The Snarkiest Safari That Ever Sailed! An October 2018, Food & Wine Trip! Complete 4/26/19!!

[Tracy161]

What a cute picture of the two of you! And I LOVE your shirt!!!

I highly recommend booking this (or the equally, if not more amazing, Keys to the MK tour that we did last year).

I'd love to do this tour! I was signed up for KTTK back in May... but then ended up with horrendous vertigo and failed to leave my hotel room for the last portion of my trip and had to cancel I'm excited to try again another time - and do the Marceline tour, too!

The crowds - or lack thereof - looked great that afternoon! But not to last by the sounds of things...

Excited to hear about the party!

 

[pkondz]

I have a deep affection for Roy after listening to the Connecting With Walt podcast about the building of WDW. It never would have happened without Roy. He deserves a more permanent spot on Main Street. He's usually in the center of town square, but I think for Halloween and Christmas they move him out of the way for the decorations

Walt was gone and the whole thing could've just... not.

Which doesn't bear thinking of!

Book the tour

Okay, okay...

Me too! I admit though that it was initially my DS who pointed it out to me when he was 9. I wasn't quite the Dis-nut back then as I am now

What was his and your reaction??

 

[kastoney]

This is why you, me and @kastoney will get along so well

You know it!!!

And that is where the pictures end. As you can see, we did the Marceline to the Magic Kingdom tour. It was awesome, but sadly, they do not allow pictures in the backstage areas so if you want to see what it's all about, I highly recommend booking this (or the equally, if not more amazing, Keys to the MK tour that we did last year).

Oh so excited you got to do this. I can't wait to hear all about it in May. I've always wanted to do a tour, but will have to wait until Casey is a bit older so she'll actually enjoy it.

Afterwards, we used our FP for the HM and caught Madame Leota with her eyes open.

Is it bad that I had no idea her eyes even opened?

You can see how uncrowded it was this day. This was around 1 pm and Main Street was practically empty.
I wish I could say the same for later that night

That is awesome. I love party days in the parks. Its a great way to avoid the crowds. Though worried about what you are going to encounter later

 

[wdwnut61]

Gorgeous sunrise!

this one and the Partner statue

And that is where the pictures end. As you can see, we did the Marceline to the Magic Kingdom tour. It was awesome, but sadly, they do not allow pictures in the backstage areas so if you want to see what it's all about, I highly recommend booking this (or the equally, if not more amazing, Keys to the MK tour that we did last year).

Did you prefer one tour over the other?

She was very sweet and at the end I asked to get a picture with her and she even let me hold her tour guide stick

Love it lol

Beautiful shot

 

[KathyM2]

That tour does sound super cool. I know pictures might spoil it but I'm still really curious lol!!

I got the tuna sandwich and green beans...

This is what I always get there, when you are super tired of fried food!!

 

[buzzrelly]

What a cool tour Kelly! Too bad you couldn't take pics!!!

It was awesome, but I totally understand why you can't take pictures. Some things are better left unseen and then when you do these tours, it's actually really special to see them

What a cute picture of the two of you! And I LOVE your shirt!!!

I'd love to do this tour! I was signed up for KTTK back in May... but then ended up with horrendous vertigo and failed to leave my hotel room for the last portion of my trip and had to cancel

Oh, no! That's terrible! Can you take anything for that or do you just have to wait until it passes? I hope you get to try to do the tour again someday

Which doesn't bear thinking of!

Exactly

What was his and your reaction??

It was so funny at first! This was long before I was the true Disney fan I am today and I never realized how many hidden touches and back stories there were to the rides/attractions. Once he pointed it out to me, of course we had to make sure we caught it every time

I've always wanted to do a tour, but will have to wait until Casey is a bit older so she'll actually enjoy it.

That's what I was waiting for, but it kind of works out that Mike and I have been going alone because he loves these kinds of things. Now that my kids are at an age that they could do it, I don't think they'd appreciate it like an adult does. I'm imagining it might be something like the Savanna bus tour

Is it bad that I had no idea her eyes even opened?

Not at all bad! But it's fun to catch. Next time you're there wth Casey, just before you get to the doors to enter the HM, she is on the left. You have to watch for a bit, but her eyes will pop open

Though worried about what you are going to encounter later

It made Mickey's Not-So Scary Halloween Party kind of scary

Did you prefer one tour over the other?

They were both great, but if I had to pick just one, I'd prefer the KTTK, if only because it's longer and you actually get to go into the Utilidors which was super cool. Both of the tours have a lot of content and I was afraid they would overlap too much, but happily they didn't. And both of the guides we had were REALLY good and knowledgeable…I have read a lot about the history of DL and Walt and I was afraid I would have known everything they were going to say, but they definitely knew their stuff!

Beautiful shot

All shots from the People Mover are

That tour does sound super cool. I know pictures might spoil it but I'm still really curious lol!!

Book the tour You won't be disappointed

This is what I always get there, when you are super tired of fried food!!

I like that they have so many healthier options

 

[pkondz]

It was so funny at first! This was long before I was the true Disney fan I am today and I never realized how many hidden touches and back stories there were to the rides/attractions. Once he pointed it out to me, of course we had to make sure we caught it every time

 

[Terra Nova guy]

And that is where the pictures end. As you can see, we did the Marceline to the Magic Kingdom tour. It was awesome, but sadly, they do not allow pictures in the backstage areas so if you want to see what it's all about, I highly recommend booking this (or the equally, if not more amazing, Keys to the MK tour that we did last year).

I would really like to do a tour someday. I suspect it will have to wait until I get to do an adults only trip. I don't expect it's really something to do with a family. I can't see my DDs having the interest for it. In fact, I may have to do it solo. I don't know if DW would even be into it. I am definitely the Dis-nerd of my house!

I also got my Roy and Minnie pic. They keep moving him around Main Street and sometimes he's hard to find.

I can't remember getting a picture on this bench before. I had wanted to try doing it on my last trip, but I never noticed it. Probably moved around for the Halloween decorations, like you mentioned.

 

[jrmint427]

I'm jumping in late, but all caught up now and enjoying your trip report!

Wait, what?? While I was on the DME on my way to the Poly, Mike was at the airport picking me up

I could totally see this happening to my husband and I!

And of course, dinner here wouldn't be complete without this delicious dish of yumminess,
Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake:

I'm still dreaming about this dessert. I almost made us a reservation at LTT on our trip last month just to eat dessert and then decided against it, but I'm already regretting that decision.

We were literally the only people there for a bit and we got to chatting with them because they had shirts on that I thought said, "4 parks in one day," but when I asked them about it they pointed out that it wasn't 4 parks in one day, they were doing 6 parks in one day! They were starting with DHS, then going to EPCOT, MK and AK before flying out to Anaheim and doing DL and DCA.

That is awesome you met them! I think I read about their story on Facebook but will now have to find their trip report here...

Guy: "I'm Art Smith."
Me: "No You're NOT!"

Two celebrities in one day! That is too funny, I wouldn't have known what he looked liked, but so cool you got to meet him.

As you can see, we did the Marceline to the Magic Kingdom tour. It was awesome, but sadly, they do not allow pictures in the backstage areas so if you want to see what it's all about, I highly recommend booking this (or the equally, if not more amazing, Keys to the MK tour that we did last year).

I would love to take one of these tours some day! Were there any kids on the tour? I'm still debating at what age I could bring my kids.

 

[buzzrelly]

I don't know if DW would even be into it. I am definitely the Dis-nerd of my house!

I wouldn't have thought my DH would like the tours either, but her actually prefers them to riding just about anything

I can't remember getting a picture on this bench before. I had wanted to try doing it on my last trip, but I never noticed it. Probably moved around for the Halloween decorations, like you mentioned.

He's worth looking for, I just wish they would leave him be.

I'm jumping in late, but all caught up now and enjoying your trip report!

Thanks for reading!

I'm still dreaming about this dessert. I almost made us a reservation at LTT on our trip last month just to eat dessert and then decided against it, but I'm already regretting that decision.

I'm trying to figure out a way to fit it into our three days in April. I don't think it's going to happen, unfortunately

I would love to take one of these tours some day! Were there any kids on the tour? I'm still debating at what age I could bring my kids.

I think they have to be 16 for the tours, but by then they will be annoying teens and you can just let them sleep while you and your DH go

 

[buzzrelly]

October 18, 2018
BOO TO YOU, AND YOU, AND YOU, AND YOU!


Sometime later, we headed back to the MK and though the bypass to get our candy bags and take some pictures.

