The ABCs of a Very Merry Christmastime Land and Sea Adventure- N: Nice, Slow Stroll (Gorilla Falls Trail) & O: Old and New Attractions at EPCOT (4/26)

[Steppesister]

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.

It's easy to get behind. I'm finding it really rough to be here now with working full time. Perhaps though a little easier than when I was in school though. Hopefully, I can juggle both TRs when I get back in a few weeks.

The tree hunt sure brought out the stubborn in me. LOL! I think the strategy for DS now for me at least is to just have a specific destination in mind, go there and hang out, then get out of Dodge. Just aimlessly wandering to shop is just too hard now with the crowds. It's a local hangout and just frustrating.

 

[Steppesister]

OMG, those turtles!



Of course!

They were... umm, enjoying themselves. LOL!

 

[pkondz]

Come with me on a leisurely stroll along the Gorilla Falls Trail

I'll sashay along...

(In case you're wondering, ndege means birds and nyani means monkeys. )

Lies! You said it was the Gorilla trail!

Did you know that the Colobus Monkey:

Of course. Who doesn't know that?
Obviously the white colouring is for communal child rearing, the "mutilation" refers to their thumbs, their colouration is for camouflage, similar to zebras stripes, and they eat soil, possibly to help digest toxic leaves. This is common knowledge.



Especially when you read the link you provided.

Those of you who know me at all, know that I’m a bit of a bird lover,

Pygmy indeed! I never would've thought of those as geese!

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.

I'd love to see one IRL.

Go ahead, tell me you don’t pause to give them a bit of attention….

I don't pause to give them attention.


I do... but you asked me to tell you I didn't, so... Just following directions.

Where did you get this shot??? I don't remember an underwater hippo viewing area!

• 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.

Here, however, I did know most of this. I did not know about the nighttime grazing, but new the rest.

• 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.

Knew most of this too! I couldn't have given you an accurate breath holding time, and am actually a bit surprised it's "only" 5 minutes. I would've guessed 20 or more. Knew they were fast runners, but again, didn't have an exact number. Would've guessed between 30-50 km/h. But had no idea about the echolocation.

You run an educational TR here, sister.

Better hope that's not the big one's branch...

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!!!!

Some people really go out of their way to prove they haven't been brought up properly.

My next goal was The Conservation Station to catch a drawing class.

Lots of DISers love this.

Little did I know that a poignant and moving moment awaited…

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

oy...

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.”

Aww... What a nice moment for you.

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

You did okay.

For now, Asante kwa kusoma na kwaheri~

Gesundheit

 

[pkondz]

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

Indeed it is! Just ask any duck hunter.

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

Steppesister... educating the masses.

<slow clap>

I'm here all week. Try the veal.

It's me laying out by a Disney pool!

I caught some fairly unique stuff!

Indeed you did!

 

[Steppesister]

N is for: Nice, Slow Stroll, Pt. 2​

The last few photos are easy to post to finish out my Animal Kingdom morning. As I made my way from the Conservation Station, I'd decided it was time to switch up the scenery altogether. I made my way veeeery slowly to the front of the park enjoying the whimsical, African-inspired Christmas decorations along the way.

See? I followed directions!

​

Did you know that they have a building for the "STATION INSTRUMENTS" for the Eastern Star?

​

Such a creative use of resources available!

​

Pausing on Discovery Island as I came across the Merry Menagerie, I found joy in the infectious smiles of the puppeteers. I really love the design and art of this Wintertime addition to the park. To me, it's as distinctive and unique as Mary Blair's work throughout the vintage Disney parks.

​

I grabbed this for my Christmas Alphabetical Scavenger Hunt (S is for SNOWFLAKES) but I had to abandon that project as I completely emptied my photo cache on my phone in prep for my upcoming trip- the more room, the better! I may still spend the extra time extracting those photos from my laptop's storage, but am lazy and probably won't. As those random photos I took pop up in the updates, I'll post them, so you will still see I did complete my hunt, the presentation just won't be as tidy.

