The "I've Waited Forever to Go Solo" Mom's Leaving Everyone Behind Trip! Updt 3/11

[CJsMom]

You got to see Divine!! Off to put Yak and Yeti on my to-do list...

 

[corinnak]

Hi Allyson! SO glad you got a non-rain morning anyhow! It sounds like you had a great time at AK on your own. So does this mean you opted against checking out the surgeries at conservation station? Or did I miss something? Time will tell, I suppose. Cause time is a stupid tattletale!

I would love to try Yak & Yeti sometime except that they have no vegetarian food - except the desserts, I guess. I'm glad you got to try it anyhow! How was that pie? It sounds so unusual!

I sure wish people would lay off feeding the wildlife - bad for the animals, bad for us - obnoxious birds are the last thing I want on vacation. Well, maybe not the LAST thing.....

So what's this mysterious, never-heretofore-seen show?

 

[MomofCKJ]

I would so love to see DeVine.......she is beautiful, indeed

Great update and pics

Thanks and yes look for her on your next trip!

Enjoying!!! Anxiously waiting for more!!

Paula

Thanks, it is coming!

I am up to my animal kingdom day too! It is a fabulous place to notice the details when u are solo isn't it?!

It really truly is! There is so much detail put into this park, it is quite amazing!

Is the outdoor seating area for the Yak and Yeti CS shaded at all? I always have a hard time figuring out where to eat CS-wise at Animal Kingdom. Your lunch looks yummy!

Your detail shots are just awesome! I think I have said it before, but I just love the theming of AK!

I think there were umbrellas on the tables, I'm about positive of it. I remember on your report how much you love the signs and things at AK!

Great update. And yeah for no rain (so far). I've only been to AK once or twice and I don't think I saw any of the interesting things you've pictured. I'm looking forward to slowing down and taking it all in next trip!

Yes do really take it all in. So much detail and effort went into creating AK. It really is a neat place to explore slowly.

I loved Y and Y CS last time we went. We also had the honey chicken and it was so good! I wish I had know how much food they gave you, DH and I would have split one. We had tons left over!

It was huge, I didn't eat it all but I did eat a lot of it!

Enjoying your updates - you're making me long for another solo!!! Just 32 more sleeps until my b-day trip with my D-Sis, so should be close to a solo as we're pretty similar in routines and what we like to do!

Your next trip will be here real soon!

That lunch looks pretty good! It sounds like counter service might be the way to go at Yak and Yeti.

I would go again, it was delicious!

Another great update, Allyson! I love your pictures.

Devine is one of my favorite things about AK. I have a million pictures of her but your second one was my favorite of all time!

So beautiful!

MEL

Hey Mel! How are you? I've been having trouble keeping up with my DISing, miss seeing all these familiar faces! Thanks for posting!

I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the CS at Yak and Yeti. We actually have ADRs for the TS in October, but hopefully the food will be the same. How did you like the Mango pie? We're still trying to decide what DH should have for dessert since he can't have what he really wanted (the brownie sundae) because it has nuts in it.

Mango pie was a delight if you like mango! It had a sweet shortbread crust, I enjoyed it!

Great update! Yak & Yeti is so good! It was one of my favorite meals during our last trip!

So cool you get to do whatever you want!

Yes it was a fun day of exploration!

What a great update! Glad you liked Yak & Yeti we have ADRs for December i can't wait!!!

I'm sure the TS will be fab as well!

Just joining in. I am lookng forward to more of your wonderful tr.

Awwww, thank you!

Great update and pics.

I saw devine for the first time in January and she was fantastic.

Isn't she?

I've never seen Devine before! Someday.

Put it on the neverending Disney To Do List!

Hi Allyson,
Loving the TR so far, just a shame about the weather, hopefully it clears up soon!
We have ADRs for Yak and Yeti, after hearing your review, I'm really looking forward to it!

Di x

Yes I would like to try the TS sometime too. The CS food was really so good!

Allyson! I'm all caught up and I have to say your pictures are just wonderful! You did a great job of capturing the beauty and uniqueness of AK. I just love it there!

And by the way, you are my hero as well, I will NEVER get on Expedition Everest - it scares the crap out of me! You are so BRAVE!!!

LOL, oh try EE! It is exhilerating!

Great update Allyson! I always feel relaxed when I read your updates because of how relaxed YOU were on your trip!! Glad you liked Yak & Yeti! How is your training going?

Training is going well! Thanks for asking! Yesterday's run was 3 miles but felt really good. Next week the mileage starts upping! Yikes!

You got to see Divine!! Off to put Yak and Yeti on my to-do list...

Yes add it to that list!

Hi Allyson! SO glad you got a non-rain morning anyhow! It sounds like you had a great time at AK on your own. So does this mean you opted against checking out the surgeries at conservation station? Or did I miss something? Time will tell, I suppose. Cause time is a stupid tattletale!

