Tequila, Dole Whips & Tonga Toast: Celebrating 50 years! Read all about it!

[TwiddleDeeTwiddleDum]

A bumpy ride & a gorilla or two.....

I was feeling pretty satisfied about our Animal Kingdom day so far, seeing as we had missed the morning & EMH's. It was a pleasant surprise to have been able to ride Expedition Everest & the 3 shows plus have lunch.

Since taping up my blisters that morning, I was trying my best to avoid going back & forth from one end of the park to another throughout the afternoon. So far we were doing well but at this junction I knew it was going to become necessary to do a little park walking to work those EE fastpasses back into the day's plan.

So after exiting FOTLK, DS is now getting excited about using the EE FP's, which of course excludes the non-thrill ride lover of our group, DH.

I can tell DS is most anxious to set out for EE, and we are getting along so fabulously but I have a plan in store that will make DH very happy while DS & I go ride EE. So I'm really hoping to have some more family together time before we split up so all the way out of Camp Mickey, I'm going over this with DS. He's not too convensed but takes the bribe of a Mickey Icecream bar & we head over to Africia.

I'm sure by now you've guessed what the bumpy ride was

Sit back & enjoy the bumpy ride

DH was wondering why we were looking at those big rocks in the water

Not a good place for to get a flat tire

These termite mounds always make me think of Baloo (Jungle Book) when he's scratching his back side

How do these guys sit up without falling over?

We saw so many elephants - but isn't the baby cute?

And there were many more - giraffes, a lion, the leopard, we even saw the warthog. We had to cruise fast by the ostrich, evidently we annoyed one that was charging towards our vehicle.

I thought we had a great safari considering it was so late in the afternoon by now & so hot, I wasn't sure we'd see anybody. Really, the only thing showing no signs of movement was DS. Sandwiched between DH & I, he had his hands folded holding the rail infront of him with his head laying on it

Sometimes you just have to ignore it

ME: (elbowing DS) Sit up, there are people in front of you

DH: Are you feeling okay, DS?

DS: I'm hot. I don't like how bumpy this ride is.

ME: Should we skip EE? I mean, that's got more than "bumps" on it.

DS: Oh, no, that's okay. I'll be fine by then.

ME: Then act like you like being with us

In his defense (afterall this story is all one sided with my telling it) DS did perk up when we stopped to check out the warthog. Talk about an ugly looking thing, smelly too I think that's the part DS liked.

Walking out of the exit, I check the time & it's nearing the time of Mickey's Jammin Jungle parade which is going to create congestion in Africa. So I suggest to the guys we walk the Pangani Trail to check out the gorillas.

About this time DS starts behaving like an ape. Amazingly so, he has fully recovered from his near heat stroke while riding the safari. He is NOT interested in walking any trail, he wants to go ride EE.

Overruled.

We're walking the trail. See that stump over there. You are welcome to sit & wait. However, if we are not supervised, you know we tend to oohh & aaahh so we may lose track of time. He grunts something & starts walking towards the entrance at a fast pace which we have no intention of keeping up with.

But for the sake of family harmony, we don't linger as long as we would have otherwise.


I can't decide who this reminds me of more, my DH or DS

Isn't he cute, sitting there you can almost imagine he's sulking like DS was.

It must've been baby day, here we see a baby gorilla with his family. Reminded me of us

Except this baby was cute to watch. My baby wasn't acting too cute.

Maybe we should stop touring in August. It sure is hot down there in August. If the heat stroke don't get you, it seems the hot tempers will

On the way out, it appears the Mickey's Jammin' Parade is on its way back & near the end. So we didn't really have a good place to watch but still got to see the tail end.

Of course DS "accused" me of intentionally planning to be there at that point in time so we'd get stuck in parade traffic.

Oh, I'm just soooo evil

Hello Goofy!

Hey Donald!

And the star of the show, Mickey!

Having all the husband friendly activities completed for the day & an overly anxious teen wanting to experience some "thrills" PUH-LEAZE, it was time to put my "plan" in motion.