​

I didn't count, but there very well may have been 6 geese a' laying. I thought the stylization of them are so pretty and I'd put them in my yard given a chance!

​

Lastly, on the way out of the park, I stopped by the Entrance Holiday Tree for some photos of the themed ornaments.

​

And with that, I was off to EPCOT for the afternoon and evening.

Follow me in the next chapter in which I get Spaced Out!

 

[Steppesister]

I'll sashay along...

Sashay would be too fast for this context... I sauntered at a slow roll.

Lies! You said it was the Gorilla trail!

but, but, there are gorillas AND monkeys AND birds.

Besides Swahili for gorilla is gorila.

Of course. Who doesn't know that?
Obviously the white colouring is for communal child rearing, the "mutilation" refers to their thumbs, their colouration is for camouflage, similar to zebras stripes, and they eat soil, possibly to help digest toxic leaves. This is common knowledge.



Especially when you read the link you provided.

Well sure everyone knows all of that!

Everyone who reads the link I provided!

Pygmy indeed! I never would've thought of those as geese!

Yeah, I totally would have called them ducks! Who knew!

I'd love to see one IRL.

Me too! Such a freak of nature!

I don't pause to give them attention.


I do... but you asked me to tell you I didn't, so... Just following directions.

Good to see someone does around here!

Where did you get this shot??? I don't remember an underwater hippo viewing area!

Right after the "bug house" on the trail.

Also, fun fact, on the outside of that "bug house" building (where the Naked Mole Rats are), there is a bathroom that you can politely ask to use. For private and/or emergency use.

Not that I've ever had a "bathroom emergency".

(Ok, that's a lie, but it is there.)

Here, however, I did know most of this. I did not know about the nighttime grazing, but new the rest.

Then you were more in the hippo know than I was!

Knew most of this too! I couldn't have given you an accurate breath holding time, and am actually a bit surprised it's "only" 5 minutes. I would've guessed 20 or more. Knew they were fast runners, but again, didn't have an exact number. Would've guessed between 30-50 km/h. But had no idea about the echolocation.

You run an educational TR here, sister.

I sure try to! I honestly love the deeper digging to write my chapters.

Better hope that's not the big one's branch...

Now that would be quite something to see. A gorilla fight must be quite a spectacle!

Some people really go out of their way to prove they haven't been brought up properly.

I really don't understand the bad behavior at all.

Lots of DISers love this.

Indeed it is! Just ask any duck hunter.

Oh my!!!

Steppesister... educating the masses.

Always!

 

[pkondz]

I made my way veeeery slowly to the front of the park enjoying the whimsical, African-inspired Christmas decorations along the way.

See? I followed directions!

[][/]

Indeed you did!

Did you know that they have a building for the "STATION INSTRUMENTS" for the Eastern Star?

The what for the what?

You did get some interesting shots, though.

I found joy in the infectious smiles of the puppeteers.

I see what you mean! Look at that smile!

I may still spend the extra time extracting those photos from my laptop's storage, but am lazy and probably won't.

I didn't count, but there very well may have been 6 geese a' laying.

No, I think it was the turtles doing that.

Are those glass??

Follow me in the next chapter in which I get Spaced Out!

Just what are they growing in The Land these days?!?

Sashay would be too fast for this context... I sauntered at a slow roll.

Oh, no. A good sashay is a leisurely affair.

but, but, there are gorillas AND monkeys AND birds.

Besides Swahili for gorilla is gorila.

Cool! I didn't know I even knew Swahili.
So Swahili for small is smal. And Swahili for chill is chil.

I so got this.

Well sure everyone knows all of that!

Everyone who reads the link I provided!

Right after the "bug house" on the trail.

Really? I don't ever remember seeing that! Total blank. I remember the bug house, though.

Also, fun fact, on the outside of that "bug house" building (where the Naked Mole Rats are), there is a bathroom that you can politely ask to use. For private and/or emergency use.

Noted.

Not that I've ever had a "bathroom emergency".

(Ok, that's a lie, but it is there.)