I would love to try Yak & Yeti sometime except that they have no vegetarian food - except the desserts, I guess. I'm glad you got to try it anyhow! How was that pie? It sounds so unusual!

I sure wish people would lay off feeding the wildlife - bad for the animals, bad for us - obnoxious birds are the last thing I want on vacation. Well, maybe not the LAST thing.....

So what's this mysterious, never-heretofore-seen show?

No veggie options at all? Well that is too bad. I thought most places had at least one. Maybe the TS would have something. The pie was really tasty, I
liked it alot!

I'll fill you in, no Conservation Station at all. You know even solo with all the time in the world, so you think, you still can't really do it all. There were just some things on my list I didn't get to. Mostly because I'd be doing one thing and think "I just want to keep doing this" or "I don't really feel like doing that right now after all". It's all good though!


Allyson

 

[corinnak]

Allyson,
No veggie food at all - at least according to the menus on allears. It seems weird because, you know, it really COULD be. Maybe they'll make exclusions on things at the table service - who knows. I don't usually like to make a big deal, but it is frustrating when there is just nothing at a place.

I hear ya on not getting to everything. It's not possible in one trip, even when you don't have anyone else to worry about. Savoring the moment is what it's about, even if it doesn't match expectations. Conservation Station can sure take a chunk of time out of a day, too. Just getting to and from, even!

Congrats on your training going well. I'm having a slight issue, but heading out for 3 today and 4 on Saturday, I think! We'll be there before we know it. I forget - where are y'all staying for marathon weekend?

 

[MomofCKJ]

Okay so I can't remember the exact order of things as I told you. I do remember it was HOT. Really HOT. So when I was over by the Tusker House I grabbed a Frozen Lemonade. It hit the spot. I watched a dancing/drumming show over that way for a short bit, it was cute when they had guests trying to do the moves.

I decided to do the trail. I had never done this one before. I think now having done both I like the one with the Gorillas better. This time I did the Maharajah, last time I did the Pangani, I get them so confused. But I like the Gorilla one better.

Here are some photos from the Maharajah Trail that I took:

The part with the bats was probably my favorite. They are pretty unique and amazing creatures!

More of my pretending to be an artsy photographer

Trail done I noticed that a show I had never seen was just starting. It was, the bird show! I have never seen this show before, Flights of Wonder. I went in and was easily able to get a seat. And you know what? This is a good show! Aside from the hokey female host I liked it all. The male host was fine but she was supposed to play the sort of dopey sidekick and I found her most annoying. But the birds are the real stars and they were beautiful. I really liked this show and would recommend you find a way to fit it into your next AK visit. I didn't take any pictures however as I was just enjoying watching and didn't want to be behind a camera.

Now I decided to head down towards the FOTLK area. I was close to melting at this point. It was really humid. Ick. You know how you feel when you have like that coating of sweat all over you? That is how I felt. I knew my day would be ending soon and I'd head back to Pop for a break. I walked all the way over though because I wanted to see what characters were out down there.

Next up, the one and only time I was made to feel uncomfortable for being by myself.....

Allyson

 

[ILuvCrush]

Yay!! an update!!! A terrific one per usual

uncomfortable.... What??? what happened????I NEED to know!!! Please don't let me hang too long!!

Paula

 

[askelton]

The part with the bats was probably my favorite. They are pretty unique and amazing creatures!

I find them so fascinating and could watch them for quite a while. Their wings are so thin yet so strong.

Trail done I noticed that a show I had never seen was just starting. It was, the bird show! I have never seen this show before, Flights of Wonder. I went in and was easily able to get a seat. And you know what? This is a good show! Aside from the hokey female host I liked it all. The male host was fine but she was supposed to play the sort of dopey sidekick and I found her most annoying. But the birds are the real stars and they were beautiful. I really liked this show and would recommend you find a way to fit it into your next AK visit. I didn't take any pictures however as I was just enjoying watching and didn't want to be behind a camera.

I also love this show. The birds are amazing and of course, the eagle always tears at my heart.

 

[AussieAngel]

Augh! Bats and the bird show!!

I have a phobia of things with wings, so they're the two things I have to skip at Animal Kingdom, I'm afraid!

I'm glad you had fun though.

Thanks for another great update!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I am definitely insisting on doing the trails next year -- I have never been able to convince my family to do them (it's always so hot at AK), but next year I am putting my foot down -- your photos have convinced me it's a must-do!

 

[LISAMWDW]

Great update! I really like the trails too! I haven't seen the Bird show in a long time. I'll have to watch it next time.

What a cliffhanger!!! Urhhhhggg, what happened?

 

[scottny]

great update and pics.

oh no that does not sound good about what is coming up. I go solo in 2 weeks. Can't wait to hear what it was.

 

[Ellester]

Another fun update. I'll have to look for the fat Yeti's. Anabelle found a fat Sully at the under $10 store in DTD when we stopped in last August. She loves that silly thing! I'm going to have to put Yak & Yeti on our lunch list now that Tusker House is no longer CS.