Mike was still kind of full from his lunch, but I was getting kind of hungry.
I didn't want to waste time later eating during the party so we headed to Pecos Bill and I got the Southwest Chicken Salad.
I also got some extras from the fixins' bar to add to it. This was so good and I definitely had it at least one other day during this trip. And I'm sure I'll get it again in April when we go

The party hadn't officially started yet and the crowds were kind of low. I made Mike wait in line with me for BTMR and when we got up to the ride, he stepped through. Oh well, at least I didn't have to wait by myself.
It definitely was the wildest ride in the wilderness!

After that, we headed back and rode Pirate's again. It was still the regular ride since it was still pre-party.
And there were still no mermaids on the beach

We had another round with grim grinning ghosts...

and then made our way over to Fantasyland so Mike could get a snack.

This was his but I made him give it to me before he could eat it so I could take a picture

At 7 o'clock we headed to Tomorrowland because now that the party was starting I wanted to try out Space Mountain with the lights off.
This already had a REALLY long line by the time I got in it, as in backed up halfway to the People Mover.
I didn't make Mike wait with me this time and he went off to wander around.

I took this picture at 7:23, so I guess the line was about 25 minutes. I also waited and asked to be sat anywhere BUT the back row since I get too shook up back there, so my wait might have been a couple minutes shorter if I hadn't asked for that.

Space Mountain with the lights off was definitely not as good as with the lights on, and I didn't really care for the music they played.
It was just kind of a weird experience to be in the pitch, pitch black.

I found Mike over at the Monster's dance party and we walked over to ride the Tea Cups but again, found a very long line to get on.
We got in line but after watching for a couple minutes to see what we were waiting for, we decided the wait wasn't worth it.
So we hopped out of line and cut through Fantasyland again,

to go see POTC with the party enhancements. Of course, this ALSO had a pretty long line...

and I don't think the actors really added anything to it.
It was kind of disappointing , especially since we had been getting on with very short waits before the party.

The crowds were really starting to get to us. We did do a little trick-or-treating but even those lines were super long. We were walking near the Trading Post and noticed they were setting up for the parade. We spotted a little space on a wall and sat to wait since it seemed like we weren't getting much else done.

We were actually really happy with our seats and our view. I do love this parade, in fact, it may just be my favorite in all of WDW

Afterwards, we walked back to Main Street to watch Hallowishes. We didn't have a great spot for pictures, but we enjoyed the fireworks anyway.

We decided we had had enough and headed out by 11, which was kind of a bummer.

We did get some cute PP pictures, but none of the cute character pictures that other people got since we just didn't want to waste that much time in their lines.


This picture cracks me up because I wasn't sure what the photographer was asking and I couldn't keep a straight face,
let alone look scared

It wasn't a terrible evening, but if we go back next fall, I think we might skip it unless they make it a more exclusive event and sell half the tickets (right…I know that's not happening ). It's too bad because this used to be one of my absolute favorite things, but I no longer think it's worth the money you pay. I'd rather pay for an after hours event where you get free snacks and no lines or crowds.

We were home by midnight and decided to sleep in tomorrow morning, but did we??? That'll be up next!
​

 

[jrmint427]

Space Mountain with the lights off was definitely not as good as with the lights on

I’m trying to picture this and not sure I would like riding in pitch dark!

Sorry the party wasn’t as good as it had been in the past. We went for the first time last year and felt like it was pretty crowded too. The candy lines were ridiculous so we gave up on those quickly when we went!

 

[buzzrelly]

I’m trying to picture this and not sure I would like riding in pitch dark!

I don't think it really added to the experience, it did make it slightly more creepy maybe?? I just remember being glad when it was over.

 

[disneyAndi14]

It wasn't a terrible evening, but if we go back next fall, I think we might skip it unless they make it a more exclusive event and sell half the tickets (right…I know that's not happening ). It's too bad because this used to be one of my absolute favorite things, but I no longer think it's worth the money you pay. I'd rather pay for an after hours event where you get free snacks and no lines or crowds.

I totally agree, what a disappointment that Disney is selling so many tickets now! A few years ago our party was so awesome, very low crowds and so much fun! I have such a hard time not doing this party, I love it way more than the Christmas one but wall to wall crowds not fun! Hopefully Disney will research all the comments from this year and realize this is not the way to go! We can dream right!! Love all your pictures!

 

[Terra Nova guy]

This was his but I made him give it to me before he could eat it so I could take a picture

What did he think of it? I'm just curious. I had the Peter Pan float with the same ice cream. I found it tart, but refreshing.

