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

[DaveinFallsChurch]

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

Too many restaurants, not enough time, right?

 

[Zuzu03]

Too many restaurants, not enough time, right?

Just means we have to take more trips!! That's how I see it anyway! LOL!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Just means we have to take more trips!! That's how I see it anyway! LOL!

Once the kids get a bit older, I really want to start trying out some of the signature restaurants. DD is ready. DS has a way to go.

 

[auprincess]

I really liked Tusker House, too!

I am missing Disney ~ wish I knew when we were going back. We had a great time in April, but we were originally going this upcoming week...now I'm wishing we hadn't changed dates. Silly, I know...but then I would be saying I'm going to Disney tomorrow!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

I am missing Disney ~ wish I knew when we were going back. We had a great time in April, but we were originally going this upcoming week...now I'm wishing we hadn't changed dates. Silly, I know...but then I would be saying I'm going to Disney tomorrow!

I hear ya. My sister-in-law's family will be leaving for Disney in mid-June, and a colleague of mine at work is currently at Disney which makes it a bit more difficult. I'm working this weekend, so that should keep me occupied. Got a trip to Kansas City coming up in a few days to give a talk at a conference. Then two weeks from now, I'm off to San Diego with the kids to meet my parents. We decided not to go to DL during this trip, but still am looking forward to the trip - wish DW could come with us.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Thursday, April 19th Part II - Animal Kingdom

We made it in the comfortably air-conditioned theater for Festival of the Lion King. It is by far my favorite live (non-fireworks) show at Disney. The music and songs work very well with the live action and it always gets my blood pumping by the end. It turned out that we were sitting in the lion section which I think is the easiest section when it comes to making the animal noises! Last year we were stuck in the giraffe section and had to Baaaa the whole time. In addition to the acrobatic monkeys and the fire twirling warrior, I was also amazed by how every single performer in this production dances with such gusto. I was watching some of the supporting cast dancers who were in animal costumes and they were smiling but dancing very intensely. Here are some of the pics.

DS had fallen asleep (how could he???!!!) about half way through the show. He actually enjoyed watching it and was desperately tried in vain to stay awake. As his eyelids kept drifiting to a close, he kept asking me, "Is it over?" as if he wasn't allowed to go to sleep until the show was done. When we left the show, we all decided that we didn’t need to meet any of the characters at Camp Minnie/Mickey. So we started making our way to the Tree of Life hub. It was 11am and DD was telling us she was hungry. She actually didn’t eat much at Tusker House so we weren’t surprised. The adults on the other hand had absolutely no interest in food. So, we asked DD what she wanted for lunch and she said mac and cheese. I pulled out my trusty ol iPad and pulled up one of the apps by Versa. I really liked this app because it has a “Food Finder” function supported by your GPS location. All you have to do is type in the type of food you’re looking for, and it will list all of the TS, QS, and snack stands in Disney that sells the item, and lists them in order of proximity! In matter of seconds, it told us that Pizzafari sold mac and cheese which was only 45 yards away! So we ordered some lunch for DD while DS continued to nap in his stroller. Meanwhile, I made a FP run to Dinosaur for the adults.

As I was heading back, DW called and said they were leaving the restaurant. So, I asked them to meet me in front of the entrance for It’s Tough to be a Bug. I thought this would be the perfect time to check out the path that always eluded me in past trips – the one that takes you right up against the Tree of Life. I thought I had figured it out by reading DIS, but once I was standing in front of the entrance to ITtBaB (that acronym just doesn’t look right, does it?), I was no longer sure anymore where the trail started. I went up to a CM to ask and she pointed me in the right direction. Here’s a picture of the entrance to the path – right through where that guy wearing a blue shirt with a cell phone, is standing.

Once my family joined me, we started walking down the path. DW kept asking me if this was really the right way. She thought that we were walking down the exit path for ITtBaB since we were walking in parallel to the ride’s entry line. Soon we saw a lemur exhibit area.

And not long after we passed it, we found ourselves right up against the trunk of the Tree.

The path was relatively empty with only a handful of other visitors. It was quiet and definitely removed from the rest of the crowds at AK. The views were wonderful. You could see the details of the animal carving on the trunk of the Tree. I think the adults enjoyed this more than the kids.

Once we were done, we traced our steps back to where we entered the path and headed to Dinoland. DD had been looking forward to visiting the Boneyard which was a big hit during our last trip. DS had awoken from his nap and was ready to explore this awesome playground. We led the kids to the fossil dig site and while Grandpa watched and played with the kids, DW and I made a side trip to Dinosaur to use our FPs. While we were gone, DD and DS spent about 20 minutes in the dig site. It sounded like DD got a little tired of the set up because she was trying to build or at least sculpt the “sand” as she did while on Poly beach. If you’ve been to this dig site, it’s not real sand but more larger particles that is mostly grainy and does not stick! DS was just busy filling the bucket up with the “sand” then pouring it all out at once, then repeat. Afterwards, they went and tried some slides.

