Very Merry D23 Holidaze Dec 2009 TR - 7 magical park days! updt 7/1

[praisehisname]

Cool! I've never seen them!

 

[disneyaddicted]

Reading your TR and all about your hunt for HM's has me so disappointed that I had forgotten my HM book at home, I plan to do the HM hunt on my next trip.

The guy smoking on the trail...NOT COOL! I am a smoker and I try hard to not inconvenience non smokers, some people just want nice pink lungs and not have to worry about second hand smoke. I get that, I wish others did too.

You're pictures were great, love the hippos but really loved the meer cat, my little chihuahua Falula always pokes her head up like that and reminds me of a meer cat.

 

[MyMuse]

What a wonderful start to your Animal Kingdom adventure! Great pics too!

Thanks!

Great update. I live near Toledo, OH, and our zoo was the first one to ever have an underwater veiwing of hippos. It seems so normal to me, but even now, people ooh and ahhh over it alot. LOL!
I was at RD for AK one year, by myself while DH and DD slept in. It was neat, but I was sooooo far back that I couldn't hear a thing and the pics I took have the characters looking microscopic.

Did you end up finding a photopass share anywhere? Or did you just buy the CD yourself?

I was back, but saw pretty good. My camera has a 10x but my video does not.

I shared the Photopass with my friend Mary who I met a couple of times on the trip. Next time, I'll go to other boards to do a photopass share. I really do like Photopass alot but not the price they tack onto it.

You should always ask the photographers if they can do magic shots.

I think so. http://twitter.com/heatherw25

When we first got there (the 9th), I did see some '09 stuff, but after a few days, almost everything was gone. They also had everything with '09 on it half off, but that wasn't advertised anywhere. You just had to know about it, lol.

Oh, hi heatherw25!

Luckily, most of my photopass cm did the magic shot without me even asking. But I would, if need be.

I was there in early dec 09, so there was stuff there, but nothing I wanted to buy. And I was a little annoyed by all the 2010 stuff already out.

Yay!! I love the Safari!! You ended up getting some GREAT pics!!!

I got some decent ones.
There are definitely more in my other TRs, if you want to check them out.

Cool! I've never seen them!

Aren't they cute? It's like they took 2 different animals and made it into 1!

Reading your TR and all about your hunt for HM's has me so disappointed that I had forgotten my HM book at home, I plan to do the HM hunt on my next trip.

The guy smoking on the trail...NOT COOL! I am a smoker and I try hard to not inconvenience non smokers, some people just want nice pink lungs and not have to worry about second hand smoke. I get that, I wish others did too.

You're pictures were great, love the hippos but really loved the meer cat, my little chihuahua Falula always pokes her head up like that and reminds me of a meer cat.

Yes, more HM hunts coming up! I really tried to find as many as I vould on this trip. Remember, I'm only on my 2nd park day out of 7.

If people want to smoke, it's their right to do so. But not near me and not in designated areas. I appreciate you looking for the designated spots. My mother died partly because of second-hand smoke, so I want it nowhere near me.

Animal Kingdom is definitely on my fav list, I wish I spent more time here. Next trip!

Sorry for the wait in updates! I went on a hike on Saturday and just crahsed when I came home. I'll try to get another one up today.

 

[MyMuse]

After Safari, it was time for some breakfast! I decided upon Kusarifi Coffee & Bakery shop since I have never been. The line itself wasn’t bad, but I waited FOREVER. I don’t know what the problem was or whether they had a big order, but it was getting a little frustrating, especially with a family of boys in front of me who’s behavior was getting a little rowdy. The couple in front of me actually left as the husband got coffee somewhere else. I think I saw my order waiting at the counter, but I wasn’t sure and I didn’t want to skip over the line waiting.

After a while, they called out “coffee & turnover”, so I went to the front and grabbed my order. As you can tell, I had coffee & apple turnover at 10:17am for $4.56. Of course, that’s when I ordered, not when I actually got it.

Unfortunately, there are no seats, so I sat on a ledge next to what looked like an employee entrance. This I did not like. If I knew there was no seating, then I would not have bothered because it was uncomfortable. Thankfully, the turnover was delicious!

After I finished, I began walking toward “It’s Tough to be a Bug”. While getting there, I stopped for a Photopass photos in front of the tree by the Tree of Life sign. Even though, there was only 1 or 2 people in front of me, the wait was fairly long! however, my turn came and I got a Simba photo! This photo last time ever came through.

Like my nifty teal fleece jacket? lol

After, I headed off to “Bug”, wait time was posted as 5 minutes. I’m not sure if that ever actually changes?? I actually had to wait in line before heading into the theater! It seemed fairly crowded in AK today.

crowd levels seem to be quite high in animal kingdom today! so much for crowd level of 4
10:55 AM Dec 6th

I know people don’t really like this show, but I think it’s cute. The queue line is great for taking pics, but I have quite a few in past TRs as well as the posters inside the waiting area. And I could not find the hidden mickey by the handicapped entrance.

