crcormier
<font color=green>We laughed, as it was quite appr
- Joined
- Oct 1, 2003
- Messages
- 7,862
Good evening to all. Well, morning, really.
Day 2 has now come and gone. It started this morning with no wake up call, just me sleeping in until about 8:30 after sleeping with Stacey last night, since I needed a little bit of recovery time after yesterdays travel day. But thats all right, today was slated for the Animal Kingdom, and there was no early entry there today. So I got up and by the time I got there it was around 9:30. There was also a large cloud of smoke rising from what looked like the Animal Kingdom Lodge, but it passed quickly, and Im still not sure what it was
As I said, today was the AK, no PS made. I tried to call yesterday to make a PS for Donalds Breakfastosaurus, which, like most of the character breakfast buffets, is not necessarily the greatest breakfast in the world, but a fun time and the only character meal guaranteed to see Donald at. Unfortunately there were no time slots open. Oh well. Since this is my solo birthday trip, I got myself a birthday button, even though my birthday is not technically until tomorrow (today). I then mosied over to Dinoland around 10 oclock I considered swinging by, but I opted instead to go see the first showing of Lucky the Dinosaur, the new and first fully free roaming audio-animatronic character Disney has. And let me tell you, Walt would have loved this. He walks around, interacts with his trainer, drinking from a cup, getting the hiccups and then belching them away. Unfortunately, he developed a bad case of narcoleptic sleep, as his trainer called it, had to be covered up in his blanket and be carried off to bed halfway through his rounds. So a tip for anyone planning on coming down soon, see Lucky at his first showing, he may not be around for the rest of the showings of the day, since he still seems to have a few growing pains.
Lucky the Dinosaur
Lucky was followed by a trip through Dinosaur, a fun ride no matter when you take it. I followed this with a spin on the Primeval whirl and then marched over by Tarzan Rocks, where the best viewing is of the new Expedition Everest, under construction. This ride looks like it really will be a fantastic thrill ride. Part of me is sad that they need to build more thrill rides just to draw more AK drawing guests. I feel its unfair to all the animals and educational programs that already make up the park. But I still will happily ride Everest next year.
I then moved on to the Kali River Rapids. 10:30AM. My shorts are now soaked. This will remain relevant. Following the rapids I decided to dry off trekking through the jungle trek of Asia. The animals were all fairly lethargic, as today was sunny (for most of the day) and in the high eighties. But they were all nicely visible regardless. After existing the trek, I still was not dry. 10:45AM. So I figured Id head over to Africa while I continued to wait for drying to occur.
In Africa I found the longest line of the entire day. Kilamanjaro Safaris was a 55 minutes standby wait. Why, Im not sure, since the fastpass was only for an hour later. So I grabbed a fastpass and decided it was instead time to eat some food. I headed over to the Tusker House restaurant, where I had never eaten, and put the DDE back to work. I ordered grilled salmon, a drink and a cheesecake for desert. Simon, my server, seeing my birthday button, said that the cheesecake would be on the house. However, as I went up and got my salmon and drink and waited for the birthday item to be added to the tray, I was quite surprised, and amused at what showed up. Whether Simon misheard me or the kitchen misheard him, I walked away with a little Mickey tray of macaroni and CHEESE, with a side of cheddar cheese Goldfish. That aside, the macaroni was actually pretty good, didnt try the Goldfish. The salmon was excellent, I was pleasantly surprised by this from a counter service restaurant. DDE savings up to $21. Oh, and its noon. Shorts not dry.
I then moved over to Camp Minnie/Mickey to get some character pictures. Got my picture taken with Mickey, Donald and Goofy. And Donalds assistant was very amused (as were several other cast members throughout the day) with my shirt. It was a Stitch t-shirt with Cranky when provoked written on it. Which is quite true, I must say, though I hardly ever get provoked at WDW. I then watched Pocahontas and Friends special training session, which was cute, several skunks that were in training. But hey, Id never seen it before. I then headed back by Africa and got to hear someone state the momentous words Hey, its the Africa. THE Africa. Is there another?
Donald and I... Both 'Cranky When Provoked'
1:30. Pants still not dry.
From here I headed over to Tarzan Rocks. Im very sad this show is leaving, and sadder still that there were some threads after it was announced that were half full of people lambasting this show. Im amazed by that, because I think this show is sensational. It may not be a traditional theatrical show, but I think its overflowing with talent vocally, dancers and gymnasts/rollerbladers. I was happy that I got to see the singer that was featured in a recent Disney magazine, since this show will be gone in the fall.
Tarzan. C'mon, why would any ladies NOT like this show...