 

[retiredkid]

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Great update! I think that is actual sunshine that I see in your pictures!! I can't agree w/ you on the bats... creepy ... but I really am looking forward to more exploring in AK... hopefully in cooler temperatures.

Yikes - something/someone made you feel uncomfortable?? I hope it was a fleeting feeling!!

 

[corinnak]

Ohhh the bird show, of course! I love that one. And was the woman playing the "tour guide" part this time? I agree, that is a bit of an annoying bit. But overall, a really fun bird show! Glad you had a chance to see it.

We the bats. They are so amazing. Last time we did that trail, I think the only thing we went for was the bats - everything else was a walk-by. Those are some MASSIVE bats, though! The aviary is also really interesting, but you kind of have to plant yourself in there and watch. The bats are just....there!

I love your theme shots - I have a photo of that tiger as well. They did a really nice job with that trail, I think.

Oh, and I so unfortunately know that sweaty feeling you're talking about. Like every bit of your clothes are a little (or a lot) moist. Ugh. And there's so relatively little AC in AK! I can't wait for the rest. And yet...I must!

 

[PISCESANGEL]

Wow - you really covered alot at AK - I'm sorry to say that we missed it this last trip, especially after seeing your pictures!

Another cliffhanger...I can't wait...I must know what happened!!

 

[Hsminnie]

C'mon Allyson!!! You know you can't leave us like this!!



BTW, I'm completing the trio by taking my youngest daughter to WDW for her 8th birthday in November. I haven't gone alone yet but I'm putting my time in!!

 

[kathleen27]

After this I headed to POTC. I got to the end and wait, where is everyone? It was just me. Yup. Just me. They told me to get in the front row and then off my boat went. All by myself. I'll admit at times it was a little creepy. Like right before the hill when it gets really dark. Just odd.

When my boat pulled in at the end the CM said over the mic "What happened to your crew?", made me giggle.

Cool you had the boat to yourself.
That's a great line from that CM.

He already got me tickets! How cool is he? He knew about this show a month ago and got tickets for us the day they went on sale! That is my man, oh how I adore him! Now I just need to get him to love the Mouse!

That's fantastic!!!! Have a great time at the concert!!!!

I wake up and carefully tiptoe over to the curtains to peek. And guess what? Sun! WOW!

I didn't show up. I just didn't go. I decided that I was going to do what I wanted and not worry about that I might have messed things up for Tusker House and that one person out there who might have wanted my little two top table. I just didn't show up. It was my way of rebelling I guess and I promise in the future to call and cancel ADRs but this was an empowering moment for me so it is what it is.

Yay! for the sun coming out.

I am betting a lot of those early ADRS are missed.

I headed off and decided to walk down a path I had never been on. It is quite shady and quiet and has dinosaurs on it. A nice cool private place to take a break next time you are in AK and need one.

I have never seen this trail. That dinosaur looks really neat!

I had the Honey Chicken (8.99), Mango Pie (3.59) and a Coke (2.09).

That looks really good. The mango pie is already on my wish list, but the chicken looks great too. My kids love pizzafari too though, so we always end up there.

I love when I get to see Devine. How unique she is! She is beautiful and yet creepy and mysterious sort of all in one. Almost as much as I enjoy watching her is watching other people watch her. Especially if you can tell it is their first time. And not just children. You can see adults with the wheels spinning in their head as to "what is she?". I saw some Austrailian young adults see her and one girl was like "That tree, she has a face!" and the genuine look of amazement on her face was just so cool!

We saw her for the first time in Feb and even though I knew about her, I'm sure I still had that stunned expression.

The part with the bats was probably my favorite. They are pretty unique and amazing creatures!

More of my pretending to be an artsy photographer

The bats are amazing.

Great photos from the tiger area!!!

I've never seen the bird show. It may have to wait for a solo trip. The kids have a definate limit to how many shows, parades, and fireworks they are willing to do.

 

[MEK]

I continue to enjoy your trip report and your pics are fab! I did a solo trip in January and, while it was very enjoyable, I think it will be a few years before I do it again. How 'bout you? Do you think you will do a solo again in the near future? I'm also curious about what happened to make you uncomfortable as a solo - do tell!


I should note that I have a short 4 night trip planned with DH in December. I am really looking forward to this, since he is pretty flexible about what we do. It's like I get my way, but I still have company. However, if something happens and DH can't go b/c of work, I will be going by myself - it's on points and too difficult to change!

 

[Muffinygood]

Hi Allyson! I love the bird show too! It gets knocked sometimes but I really do like it. And your photo of the temple with the lady dancing on it is gorgeous. You are a good photographer!

I'm fine by the way, thanks for asking! You should pop over to TFW to say hi once in a while. I'm totally with you on the having trouble Dis'ing. It's so crazy here and now I'm having surgery again. I haven't posted to my TR in over a month.

Keep up the great work. I'm really enjoying your report and I'm very curious about what made you feel bad about being solo....

MEL