My "plan" included something for everyone. Now you know DH does not like thrill rides, so I had something in store just for him to do while we headed off to EE via.....can you guess how we ended up over there?

Will DS like where we went first?

Will DH like where we leave him?

Who will I see that will make my day?

(Hint): Remember what are we doing for dinner?

Up Next: This is Dynamite! Everyone's in their happy place

 

[mandas08]

Wow what a great Safari ride!!

 

[wlake]

Thank you! I've managed to avoid doing anything productive for quite awhile now while reading your TR. Looking forward to your next update!

 

[natebenma]

A bumpy ride & a gorilla or two.....



Will DS like where we went first?

Will DH like where we leave him?

Who will I see that will make my day?

(Hint): Remember what are we doing for dinner?

Up Next: This is Dynamite! Everyone's in their happy place

Nice update! I especially liked the photo of flamingo island and the AWESOME gorilla pics. Yes, unfortunately, I think we can all see family resemblences to the gorillas!

Nice that you got a glimpse of the parade. My family generally is not interested in parades, but it is kind of nice when you come across one on your way to something else.

OK, I will tackle the questions.

You get to Asia via the secret path near the Tree of Life. DS and DH enjoy it and are amazed at your cleverness! You leave DH at the Flame Tree BBQ to enjoy a beer overlooking the river and Everest (does Flame Tree even sell beer?)

Ugh, I forgot where you are having dinner, and I'm not going to go back and cheat. I was going to say you were excited to meet the Yeti, but I think that is wrong.

The dynamite clue is totally throwing me off. The only thing I am associating with dynamite is Big Thunder Railroad. Something with Splash Mountain?

Can't wait to find out your answers!

 

[Queenofallthings]

FOTLK is hands down my favorite show on property....I could watch it everyday!!! I have the CD in my car

The baby gorilla is beyond cute

 

[TwiddleDeeTwiddleDum]

Wow what a great Safari ride!!

Thank-you!

Thank you! I've managed to avoid doing anything productive for quite awhile now while reading your TR. Looking forward to your next update!

Glad to have you reading along!

Nice update! I especially liked the photo of flamingo island and the AWESOME gorilla pics. Yes, unfortunately, I think we can all see family resemblences to the gorillas!

Nice that you got a glimpse of the parade. My family generally is not interested in parades, but it is kind of nice when you come across one on your way to something else.

OK, I will tackle the questions.

You get to Asia via the secret path near the Tree of Life. DS and DH enjoy it and are amazed at your cleverness! You leave DH at the Flame Tree BBQ to enjoy a beer overlooking the river and Everest (does Flame Tree even sell beer?)

Ugh, I forgot where you are having dinner, and I'm not going to go back and cheat. I was going to say you were excited to meet the Yeti, but I think that is wrong.

The dynamite clue is totally throwing me off. The only thing I am associating with dynamite is Big Thunder Railroad. Something with Splash Mountain?

Can't wait to find out your answers!

A compliment on pictures coming from you is an honor!!!! You are the photograpy queen

You are soooo close in guessing where we left DH

DS was VERY excited to go see the Yeti (as was I) but there is something else I "met" I was most excited about.

We did take a detour that turns out to be "dynamite" but I'll give a clue & say that "dynamite" is a play on words

FOTLK is hands down my favorite show on property....I could watch it everyday!!! I have the CD in my car

The baby gorilla is beyond cute

Me too FOTLK, love it, love it.

I thought the baby was sweet too - he was all over his mom & it was adorable.

Thanks for reading everyone who posts & those just "looking". I will post again tonight

 

[TwiddleDeeTwiddleDum]

This is Dynamite! Everyone is in their happy place

After Mickey's Jammin' Jungle parade ended, we walked with the crowd until we were in front of the Tusker House. This was where I thought DH would enjoy waiting while DS & I went thrill seeking.

Sure enough, this met DH's approval. The conversation went something like this:

DH: Oh, I remember this place. This is where we're having dinner, right?

ME: Yes, but I thought you'd like some time to relax & have a few cold beers.

DH: Really, we're done doing the park?

