Our Short but Sweet, Sizzling HOT Summer Trip to the World! Updated 12/3...Finally!!!

[Angies1274]

Can you explain how the centralized FP's work? I know it's in "test" and only at AK but I am super curious! It sounds very cool.

I love Dinosaur too! It's Kendall's favorite ride. Or 2nd fav.

We loved the convenience of the centralized FP's!! I'm really hoping that they decide to bring them back for good, however I read on another thread that there was mixed reviews.(I think mostly because people were afraid they were going to eliminate the FP kiosks near the actual rides.) Anyways, this was our experience...

They were located just outside of It's Tough to be a Bug, very easy to find. That day there were 3 set up, Dinosaur, Killimanjaro, and EE. We grabbed fastpasses for EE, I wasn't sure if we could grab them from all 3 machines until a CM nearby was telling another guest that you could. So, we tried Dinosaur next, and then Killimanjaro. They all worked! I asked about return times because Dinosaur and Killimanjaro were very close and the CM said it was fine if we returned after the fastpass time--just not before. Also, you are not able to get another FP until about 2 hours later. (I think this is normally the case anyway) And, you can only get fastpasses once, from each machine. So, you can't get EE, then Dinosaur, and then go back and get more for EE all around the same time.The big thing we didn't like was that they didn't tell you a return time until the machine spits out the FP's.
Great concept, they may have a few things to work out. But I hope they do because it made touring...especially in the August heat much easier!!!

haha, that one picture does look like the dinosaur is chasing everyone down the street!

I read in another trip report that the lady in the Dinosaur preshow was Mrs. Huxtable from the Cosby Show. I had no idea and told my dad that yesterday and he said he thinks of the Cosby Show every time we go on! It's not like I've never seen that show before...whatever. Funny how you were ducked down in the ride picture. I'm pretty sure that's what I looked like after our first ride I was so terrified! LOL.

I was very surprised to see Mrs. Huxtable in the preshow for Dinosaur. It was so dark walking into there and I was already freaking out a little. It's funny because seeing her actually helped. Hmm....maybe that's why they used her, because her character was so nice and it distracts you from thinking about all the Dinosaurs that soon will be chasing you.... LOL

Just spent a big portion of the night reading you trip report, that I just found. I'm loving it and hating that it's your last day.

I'm so happy that you've joined in. Aww... I'm very sad that it's already my last day. Wish I could drag it out...just a little longer.

 

[eandesmom]

We loved the convenience of the centralized FP's!! I'm really hoping that they decide to bring them back for good, however I read on another thread that there was mixed reviews.(I think mostly because people were afraid they were going to eliminate the FP kiosks near the actual rides.) Anyways, this was our experience...

They were located just outside of It's Tough to be a Bug, very easy to find. That day there were 3 set up, Dinosaur, Killimanjaro, and EE. We grabbed fastpasses for EE, I wasn't sure if we could grab them from all 3 machines until a CM nearby was telling another guest that you could. So, we tried Dinosaur next, and then Killimanjaro. They all worked! I asked about return times because Dinosaur and Killimanjaro were very close and the CM said it was fine if we returned after the fastpass time--just not before. Also, you are not able to get another FP until about 2 hours later. (I think this is normally the case anyway) And, you can only get fastpasses once, from each machine. So, you can't get EE, then Dinosaur, and then go back and get more for EE all around the same time.The big thing we didn't like was that they didn't tell you a return time until the machine spits out the FP's.
Great concept, they may have a few things to work out. But I hope they do because it made touring...especially in the August heat much easier!!!


I was very surprised to see Mrs. Huxtable in the preshow for Dinosaur. It was so dark walking into there and I was already freaking out a little. It's funny because seeing her actually helped. Hmm....maybe that's why they used her, because her character was so nice and it distracts you from thinking about all the Dinosaurs that soon will be chasing you.... LOL


I'm so happy that you've joined in. Aww... I'm very sad that it's already my last day. Wish I could drag it out...just a little longer.

Well normally wouldn't you only be able to to EE and then have to wait 2 hours to get soemthing else? Anything else? To get 3 at once, wow! Boy that would make our days so much nicer...I hope they keep them.

She seemed a little out of context to me, but cute. I kind of wish I'd bought our ride pics, it is the one I didn't and they are a riot.

 

[Angies1274]

Well normally wouldn't you only be able to to EE and then have to wait 2 hours to get soemthing else? Anything else? To get 3 at once, wow! Boy that would make our days so much nicer...I hope they keep them.

She seemed a little out of context to me, but cute. I kind of wish I'd bought our ride pics, it is the one I didn't and they are a riot.

