just such an amazing work of art.

I agree!

 

[praisehisname]

A lot of the carvings are really quite creepy, aren’t they? If I were trapped in AK all alone in the middle of the night, I’d be pretty freaked out! (Though that would also be pretty awesome…)

I haven't read any of the Kingdom Keeper books--do any of them take place in Animal Kingdom?

Great update; loved all the animal pics!

 

[norybell]

Welcome back. It is great to see you back to finish up the TR and congratulations on the Wedding(s)!!

I am sorry to hear FOLK did not live up to the hype for you. I absolutely agree that is can't come close to the Lion King on Broadway but heck this is theme park entertainment we are talking about here and compared to what else is out there I think this is top notch. I do agree with you on the Nemo show but not quite for all the same reasons. Perhaps I should not stir the pot now that you are a married woman and all but here are a couple more pics of your geeky puppeteer heartthrob.

Oh, if only I could find my soul mate. An ex-ballet dancer type that loves iphone scrabble as much as I do.

Crush, my friend, I hear there is such a woman named Nory that lives on an island called Manhattan. Please, please take me to this island to find the woman of my dreams.

Hi clearskies! Good to talk to you again! I have to say, your Nemo pictures are so awesome that they capture a whole new level of geekiness in my man. So much so, in fact, that I think my crush is officially over (I mean, just in case the wedding wasn't enough to kill it...).

Especially since it's a bull. (Just kidding, I have no idea.)

Actually, looking a little more closely, I think you may be right...

I haven't read any of the Kingdom Keeper books--do any of them take place in Animal Kingdom?

Great update; loved all the animal pics!

Thanks! I haven't read any of the Kingdom Keeper books, either...I've been tempted, though!

 

[onelilspark]

I'm here again! (I might have deleted you from my subscription list...don't be angry! And then I found you again, but your TR was closed, so I couldn't sub...so it took me a while.)

I've read the Kingdom Keeper books. They're a lot of fun! Obviously easy reads since they're meant for kids, but the Disney-geek in me loves them!

...and ummmm, subbing...again.

 

[If U Had Wings]

I love all the pictures from your safari! You got some great shots. I always end up with blurry messes.

 

[hucifer]

You mean my new computer desktop picture?


Just kidding Nory, don't get creeped-out. Actually, this is my new desktop picture.

Now I'M a little creeped out. And excited.

 

[hucifer]

Turns out I didn’t even need the FP; since there was absolutely no line, they were letting everyone walk straight through the FP line. I ended up with a whole row to myself (score! I could do the awesome butt-slide from one side to the other without bothering anyone!).

Personally, I like to do the Electric Slide followed by a Hopping Flare and a Running Headslide. But that's only when I have the room.

My Sony Superzoom, on the other hand, experienced some inadequacy issues. I’ve signed it up for therapy since we got back.

Since you've been back for a year now, how did therapy go?

Guess what I saw? ANIMALS!

Gosh that's weird.

Despite hailing from the cattle-friendly land of Wisconsin, I really wouldn’t want to try to milk one of these!

Uhhhhhhhh.....

I'm pretty sure you wouldn't get milk out of that. But you go ahead and try. You'll make a friend for life.

It was near closing time by this point, but I took my time on my way out, meandering around some of the Discovery Island trails. I love the way you can get so close to the Tree of Life

You can actually get right inside of it too!
*cough*Tough to be a Bug*cough*

 

[norybell]

I'm here again! (I might have deleted you from my subscription list...don't be angry! And then I found you again, but your TR was closed, so I couldn't sub...so it took me a while.)

Hi onelilspark! Good to see you again. And I take 100% of the blame for all of the ups and downs in our relationship.

I love all the pictures from your safari! You got some great shots. I always end up with blurry messes.

Thanks! And I got plenty of blurry messes, just didn't share 'em!

Personally, I like to do the Electric Slide followed by a Hopping Flare and a Running Headslide. But that's only when I have the room.

That is something I would love to see. How do you manage to keep your balance?

Since you've been back for a year now, how did therapy go?

