"To Disney & Beyond" ~ Road Trip 2010 ~ Final Drive & Final Thoughts

[Spartangirl]

Chris shouldn't get all of the attention for his themed AK outfit...yours was cute, too!

Awww...thanks so much!!!

 

[Spartangirl]

Friday, July 30, 2010
Dinos & Tigers & Bugs Oh My!

After riding EE, the plan was to get FPs for Dinosaur...there was absolutely NO NEED! Standby was only 5 minutes!

Check out the little boy sitting next to me in our ride photo...he was so cute! When the ride was finished, his mom leaned back and asked how he liked the ride. His response was, "I made it, but I don't want to ride again!" He had us all laughing!

Chris and I decided to try to make it to the Festival of the Lion King. We had less than 15 minutes before show time, but we decided to give it a go! When we got to the entrance, we were among the last group to enter before the gates were closed. Chris and I were seated in the last row of the "Lion section," but at least we were in!

We both LOVE this show...we never tire of it and always find ourselves singing along! Here are a couple of pics...I think I was busy with the video camera because I didn't take many photos???

Up next, we decided to head to the Flame Tree BBQ for lunch.

We both ordered the pulled pork sandwiches and baked beans. I had Key Lime mousse for dessert and Chris had the chocolate mousse.

Lunch was very tasty and the many birds hanging out in the area did not bother "us." There was a huge family who the birds took a liking to, mainly because the kids had a knack for having their crumbs reach the ground.

Next we decided to head over toward the Tree of Life to catch up with our favorite bugs. However, we were sidetracked by a shady bench and the Village Beatniks...they have such a cool sound!

After "jammin'," we made our way over to the tree for It's Tough to Be a Bug.

We became honorary bugs and went into the theater. This showing had more laughter and screams than normal...we had a GREAT time!

Up next, we decided to head towards Nemo for the next showing. Along the way, we got a couple of pics of the "lucky" Disney birds, and stopped for ice cream sundaes, which were melting at a record pace.

We had originally intended on using snack credits for the jalapeno cheese stuffed pretzels, but with the record heat waves we were experiencing (according to the newscasters), we opted for a "cooler" treat.

Chris and I enjoyed seeing Finding Nemo, and the cooling off part wasn't bad either!

Continued in the next post... http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38272068&postcount=363

 

[Spartangirl]

Continued...

We were still singing "Big Blue World" as we made our way to the Maharajah Jungle Trek.

We watched the bats for quite some time. Although a little scary, they are so cool looking.

Many of them had their wings open to fan themselves to cool off. The CM explained that the bats could even fan themselves while being sound asleep...we found that rather interesting!

Next, we moved on to the tigers. Our first views were of all the "sleepers." Now I don't blame them one bit...I'm sure they were miserable with the heat!

We then checked out these guys, who seemed to know how to "beat the heat."

Next up were the birds...I thought this one was very unique looking!

See this beautiful bird?

This is a bird that looked well and happy. One of her "pals" ... not so much! I noticed a similar bird that was sprawled out, one wing fully extended, lying on its side on the ground. Its head was in an unusual position, just starring at people with a "Help me please" look, right in the middle of the walkway. Sorry, no picture because myself and everyone around us thought the bird was dying from the oppressive heat. Chris said, "Lynne, it's fine...it's probably faking dying to protect its nearby nest." We were BOTH WRONG!!!

Being worried, I went over to a CM to inquire about the situation. He laughed and said, "The bird chose a very poor location to sunbathe." The bird was smack in the middle of the walkway and people had to walk around it to continue on the path. Relieved, I was finally able to laugh about the situation and we continued on our way.

Up Next: Uncle Phil, The Baby, & A Yummy Meal!

 

[Shannon84]

Last time I went to Flame Tree, ducks kept pecking at me, but we just laughed it off, they just wanted some food, but we tried to ignore them. I love those bug 3d glasses, they are too cute!!!

The pictures you guys got of the tiger in the water and drinking from the water are amazing!! Every time I see them they are sleeping

 

[MeMom]

When the ride was finished, his mom leaned back and asked how he liked the ride. His response was, "I made it, but I don't want to ride again!" He had us all laughing!

Brooklynn had the same response.
She came off the ride and proceeded to show me the dinosaurs in the gift shop that had tried to eat her during the ride.

However, we were sidetracked by a shady bench and the Village Beatniks...they have such a cool sound!