ME: DS & I want to go ride EE so you may as well wait for us here, if you don't mind waiting? Our dinner reservation isn't for about 2 & a half hours.

DH: Seriously?

ME: If you think that's too long, you can come with us.

DH: You're kidding, right?

ME: Well I'd get bored sitting at a bar that long but it's up to you

DH:

So, do you think he looks happy at the Tusker House outdoor bar?

Satisfied that DH was in his happy place with his new best friend, Ron, the bartender, it was finally time to go use those 6 FP's for Expedition Everest that DS had been (im)patiently waiting for all afternoon.

DS was very excited to finally have all the shows & safari in the rear view mirror of our AK day. Ahead was over 2 hours of nothing but fun in his mind. As we were crossing the bridge back to Discovery Island we decided to take a detour to.....

DINO-LAND!

Oh, had I said dynamite

I meant Dinoland

Oh the shame, leading you on like that.

But wait. Something DID happen in DINOLAND that was DYNAMITE!

DS likes to ride Primeval Whirl. I have to admit, this has never been a favorite of mine. But I ride it for him because he loves it. Frankly, I find the seats uncomfortable, it jerks my back & makes me feel kinda crabby in a Roseanne Roseanna Danna kinda way....if you are old enough to remember the original Saturday Night Live when Gildea Radner graced its stage with who I'll always think of as the "real" Saturday Night Live cast.

But I digress & I'm dating myself again - old & 50 now

But I do find DINOSAUR amusing. I particularly like to see if I can keep my eyes open the whole ride without flenching. Now I know what you're thinking, how is DINOSAUR any less jerky that Primeval Whirl?

I can't answer that

I just like it better. But DS doesn't like it too much, probably for the same reasons I don't like his Primeval Whirl.

So anyway, on the way over to DINOLAND, again we're talking strategy & how we're going to satisfy our thrill fix for the end of the day.

We compromise. We get FP for DINOSAUR & while waiting for the window to open up, we ride PRIMEVAL WHIRL as many times as we can until we can use our FP. Then we'll head over to use our FP's for EE.

Sounds like a plan to me

Except, wait, I might have to ride Primeval Whirl more than once

Oh well

So we arrive in DINOLAND, I lament passing the Boneyard of days of yesteryear when DS loved playing in there. DH would go in there to play with him while I would go ride DINOSAUR.

But now DS has taken on part of the FP running, so dear old mom looks for a place to sit while waiting for him to return. As I'm looking for a spot outside Hester & Chester's general store, I see this guy walk by:

Which guy?

DS returns pretty fast.

DS: Mom, guess what?

ME: There's no line for dinosaur?

DS: No, we have about a 45 minute wait. That means we should have time to ride Primeval Whirl more than once

ME: Oh boy

But when we get in line, we see that one side is totally open with no wait for...you guessed it, the Fast Passes.

So we go to the other side & wait. And it seems there is no air & all of a sudden, I realize, dang I'm hot!

It's hot in Florida in August

What am I thinking, it's hot all over the whole country

May as well be in Disney, right

After what seems forever but in reality was probably only 30 minutes, we are getting close. This is the time I start watching the CM's that are operating the ride vehicles. I can't tell you how many times I've managed to by-pass part of the line cause I'll hear a CM call for a party of 1 or 2.

And as luck would have it, with about 25 people still infront of me not paying a lickity bit of attention, sure enough, a CM calls out, "Are there any parties of 2?"

I'm moving like Baloo in the Jungle Book entering King Louie's party singing "I'm gone"

Only DS is not shouting NOT YET

He's more like

Now he's been to WDW & toured with me enough to know when you get a break like this, you move quickly & don't wait around for anybody to block or object to your sudden dose of

We arrive on the platform. Don't ask me how it comes out but we're now talking to the 2 ladies we're going to ride back in time with. She & I are both wearing the "I'm celebrating" buttons that I had been neglecting to wear all week (maybe my Hollywood & Vine meal would've been more eventful had I remembered my birthday button ) but anyway, we both find out we're celebrating birthdays. I tell her all about our good family fortune of having 2 birthdays & an anniversary all in the same week.

