The ABCs of a Very Merry Christmastime Land and Sea Adventure- N is for: Nice, Slow Stroll with Ndege na Nyani!! (Gorilla Falls Trail) (4/26)

[Steppesister]

I've never had a hard and fast rule about which way to go, but perhaps that's because I often enter from the International Gateway (staying at BCV) and usually have a plan of attack for the food booths rather than a rule of which way to travel.

I think entering from the IG would make a big difference in which way one goes.

I can't believe that I didn't get anything from Karamel Kuche on the last trip! Have to fix that in October.

That very well may be a first for you!!

I liked the Fried Rice.....

Should have gotten that.

Was there an Olaf Hunt? I didn't even realize that!

There was!! Always love me a good hunt!

Do you mean those two tall pillars on either edge of the photo? I googled and saw what was removed!

No, but now you've forced my hand at showing a wider view of the new "naughty" at EPCOT. I 1,000% believe this was not an accident.

​

I hope things have smoothed out for you. I was definitely behind!

Nope, about to ramp up big time as I start to see my own patients on Tuesday.

 

[pkondz]

I didn’t hear one peep from Kari as she slipped out the door sometime during the night

Stealth mode.

Maybe Kari is a ninja!

throwing some clothes on that I set out the night before and getting my park bag packed ahead of time helped me get up and out FAST… zooomy-zoom!!

Winner, winner chicken dinner, Baby!

Off to DTD?

if you put the few tablespoons of granola in the bottom of a room paper coffee cup, then stick the yogurt on top, the lid will fit perfectly.

I was NOT first in line at security at the park entrance.

FAIL!!!

I was standing in the crisp morning air waiting for security to start waving us through when I was suddenly very aware that a familiar, and extraordinarily annoying, voice was somewhere behind me. Yep, the same blabbermouth from the ship’s Trivia Game AND Tour somehow found a way to become a cling-on yet again. Just… HOW?! Same loud chatter that would. Not. Stop.

It's your best friend!! She found you!!

sigh, I am trying to not let stuff like this bug me.)

Not being overly successful there, are you?

After about 9 years

of know-it-all jabbering to her friend about every Imagineering detail ever imagined, security let us through,

Of course they did. They recognize someone in the know when they hear them.

I was flagged for extra screening for the umbrella I’d stashed in my bag not knowing that the new advice for NOT getting flagged at Disney Security is to take umbrellas and sunglasses cases out of bags.

(I simply left the umbrella behind in the room henceforth, so there. Take that!)

"I got completely soaked several times... but waltzed through security lickety split!

Kicking it into as high of a gear as this old broad has in her, I booked it for FOP and by the time I got there I had to wait a full 20 minutes. I was NOT amused.

Not too bad, even with the extra delay.

Did I have a giant grin on my face for the whole 4-minute ride? Yeah.

Such a good ride!

Uuuhhhh, it was fun! (IYKYK)

I adore the sound track, so much so that I will even play it now and then at home for some Zen Time.

Huh. I didn't even know there was a sound track.

I love how it completely transports the rider to a totally different environment and world.

I was the only one who happened to catch some turtle action and wondered how many people have ever gotten to see the shelled couple getting’ it on. Can you feel the love today…

Hubba hubba!

(THE LOOK ON HER FACE!!!!!! (Are you done yet, Frank?!)

After a few minutes, I realized that turtles do everything sloooooooooooooooowly

Well, they aren't hares, ya know.
That might explain why there are so many hares and so few turtles around...

The SR line came through again for a zero-wait time.

The Pancake Sammie did sound intriguing with the guava jam

It really does. I'd have tried that.

Flame Tree seating area to enjoy the entire place by the pond to myself

I really like that area. I eat there too.

Sadly, the sandwich just wasn't all that good.

Well, darn. It sure sounded interesting.

Along the way, I enjoyed a few of the too-often-passed-over details of this amazing park.

You've got a good eye.

(And some really good photos!)

He must have been on his way to school!!! Who knew there was a map to the local Anandapur School District?!! I love, love, love when I spot new details I've never seen before!

Who knew??