3:30. Yes, my pants are finally dry. Wait, that sounds bad
After using my fastpass for the Safari, which happily put the interaction with the warden back in, and taking the Harambe trek, I found a great spot to watch Mickeys Jammin Jungle Parade. Right near the safari loading they keep an opening to the parade route before it starts so people can cross. As soon as this was closed off I was able to move in and sit at the rope in a modicum of shade to watch the parade. I also got my EMH band while waiting. The parade was fun, and I had no butt cheek in any pictures as I did last time I watched this parade a few years ago Not that theres anything wrong with that.
I caught a few more rides, ate dinner at Restaurantosaurus, (nothing special, just a burger and fries, but certainly not bad,) and now have my DDE savings up to $23. $27 more and Ill at least break even. Oh, and entering the restaurant I got to hear Everybody Walk the Dinosaur. Now thats going to be stuck in your head for the rest of the day. Youre welcome.
I caught a Its Tough to Be a Bug, which has some great bad jokes in it, except for that hornets attack that always seems to jab me in the kidneys. I then did a few more rides and another showing of Tarzan Rocks, since the theater was half empty for the EMH show, and then headed back to the hotel. I took a quick dip in the pool and hot tub to rejeuvenate, then showered and headed over to Jellyrolls with my birthday button. (Oh, on that, I got a lot of cast members that wished me a happy birthday today, and a few guests.)
Jellyrolls was fun as always. I had a table up near the front, and after a while the place filled, since it was Cast Member night. I had three people, two in suits, one in a gown, ask if they could join me. Uh, sure! They were there on a conference from California and having a rocking good time. One of the suits and the gown especially after the other suit left. Were they a couple? I dont know. What happens in Disney, stays in Disney, I guess. I should have probably gotten their names, I have incriminating photos of them drunk together. I could pay for another trip that way Oh well, Ill settle for the two free beers I got for sharing my table.
No suit, no gown, no service...
We also had a group of 7 girls from New Jersey sit next to us for a bachelorette party. One of the suits was buying them drinks, and once they finally gave up for the night, the girls joined me. This is why I love Jellyrolls. Any other bar that a person goes to and drinks alone at, theyre a lush. At Jellyrolls, you just draw a party to you. Finally around 12:30 I got my bill and headed back, since I have to be up to get to the MK for 8:15 tomorrow morning for a tour. So Im back and off to bed, ready for another day. Good night all.
Jersey Girls Just Want to Have Fun...
Day 3 - The Keys to the Kingdom, just not to the Car...
Day 2 has now come and gone. It started this morning with no wake up call, just me sleeping in until about 8:30 after sleeping with Stacey last night, since I needed a little bit of recovery time after yesterdays travel day. But thats all right, today was slated for the Animal Kingdom, and there was no early entry there today. So I got up and by the time I got there it was around 9:30. There was also a large cloud of smoke rising from what looked like the Animal Kingdom Lodge, but it passed quickly, and Im still not sure what it was
As I said, today was the AK, no PS made. I tried to call yesterday to make a PS for Donalds Breakfastosaurus, which, like most of the character breakfast buffets, is not necessarily the greatest breakfast in the world, but a fun time and the only character meal guaranteed to see Donald at. Unfortunately there were no time slots open. Oh well. Since this is my solo birthday trip, I got myself a birthday button, even though my birthday is not technically until tomorrow (today). I then mosied over to Dinoland around 10 oclock I considered swinging by, but I opted instead to go see the first showing of Lucky the Dinosaur, the new and first fully free roaming audio-animatronic character Disney has. And let me tell you, Walt would have loved this. He walks around, interacts with his trainer, drinking from a cup, getting the hiccups and then belching them away. Unfortunately, he developed a bad case of narcoleptic sleep, as his trainer called it, had to be covered up in his blanket and be carried off to bed halfway through his rounds. So a tip for anyone planning on coming down soon, see Lucky at his first showing, he may not be around for the rest of the showings of the day, since he still seems to have a few growing pains.
Lucky the Dinosaur
Lucky was followed by a trip through Dinosaur, a fun ride no matter when you take it. I followed this with a spin on the Primeval whirl and then marched over by Tarzan Rocks, where the best viewing is of the new Expedition Everest, under construction. This ride looks like it really will be a fantastic thrill ride. Part of me is sad that they need to build more thrill rides just to draw more AK drawing guests. I feel its unfair to all the animals and educational programs that already make up the park. But I still will happily ride Everest next year.
I then moved on to the Kali River Rapids. 10:30AM. My shorts are now soaked. This will remain relevant. Following the rapids I decided to dry off trekking through the jungle trek of Asia. The animals were all fairly lethargic, as today was sunny (for most of the day) and in the high eighties. But they were all nicely visible regardless. After existing the trek, I still was not dry. 10:45AM. So I figured Id head over to Africa while I continued to wait for drying to occur.
