Will we stay or will we go? We went! And had the most magical time! Hijacked 5-29-21 with a quick TR from New York City!

[tundra1]

When I last left off, we had just finished the Safari and we’re heading to the Gorilla Trail. This is a beautiful area, well shaded, and has several Wilderness Explorer stations to stop at.

Zack loved learning about the animals.


This CM was doing a great job with a variety of birds. He was so much fun to watch!



Ben and Charlie thought the fish were pretty amazing!


And of course, I loved the Gorillas!


We then headed towards Asia. The park is so peaceful, with the music playing and the beautiful surroundings... I was truly in my Happy Place!


Our first stop was Kali River Rapids. This is such a cute ride, and the wait was only 15 minutes, so the kids were excited and appreciated the chance to cool off!


While we were riding the river, Kevin and Aubrie were enjoying Asia on their own. Hi Pocahontas and Meeko!

 

[pkondz]

Yes Master!

You are a Goofy Geek of Gritty Greatness!

I’ll take it.

 

[tundra1]

We next headed to Expedition Everest. Ben was just tall enough to ride, and he and I had a great time, so much so that we got off and he wanted to get back in line to ride again! But the wait time had jumped from 25 minutes for us, to 50 minutes, and it was almost 11am by then, so we decided to ride it again at a later time.


When we got to Dinoland, Kevin and I decided to stay with Charlie and Aubrie, while everyone else rode Dinosaur.


We found a deserted pathway with benches in the shade, and Aubrie fell asleep in the stroller. Kevin stayed there with her to wait while Charlie and I went exploring. Charlie loves seeing all the Dinosaurs, and we rode Triceratops Spin, then a second time, then a third time! He loved that ride!



When everyone else got off Dinosaur, Charlie asked Aunt Alyssa if she wanted to ride Triceratops Spin. Not knowing that he had just ridden it three times, she said "let's go!". