The Bear and the Bow: Christmas with the Mouses - Update 9/11

[Nermel9]

I always forget the Wave has breakfast! There are so many places I want to try for breakfast but never have time because we always go to the same 2 places-Boma and Crystal Palace. The fact that we're doing Cape May for breakfast in May is a miracle!

You guys got a lot done in AK that morning! I love the Everest queue area, it's so pretty, but those BELLS!!! AHHHHH! I have no tolerance for loud noises either, especially in bell form, like 6 inches from my head.

I'm not really a fan of Dinoland, but I do like how colorful it all is, and the signs are fun to read!

 

[Merida]

The Harambe Reserve[/center]

The Safari standby line had grown quite a bit since the morning; I was just happy we got those FastPasses first.

Safari Warnings


Accoutrements


Safari Lights


Igloo!
​

The igloo drink containers strapped to the top of the safari trucks are my favorite detail in here. I wonder if igloo is a sponsor? Or they were just lying around and an imagineer decided to repurpose them? They’re just so yellow and fun!

No Hurry in Africa​

Bear and I got our own row, which is necessary because I am terrible at sharing. I’m not sure what he would’ve done for a view if he hadn’t had his own window. And we were right behind the skipper; she was good, but very quiet. I highly doubt anyone sitting behind us heard any of her narration.

Rhino​

Not that it’s vital to hear the safari narration; the storyline is weak and no one remembers the animal names anyway.

Safari Birds


Hippo​

She did let us have plenty of time to see the animals, which is really the only thing that matters.

Safari Birds​

We definitely did not pick the best time to go on the safari lighting-wise; there were plenty of animals out and active but it was difficult to work with the sun and shadow patterns.

A Hippo Submerged​

This hippo is probably my favorite. Hippos are so adorable and then you remember how monstrously scary and dangerous they are and it’s not fair.

Tic Toc


Safari


Safari
​

It was truly miraculous whenever an animal just stood still in the sunlight! No hiding in dark caves or under a tree… just soaking up some good ol’ Vitamin D.

Safari
​

I swear there’s an animal in here.

Giraffe x1


Giraffe x3​

The giraffes are a close second to the hippo. Plus they won’t try and mash my head in, so really closer to neck-and-neck for first place.

Never Forget


An Elephant Alone
​

Elephants remind me of the lost baby elephant in Planet Earth (I believe) who is following his mother’s tracks the wrong way (backtracking?). Which is just awful and heartbreaking because elephants are so amazing.

'Mingos


The Lioness by wingsfive, on Flickr
​

Only the lionesses were out for our trip; the skipper did talk about why the male sleeps all day, etc., etc. which was nice, but also somewhat unnecessary in my opinion. Do people really not know about lion pack dynamics? I distinctly remember reading a book about lions in the third grade and it was definitely discussed in there. Or do animal units not really happen anymore (we’re not up on the whole elementary school curriculum thing any more)? But I guess most people look forward to lions (compared to ankole cattle) so Disney feels the need to express this?

Safari​

I was absolutely ravenous by the time we got off the safari and it was close to the time of day where everyone is in the park (both rope droppers and late sleepers). We had agreed ahead of time to try Flame Tree and I am so happy that we did! There was way too much going on in that section of the park to stop, dig out a list of food places and talk through them (it’s a complicated process since food and decision-making are involved).

 

[marDgreen88]

OH MY GOSH, what time were you in the princess line? We might have been there at the SAME time. I might have SEEN you. THIS IS SO INTENSE.

AHHH the Magic, the Memories, and You. You got a MUCH BETTER VIEW than I did, of ALL the entertainment. Lucky.

The toy soldiers are excellent. It blows my mind, to be honest. It actually sounds like they have wooden feet AND they're playing instruments while marching around with God knows what covering their face and it's amazing.

Wait, one of them fell on you?

The kangas and roos are on one of the paths around the Tree of Life. It's a hidden little area. It's pretty secluded, which I was okay with haha. I think they should scrap any Avatar ideas of any kind and do the stinking Beastly Kingdom like they were originally going to. It would be so much more awesome.

I love Dinoland too. It's part of Animal Kingdom so I love it. I don't see the big problem with it. But whatever, everyone's got their own opinion and it's all good. If you love it, you love it. (And thankfully we both love it haha.)