After “Bug”, I took some scenic shots, while heading to Nemo. It was after 11am somewhat & thought I would be able to catch the 11:30am show with a decent seat.

Caught these guys

The line was winding around & people were cutting in front of others. Man alive! After I got in, I sat in the 5th or 6th row on the right. It was a decent spot, but I had to walk around to the other side, since the family sitting on the edge didn’t want to let anyone walk through. I’m not sure what was up with that. So, I walked around.

at nemo musical show, got pretty decent seat. i thought i was early but place is packed! i think visitors have been taking rude pills.
11:35 AM Dec 6th

I love this show, I really do. Much better than the Festival of the Lion King. The artistry, the puppetry, the matching of the puppets to the actors – all great. I even finally noticed Nemo swimming through the bubbles on the side of the stage during pre-show. LOL!

Video of my fav part!


I didn't find the hidden mickey here since it was on the left side of stage and I was way on the right. It is 3 bubbles that form a classic mickey.

up Next: I visit the land of the lost ...

 

[dawnbu40]

Great Nemo pics! Your update has me excited for March since we skipped AK in Sept!

 

[If U Had Wings]

I had to laugh at your backpack comment. I was grumbling about that all week back in Dec. People forget that they now have an extra foot or so growing off of their back and just whip around indiscrimininently. I got wacked more times than I care to think about.

You got some great shots of the animals on the trail. Just beautiful.

 

[MyMuse]

Great Nemo pics! Your update has me excited for March since we skipped AK in Sept!

More to come!

I've got to schedule more time at AK in the future.

I had to laugh at your backpack comment. I was grumbling about that all week back in Dec. People forget that they now have an extra foot or so growing off of their back and just whip around indiscrimininently. I got wacked more times than I care to think about.

You got some great shots of the animals on the trail. Just beautiful.

Exactly! I mean, really. If you are wearing a backpack, you are responsible for not giving someone else a concussion. Some people are just oblivious. I'm going to work on my pointing these things out to poeple next time.

Thank you; I must admit I like my point & shoot. If you put it on sports setting, it works well for photos at the safari. I have plenty mroe in my previous TRs.

 

[MyMuse]

After the Nemo show, I headed off to the land of the lost, otherwise known as Dinoland. I haven’t really visited Dinoland (other than to go on Dinosaur in May trip), so this is another almost first.

Primeval Whirl was at 70 minutes & Dinosaur at 50 minutes! I guess I’m not going on those. I was thinking about Primeval Whirl and was trying to find the exact type of ride, but I’m not about to wait 70 minutes for it.

So, I settled for taking a few area pictures and sent out a where am i? tweet.

where am i?
12:34 PM Dec 6th

I walked around and checked everything out; saw a few character greetings as well but didn’t stop.

character greeting area, but looks like a good postcard, right?

After Dinoland, I went off to Maharajah Jungle Trek and stopped by Expedition Everest for yet another Photopass. I warned you guys! LOL!

See how EE & the temple align?

Interesting story that there was some people who just walked up to the PP CM with complete disregard to the line waiting and then was shocked to see us. *sigh* No, we were loitering. </sarcasm>

Photopass

Magic Shot!

I notice that wait times are getting up there for EE & Kali River Rapids

wait times are getting long...about 50-60 min for rides in AK.
12:43 PM Dec 6th

After Photopass, I visited the monkey house for a moment, then it was time for my hidden mickey hunt at the jungle trek!

And I saw someone throw garbage in the bushes! Why? I think he got yelled at by his friends and he went to pick it up. There was a garbage can right there. Makes no sense.

I love the Trek. I think it’s just grand – animals, themeing, décor – the whole shebang! I even semi-like the bats. Ew.

First Hidden Mickey!
to the right of the first arch, under the tiger, swirls in the water form...

See the above pic? now check out his earring

Same goes for the above guy's earring too

More Hidden Mickeys at the Trek to come!

 

[ladybugmom]

Oooh--I'm loving all the HMs and your PP pics are GREAT!! I especially liked the Simba one and the one where Tink is sitting in your hand (I've never seen that Tink one before)!! And Nemo--I love that show as well!! Loved your pics!!

 

[disneyaddicted]

I love ITTBAB, it's super cute!
I am getting so many hints for my HM hunt in Sept. Even though I have a book it's more helpful when you post pictures and explanations, I don't consider it cheating either, it's...studying.

 

[dawnbu40]

I love all the HM that you found! We need to do that!

Also-the magic shot of you and Tink is adorable!

 

[praisehisname]

Love the magic shots of Simba and Tink!

I can't believe Primeval Whirl was at 70 minutes! I love that ride but would never wait that long for it!

Denise

 

[jenseib]

I have never seen that Tink shot before. How cool!
I thought that early Dec was supposed to be a slower time of year? Doesn't sound that way, with those wait times. Sounds like March is still better. LOL!

