Sorry Gaston, They are MUCH More Interesting Than You!*6/8* NEW Trip Report Link p154

[GoofyFan1515]

Great updates Mary Ellen! You had some fantastic shots of Devine! I have been lucky enough to just happen upon her a couple of different times and it is very easy to just stand there and watch how she poses and moves so gracefully! I usually get a good laugh from the people who don't know anything about her and then when she moves and they finally notice her they jump or scream!

Those tables near Tamu Tamu are a wonderful place to sit, eat and relax a little for sure! Every time I have done that I was so glad I did as I felt much better afterwards!

Wonderful pictures around the tree of life, but that really stinks that you couldn't get to all of it! That would definitely be disappointing as I love the trails where you can get the close up views! Funny how I have typically focused on that Owl so many times in the past as it just seems to stand out! The angle you took that picture is the first time I have even noticed the bats on the tree in the background. And I love the lamp with the spider web and spider. I guess I need to look up more!

The vegetation near the entrance just after you enter the park is always so relaxing, coming in and as you leave at the end of the day! That is somehow one of my favorite areas of the park when I slow down and enjoy it instead of breezing right through it!

She is supremely cool. I just love her. I wonder how long it takes to get all that make up on?

Funny you say that because I have had a similar but different thought. I wonder how long it takes her to get all of that make up OFF so she doesn't go home looking green every day..........

 

[mickeystoontown]

I've only seen Devine in "real life" once and was totally captivated by her. Like you said, she is gorgeous!

I used to wander the trails around the Tree of Life and loved all of the details that I found. I think that once that little branch fell off the tree, they are limiting access to the trails but I could be wrong.

 

[dizneeat]

Yeah! What an update!

Congrats on the AKV. This is going to be so nice.

I love all your photos, wonderful shots of the AK. And btw, we love that little seating area in Harambe too!
Great shots of Devine!

I love the many pics of your walk from the Swolphin to Epcot. That's the awesome thing about Disney, so much detail and such beautiful landscaping!

 

[MEK]

Great update. I love DeVine. She is so beautiful and fascinating to watch!

Thanks! Isn't she wonderful? I find her very fascinating as well. I just can't pull my eyes away.

I like that you were just taking it easy and enjoying the beauty and atmosphere of the park. Sounds like a perfect morning.

That was exactly the plan. After EE there was really nothing I "had" to do. Just like last December, the beautiful weather just made me want to sit there and soak it all in without the hassle of rushing around or standing in lines.

Hi everyone! I do have a work trip tht starts today as goes this Friday but am hoping to get at least one update in, maybe even today!

There's my roomie! I was hoping you would stop by after your crazy Easter!

I have been crazy busy, had 17 over for Easter yesterday

Thanks for your patience!

Your Easter was crazier than I even guessed. And take your time because next week you will be waiting on me. I'll be away for almost a week and then you know it takes me another week just to regroup.

Great updates Mary Ellen! You had some fantastic shots of Devine! I have been lucky enough to just happen upon her a couple of different times and it is very easy to just stand there and watch how she poses and moves so gracefully! I usually get a good laugh from the people who don't know anything about her and then when she moves and they finally notice her they jump or scream!

It IS really funny when people see her for the first time. They are often startled. I knew about her before I saw her the first time so I was prepared. I love just getting in the middle of the crowd and getting her faces shots. She really does model well for the camera!

Those tables near Tamu Tamu are a wonderful place to sit, eat and relax a little for sure! Every time I have done that I was so glad I did as I felt much better afterwards!

I can't believe that was my first time sitting there, but I will definitely be back. It was so cool being in my own little alcove. I loved it. I bet it stays cool there even in the summer. I guess I'll find out in June.

Wonderful pictures around the tree of life, but that really stinks that you couldn't get to all of it! That would definitely be disappointing as I love the trails where you can get the close up views! Funny how I have typically focused on that Owl so many times in the past as it just seems to stand out! The angle you took that picture is the first time I have even noticed the bats on the tree in the background. And I love the lamp with the spider web and spider. I guess I need to look up more!

When I was actually able to circle the base of the tree I was shocked at how many animals there are. I think I read that there are well over 100. I couldn't find nearly that many, but I kept finding more and more. I just find the whole thing so fascinating and its a shame that so many people never take the time to focus on the amazing detail.

The vegetation near the entrance just after you enter the park is always so relaxing, coming in and as you leave at the end of the day! That is somehow one of my favorite areas of the park when I slow down and enjoy it instead of breezing right through it!

