Our First Magical Poly Vacation: April 14-21 2012!

[DaveinFallsChurch]

I'm here!! just posting now so i can find you more easily later. Gotta run but plan to come back and read up on your tr later

Thanks for joining in!!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Thursday, April 19th Part I – Animal Kingdom Day

I woke up a little sad this morning as I realized our vacation was almost coming to an end. This would be the last full day DFIL would be with us as he was leaving on Friday, one day earlier than us. I also pulled up the reservation list from DisneyWorld.com and the long list of ADRs that had accompanied me for all these months were down to 5 entries remaining. None the less, we still had a first-time visit to AK for this trip so those feelings were quickly stomped out.

The day was going to start with an 8am ADR at Tusker House. I just love entering the Parks before they open. We left our room at 7:15am and we arrived at the Parking Lot gates at 7:29am to find about 6 cars lined up to the side and waiting for the gates to open up. I briefly had a moment of panic as I had read on DIS in the past that AK parking lots were notorious for opening late compared to other parks and that DISers reported having been late to their early morning Tusker House ADRs because they couldn’t get in the parking lot. Well, fortunately, at 7:30am, the parking attendants removed the cones on the road and let everyone in. WHEW! Major panic attack averted. During that short minute, I was running through scenarios in my head of how I was going to get my family in to AK if the gates didn’t open!

They let us in at 7:45 am and we strolled through the park. It was so peaceful and quiet. The tree of life looked great! (I had no idea it would drop a branch just a few days later). Had a pleasant walk all the way to Africa and checked in. Met Donald at the entrance. We don’t seem to get much interactions with these characters at the entrance for these meals. They always seem to be in a rush to get people through and moving! The food I thought was excellent. Had a very different selection from the standard Disney breakfast fare we had become accustomed to. I think I pretty much sampled every single dish. My favorites were the beef bobtie quiche and the honey glazed ham. That horseradish sauce that came with the ham was excellent! I couldn’t tell much difference from the jungle juice from the pog juice at Ohana, but then again, when more than two fruits are added to a drink they all start tasting the same to me! The characters were okay. We skipped the autograph books this time because we were meeting most of these characters for the second or third time! Except for Daisy, she was the first. I never noticed how short Daisy is until this visit. We felt a little rushed with the characters so didn’t have as much fun with them as we did at Ohana.

Thoroughly stuffed, we left and started gathering our stroller while waiting for DD and DW to return from the restrooms. As I was doing that, I happened to look up and at that moment saw two CMs holding a rope across as they crossed the bridge. Yup, behind them were the RD crowd headed towards the Safari! I was hoping to beat the RD crowd and get in line for the Safari but I guess we were too late. Didn’t end up mattering though. The standby time was minimal and practically a walk-on. The thing I enjoy about the safari ride is that every ride is a little different. Well, except for the whole Wilson bit. That gets a little old after a couple of times. I mean seriously, how many times does that elephant need rescuing??? All kidding aside, we try to go at times when the animals might be more active and usually that’s first thing in the morning. During this particular morning’s outing, we saw a couple of cheetahs jogging around their area, lots and lots of giraffes, and plenty of rhinos.

The lions essentially not visible and the hippos were mostly immersed with just their little ears hanging out. The elephants were also in areas that were a bit difficult to view although DS had no trouble spotting them. When we moved beyond the elephant area, he started asking for some more elephants. It was a pleasant ride with enough animal sightings to keep everyone happy! After we got off, we spent some time in the Pangani Forest Trails before heading down to FotLK.

Next Up: Simba's Festival and the Tree of Life

 

[wakica]

Finally caught up!!! Your trip sounds like it was so wonderful I'm glad your DW's surprise went well - even if you did have to reveal it a tad bit early. lol and what a GREAT idea to enjoy a sunrise on the beach I think I need to plan to enjoy a sunrise on our next holiday - DH would love it cuz he's an early riser although it would have to be a non disney trip then bc it seems I'm the first one up on those trips egging everyone to get going. lol. The cabana was a GREAT idea too hey??? What a gloriously relaxing day that turned out to be

 

[204charity]

I'm here! Thanks for the shout out in your trip report Dave! I agree, it was a real treat to have my first Dis-Meet be with someone I had shared so much planning with! I suppose it was meant to be.

 

[lisapeteres]

Fantastic Trip Report Davein, it was very entertaining and also fun to read, please post some more pics!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

I'm here! Thanks for the shout out in your trip report Dave! I agree, it was a real treat to have my first Dis-Meet be with someone I had shared so much planning with! I suppose it was meant to be.

Charity!! Long time no see on DIS!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Fantastic Trip Report Davein, it was very entertaining and also fun to read, please post some more pics!