Yeah, The wait is basically the same as it is any other time you get a fastpass. But, you would be surprised the amount of people who wanted to know if they could get another one, a short time later. I think it was confusing to some because supposedly the machines were not actually connected to the ride itself, which was what allowed multiple fastpasses at once. So, if maybe not connected, then they thought they could go back to the actual FP kiosk in front of the ride and get another one, right after they received one at the centralized location. Anyways, I hope they keep them too!! It was great to have all the fastpasses in our hands at once. Definite time saver!!

 

[ellajeansmom]

AKL looks beautiful, I'm glad you enjoyed your breakfast

How did you find the spinning part of Primeval Whirl? It looks like fun but the spin part made me nervous to try it.

So cool that you loved Dinosaur We had been looking forward to that one but when Ella ended up being sick on our AK day we decided to stick with less intense experiences!

I think the central FP is a great idea, especially if you can get more than one ride at that spot. Thanks for sharing how it worked Hopefully they keep it and maybe even start it at the other parks.

 

[mickeystoontown]

I was two updates behind. I want so badly to go to the Animal Kingdom Lodge and take a look around. We aren't breakfast people and the lunch and dinner menus at the AKL restaurants didn't look so good to us. From the look of your pictures, I may just have to give one of their restaurants a try anyway!

I know what you meant about relying on Disney transportation to get to a resort restaurant. We had some "issues" with getting to our ADRs on time.

On to the Animal Kingdom park installment. You really did luck up when you were able to get Fastpasses for three attractions at once. I wish that Disney would keep the centralized Fastpass machines. Sounds like a good idea.

Poor Nick! I know the problems he has with the sweaty, sliding glasses. Hunter has the same problem. I sometimes wonder how he can even see out of the dirty lens.

I am proud of you for riding Dinosaur. You had a great time and made fun memories.

 

[Angies1274]

AKL looks beautiful, I'm glad you enjoyed your breakfast

How did you find the spinning part of Primeval Whirl? It looks like fun but the spin part made me nervous to try it.

So cool that you loved Dinosaur We had been looking forward to that one but when Ella ended up being sick on our AK day we decided to stick with less intense experiences!

I think the central FP is a great idea, especially if you can get more than one ride at that spot. Thanks for sharing how it worked Hopefully they keep it and maybe even start it at the other parks.

AKL is really gorgeous inside. There's lots of little details everywhere you look. Aww...and breakfast was so yummy!! I could really go for some of those eggs right now.

I thought the spinning would bother me the first time I rode Primeval Whirl. But, it's really not like the Teacups where you keep going around and around.... It's more like riding a small rollercoaster but when you get to the corners, you spin a couple times and then straighten back up again. It's a fun ride and the boys love it but.....because you're stopping so quick all the time it can make for a very jerky ride.

Loved the centralized FP!!! It made it much easier touring AK. I hope they keep it too and adding it at the other parks would be wonderful!! Just think how much time and energy we would save not having to run ahead to get them!!

I was two updates behind. I want so badly to go to the Animal Kingdom Lodge and take a look around. We aren't breakfast people and the lunch and dinner menus at the AKL restaurants didn't look so good to us. From the look of your pictures, I may just have to give one of their restaurants a try anyway!

I know what you meant about relying on Disney transportation to get to a resort restaurant. We had some "issues" with getting to our ADRs on time.

On to the Animal Kingdom park installment. You really did luck up when you were able to get Fastpasses for three attractions at once. I wish that Disney would keep the centralized Fastpass machines. Sounds like a good idea.

Poor Nick! I know the problems he has with the sweaty, sliding glasses. Hunter has the same problem. I sometimes wonder how he can even see out of the dirty lens.

I am proud of you for riding Dinosaur. You had a great time and made fun memories.

Hi Lisa,

I'm really not a breakfast person either but I knew DH and my father were. They were both really impressed with the selection on the buffet and we all loved the looks of AKL. It really is beautiful!! I wanted to check out the Savannah while we were there, but we were all anxious to get to AK. Maybe next time though....

I'm generally very happy with Disney transportation but we have also had a couple "issues" with the buses, especially for morning ADR's. I learned my lesson last year when we ended up late for our CP breakfast. This year I wanted to make sure I had allowed plenty enough time.....glad I did, with the whole getting lost thing.

It's so funny about the glasses! Nick's can be so smudged up and dirty and it's like he doesn't even notice. It really is amazing that he's not running into things some days.