Now that would be quite something to see. A gorilla fight must be quite a spectacle!

Nah. I'm betting it would be a charge by the big one and in immediate capitulation by the smaller.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Nighttime Grazing: Hippos come out of the water at night to graze on grass.

I never knew that hippos grazed at night.

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.

That's good to know. My sister-in-law is interested in a drawing class and I would hate to go all the way out there and have them full.

 

[disneyAndi14]

Lovely pictures!
I love walking the trails in the morning and hopping the train over to Conservation Station.
Nice drawing of Simba
I love the Magical Menagerie. The puppets make me so happy. I would plan a trip just to hit up AK to see this!

 

[Steppesister]

The what for the what?

You did get some interesting shots, though.

Yep, I used Google Translate and that's what it means. I think it's cool they throw in little details like that so fill in round out and give authenticity to the story.

I see what you mean! Look at that smile!

See?!

No, I think it was the turtles doing that.

Are those glass??

I think probably not but something that looks an awful lot LIKE It. They did a fantastic job with those IMHO!

Just what are they growing in The Land these days?!?

LOL!!

It wouldn't surprise me one bit if someone snuck some in there somewhere. LOL!

Oh, no. A good sashay is a leisurely affair.

But more pretentious than a saunter. ?? maybe?

Cool! I didn't know I even knew Swahili.
So Swahili for small is smal. And Swahili for chill is chil.

I so got this.

Hey, maybe you're on to something!

Really? I don't ever remember seeing that! Total blank. I remember the bug house, though.

I think because maybe the hippos aren't in there a ton. And the fish often steal the show.

Nah. I'm betting it would be a charge by the big one and in immediate capitulation by the smaller.

I think you're probably right, although that's not nearly as entertaining a speculation.

 

[Steppesister]

I never knew that hippos grazed at night.

I didn't know half or more of that info! Cool stuff there!

That's good to know. My sister-in-law is interested in a drawing class and I would hate to go all the way out there and have them full.

If I remember correctly, they were about every 45 minutes or so. But the trains stop running at 4:00 or thereabouts.

 

[Steppesister]

Lovely pictures!
I love walking the trails in the morning and hopping the train over to Conservation Station.
Nice drawing of Simba
I love the Magical Menagerie. The puppets make me so happy. I would plan a trip just to hit up AK to see this!

They really are a fun, interactive addition to the park! Even just the costumes are so pretty and I think of all the CMs, these have been cast absolutely perfectly!

 

[Steppesister]

O is for: Old Favorites and New Discoveries All in an EPCOT Afternoon ​

I’m really hoping to finish off this day before I set off on a brand new, quite big-dealish adventure in a few days… wish me luck! Let’s pick it back up with leaving from AK.

I’d walked up to the bus stop and hopped into the queue for All Stars Music- or so I thought I did. Already in a stall just adjacent, a bus, WITH A WORKER standing at the door, was waiting. After a minute or so it left, and I commented to the couple who’d walked up behind me that I wished that one was for Music.


“Oh! It was, you’re in the Sports line.”


WHAT?! Okay, it was my fault, but I couldn't help but be pretty annoyed because usually, like 99% of the time, the attendant, if there is one, will ask you where you’re going or offer some direction. I should have asked. Honestly, I abhor the signage and queue systems at ALL the bus stops at the parks. They are badly askew and it’s a very easy mistake to make. (if you’re wondering, no I did not see the rolling signage on the bus itself, either) So there I stood having to wait a full 15 minutes for a Music bus to roll up and get me back to the resort to grab my portable charger and some Tylenol for an impending headache.

I had finally left AK at 12:45 and by 1:45, I was walking under the tapstiles and into EPCOT. Not bad considering the annoying bus goof-up.

(I don't know why I think these are so pretty, but I do.)​

Spaceship Earth had 15-minute wait posted, so it was an obvious decision to explore my way through humankind’s development of communication. Luckily, I was on in 5 and getting spaced out for the first time that day. I enjoy the challenge of photography on this attraction and sometimes I actually end up with some decent photos. So, join me now for a still photo journey through time and don’t forget to thank the Phoenicians.

