The ABC's of a FALL Trip with Friends, Food, Wine, and a Conference- I is for: Iconic Attractions; I Saw Them All (1/2)

[Steppesister]

G is for: Giant Yetis and Greetings from Pandora​

Conference Day #3 started beautifully with coffee in hand and the Grand Destino across the lagoon with a gentle, warm morning breeze on our faces. Today’s topic was Orthopedics. Fun fact: A biceps tendon rupture isn’t always repaired and sometimes the “Popeye Arm” is left as is. There may be reduced strength, but mobility usually remains unchanged. Incidentally, I had a patient come in with one about 2 months ago and I referred out to Ortho for an evaluation. It wasn’t a regular patient of mine, so I don’t know the outcome in that particular case. The other track was Diabetes Care and I listened to the majority of that after I got home. It too was interesting and even since graduating last year, there have been some changes in approach to management.

As you can see, Lori decided to join me at Three Bridges. Once again, we sat comfortably, uninterrupted. I highly recommend this space day or night. We’ll come back to “the night” vibe in the next chapter.

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Okay, now on to the good stuff. Well, at least stuff you are probably more interested in…

After the last morning session ended we took all of our conference stuff back to the room and traded it out for park gear. My new bag was working out perfectly and housed my rain jacket, Carmex, Tylenol, baby wipes, phone charger, etc… Safely on my back, we took the short walk to the bus stop, only to watch one pull away from halfway across the parking lot. As with every other trip, bus luck has its hits and misses.

My first photo at the AK entrance was a 12:05, so from conferencing at Three Bridges to the tapstile, including a missed bus, was about 50 minutes or so. Not too terrible.

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I believe we had a LL for EE at 11:15, so probably just made it there with a brisk trot. I know there is a 10-minute grace period, and sometimes longer, but AK has so much to do and I wanted to maximize this park day.

(Elephant #8 Not on the pole)



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Here are a few shots I managed to get from the queue which I find incredibly detailed; it’s chockful of memorabilia that I could spend quite a lot of time just studying. It always seems though that the queue moves too quickly to really get a good look at.

(Mask from inside Serka Zong)​

The ride itself also hosts a ton of really cool artifacts, but only affords you a fleeting glimpse of. But even in these nooks and crannies that people really don’t spend much time in, the Imagineers give detailed attention to. Nothing is done in a sloppy manner.

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After we got off, we stopped by the Thirsty River Bar for a cup of ice water. I’d never, ever even stopped by there for anything and was completely amused at this:

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WHO is this woman?! How long has she been coming to give balloons to the kids in Serka Zong? Where does she live? Has she ever seen the Yeti? I NEED TO KNOW THESE THINGS!!!

(This a fan fic that is screaming to be written!)

(Would you take a tour with this company?)​

From Asia, we flanked the lake towards DinoLand. At that point, it was still DinoLand, although I understand that the sign may be down now? Regardless, the ride is still there and we made sure to ride it next. I like the storyline and presentation, but man it’s rough on the neck! OY!

(Exploration~Excavation~Exultation ) ​

Thankfully, all the jarring and jolting resulted in a successful capture of our Iguanodon and we were able to outrun the asteroids without being squished or incinerated.

(Definitely not our dinosaur!)

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The entire DinoLand area, aside from Restaurantosaurus and the Dino Ride, is behind walls now, but I did take a keen interest in the concept art they have up for the new area of Tropical Americas. I’m actually really excited about this! I think it fits the overall theming of Animal Kingdom very well, and I thought the movie Encanto was great. To my understanding, the new Land will have a critter carousel, a newly themed restaurant and shop area in place of Restaurantosaurus called Pueblo Esperanza, a new Encanto dark ride which takes place inside the Madrigal Family casita, and of course a re-theming of Dinosaur to Indiana Jones. I think it’s slated to open in 2027. We shall see…

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From there we continued on to Pandora to ride both Navi with a LL and FoP with a Fancy Pa$$. I love them both to pieces and was happy that the folks behind us weren’t “yackers”. Please, don’t be a ride yacker. I get it, kids are gonna yack, but if you’re “of age” stop talking. I love the music so much and really want to hear it. Ok, fine. I'm a crotchety old fart now. #sorrynotsorry

(The backside of water #2- Guess how many backside of water photos I took during the trip! There might be a prize. )


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Between our rides I used my favorite Disney potty- you know, that one by NRJ. Almost always quiet and I love the color palette used. It’s the little things ya know.