 

[Angies1274]

When I left off, we had just explored Dinoland, taken a spin on Primeval Whirl,and got chased by dinosaurs and loved every minute of it!! During this time, my parent's had spent alot of time waiting....and waiting for us, which I felt really bad about. But...they did get to do a little shopping, and had ice cream with the boys, so they were happy about that. I was determined to get them on some kind of ride and the first one that popped to mind.....hmmm......yup, you guessed it!! Killimanjaro Safaris. The problem was trying to navigate around all the people that seemed to be everywhere!! Oh and I forgot to mention the HEAT!! It was without a doubt the hottest day so far!! I can definitely understand now, when people say that AK is definitely the hardest park to get through because of the heat. Honestly, I never got it before....since we go in April, when the weather's great....Trust me, I get it now!!

We made our way toward Discovery Island---

Anyone need a spritz!! Me! Me!! (and that's just from the people nearby!!) Just Kidding!! But, it did happen while we were at AK that day. I can't really remember at what point, but Nick happened to be using the misting fan and sprayed a couple by accident, apologized and they said "No..No, it felt good!!!" and then laughed.

At some point, I took a quick pic of the Tree of Life....sadly it was our only picture of the tree the whole day.

We began to walk.....and walk. Okay, we see a sign....We'll be there soon!!- or will we?

And.....another sign!!

A picture of EE in the far distance--

Some more signs....and we walk and walk--

Are we there yet? UGH!!.....Almost?

Yay!! We finally arrived!! We handed the CM our fastpasses and off we went! It wasn't long before we were climbing onto our truck and away we go--

Soon after the ride starts, I hear my father beside me, saying "Angie, how are you getting pictures?, We're moving too fast!!" I told him to try putting his camera on sports setting to see if it would help.

Okay, lets try that again, but a little closer this time--

Yay!! Hippos and I finally got a semi-decent picture. I asked my father around this time, if his pictures were coming out better and he just laughed and said " I don't know? But I seem to be getting some good shots of the back of Lee's head!!"

Next up--my very favorite.....Giraffe's!!! I tried to take a ton of pictures but this one is my favorite--

And...as we were coming around the bend, I noticed how close they were but on the opposite side of the truck--ugh!! So I snapped this picture....I spy....a giraffe!!

Believe it or not, we have never seen an elephant on this ride before. I'm not sure why but on both the trips before this one.....no elephant. So, I can't tell you how excited I was when saw this.....hmm....can you see him?

Since I didn't have any pictures of them, I tried desperately to get a good shot, as the truck was bouncing this way and weaving that way. Darn, I almost got him......

Finally, a few blurry pictures later, a couple elephant ears, legs...well, you get the point. YAY!! I get the shot!!!

A few more on our "2 week safari"--

Although, I tried....no lion picture this time. Last trip, I got a picture of him but it was soooooo far away, all it looked like was a yellow dot. This time I zoomed in and was all prepared--unfortunately zooming in and then trying to find him while the truck is moving so fast, presented a little bit of a problem which resulted in nice blurry pictures of trees and grass. I'll spare you from having to look at them!! LOL

Aww....he's found!!!

Everyone enjoyed our safari ride, but...my father was a little disappointed in his pictures and frustrated that he couldn't get better ones. Next time I told him. (that was just my way of trying to convince him to come back again.) I'm still working on him by the way. So, what to do next? Hmm.......

Up Next: A first encounter with the Yeti!!!!

 

[onelilspark]

I heard they changed the story on the safari? true?

 

[Mickey_Mom]

Great safari shots! I think we've done the same thing, random spritzer shots with the misting fan I wonder if any Imagineers have considered adding a water park/play area to AK? What a great way to cool off other than Kali?

Hey tell your Dad he needs to take video next time!

Do you get your parents on EE ?!

 

[eandesmom]

Great Elephant shot, that's the shot we missed on our safari. Bummer about the lion.

I need to get some of those misters for the trip. I though there was a water play area somewhere in AK...I have pictures from our 04 trip and I can't figure out where it is but it is definietely AK!

Or at least we all remember it as being AK! Some outdoor bar area with a water play area close by....

 

[mickeystoontown]

Well at least the one shot of the Tree of Life that you got had the hidden Mickey in it!

I agree with you.....your dad simply must go back to Disney simply to get better safari pictures.

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Great safari pictures! So glad you saw the elephants this time!

 

[dismagiclover]

Great Safari pictures! I love that ride because it's different every time

 

[Angies1274]

I heard they changed the story on the safari? true?

Hmm....interesting? I didn't hear that. It was the same story when we went in August. Now, I'm wondering..... Anyone else know?

Great safari shots! I think we've done the same thing, random spritzer shots with the misting fan I wonder if any Imagineers have considered adding a water park/play area to AK? What a great way to cool off other than Kali?

Hey tell your Dad he needs to take video next time!

Do you get your parents on EE ?!

Thanks I think a water park/play area would be great in AK!! They must be aware of how hot it is there, because I think it's the only park that I remember seeing those huge misting fans scattered around.