Meanwhile, the CM is smiling at us wishing us a Happy Birthday.

So I thank her for calling for the party of 2 so we could escape the line for just a little.

Cause after all I'm about officially old, 50 years old, I'm hot (temperature wise, really, that's what I meant ) & how this is one of DS's favorite rides so I ride it for him...

My mother told me I never met a stranger.

So the CM looks from side to side, like she's about to tell us a big secret.

Then she pulls paper out of her pocket, thrusts something in my hand & the other lady celebrating her birthday & tells us to ENJOY the ride!

So we all load & after we're all buckled in & on our way, with the happy young CM gal waving bye-bye, DS & the other lady's daughter want to know what we got?

This is DYNAMITE! Exclaimed my DS.

You know how excited I was about getting passes to ride PW over & over.....

So off we go, back into the time warp of the Primeval Whirl. Spinning & twirlling, and wee wee wee, all the way home.

Of course as we finish, DS wants to have another go. So off we go again, spinning & twirlling...but at least it was a short wait that time

I convense DS to go over to DINOSAUR to use our FP. If nothing, getting in that airconditioning was a great way to spend the next 15 mintues

I never tire of riding Dinosaur. It cracks me up. I find the dino-electronics fascinating and I always cross my fingers to get the front row, right.

You know why

I was worried I was not going to see the big scary guy at the end, had read they had done some revamping, but I'm happy to say, he was there. I tried to get a picture of our picture but it didn't come out.

I had my mouth wide open.

DS was pretending to sleep.

Funny guy, he is.

We arrive back in our own time & now we're back to Primeval Whirl again.

What a stroke of luck, getting multiple passes for this one

And DS is reminding me all is well with the universe now. He had to "suffer" through old people shows today so it's only fitting I get to "suffer" through young people thrills tonight.

Yeah, we were having some pretty good mom & son time

CON'T - More dynamite!

 

[thecapells]

I Love Dinosaur! but have never done Primevil Whirl.
Does it have drops like a rollercoaster?
Or is it just basically jerky like Dinosaur but outside?

 

[TwiddleDeeTwiddleDum]

More dynamite Who do I see that makes my day?!

Now dizzy with most likely a bruise down the side of my back, we complete what felt like non-ending spins & twirls on Primeval Whirl, thanks to the large dose of (in DS's opinion) from the nice CM.

FINALLY, the real thrill of Animal Kingdom right around the corner

Walking over to Asia we are heading back to Expedition Everest, ready to use our 6 fast passes. On the way over, I give DH a call on the cell. He's happy as a lark, hanging out with his buddy, Rob the bartender. Tells us to "take our time" getting back. As if I should've been concerned he'd have gotten bored.

I don't recall the wait time for EE, I think it was around 45 minutes, which seemed long for almost an hour before closing. So we were tickled to have our FP's. After a rather short wait, we are loaded up & raring to go

Knowing you're going to be riding more than once in a row, I do think you take the time to notice things on a ride. So as we approach the broken tracks, I'm looking up there around the owl to see if I see the swarm of bees I'd read about on the DISboards.

Sure enough, I saw em'

I had never noticed it before. As I was wondering how many other people noticed it the train pulls backwards.

Oh the thrill! About the time you hit the hill that is going upwards, vertigo hits & you just have to go with it. I'm feeling dizzy excited. That's about the only way I can describe it. The tunnel going backwards up the hill I think is my favorite part. Poor DH would surely be having a coronary now.

Then you see the "shadow" Jeti come out - I don't know if he screams or rips the track up first, but it always cracks me up because I'm always thinking to myself when Jeti does that how bad his breath must be

Now I'll be honest, I thought this was the end of the Jeti. EE was around only for our last trip in 2008 & I didn't realize the Yeti was in another cave. After reading about disco Yeti, moving Yeti swatting at you with his arm & etc. I was on the lookout for him.

Don't remember if it was our 1st, 2nd or 3rd ride that night but I FINALLY saw the Yeti in the last cave. OH, there he is! You have to look up for him.