I agree. I love taking my time going through there on the way out. I know I am always in a rush on the way in, but on the way out I really like to "sight-see".

Funny you say that because I have had a similar but different thought. I wonder how long it takes her to get all of that make up OFF so she doesn't go home looking green every day..........

Good thought! It's probably a real PITA to take off. Doesn't seem fun AT ALL!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

All caught up! Really enjoyed the AK pics, especially the front seat of EE. One day I'll get to sit there! I think I'm the only person on the DIS boards who hasn't taken the "torn up track" picture.

As always, love the theming at AK.

 

[Disney9.9.10]

Great photos! What a beautiful day. I have yet to grab a photo of Devine *hangs head in shame* She is so beautiful though.

 

[MEK]

I've only seen Devine in "real life" once and was totally captivated by her. Like you said, she is gorgeous!

I know its a different Devine every time I see her, but every time she just has wonderful features and really knows how to play the roll. I think it's a great addition to the AK theme.

I used to wander the trails around the Tree of Life and loved all of the details that I found. I think that once that little branch fell off the tree, they are limiting access to the trails but I could be wrong.

That seems to be the general consensus - that a branch fell off the tree and the path has been limited since then. I guess I am the only person who didn't know that, but at least I wasn't imagining that I had seen more of the tree the last time I tried to take pictures.

Yeah! What an update!

Glad you liked!

Congrats on the AKV. This is going to be so nice.

I stayed in a 2BR in Kidani back in 2009. I loved it. I've been wanting to go back for awhile. I'm excited to stay at the Jambo House. It's such a cool resort.

I love all your photos, wonderful shots of the AK. And btw, we love that little seating area in Harambe too!
Great shots of Devine!

Isn't that a great seating area? I think I found a new favorite spot! And Devine - I just love her and I have been really lucky to be able to get good pics of her.

I love the many pics of your walk from the Swolphin to Epcot. That's the awesome thing about Disney, so much detail and such beautiful landscaping!

I really enjoyed that walk from the Swolphin over to the Boardwalk. It was such a gorgeous day and the detail is overwhelming. You are so right about the detail. It changes with literally every step.

All caught up! Really enjoyed the AK pics, especially the front seat of EE. One day I'll get to sit there! I think I'm the only person on the DIS boards who hasn't taken the "torn up track" picture.

You'll get your chance. You have to wait until one of your cute kiddos is ready to experience with you. It really is a neat view and the pictures capture it perfectly. It's really one of those things that look exactly the same in pictures as it does in real life.

As always, love the theming at AK.

Me too! Such a great park!

Great photos! What a beautiful day. I have yet to grab a photo of Devine *hangs head in shame* She is so beautiful though.

Thank you! It really was a beautiful day. I actually considered walking by Devine but I really enjoy going back and looking at her pictures. For some reason they always turn out really well.

 

[eandesmom]

I'm going to try to finish up replies before my update, if I miss anyone, apologies in advance!

A Contest I love the idea post all the contenders !!!

There are a LOT of contenders!

Okay, I might not be able to stand out in the sun all day holding up a Coke, but when it comes to having available "refreshment" I am more than willing to be there with some sort of rum drink!!!

Of course that might bring up a common question of all the passersby........

"Why is da rum always guhn.......???"

Why is it???

Oh for a sunny day, and a rum drink with an umbrella in it. Sounds like heaven right now!

I've caught up 8 out of 12 pages and if I don't stop and comment... I will forget stuff...

Nothing like a good wait for TSM fastpasses in the morning... they should put a walkby coffee kiosk for people who haven't had one yet or need another...

They'd make a fortune!

You ladies did get a lot done early... which is always awesome...

Even though I'm not a diehard Star Wars fan (I like it-I just don't LOVE it) I think that is one of the best drop shops...

It is a great shop, needs to be about twice as big!

I love your tshirt "safari" Cynthia... I think you should think about patenting it... like the cupcake crawl ...

Problem is, there are SO many to choose from, this was a bit more manageable due to the themes I was looking for

What an absolutely stunning view at the Boardwalk (oh which reminds me that the Captain's Grille looked very nice...)

Great Dinner at Flying Fish... I'm a big tuna fan-when it's seared like that...

Hmmm... I know I forgot stuff but I'm feeling a teeny bit under the weather... a combo of time changes from vacation, lots of good& indulgent wine & food and probably most of all- the same kind of college stuff you are talking about with Nick- Mary Ellen... except Em is still waiting on 4 schools...-two release decisions tomorrow and two on the first- she got 3 when we were away... 2 yes, 1 defer and my stomach isn't going to make it throw this whole thing...

