Snow to 80 in 8 days–A spoonful of Holiday Cheer (2/5 update Ch 36 - Final Thoughts)

[marvali]

Now that was just mean.

Maybe it is a good thing you haven't been to check on my update.

I'm up to date over there! Just nothing to really comment on other than my last post sending thoughts and prayers. Beach doesn't thrill me as much as most on your thread. I grew up and lived there my whole life up until about 14 years ago...... I didn't mind leaving....... Give me fresh water anytime!!! (With or without chlorine....)

Otherwise, haven't I been keeping up via FB, email and texting???

Thanks for the heads up Marv!

I sent in my answers but I did it from work so please let me know if you didn't get the PM.

Got 'em! Might want to read my hints in red though.......

 

[Poolrat]

maybe you guys can tell me at least what report it is in?

if he has more than theones in his siggie then I am doomed but from what i read .... then it has to be the other one.

Well, nuts. With all of that "something different happened today" stuff, I thought that maybe Alison made rope drop.

i started with that too until i read #10.

To be perfectly honest, I'm not 100% I got it right!

Me either.

 

[marvali]

Two updates related to Contest 9 are complete. Working on the third and final one now.


Time is running out to submit answers or any revised answers to Contest 9!!!

 

[englishrose47]

Two updates related to Contest 9 are complete. Working on the third and final one now.


Time is running out to submit answers or any revised answers to Contest 9!!!

Dis you get All my CORRECT answers to #9 !!!I also pm'd you #10 !!But I am still waiting for Glen to give me a couple of answers to #9 If not I am saying I guess the same as him!!

 

[vamassey1]

I sent a revision to one of my answers.

 

[marvali]

if he has more than theones in his siggie then I am doomed but from what i read .... then it has to be the other one.

Me either.

I'm not sure I got it right either.........

 

[marvali]

Dis you get All my CORRECT answers to #9 !!!I also pm'd you #10 !!But I am still waiting for Glen to give me a couple of answers to #9 If not I am saying I guess the same as him!!

Got them all Rosie, but I wouldn't count on Glenn being much help.........

 

[marvali]

I sent a revision to one of my answers.

Got it! Good Luck!

 

[marvali]

Coming Soon - Answers to so many questions on everyone's minds........

 

[marvali]

One more should just about get me there.........

 

[marvali]

By nature I tend to plan to the smallest of details. I didn't use to be that bad about it when it came to Disney trips because I was uninformed just how much can be planned, like I guess many Disney visitors are. Since we usually travel in the hot summer months planning what to pack is pretty easy.....the coolest clothes you can find! A trip in late December is something completely different.

We have been to Florida this time of the year when it has been cold enough they were worried about the orange crop being wiped out, and days when it feels almost like summer. I am always checking the weather forecasts right up until the last day and packing accordingly. Even though we left home with snow coming down I knew the temperatures were supposed to climb steadily during our trip so I tossed a bathing suit and a pair of shorts in the suitcase just in case. As I made a point of mentioning in my previous update, it was plenty warm for short sleeves while we were at DHS for New Years Eve. I watched the local weather before turning in and the temperatures would remain mild overnight, with a forecast high the next day into the low 80's. As my TR title says we had truly gone from Snow to "80" in only 8 days!!!

I got up the next morning and had already decided it was going to be safe to put on the shorts I had packed for the first time. I walked down the hall to see if the boys were up yet. They were in the process of finishing their showers so I told them I was heading to AKL to have breakfast at Mara and would meet them there. Being on the Disney Dining Plan for the first time on this trip, and having an evening ADR at Yak & Yeti, this seemed like a logical choice to hold us over until dinner if we used those snack credits somewhere during the day. After catching the first bus that arrived at Kidani I was quickly at Jambo House. Mara wasn't very busy that morning so I got my food and found a table.

I kept a look out for the boys to join me while I ate, but they hadn’t arrived yet by the time I was done. I texted Matthew to see where they were and they were on the way, but Jonathan wasn’t with them yet. I told Matt I was going to head on to Animal Kingdom and for them to join me when they got done eating. I found a spot at the AKL bus stop and waited to catch one of these.

It was going to be fun seeing how much I could accomplish solo before I had to meet back up with the boys when they got to the park. With the delays waiting for the boys to hopefully join me, I arrived at Animal Kingdom just after the regular park opening. I knew I was already behind any early arriving crowd, but I wasn't too concerned about the park being very busy since I knew so many people were probably up late celebrating New Years in the parks the night before. I walked in with my sights set on the logical choice - Expedition Everest.

As I began my trek towards Asia I spotted an often rare sight. I have gotten pictures before, but I have seen a lot of people mention they have never been lucky enough to spot........

The way she moves, DiVine is well, divine to watch!

Continuing on towards Everest I encountered very few people along the way, as expected. When I arrived I stopped long enough to get a FP to use later. We typically just use the Single Rider line for EE, but the Standby time was only 15 minutes, even arriving "late" to the park.

