Lucky Bunny goes to WDW with photos!

[Thumper's Tara]

CareBear05 and I had agreed to meet the next morning at MGM at 8:30 am. I was early. Again. I wish I could bottle the Disney Magic and use it to get myself to work early. Sigh…I doubt it would work, because if it did, I am sure that Disney would have done it already. On my way in from the bus stop, I met a family of ducks who were visiting WDW on their family vacation…I wonder how many quackers it cost them for their trip...

…the walk from the bus stop also includes a postcard shot of the backside of ToT.

My earliness paid off, because I was able to get some nice shots of an empty MGM…

Last year, MGM was our most miserable day. It was cold and rainy. By the end of Fanstasmic, we were a very wet, unhappy family. The day was very traumatic and I must have developed traumatic stress disorder when it comes to MGM. I had no positive thoughts about MGM. After some deep soul searching, I decided that I needed some MGM therapy…if it killed me, I would have some happy memories of MGM!

At 8:30 am, CareBear05 arrived. Shortly before 9, the Disney powers allowed us to enter the park and herd-up at the turn off for Sunset Blvd. We were released at 9 am…CB05 and I headed straight for the ToT. Within minutes, we were on our way up, up, up, and then crashing down.

I am going to tell a little secret here…I am scared of falling. Actually, scared is an understatement…I am terrified. I am not scared of heights, just falling. I can be in a high place and as long as I know I can’t fall, I am cool. Put me a few inches off the ground with the potential of falling and I get weak kneed. Last year, it took everything I had to get on ToT. I am so glad that I did. I love this ride!!! It rocks…I guess controlled falling is okay…maybe that is why I have never been scared of roller coasters.

After our malfunctioning elevator ride, we headed over to Rock 'N' Roller Coaster. Cara and I lucked out…we got assigned to the front seat. Oh my…the front seat of RnR is totally different than any other seat. I had tears of joy streaming down my face during the entire ride. Absolutely amazing. After our limo ride, Cara easily exits. Not me. I couldn’t get the shoulder harness to release. I pushed, I pulled, and nothing. We eventually had to call over a CM. With some help, I was able to get it to release. Apparently, I pulled the shoulder harness too snug…you have to pull it closer to you to release it. Well, the twins got in the way and I couldn’t bring it any closer to me. A little embarrassing…however, it turned out for the best. The CM felt bad for me and offered us another ride. He showed us this “secret” door that entered right into the loading dock. Woooohooo! We got another ride. We decided to wait a few minutes longer and ride in front again…it was awesome. I learned my lesson too – I didn’t pull the shoulder harness super secure…

When we finished with our second limo ride, we headed for another elevator ride. We only had to wait about 5 minutes and we were off. After our elevator ride, we headed towards the back of the park. We wanted to catch the Stunt show, but we had some time to kill first. We decided to see Muppetvision3d…

After Muppetvision3d, it was time for the Stunt show. The stunt show was astonishing. I didn’t get any really good pictures, but here is one to give you the feel…

Now, something really bizarre happened during the show. I don’t want to spoil the show for anyone, so I will keep this vague. During the grand finale sequence, the hero car crashed. It turned out to be nothing serious, but at the time it was hard to tell. The communications were still being broadcast for a few minutes after the crash until they shut them off. We heard one guy ask another, “what happened?” and then a female voice said, “Be quiet. You are live.”

Right after the crash, the driver gave the thumbs up sign to the crowd. Thank God. Within minutes, men with a tent came out and blocked off the car from the audience. Then, a prerecorded message came on – “Due to technical difficulties the show is now over. Please exit the theater.”

For the rest of the day, Cara and I debated whether this was part of the show. Finally, we asked a CM and he said that it wasn’t part of the show. It was very bizarre. I am very glad that no one was hurt. The stunts performed daily to entertain us are astonishing – it would have been horrible if they were injured.

After this bizarre experience, we headed back towards the Muppets…

At some point, I decided that I really needed to adopt a Bean. Lucky Bunny couldn’t agree more…he even helped me pick out the right Bean to adopt.

We had the new TT family member shipped back to SSR and then looked for someplace to eat lunch. Cara had recommended the ABC Commissionary, but they were not open. During our wanderings, we passed by Dinosaur Gertie’s…

We finally decided on Backlot Express for some lunch. Backlot was extremely crowded, but yummy. After lunch, we meandered a bit more and finally called it a day. Ah, MGM Therapy worked. I’ll admit I was a bit concerned when I was trapped on RnR Coaster. However, I was able to escape and I now have positive memories of MGM.