 

[MyMuse]

Oooh--I'm loving all the HMs and your PP pics are GREAT!! I especially liked the Simba one and the one where Tink is sitting in your hand (I've never seen that Tink one before)!! And Nemo--I love that show as well!! Loved your pics!!

Thank you!!

I hadn't realized Tink is new? I have to check back in my other TRs.
I'm only posting the cute PP pics; some of them did come out a little horrid. Quantity is the way to go.

Love the Nemo show. I've seen it...three times so far? Best!

I love ITTBAB, it's super cute!
I am getting so many hints for my HM hunt in Sept. Even though I have a book it's more helpful when you post pictures and explanations, I don't consider it cheating either, it's...studying.

I like that!

The book I have seem to be a few years old, so I will have to invest in a newer one next trip.

I love all the HM that you found! We need to do that!

Also-the magic shot of you and Tink is adorable!

Thank you!

Love the magic shots of Simba and Tink!

I can't believe Primeval Whirl was at 70 minutes! I love that ride but would never wait that long for it!

Denise

I've never been on that ride and I was trying to do things-I've-haven't-done-before on this trip, but Primeval has to wait until next time. I'm not overly sure if I would enjoy the ride. but, yes, 70 min, is way too long. If I had more time in the AK, maybe.

I have never seen that Tink shot before. How cool!
I thought that early Dec was supposed to be a slower time of year? Doesn't sound that way, with those wait times. Sounds like March is still better. LOL!

It must be new?

Early Dec is *supposed* to be, but I don't think it is so much anymore. Well, it is when compared to closer to Christmas and to the New Year, I suppose.

March was nice. Thinking about it, but probably won't. I'll do it if I can get into the D23 event, but since they haven't yet posted on-sale date nor pricing, it doesn't seem like it.

I'm going to attempt to get another update up!

 

[MyMuse]

After leaving the murals, I checked out the restless tigers. Got real close!

H-E-L-L-O!

Then I went back to the HM Hunt! Of course, some of the murals, I just liked, no HMs but I’ll tell you when.

this is from inside the tiger area, hence the flash spot

Look closely at the above pic! HM is in rock formation on left side of the mountain

check out the HM in upper left cloud formation

This HM was found, as you exit the temple ruins, on the mural among the leaves
I didn't take a wide pic for some reason

There were quite a few I could not find, the most interesting being the tree stump after exiting the temple ruins. Who knew??

As we leave the Trek

cool birdhouse

At this point, it was getting a bit close to my 1:30 ADR at Yak & Yeti! So, I got moving out of Maharajah Jungle Trek and checked-in at 1:21pm at Yak & Yeti.

cool fountain on the way to Y&Y

Yak & Yeti

This is how I know

It was quite crowded in there, so the servers had to yell a bit and it’s always hard to hear “Party of 1!”. While I was waiting, I sent out a late ‘where am I’? tweet simply because my phone got this shot

ROAR!!
1:26 PM Dec 6th

and then this tweet

maja jungle trek! i have found most of your hidden mickeys! ha!
1:31 PM Dec 6th

I finally get seated around 1:35-40pmish and sat next to the circular staircase on the second floor. I ordered a Spice chai tea, chicken mandarin salad & the fried pineapple wontons for dessert! Oh yes, I already knew what I wanted. Everything was delicious!!

some pics from inside

circular staircase

spice tea teapot

mandarin salad

having some grub at Yak Yeti in Animal Kingdom
2:18 PM Dec 6th

For some reason, I didn't take a pic of the fried pineapple wontons with vanilla ice cream, but I assure you it was heavenly!

It came to $33.19 (w/20% tip, waitress very good) at 2:38pm.

more pics of Y&Y

I leave Y&Y completely full and definitely on the list of places to go back to. *thumbs up*

 

[KatGarcia]

You so win on finding more HM's than I ever have! It is sooo much fun to see all the ones you find!!!

 

[SoloFriendly]

For some reason, I didn't take a pic of the fried pineapple wontons with vanilla ice cream, but I assure you it was heavenly!

Well, if you're anything like me, you forgot to take a picture because you were too busy inhaling them! I do that all the time.

 

[praisehisname]

Awesome picture! Thanks for sharing all the hidden mickey info. I can't wait to find them in person!

Denise

 

[MyMuse]

You so win on finding more HM's than I ever have! It is sooo much fun to see all the ones you find!!!

Thanks!
I enjoyed the HM hunts; though, sometimes, it was a little frustrating trying to find them. I guess some are gone. I will invest in a new book next time around.

Well, if you're anything like me, you forgot to take a picture because you were too busy inhaling them! I do that all the time.

Exactly!

It was soooooo good!

Awesome picture! Thanks for sharing all the hidden mickey info. I can't wait to find them in person!

Thanks for joinging me. I will visit yours very soon. I'm trying my best to get my 2nd park day done! I had no idea i would be this slow.

 

[ladybugmom]

Great pics!! And LOVE all of the Hidden Mickeys!!