OH that's right I meant to send you condolences on your digestive woes Mary Ellen ...that's not fun at home... and really not fun on vacation... I really hope that eased up for you...

K-have to catch up on the rest...

Congrats again to Emily, SO exciting!

I am in awe of that view! Absolutely to die for!!!

Cynthia, I love your trek around WS and all the shirts. I had to click on the "bad picture" to see the "bad video. I find it funny the performers funny for that concert series... Once upon a time they were somebody...once.

Love the EE photo... weird that thing 1, 2, 3 and 4 escaped and came to the superior park...

The view was amazing, just amazing. It was a bad picture AND bad video. The whole series is HS deja vu. Sad and funny all at the same time.

All caught up! I love the view from your room at BWV! We had a non-clown pool view in October but I think your non-clown pool view tops ours! Fantastic!

The quiet pool views are pretty too, plus if you are higher up you get the canal, right?

MEK - Sorry about your tummy issues... I have similar issues & find that I have to watch what I eat at Disney. Once my stomach turns on me, it's grumpy for the rest of the vacation. I eat a lot of salads at home & have to seek them out at Disney in order to keep my system stable. I hope you didn't have any other issues.

Off to a fun start at AK!

For the whole trip? Yikes, that is no fun. I had stocked our fridge with greek yogurt for a reason and for me at least, it really did help mitigate some of the other insults to my system.

Just catching up here! I am loving the FW pictures, it is so pretty. I love the story of the TR title, Gaston is quite an arrogant fellow so I'm sure he wasn't too thrilled that someone could be more interesting than him That LTT veggie burger looks delicious! I've only ever gone to LTT for dinner, but I might have to try it at lunch after seeing that!

ETA: Also, what a gorgeous view at BWI! I don't think I cold get sick of that one.

The view was amazing. Gaston was SO in character when it all happened, it was perfect.

And lime???

Great update from AK! Nothing like having a very empty park to enjoy! And the front seat on EE is the best! Great shots during your ride.

Mary Ellen and Cynthia, I hope you and your families all had a very Happy Easter!!!

Thank you, I hope you did as well!

Hi, Mary Ellen and Cynthia!!! I have missed "hanging out" with you guys! I have a lot of catching up to do, but I love your quiet shots around the AK -- that little niche in Africa makes me homesick for sure!

Jackie!

So nice to see you I thought of you the other day when I was posting my 20 zillion pictures of giraffes on my other TR.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

We always seem to JUST miss each other on our trips!! Last time I remember it was only by a couple of days - this upcoming one it'll be by a bit longer, but not much!!

Gorgeous AK pictures!!! Devine really is stunning, it's so special to see her around!

Can't wait to see your F&W pics!

 

[eandesmom]

Apologies for my tardiness, I have been crazy busy. I will be at a work event all week on the east coast and the week before these things is always a bit nutty. Add Easter into the mix, Evan's school musical (which of course is this week, while I am out of town. Thankfully it goes all weekend too) Jeff having a business trip next week (and thus an insane deadline driven week this week that he is solo parenting) 2 concerts, various Easter events and then having 17 over for egg hunt and dinner yesterday and whew...I am behind on everything! I am hoping to have some solo DIS time on this trip though and get caught up on all my threads and subscriptions.

Now, believe it or not, the first thing I did when I got up on my last full day in the world was….look out our verandah!

Shocker.

Yep, still dark out. Guess I’ll get dressed and pour a coffee.

And, now it isn't!

Apparently I had breakfast and coffee on the verandah while Mary Ellen ran? Clearly the gym was not on my agenda that morning.

Good morning sunshine!

I have a feeling I chilled out there while Mary Ellen got ready. Soon enough we were on a deserted bus and on our way to hang with this crowd

Love these “feet”

Seriously bright morning sun

I think we are all going to the same place

I must not have had enough coffee on that verandah, I can't even tell if I am in my own red neck single rider ride pic! I didn't take any on the ride as well, I took a bazillion and one on our August trip. For those of you on that thread, just wait. LOL! Maybe a bazillion and two.

I putzed around the dump shop a little. Not too much as this was the one park we’d been to in August and we had done a fair amount of shopping. I did have a different mission for this park, pins and the replacement of a priceless object.

I did see one I liked but didn't think I’d have any takers as both boys already had a EE tee that were getting a lot of current wear...and one as recently as August.