So I don't remember if I ever saw him move back in 2008 & forgot so I don't have anything to compare him to. But it was pretty cool seeing him in there. If he didn't move (& I've heard he doesn't now) he's still pretty impressive.

By the time we had finished our 3 rides, we needed to head over to Africa for our park closing dinner time at Tusker House. So on the way, I talked DS into going on the Kali River Rapids & got out our rain ponchos & hoped we wouldn't get drenched for dinner. I really wanted to walk the Maharajah Jungle Trek but there wouldn't be time & DS would rather ride KRR.

So we walked to KRR hoping there would be no lines left but not sure since EE still had a queue when we left. Upon arrival at KRR, we learn that the ride is shut down. Bummer. But that explained why EE has lines an hour before closing. So lucky us to have saved our FP's.

Since we're there & the MJT is next door, I suggest to DS we walk it in hopes of seeing the tigers. The only other time I had walked it, it was so hot & the tigers were out of site napping or up against a wall not moving.

But DS groaned & pleaded for another go around on EE.

I tell you that boy LOVES those Disney thrill rides.

We decide to split up. DS can walk back to go single rider line on EE while I walk through Maharajah Jungle Trek & then we meet infront of Yak & Yeti.

So off he goes. He's excited to have some independence.

I walk through the MJT. I decide to check out the fruit bats

Check out this big bat

Another shot you can see the other bats hanging out behind him

No I'm not a bat fan, on the contrary, they kinda creep me out, but at the same time I found these huge bats to be fasinating to look at. When you go inside the "bat house" area, the area you're viewing them from, there's no window between you & the bats

Okay, that's enough of the bats. I came here to see the tigers. I was hoping I had made it to see them have dinner, maybe they'd all be out? As luck would have it, I had missed that. But when I got up the steps to see this guy hanging out....

This made my day!

Isn't he incredible? The CM told me he had just finished his dinner & was enjoying hanging out by the water. Then he got up & started grooming himself! Now that's something you don't see everyday

He reminded me of one of my pussycats grooming himself

I stayed a while admiring him. The CM told me the other tigers could be seen on the other side of the wall. So I walked down the steps & around the corner & saw this:

Isn't he beautiful. It looked like he was posing for me

This was such a great way to end my AK day. I was so glad to get to have such a great look at these beautiful animals. But it was nearing the time I should be meeting DS so I headed out. I literally walked infront of the Y&Y to meet him & he was walking towards me. Both of us were happy to get to end the day our way & rather hungry now. So we headed back over to Africa. We turned at the Flights of WOnder from Asia over to Africa, the route the parade follows instead of going over to discover island to take the "secret trail".

On the way, I took a few pictures of Discovery Island.

There is a tall bird but he blends in with the lily pads on the right

Isn't the landscaping lovely?

Quickly DS plays some of the drums located within the borders of Africa. Within minutes, we've arrived back at the Tusker House. DH has thoroughly enjoyed his time with Rob, the bartender, and has even been talking to him about what it's like to work at WDW

He settles his tab while I check us in for our dinner at Tusker House. Although the park closes in 5 minutes, we're all thinking it's cool that we were able to maximize our time in the park & then stay after hours for dinner.

Next: Dinner & a Movie

 

[TwiddleDeeTwiddleDum]

I Love Dinosaur! but have never done Primevil Whirl.
Does it have drops like a rollercoaster?
Or is it just basically jerky like Dinosaur but outside?

It has drops but not big ones. It reminds you more of Big Thunder RR Mtn type drops.

Only you may be dropping sideways or backwards because your ride vehicle twirls the entire ride.

The jerky is more of a spinny thing, only the seats have what I'd describe as "grooves" designating one back area from another. 4 people ride, 2 on each side.

If your back doesn't fit just right into your seat, you feel like your back is mooshed up against that "groove" when spinning around.

I think you should try anything at least once! DS has liked this one since before he'd ride all the mountains. As soon as he was tall enough he wanted to ride it. It's a goofy looking thing & you do find yourself laughing through the "pain"

 

[natebenma]

NICE afternoon at AK!

Ok, WOW, WOW, WOW on the tiger photos! They are FANTASTIC! What a great look at him. I can see how that encounter would make your day.