I remember that. That was quite a while ago!

But a great room.

Hey, it's a portrait of me at Disney Springs.... and AK the next morning.

 

[pkondz]

No, but now you've forced my hand at showing a wider view of the new "naughty" at EPCOT. I 1,000% believe this was not an accident.

[]

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I've heard that there's a special flower at the top of that display, but I've never been able to find it.

 

[missjackiemcg]

An hour of bobbing and weaving around a slow-moving crowd was starting to make me grumpy. It was hard to move and get to places, especially if you had an agenda and goals.

I feel like it's been that way the last several times we've gone to Disney Springs. I haven't made visiting there a priority on my most recent trips because it just makes me cranky and annoyed by all the people. I miss the old Downtown Disney days where there seemed to be plenty of walking space everywhere and you could get dropped off on the Market side instead of having to walk all the way around.

I do love the Christmas Tree trail though, and will likely venture over there to see it again in December. The Coco tree is one of my favorites. And while the passholder tree was lacking in exciting theme, I do love me a Mickey balloon!!

Holy cow, guys! I got a private ride back to Music and was literally in bed by 9:00

That was sweet of them! I'm sure they're dealing with rude folks all day and appreciated your kind nature, so they wanted to go the extra mile for you!

I feel this picture. LOL I do like the Figment sweater at least!

Uuuhhhh, it was fun! (IYKYK)

I hope you had uuuh, a good flight. Sivako!

 

[Steppesister]

Stealth mode.

Maybe Kari is a ninja!

Hi-ya!!!

Off to DTD?

Bwackkkk- bwackkkk...

That's me!

It's your best friend!! She found you!!

I'm shocked Fate didn't see fit to make sure she was next to me on FOP.

Not being overly successful there, are you?

No.

And get off my lawn.

Of course they did. They recognize someone in the know when they hear them.

Uh huh... sure.

"I got completely soaked several times... but waltzed through security lickety split!

I was more than willing to take that chance. Time is rides at RD!

Well, they aren't hares, ya know.
That might explain why there are so many hares and so few turtles around...

Hey, okay, now that's a profound observation. And probably accurate too.

It really does. I'd have tried that.

Sadly, it kinda sucked. Very bland and the texture wasn't my thing.

I really like that area. I eat there too.

You've got a good eye.

(And some really good photos!)

There's always something new to find.

Who knew??

I love how they even imagined a school district and wee little students riding their bikes to go to the their lessons.

I've heard that there's a special flower at the top of that display, but I've never been able to find it.

 

[Steppesister]

I feel like it's been that way the last several times we've gone to Disney Springs. I haven't made visiting there a priority on my most recent trips because it just makes me cranky and annoyed by all the people. I miss the old Downtown Disney days where there seemed to be plenty of walking space everywhere and you could get dropped off on the Market side instead of having to walk all the way around.

I do wonder if the paths were indeed narrowed? Huh! I know there are 2 drop offs- one by Cirque and the other by the boats over by Art of Disney. Both suck because the good restaurants are in the middle.

I do love the Christmas Tree trail though, and will likely venture over there to see it again in December. The Coco tree is one of my favorites. And while the passholder tree was lacking in exciting theme, I do love me a Mickey balloon!!

It was definitely colorful and "classic". Simple but not as interesting as like the Coco or HM trees.

That was sweet of them! I'm sure they're dealing with rude folks all day and appreciated your kind nature, so they wanted to go the extra mile for you!

Perhaps? Maybe they were bored too.

I feel this picture. LOL I do like the Figment sweater at least!

Buahahaha! I had the "feels" alright. Just not warm and fuzzy.

I hope you had uuuh, a good flight. Sivako!

Always a good flight! I accepted the challenge and am now one with rite of passage.

 

[pkondz]

Hi-ya!!!

I'm shocked Fate didn't see fit to make sure she was next to me on FOP.

Nah. They wanted to save that for NRJ... much more quiet so the impact would've been greater.

No.

And get off my lawn.

Sadly, it kinda sucked. Very bland and the texture wasn't my thing.

So you said. Guess I won't have to try it after all.