Did you hear that they are soon to be no more?

We then checked out these guys, who seemed to know how to "beat the heat."

Awesome pictures!!!

 

[Tracy161]

I love your new signature pictures!!! Also, your pictures with your honorary bug glasses are awesome and remind me that I've been meaning to get a picture with those... gotta add that to the to do list!!!

 

[Aburns8]

Love the animal pics! One of my favorite things to do in AK is check out the animals. My DH and I have been to AK 4 times and just found the tigers on the last trip. You should have wore a Detroit Tiger's shirt that day

 

[pixidustmom]

New subscriber here. Enjoying your TR.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I think many kids have the same reaction to riding Dinosaur!

Festival of the Lion King is such a great show, but we have never seen Finding Nemo before. We must fix that on a future trip.

Was the Key Lime Mousse good at Flame Tree? My entire family adores anything Key Lime.

Awesome pics of the bats and tigers!!! I didn't know that about them fanning themselves while asleep! That's quite a handy trick!

Too funny about the bird sunbathing! Glad it wasn't hurt or anything.

 

[magichusky]

I had lots of catching up to do! I've probably missed the boat on this one (pun intended), but that Jungle Cruise photo really needs to be revisited! What a great guy! It's quite the treat when you get a genuinely funny guide! Usually mine are not really into it. And also, I know a fellow reader mentioned that when they had technical difficulties on Buzz they were allowed to ride again. I've had technical issues at TSM in DL a few times and *always* ask the CMs for a re-ride pass- they love it and are super friendly about it!

And I love your AK pics!!! I'll be on a mission to find Devine when I arrive at AK in December for sure. The Dinosaur pic was especially funny- the majority of your car appeared sincerely freaked out!

 

[Disneymommy2006]

LOVE your AK posts. The pictures are fabulous... I hope we get to see Devine when we go next!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I love how you found so many walk-ons - makes for a great day, and also cooler! That little boy on Dino is so cute!

 

[floridascgirl]

I remember you saying that your camera was a Nikon D90, right? May I ask what type of lens do you use? Your animal photos are super (all your shots are actually). I recently purchased a refurbished Nikon D40 with just the stock 18-55 lens. I'm thinking about asking for a 55-200 VR lens for Christmas...mostly for wildlife shots. Also, have you found a camera bag that you really like? Just curious what works for you...especially in Disney.

 

[Spartangirl]

JUST A QUICK NOTE TO ALL MY FELLOW SPARTAN FANS...YAY TO A FANTASTIC VICTORY OVER NOTRE DAME LAST NIGHT!!!

Last time I went to Flame Tree, ducks kept pecking at me, but we just laughed it off, they just wanted some food, but we tried to ignore them.

They did seem pretty pesky around the one family with the kids...just kind of waiting by their feet for some food to fall!

I love those bug 3d glasses, they are too cute!!!

Me too, Shannon! They're just fun!

The pictures you guys got of the tiger in the water and drinking from the water are amazing!! Every time I see them they are sleeping

Awww, thanks! I was happy to see them out and about so I happily started snapping pics!

Brooklynn had the same response.
She came off the ride and proceeded to show me the dinosaurs in the gift shop that had tried to eat her during the ride.

Oh no! I can definitely understand how that ride would be scary to children!

Did you hear that they are soon to be no more?

NO, I didn't! How sad...I'm so glad we got to see them on this last trip, seeing as though it may have been our last opportunity...

Awesome pictures!!!

Thanks so much, MeMom!

I love your new signature pictures!!!

Thanks so much, Tracy! I got a little bored with what I had up there so out with the old, in with the new!

Also, your pictures with your honorary bug glasses are awesome and remind me that I've been meaning to get a picture with those... gotta add that to the to do list!!!

Thank you! Definitely get a pic with them on your next trip...they're so fun to look back at!

Love the animal pics! One of my favorite things to do in AK is check out the animals.

Thanks so much, Andrea! We LOVE seeing all of the animals too!

My DH and I have been to AK 4 times and just found the tigers on the last trip. You should have wore a Detroit Tiger's shirt that day

No kidding! The tigers are one of my favorite animals to see and watch! Oh my gosh...I didn't even think to wear one of my Tiger's shirts...hummmmm, next time!

 

[Spartangirl]

New subscriber here. Enjoying your TR.

WELCOME!!! Thanks so much for joining in and glad you're here!