I love elephants so much! They're so precious. You got awesome safari pictures. Good job!!!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Animal Kingdom is my favorite park to just wander around aimlessly in. There's just so much to see there!

Um, I think that Disney talks about the animal information (like lions sleeping), because people as a whole are stupid now and don't remember when they learned in school. And I'm not joking.....there are a lot of dumb people out there....

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I love all of the details on the safari as well! I think Disney reiterates the info we may already know because there's usually people of all ages on the ride, and littler kids may not understand why the lion isn't there roaring away!

 

[Merida]

Owl​

The idea to go to Flame Tree had come from the Internet; neither of us had ever eaten there and I figured something “different” would be fun.

Animal Kingdom Theming


BBQ Art​

The whole thing was pretty much worth it for the mouse art. Too adorable! My photo (and editing; I’m not really happy with most of my shots from this day. I’ll probably re-edit them at some point; there just seems to be something missing) mojo was suspiciously missing at this point. I really do like the area around Flame Tree, but I was using the wrong lens or just rusty at that point.

Web of lies


Chair


BBQ Decor​

I finished eating before Bear – I didn’t want my dessert and he volunteered to make sure nothing went to waste.

d3_p59​

This gave me the opportunity to take approximately 10,000 identical, poorly exposed pictures of ducks.

After Bear was done, we took a few minutes to revise our plans for the day. We still had some FastPasses to use but it was getting hot and crowded. I was pretty sure we had Kouzzina reservations and we didn’t want to be late; after a few more attractions in Animal Kingdom, we’d head over and spend some time relaxing in Epcot.

The Yeti


Costuming​

We took our second trip on Everest, this time requesting the front row.

Necessities​

Everest is one of the few rides that I like to request a specific row for the ride; Splash Mountain and Space are the other two that I can think of off the top of my head. Even then, Space isn’t so important. We usually end up with a front seat and we switch off between the two of us for who gets it.

Expedition Everest


Prayer Flags
​

After Everest, we were pretty much done with Everest. I really wanted a brownie paw so we took the most circuitous path out of Asia.

Asia​

The sheer amount of stuff in Animal Kingdom makes it hard to get out quickly – at least for me!

Asia


Safe, Unique, Romantic!​

Brownie paw secured, I was getting my second AK wind and didn’t want to move out quite yet. There was a Festival of the Lion King showing coming up; Bear was agreeable to the suggestion (since I promised we’d skip Nemo and do Lights, Motor, Action!) so we veered off the main path.

FotLK 1​

Our timing was just right – not too long a wait, but still had a decent spot in the Lion section.

FotLK 2


FotLK 3


FotLK 4


Simba
​

I did like the show; I did think it is a little over-rated. But I do think that was the fault of my expectations and being a poor judge of tone on the Internet. There really is no way that Festival, with space and time constraints, would ever be able to hold a candle to a true ballet or Cirque du Soleil (or circus! I’ve been to some excellent circuses) production. I wasn’t really aware of much about Festival before the show, just that it came highly recommended.

The Tumble Monkeys​

The tumble monkeys were definitely my favorite because I know the least about gymnastics. I love watching and have a decent idea of what goes on in a meet, but I haven’t really been exposed to “artistic” gymnastic performances much.

FotLK 7


FotLK 8


FotLK 9
​

In comparison, I know and have seen a lot more ballet and my preferences definitely run to a full stage production. Not that the dancers in Festival aren’t good, I just didn’t find it impressive.

Overall the show is very good – much better than what we saw in Islands of Adventure – but it does come with the caveat that it’s a ‘theme park production.’ That doesn’t make it bad or good or unenjoyable, just a different type of production with different goals.

AK Tree​

Having finished up everything pressing (we’d done some Photopass along the way and I emphatically turned down a Bug’s Life showing), we headed out. Epcot was waiting!

 

[Merida]

Spaceship Earth​

Spaceship Earth was waiting for us in Epcot. It’s probably my very favorite park icon and Bear pulled me right past.

Spaceship Earth


Faceship Earth​

He really wanted to check for Soarin’ fastpasses. Mr. T and friend had been talking up Soarin’ and Toy Story Mania; out of the two, I figured we had a better chance at Soarin’.

The Land​

It was after lunch and – predictably – Soarin’ Fastpasses were gone and the line was unthinkable.

New Zealand​

Living with the Land fastpasses were also reported as gone; I think, looking back, that they had never started distributing them. Neither of us took this well – we had rushed all the way over here and I wasn’t happy with the pictures I’d been taking and we were both tired. Lunch seemed a long time ago.