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We both passed through our Iknimaya Challenge atop our banshees. I was happy that I’d been de-contaminated of all Pandoran parasites, but it only took about 30 seconds to be re-contaminated once I was unlinked and out of my chamber.

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It was time for lunch and I had suggested Satuli as I still think it has the best option for healthy food in manageable portions in the park. Flame Tree, while good, is just way too heavy and gut-busting for me and I dunno what they’ve even done with Harambe. Yak and Yeti QS is okay, but only ok. I always “re-experience” those eggrolls for days. The TS Y&Y is perfect but I didn’t want to do a sit-down meal that day. (I do later in the trip, so stay tuned for that one.) Satuli it was! And it just never disappoints. Look, I know I’m not the only one who experiences a certain Disney scourge. Salad and other good sources of fiber can prevent a world of… discomfort down the road. Another plus of Satuli is that there are several nicely priced Kids’ Meals. Today, we both went for the Mickey’s Check Meal of a Grilled Chicken Salad. It comes with a Cutie mandarin orange and a water. It’s the perfect size and we both finished our meals without any problem. Sooooo good! By the way, the dressings are all very good too. Here are the choices: Charred Onion Vinaigrette, Black Bean Vinaigrette, and Creamy Herb. Yum, yum!

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The only downside of Satuli is the noise level. It’s often too hot to eat outside and it’s pretty loud inside. So, if you’re looking for a less chaotic atmosphere, head to Flame Tree and sit down by the lagoon in the shade.

Before we left the area, I used my 2nd favorite bathroom in AK- the one in Tiffins. Always quiet and themed so beautifully. Isn't the art in the Tiffins foyer so awesome?!

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This takes us through lunch. I’ll pick it up in the next chapter with the 2nd half of our day with a stroll through both trails, a safari, and a fun dinner at Three Bridges.

Every Christmas Blessing on you all; Enjoy the Season and all the merriment that comes with it.

 

[pkondz]

a gentle, warm morning breeze on our faces.

Much better than frozen sleet in your face.


Trust me on this.

Fun fact: A biceps tendon rupture isn’t always repaired and sometimes the “Popeye Arm” is left as is.

Pretty sure my dad had one. When he'd bend his arm and make a muscle, it always popped up from the side instead of "growing" from the middle. (I know I'm not explaining that very well.)

It wasn’t a regular patient of mine, so I don’t know the outcome in that particular case.

Was prescribed a can of spinach and sent on their way.

My new bag was working out perfectly and housed my rain jacket, Carmex, Tylenol, baby wipes, phone charger, etc…

Didn't know you had babies to wipe.

we took the short walk to the bus stop, only to watch one pull away from halfway across the parking lot.

I believe we had a LL for EE at 11:15, so probably just made it there with a brisk trot.

Um... you arrived at 12:05 but had a LL for 11:15.... one of those is off, I think?

Great shot! I've never gotten it lined up that well.

Here are a few shots I managed to get from the queue which I find incredibly detailed; it’s chockful of memorabilia that I could spend quite a lot of time just studying.

I think I remember this?

Uh, oh... that can't be good.

I want a balloon too!

WHO is this woman?! How long has she been coming to give balloons to the kids in Serka Zong? Where does she live? Has she ever seen the Yeti? I NEED TO KNOW THESE THINGS!!!

(Would you take a tour with this company?)

I'll google reviews first.

(Exploration~Excavation~Exultation )

You both look... perturbed.

To my understanding, the new Land will have a critter carousel, a newly themed restaurant and shop area in place of Restaurantosaurus called Pueblo Esperanza, a new Encanto dark ride which takes place inside the Madrigal Family casita, and of course a re-theming of Dinosaur to Indiana Jones.