It had been a while since I had seen all the items they have on display in the SB line, so I decided this was the perfect opportunity to check them out again, and get some photos.

Can you believe the price of Chapatis these days??? And Dalbaht has gotten ridiculous!!!

With my more laid back touring style this trip I was more sensitive to some of the little extras the Imagineers put there for our enjoyment. I love how meticulous the electricians were wiring everything so neatly.

Could this mean trouble ahead???

Somehow once again I missed all the Hidden Mickeys that I knew were there, but couldn't remember specifically where. The line moved rather quickly and I was soon taking my first ride of the day as I braved my brush with the Yeti, like I have done so many times before.

I feel the need............

The need....for Speed!!!

The requisite broken tracks photo.

I love all the details they use in and around this ride. I love the blend of colors in this pic in particular.

These masks always attract my attention. Seems like someone commented in another TR that they saw a Marv sighting in a picture similar to this........ (which reminds me, I need to go deduct a bonus point from Capt Oblivious).

It was time to leave this behind for now and move on to other adventures.

I checked my phone and didn't have anything from the boys yet. What should I do next? I was determined this trip to find the hidden trail that takes you up close to the Tree of Life. As I walked back in that direction I spotted Everest Temple, the shrine that pays homage to the mountains and the Yeti, and was designed in the same shape as the mountain range for the ride Expedition Everest. I've seen this mentioned a few times on the DIS, but I think the first time I heard about it and saw pictures was on one of Glenn's TRs. I had to stop and take a couple of pictures for the first time.

Most people think that Everest is the most prominent peak in the middle of this picture, but I learned from a popular blog on another website that Everest is the one to the right that appears shorter but is another example of the Imagineers creating depth and distance since Everest is in the distance behind a "closer" range of mountains. What appears the tallest is actually the Forbidden Mountain, which is part of the name associated with the ride. It is also the one where the Yeti resides in legend, which is why in the shrine you see a Yeti depicted in that particular "peak."

Continuing my solo journey I arrived at the area where they have the FastPass machines for ITTBAB. I knew that the "secret" entrance to the trail was behind the FP machines. They weren't open yet this morning, so I could see a trail that I hoped was correct. I started walking down it and there were some birds along the way that you could get pictures of.

I don't remember what all of these birds were named, but I do remember this next one. It is a Coscoroba Swan. I'm not sure why this name stuck with me other than to attribute it to my keen memory and advanced intelligence!!!

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Oops, nevermind...........

Continued in Next Post!

 

[marvali]

After visiting with some of my feathered friends, I finally turned a corner and there was the Tree of Life right in front of me. It was amazing how close it was. I was able to take a lot of pictures, and there were a number of additional "animals" along the trail as you walk along that you can't see otherwise, and some spectacular views of the Tree that most people only view from a distance.

I really like the early morning shadows in some of these pictures.

Anybody else feel like me that there should be a coyote right behind this one???

After taking a number of pictures and continuing to walk the trail, I finally reached the end of it. I saw this nearby

so I walked over to the entrance and turned around to get a picture of the other end of the trail for future reference.

The other entrance to the trail is on the right, between the two kiosks. I would highly recommend you seek it out and enjoy it sometime. I saw very few other people the whole time I was on it.

I still hadn't heard from the boys so I headed off for my next “must do” on this trip. One of my foremost goals this trip was the special Christmas decorations that can be found and enjoyed at Disney. There are some unique decorations they have at AK that I didn't know about until reading some Christmas TRs just before we left home. With camera in hand I headed off to experience them for the first time.

Continued next post!

 

[marvali]

Leaving the Tree of Life behind, it was time to move on to my next destination, the goal that would help me capture as much of Christmas in pictures that I could experience on this trip at Disney. I set my sights on Camp Minnie Mickey, knowing this would also put me close to the front of the park for when the boys finally arrived.

On the way I saw these.

These are the first Christmas trees you see as you arrive at Camp Minnie Mickey. They have trees decorated for many of the characters. Some I didn’t even recognize who they were for. Here are trees for Chip & Dale, and for Pluto. I suspect Chip and Dale decorated this one especially to lure away Candi, right Dan?

Not sure who belongs to this tree. Can anyone help?

Or this one……

Time for a shout out to my good DISbuddy Dan!!! I know how big of a fan he is to this one so I took plenty of pictures for him.

Moving on I arrive at the Greeting Trail for Minnie Mouse and her special Christmas tree.

And the tribute to the Top Mouse himself, Mickey!!!

And a tribute to another wonderful DISfriend Kathy! I KNOW how much she just adores Stitch!!! (j/k Kathy my Dear!)

And next to the tree for Stitch would obviously be a Christmas tree for Lilo.

Complete with an Elvis tribute for dear, sweet, "innocent?" Rosie!!!

About that time I got a text from the boys that they had finally arrived. As I headed off to meet them I had time for one more picture. I would have to come back later to complete my task.

Up Next Chapter 27 – Time with the Boys!