As we left the Land, bickering over what to do next, Bear spotted the beverage cart next to Innoventions. He dragged me over and promptly used two snack credits on – what I thought at the time – over-priced Powerades.

The Universe of Energy​

One of Bear’s must-do attractions this trip was Universe of Energy; he’d apparently been in the pre-show numerous times but the ride always broke down before he loaded. I didn’t want to ride a 45 minute time suck, but right then? 45 minutes of air conditioning and sitting sounded really nice. And we wouldn’t have to talk to each other OR make plans, a nice bonus.

Ellen's Dinosaurs​

My powerade, Bear, and I made it to the ride with no problems; I made it to the dinosaurs and promptly passed out. Not that the show was boring, I just couldn’t anymore.

The Universe of Energy​

I’m pretty sure Ellen’s Energy Adventures saved our trip that day; the break, the nap, and the cold sugary drink was all that was needed to fix both of our moods.

Christmas in Epcot​

Bear was still thinking that a break at Port Orleans was needed; a stop for Test Track Fastpasses was all that was needed to change his mind.

Mexico​

It was my turn to pick a ride and what could be better than Gran Fiesta Tour? I still think I prefer El Rio del Tiempo – grainy, cheesy movie clips and all – but Gran Fiesta Tour is growing on me.

Day of the Dead​

And the refurb could have been worse. I’m certain Figment is incredibly jealous of El Rio del Tiempo’s changes.

Pinata​

And I’m a sucker for character piñatas. It’s a nice bit of Disney synergy that’s not over-the-top and egregious.

Pink Doll​

And they left in my favorite doll, so I can’t complain too much.

Cabellero Flags​

These flags are probably the best thing to come out of the refurbishment; clever, subtle, and entirely adorable.

Maelstrom​

There was still time left before our dining reservations; I wanted some time to check out the BoardWalk and ride the friendship boats, but even taking those into consideration, we could squeeze in the Maelstrom.

Trolled​

I wish more of the country pavilions would add in the rides. The movies are very nice and often utilize excellent technology (Circle Vision!!), but there’s just something about the dated, 80s-tastic boat rides in Mexico and Norway. It adds a level of interactivity missing from the pavilions that feature the movies. Since we don’t do the hats-around-the-world that seems very popular (it seems really awkward to me, sometimes the pavilions and their offerings can run together. Especially Italy and Japan; I tend to conflate Italy and France and then Japan and China. Nothing against those pavilions, but they’re right in the middle of World Showcase and very little distinctive in their offerings. Add in a gondola tour through Venice or a Mt. Fuji mountain ride and I’m pretty sure I’d no longer have any trouble!

 

[Merida]

You guys were definitely efficient that morning at AK!!! I do understand why you appreciate Dinoland, but I really just can't get on board with it. It's TOO cheesy and roadside attraction-y, and that's just not what Disney is. That has to be the area of Disney I find myself wondering "What would Walt think of this one?" the most?

I definitely understand why people don't like it, but I would be sad if it ever went away. I've been reading a lot of criticism about Animal Kingdom and I do think the Imagineers didn't quite hit the mark with backstory - it's not as organic or well-integrated as many of the other parts of Disney. So it's a lot of my personal bias and subjectivity that comes into play with why I love Dinorama so much. As a land, Dinoland really can't stand on its own, a pretty significant weakness! But I love underdogs and science and puns so I tend to overlook all the "bad" parts of Dinoland.

Woohoo! You finally made it to The Wave and had the sweet potato pancakes. Did Bear enjoy them? We found their service to be really nice as well when we went.

It looks like you guys had a great time at the Christmas party. I've been debating on going to that or MNSSHP this fall but I think the Halloween party is going to win out.

Yay Primevil Whirl! I love that ride! I always drag DH to it even though he is one of the haters of DinoLand. Everytime we go on it we get put with two other people and they always laugh and laugh. You just can't help it.

I was the only one! He had more of the eggs/biscuits'n'gravy type food since we never have that here at home.

The Halloween party looks really awesome. Especially the parade! It sounds like there's a bit more to do at Halloween, with the villains and the trick-or-treating. It was nice to see the princes, but the Halloween parties seem to have more unique attractions.