Huh. I haven't heard much at all about it. Sounds okay. Time will tell.

Ok, fine. I'm a crotchety old fart now. #sorrynotsorry

(The backside of water #2- Guess how many backside of water photos I took during the trip! There might be a prize. )

16

No, wait... 27!


142!!!!

I'm not good at this.

Between our rides I used my favorite Disney potty- you know, that one by NRJ. Almost always quiet and I love the color palette used. It’s the little things ya know.

One must have a lovely colour palette when pooping.

I always “re-experience” those eggrolls for days.

Today, we both went for the Mickey’s Check Meal of a Grilled Chicken Salad. It comes with a Cutie mandarin orange and a water. It’s the perfect size and we both finished our meals without any problem. Sooooo good! By the way, the dressings are all very good too. Here are the choices: Charred Onion Vinaigrette, Black Bean Vinaigrette, and Creamy Herb. Yum, yum!

Sounds pretty good.

So, if you’re looking for a less chaotic atmosphere, head to Flame Tree and sit down by the lagoon in the shade.

Or Eight Spoons. (Still salty about the loss of the shrimp mac n cheese.)

Before we left the area, I used my 2nd favorite bathroom in AK- the one in Tiffins.

Just how many favourite bathrooms do you have?!?!?

Every Christmas Blessing on you all; Enjoy the Season and all the merriment that comes with it.

Merry Christmas to you and yours as well!

 

[Wood Nymph]

re-theming of Dinosaur to Indiana Jones.

I'm looking forward to the Indiana Jones version if it is similar to the ride in Disneyland. We were very impressed with it. The last day for Dinosaur is Feb 1st or 2nd.

I love them both to pieces and was happy that the folks behind us weren’t “yackers”. Please, don’t be a ride yacker.

I hate the yackers. Once it was a group of cheerleaders on Pirates. Another time it was a family behind us at Frozen Sing Along chatting in a foreign language.

It was time for lunch and I had suggested Satuli as I still think it has the best option for healthy food in manageable portions in the park.

We ate at Satuli during our October trip. The people who mobile ordered had a huge advantage over the people who stood in line. I've been converted from a mobile order hater to a mobile order lover.

 

[Steppesister]

Much better than frozen sleet in your face.


Trust me on this.

I trust you on this.

However, the beach in a 40mph wind also particularly sux.

Pretty sure my dad had one. When he'd bend his arm and make a muscle, it always popped up from the side instead of "growing" from the middle. (I know I'm not explaining that very well.)

Probably did. Usually from straining to hard during a heavy lift without warming up. Weight lifters get them, but my patient was working on his car and torqued a wrench suddenly.

Was prescribed a can of spinach and sent on their way.

LOL!

Didn't know you had babies to wipe.

I carry those for cleaning up after extra messy snacks or getting cooties off if I have touch... anything. Blech! Especially good for F
&W clean up after TrashCan Dining.

Um... you arrived at 12:05 but had a LL for 11:15.... one of those is off, I think?

Theya re good for an hour after your arrival, plus 10 minutes. And rumor has it, up to 2 hours beyond that.

Great shot! I've never gotten it lined up that well.

I like to admire this every now and then, especially with Disney newer-bies.

I think I remember this?

So much detail!!!

Uh, oh... that can't be good.

No, he's always acting like a spoiled toddler.

I want a balloon too!

I wonder if they are the $30 Mickey variety.

I'll google reviews first.

Let me know what you find out.

You both look... perturbed.

LOL!! I mean, there were Earth-destroying asteroids aimed at us and the dinosaurs were being extraordinarily cheeky.

Huh. I haven't heard much at all about it. Sounds okay. Time will tell.

DinoLand grew on my over time. It really had an elaborate backstory if you dug into it (pun intended). But I think this will resonate with more folks and be more relatable.

16

No, wait... 27!


142!!!!

I'm not good at this.

Nooooo....

One must have a lovely colour palette when pooping.

Well, YEAH!

Or Eight Spoons. (Still salty about the loss of the shrimp mac n cheese.)

THIS! Just.... why?!

