Springtime is the Best Time- Flower & Garden, a taste of Dapper Days and Earth Day -April 2024- Side Trip to Epic Opening Day

[pkondz]

Guest Experience Manager

Oh! She’s the boss!

 

[missjackiemcg]

A miscalculation! There are so many teams working together to create lands and attractions, it's almost inevitable that someone is going to miscalculate something! Teams misjudged the placement of the building, resulting in it overlapping with the manhole. Imagineers decided to install a tiny door so that the manhole would be accessible!

Well, that's a great fun fact!! I can't wait to bore my family with it on our next trip. These are the kinds of things that I LOVE!! and they tolerate from me. LOL

ADR day sounds stressful, but it seems you've figured out how to make it work around your other plans. So many good ones on your list!

Congratulations to Danielle on her new role. I'm sure it will be an adjustment, but it's really great that she will get another new experience, and hopefully it leads to more seniority down the road for a placement she really loves!

 

[vamassey1]

Oh! She’s the boss!

She's a minor boss, like assistant manager. The big boss is the proprietor.

 

[vamassey1]

Well, that's a great fun fact!! I can't wait to bore my family with it on our next trip. These are the kinds of things that I LOVE!! and they tolerate from me. LOL

I love these kind of things too!

ADR day sounds stressful, but it seems you've figured out how to make it work around your other plans. So many good ones on your list!

I'm just glad we're done with it.

Congratulations to Danielle on her new role. I'm sure it will be an adjustment, but it's really great that she will get another new experience, and hopefully it leads to more seniority down the road for a placement she really loves!

Thank you! Disney is all about new experiences and making connections, learning and growing.

 

[pkondz]

She's a minor boss, like assistant manager. The big boss is the proprietor.

I’ve heard he’s a bit mousy.

 

[Steppesister]

Have you ever seen this?

I have NOT!! What is this?!?! Ok, on the list for next trip!

Crazy Ladies on Dumbo!

After not riding it for like 15 years, I've ridden it the last 2 trips now. When you're old like me, this is what replaces Space.

And she did what she always does on IASW, even though she says it her favorite.

Maybe that's WHY it's her fave.

Big bear hugs. What's not to love?!

Lunch was upstairs overlooking Liberty Square in Columbia Harbor House.

It's always a winner! Did that this trip as well, and it never disappoints.

We were Honorary Caretakers.

Awww, that's a fun one. Caroline and I got a "Boat Safety Card" on our trip which I'd never seen before.

When we got back up to the front we ran into Danielle's twin so we had to take a picture before we changed. They both got their dresses online at a Vintage Dress shop.

Wow! How coolio is that! Love this so much.

Boy I miss this ride and I'm so looking forward to riding again in June.

Me too. Likely won't get to ride it until Fall time, but sure am looking forward to it!

In other news, if you follow Danielle on IG she posted that she will be moving locations. She is leaving Festivals to move to Coral Reef effective May 3. She has had Leader experience in counter service, Festivals and now she will get experience as a Leader in table service. Disney is all about providing new challenges to the CMs. She is happy to still be in Epcot but nervous about the move. I know Coral Reef gets a bad wrap, but it will always hold a special place in our hearts. This was the first table service restaurant Dennis and I ever ate at. We did eat here last summer and really enjoyed our meal. I'm exciting to see what happens next for her.

Oh how exciting!! I've enjoyed the few meals I've had there for sure. She'll do great!

 

[disneyAndi14]

I love riding Dumbo! Pro tip ride during the fireworks! It is amazing
Liesa and I were a little spicy about all the perks for AP starting right after we left ugh just my luck! I literally just missed the Zootopia magnet and now I just missed the Toy Story magnet!

 

[Steppesister]

I love riding Dumbo! Pro tip ride during the fireworks! It is amazing
Liesa and I were a little spicy about all the perks for AP starting right after we left ugh just my luck! I literally just missed the Zootopia magnet and now I just missed the Toy Story magnet!

I'll probably never see another AP maggie. I have heard they randomly mail them out to some folks, so maybe a little hope?

 

[vamassey1]

I’ve heard he’s a bit mousy.

 

[vamassey1]

I have NOT!! What is this?!?! Ok, on the list for next trip!

And that's one of the reasons we read trip reports, to find new and exciting things to do and share.

After not riding it for like 15 years, I've ridden it the last 2 trips now. When you're old like me, this is what replaces Space.

That's a really good point. Since we'll have the kids in June, I'm sure we'll try to ride.

Maybe that's WHY it's her fave.

I'm going to have to ask her.

Awww, that's a fun one. Caroline and I got a "Boat Safety Card" on our trip which I'd never seen before.

I've never seen "Boat Safety Card" but that sure sounds cool.

Me too. Likely won't get to ride it until Fall time, but sure am looking forward to it!

And that's why we keep going back. Something is always changing.

Oh how exciting!! I've enjoyed the few meals I've had there for sure. She'll do great!

Thank you! Today was her first day. She's in training for all positions for the first few weeks. I'm waiting to hear how it went.