Yup, we were put with two other people too! I think next time we'll definitely request our own car since the other two people weren't as into it as we were. The ride isn't really that special but I love the themeing! It's just so goofy.

I always forget the Wave has breakfast! There are so many places I want to try for breakfast but never have time because we always go to the same 2 places-Boma and Crystal Palace. The fact that we're doing Cape May for breakfast in May is a miracle!

You guys got a lot done in AK that morning! I love the Everest queue area, it's so pretty, but those BELLS!!! AHHHHH! I have no tolerance for loud noises either, especially in bell form, like 6 inches from my head.

I'm not really a fan of Dinoland, but I do like how colorful it all is, and the signs are fun to read!

The Wave was really nice for breakfast! It's so nice being away from Chef Mickey's and all the noise in the concourse. As much as I like the deluxes, I don't think I'd be as happy staying there. There's just so many people in the lobbies! I don't care about pool-hopping but apparently I draw the line at lobby-hopping.

I wish that the bells would actually play something? I know a lot of church bells, etc. are set up electronically to play specific music and I think that would be a neat detail in the Everest queue. Better than random people hitting them at any old time.

Haha, I'm pretty sure I'm the only person who really likes Dinoland. It's just so nutty and out there and wrong that I feel obliged to love it.

 

[Merida]

OH MY GOSH, what time were you in the princess line? We might have been there at the SAME time. I might have SEEN you. THIS IS SO INTENSE.

AHHH the Magic, the Memories, and You. You got a MUCH BETTER VIEW than I did, of ALL the entertainment. Lucky.

The toy soldiers are excellent. It blows my mind, to be honest. It actually sounds like they have wooden feet AND they're playing instruments while marching around with God knows what covering their face and it's amazing.

Wait, one of them fell on you?

The kangas and roos are on one of the paths around the Tree of Life. It's a hidden little area. It's pretty secluded, which I was okay with haha. I think they should scrap any Avatar ideas of any kind and do the stinking Beastly Kingdom like they were originally going to. It would be so much more awesome.

I love Dinoland too. It's part of Animal Kingdom so I love it. I don't see the big problem with it. But whatever, everyone's got their own opinion and it's all good. If you love it, you love it. (And thankfully we both love it haha.)

I love elephants so much! They're so precious. You got awesome safari pictures. Good job!!!

During the first parade? I know we were in there at the same time as katt789 because I saw her in line, so maybe 8:30ish? All my time stamps are all messed up, by like 14-16 hours, but I think that's right.

YES. Not all the way, since he caught himself before falling into the crowd but since we were in the very front, I got hit by the shoes. I felt so badly for him! How embarrassing to trip over your monster toy soldier shoes.

Yeah, we never went up by the Tree of Life. I couldn’t figure out how to get up there! But we really didn’t try that hard – we didn’t find DeVine either. Too busy in Dinoland.

I like the Dinoland is usually uncrowded! The paths around Asia/Africa can get jammed so quickly and I really hate that. In Dinorama, there’s space to move and breathe and it’s so nice.

Elephants are great. For such massive animals, they’re so gentle and fun and I just want to hug them and then play in water with them. Way better than hippos.

Animal Kingdom is my favorite park to just wander around aimlessly in. There's just so much to see there!

Um, I think that Disney talks about the animal information (like lions sleeping), because people as a whole are stupid now and don't remember when they learned in school. And I'm not joking.....there are a lot of dumb people out there....

Yeah, that’s probably the reason. But I’d swear that a plot point in the Lion King, that the lady lions do all the work. I think Animal Kingdom does a pretty good job with the whole ‘edu-tainment’ but I feel like they could definitely step it up from ‘basic nature facts’ in some places! Especially since SO much went in to doing the theming that’s subtle and interesting and should be highlighted by the cast members.

I love all of the details on the safari as well! I think Disney reiterates the info we may already know because there's usually people of all ages on the ride, and littler kids may not understand why the lion isn't there roaring away!

I guess, but it’s not like the lions are heavily advertised on the safari and they spend a lot of time on a relatively simple fact. I’d just rather they focus less on that and some more unusual lion facts since ‘sleeps a lot’ is a pretty defining characteristic of all cats (of course, I’m totally biased by the fact that I volunteer with a group that does science demonstrations with kids and they’re usually pretty sharp at working their way through basic concepts. Then volunteers have the chance to do more intricate, esoteric explanations about certain concepts. So in my experience, most kids – who would know to look for a lion – could also reason their way through why they aren’t awake).

