This Trip Report Is Under Refurbishment For Your Future Enjoyment (UPDATED 9/13 with final bonus chapter)

[Captain_Oblivious]

Chapter 10: Pandora 'n The Explorers


Get out of bed, get dressed, eat your Pop Tarts, pile into the van, drive to Animal Kingdom. Lather, rinse, repeat.


We were led by the parking guards to park way out in the Dinosaur lot for some reason, even though we were there just about at Rope Drop time (about 8:00 a.m.). I don’t know if that’s how they usually run things or not. We piled into the tram, getting the very last two rows in the back of the vehicle. The backseat attendant, Julio, was running through the safety procedures on the intercom. Drew was a little squirmy, so we told him to stop messing around in the back seat.


Immediately, we heard over the loudspeakers: “Andrew, don’t mess around in the back seat.”


Julio also gave Drew a Lightning McQueen car for his trouble. Sometimes it pays to sit in the back seat.


Once we made it to the gates of the Animal Kingdom, we did what all serious Disney trip planners do and waited around while various members of our family went to the bathroom, because of course we couldn’t have done that in the hotel room before we left.


When everybody was done, guaranteeing us at least 30 full minutes before the next potty break, we headed straight for Pandora. We had a FP for Flight of Passage later in the day, so we didn’t bother with the insane line there. But we figured this was our best chance to ride the Na’vi River Journey (or, as our old friend @afwdwfan christened it, It’s A Small Moon) before it got too crazy there.


Pandora certainly doesn’t disappoint in the eye candy department.

We found the entrance to It’s A Small Moon, and the wait was posted at a mere 15 minutes. We actually made it through the line in ten.


Your enjoyment of this ride may depend on how much you were swept away by the movie Avatar. Some people were enchanted by the ground-breaking special effects and world-building, which were admittedly impressive. Others found the story to be a rip-off of Pocahontas or Dances With Wolves. I fell into both camps, actually. I liked the look of the movie and was excited to see the Disney Parks version because I saw how it could lend itself to some neat attractions. I can’t really defend the script, though. I found an original copy of the synopsis here:

Luckily, the ride doesn’t have to re-hash the story. It’s more concerned with trying to make you feel like you’re on an exotic new planet. I think it did a decent job. It’s basically a Disney dark ride with as many updated effects as they could pile into it.

Not much really happens, though. You’re just floating around looking at alien plants and animals in mood lighting.


I thought this was a neat effect. They made it appear as though frogs were jumping on giant leaves over your head. As they jumped, you’d hear a thump when they landed and the leaf would shift a bit.

At the end, you float past the Na’vi “shaman”, who is singing to you. This is supposed to be one of the most sophisticated animatronics Disney has ever built, which I guess is cool. But she’s sitting there singing nonsense words to you, so I confess I didn’t have much of an emotional reaction to it.

All in all, it was…fine. I’m glad I saw it, but wouldn’t feel the need to see it more than once on a trip or waste a FP on it.


Drew, however, absolutely loved it and begged to go on it again. The line didn’t look terrible, so we decided to keep him happy and jumped in again. It took about 20-25 minutes to get through this time, so the crowds were definitely coming. We floated once more through darkness and air-conditioning. At least the music is less annoying than It’s a Small World.

We checked in with my brother and SIL, only to discover that they were delayed because their bus to the Animal Kingdom had broken down. So they had no idea when they’d be arriving in the park.


We decided to go ride the safari, with the hope that most of the animals would still be awake fairly early in the morning.


I’ve always thought the safari is a worthy attraction, especially since they dumped the old poacher storyline that nobody paid attention to. I think they did a great job of making you feel like you’re in the wild, seeing exotic African animals.

It always helps when most of them are awake.

Even the animatronic sleeping lion was running through a cycle where its head was up. Not that he was going to pose for us.

We finished with the safari and my brother’s family still hadn’t made it to AK. We killed some time by wandering a bit on the nature trails. We also stood around waiting for my brother and SIL to answer the texts we were sending them.


Soon, it was time for the main event: our Fastpass for Flight of Passage. Man, were we looking forward to this! I’d heard nothing but raves about the ride from almost every corner. If there was a slight complaint, it was that some people said it was basically Soarin’ on steroids, and not something game-changing. Well, Soarin’ on steroids still sounded like fun to me.


My parents volunteered to hang back with Drew while we rode first. We informed the CM that we’d be doing a child swap, and they told us that three people could come back and ride under the swap. My parents would be the first two, so that meant I had to pick my favorite kid to get a second ride. So I chose Scotty.

I'm just kidding! This is wrong to do to any parent, so I said the heck with you guys, I’m taking the second ride.


Ok, I'm kidding again. Instead, I just tossed it up in the air: who wants to ride with their grandparents? Sarah answered first, so she got the privileges. He who hesitates is lost.


The theming is amazing. It does a great job of hiding how long the line is, too. If you look really closely, you can see where the suckers people are waiting in the standby line.

I loved the look of the place.

We got sorted into a queue and headed into the pre-show. I would learn later that the ride actually has three levels that all face a giant screen, much like Soarin’. We didn’t move up or down meaning, we got to sit on the middle level.


The pre-show took forever. They said they had to “decontaminate” us three different times as we waited in the first room. I figured they must have been having some technical difficulty with the ride up ahead and needed to stall for time. So we listened to the actor playing the scientist drone on for a while. He had kind of a stuttering delivery that I found annoying after a while. I didn't think he was convincing as a scientist. He came across more like a grad student who had overslept for the final exam. I was glad when we moved on.


Then we learned all about the dragons—er, sorry. “Banshees”. This isn’t Harry Potter world. Even though you’re totally riding a dragon.


We finally were led into the main room where we stowed our gear and then mounted the motorcycle/dragon simulator-thingys®. As it turned out, I think my seat was virtually dead-center on the movie screen, so I had a primo spot. I liked how they used the “neural link” from the movie to explain how you were actually going to be riding the drag—sorry, banshee.


The lights were dimmed, the uplink was established, and then….


First thing you notice: wow, these visuals are gorgeous. Second thing you notice: you can feel the dragon breathing. The air bags the Imagineers installed to simulate the animal’s breaths are a genius touch. That really helps sell the illusion. And then you’re off!