I think my camera is now in love with his therapist. It's a little awkward, really.

I'm pretty sure you wouldn't get milk out of that. But you go ahead and try. You'll make a friend for life.

You and glennbo have made me look much closer at that photo than I really wanted to...

You can actually get right inside of it too!
*cough*Tough to be a Bug*cough*

Yeah. I really hate bugs. Enough that even cute cartoon ones kinda gross me out. Once was enough for me with that show!

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Great update! Ah, the Kilamanjaro (that looks weird spelled out doesn't it?) safari. I had hyped this sucker up like crazy last time we went with my in-laws. I was all "we should be able to see lots of animal activity because it's early in the morning still". Poor fools, they believed me. Actually in my defense, everything I've read said that the animals are *supposed* to be active in the early morning. Guess what we saw? Nada, zero, zip. Aside from an elephant and the occasional big horned steers, nothing. We were giving ourselves whiplash trying to turn in our seats, scanning the serengeti for a glimpse of anything! But don't worry, we did see some cool ostrich eggs. You know, the fake ones Disney puts out! Sigh ):

How do you get that close to the enormous tree of life? Wait, is that what it's called? We've taken our 3DD's to the It's Tough to be a Bug and honey, it scared the crap out of my then 5 and 7 year old! They literally curled into tight balls on my lap and screamed! Technically there was collective wailing all around us from the terrified kids so my DD's weren't alone in their pain! But ya, it definitely freaked them out and they made me promise my most solemn promise (aka a pinky swear) that I'd never make them go into that tree again! So don't feel bad if you're scared too!

What a fabulous treat though, to have stayed at Animal Kingdom all day, strolling around by yourself. Looking forward to the next update.

 

[norybell]

How do you get that close to the enormous tree of life? Wait, is that what it's called? We've taken our 3DD's to the It's Tough to be a Bug and honey, it scared the crap out of my then 5 and 7 year old! They literally curled into tight balls on my lap and screamed! Technically there was collective wailing all around us from the terrified kids so my DD's weren't alone in their pain! But ya, it definitely freaked them out and they made me promise my most solemn promise (aka a pinky swear) that I'd never make them go into that tree again! So don't feel bad if you're scared too!

Hi 3prettyprincesses! There are some Discovery Island trails that let you get pretty close to the tree...plus, I'm sure I had the zoom on!

 

[norybell]

I know, I know, it's not an update. But hey, you asked! We don't have all the pics yet...this is just from a teaser from the photographer. Please forgive me for posting too many...usually I'm super-hesitant to post personal pics on the internet, but I love these so much, I just can't help myself!

Our "First Look", which we did before the ceremony:

DH would kill me for posting this one, because he really does have a bizarre expression on his face! But I can't resist:

My beautiful sisters:

How awesome is my dress?

Had to share this one, because this toast -- which clearly had everyone cracking up! -- contained multiple WDW references!

And from the Ethiopian wedding...

Look at me, and my awesome Ethiopian dancing skillz!

 

[hucifer]

OMG, Nory. You look AMAZING. Like a 40's Hollywood actress. You look absolutely breathtaking! Gorgeous! And every other word that is synonymous with beautiful. The hair, the dress, your overall look is stunning. Simply stunning.

I take it back. You're no longer my twin. You're my prettier younger sister. Now I know why mom always liked you best. You clean up better.

Oh, and love the geeky glasses on your man!!!

 

[praisehisname]

You and your husband are adorable!!! Thanks so much for sharing the pictures; what a beautiful day you had!

 

[Tribilín]

Ouch! Somehow I missed your last update Hehehe! I guess I didn't check my email notifications. Great AK pics!

And about your wedding pictures... I agree with hucifer and praisehisname, you look stunning! WOW!

 

[Minnie J]

And as soon as the show began, I was smitten. With this guy:

The man, not the fish.

I thought I was the only one I too have a confession: I am in love with guys with glasses. Thats a percentage of why I married this guy:


Loving this TR!! Those wedding pictures are FAB!! I loved both dresses! The look on your DH's face in that picture was priceless!! Loving it all!!