 

[vamassey1]

I love riding Dumbo! Pro tip ride during the fireworks! It is amazing

Haven't tried this yet. We did do 7 Dwarfs in July during the fireworks and it was fabulous.

Liesa and I were a little spicy about all the perks for AP starting right after we left ugh just my luck! I literally just missed the Zootopia magnet and now I just missed the Toy Story magnet!

I'm making a list of all the perks but I'm the only APer so it won't be as fun to do them alone. I missed out on the Zootopia magnet but looking forward to getting the Toy Story magnet. Toy Story 5 opens the day before we leave. We're debating going Friday night to see it.

 

[vamassey1]

I'll probably never see another AP maggie. I have heard they randomly mail them out to some folks, so maybe a little hope?

I've missed so many magnets. I can't remember the last time I got one in the mail.

 

[vamassey1]

Monday April 22, 2024-Animal Kingdom-Earth Day
Today was our last park day and we saved it for Animal Kingdom. This was also Animal Kingdom's Birthday and Earth Day. When we originally planned this trip I did not realize we would catch Earth Day but was very happy it all worked out.
Animal Kingdom's hours were 8 am to 6 pm, with early entry for 7:30 am. My original plan was to make it for Early Entry. Any guesses on if we did? If you guessed no we did not you would be correct.
This was taken at 9:28 am as we approached the entrance.

I was happy to see this.

And this.

She's a beauty!
Guess where we headed first? The park has been open for almost 2 hours so what should be try to do first?
How about some caffeine and food. Our first stop was Creature Comforts (Starbucks). I had a Caramel Frappuccino and ham & cheese croissant.


We enjoyed our breakfast and made plans on what to do next. The lines were already long for everything. We ended up passing through Africa and taking the walkway to Asia. Along the way we got some great views of the Tree of Life.

We also found the special Earth Day photo pass picture.

We made it to the 10:15 Winged Encounters in Asia. This isn't a must do for me every trip, but I do enjoy seeing it every other trip or so. I don't fear birds, but I have been to a show with someone who didn't care to be so up close and personal. How can you not be impressed by the Bald Eagle?

We left Asia and went right back to Africa.


We did enjoy a little bit of Tam Tam Drummers. They're always fun and a crowd pleaser. I didn't take any photos, just enjoyed the show.

Continued in next post . . .

 

[vamassey1]

We were headed to the 12:00 FOTLK show, but Danielle wanted to show us something first. She did a backstage tour of FOTLK and they showed them a tribute to Joe Rohde at the exit of Tusker House.

Can't see it? Let's get a little closer.

It's on the wall across from this.

Pretty neat!
Before going into FOTLK we saw Pluto cruising on the water. I don't think they do this anymore.

I think we had Lighting Lanes for this day. It looks like we had one for FOTKL, Dinosaur and Kilimanjaro Safaris.
FOTLK was great as always.


Danielle wanted a picture with one of the floats. You'll notice she's wearing a brand new jacket because, yes I did a buy her one. It isn't very often that we don't purchase something in the Mombasa Marketplace.


We headed towards Dinoland next but stopped at Nomads to get on the wait list. It was very long and not looking good.

We had to ride Dinosaur. This is one of Danielle's favorites as you can tell in our photo. She's still salty that it closed.


After Dinosaur we were all hungry and agreed to have lunch at the best CS location in Animal Kingdom, Satuli Canteen. We made our way to Pandora for the first time that day.

I had the kids Cheeseburger pod with chips and a cutie. This is the perfect amount of food.

Continued in next post.

 

[vamassey1]

Danielle had a noodle bowl, I think it was a kids meal too.


And we shared this, the Blueberry Cream Cheese Mousse. YUM!


Danielle wanted to do something I and Robin had never done but she enjoys. She wanted to go to Rafiki's Planet Watch for The Animation Experience. We took the back path from Pandora to Africa. We saw Koda and Kenai along the way.

I think they were happy to see us. We have always enjoyed this movie. I know it's not a very popular or well know one.
Pluto also came around again.

We made it to the train station.

While we were on the train we got the notification that our wait for Nomads was ready. We had to let it go. I still have not made it to Nomads.
I'm going to miss the old Rafiki's Planet Watch but I'm looking forward to what it will look like in June.


I made it through my drawing experience but it wasn't pretty. I have no drawing ability at all. We were drawing Bruce and I will not be sharing my drawing. I didn't get a photos of Danielle's or Robin's but they looked much better than mine.

I did go back and give it another try in December but I almost asked for the picture to color that they offer for the little kids.

I have to close for now. "Call the Midwife" is calling me to my TV.

 

[pkondz]

Today was our last park day

Worst day.

This was also Animal Kingdom's Birthday and Earth Day.

Nice little bit of timing, there.

My original plan was to make it for Early Entry. Any guesses on if we did? If you guessed no we did not you would be correct.

I believe you have a Danielle in tow, so no... you will not be early.
I have learned this.

This was taken at 9:28 am as we approached the entrance.

Only 2 hours...