 

[glennbo123]

Well at least I got a couple right this round! So, the fact that you wore shorts was the answer to the "first time" question? How could I not think of that?!

Lots of gorgeous pictures in this installment Marv.....especially in the EE queue and around the Tree of Life. And a couple of beautiful shots of the temple shrine...it's neat how they line up with the mountains, huh?

 

[Poolrat]

Anybody else feel like me that there should be a coyote right behind this one???

BEEP! BEEP!



My research paid off somewhat. duh on wearing shorts!!! Of course!

Good one throwing us off with the part #10 including the boys but they were not with you during the early part of the morning.

I almost guessed Mara- I was going TS but then read the evening TS. I just figured if everyone was not with you, grab something from the room.


on to #10.

 

[marvali]

Well at least I got a couple right this round! So, the fact that you wore shorts was the answer to the "first time" question? How could I not think of that?!

I'm trying to figure out how anyone ever finds my TR since they apparently never read the title.....

At least you didn't say it snowed like one dear, sweet, innocent lady.......

Lots of gorgeous pictures in this installment Marv.....especially in the EE queue and around the Tree of Life. And a couple of beautiful shots of the temple shrine...it's neat how they line up with the mountains, huh?

Yeah, thanks for sharing that little secret. I later lined Matt up with it and let him discover it for himself. He was really impressed.

And thanks for the complements. There were a number of pictures I was really proud of. The toughest part was trying to reduce about 260
AK pictures down to a more manageable number.

My research paid off somewhat. duh on wearing shorts!!! Of course!

Good one throwing us off with the part #10 including the boys but they were not with you during the early part of the morning.

Wasn't trying to confuse anyone. For obvious reasons I couldn't mention them in the first set of questions. I thought maybe not having any mention of them might jump out at "someone." One person actually did predict the solo trip.......

I almost guessed Mara- I was going TS but then read the evening TS. I just figured if everyone was not with you, grab something from the room.

Well, the staying in two studios without a kitchen and being on the DDP for the first time kinda went together. The meals were paid for, and we still had that "trying to get our money's worth" thing working for us.

We will be using the kitchen more in the 1-BR at OKW for our upcoming trip, along with mixing in some TS and CS using our TIW card.

on to #10.

Good Luck! I'll be away from tomorrow until late Tuesday night, so you have at least until Wednesday before I post the next updates.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Shorts?!?! Oh man, no way did I get that answer correct! Actually, your TR title reminded me of how you go from zero to 80 mph, not in temperatures of course. I can't believe I didn't make that connection. Well, on the bright side, at least it was warm enough to wear your snazzy shorts. Tell me, did you blind everyone within a one mile radius with your pasty white legs?

What a fantastic update Marv, I say that with absolutely no sarcasm (shocking I know!). I loved the EE walk through, it's such a wonderfully themed ride. I think that and ToT are my favs when it comes to theming, such amazing detail. Your shots were fab!

I have never done the Tree of Life trails. After seeing your gorgeous pics, I realize I need to! Incredible what the imagineers were able to sculpt into that tree. Thanks for the walking tour, it was fabulous!

Looking forward to the next update which should be sometime around what, October perhaps? I'm still chuckling that you think you're going to finish this BEFORE your next trip! Good luck!

 

[marvali]

Shorts?!?! Oh man, no way did I get that answer correct! Actually, your TR title reminded me of how you go from zero to 80 mph, not in temperatures of course. I can't believe I didn't make that connection. Well, on the bright side, at least it was warm enough to wear your snazzy shorts. Tell me, did you blind everyone within a one mile radius with your pasty white legs?

What a fantastic update Marv, I say that with absolutely no sarcasm (shocking I know!). I loved the EE walk through, it's such a wonderfully themed ride. I think that and ToT are my favs when it comes to theming, such amazing detail. Your shots were fab!

I have never done the Tree of Life trails. After seeing your gorgeous pics, I realize I need to! Incredible what the imagineers were able to sculpt into that tree. Thanks for the walking tour, it was fabulous!

Looking forward to the next update which should be sometime around what, October perhaps? I'm still chuckling that you think you're going to finish this BEFORE your next trip! Good luck!

Thanks Molly! There's still hope on getting this thing complete. If I can get the rest of the AK day updates done by next weekend I will still have almost two weeks to cover our final day at Epcot and get it all wrapped up. There's still hope. We arrive three weeks from yesterday.

 

[KatMark]

I'm not even going to talk about the contest.

What a great update. This is my favorite one so far. Your pictures of all the little details is spectacular. I really like the Christmas decorations and the trees with the character theme!

Awesome job, Marv!

 

[marvali]

I'm not even going to talk about the contest.

What a great update. This is my favorite one so far. Your pictures of all the little details is spectacular. I really like the Christmas decorations and the trees with the character theme!

Awesome job, Marv!

Thanks my Dear Friend! Glad you liked the Christmas trees. Hopefully even the one I dedicated to you!!!