 

[PrincessAurora]

It was in the hot tub that I ran into the world’s unhappiest person. Well, she might not have been unhappy, but she sure did like to complain. This woman went on forever. She actually scared her own husband away from the hot tub. She didn’t stop complaining…”I can’t believe people come here for 10 days, I mean what a waste. Can you believe people come here for 10 days? I mean it is so expensive and there isn’t much to do. And people actually come here every year. I have been here 2 days and I am ready to go…” She just went on forever. FINALLY, just as I was thinking about leaving, she left. I wanted to throw a party. I couldn’t believe how unhappy she was in the happiest place on Earth. It just goes to show you, that it takes all kinds.

You are the nice, kind bunny because I would have held that womans head under water until no bubbles came up.

Kidding.

Not really. People like this annoy me and waste our air. I mean, if you are soooo unhappy, then leave and spare us all.

Kinder than me. You poor girl.

BTW - Valentines Day sucks. We should just meet at the Poly and drink some Lapu Lapu's sometime.

 

[fizz13]

Ok I'm all caught up again. Loving the pictures and the report, nice to see care bear 05 in a pic too

Claire xx

 

[Thumper's Tara]

You are the nice, kind bunny because I would have held that womans head under water until no bubbles came up.

Kidding.

Not really. People like this annoy me and waste our air. I mean, if you are soooo unhappy, then leave and spare us all.

Kinder than me. You poor girl.

BTW - Valentines Day sucks. We should just meet at the Poly and drink some Lapu Lapu's sometime.

You know, my boss accusses me all the time of being too nice. It really is a character flaw...

Maybe next year we can arrange the single gal V-Day blow out at WDW...that could be way too much fun. After all, I have never had a Lapu Lapu (I was only 11 the last time I was at the Poly!!).

ttfn,
Tara

 

[wdwr]

You know, my boss accusses me all the time of being too nice. It really is a character flaw...

Maybe next year we can arrange the single gal V-Day blow out at WDW...that could be way too much fun. After all, I have never had a Lapu Lapu (I was only 11 the last time I was at the Poly!!).

ttfn,
Tara

Hi Tara,

A single gal V-Day blow out would be fabulous.

If we can get it to coincide with a Zeta Girl trip (this year it was the weekend after V-Day) that would be outrageous. The more Gals the better!

 

[Thumper's Tara]

As we were both MGMed out, Cara and I agreed to meet up again after Illuminations for a trip to Jellyrolls. I then headed for the SSR bus stop. After a reasonable wait (they have benches at this bus stop – my feet were happy), the bus to SSR showed up. I returned to SSR, relaxed, and then got ready for my evening out.

When I was ready, I headed back out to the SSR bus stop. I think I spent more time waiting at bus stops then I did in line for attractions. Hmmmm…I smell a data gathering opportunity here.

Anyway, I arrived in Epcot early (again), so I decided to spend some time enjoying the World Show Case. Here are some shots of the countries from afar…

…Norway…

…China…

…Germany…

…Italy…

…USA…

My photo journey around WS ended here; the remaining countries had the sun setting behind them.

My PS for dinner was at Marrakesh – another restaurant that my family had vetoed! Architecturally, Morocco is one of my favorite WS countries…

As I arrived in Morocco, I saw a crowd gathering. A Moroccan band had just started playing…

The band was excellent. After a couple of songs, a belly dancer joined the band. She was really good. When the band finished, it was time for dinner. Dinner was nice – I will give it a more detailed review on my dining review…Marrakesh also has a band and belly dancer …

The belly dancer was incredibly beautiful and graceful. When I grow up, I want to look like her. The band was really good. I was boogying in my seat. One of the male servers asked me if I was going to get up and dance. Um, no. Not after seeing the beautiful and talented dancer go. No sense in embarrassing myself! This bunny just likes to pretend she can dance…

After dinner, I snapped a nice nighttime shot of Spaceship Earth…

Then, I scoped out a place to watch Illuminations. Originally, I wanted to watch Illuminations in France, but there was a private party. I spent sometime talking to the CM guarding the French viewing area and she was able to hook me up. She called the UK guard and had her put me on the list for watching Illuminations on the wall.

With my Illuminations location locked up, I decided to spend some time enjoying the UK. In the Toy Soldier, I ran into Pooh and Eeyore…

While visiting with Pooh Bear, I asked him if he knew where Rabbit was. After all, I am all about the bunnies! Pooh’s CM answered that if I waited five minutes, Rabbit would be out for a visit. Awesome!!