So—is it the Best Ride At Walt Disney World, or just Soarin’ on steroids? Well…I thought it was pretty great. The sense of flight was wonderful (especially now that the actual Soarin’ is more like Hoverin’), and I enjoyed every second of it. It’s definitely a Fastpass-worthy attraction. I don’t think it’s my favorite ride at WDW—I will probably always choose coasters, where you’re actually moving, over a simulator where you just feel like you’re moving. But we all had a great time with Flight of Passage. I would have loved to ride it again.


But Sarah was the one who got that privilege, so we hung out in the gift shop with the boys while she and my parents took to the skies of Pandora. My brother’s family finally arrived and they found us there, but then they had to run off to use their Expedition Everest Fastpasses. Meanwhile, it seemed to be taking forever for my parents to get through the ride. There were only so many overpriced Pandora souvenirs we could look at.


But at long last, they finally emerged, having tamed the drag—uh, banshees. Sarah confirmed that she still loved the ride, and my parents enjoyed it as well.


We split up once again—my parents took Drew to meet Mickey and Minnie while the rest of us headed for our second FP at Expedition Everest.

Along the way, it started to drizzle. The 4:00 p.m. showers were becoming notoriously unreliable. We began to worry that they might shut down the ride before we got there. Luckily, everything was still on line as we reached the FP entrance. The rain was still mostly a drizzle, but bothersome enough that we decided to break out the ponchos.


Up until I rode Rock ‘n Roller Coaster, Expedition Everest had been my favorite ride at WDW. So that means it’s still a solid #2. Wait, that sounds bad. It’s still one of my favorites. I love the pure speed of the ride.


Scotty and David had never been on it before, so I was looking forward to seeing their reactions.

You’ll be happy to know that everyone loved it. Even if you can’t tell from the ride photos.


I have to admit, though, that I am feeling the effects of getting older. That section of the ride that goes backwards really messes with my head. I know you’re not going upside-down, but there’s something about the orientation of the track that makes it feel that way. It really messes with my head. So I find myself having to shut my eyes during that part, which really makes no sense because it’s all in the dark anyway. And yet, it seems to help. I dunno.


The lesson is: don’t turn into an old man if you can help it. It’s no fun. But I still love EE. It's just a great ride.


At this point, we did something radical. Something completely out of character. Looking back, I’m shocked that we could even let it happen.


We did not have PB&J sandwiches for lunch.


I find that we can go about 4 days in a row before everyone is sick of them. Also, Animal Kingdom is home to the single best counter-service restaurant in Disney World. I speak, of course, of Flame Tree Barbecue. For the first time, we utilized the “mobile order” option on Disney’s app and got lunch for the five of us.


I have once again failed my readers with absolutely no food photos, but the pulled-pork sandwiches and onion rings here are still a terrific meal. I also really love the outdoor dining area. My only regret is that we didn’t order more food (we split some entrees, being cheapskates above all else).

Coming Up Next: I will reveal the secret connection Animal Kingdom has to Delaware. And Drew finds perhaps his favorite attraction in all of Disney World.

 

[Cinderella's Fella]

Coming Up Next: I will reveal the secret connection Animal Kingdom has to Delaware. And Drew finds perhaps his favorite attraction in all of Disney World.

 

[QueenJen]

Immediately, we heard over the loudspeakers: “Andrew, don’t mess around in the back seat.”

Did Drew immediately straighten up?

Julio also gave Drew a Lightning McQueen car for his trouble. Sometimes it pays to sit in the back seat.

That's nice.

we did what all serious Disney trip planners do and waited around while various members of our family went to the bathroom, because of course we couldn’t have done that in the hotel room before we left.

This should be standard for you - all the road trips with the family.

There were only so many overpriced Pandora souvenirs we could look at.

Did you adopt a banshee for each child?

Even if you can’t tell from the ride photos.

Nice to see you representing your team!

We did not have PB&J sandwiches for lunch.

And there was much rejoicing.

 

[Terra Nova guy]

Get out of bed, get dressed, eat your Pop Tarts, pile into the van, drive to Animal Kingdom.

No Mickey waffles?

Julio also gave Drew a Lightning McQueen car for his trouble. Sometimes it pays to sit in the back seat.

It's nice to hear the CMs can still do a few nice things for kids. It seems like it's done less and less. You may remember my DD had her birthday in Epcot on evening and wore her button. Other than the complimentary dessert at Via Napoli and a few "Happy Birthday"s, she didn't get any little freebies. Don't get me wrong - I wasn't expecting it, but it would have been nice to get a free popcorn refill or something. just seems like it happens less these days.

Once we made it to the gates of the Animal Kingdom, we did what all serious Disney trip planners do and waited around while various members of our family went to the bathroom, because of course we couldn’t have done that in the hotel room before we left.

The only trip I did with more than 4 of us - when my parents came along - it seemed like as much time was spent waiting on people in bathrooms as it was in line for rides. Having 6 people in your family anyway, I'm sure this happens to you a lot.

I fell into both camps, actually. I liked the look of the movie and was excited to see the Disney Parks version because I saw how it could lend itself to some neat attractions.

Very much like me. How it fits into AK is maybe a bit of a stretch, but it is certainly impressive. Neither of my DDs had seen Avatar, but they still enjoyed the land.

I can’t really defend the script, though. I found an original copy of the synopsis here:

I had never really thought of it that way, but, yeah...

All in all, it was…fine. I’m glad I saw it, but wouldn’t feel the need to see it more than once on a trip or waste a FP on it.

Pretty much the same. I might get a FP for Navi River depending how many days I had planned. I feel like I need to ride again to really take it in and appreciate it. I only rode the one time.

I’ve always thought the safari is a worthy attraction, especially since they dumped the old poacher storyline that nobody paid attention to. I think they did a great job of making you feel like you’re in the wild, seeing exotic African animals.

I always liked the safari. Although once a trip is good.
I didn't mind the poacher story line myself, but I knew it was there and paid attention. It went over the heads of most people, so it was really kind of pointless.

I loved the look of the place.

Pandora was incredible to see. I regret that A. I was always in a rush and never took time to soak in the details and B. I never saw it at night.

The pre-show took forever. They said they had to “decontaminate” us three different times as we waited in the first room. I figured they must have been having some technical difficulty with the ride up ahead and needed to stall for time.

I didn't have any "decontamination" issues, but it still felt rather long and a lot of hoops to jump through. I remember being a little relieved once we got to the motorcycles that there actually was a ride at the end of it all.