I tried Primevil Whirl for the first time this year. My family likes it, I was pretty scared, especially since people call it Primevil Hurl. I don't do well on spinny rides. It was ok. I would do it again. But I wouldn't wait in a huge line for it. Bonus rider switch passes, maybe!

The observant reader wants to know if the bartenders name is Ron or Rob. Or after a few beers, I guess it wouldn't matter. A couple of hours in the hot Florida sun at the bar would do me in!!!

 

[TwiddleDeeTwiddleDum]

NICE afternoon at AK!

Ok, WOW, WOW, WOW on the tiger photos! They are FANTASTIC! What a great look at him. I can see how that encounter would make your day.

I tried Primevil Whirl for the first time this year. My family likes it, I was pretty scared, especially since people call it Primevil Hurl. I don't do well on spinny rides. It was ok. I would do it again. But I wouldn't wait in a huge line for it. Bonus rider switch passes, maybe!

The observant reader wants to know if the bartenders name is Ron or Rob. Or after a few beers, I guess it wouldn't matter. A couple of hours in the hot Florida sun at the bar would do me in!!!

Thank-you. That tiger looked so beautiful I wish I could've pet him were I not concerned with becoming his dinner dessert

PW while not my favorite, I ride it & wait in the line since DS likes it.

I must have made some typos since I thought he was Ron the bartender! Now I'm going to have to double check with hubbie. I liked Ron though because he was giving my husband the lowdown on working for disney & for my DH to even in engage in a topic like that was amazing since I've teased him for years that's where we're going to retire. COuld it be?

 

[wlake]

When we went in mid-Aug., they had closed the Primeval Whirl FP machines and weren't giving them out anymore. Evidently the ride had been slowed down a bit to keep it running until it closes for a refurb in Jan. 2011 (at least I think Jan. is what the CM told me). They'll reopen the FP machines when the ride reopens, but I have no idea when the CM told me that would be.

The problem for us was that Primeval Whirl was my DS8's MUST DO for this trip. He was two inches too short last time! There was a thunderstorm brewing and long lines the first time we went to ride it, which is how we got to chatting with the CM. He gave us a rider swap card too, so we could come back and ride after the storm with no wait! They seem really nice over there!

 

[TwiddleDeeTwiddleDum]

When we went in mid-Aug., they had closed the Primeval Whirl FP machines and weren't giving them out anymore. Evidently the ride had been slowed down a bit to keep it running until it closes for a refurb in Jan. 2011 (at least I think Jan. is what the CM told me). They'll reopen the FP machines when the ride reopens, but I have no idea when the CM told me that would be.

The problem for us was that Primeval Whirl was my DS8's MUST DO for this trip. He was two inches too short last time! There was a thunderstorm brewing and long lines the first time we went to ride it, which is how we got to chatting with the CM. He gave us a rider swap card too, so we could come back and ride after the storm with no wait! They seem really nice over there!

Aww, how nice the CM gave you a rider swap card so your DS could ride. I'll bet he's still talking about that

When they refurb, I wish they'd do something about that groove between the seats. Even if you ride solo you don't have the option of sitting in the middle because of that thing. And every curve & hill we go down seemed that thing was digging into the side of my back Oh the things we do for our kids

 

[TwiddleDeeTwiddleDum]

Dinner & A Movie Is it possible to relax at Disney?

After checking in for our dinner at Tusker House, we were led beyond the outdoor bar area to another outdoor area where a few tables were situated near a wall overlooking the water that leads over to Discovery Island. There was a podium there with a CM telling us it would be a few minutes.

I thought it was strange we weren't seated immediately as there was only about 5 minutes until the park closed, yet there were a few other families doing the same thing Well, maybe the restaurant was buzy with other families trying to milk the short AK park hours by having dinner at this hour

DS took this opportunity to torment his dad & proceeded to hang all over him like a monkey. Sometimes he'll do that, I think it's his way of being affectionate without coming out & being affectionate. He doesn't do this to me, he will just give me a hug, and sometimes he'll hug his dad, but usually they relate more like primates.