Guess where we headed first? The park has been open for almost 2 hours so what should be try to do first?
How about some caffeine and food.

Oh, sure. No rush at all.

The lines were already long for everything.

Pro tip. Try to arrive early to take advantage of low crowds and shorter lines.

Neat pic.

Winged Encounters in Asia. This isn't a must do for me every trip, but I do enjoy seeing it every other trip or so.

I'd agree with that.

How can you not be impressed by the Bald Eagle?

So cool. Heck, almost any raptor is.

Danielle wanted to show us something first. She did a backstage tour of FOTLK and they showed them a tribute to Joe Rohde at the exit of Tusker House.

That's cool! Had no idea.

FOTLK was great as always.

Been ages since I've seen it.

You'll notice she's wearing a brand new jacket because, yes I did a buy her one. It isn't very often that we don't purchase something in the Mombasa Marketplace.

Because that's what moms do.

We had to ride Dinosaur. This is one of Danielle's favorites as you can tell in our photo. She's still salty that it closed.

She's not alone in her saltiness.....

lunch at the best CS location in Animal Kingdom, Satuli Canteen.

I really need to get back there. So many people say the same thing. I've not been impressed, but I think because I've been ordering the wrong things.

with chips and a cutie.

I think the cutie is the orange?

Now that looks good.

Danielle wanted to do something I and Robin had never done but she enjoys. She wanted to go to Rafiki's Planet Watch for The Animation Experience.

I'm very surprised you hadn't done it yet.

Pluto also came around again.

Little dog lost?

We had to let it go. I still have not made it to Nomads.

Surprised by that too. Love Nomad lounge.

I made it through my drawing experience but it wasn't pretty. I have no drawing ability at all.

That's okay. the point is to have fun.

We were drawing Bruce and I will not be sharing my drawing.

That bad, huh?

 

[vamassey1]

Worst day.

It always is.

Nice little bit of timing, there.

We really did pick the best time to go.

I believe you have a Danielle in tow, so no... you will not be early.
I have learned this.

You have learned well.

Oh, sure. No rush at all.

By this point we were getting hangry and needed caffeine.

Pro tip. Try to arrive early to take advantage of low crowds and shorter lines.

I'll try to remember that next time. I don't think it will help us in June. I'll be with both my daughters who are always running late and kids. I don't think it will go well.

Neat pic.

Thank you!

That's cool! Had no idea.

Neither did I. I love learning cool things.

Been ages since I've seen it.

You need to go back.

Because that's what moms do.

Yes we do, but Dad's are even more gullible.

She's not alone in her saltiness.....

No she is not.

I really need to get back there. So many people say the same thing. I've not been impressed, but I think because I've been ordering the wrong things.

What did you order before?

I think the cutie is the orange?

Yes! I think Cutie is a brand name.

Now that looks good.

Yes it does.

I'm very surprised you hadn't done it yet.

No that you know how terrible at drawing I am you will understand.

Surprised by that too. Love Nomad lounge.

I must be one of the few that have not been.

That bad, huh?

Worse.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Great update. I laughed at the idea you were making rope drop with Danielle. No chance
Love the special photo of you all. Your dress is gorgeous Vanessa. Really suits you.
Love FotLK, I’ve never been to the animation class because I couldn’t draw to save my life Neither have I been to Nomads but I’d love to go there.
Cool tribute to Joe Rhode which I will definitely look out for when I ever get back to Animal Kingdom.
Hope Danielle is settling into and enjoying her new job. Wishing her the best of luck as she begins this new chapter

 

[vamassey1]

Great update. I laughed at the idea you were making rope drop with Danielle. No chance

You have learned well too.

Love the special photo of you all. Your dress is gorgeous Vanessa. Really suits you.

Thank you!

Love FotLK, I’ve never been to the animation class because I couldn’t draw to save my life Neither have I been to Nomads but I’d love to go there.

More that we have in common.

Cool tribute to Joe Rhode which I will definitely look out for when I ever get back to Animal Kingdom.

Let me know if you find it.

Hope Danielle is settling into and enjoying her new job. Wishing her the best of luck as she begins this new chapter

So far so good. Yesterday was relearning the job of Seater. She pulled from her knowledge of when she was a seater at Cinderella's Royal Table during her first College Program that ended when the parks shut down. She has to learn each position before starting leader shifts. No sure how she's going to feel about the fact that it's all late shifts. Coral Reef is no longer open for lunch, just dinner.

 

[pkondz]

You have learned well.

By this point we were getting hangry and needed caffeine.

If you'd made rope drop, you'd need that caffeine even more.

I'll try to remember that next time.

I don't think it will help us in June. I'll be with both my daughters who are always running late and kids. I don't think it will go well.

My thoughts and prayers will be with you at that difficult time.

You need to go back.

Yes. Yes I do.

Yes we do, but Dad's are even more gullible.

100% agree.

What did you order before?

It's been too long, so I don't remember... but what I had wasn't all that great.

No that you know how terrible at drawing I am you will understand.

I must be one of the few that have not been.

Make it a priority.

Worse.

Oh dear.