Space Mountain with the lights off was definitely not as good as with the lights on, and I didn't really care for the music they played.
It was just kind of a weird experience to be in the pitch, pitch black.

Hmmm...I'm not so disappointed that I missed this now.

to go see POTC with the party enhancements. Of course, this ALSO had a pretty long line...

Interesting. Long story short, I didn't get to see any of the ride enhancements. I had assumed the lines wouldn't be too bad, but maybe the enhancements were drawing crowds to those rides. I definitely wouldn't have waiting more than 15 minutes at a party for any ride.

but none of the cute character pictures that other people got since we just didn't want to waste that much time in their lines.

Oh my, if I only had a time machine to go back to my party night.

It wasn't a terrible evening, but if we go back next fall, I think we might skip it unless they make it a more exclusive event and sell half the tickets (right…I know that's not happening ). It's too bad because this used to be one of my absolute favorite things, but I no longer think it's worth the money you pay. I'd rather pay for an after hours event where you get free snacks and no lines or crowds.

I could have written this myself (and I'm not trying to sell my TR, but it's basically what I'll be saying too...eventually...when I get to it...).

 

[Jenny Sanders]

I love all your Magic Shots Kelly! You and Mike look great!

 

[missjackiemcg]

I love people watching through POTC pics LOL The kids behind you have great costumes on!

It looks like you're singing

What a bummer that the party wasn't as fun as expected, but I sure love the pics you came away with!

 

[Cloe Colton]

I agree that the parties just seem too busy now! I wanted to do one with DH next September but I'm really considering just doing MK during the day before a party and then skipping out once the crowds pour in!

 

[pkondz]

Cute shirts.

I didn't want to waste time later eating during the party so we headed to Pecos Bill and I got the Southwest Chicken Salad....
This was so good and I definitely had it at least one other day during this trip. And I'm sure I'll get it again in April when we go

Thanks for the tip!

I made Mike wait in line with me for BTMR and when we got up to the ride, he stepped through.

Nice of him to wait with you though.

It definitely was the wildest ride in the wilderness!

Top 3 ride for me in MK. Maybe even all of Disney.

And there were still no mermaids on the beach

And later?

We had another round with grim grinning ghosts...

Yuss… Top ride in Disney.

This was his but I made him give it to me before he could eat it so I could take a picture

And... how was it?

I took this picture at 7:23, so I guess the line was about 25 minutes.

Not too bad.

Space Mountain with the lights off was definitely not as good as with the lights on, and I didn't really care for the music they played.
It was just kind of a weird experience to be in the pitch, pitch black.

Interesting. That's why most people go on it. I wouldn't as I don't think my back would be too happy with me. Then again... who knows.

I've seen him before (on another TR).

and I don't think the actors really added anything to it.

Oh? Too bad. The other TR writer really liked them.

Heh. Last row.

We were actually really happy with our seats and our view. I do love this parade, in fact, it may just be my favorite in all of WDW

Nice! Best parade in WDW.

Not bad! He's so hard to get.

Love those guys.

we enjoyed the fireworks anyway.

Best fireworks, imho.

This picture cracks me up because I wasn't sure what the photographer was asking and I couldn't keep a straight face,
let alone look scared

Such a cool shot.

It wasn't a terrible evening, but if we go back next fall, I think we might skip it unless they make it a more exclusive event and sell half the tickets (right…I know that's not happening ).

Sorry you feel that way. I enjoy it so much. I'd love to go again. Just love the ambiance.

 

[Tracy161]

Oh, no! That's terrible! Can you take anything for that or do you just have to wait until it passes? I hope you get to try to do the tour again someday

I actually think what I took for nausea was the cause (scopalamine) but whatever they prescribed me when I got home did wonders! Although it still took a good month before I was back to 100%. Without anti-nausea aids, I can't ride anything much crazier than the People Mover (see the title of one of my TRs for proof ) without extreme nausea so it's a tradeoff

This was his but I made him give it to me before he could eat it so I could take a picture

What a good DISer you are!

We did get some cute PP pictures, but none of the cute character pictures that other people got since we just didn't want to waste that much time in their lines.

Your pictures really are super cute! I'm with you though - I can't justify waiting in those lines to meet characters.

This is awesome! It looks like you're serenading the ghost

What a bummer about the crowds that night... I haven't done MNSSHP myself yet, but it's always been on my list - the crowds do worry me though!