Meanwhile, DW and I enjoyed Dinosaur, but I have to say that it was not nearly as fun the first time I went on it a year ago. Surprise plays a significant factor for this ride where life-sized dinosaur heads pop out at you. Since I had an inkling this time when those “pop outs” occur, it didn’t get my adrenaline going like the first time when the ride photo caught me with my mouth gaping wide open as the T-rex roared at me. After the ride, DW and I returned to the Boneyard, and DW said she wasn’t too excited about going on the Dinosaur again. So I took DFIL with me to use up the remaining FPs. He, of course, loved the ride. There was no way DD would have been okay with this ride so we didn’t even bother trying to convince her this time. She loves dinosaurs in general mostly thanks to the cartoon show “Dinosaur Train” on PBS. But the dinosaurs on that show are much more friendlier (they don't try to eat you! ) than what they have on the ride. I think next time, she will be ready though.

When DFIL and I exited the ride through the gift shop, DW called and told me they were about to get in line at the Triceratops Spin. It was about 1:15pm.

This ride always makes me chuckle a bit. A flying elephant, sure! Dumbo has those giant ears to justify flying! A flying carpet? Sure! That’s why they call them Magic Carpets! But flying triceratops? I have a hard way of justifying that one! I wonder why Disney didn’t design the ride as Pteranodons? I think my kids would have loved to hitch a ride on of those dinosaurs or birds, or whatever category they fall under. While the family went on the ride twice, I made a FP run over to Everest Expedition for the grownups. Return times were 2:40-3:40pm which would work out great since we were planning on watching Flights of Wonder. Took this picture on my way back to Dinoland.

When I rejoined the family after their second ride, DD told all of us that she had been watching Primeval Whirl while in line for the triceratops, and she reeeeeeealy wanted to go on it. I was so proud. My little girl starting to warm up to the thrill rides! Now, I’m ashamed to say as an avid DISer and Disney fan in general, that I did not know what the minimum height requirement was for Primeval Whirl. (In fact, I don’t know much about the ride in general since I’ve never tried it myself). So, when we walked up to the entrance, I was very surprised to see the height requirement at 48 inches! DD was very disappointed and that’s when I really noticed that she had her heart set on the ride. I promised the next time we visited Disney, she will be ready for the ride. I guess the ride is a lot more menacing than it looks? I just had assumed the height requirement would have been 40 inches or something.

To make her feel a little better, and because we were all getting pretty warm again, we found a nice secluded bench near the Dinosaur ride exit area, and everyone got an iced treat. DD got a Mickey head ice cream sandwich. DS devoured a Mickey Ice Cream bar – and when I say devour, I mean like chocolate smeared all over his mouth and face! The grownups had fruit bars – actually I think DW had a Mickey ice cream sandwich.

Next Up: Rain, Rain, Go Away~

 

[StitchIsOurHero]

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!

I've made it through and can't wait to read more! All of your pics are fabulous! Definitely gives me Disney fever!

I am really considering the cabana rental! I think the 1/2 day would work well for us! Another plan for 2013!

I also love the up-close Tree of Life pics...I'm going to hunt down that trail!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

I've made it through and can't wait to read more! All of your pics are fabulous! Definitely gives me Disney fever!

I am really considering the cabana rental! I think the 1/2 day would work well for us! Another plan for 2013!

I also love the up-close Tree of Life pics...I'm going to hunt down that trail!

Thanks!! I'm a little down because the TR is winding down the homestretch.

Renting the cabana turned out to be great! Eating food from Kona Cafe out by the pool in a private space looking out into that gorgeous pool - can't get much better than that.

Hopefully, the Tree of Life path is reopened by now - I haven't been keeping up on recent updates since they closed the pathway after that branch fell off.

 

[wakica]

I really love FotLK too we were in the elephant section. I HATE making elephant noises! LOL. i wish I was in the Lion section

Looks like another great day so cute that the little one couldn't stay awake through the show and I agree with you - how is that even POSSIBLE??? LOL

 

[Moodyzblu]

I really like the FOTLK show. My boys weren't so interested init this past trip. So we skipped it.

Funny that DS fell asleep through it though !

I've never seen that path .. Now I need to try to find it next time !

 

[pwdebbie]

I really love FotLK too we were in the elephant section. I HATE making elephant noises! LOL. i wish I was in the Lion section

Looks like another great day so cute that the little one couldn't stay awake through the show and I agree with you - how is that even POSSIBLE??? LOL

It is our favorite show. But let's face it -- What would you rather do? Stand up in front of the whole crowd and make lion sounds or elephant sounds or, like my husband had to do, make warthog sounds??? I'll take lion or elephant any day.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

I really love FotLK too we were in the elephant section. I HATE making elephant noises! LOL. i wish I was in the Lion section

Looks like another great day so cute that the little one couldn't stay awake through the show and I agree with you - how is that even POSSIBLE??? LOL

Probably a result of having children, but I can never make an elephant noise without lifting my arm up to make a trunk! It's like a reflex now.