So—is it the Best Ride At Walt Disney World, or just Soarin’ on steroids? Well…I thought it was pretty great. The sense of flight was wonderful (especially now that the actual Soarin’ is more like Hoverin’), and I enjoyed every second of it. It’s definitely a Fastpass-worthy attraction. I don’t think it’s my favorite ride at WDW—I will probably always choose coasters, where you’re actually moving, over a simulator where you just feel like you’re moving. But we all had a great time with Flight of Passage. I would have loved to ride it again.

Again, we are on the same wave length. It doesn't take the place of a coaster, but still very enjoyable. I really wanted to do it a second time. I haven't gotten to this part of my TR yet, but I have a terrible confession. I actually burned two FP for FoP. Long story short, I made 4 FP knowing DW and DD11 probably wouldn't ride, so I was going to use their bands for a second ride. DW wasn't feeling up to touring AK that morning and joined us later, so the FP went to infinity and beyond.

Up until I rode Rock ‘n Roller Coaster, Expedition Everest had been my favorite ride at WDW. So that means it’s still a solid #2. Wait, that sounds bad. It’s still one of my favorites. I love the pure speed of the ride.

I still have BTMRR at the top of my list, notably for it's lack of drops. I like Everest, but the one big drop gives me the heebie-jeebies (a little).

The lesson is: don’t turn into an old man if you can help it.

I'm trying not to. I'm failing.

We did not have PB&J sandwiches for lunch.

I speak, of course, of Flame Tree Barbecue. For the first time, we utilized the “mobile order” option on Disney’s app and got lunch for the five of us.

Awesome place. I can't believe I waited so long to go there - my August trip was my 1st visit to Flame tree. Chicken and pulled pork were the highlights for me.

 

[pkondz]

Pandora 'n The Explorers

Dang. That's clever.

Get out of bed, get dressed, eat your Pop Tarts, pile into the van, drive to Animal Kingdom. Lather, rinse, repeat.

Wait... just how many times did you do that, that morning?

The backseat attendant, Julio, was running through the safety procedures on the intercom. Drew was a little squirmy, so we told him to stop messing around in the back seat.


Immediately, we heard over the loudspeakers: “Andrew, don’t mess around in the back seat.”

Julio also gave Drew a Lightning McQueen car for his trouble. Sometimes it pays to sit in the back seat.

ooohh! Sweet. Betcha he liked that.


Heck... I'd like that!

Once we made it to the gates of the Animal Kingdom, we did what all serious Disney trip planners do and waited around while various members of our family went to the bathroom, because of course we couldn’t have done that in the hotel room before we left.

Of course. Some things are sacrosanct.

And if you don't go to the bathroom, you risk rupturing your sacrosanct.

When everybody was done, guaranteeing us at least 30 full minutes before the next potty break,

And adding at least 30 minutes to any queue.

Na’vi River Journey (or, as our old friend @afwdwfan christened it, It’s A Small Moon)

Oh! I forgot. I thought it was you, actually.
Wonder how Andy's doing. He hasn't been on the DIS since August.

Pandora certainly doesn’t disappoint in the eye candy department.

We found the entrance to It’s A Small Moon, and the wait was posted at a mere 15 minutes.

Whoa! That's... very different from when I went. I rope dropped and it was already at 90 minutes.

Some people were enchanted by the ground-breaking special effects and world-building

Where did you find that?

It’s more concerned with trying to make you feel like you’re on an exotic new planet. I think it did a decent job.

Agreed.

They made it appear as though frogs were jumping on giant leaves over your head. As they jumped, you’d hear a thump when they landed and the leaf would shift a bit.

Really! I missed that. I do remember the frogs, but didn't hear (or don't remember) the thump sound or the leaf shifting. I'll have to look for that.

But she’s sitting there singing nonsense words to you, so I confess I didn’t have much of an emotional reaction to it.

What!?!? But she's wishing you health and blessing you and your loved ones and...

Okay... I have no idea what she's saying. More likely that the imagineers asked Cameron if there was some dictionary for the language and it's saying "Thanks for spending all your money here."

All in all, it was…fine. I’m glad I saw it, but wouldn’t feel the need to see it more than once on a trip or waste a FP on it.

No. It's not FP worthy... unless you don't want to go on any thrill rides at all.

Drew, however, absolutely loved it and begged to go on it again. The line didn’t look terrible, so we decided to keep him happy and jumped in again.

Well... good!

At least the music is less annoying than It’s a Small World.

Dude... nails on a chalkboard is less annoying.

We checked in with my brother and SIL, only to discover that they were delayed because their bus to the Animal Kingdom had broken down.

Well, that sucks.

I’ve always thought the safari is a worthy attraction, especially since they dumped the old poacher storyline that nobody paid attention to.

And traumatized the kids.
"Why did they kill that baby elephant? We saw real elephants... which one did they kill?"

Even the animatronic sleeping lion was running through a cycle where its head was up

At least it's partially fixed. Better than usual.

If there was a slight complaint, it was that some people said it was basically Soarin’ on steroids, and not something game-changing.

Uh huh.
"This F1 car is basically a family car on steroids."

There's no way in hell that I wouldn't jump at the chance to drive one. Heck! To sit in one!

My parents would be the first two, so that meant I had to pick my favorite kid to get a second ride. So I chose Scotty.

Sorry, rest of the kids.

I'm just kidding! This is wrong to do to any parent, so I said the heck with you guys, I’m taking the second ride.

Very wise of you.

Ok, I'm kidding again. Instead, I just tossed it up in the air: who wants to ride with their grandparents? Sarah answered first, so she got the privileges. He who hesitates is lost.

I prefer option two.

If you look really closely, you can see where the suckers people are waiting in the standby line.

I will not stand in line for 3 hours. Not even for that ride, good as it is.

I loved the look of the place.

They really outdid themselves. Now if they just got rid of Dinoland and put something interesting there...

I would learn later that the ride actually has three levels

Oh! Wasn't aware of that. Good thing I read your TRs.

I'm gonna make stuff up on mine too, from now on.

The pre-show took forever.

It is a bit long. But better than staring at a blank wall, I suppose.

He came across more like a grad student who had overslept for the final exam.

I didn't notice that, but will have to pay attention next time.

Then we learned all about the dragons—er, sorry. “Banshees”. This isn’t Harry Potter world. Even though you’re totally riding a dragon.

Wonder how long before you can ride a broomstick at Universal?

First thing you notice: wow, these visuals are gorgeous.

Yes. Very much.

Second thing you notice: you can feel the dragon breathing.