I think many kids have the same reaction to riding Dinosaur!

I believe it...I think it's a scary ride for kids! I know that I even get spooked in there!

Festival of the Lion King is such a great show, but we have never seen Finding Nemo before. We must fix that on a future trip.

We LOVE FOTLK! Definitely fit in Nemo on a future trip...it is so well done!

Was the Key Lime Mousse good at Flame Tree? My entire family adores anything Key Lime.

That's how I am, Jackie...I love anything Key Lime and I thought it was great!

Awesome pics of the bats and tigers!!! I didn't know that about them fanning themselves while asleep! That's quite a handy trick!

Thanks so much! It was news to us to...I thought it was pretty cool!

Too funny about the bird sunbathing! Glad it wasn't hurt or anything.

Oh my gosh...I was so glad the bird was fine...I was flipping out a little bit because I seriously thought the bird was dying!

 

[Spartangirl]

I had lots of catching up to do! I've probably missed the boat on this one (pun intended), but that Jungle Cruise photo really needs to be revisited! What a great guy! It's quite the treat when you get a genuinely funny guide! Usually mine are not really into it.

We LOVED that particular guide on our "cruise!" I completely feel that the guide can either make or break the ride! We were so fortunate to get a good one that day!

And also, I know a fellow reader mentioned that when they had technical difficulties on Buzz they were allowed to ride again. I've had technical issues at TSM in DL a few times and *always* ask the CMs for a re-ride pass- they love it and are super friendly about it!

That is so good to know, Lauren! I just didn't even think to tell the CM about the technical issues with the ride...

And I love your AK pics!!! I'll be on a mission to find Devine when I arrive at AK in December for sure.

Thanks so much! Definitely check out Devine if you get the chance...she's amazing!

The Dinosaur pic was especially funny- the majority of your car appeared sincerely freaked out!

I noticed that too...There's Chris and I "pretending" to be scared, but everyone else appears to be a little freaked out!

LOVE your AK posts. The pictures are fabulous... I hope we get to see Devine when we go next!

Thanks so much! I really hope you get to see Devine too...I was in complete awe...she's incredible!

I love how you found so many walk-ons - makes for a great day, and also cooler! That little boy on Dino is so cute!

Me too, Tammie! We were amazed by how empty the park seemed to be! That little boy was just too cute...he sure was a trooper!

I remember you saying that your camera was a Nikon D90, right? May I ask what type of lens do you use?

Close...D80! Currently I'm just using the standard Nikkor lenses...I have a 28-80mm and a 70-300mm. I also have a wide angle 18-50mm lens. Of course, I'm always looking at the other possibilities out there...just haven't acted on those yet! I do have to say that I've been extremely pleased with the quality of the pics of the Nikon...

Your animal photos are super (all your shots are actually). I recently purchased a refurbished Nikon D40 with just the stock 18-55 lens. I'm thinking about asking for a 55-200 VR lens for Christmas...mostly for wildlife shots.

Thank you so much! The D40s are very nice...good choice! I have a couple of friends who have that model and I've had the opportunity to take some pictures with their cameras! The particular lens you're talking about is very nice!

Also, have you found a camera bag that you really like? Just curious what works for you...especially in Disney.

I love the Lowepro camera bags...we have both the Nova 3 (standard camera bag) and a Slingshot 200 (a sling-type backpack). Both bags fit the camera body and all 3 lenses. However, we generally bring the slingshot 200 on almost all of our trips because it also fits our video camera and anything else we want to carry. I really don't say too much about which one we bring because Chris is gracious enough to carry it!

 

[redsox721]

Great update. Love the tiger pictures. The bats are a bit creepy but interesting to view. It's Tough To Be A Bug is one of my favorite in AK. Thanks for continuing to share. I showed my DH some of your pictures and now all he can talk about is going back to Disney World. To bad it won't be until sometime in 2012. Need to pay for the daughter's in June 2011. And we have already been planning a trip similar to the first half of your trip for after the wedding.

 

[ashleighbass06]

Don't you just love Big Blue World? I need to buy that CD...

I love your pics! The tigers in the water are really cool! And that blue bird! Love it!

 

[klacey1]

Haha, that little boy must have been funny! I think a lot of kids feel that way after riding Dinosaur!
Beautiful tiger pictures!

 

[ellie0311]

What a wonderful day at AK!