I really like the FOTLK show. My boys weren't so interested init this past trip. So we skipped it.

Funny that DS fell asleep through it though !

I've never seen that path .. Now I need to try to find it next time !

I know, this was our 4th trip to AK but the first time we knew about the path. There's also a kangaroo exhibit along the path near the Afriaca entrance area.

It is our favorite show. But let's face it -- What would you rather do? Stand up in front of the whole crowd and make lion sounds or elephant sounds or, like my husband had to do, make warthog sounds??? I'll take lion or elephant any day.

I don't think I want to be in front of the crowd regardless of the type of animal sound I'd have to make

 

[emma212010]

I love FOTLK! It's so fun!

The tree of life is so cool up close!!

I agree with you on the Tricereatops Spin! Like, what?? HAHAHA

Aww, too bad DD wasn't tall enough! Hopefully next trip she will be!

YUM! Mickey bars are great! It sounds like DS really enjoyed his!!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

I love FOTLK! It's so fun!

The tree of life is so cool up close!!

I agree with you on the Tricereatops Spin! Like, what?? HAHAHA

Aww, too bad DD wasn't tall enough! Hopefully next trip she will be!

YUM! Mickey bars are great! It sounds like DS really enjoyed his!!

Makes me wonder how much longer the Triceratops Spin will last as an attraction. Considering that there's not much else to ride for the little ones in AK, I'm going to guess it'll be around a bit longer but that could also change depending on what and where "Avatar-land" turns out to be. There's a lot of "wasted" space in Dinoland if you ask me and it doesn't quite have that Disney feel to it but more of a local carnival.

 

[Zuzu03]

Makes me wonder how much longer the Triceratops Spin will last as an attraction. Considering that there's not much else to ride for the little ones in AK, I'm going to guess it'll be around a bit longer but that could also change depending on what and where "Avatar-land" turns out to be. There's a lot of "wasted" space in Dinoland if you ask me and it doesn't quite have that Disney feel to it but more of a local carnival.

Yup, Emma and I will be looking for that path!!! I'm not a huge fan of Dinoland, it just seems weird and a little out of place, IMHO. But it's good for the kidlings! I really HOPE Avatar-land works out, I think that would be cool!!!!!

 

[solana131]

We must have lucked out on our first trip to AK. I see so many people commenting on how they have never seen the path that goes up to the tree. We didn't even know anything about it and we found it. I highly recommend seeking it out though, because those were some of our favorite pictures of the whole trip We spent close to an hour on that path just soaking in all the cool carvings on the tree!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

We must have lucked out on our first trip to AK. I see so many people commenting on how they have never seen the path that goes up to the tree. We didn't even know anything about it and we found it. I highly recommend seeking it out though, because those were some of our favorite pictures of the whole trip We spent close to an hour on that path just soaking in all the cool carvings on the tree!

I completely agree that it would be very easy to spend awhile on this path. I think people tend to miss it because the entrance areas for the path is so non-descript without any signs, but at the same time, that's what makes it so pleasant because it's so empty. The animal carvings are absolutely amazing and you don't get the full effect when you're looking at the Tree from those photospots around Discovery Island.

 

[HalloweenNut]

Thanks!! I'm a little down because the TR is winding down the homestretch.

Renting the cabana turned out to be great! Eating food from Kona Cafe out by the pool in a private space looking out into that gorgeous pool - can't get much better than that.

Hopefully, the Tree of Life path is reopened by now - I haven't been keeping up on recent updates since they closed the pathway after that branch fell off.

The trail was closed when we were there just after you and from reports I've read parts of it (mostly the ITtBaB queue area) have since re-opened with (hopefully) temporary netting installed. Maybe the Tree will be up for a refurbishment soon to track down the problem?

http://ultimateorlando.blogspot.com/2012/05/tree-of-life-fallen-branch-and-new-net.html

One another note, I too was surprised by the height requirement on Primeval Whirl. I don't recall reading anything about that before - maybe it's new or I just missed it? Either way our DD was dissapointented too. We all really like FOTLK (sat near the front of the giraffe section) but I think I personally liked the Finding Nemo show more.

 

[pwdebbie]

I knew about the trails on our first trip in 2007 thanks to Robo and his maps. However, when I searched for them on the DIS the maps were no longer available. I found his map page and didn't see the trails map there either.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

I knew about the trails on our first trip in 2007 thanks to Robo and his maps. However, when I searched for them on the DIS the map were no longer available. I found his map page and didn't see the trails map there either.

In addition to this trail, I know there used to be another one that was truly hidden and Disney has practically shut it down by letting the vegetation overgrow over the path. Josh from easywdw profiled this last year I believe.