 

[Steppesister]

M is for: Making the Most of a Morning Safari!​

Here’s a playlist for you to launch as you scroll through this chapter as an enhancement:

​

From the other-worldly land of Pandora and the conceptual representation of Asia, I set my sights on Africa- Harambe specifically. I passed the Winged Wonders Show with perfect timing on the way. The colorful, noisy birds zooming in low overheard never gets old!

​

Along the way... getting close to lions!

(Can you feel the love tonight... )
(Kinda loved using my Google Translate on this trip; came in handy multiple times!)​

Simba 1 was ready and waiting for a direct-boarding that would take me to the rivers, lakes, forests, and savannahs of Eastern Africa.

(Yes, as a matter of fact, I am a Wilderness Explorer. I even have the book to prove it.)
​

Did you know that the balloon that is featured on the advertisement posters all around Harambe Town is in the queue for Safari? I'm not sure I'd use this company seeing the shape their balloon is in. If you haven't noticed those posters, put them on your scavenger hunt list next time!



Blessed with a front-row seat, I bounced along on one of the most incredible safaris I’ve ever encountered at AK. Perhaps because it was still early and the feedings were in full swing, I was able to see a ton of animals out and about, grazing, playing, and enjoying the beautiful sunshine of Harambe!

​

I won’t blather for the sake of filling space, rather I’ll take you on a photographic journey with the best of the photos from the morning’s game drive:

(The Mountain Bongo)


(Saddle-billed stork)


(African Hippo)


(Ginger's cousin, the Nile Crocodile; I'm sure he snaps too!)


(Someday I'd love to do this tour!)


(Wildebeest)


(Gemsbok)


(Common eland and Masai girafe)




(African elephant)


(No safari is complete without paying homage to the Baobob!)


(Greater Flamingo)


(I can't tell from this pic if it's a Black or a White, Disney has both)


(The female pride on the kopje)



(Warriors nearby!)




​

I hope you've enjoyed your ride on Simba 1 as much as I did! Keeping today’s chapter short and sweet, I’ll pick it up next time with a trek along the Gorilla Flats Trail which ended up being just as great as the morning safari, so stay tuned…

 

[Steppesister]

Nah. They wanted to save that for NRJ... much more quiet so the impact would've been greater.

You know, that's actually a huge pet peeve of mine. I HATE when people talk and blab on rides! I want to hear the soundtracks and the attraction dialogue, not other stuff. Ugh!

So you said. Guess I won't have to try it after all.

Yeah, skip it. Blech

 

[pkondz]

I passed the Winged Wonders Show with perfect timing on the way. The colorful, noisy birds zooming in low overheard never gets old!

So cool seeing them flying overhead.

Nice shot with it on the light. I wonder if they trained it to sit there?

(Can you feel the love tonight... )

Is that what it says??

Did you know that the balloon that is featured on the advertisement posters all around Harambe Town is in the queue for Safari?

Hmmm... I may have known that, but forgot.

Well, there's the proof.

Blessed with a front-row seat, I bounced along on one of the most incredible safaris I’ve ever encountered at AK.

Great!

(The Mountain Bongo)

(Saddle-billed stork)

Don't think I've seen that on the safari before.

Nice shot! Never seen them like that before.

(Ginger's cousin, the Nile Crocodile; I'm sure he snaps too!)

(Common eland and Masai girafe)

Nice you got them in the same frame.

Erm... what?

(No safari is complete without paying homage to the Baobob!)

Kelly's tree!

What a great shot!

Never seen them in the water, either!

I’ll pick it up next time with a trek along the Gorilla Flats Trail which ended up being just as great as the morning safari, so stay tuned…

You know, that's actually a huge pet peeve of mine. I HATE when people talk and blab on rides! I want to hear the soundtracks and the attraction dialogue, not other stuff. Ugh!

I don't mind if it's littles. They're exempt.

 

[Wood Nymph]

I never knew that there were deflated balloons in the rafters. I guess I need to look up once in a while.

Blessed with a front-row seat, I bounced along on one of the most incredible safaris I’ve ever encountered at AK.