EE accomplished I hit carts/kiosks for pin trading with minimal luck. And got more bright sun pictures.

I needed to visit a specific shop in Africa, on the way we saw some swingers.

And interestingly enough, a shop I didn't know existed until that very moment

I LOVED this shop. It was a total unexpected surprise. And yet somehow, I think as it was stuff I liked (for me), versus my T shirt mission for the boys, I didn't take a single photo. Who knew there was an actual Yak and Yeti shop, with it’s own logo branded stuff. Not I that’s for sure.

Some crummy cell phone pictures of the lovely Devine

And just when we were feeling a bit peckish, a breakfast surprise.

AK, in general, has a horrible selection for CS breakfast items in my opinion. Not to spoil anything but we’d hit the Kussafari coffee shop in August and it was a complete waste of money. This however was much better.

But does fall into a beef I have with this type of thing at Disney. Really, would it be that hard to melt the cheese? It was pretty decent but would have been significantly better had it been all nice and melty.

Such a pretty seating area, and when empty as it was, truly an oasis.

Continued in next post

 

[eandesmom]

They do private functions here, I think it would be just lovely for a reception or party.

While Mary Ellen chilled, I went off on my mission

And saw this guy

Once in the store, I was able to accomplish my mission with relative ease. While I've not gotten to this quite yet in my August TR (close though!) one of my boys had purchased a necklace at this shop in August. It was worn daily, fingered daily as kids are wont to do with things around their neck and, as one might expect could happen, it had broken. Of course he hadn't pulled on it, I just think they are prone to that kind of thing and delicate by nature. I had tried to restring it to no avail. I had been sent with his precious necklace in a baggie, to try and replace. BEGGED. Asked every day while I was gone if I'd gotten a replacement yet. It truly was the sole reason I "needed" to go to AK on this trip. I was able to find a match, and then bought another one (similar but different) as backup for his stocking. I think I may have traded a pin or two here but am not positive.

While shopping, the crowds had arrived at our oasis, so had music.

More music outside

And crowds, and nothing either of us felt inspired to do. We had achieved our goals for the morning; EE, a Zen breakfast, Evan's necklace and with that, we could leave. I had spent a very full day at AK just a few months prior so really didn't feel I needed more time there, instead I wanted more time everywhere else!

This brought back memories

What's on the roof? Anybody know?

Bye Bye EE, see in you in December (man that STILL sounds way too far away)

Bye bye pretty birds

A drive by of our favorite explorers

I did hit several of the shops on the way out and made some progress in my pin trading, whew! I tell you, those boys gave me some impossible tasks to fill. So impossible I bought some of their list on ebay after returning and put them in their stockings!

We did get off at the Swolphin

And hit the room. I had purchases to drop off and wanted to change into something cooler

That looked inviting but we had a place to be

Our room is up there somewhere, possibly right above that tree

I really do like the theming here

With that, packages were divested of, cooler clothing changed into and we were off, again! On another culinary adventure….

 

[MHTeacher]

I had missed your front row EE pics! I enjoy sitting in the front, but I find the back to be faster when it starts going backwards. I like that too!

I've only seen Devine once-I'm with you, though. I think she's fascinating! You got some good pictures of her (and everything of course!)

 

[Poolrat]

Love the pictures. I am really looking forward to the Boardwalk. I know I won't get that view at all but just that area is so much fun.

I always get mesmerized by DeVine and the Tree of Life.
I did notice the tree was blocked off a bit and I do remember the tree limb falling but somehow did not connect the 2 events.

BEST THING- Get in get out when you see the crowd. Love it !!!!

Cynthia hope you had and have safe travels and Mary Ellen you travel soon too. Working like crazy this week and weekend but my next weekend is taking me to the mountain side instead of the beach side.

 

[englishrose47]

I love Devine too !! She is just soooo serene and peaceful!!I love it when we stumble upon her at AK!!!!

 

[MEK]

We always seem to JUST miss each other on our trips!! Last time I remember it was only by a couple of days - this upcoming one it'll be by a bit longer, but not much!!

I am missing you on one end of the trip and missing teekathepony on the other end. What are your dates? I have to go look that up in your TR.

Gorgeous AK pictures!!! Devine really is stunning, it's so special to see her around!

Thanks! I love Devine! She is so fun to take pictures of. something about her coloring makes her pictures really stand out.

Can't wait to see your F&W pics!

You mean my pics of all I had to eat and drink? Surprisingly, I don't have as many actual food pics as I thought i did. But, now worries - I took quite a few on my last evening in Epcot.