 

[archdandy]

It looks like you guys were being very efficient and getting some stuff done in EPCOT. I can't wait to hear what you thought of Kouzzina. Do you and the BF typically like Greek food?

 

[marDgreen88]

During the first parade? I know we were in there at the same time as katt789 because I saw her in line, so maybe 8:30ish? All my time stamps are all messed up, by like 14-16 hours, but I think that's right.

Ohh okay... well, I don't know who that is. BUT! We definitely weren't in there at the same time, then. We were pretty much there right at the start of the party.

I could care less about Cirque honestly haha. FotLK doesn't seem theme parkish to me, I feel like it's not really trying to be a certain type of show, it's just itself. I love it... like, immensely.

Oh man, a gondola ride in the Italy pavilion would be amazing! Especially considering that Italy doesn't even have a movie hahah.

 

[Merida]

I seem to have a fairly regular schedule for falling behind – it probably very closely matches when homeworks are due for the class I TA for. It’s inevitable that the number of emails I receive daily will spike (and not just from more spam I sign up for, trying to get some coupon codes!) for about a week or two. But we’re at the end of the semester (last day of school!) and everything’s slowing down. Plus I think we’ve finally turned a corner with our (four!) foster kittens and we won’t have any more accidents. Just in time for them to go up for adoption (today! Adopt-a-thon weekend oh joy).

I’ve also recently decided it was imperative that I work on my fishtail braiding skills and I’m happy to report that it’s going swimming (as has my renewed dedication to puns). Clearly I am resourceful and productive with my time as the semester winds down!

When I last updated, many moons ago before flickr changed its upload page, we were working our way around the World Showcase.

Across the Way​

We really burned out after Norway – this is honestly the only (decent) picture I have. And we weren’t speed walking! I don’t know. There’s just something about those other countries (i.e., the rideless ones). I go in with the best intentions and then… nothing. Can’t stay focused.

Friendship​

Eventually we made it out of the wasteland that is the back third of World Showcase and onto the Friendship Boats. Slow and slightly inconvenient, but neither of us could figure out a better way of getting to our dinner reservation. I had somehow completely missed that there was a Boardwalk until a year or so ago. My past trips were all very go-go-go and the Boardwalk isn’t featured heavily on any park maps.

The Boardwalk​

I’m pretty sure Bear wishes it would have stayed that way because I am obsessed with the whole area now. Vintage Boardwalk/carnival is a theme that is kind of overplayed right now (at least in the dark corners of the Internet I’m in) but I still have a soft spot for it. Like pretty much everyone in the mid-Atlantic states, I grew up going to the Jersey and Delaware Beaches, so the whole area feels familiar. And it seems that I’ve been reading idealized and romanticized versions of the eastern seaboard since birth – everything from Jacob Have I Loved and Marguerite Henry up to Canada with L.M. Montgomery.

And there are boats! I love boat travel (actually, pretty much all forms of transportation. But my inherent laziness is neither here nor there). And since we’d managed to grab a boat nearly immediately – and given that we would’ve gotten lost on foot – we made it to Kouzzina with plenty of time to spare.

On the Boardwalk​

I really wish Disney would’ve found a better font – and a better use for that apostrophe! – on the Seashore Sweets sign. It’s just so… generic? If I can access the font free through basic word processing programs, it shouldn’t be used on a Disney sign.

Cousin​

We got to Kouzzina before it even opened; this turned out to be a good thing, since once we got inside, they couldn’t find our reservation. The hostesses assured us it wouldn’t be a problem and got to work on their computers. There were quite a few large groups (10+ people, many of whom were complaining about something. The restaurant opening at 4? Someone being late?) and I wonder if there wasn’t a wedding/other event going on. In any case, our piddly group of two wasn’t a problem.

Beauty Queens​

I snuck off to Seashore Sweets to use the bathroom and escape the crowds. Seashore Sweets is adorable, but I’m not sure who the target audience is. Boardwalk Resort guests? If so, I much prefer the mod/value-style food courts. I’m a sucker for a good food court. But the beauty queen dolls were nice! I like when designers include the tacky parts of boardwalk history (or organized crime! There’s so many interesting things that happened around Prohibition – peak of the power of organized crime, forensic science, etc. – that doesn’t really get fairly depicted).