In Africa I found the longest line of the entire day. Kilamanjaro Safaris was a 55 minutes standby wait. Why, Im not sure, since the fastpass was only for an hour later. So I grabbed a fastpass and decided it was instead time to eat some food. I headed over to the Tusker House restaurant, where I had never eaten, and put the DDE back to work. I ordered grilled salmon, a drink and a cheesecake for desert. Simon, my server, seeing my birthday button, said that the cheesecake would be on the house. However, as I went up and got my salmon and drink and waited for the birthday item to be added to the tray, I was quite surprised, and amused at what showed up. Whether Simon misheard me or the kitchen misheard him, I walked away with a little Mickey tray of macaroni and CHEESE, with a side of cheddar cheese Goldfish. That aside, the macaroni was actually pretty good, didnt try the Goldfish. The salmon was excellent, I was pleasantly surprised by this from a counter service restaurant. DDE savings up to $21. Oh, and its noon. Shorts not dry.
I then moved over to Camp Minnie/Mickey to get some character pictures. Got my picture taken with Mickey, Donald and Goofy. And Donalds assistant was very amused (as were several other cast members throughout the day) with my shirt. It was a Stitch t-shirt with Cranky when provoked written on it. Which is quite true, I must say, though I hardly ever get provoked at WDW. I then watched Pocahontas and Friends special training session, which was cute, several skunks that were in training. But hey, Id never seen it before. I then headed back by Africa and got to hear someone state the momentous words Hey, its the Africa. THE Africa. Is there another?
Donald and I... Both 'Cranky When Provoked'
1:30. Pants still not dry.
From here I headed over to Tarzan Rocks. Im very sad this show is leaving, and sadder still that there were some threads after it was announced that were half full of people lambasting this show. Im amazed by that, because I think this show is sensational. It may not be a traditional theatrical show, but I think its overflowing with talent vocally, dancers and gymnasts/rollerbladers. I was happy that I got to see the singer that was featured in a recent Disney magazine, since this show will be gone in the fall.
Tarzan. C'mon, why would any ladies NOT like this show...
3:30. Yes, my pants are finally dry. Wait, that sounds bad
After using my fastpass for the Safari, which happily put the interaction with the warden back in, and taking the Harambe trek, I found a great spot to watch Mickeys Jammin Jungle Parade. Right near the safari loading they keep an opening to the parade route before it starts so people can cross. As soon as this was closed off I was able to move in and sit at the rope in a modicum of shade to watch the parade. I also got my EMH band while waiting. The parade was fun, and I had no butt cheek in any pictures as I did last time I watched this parade a few years ago Not that theres anything wrong with that.
I caught a few more rides, ate dinner at Restaurantosaurus, (nothing special, just a burger and fries, but certainly not bad,) and now have my DDE savings up to $23. $27 more and Ill at least break even. Oh, and entering the restaurant I got to hear Everybody Walk the Dinosaur. Now thats going to be stuck in your head for the rest of the day. Youre welcome.
I caught a Its Tough to Be a Bug, which has some great bad jokes in it, except for that hornets attack that always seems to jab me in the kidneys. I then did a few more rides and another showing of Tarzan Rocks, since the theater was half empty for the EMH show, and then headed back to the hotel. I took a quick dip in the pool and hot tub to rejeuvenate, then showered and headed over to Jellyrolls with my birthday button. (Oh, on that, I got a lot of cast members that wished me a happy birthday today, and a few guests.)
Jellyrolls was fun as always. I had a table up near the front, and after a while the place filled, since it was Cast Member night. I had three people, two in suits, one in a gown, ask if they could join me. Uh, sure! They were there on a conference from California and having a rocking good time. One of the suits and the gown especially after the other suit left. Were they a couple? I dont know. What happens in Disney, stays in Disney, I guess. I should have probably gotten their names, I have incriminating photos of them drunk together. I could pay for another trip that way Oh well, Ill settle for the two free beers I got for sharing my table.
No suit, no gown, no service...
We also had a group of 7 girls from New Jersey sit next to us for a bachelorette party. One of the suits was buying them drinks, and once they finally gave up for the night, the girls joined me. This is why I love Jellyrolls. Any other bar that a person goes to and drinks alone at, theyre a lush. At Jellyrolls, you just draw a party to you. Finally around 12:30 I got my bill and headed back, since I have to be up to get to the MK for 8:15 tomorrow morning for a tour. So Im back and off to bed, ready for another day. Good night all.
Jersey Girls Just Want to Have Fun...
Day 3 - The Keys to the Kingdom, just not to the Car...
It made my night!
Oh well.....
Hope you had a wicked good one!!