Well, five minutes later came and I didn’t get to meet Rabbit. Apparently, Rabbit had some gardening to do, so Tigger came to visit instead. I love Tigger, but I really wanted Rabbit. Rabbit-less, I decided to drown my sorrows in a pint of cider. I love a good cider and a trip to Rose & Crown had me feeling much better.

Cider in hand, I strolled over to my viewing area for Illuminations. There I met an incredible family from Indiana. The wife and I chatted right up until Illuminations started…I was able to give her some good tips about visiting MK. I love being helpful.

As always, Illuminations was beautiful.

After Illuminations, it was off to meet CareBear05 for an evening at Jellyrolls. I walked over to BWVs where Cara was waiting for me on her balcony. We had a few minutes before her friend Karen arrived, so I was able to check out a BWV 1-Bedroom. Nice.

Jellyrolls was so much fun. I loved the atmosphere and I loved the music. I will definitely have to return…

At some point during the evening, I picked up an admirer. Not admirer, but a leerer. Now, I enjoy being admired. Who doesn’t? It is one thing to be admired. It is another to be stared at. Actually, it wasn’t all of me that was being stared at – just my chest. This man just stared. We spent several hours there and he spent 95% of the time staring at my chest. Now, I have a nice set of ****s, but this was redickerous! I felt like charging admission.

Oh well, we had a good time…if being stared at is the worst that happened to me, life is good! Around 1 am, we asked for our check. Karen, who lived locally, was nice enough to give me a ride back to SSR. Thank you, Karen!

Once home, I crawled into bed and fell into an alcohol induced coma. I did remember to set the alarm clock though – the next morning was Boma’s and Expedition Everest with Cara!

 

[Thumper's Tara]

Hi Tara,

A single gal V-Day blow out would be fabulous.

If we can get it to coincide with a Zeta Girl trip (this year it was the weekend after V-Day) that would be outrageous. The more Gals the better!

I would be up to planning one, if enough single gals were interested...I can think of no better way to spend the big V-Day...well, no better was as long as I am single

 

[PrincessAurora]

At some point during the evening, I picked up an admirer. Not admirer, but a leerer. Now, I enjoy being admired. Who doesn’t? It is one thing to be admired. It is another to be stared at. Actually, it wasn’t all of me that was being stared at – just my chest. This man just stared. We spent several hours there and he spent 95% of the time staring at my chest. Now, I have a nice set of ****s, but this was redickerous! I felt like charging admission.

Men. My friend Am would always say "Beautiful day aren't they? Face is up here, starring too long costs you $20 a minute" That seemed to work.

Could be worse. Honey with your tracts of land you could have Chefs Table money in no time. Me... not so much.

 

[Thumper's Tara]

Men. My friend Am would always say "Beautiful day aren't they? Face is up here, starring too long costs you $20 a minute" That seemed to work.

Could be worse. Honey with your tracts of land you could have Chefs Table money in no time. Me... not so much.

I am going to have to use your friend Am's line...Chef's Table here I COME!!!

As for my tracts of land, it is only because I gain weight in two places - my twins and my behind...the nice twins make up for my behind has its own zip code...baby got back? This baby does!

 

[1000thhappyhaunt]

Me... not so much.

Ditto.

Great trip report, T.T.!!!!!

 

[penguingirlie]

I am loving this report!! I keep checking to see if there are any new installments. I am stalking your report!!

 

[Ghost]

Thank you for sharing. I love report with pictures and if I get to see one with Illuminations I am extra happy. I just love Illuminations... (I really want to go back to WDW now)

 

[CareBear05]

Oh Tara... reading your report makes me re-live it. We had SO much fun, even with the creey Australian guy who couldn't take his eyes off of your tatas!!! Remember he hated smoke so I kept blowing my cigarette smoke on him to get him to go away!? I know you probably don't want to hear this, but I really don't know what I'm going to do without you on this trip coming up in a week!!!! I really am going to miss you! It's not going to be a true Disney trip without you! Count me in for your valentines day trip!!! I'm 100% for it!

 

[Thumper's Tara]

Oh Tara... reading your report makes me re-live it. We had SO much fun, even with the creey Australian guy who couldn't take his eyes off of your tatas!!! Remember he hated smoke so I kept blowing my cigarette smoke on him to get him to go away!? I know you probably don't want to hear this, but I really don't know what I'm going to do without you on this trip coming up in a week!!!! I really am going to miss you! It's not going to be a true Disney trip without you! Count me in for your valentines day trip!!! I'm 100% for it!