Isn't that the best????

I don’t think it’s my favorite ride at WDW—I will probably always choose coasters, where you’re actually moving, over a simulator where you just feel like you’re moving.

Hmmm... and yet... Dang, that's a good ride.

So that means it’s still a solid #2.

ew

Scotty and David had never been on it before, so I was looking forward to seeing their reactions.

Oh! How come? Too small last time?

You’ll be happy to know that everyone loved it. Even if you can’t tell from the ride photos.

Yay! Glad they liked it.

I have to admit, though, that I am feeling the effects of getting older. That section of the ride that goes backwards really messes with my head.

Sorry to hear that. It'll be a sad day when you have to give it up. Hopefully that day never arrives.

The lesson is: don’t turn into an old man if you can help it. It’s no fun.

Great. Now you tell me. You couldn't have mentioned this 20 years ago????

We did not have PB&J sandwiches for lunch.

WHAT?!?!?!?!?

Also, Animal Kingdom is home to the single best counter-service restaurant in Disney World. I speak, of course, of Flame Tree Barbecue.

<sigh> I've only eaten there once. And don't think I chose wisely. I'm dying to get back and don't know when that'll happen. In May, I'm going with Elle... who's pescatarian right now. So... no meat. And that's pretty much all they serve there.

I have once again failed my readers with absolutely no food photos

Totally unacceptable.

I will reveal the secret connection Animal Kingdom has to Delaware.

Oh? I'm riveted. Can't wait. Totally stoked. Add whatever other adjectives you want, I'm not feeling up to it.

And Drew finds perhaps his favorite attraction in all of Disney World.

Gonna guess... something in the aforementioned Dinoland.

 

[SoccerDogWithEars]

Get out of bed, get dressed, eat your Pop Tarts, pile into the van, drive to Animal Kingdom. Lather, rinse, repeat.

Pretty much par for the course for us. Except we pile into the truck.
It's funny, we used to rely almost 100% on the Disney buses. Except this last trip, when we were staying at Pop, we got really tired of always have to stand in a long line to most likely have to stand on a bus that was only mildly cooler than the air outside. We realized if we drove, we were guaranteed a seat, and even better, Joe can remote start it and get it cooling before we get in. So we started to drive everywhere.

I don’t know if that’s how they usually run things or not.

I think it must be, because I don't think I've ever gotten to park anywhere else.

Julio also gave Drew a Lightning McQueen car for his trouble. Sometimes it pays to sit in the back seat.

Tram car speaker/attendant/person is my 2nd dream job at Disney. The first is Jungle Cruise Skipper.

Once we made it to the gates of the Animal Kingdom, we did what all serious Disney trip planners do and waited around while various members of our family went to the bathroom, because of course we couldn’t have done that in the hotel room before we left.

I think there's some sort of force field at the gate that triggers your bladder. I can go in the room, will still need to go when I get to the park.

But she’s sitting there singing nonsense words to you, so I confess I didn’t have much of an emotional reaction to it.

I just remember the first time not being able to confidently say whether it was a real person or an animatronic. They showed the inside of just her face at a D23 Expo, and the amount of gears and movement is ASTOUNDING.

I’m glad I saw it, but wouldn’t feel the need to see it more than once on a trip or waste a FP on it.

Ok, I will admit, it makes me cringe every time I see our FP for it on this next trip. But for the same reason y'all had to adjust plans in Hawaii, I'm having to adjust my Disney plans. You should see the texts to Joe as I realized everything I couldn't ride.

I’ve always thought the safari is a worthy attraction, especially since they dumped the old poacher storyline that nobody paid attention to.

I kinda miss the old storyline. Gave it an edge of excitement.
It did lead to one of the funniest moments ever, when last year we were riding it, and the bridge that supposedly "collapses" and hadn't been working for years, suddenly worked again. The bridge dropped, the vehicle tilted, and I looked at Joe with wide eyes and a huge grin saying "OH MY GOSH IT'S ACTUALLY FALLING" and he did NOT understand why I was so excited about the fact we were about to die.

He had kind of a stuttering delivery that I found annoying after a while. I didn't think he was convincing as a scientist. He came across more like a grad student who had overslept for the final exam. I was glad when we moved on.

I DESPISE the pre-show for FoP. I can't stand the actor they use, or the delivery, or how loooooooong it takes sometimes (I understand why it takes long, but I don't like it.) I tend to sort of pout through the entire thing.

There were only so many overpriced Pandora souvenirs we could look at.

This shop has always disappointed me. I thought there were so many cool things they could have created, and yet.....you get a plastic sword, t-shirts, or a toy banshee. I realize it's pretty standard in the dump shops, but I was hoping for more.

I have to admit, though, that I am feeling the effects of getting older. That section of the ride that goes backwards really messes with my head.

Joe and I rode it first thing one morning, deciding riding Everest took precedence over finding breakfast. And then we both got off and had to sit down for a few minutes. The problem with tubular steel coasters is after the first year, they're just so rough. I adore Everest and will probably always ride it (except this trip, see above), but I can't enjoy it the way that I used too. Getting older stinks.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

When everybody was done, guaranteeing us at least 30 full minutes before the next potty break,

Ha! So true with kids.

We checked in with my brother and SIL, only to discover that they were delayed because their bus to the Animal Kingdom had broken down. So they had no idea when they’d be arriving in the park.

Ugh, that is the worst, there is nothing you can do at, that point in time.

Soon, it was time for the main event: our Fastpass for Flight of Passage. Man, were we looking forward to this! I’d heard nothing but raves about the ride from almost every corner. If there was a slight complaint, it was that some people said it was basically Soarin’ on steroids, and not something game-changing. Well, Soarin’ on steroids still sounded like fun to me.

Why is soarin' on steroids bad?

motorcycle/dragon simulator-thingys®

ha! I love the registered trademark!

 

[unwritten01]

He came across more like a grad student who had overslept for the final exam.

Ding ding ding! I said the exact same thing except I used the word "intern" - either works! We went through decon three times. On the second I didn't move at all. On the third I stayed off of the circle. I think my youngest kid was waiting for some alarm to go off.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Did Drew immediately straighten up?

Yes, because he always does exactly what we tell him to do.

That's nice.

I thought so. There are still terrific CM's around.

This should be standard for you - all the road trips with the family.

You would think so, wouldn't you?

Did you adopt a banshee for each child?

No, because I can only afford one mortgage payment.

Nice to see you representing your team!