Cookies Too!​

These cookies were disappointing – the black icing was totally not very good. But I would only learn this later. They do look terribly delicious when still in the packaging.

Kouzzina​

We got called in for our table relatively quickly and we had a lovely server. Both of us agree that this was one of the best meals on our trip. We had good service and got some very good food (the pita sampling platter, the Kouzzina trio, the pork, the loukoumades, and some other cake). And we were pretty far away from all the other guests, my favorite restaurant seating arrangement.

Boardwalk Lights​

Considering we went into Kouzzina around 4:00, it was a shock to see it was so dark when we left! We live on graduate student budgets and don’t really go for 3 course meals very often (okay, never. And definitely not to places where it’d be $100+ for the meal, as was the case with Kouzzina).

On the Boardwalk​

Bear wanted to ride the Friendship Boats back and we weren’t as lucky this time. A boat was pulling away right as we got to the dock, so we settled down for a nice wait. The temperature was nice, we were right on the water, and we both needed some time to digest. There were a few things that we wanted to do in Epcot. I just can’t enter the park without doing Spaceship Earth at least once, more is preferable.

A Magical Day​

We came up with a rough plan of attack; walk slowly through the park, hitting up a few attractions on our way out. If Soarin’ had a decent line (doubtful), we’d get in line. Bear had only two conditions for staying in the park – check the Soarin’ line and use our Test Track Fastpasses. Nothing too strenuous to finish up our day.

 

[marDgreen88]

Glad to hear you enjoyed Kouzzina! It sounds like a pretty awesome place. I forget, were yall on the dining plan? If not, did you really pay over $100? GOOD LORD hahahaha.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

The Boardwalk area...I adore it as well!! Isn't it just the most wonderful, peaceful area? One of my favorite Disney memories is being on the Boardwalk super-early with DBF, sitting outside the Boardwalk Bakery eating breakfast.

(Of COURSE it involves food!! )

Glad you enjoyed your dinner at Kouzzina! That restaurant really is great, isn't it? I do totally agree about the sign fonts though. And that rogue apostrophe. It drives me a little nuts too!

 

[archdandy]

I love the Boardwalk as well! We actually were trying to rent DVC points for our upcoming trip there but it didn't work out so no Boardwalk for us Did you stop in to the Boardwalk bakery by any chance? They have the best cupcakes!

 

[Merida]

Hey everyone, sorry I've been so flaky! My end-of-semester ended up being way more hectic than I thought - there's lots of ways that coordinating a 150-page group paper, collecting and grading close to 45 student assignments can go off schedule. And then after all that, Bear and I decided to pack up the car and drive a little over 1,000 miles for four days...

here!

It was tons of fun and Bear is already teasing me mercilessly about how I still haven't managed to edit pictures from December's trip and now I have more! So in between unpacking and totaling up receipts I'm going to try and get everything organized and caught up on anything and everything!

(photo)

 

[Merida]

The boat ride back to Epcot took much longer than our previous voyage. I’m not sure if it was an illusion created by our eagerness to be back in the parks, but it was practically years of waiting before we reached International Gateway.

And then Bear wanted a restroom stop.

What?

International Gateway​

We were so close to the gates after his choice of excruciatingly slow transport. But back on the dock we had agreed to be more relaxed when touring, so there really wasn’t any other option besides exploring International Gateway while I waited.

It turns out that International Gateway is really boring at night when no one else is around and it’s too dark to explore. There are some banners and the restroom signs (all of which I have exhaustively documented) and that’s about it. The lighting isn’t the best out there either.

Bear eventually came back out, when I was close to expiring from sheer boredom, and we were off!

Duffy, Scourge of the High Seas​

Only to be distracted by the Window o’ Duffies. I just can’t resist a good teddy bear in a sailor suit. I totally understand why the Japanese are so obsessed with Shelly Mae and friends – especially the Jedi version. He comes with his own light saber!

As anyone might have guessed, the lines at Soarin’ were still incredibly long. But Living with the Land was a walk-on (surprise!)! After the debacle earlier in the afternoon with no more Living with the Land passes and a filled-up queue, we had to try this own out.

Living with the Land​

I didn’t really know much about Living with the Land and the opening scenes did not help. Looking back, I’m not sure I even remember what these are? Besides a very realistic looking tree.

Buffalo​

Or some buffalo!

Farm House​

The porch is a little more self-explanatory. This is where the thunderstorm is, yes?