Just how many favourite bathrooms do you have?!?!?

Heh, at least 2 in each park!

 

[Steppesister]

I'm looking forward to the Indiana Jones version if it is similar to the ride in Disneyland. We were very impressed with it. The last day for Dinosaur is Feb 1st or 2nd.

I am too. It'll be nice to have a change, and I do really like the Indy Franchise. I guess if I had a nostalgic pull to Dino I'd feel very differently, but I never had an emotional attachment to it. I rode it 3 or 4 times last trip so feel I got my last hurrah! Are you going before those dates to ride one more time?

I hate the yackers. Once it was a group of cheerleaders on Pirates. Another time it was a family behind us at Frozen Sing Along chatting in a foreign language.

To me it's just so rude. As rude at flash photog. Why are they even there if they only get 1/20th of the ride experience?

We ate at Satuli during our October trip. The people who mobile ordered had a huge advantage over the people who stood in line. I've been converted from a mobile order hater to a mobile order lover.

YES!!! Mobile order is THE WAY to go there. Super fast, like no wait both times at all. I put my orders in whenever I make my solid plan for lunch, timing-wise, and when I get close I push "I'm here". Have rarely had to wait more than 5-10 minutes at ANY location. You could easily wait in line to order for 20 especially at places like Woody's or Casey's. Total game-changer.

 

[jujubiee4]

YES!!! Mobile order is THE WAY to go there. Super fast, like no wait both times at all. I put my orders in whenever I make my solid plan for lunch, timing-wise, and when I get close I push "I'm here". Have rarely had to wait more than 5-10 minutes at ANY location. You could easily wait in line to order for 20 especially at places like Woody's or Casey's. Total game-changer.

Was the Sangria flight worth the money ? How did you like it?

 

[disneyAndi14]

Looks like a wonderful day! I love Satuli and AK! It is always a favorite part of my trip!

 

[pkondz]

However, the beach in a 40mph wind also particularly sux.

Unless you’re a surfer?

Theya re good for an hour after your arrival, plus 10 minutes. And rumor has it, up to 2 hours beyond that.

Really! Had no idea it was that long. Used to be 10-15 minutes only.

No, he's always acting like a spoiled toddler.

LOL!! I mean, there were Earth-destroying asteroids aimed at us and the dinosaurs were being extraordinarily cheeky.

But of course.

THIS! Just.... why?!

Right???????

Heh, at least 2 in each park!

One for each…….. movement

 

[Wood Nymph]

Are you going before those dates to ride one more time?

We are going to WDW on Feb 1st, so we will be there in time to ride Dinosaur. I have a feeling that it will be an extremely popular ride on its last day. I don't think we will try to ride it, though. I'm not a fan.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

I fell behind but I’m caught up now. I’m loving your AK day so far

 

[rndmr2]

Caught up! Loving your report.

I just got back from the World about a week ago and have started a TR if you are interested.

We ate at Satuli too, it was nice, we were lucky to be there in the cooler temps in December, it wasn't too hot to eat outside.

 

[Pimama]

Always enjoy your reports!! I’ll chime in with a back side of water guess. You said there’s “about” 20 and since you are a “finisher”, I’ll go with 20!

 

[Steppesister]

H is for Hungry Hippos and Happy Hours!​

While the Holidays are still in full swing, I found a few hours to get the next batch of photos edited and a chapter written. Sorry, I've been away for a spell; I did decide at the last minute to book a flight to Oregon to see the "kids" who live in the PNW. (3 of my 5) I needed a break from my usual routine and take advantage of my days off. I didn't get to see nearly as much of the kids as I'd hoped, but I'll take what I can get! At least I've gotten to re-charge a bit.

And now on with the rest of our day at AK!

With Pandora and all of its psychedelic glory behind us it was time to take a wild trek over to Harambe. My pictures show that Lori and I chose to wander the Gorilla Falls Trails before our Safari with LL's.

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I always seem to find something new on the trails; for me it’s just something at Disney that never gets old. The staff got into the Fall Festival sprit and added some fun props here and there in the exhibits. I don’t usually spend much time in the Naked Mole Rat and other reptiles’ exhibit area, but a small crowd was gathered near one of the tortoise enclosures. She was digging a nice hole her herself as she was about to lay eggs. The staff said that this process could take hours, so we moved along to the birds next.