Great idea on the video!! I don't know what I was thinking? Well....it was probably because last year when we went I had DH take videos, while I took pictures and honestly I can't even watch the video because it makes me dizzy. He was paying more attention to the animals and just holding the camera in their direction and when the truck bounced the camera bounced. It's too funny to watch.

Great Elephant shot, that's the shot we missed on our safari. Bummer about the lion.

I need to get some of those misters for the trip. I though there was a water play area somewhere in AK...I have pictures from our 04 trip and I can't figure out where it is but it is definietely AK!

Or at least we all remember it as being AK! Some outdoor bar area with a water play area close by....

I was so happy to finally get a good elephant shot!! Trust me, it took many blurry pictures to get that one great one. Besides the elephant, I really wanted one of the lion!! I think it was your TR that I saw the great lion picture? Hopefully, next time I'll get it.

Is there a water play area? We have always missed it when we were there. I was just saying how great it would be to have one because I think it's the one park that needs it the most. Especially since I think they have them in all of the other parks?

 

[Angies1274]

Well at least the one shot of the Tree of Life that you got had the hidden Mickey in it!

I agree with you.....your dad simply must go back to Disney simply to get better safari pictures.

Cool!! I didn't realize that my one lonely picture of the Tree of Life had the hidden Mickey in it!!

That's what I keep telling him....just to get better safari pictures, he must return to Disney with us!!

Great safari pictures! So glad you saw the elephants this time!

Thanks!! I was happy with how they turned out. There were a few animals I missed but there's always next time, right? We were so excited to finally see the elephants!!

Great Safari pictures! I love that ride because it's different every time

Love the safari ride!!! It's a new experience every time you ride!! We were worried this time that we wouldn't see as many because it was very hot that day, but I think we saw more animals out this trip than on any other.

 

[Angies1274]

Wow!! Where does a week go?..........

I hope everyone had a Happy Halloween!! We had a very busy but fun weekend! I spent most of the week trying to get Nick to feel better in time. It seems like the whole month of October, I have been trying to get them well enough to go get their flu shots but one gets sick and then gives it to the other. It seems like I have spent the whole month scrubbing the house from top to bottom....but then they head off to school and come back sick again....ugh!!

Oh well, anyways I'm hoping to get another update posted tomorrow? Can you tell I'm dragging my feet a little.... I really should finish it though so hopefully I can start planning our next trip. Still waiting on some deals........

I thought I would post a few pictures of our weekend fun!!!

Carving our pumpkins--

We opted for the more traditional jack o' lanterns this year--The boys designed them and DH carved them.

Halloween Parade at school--

Halloween cookies that the boys decorated.....

Heading out Trick or Treating---

We can't forget to bring Mickey along with us, can we?

Aww...it was a great weekend, but now it's time to get back to work, and.....it's time to start thinking about Christmas. Can you believe less than two months away?Wow!!

I hoped you enjoyed my non-update. Again, I'm hoping to get a real update up very soon!!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Look at your Mario and Ninja! Love the pictures. I didn't take one Halloween picture. Can you believe it?

I don't blame you for dragging out the trip report. We never want a Disney trip to end.

I would love for you to start planning another trip to Disney. I've already booked for May 27th through June 5th but am still holding out hope that Disney will have a special offer for me!

 

[onelilspark]

I miss Halloween parades in school!

Your kiddos look great!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Cute Halloween pictures! I was at school on Wednesday last week and was surprised at how many Marios and Luigis I saw in their parade!

 

[Angies1274]

Look at your Mario and Ninja! Love the pictures. I didn't take one Halloween picture. Can you believe it?

I don't blame you for dragging out the trip report. We never want a Disney trip to end.

I would love for you to start planning another trip to Disney. I've already booked for May 27th through June 5th but am still holding out hope that Disney will have a special offer for me!

I really don't want this TR to end. I've loved writing it...but on the other hand it would be great to start planning another trip!! We are still trying to decide on the dates to go. Since, we took two trips this year, next year is definitely going to be a budget trip. We were originally hoping for April but airfare is just crazy. So now we have been thinking about the last week of June after the boys get out of school. Like you, I'm really hoping they send some special deals our way.

I miss Halloween parades in school!

Your kiddos look great!

Thanks! Aww...Halloween parades are the best!! So much fun!!

Cute Halloween pictures! I was at school on Wednesday last week and was surprised at how many Marios and Luigis I saw in their parade!

I know...I couldn't believe all the Mario and Luigi costumes I saw during the parade. Even Ninja costumes seemed to be very popular this year. It was a cute parade. It's always fun to see all the little ones dressed up.