It was becoming a little obnoxious when the CM called our name By now, everyone was really hungry & I was hot from being outside. When we walked inside, I half expected it to buzy since they had people waiting outside, but it wasn't too buzy at all.

We were given a nice table in the room next to the buffet area. After ordering our drinks - DH switched to iced tea - it was time to head to the buffet. I think Tusker House has a pretty good buffet. The carved beef & pork was really good, especially with a side of the mashed potatoes. They do something to mashed potatoes at WDW, they are just so good
All the salads were fresh & I enjoyed sampling the different African sauses & spices. Not nearly as much as DH, he was loving this meal.

I got back to the table & DS tried to get his dad "in trouble"

DS: Mom, dad says this is the BEST meal he's EVER eaten

ME: (looking at DH) Well, I'm glad Dad's happy, this is his favorite restaurant

DS: But mom, dad says this is the BEST meal he's EVER eaten. He thinks this meal is even better than how you cook at home.

DH: I DID not say that. He's trying to get me in trouble.

DS: No, no I am not. But you said it dad!

And so the tormenting continued. But we really had an enjoyable meal. Now Ron the bartender must've made a good impression about being a WDW employee, because DH started asking our waiter about it as well And the restaurant wasn't that buzy by then so our waiter talked a long time to DH about what he did & didn't like about working at Disney. I kept wondering WHAT had gotten in DH & then I remembered.....beer! Yep, he had enjoyed himself at the bar & was now babbling on about working at disney. I've teased him many times about retiring down there so this was all good!

After DS had overstuffed himself with desserts it was time to go. When we left the restaurant, the park was empty! It was rather kinda neat getting to walk out of there at night. Fortunately there were CM's along the way because it would be easy to get lost since nothing looks the same at night.

Here are my guys crossing the bridge from Discovery Island back to the Oasis. Aren't they cute walking arm in arm? Or wait, is DS elbowing DH?

And isn't it strange walking in a WDW park at night with NOBODY around

As we walked out of the park & headed for the buses, we were greeted by a CM who asked where we were headed? ASMusic? Okay, please board this bus.

So we didn't even have to walk to a bus stop, the bus was right there doing special pick-ups. It didn't take long before we left. The bus driver had several different resorts to go to, but we happened to be first stop

I was excited that we'd be back to the resort before 9pm because every night the All Stars Music resort sets up a movie at the guitar themed pool. Having been out every night at that hour, this would be a first for us to see. My feet were really HOT & tired & the idea of hanging out at the pool in a lawn chair watching a movie sounded wonderful!

Here is a picture of our Jazz bldg at night

My feet hurt too much to walk to any of the other areas

We got to our room to change into our swimming suits. I made a few wine coolers & put them in our mugs & DH grabbed a couple of beers. DS wanted to hang out in the room a little so we took a cell phone & told him he had 30 minutes. Then we went out to the pool.

I realized the best spots had probably been scoped out some time ago, but we still managed to find a few lounge chairs & get a spot in the back & off to the side (near the restrooms ) Sitting back in that chair, having a wine cooler & propping my feet up I was thinking how badly I had been abusing my poor feet this week. They had blisters & were so sore, but it was all worth it & Lord willing, they'd get me through just a few more days.

The movie showing was Alice in Wonderland, not the animation, but the one that came out this year. I can't remember the name, maybe someone will post that does, but the movie reminded me of that Halloween show that tried to take over Christmas, it too wasn't animated but the actors seemed cartoonish. Anyway, I was glad to be able to see the movie. The Queen of Hearts really was a meanie

When DS got there he wanted to swim so DH swam with him while I vegged out some more & watched the end of the movie. I think this was the longest I sat anywhere, relaxed, on our entire trip. It was a great way to spend a Saturday night. Great memories


Coming Up: The quest for TONGA TOAST!

 

[natebenma]

Coming Up: The quest for TONGA TOAST!

I'm here for you!!!

Although I have never seen either movie- not a big movie goer- I believe the one you are thinking of is The Nightmare before Christmas, directed by the same guy who directed Alice (Tim Burton)

We have eaten at Tusker for breakfast and lunch. It was on the same day back in 2008. We liked it.