I forgot about the smoke thing! Cara was my savior...creepy Australian guy had a huge problem with smoke, so when he wasn't staring at my tatas, he was being obnoxious about that! Cara bravely came to to the rescue and blew smoke his way! Go Cara!

I so wish I could go with you next week! I really, really do. We will have to figure out a fall trip...or a valentine's day trip!

Okay...I am I need to be responsible for a bit and then I will get the next section up...it was all about the BEST day I had in Disney. Cara went a LONG way to making that happen. She got me on Everest!

 

[Thumper's Tara]

Now, you would think that after 30 years on this earth, that I would know my body. I should know that I can’t mix. I can drink beer all night – no problem. I can drink wine all night – no problem. I can’t drink wine and beer all night. Oh, TT was a not so happy bunny! I wasn’t totally praying-to-the-toilet-hung-over, but I wasn’t skipping for joy either.

So, a little slower then normal, I got up and got ready. CaraBear05 had 10:00 am PS at Boma and she kindly invited me along. I wasn’t sure how long it would take me to get to AKL, so I gave myself plenty of time. Actually, I gave myself WAY too much time. I was at AKL by 9!! No worries though – I had never been to AKL and I really wanted to check this resort out. I had plenty of time.

The lobby was funky and full of neat stuff…

…and has a really cool window out to one of the savannahs…

Leaving the lobby behind, I walked out the doors below the windows. From there you can see more of what the outside of AKL looks like…

…and if you walk a bit further, you get to see a cool carving in the rocks…

I had seen this rock in pictures before and I was really excited to see it! Further along is the animal viewing area...

…in the animal viewing area, I was able to get a good feel of what a Savannah room view would be like…

…and as I walked back in I was able to see what the other side of the lobby windows look like…

I really love how the sky reflects off of the windows. I am definitely going to have to stay at AKL in the future…when in the future, I do not know, but I will be staying there!!

After my outside tour, I headed inside to check out the merchandise store. Inside, they have a cool sculpture…

It was getting close to breakfast time, so I headed to Boma. Outside of Boma, AKL had their chocolate lodge still standing…

I love how they tell people not to throw coins at it!

Cara showed up about this time, we checked in and then did some shopping while we waited. Shortly after check-in, we were called. It is good to know that the buzzer works upstairs in the store! Breakfast was good – especially the coffee…it helped clear away some of the hangover sluggishness.

After breakfast, we did some more exploring of the resort. Unfortunately, the pool area was roped off, so we couldn’t get to the other savannah. I really wanted to see the baby giraffe, but it wasn’t meant to be!

 

[Thumper's Tara]

When we were done exploring, it was off to AK…it was DVC and AP preview day for Expedition Everest. Cara, a DVC member, had offered to take me with her for the preview. When she offered, I was so excited. Did I mention she rocks? I'm not worthy!

We decided it would be best if we let breakfast settle a bit before riding EE, so we did some animal spotting. Here some love birds that needed to get a room…

…and I was able to meet my first wallaby...

…he was too cute. I wonder if he would get along with the bunnies and Trouble?

Then, it was off to see some mini-monkeys. I didn’t know that monkeys could be so small…

Speaking of things that I didn’t know, I didn’t know that AK had kangaroos!!! See, here are a couple of kangas taking a nap…

After our animal spotting, we grabbed a FP for the Safari and then headed to EE. The detail work for EE is amazing. As you head to Asia and EE, you pass this shrine…

…the detail continues throughout the queue…

I love the mini-Yeti statues. While in line, I was able to snap two of my favorites…

Don’t pick the tea – I love this! Hehe. I just wish I hadn’t gotten that girl’s head in the picture. I tried cropping it, but it loses its effect…

The wait posted was 20 minutes, but we were on board in 10 minutes. CB05 and I were in the last row of the train. EE is amazing. It starts out gentle. You meander through a little path area and then it is up the hill! Wow. The view from the hill is amazing. You can see so much! I would ride this again just for the view.

Once you reach the top of the hill, EE psyches you into believing a big drop is going to happen! Psyche! It is a mini-drop. Some twists and turns happen and then you stop. It is here you first see what the Yeti can do!! From this point on, be prepared to scream! Suddenly, the train is released and you go flying backwards. Zooming around curves and hills.