Thanks Lisa! More pics are coming especially with the next couple of posts!

 

[204charity]

Charity!! Long time no see on DIS!

Yeah - I think I have figured it all out. I have been staying away because it's just too depressing to know I'm not heading back right away.

I will definately have to continue my TR though. I'm sure I've lost all of my readers by now though!!

 

[HalloweenNut]

Yeah - I think I have figured it all out. I have been staying away because it's just too depressing to know I'm not heading back right away.

I will definately have to continue my TR though. I'm sure I've lost all of my readers by now though!!

I'm hanging in there for you! I know what you mean about being depressed post-trip. I can't believe only a month ago today we were in the MK.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Yeah - I think I have figured it all out. I have been staying away because it's just too depressing to know I'm not heading back right away.

I will definately have to continue my TR though. I'm sure I've lost all of my readers by now though!!

Don't worry Charity, You haven't lost me!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Is anyone else excited about the upcoming release of Brave? DD must have watched trailers a hundred times on youtube last night and she really wants to see it. I have high hopes of Pixar's first attempt at a princess story (and no, princess Atta from a Bug's Life doesn't count )

Here's the latest trailer for Brave
http://youtu.be/AtrDBQ_qmlg

 

[Moodyzblu]

Is anyone else excited about the upcoming release of Brave? DD must have watched trailers a hundred times on youtube last night and she really wants to see it. I have high hopes of Pixar's first attempt at a princess story (and no, princess Atta from a Bug's Life doesn't count )

Here's the latest trailer for Brave
http://youtu.be/AtrDBQ_qmlg

I wouldn't say "excited" but I think the trailer looks real interesting and so I think we'll do this movie. My boys are "iffy" about it .. But I think they'll like it.

 

[solana131]

Is anyone else excited about the upcoming release of Brave? DD must have watched trailers a hundred times on youtube last night and she really wants to see it. I have high hopes of Pixar's first attempt at a princess story (and no, princess Atta from a Bug's Life doesn't count )

Here's the latest trailer for Brave
http://youtu.be/AtrDBQ_qmlg

Oooh me! I am! I am! I love anything Scottish related and I'm so happy this is coming out right before our next trip. Very excited about it! Plus, I really want to meet the Fairies this trip and maybe this new character will draw the crowds away from them

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

I think Merida's meet and greet at MK looks very interesting. I'm pretty sure it will create VERY long lines once the movie opens on June 22nd. The real big question is, how will her meet and greet affect Rapunzel's? People are going to have to decide at RD either to go to Fairytale Gardens for Merida or stay on Main Street and line up for Rapunzel. My guess is most will go for Merida at RD. I'm also curious exactly how interactive those three bears are!

Here's a very short clip of Merida's meet and greet at MK from Disney.

http://youtu.be/mr4eODHzqBg

 

[auprincess]

Is anyone else excited about the upcoming release of Brave? DD must have watched trailers a hundred times on youtube last night and she really wants to see it. I have high hopes of Pixar's first attempt at a princess story (and no, princess Atta from a Bug's Life doesn't count )

Here's the latest trailer for Brave
http://youtu.be/AtrDBQ_qmlg

My oldest (7) is very excited!! I am, too! When I was in Target the other day I saw a few toys from the movie...she has some birthday money saved up and when I told her what they had she asked immediately to go shopping!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

My oldest (7) is very excited!! I am, too! When I was in Target the other day I saw a few toys from the movie...she has some birthday money saved up and when I told her what they had she asked immediately to go shopping!

Cute!

All DD keeps talking about from the trailer is the scene where one of the older tribesman lifts his kilt up to moon his rivals and says "Feast your eyes!". Potty humor is always a big hit at her age.

 

[solana131]

Here's a very short clip of Merida's meet and greet at MK from Disney.

http://youtu.be/mr4eODHzqBg

Ooh that looks really cool. Maybe next time we go, when we have my son again. But this trip it will be just myself and my 18 yrold cousin. I think we can skip the lines But very excited to see the movie!

 

[StitchIsOurHero]

I'm subbing!! I've just read the first page and I'm already hooked! Your pics are BEAUTIFUL!!! We leave for VWL in 6 days, and next year, we are planning a trip to Poly! Can't wait to read more of your TR!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

I'm subbing!! I've just read the first page and I'm already hooked! Your pics are BEAUTIFUL!!! We leave for VWL in 6 days, and next year, we are planning a trip to Poly! Can't wait to read more of your TR!

Thanks!! You may be disappointed as I put my best ones up front!

Very jealous that you're headed to Disney so soon. Going to have to check out your PTR!

 

[emma212010]

Yum, Tusker House!! I'd like to try breakfast there sometime!