Sounds like a very nice way to end the night, on a lounger by a pool, with an adult beverage

Have you tried moleskin for blisters? It saved me on last year's trip and this year Nate used it on his feet. I'm not sure there is a place where feet take more punishment than Disney! Maybe firewalking. Maybe.

 

[mandas08]

Wow what a great day at AK! I think you should be called the FP queen lol. I dont know if I will be able to talk my self into riding Primeval Whirt or not. It looks like what DH would call a "puke" ride. I look forward to EE though! I hope to see the Yeti, but I will likely be too busy screaming lol... Not a huge fan of going backwards

It sounds like you guys had an amazing day!!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Just got caught up again. Your stories always crack me up and the conversations between you three remind me of our family.

It sounds like you had a great ending at Animal Kingdom. We've never eaten at Tusker House but may just have to give it a try simply so we can stay at the Animal Kingdom after hours.

 

[skhermsmeyer]

I am now caught up with your TR!! I stayed up until 11:30 last night before my DH told me to go to bed.

It sounds like you guys had an amazing time so far on your trip and I'm ready for more!

We've never been to AK, so it's neat to read about what we'll be experiencing when we go in December.



sarah

 

[TwiddleDeeTwiddleDum]

Coming Up: The quest for TONGA TOAST!

I'm here for you!!! YOU ROCK!

Although I have never seen either movie- not a big movie goer- I believe the one you are thinking of is The Nightmare before Christmas, directed by the same guy who directed Alice (Tim Burton) Yes! That's the movie I WAS thinking about.

We have eaten at Tusker for breakfast and lunch. It was on the same day back in 2008. We liked it.

Sounds like a very nice way to end the night, on a lounger by a pool, with an adult beverage

Have you tried moleskin for blisters? It saved me on last year's trip and this year Nate used it on his feet. I'm not sure there is a place where feet take more punishment than Disney! Maybe firewalking. Maybe.

I have not tried moleskin, read about it, never seem to get around to picking any up The white first aid tape works well for me. But you have to be pro-active, catch your blisters before they pop. If I tape up the "hot" spots, they don't pop, get infected & hurt like the dickens. But towards the end of all my WDW trips, I'm spending a portion of my getting ready time taping up my feet

Wow what a great day at AK! I think you should be called the FP queen lol. I dont know if I will be able to talk my self into riding Primeval Whirt or not. It looks like what DH would call a "puke" ride. I look forward to EE though! I hope to see the Yeti, but I will likely be too busy screaming lol... Not a huge fan of going backwards

It sounds like you guys had an amazing day!!

Thank - you, we did have a great day. Hey, I like that, FP queen

ONE MORE TIME.....HAVE A GREAT TIME ON YOUR TRIP & HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Just got caught up again. Your stories always crack me up and the conversations between you three remind me of our family.

It sounds like you had a great ending at Animal Kingdom. We've never eaten at Tusker House but may just have to give it a try simply so we can stay at the Animal Kingdom after hours.

I'm glad you're enjoying our interaction. Sometimes I think we argue too much but it's always good natured & we all laugh a lot at ourselves. It's always good to hear we aren't the only family that acts like this

I got the idea of eating at TH at the end of the night right here on the DISboards. It was a cool way to end the day. I highly recommend it.

I am now caught up with your TR!! I stayed up until 11:30 last night before my DH told me to go to bed.

It sounds like you guys had an amazing time so far on your trip and I'm ready for more!

We've never been to AK, so it's neat to read about what we'll be experiencing when we go in December.



sarah

Sarah - I love having readers! Thank you for posting. This being my first trip report I'm learning along the way. I'm glad to hear you are enjoying it.

I love all the parks, but I'd be hard pressed to rank them. I do love Animal Kingdom, I hope you'll enjoy it when you visit in December What a great time of year to go. I hope to go in December one day.

My aunt who is reading along but not posting, e-mailed me today they may go back for their 2nd annual Dec. trip. They really enjoyed the Osborne Family lights in DHS.