After some backwards action, you stop again and see the shadow of the Yeti. Then, it is time to fly forward again…twisting, turning, and of course, screaming! At one point, a surprise happens…and then, you are whoosing into the train station.

EE totally rocks! Two bunny ears WAY up!

After our first ride, we grabbed FPs for another ride later in the afternoon. No longer nervous, Cara wanted a Mickey Bar I was still feeling the effects of the night before, so I stuck with a coke.

It was now time for our Safari FP. We headed back to Africa and before getting in line, picked up another FP for Safari. The EE and Safari FPs were not hooked up, so it was possible to grab another Safari FP. Is it just me, or is the FP system for Safari a little screwy? It is two separate lines and then all of a sudden it merges. Strange. I don’t notice this as much on any other line!

With our second set of fast passes, we had two back-to-back safaris. Both safaris were great…except when we ran into the stinkin’ poachers. Poor Big Red and Little Red…every time I go on Safari, they end up chased by poachers. Disney really needs to do something about that

A few highlights from the safaris…

…some hippos were actually OUT of the water…

…I had never seen the hippos on land before. A really cool shot of some giraffes…

…speaking of giraffes, a giraffe was on the path on our second safari. He was so close; you could have reached out and touched him…

…what is a safari without a baby elephant? I was able to see Nadirah again…

…finally, we saw something amazing. Are you ready? It really was amazing. The lions were awake…

Honest. Spike, the lion, is awake. He is sitting up. Really. He is. It isn’t the best picture, but he is awake. Speaking of Spike, I actually have some issues with Spike. Or his diet anyway. Last year on my Backstage Safari, I learned that Spike loves to gnaw on frozen bunnies. Say it with me – EEEEEEWWWWW! Poor Lucky Bunny always hides. Bad Spike. Eating bunnies is bad...

After our safaris, it was time for our FP for Everest. We had a bit of a run in with a CM member though…earlier in the day, a CM let us into EE by showing our resort cards. Both Cara and I were staying on points, so we had no issues. When we returned to use our FPs, the CM wanted to see Cara’s DVC card. Unfortunately, Cara didn’t have it with her. After Cara explained that she had her DVC number, that we had ridden it before, AND that we had FPs, the CM let us back in. Whew! It was Thursday, the first day of DVC preview, so I think we lucked out.

With our FP, we were on board within 5 minutes – in the same seats as before! Our second EE ride was as incredible as the first. After this ride, we immediately got back in line for a third ride! This time, we got the middle of the train. The middle is a totally different ride from the back. Someday, I will have to try the front and see what it is like there!

At the end of the third ride, we both wanted to get a picture of a train coming out of the mountain…

The third EE trip had done me in. I needed food and I needed food NOW! Cara, a total French fry connoisseur, suggested Sunaulo Toran Fries (i.e. McDonald’s). Perfect – McDonald’s fries are the perfect cure for a hangover. I don’t know why, but they are. I don’t think I want to know…Man, did those fries do the trick! I felt 100% better after eating them. Normally, I wouldn’t eat McDonald’s while in Disney, but it was perfect.

After our fries, we had a picture taken to prove we did EE. Well, it doesn’t prove that we rode EE, but it is a picture of us together. It is actually the ONLY picture we have of the two of us…amazing considering how much time we were together! Cara has already shared her copy, but here is my copy…

Now, I have to do my expense report for work and then I have to go to the doctors ...I will try to post more tonight, but if not...Tomorrow is another day!

 

[heaven2dc]

I am sooo glad to see you posted another day - LOVE your reports! Can't wait for EE in October - it sounds like so much fun.

 

[heaven2dc]

You are the nice, kind bunny because I would have held that womans head under water until no bubbles came up.

Kidding.

Not really. People like this annoy me and waste our air. I mean, if you are soooo unhappy, then leave and spare us all.

Kinder than me. You poor girl.

BTW - Valentines Day sucks. We should just meet at the Poly and drink some Lapu Lapu's sometime.

Wow - I needed to do some major catching up here - I couldn't agree with you more PrincessAurora!! (that's on the lady in the hottub and the Valentine's Day idea ) I have a real hard time refraining from making a comment when I hear something like that - usually it's under my breath. I just want to scream "Stay Home and let us all who love Disney enjoy it in peace!!!"

 

[catherines_mama]

Tara.. Still loving your reports! I cant wait to hear more. Hope you feel better soon!

 

[honeybee213]

I love your reports! I just wanted to say belated My birthday is the same as yours!!!! Hope you had a great one!