Don't forget the fish!

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I’d never noticed this little bucket and washboard fountain and loved standing still for a bit to watch this Weaver take a little bath. There wasn’t a lot out today in the way of birds, so we moved on to the Hippo Pool.

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It’s hard to get a good look at the hippos in this spot, at least for me. They’ve always been far off on the other side of the water and only fuzzy silhouettes are really visible. But today...

Today, one of them was taking a little swimmy-swim around the pool looking for munchies to enjoy. Yum-yums!

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Eventually, we moved along to the Safari and boarded our jeep. If you read my Africa TR, I mentioned that the Disney’s rendition of an Africa safari is a decently good re-creation. I will also say that there is no other thrill that can come quite as close to an apex predator being 6 feet away from you and your open-air safari truck. If you can ever get a chance to take a REAL safari in Tanzania, DO IT!!! It is one of most spectacular, amazing experiences I have ever had in my life.

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Anyway, with just a cell phone, it’s hard to get decent photos, but I did my best and came away with these few to share. I wanna just add that seeing wild rhinos in their natural, unfenced habitat is absolutely exhilarating.

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I’ve always been intrigued by the little porches and scenes like this one throughout the parks. One of my favorites is the little corner perch over Plaza Restaurant. I like the ones overlooking Plaza del Sol near PoTC too. Wouldn’t it be cool to just sit back in a rocking chair and watch the DisneyWorld go by? Anywho, this one is rather intriguing too. I’d love to step out my door and be able to go on a walk along the trails or zip over to watch Tam Tam Congo for a while with a Bloody Mary in hand at the Dawa.

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Leaving Harambe behind, we headed to Asia to tackle some fries. To be really honest, I wasn’t completely wowed by these like I was a few years ago when I first had them. They did away with the multiple tasty sauces and now you’re stuck with regular ketchup and a mayo-based sauce. But, you can’t beat the view, even if there are pesky duck and egret beggars there.

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As I nibbled, I looked across the river and noticed that there was quite bit of construction activity going on around the ToL. While it was a bit far away to be sure, from what I could gather, they were staining/painting the wooden covering that I assume is the queue area for the new Zootopia show. We did walk over to see if we could walk on the ToL Trails, but it was roped off with a CM guard posted who was telling people they couldn’t go any further.

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From there, the last thing we wanted to do was walk on the Maharaja Trail and see if we could see the baby tiger. I honestly have no idea if this was the occasion that I got to see both and which tigers these are, but do now that one walk, whether it was this time or the walk with Caroline, that both were out together.

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As always, I try to spend a little extra time in the aviaries enjoying the variety of birds they have. I was tickled to learn that Alfred and his bird-wife had a brood of babies and they are now housed in the bat enclosure as Alfred, the Great Argus Pheasant, gets aggressive and attacks them. Nice solution! Apparently, they will be sent to other homes in the future.

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On the way out, I snagged myself another Backside of Water- #3! Ah, the thrill of the Backside of Water Hunt.

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Speaking of the thrill of the hunt: It was time to head back to the Coronado and try our luck at finding a table at Three Bridges. This is not an easy quest, as I’ve tried a couple of times before with zero luck. We walked up and put our names in right at 8:00P and were told it’d be about a 30-minute wait. The night was on the chilly side for me so I didn’t want to just stand around to pass the time. I suggested we walk over the to Dahlia Lounge just so I could show Lori so that’s what we did. It’s a short walk and I took this photo at 8:05.

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I love this lounge so much. It’s so classy and clean looking and I love the homages to Uncle Walt. The cocktails are so yummy and the Ham and Cheese Bocadillo: Jamon Serrano, Manchego Cheese, Roasted Garlic Aïoli, Honey, Toasted Baguette- $14 is to die for! Alas, Three Bridges was actually accessible tonight, so that’s what I had my mind made up on.