Gotta fly the colors! Especially when they are the REIGNING SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS.

(Sorry, I have to say that while I still can--only 2 more days until it's not true anymore.)

And there was much rejoicing.

From me!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

No Mickey waffles?

This was purely an economic decision.

It's nice to hear the CMs can still do a few nice things for kids. It seems like it's done less and less. You may remember my DD had her birthday in Epcot on evening and wore her button. Other than the complimentary dessert at Via Napoli and a few "Happy Birthday"s, she didn't get any little freebies. Don't get me wrong - I wasn't expecting it, but it would have been nice to get a free popcorn refill or something. just seems like it happens less these days.

One of the dirty secrets about Disney corporate is that they can be notoriously cheap. It seems like they go in waves where the CM's are allowed to be generous making magic, and then suddenly they pull back. Maybe it depends on how close they are to the end of their fiscal year.

The only trip I did with more than 4 of us - when my parents came along - it seemed like as much time was spent waiting on people in bathrooms as it was in line for rides. Having 6 people in your family anyway, I'm sure this happens to you a lot.

I'm sure everyone in the family has been guilty of the Ill-Timed Potty Break several times over. When you gotta go, you gotta go.

Very much like me. How it fits into AK is maybe a bit of a stretch, but it is certainly impressive. Neither of my DDs had seen Avatar, but they still enjoyed the land.

Well, originally they were going to have a Beastly Kingdom in AK, and then it never happened. But that was supposed to include mystical creatures. And Avatar was very preachy about environmentalism, so that's a message that fits in AK too. I was cool with it.

I had never really thought of it that way, but, yeah...

You can do the same thing with Dances With Wolves. It's not the most original story.

Pretty much the same. I might get a FP for Navi River depending how many days I had planned. I feel like I need to ride again to really take it in and appreciate it. I only rode the one time.

I would rope drop it until something else opens and it becomes less popular. I'll always save the FP's for the big thrill rides. I feel like it's a waste if I use in on a ride that I consider to be a "meh".

I always liked the safari. Although once a trip is good.
I didn't mind the poacher story line myself, but I knew it was there and paid attention. It went over the heads of most people, so it was really kind of pointless.

I'll ride it more than once if only to try and get different animal experiences. That's the one thing that makes it a new ride each time. You might get a close-up encounter with a giraffe. Or catch the animatronic sleeping lion in an "awake" cycle (happens for two minutes a day).

I think the poacher storyline was problematic because a) you had to be able to understand what the guide was saying on the radio, and it was hard to hear; and b) you were completely passive the whole time. "Do you want to help catch him?" "Yeah!" "Oh, look--they got him."

Pandora was incredible to see. I regret that A. I was always in a rush and never took time to soak in the details and B. I never saw it at night.

It's hard not to be in a rush at Disney. I fall into that trap myself. We did get to see it at night, though. Spoiler: I was glad we skipped Rivers of Light to do that.

I didn't have any "decontamination" issues, but it still felt rather long and a lot of hoops to jump through. I remember being a little relieved once we got to the motorcycles that there actually was a ride at the end of it all.

Maybe our family was just especially sickly. In any case, yes--I think the pre-show is overly long and drawn out.

Again, we are on the same wave length. It doesn't take the place of a coaster, but still very enjoyable. I really wanted to do it a second time. I haven't gotten to this part of my TR yet, but I have a terrible confession. I actually burned two FP for FoP. Long story short, I made 4 FP knowing DW and DD11 probably wouldn't ride, so I was going to use their bands for a second ride. DW wasn't feeling up to touring AK that morning and joined us later, so the FP went to infinity and beyond.

There's no worse feeling than watching a coveted FP dissolve like one of Thanos' enemies. I don't think you were around the DISboards when I was writing up my Southwest trip, but you know I'm a huge Indiana Jones fan and really wanted to go on the Indiana Jones ride at DL. I had a FP for it in my pocket but circumstances put us in California Adventure...and I never got to ride it.

I still have BTMRR at the top of my list, notably for it's lack of drops. I like Everest, but the one big drop gives me the heebie-jeebies (a little).

BTMRR is and always will be a classic. I thought the big drop on EE would bother me, but the fact that it falls into a curve makes such a huge difference. It's not bad at all.

I'm trying not to. I'm failing.

Me too. Dang it!

It's about that point in the trip where we never want to see PB&J again.

Awesome place. I can't believe I waited so long to go there - my August trip was my 1st visit to Flame tree. Chicken and pulled pork were the highlights for me.

So good! We got a Disney cookbook and can make their BBQ sauce at home now, too.

 

[QueenJen]

Gotta fly the colors! Especially when they are the REIGNING SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS.

(Sorry, I have to say that while I still can--only 2 more days until it's not true anymore.)

Even then, it will still be a recent win.......It's been almost 30 years since the team we root for won. You also keep the division bragging rights for the most recent SB win.

and I never got to ride it

I don't think you are missing much. I go out of my way to ignore it when we walk by. DH used to ask to ride, but he barely mentions it anymore. If it were really more than meh for him, he'd make a point. (I'll ride it - but I might opt for IASM if I had to choose)

It's about that point in the trip where we never want to see PB&J again.

Until the next day? Do you mix up the type of bread, pb (smooth/crunchy), and jam/jelly flavors? I enjoy pb&j - you have me wondering how many days I could go before I couldn't take anymore.

 

[Steppesister]

Pandora certainly doesn’t disappoint in the eye candy department.

YES! I think it's my absolute favorite "land" now of any park.

Perfect shot!

Your enjoyment of this ride may depend on how much you were swept away by the movie Avatar. Some people were enchanted by the ground-breaking special effects and world-building, which were admittedly impressive. Others found the story to be a rip-off of Pocahontas or Dances With Wolves. I fell into both camps, actually. I liked the look of the movie and was excited to see the Disney Parks version because I saw how it could lend itself to some neat attractions. I can’t really defend the script, though. I found an original copy of the synopsis here:

It’s basically a Disney dark ride with as many updated effects as they could pile into it.

Completely agree with this. Which makes it an inherently a great ride!

We finished with the safari and my brother’s family still hadn’t made it to AK. We killed some time by wandering a bit on the nature trails. We also stood around waiting for my brother and SIL to answer the texts we were sending them.

But, excellent way to spend some spare time!

I'm just kidding! This is wrong to do to any parent, so I said the heck with you guys, I’m taking the second ride.