I love the front row because I can hear what the guide says. And I can ask questions, too. I learn a lot more when I can sneak a question in.

 

[disneyAndi14]

Wonderful pictures! What an animal filled Safari, love when that happens!
I absolutely love this park and all its hidden gems!
I’m excited to explore on my upcoming solo trip! I am going to slow down like I did when I was solo in Universal last December! One thing solo does is allow me not to rush and enjoy all the little things!

 

[missjackiemcg]

I love when the safari is so full of animal activity!!

(Someday I'd love to do this tour!)

We've done it twice now, and both were really excellent! I highly, highly recommend the Wild Africa Trek whenever you have a chance. It does take up a big chunk of your day, but having a private--well, small group--safari included is a huge bonus, along with the snacks/lunch out on the savannah make it SO worth the time!

 

[vamassey1]

I was a few updates behind.

Loved your Christmas Tree Trail photos. I enjoy looking at the trees to but have never done the official game. You did great and kudos for sticking with it. The crowds in DS have really gotten bad. We love Hanger Bar and try to go every trip. I love all the hidden gems inside. Your flight did looks really good. That would have filled me up too. Ending your night with a personal ride was great too.

I know AK is your favorite and you really did it justice with your photos. You always find something new to share there.

 

[buzzrelly]

OMG, those turtles!

(No safari is complete without paying homage to the Baobob!)

Of course!

 

[Steppesister]

N is for: Nice, Slow Stroll with Ndege na Nyani!! (Gorilla Falls Trail)​

After such a fantastic safari, would I find as much enjoyment on my next journey? Come with me on a leisurely stroll along the Gorilla Falls Trail where East African animals abound! (In case you're wondering, ndege means birds and nyani means monkeys. )

Did you know that the Colobus Monkey:

• Their babies are born completely white. ...
• Colobus comes from the Ancient Greek word kolobós and translates as 'the mutilated one'. ...
• Their black and white hair is actually a cunning disguise. ...
• They have something in common with cows – their stomachs! ...
• They have an appetite for a very unusual snack…

​

But that’s just a sneak peek; if you want the full story, here is the link to read more!

https://www.londonzoo.org/zoo-stories/blog/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-our-colobus-monkeys

They are incredibly interesting animals, including the fact that they are the most arboreal monkeys on Earth, rarely coming out of the trees for any reason.

Those of you who know me at all, know that I’m a bit of a bird lover, so I often linger in the aviaries. The African Pygmy Geese are so beautiful to me! The colors are just fantastic!

​

The Black-faced Spoonbill makes me smile simply because they are so unique from anything I’d ever seen around my neck of the woods.

​

Admit it, it’s hard to not stop and watch the yellow Weaver Birds busily building their intricate nests! Go ahead, tell me you don’t pause to give them a bit of attention….

​

And since we’re on a bit of a fact-finding mission while we’re on this little stroll, let’s learn about the hippos, shall we?

​

• Not True Swimmers: While they spend much of their time in the water, hippos are not swimmers in the traditional sense. They primarily walk along the riverbed.
• Territorial and Aggressive: Hippos are considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa, particularly if threatened near the water.
• Large Size: They are the third-largest land mammals, after elephants and white rhinos.
• Nighttime Grazing: Hippos come out of the water at night to graze on grass.

Unique Adaptations:

• Skin Secretion: The red-orange secretion helps protect them from sunburn, sunburn, and bacterial infections.
• Breath-Holding: They can hold their breath for up to five minutes, allowing them to spend extended periods underwater.
• Echolocation and Vision: Hippos use a combination of echolocation and dichromatic vision (seeing in two colors).
• Fast Runners: Despite their size, hippos can run up to 30 km/h.

This one was hanging around and drew quite a crowd around the glass, so I snapped a few shots and headed towards the gorilla viewing spots.

​

The bachelors and Silverbacks were quite active with their usual shenanigans.

​

I spent quite a bit of time, and even long enough to see some obnoxious folks get a polite, but solid, chewing out by the trail hosts for yelling at the animals to look towards them. STOP THAT!!!! Are people that oblivious that a more authentic experience can be had by just being quiet and still. Huge pet peeve. My annoyance was short-lived and I moved on.