Good morning sunshine!

OOOhhh - I like the sunrise view, too!

I must not have had enough coffee on that verandah, I can't even tell if I am in my own red neck single rider ride pic! I didn't take any on the ride as well, I took a bazillion and one on our August trip. For those of you on that thread, just wait. LOL! Maybe a bazillion and two.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who has little recollection of that first single rider ride.

I needed to visit a specific shop in Africa, on the way we saw some swingers.

Cool pic!

But does fall into a beef I have with this type of thing at Disney. Really, would it be that hard to melt the cheese? It was pretty decent but would have been significantly better had it been all nice and melty.

Where is the cheese on mine? I don't even see it? But I agree that it should be melted. Thanks for posting the price. Still think its a good deal for $6.

This is another really nice shot!

I had missed your front row EE pics! I enjoy sitting in the front, but I find the back to be faster when it starts going backwards. I like that too!

I heard its a lot more intense in the back. I tend to get coaster headaches, so I avoid the back rows. I feel bad asking to be moved it they place me there, but I figure why get a headache when I don't need to. Yup - I'm a sissy!

I've only seen Devine once-I'm with you, though. I think she's fascinating! You got some good pictures of her (and everything of course!)

Thanks! I just love Devine! I think she's so awesomely cool! I'm psyched I could walk right up to her and get her head shot.

 

[MEK]

Love the pictures. I am really looking forward to the Boardwalk. I know I won't get that view at all but just that area is so much fun.

You are going to love it there. And you never know - you could get a similar view. I sure hope you do. You will be in heaven.

I always get mesmerized by DeVine and the Tree of Life.
I did notice the tree was blocked off a bit and I do remember the tree limb falling but somehow did not connect the 2 events.

It seems like everyone knows about that tree limb so obviously the two things are related. I hope they can resolve that situation because I would certainly like to be able to circle the tree like in the old days.

BEST THING- Get in get out when you see the crowd. Love it !!!!

We had to get out anyway because of our seminar. You can definitely see the crowd a lot more in Cynthia's pictures than in mine.

Cynthia hope you had and have safe travels and Mary Ellen you travel soon too. Working like crazy this week and weekend but my next weekend is taking me to the mountain side instead of the beach side.

Yeah for the mountains. I'm glad you are going to get a little break after you work your "you know what" off. I'll wave when we pass through NC this weekend!

I love Devine too !! She is just soooo serene and peaceful!!I love it when we stumble upon her at AK!!!!

She's such a highlight, isn't she? I think she is so awesome. I love stumbling upon her.

 

[petals]

Luvin the update. I've never seen Devine in the park

 

[englishrose47]

Missed your update Cynthia !!Yay for getting the replacement !!!

 

[Leshaface]

It literally felt like I was on EE and I loved it

Seriously, you take the most AMAZING pictures. All of your AK pictures are so beautiful.

Devine is truly awesome! I could watch her move all day. She moves so effortlessly and looks so serene, even when it's like 1000 degrees outside.

 

[eandesmom]

Love the pictures. I am really looking forward to the Boardwalk. I know I won't get that view at all but just that area is so much fun.

I always get mesmerized by DeVine and the Tree of Life.
I did notice the tree was blocked off a bit and I do remember the tree limb falling but somehow did not connect the 2 events.

BEST THING- Get in get out when you see the crowd. Love it !!!!

Are you garden view preferred? you might well get that view. Did you make a request?

Cynthia hope you had and have safe travels and Mary Ellen you travel soon too. Working like crazy this week and weekend but my next weekend is taking me to the mountain side instead of the beach side.

So far so good, other than the flight being 20 minutes late landing and then waiting 45 minutes for the shuttle that never came and then realizing the room service menu was on the TV, so far so good.

Nice thing is I have most of tomorrow to get my bearings. 50 days...I just have to hold up for 50 more days...

man that is too long.

OOOhhh - I like the sunrise view, too!

I'm just amused I wanted a second breakfast! It was lovely out there.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who has little recollection of that first single rider ride.

I'd have less recollection of the 2nd front row ride except you documented it with a scary profile shot of me

Where is the cheese on mine? I don't even see it? But I agree that it should be melted. Thanks for posting the price. Still think its a good deal for $6.

For Disney AK breakfast I totally agree, it was a good deal. Tasty and filling.

Maybe you ate the cheese and then took a picture?

Missed your update Cynthia !!Yay for getting the replacement !!!

I was stressing at first as I couldn't find the same one but found some buried, whew!