Phew. I thought you'd lost your mind there.

Ok, I'm kidding again. Instead, I just tossed it up in the air: who wants to ride with their grandparents? Sarah answered first, so she got the privileges. He who hesitates is lost.

Oops... we're back to you losing your mind.

He came across more like a grad student who had overslept for the final exam.

So that means it’s still a solid #2

You're full of it on this update.

We did not have PB&J sandwiches for lunch.

There was really no way you could with Flame tree wafting about now, could you?

 

[Terra Nova guy]

Spoiler: I was glad we skipped Rivers of Light to do that.

Spoiler: I should have skipped Rivers of light to do that.

I had a FP for it in my pocket but circumstances put us in California Adventure...and I never got to ride it.

Oh man, shame. Hopefully one day you'll get to do it.

We got a Disney cookbook and can make their BBQ sauce at home now, too.

Nice! Is this a cookbook that's available to buy, like on Amazon?

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Dang. That's clever.

Hey, thanks!

Wait... just how many times did you do that, that morning?

I can only do one Pop Tart in a day. Any more, and I would have...issues.

ooohh! Sweet. Betcha he liked that.


Heck... I'd like that!

It was a nice little surprise!

Of course. Some things are sacrosanct.

And if you don't go to the bathroom, you risk rupturing your sacrosanct.

Don't you hate it when that happens?

And adding at least 30 minutes to any queue.

That's what I was thinking about the whole time I was standing there, waiting.

Oh! I forgot. I thought it was you, actually.
Wonder how Andy's doing. He hasn't been on the DIS since August.

I haven't heard much from Andy. Every once in a while he pops up on FB with a comment. I miss him, though. He was always fun to talk to.

Whoa! That's... very different from when I went. I rope dropped and it was already at 90 minutes.

I was very glad we could get in and get it done quickly. Wasn't sure how it was going to go.

Where did you find that?

That popped up around the time the movie came out, and now I just Google it whenever I want to make that joke.

Really! I missed that. I do remember the frogs, but didn't hear (or don't remember) the thump sound or the leaf shifting. I'll have to look for that.

I thought it was a neat, subtle effect. Probably my favorite in the ride.

What!?!? But she's wishing you health and blessing you and your loved ones and...

Okay... I have no idea what she's saying. More likely that the imagineers asked Cameron if there was some dictionary for the language and it's saying "Thanks for spending all your money here."

That would make it so much better! A translation screen. "Blessings and health and please stop by our gift shop."

No. It's not FP worthy... unless you don't want to go on any thrill rides at all.

Exactly.

Dude... nails on a chalkboard is less annoying.

You're not wrong.

And traumatized the kids.
"Why did they kill that baby elephant? We saw real elephants... which one did they kill?"

I could never quite understand it because the driver usually sounds like Charlie Brown's teacher.

At least it's partially fixed. Better than usual.

Certainly in a better state of repair than Disco Yeti.

Uh huh.
"This F1 car is basically a family car on steroids."

There's no way in hell that I wouldn't jump at the chance to drive one. Heck! To sit in one!

I agree! I think the point the naysayers were making is that it wasn't the mind-blowing leap in technology they expected, just a faster version of a previous ride. All I know is, I thought it was a lot of fun.

Sorry, rest of the kids.

Them's the breaks.

Very wise of you.

I prefer option two.

I would have preferred that, too.

I will not stand in line for 3 hours. Not even for that ride, good as it is.

If I have to wait 3 hours for something, it needs to have a profound, everlasting effect on my life--some kind of once-in-a-lifetime experience.

They really outdid themselves. Now if they just got rid of Dinoland and put something interesting there...

Yes! Although I remember reading an interview with an Imagineer describing the story of Dinoland and why it looks the way it does, and he said it hurts to hear people denigrating it. He wants to say, "Do you know how hard we worked to make it look this bad?"

That being said, I'm not a fan. I don't go to Disney World to see stuff that looks crappy.

Oh! Wasn't aware of that. Good thing I read your TRs.

I'm gonna make stuff up on mine too, from now on.

You're just starting now? I'm way ahead of you!

It is a bit long. But better than staring at a blank wall, I suppose.

I guess. Dancing around for the camera gets old pretty quickly.

I didn't notice that, but will have to pay attention next time.

Another reader suggested he was an intern. That made me laugh.

Wonder how long before you can ride a broomstick at Universal?

It has to be coming!

Isn't that the best????

Genius touch.

Hmmm... and yet... Dang, that's a good ride.

It's a great ride!

Oh! How come? Too small last time?

I think they were too small and/or a little intimidated.

Sorry to hear that. It'll be a sad day when you have to give it up. Hopefully that day never arrives.

I sure hope it never comes! I really love that coaster.

Great. Now you tell me. You couldn't have mentioned this 20 years ago????

Well, just use your flux capacitor and it will be fine.

WHAT?!?!?!?!?

Sorry to spring that one on you.

<sigh> I've only eaten there once. And don't think I chose wisely. I'm dying to get back and don't know when that'll happen. In May, I'm going with Elle... who's pescatarian right now. So... no meat. And that's pretty much all they serve there.

As Jeff said, Meat + Fire = World's Best Recipe. I need to have you over for some homemade BBQ.

Totally unacceptable.

Hey, I seem to remember you not doing so hot with this lately too.

Oh? I'm riveted. Can't wait. Totally stoked. Add whatever other adjectives you want, I'm not feeling up to it.

The excitement is palpable.

Gonna guess... something in the aforementioned Dinoland.

Good guess...got something specific in mind?

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Pretty much par for the course for us. Except we pile into the truck.
It's funny, we used to rely almost 100% on the Disney buses. Except this last trip, when we were staying at Pop, we got really tired of always have to stand in a long line to most likely have to stand on a bus that was only mildly cooler than the air outside. We realized if we drove, we were guaranteed a seat, and even better, Joe can remote start it and get it cooling before we get in. So we started to drive everywhere.

We always took the buses because we would fly down to Orlando, so that left us dependent on Disney transportation. In 2012 we drove for the first time and figured since we could park at the theme parks for free, why not? That's when we realized how much time it saved us to drive ourselves.

I think it must be, because I don't think I've ever gotten to park anywhere else.

Good to know!

Tram car speaker/attendant/person is my 2nd dream job at Disney. The first is Jungle Cruise Skipper.

I'm with you--any position where you would be in position to mess with the gifts or bestow magic would be great!