(Perhaps the very first worship service, by the looks of this guy.)


(Kinda love how this shot turned out!)


(Thanks, Guys!!! Also noticed that they are guilty of poaching! )


(If only students behaved in school like this nowadays)


(I have a million shots of this, why not one more?!)



(How I feel everyday at 3:00 at work)



(My all-time favorite hidden Mickey)



(My neck hurts so bad from looking at this)





(My ex-inlaws had that play set behind the couch. It's a water toy and my kids LOVED playing with it!)



(Apparently, my future involves contracting a flesh-eating bacteria that eats off half my face)
​

I found it hilarious that I accidentally chose Cairo as my hometown on the “let’s get going screen”.

With no particular destination or agenda really, I just walked and ended up aiming for The Seas. Between where I was and where I was headed is the new Journey of Water (I call it MoanaLand). I admit, it is a very lovely new area, and I ended up spending a bit of time waving my hands through the motion-activated features and admiring the colors and hidden characters. Both older folks and wee ones were enjoying themselves, so I think this new attraction is a real winner for the park.

​

I'll have to leave you with that until next time as my next batch of photos puts me over the limit for this post. Hopefully, I can find a bit of time to finish out this day before Friday!

 

[pkondz]

I think it's cool they throw in little details like that so fill in round out and give authenticity to the story.

It wouldn't surprise me one bit if someone snuck some in there somewhere. LOL!

But more pretentious than a saunter. ?? maybe?

By the definition... yes, I suppose so.

I think you're probably right, although that's not nearly as entertaining a speculation.

True!

 

[pkondz]

I set off on a brand new, quite big-dealish adventure in a few days… wish me luck!

Good luck!

I commented to the couple who’d walked up behind me that I wished that one was for Music.


“Oh! It was, you’re in the Sports line.”

Oh dear... not sure whether to or at this!

usually, like 99% of the time, the attendant, if there is one, will ask you where you’re going or offer some direction.

Really? In my experience, that's a rarity.

Honestly, I abhor the signage and queue systems at ALL the bus stops at the parks.

I'll agree with that. You have to really look and figure out which sign is for which stop.

They are badly askew and it’s a very easy mistake to make.

I had finally left AK at 12:45 and by 1:45, I was walking under the tapstiles and into EPCOT. Not bad considering the annoying bus goof-up.

That's pretty good considering the missed bus and a stop at ASMu too!

Spaceship Earth had 15-minute wait posted,

AKA, no real wait.
Good choice.

don’t forget to thank the Phoenicians.

Thanks Phoenicians!

That's a really good capture for that area.

(Perhaps the very first worship service, by the looks of this guy.)

Or...
"I caught a fish thiiiiiiiis big!"

(Kinda love how this shot turned out!)

Nice one. Square on.

(Thanks, Guys!!! Also noticed that they are guilty of poaching! )

Doubt that was a law back then, though.

(If only students behaved in school like this nowadays)

Lying around doing nothing?
Are you sure they're not like this?

(How I feel everyday at 3:00 at work)

How I feel everyday...

(My all-time favorite hidden Mickey)

Didn't know about that one.

(My neck hurts so bad from looking at this)

You need to lie down when looking. I mean... he is.

(My ex-inlaws had that play set behind the couch. It's a water toy and my kids LOVED playing with it!)

Are you sure? I'm pretty sure that's most of a game of Mousetrap

(Apparently, my future involves contracting a flesh-eating bacteria that eats off half my face)

Well, you are going to Africa... and you can contract it there, so..........

Here's hoping this isn't prophetic!

I found it hilarious that I accidentally chose Cairo as my hometown on the “let’s get going screen”.

Well, it is in Africa...

the new Journey of Water (I call it MoanaLand).

I like that name much better.

Both older folks and wee ones were enjoying themselves, so I think this new attraction is a real winner for the park.

Wonder if that's real moss. I would imagine it wouldn't take too long to grow in that climate.