My next goal was The Conservation Station to catch a drawing class. Little did I know that a poignant and moving moment awaited…

​

I boarded the Eastern Star Railroad bound for Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Toot toot!

(Oops! Excuse me! I shouldn’t have tacos before I write a chapter. )

Where were we? Right! Headed towards the Station.

​

The first thing I always do when I get to Conservation Station is to see if there are any surgeries or procedures happening. I’ve been lucky a few times and caught some super cool stuff: X-rays under sedation, a tendon surgery on a springbok, and a wing fix on a bird. Today, however, I had an altogether different experience. Rather than find the words all over again, I went back and found the Facebook post I put up that day. I think you’ll agree, I was very blessed with a “message” from my Dad in that moment:

“Had a powerful “Dad Moment” here at Animal Kingdom. Rest as peacefully and safely as your patients did.

The backstory is that as I walked up to the animal surgery center, a family behind me started having a talk. The dad ended up being an anesthesiologist and was explaining the anesthesia machine to his 20-something year-old son who is in medical school and trying to decide on his specialty. He went into great detail about anesthesia and how the machine worked with all of the circuits and flowmeters. I turned around and told him a little bit about my dad and that I had come here to remember him. They were very touched. What a really neat memory to come away with.”

​

There are loads of drawing classes now; I think more than there used to be now, so it wasn’t long before I was shown to a front row seat with my clipboard and pencil ready to dish out some attempt at art.

Today’s character would be Simba all grown up and I think I did okay- one of my better sessions. YAY!

​

Leaving with a wonderful experience, I boarded the train back to Harambe Town to explore the Christmas decorations and slowly make my way out of the park.

​

I’ll share the festive décor in my next chapter. For now, Asante kwa kusoma na kwaheri~

 

[Steppesister]

So cool seeing them flying overhead.

It is, and I got some video but it sucks so skipped posting it. Hard to get moving birds!!!!

Nice shot with it on the light. I wonder if they trained it to sit there?

I honestly don't know, but wouldn't be surprised!

Is that what it says??

It is!! LOVED using Google Translate this trip- used it a TON!

Well, there's the proof.

Yep! I even pointed it out to the family behind me and they thought it was pretty cool!

<slow clap>

Nice shot! Never seen them like that before.

It's me laying out by a Disney pool!

Erm... what?

I was wondering if anyone was paying attention.

Kelly's tree!

YES!! @buzzrelly

Never seen them in the water, either!

I caught some fairly unique stuff!

I don't mind if it's littles. They're exempt.

Okay, Littles can have a pass.

 

[Steppesister]

I never knew that there were deflated balloons in the rafters. I guess I need to look up once in a while.

Just the one from the posters. Sure adds authenticity corroboration to the backstory.

I love the front row because I can hear what the guide says. And I can ask questions, too. I learn a lot more when I can sneak a question in.

For sure!! I'm almost ALWAYS willing to wait and extra truck for a front-row request. And do on lots of rides. Just better and I almost always have the time to spare.

 

[Steppesister]

Wonderful pictures! What an animal filled Safari, love when that happens!
I absolutely love this park and all its hidden gems!
I’m excited to explore on my upcoming solo trip! I am going to slow down like I did when I was solo in Universal last December! One thing solo does is allow me not to rush and enjoy all the little things!

Solo really does give you time to just really soak in those details and see things you've never noticed before. I find myself going on far fewer attractions alone and let myself just wander. There's so much "park" there that lots of folks just blindly skip over.

 

[Steppesister]

I love when the safari is so full of animal activity!!


We've done it twice now, and both were really excellent! I highly, highly recommend the Wild Africa Trek whenever you have a chance. It does take up a big chunk of your day, but having a private--well, small group--safari included is a huge bonus, along with the snacks/lunch out on the savannah make it SO worth the time!

I'd imagine it's a lot like the old Wanyama Safari Tour they used to do at the Lodges with the meal at Jiko. If it's like that I'm sure I"d LOVE it!