I think there's some sort of force field at the gate that triggers your bladder. I can go in the room, will still need to go when I get to the park.

I just remember the first time not being able to confidently say whether it was a real person or an animatronic. They showed the inside of just her face at a D23 Expo, and the amount of gears and movement is ASTOUNDING.

I'm sure it is amazing! And a lot of work went into it. But I'm just describing my reaction to the ride.

Ok, I will admit, it makes me cringe every time I see our FP for it on this next trip. But for the same reason y'all had to adjust plans in Hawaii, I'm having to adjust my Disney plans. You should see the texts to Joe as I realized everything I couldn't ride.

Wow, congratulations to you both! I'm sorry if you already announced this somewhere and it's old news, but that's wonderful! (except for the skipping cool rides part)

I kinda miss the old storyline. Gave it an edge of excitement.
It did lead to one of the funniest moments ever, when last year we were riding it, and the bridge that supposedly "collapses" and hadn't been working for years, suddenly worked again. The bridge dropped, the vehicle tilted, and I looked at Joe with wide eyes and a huge grin saying "OH MY GOSH IT'S ACTUALLY FALLING" and he did NOT understand why I was so excited about the fact we were about to die.

I do love that "collapsing" bridge. That was one of the coolest bits of Imagineering I've seen. Actually, I think it was working on this past trip, now that I think about it.

I DESPISE the pre-show for FoP. I can't stand the actor they use, or the delivery, or how loooooooong it takes sometimes (I understand why it takes long, but I don't like it.) I tend to sort of pout through the entire thing.

Yeah, it was brutal. I don't know if the guy was trying to come off as funny, but he was just annoying.

This shop has always disappointed me. I thought there were so many cool things they could have created, and yet.....you get a plastic sword, t-shirts, or a toy banshee. I realize it's pretty standard in the dump shops, but I was hoping for more.

I liked some of the designs and stuff on the shirts. But it's still a standard gift shop. I was annoyed that they only seem to stock men's small t-shirts.

I was also annoyed with the Shop Disney Parks app. Why do you put out the app if every single item is going to be marked "In-Store Purchase Only"?

Joe and I rode it first thing one morning, deciding riding Everest took precedence over finding breakfast. And then we both got off and had to sit down for a few minutes. The problem with tubular steel coasters is after the first year, they're just so rough. I adore Everest and will probably always ride it (except this trip, see above), but I can't enjoy it the way that I used too. Getting older stinks.

I find it pretty smooth for a coaster. It's just that backwards part with the sharp climb. It almost feels like you're upside-down (even though I know you're not).

Ha! So true with kids.

And sometimes adults.

Ugh, that is the worst, there is nothing you can do at, that point in time.

Yeah...I felt bad for them.

Why is soarin' on steroids bad?

I think that reaction comes more from expectations--you expect something new and amazing and mind-blowing, and instead it's an improvement on something you've seen before.

ha! I love the registered trademark!

Ding ding ding! I said the exact same thing except I used the word "intern" - either works! We went through decon three times. On the second I didn't move at all. On the third I stayed off of the circle. I think my youngest kid was waiting for some alarm to go off.

Thanks for reading!

"Intern" is a great word to describe him. That's how he comes off, for sure.

I like your rebellion against the pre-show!

 

[SoccerDogWithEars]

In 2012 we drove for the first time and figured since we could park at the theme parks for free, why not? That's when we realized how much time it saved us to drive ourselves.

We've driving every time except I think maybe 3, but we're also only about 9 hours away. This past trip we got super fancy a couple of times and used Lyft, before we realized we could do the same thing for free in our own vehicle.

I'm with you--any position where you would be in position to mess with the gifts or bestow magic would be great!

Bonus if you get to make corny jokes!

I'm sure it is amazing! And a lot of work went into it. But I'm just describing my reaction to the ride.

I get that. It's not a terribly overwhelming ride, but it is cool.

Wow, congratulations to you both! I'm sorry if you already announced this somewhere and it's old news, but that's wonderful! (except for the skipping cool rides part)

I hadn't. I messaged pkondz, and I've hinted a couple of time on his TR but never come right out and said it. If all checks out at the ultrasound tomorrow I'll make the "official" Facebook post. We're excited. Though I'm still mourning my loss of Primeval Whirl.

I don't know if the guy was trying to come off as funny, but he was just annoying.

I really would love to know what their idea behind this was. "People love struggling interns, let's include one! It'll be a riot!" :shrug:

I was also annoyed with the Shop Disney Parks app. Why do you put out the app if every single item is going to be marked "In-Store Purchase Only"?

I don't understand why we can't merge the apps into one. Why do we need both a Shop Disney Parks and Shop Disney? Why can't everything be in one app? I think I've successfully purchased one thing through the app.

I find it pretty smooth for a coaster. It's just that backwards part with the sharp climb.

I've started to find the drops shake me up a bit, but the only way I can survive the backwards portion is if I scoot as far forward as I can and have as little of me touching the seat as possible.

 

[docsoliday1]

Mark...I think I told you before, but just in case...

I AM following along, it's just I haven't had as much time for replying. Between work, buying a house and numerous DISmeets, I've been relegated to mostly my phone which doesn't lend itself well to replies (especially multiquoting).

Enjoying the TR though even if you don't hear much from me.

 

[docsoliday1]

Chapter 10: Pandora 'n The Explorers


Get out of bed, get dressed, eat your Pop Tarts, pile into the van, drive to Animal Kingdom. Lather, rinse, repeat.


We were led by the parking guards to park way out in the Dinosaur lot for some reason, even though we were there just about at Rope Drop time (about 8:00 a.m.). I don’t know if that’s how they usually run things or not. We piled into the tram, getting the very last two rows in the back of the vehicle. The backseat attendant, Julio, was running through the safety procedures on the intercom. Drew was a little squirmy, so we told him to stop messing around in the back seat.


Immediately, we heard over the loudspeakers: “Andrew, don’t mess around in the back seat.”


Julio also gave Drew a Lightning McQueen car for his trouble. Sometimes it pays to sit in the back seat.


Once we made it to the gates of the Animal Kingdom, we did what all serious Disney trip planners do and waited around while various members of our family went to the bathroom, because of course we couldn’t have done that in the hotel room before we left.


When everybody was done, guaranteeing us at least 30 full minutes before the next potty break, we headed straight for Pandora. We had a FP for Flight of Passage later in the day, so we didn’t bother with the insane line there. But we figured this was our best chance to ride the Na’vi River Journey (or, as our old friend @afwdwfan christened it, It’s A Small Moon) before it got too crazy there.