Greenhouses​

I love the greenhouse roof. It’s just so plasticky-looking in the best possible way.

Living with the Land


Lilly Pad
​

I love greenhouses and this one is no exception. So much variety and for most of the time I was too busy looking around (and poking Bear so I could repeat the recording verbatim to him).

I’ve read that Living with the Land used to have narrators, similar to Great Movie Ride. I am so glad that for whatever reason – cut backs, penny pinching, whatever – that they are gone now. The ride works much, much better without the hit-or-miss nature of real live people hosts. Long live pre-recorded narration!

Sturgeons


Fish Face​

Even a fish room! I know fish farming has some (serious) implementation problems but I still have a weakness for them. Especially since humans haven’t really figured out how to fish sustainably (not quite the same thing, but look up statistics on shark populations. It’s just awful).

Living with the Land is seriously the coolest – and a personal favorite - ride in Epcot. They’re doing research on space agriculture in here (my picture of the sign sadly got corrupted). Agriculture! In space!! I have meant to look and see if there are any publications that have come out this program but I haven’t found the time yet.

We sat through the little movie bit – about as interesting and useful as the first part, minus the animatronics. The video clips need about 151850% more space agriculture and then I will play attention.

Test Track​

Clearly the only possible follow up to such an excellent attraction is Test Track. Bear loves Test Track, partly because of the outdoor bit and partly because I always close my eyes at the brick wall. Or what used to be the brick wall – now I think it’s a door? Maybe it always was a door, I’ve never actually seen it!

Road Work Ahead​

Didn’t there use to be a duckling crossing sign in the queue? I miss that sign!

Test Track was as good as always (even though it is distinctly lacking in space anything) and we headed towards the Epcot gates, content. Of course, who wants to leave merely content? Thank goodness that Spaceship Earth had a short line – it’s the easiest, guaranteed way to elevate your theme park experience.

We finally made it out of the Epcot right as everyone was gathering for Illuminations. The entrance plaza was blissfully empty. So nice and empty that Bear agreed to forego the trams and walk back to the car on foot.

Since neither of us remembered where the car was parked, this turned out for the best. The tram announcements always make me second guess myself; walking through the quiet parking lot, it’s easier to remember that small scrap of information.

Christmas Lights​

Port Orleans is really lovely at night with all the lights reflecting in the river. This room had probably my favorite “holiday” decorations of the whole trip. By the time we made it back to the room, I was practically dying of thirst. We had barely taken advantage of our room’s prime location and that needed to be remedied! Plus it was barely past nine – surely we weren’t tired yet?

Waterwheels


Port Orleans


Sassagoula Steamworks​

Well, we were, but I needed a drink and a print out of our room charges and dining credits to show Bear. He has a truly astonishing lack of faith in my basic mathematics skills (when it’s actually trigonometry and geometry that I’m awful at. He always gets those mixed up).

Christmas in Port Orleans


Christmas in Port Orleans 2


Christmas in Port Orleans 3​

Bear chose to chat with the DVC rep as I ran around the lobby, refilling mugs (then giving them to Bear), taking some pictures, and waiting at the desk. It usually works out this way – it’s definitely faster because Bear will talk to anyone and everyone. I’m not even sure what all they were talking about but it kept him entertained and happy as I poked around the lobby. Even with various delays, I had to wait while Bear wrapped up his conversation and collected all his brochures, business cards, and various pieces of papers. By the end of the trip we had an entire bag full of this sort of Disney marketing – Bear loves a good brochure.

 

[Nermel9]

Are you going to do a Disneyland TR? Please do a Disneyland TR!!! At least, post some pictures here!

The International Gateway looks really pretty, all decorated for Christmas!

I love Living with the Land, I don't know why we skipped it in May! I don't remember it ever having a real person narrating, but I'm with you, I'll take the pre-recorded narrator any day! I kind of wish they would do that for the Great Movie ride, but then I guess they'd have to give up on the whole gangster/cowboy story lines.

POR is so beautiful, I bet it's really pretty, all decorated for the holidays!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Oh my god, I'm so jealous that you had a trip to Disneyland! Argh, I want to go back so badly.

I love Living with the Land, but I actually miss the people who used to operate the ride. I like the more personal touch.

 

[marDgreen88]

I want to go to Disneyland.

Living with the Land looks awesome at night. You take wonderful pictures.