I took Lori out to the outdoor balcony seating and she was decidedly NOT about that. Turns out she has a pretty bad fear of heights and didn’t want to take in the beautiful night view of Orlando. Off to the left, the EPCOT ball dazzle in swirling colors and somewhere off in another direction we could hear the fireworks of the MK.

I didn’t want to be to far off when our table was texted so we went down the space-age elevator and walked over the lake back to Three Bridges. By the way, you won’t find that name on the actual building. Instead, "Vista del Lago" graces the side of the restaurant. I asked about that, and the only explanation was that they “just never got it changed”. So, basically, Disney is a lot like me.

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Lucky, we scooted back there... our names were called as soon as we walked up. SANGRIA TIME!!
I'd perused the menu some weeks ahead of the trip and had decided on the:

Signature Sangria Flight: Includes tastings of four signature sangrias- $21

Trio of Dips: House-made Guacamole, Roasted Corn Dip, White Queso Dip, Tortilla Chips-$19.00

and

Pork Carnitas Tacos: Tomatillo Salsa Verde, Chipotle-Pineapple Salsa, Fresh Salsa, Cotija, Pickled Vegetables, Black Beans and Rice-$23.00

Lori and I split the bill on this one and she was happy with the choices.

The sangria flight was brought out first and it was super fun trying each of the 4 varieties. My favorite was the sparkling one. Here’s the menu of the ones they give you. (Or at least when I was there that was the flight; they may change them, so YMMV.)

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The trio of dips and chips came out next and I about died and went to Heaven when I got to the corn one. YUM!! But, as with all giant Disney meals, even when split, best be pacing yourself!

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The tacos came out and once again, I was very impressed. These were totally delicious and came with massive amounts of goodies, some of which were repeats on the trio. I didn’t mind. I took a fair bit back to the room and enjoyed some of it for breakfast a couple days later. Yum! It’s a tossup which is tastier for brekkie: Italian or Mexican. I do both fairly regularly.

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We chatted and relaxed as we took in this spectacular view and finally headed back to the room around 10:00. The next day was the last day of the conference and Lori would be leaving for home right after the sessions. I’d be spending the day at MK, so tune in next time for a great solo day there.

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[Steppesister]

Was the Sangria flight worth the money ? How did you like it?

I think so. It's 2 drinks worth by volume and "only" $21. I liked all but the 4th was "just ok" to me, but still palatable. The presentation is cute too.

 

[Steppesister]

Looks like a wonderful day! I love Satuli and AK! It is always a favorite part of my trip!

It was a nice to start to the day! It finished off even better with the sangria flight!

 

[Steppesister]

Unless you’re a surfer?

True, wind = waves.

Really! Had no idea it was that long. Used to be 10-15 minutes only.

I think the OFFICIAL grace period is 10 or so, but if you're feeling lucky you could try the 1 hour rule. I suppose that they could refuse you though.

One for each…….. movement

 

[Steppesister]

We are going to WDW on Feb 1st, so we will be there in time to ride Dinosaur. I have a feeling that it will be an extremely popular ride on its last day. I don't think we will try to ride it, though. I'm not a fan.

I'll admit it's a rough one to be sure. Shockingly, my crap neck did ok on this one this time.

 

[Steppesister]

I fell behind but I’m caught up now. I’m loving your AK day so far

Always time to catch up! I'm such a slow reporter!! The last half of the day should be there now for you to read.

 

[Steppesister]

Caught up! Loving your report.

I just got back from the World about a week ago and have started a TR if you are interested.

We ate at Satuli too, it was nice, we were lucky to be there in the cooler temps in December, it wasn't too hot to eat outside.

I will definitely hop over there! Thanks for the heads up!! I'm not on many right now, so can even try and stay caught up!! LOL!

Isn't Satuli so good!?! Yummy and seems to be quality, healthier fare!

 

[Steppesister]

Always enjoy your reports!! I’ll chime in with a back side of water guess. You said there’s “about” 20 and since you are a “finisher”, I’ll go with 20!

So glad you're here! It's awesome you're reading along!

Since you're the only one guessing you have a high likelihood of a Steppe Prize!