Pandora certainly doesn’t disappoint in the eye candy department.

AK in general is the best for getting good photos and you definitely got some great ones.

I'm not sure where you found this, but I was

I've found NRJ to be boring. I haven't seen the movie yet, so yeah, they're cool special effects and scenery, but just another dark ride good for escaping the FL heat.

We checked in with my brother and SIL, only to discover that they were delayed because their bus to the Animal Kingdom had broken down. So they had no idea when they’d be arriving in the park.


We decided to go ride the safari, with the hope that most of the animals would still be awake fairly early in the morning.


I’ve always thought the safari is a worthy attraction, especially since they dumped the old poacher storyline that nobody paid attention to. I think they did a great job of making you feel like you’re in the wild, seeing exotic African animals.

I enjoy the safari every time. Although many times it's the same animals that are up/moving, each tour guide has a little tidbit I'd never heard before.

It always helps when most of them are awake.

Even the animatronic sleeping lion was running through a cycle where its head was up. Not that he was going to pose for us.

They fixed it? it had been down for refurbishment for your viewing pleasure for the longest time.

We got sorted into a queue and headed into the pre-show. I would learn later that the ride actually has three levels that all face a giant screen, much like Soarin’. We didn’t move up or down meaning, we got to sit on the middle level.

Three levels and three sections. If you ever look to the sides or behind you, you can see other folks and see how the ride is moving (pretty cool to me).

The pre-show took forever. They said they had to “decontaminate” us three different times as we waited in the first room. I figured they must have been having some technical difficulty with the ride up ahead and needed to stall for time. So we listened to the actor playing the scientist drone on for a while. He had kind of a stuttering delivery that I found annoying after a while. I didn't think he was convincing as a scientist. He came across more like a grad student who had overslept for the final exam. I was glad when we moved on.

Someone else commented it was like he was high. I think it was @Disney_Commando .

Then we learned all about the dragons—er, sorry. “Banshees”. This isn’t Harry Potter world. Even though you’re totally riding a dragon.

If it looks like a dragon and quacks (err roars) like a dragon and flies like a dragon...

Did the yeti wave back at you?

You’ll be happy to know that everyone loved it. Even if you can’t tell from the ride photos.

Nah, can't tell

We did not have PB&J sandwiches for lunch.

And there was much rejoicing!

Coming Up Next: I will reveal the secret connection Animal Kingdom has to Delaware. And Drew finds perhaps his favorite attraction in all of Disney World.

Well, I was already following along, but now you really have my interest piqued.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Even then, it will still be a recent win.......It's been almost 30 years since the team we root for won. You also keep the division bragging rights for the most recent SB win.

Who's your team?

I still have hope for the immediate future that the Eagles will be a contender. I think as long as Carson Wentz stays healthy they'll always have a chance.

I don't think you are missing much. I go out of my way to ignore it when we walk by. DH used to ask to ride, but he barely mentions it anymore. If it were really more than meh for him, he'd make a point. (I'll ride it - but I might opt for IASM if I had to choose)

I know it's basically the same ride as Dinosaur. I guess it's just the completist in me. Plus, it's Indiana Jones. Who knows, maybe I'd never feel the need to go back either.

Until the next day? Do you mix up the type of bread, pb (smooth/crunchy), and jam/jelly flavors? I enjoy pb&j - you have me wondering how many days I could go before I couldn't take anymore.

Actually, I think that was the last PB&J for a few days. We don't really mix anything up--I don't want to have to pack all sorts of different types of supplies in the car. So we usually last maybe 4 days.

YES! I think it's my absolute favorite "land" now of any park.

They did amazing work, for sure.

Perfect shot!

Thanks!

Completely agree with this. Which makes it an inherently a great ride!

I don't know if I'd call NRJ a "great" ride. I'd say it was worth doing once.

But, excellent way to spend some spare time!

Yes, the trails are a nice low-key attraction there.

Phew. I thought you'd lost your mind there.

Give it a sec...

Oops... we're back to you losing your mind.

It happens a lot.

You're full of it on this update.

That happens a lot, too.

There was really no way you could with Flame tree wafting about now, could you?

I could never resist the siren call of smoked meat.

Spoiler: I should have skipped Rivers of light to do that.

I haven't read a single review about it that seemed positive.

Oh man, shame. Hopefully one day you'll get to do it.

I'll just have to go back and try again!

Nice! Is this a cookbook that's available to buy, like on Amazon?

Yes! We've used several of the recipes in there.

This is the one we have. We got it several years ago:
https://www.amazon.com/Cooking-Mick...d=1549565984&sr=8-24&keywords=disney+cookbook

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

We've driving every time except I think maybe 3, but we're also only about 9 hours away. This past trip we got super fancy a couple of times and used Lyft, before we realized we could do the same thing for free in our own vehicle.

If I lived in the Carolinas, I'm sure I would be driving as well.

Bonus if you get to make corny jokes!

Absolutely!

I get that. It's not a terribly overwhelming ride, but it is cool.

I'm glad I saw it. I just wouldn't be in a rush to do it twice.

I hadn't. I messaged pkondz, and I've hinted a couple of time on his TR but never come right out and said it. If all checks out at the ultrasound tomorrow I'll make the "official" Facebook post. We're excited. Though I'm still mourning my loss of Primeval Whirl.

That might be a sentence that's never been written before. So excited for you guys! Are you going to find out if it's a boy or girl or just be surprised?

I really would love to know what their idea behind this was. "People love struggling interns, let's include one! It'll be a riot!" :shrug:

The struggling intern, in theory, can be a funny concept. That was not it.

I don't understand why we can't merge the apps into one. Why do we need both a Shop Disney Parks and Shop Disney? Why can't everything be in one app? I think I've successfully purchased one thing through the app.

I've started to find the drops shake me up a bit, but the only way I can survive the backwards portion is if I scoot as far forward as I can and have as little of me touching the seat as possible.

Huh. I wouldn't have thought to have tried that.

Mark...I think I told you before, but just in case...

I AM following along, it's just I haven't had as much time for replying. Between work, buying a house and numerous DISmeets, I've been relegated to mostly my phone which doesn't lend itself well to replies (especially multiquoting).

Enjoying the TR though even if you don't hear much from me.

Yep, I got the message! Sounds like you're just having too much fun!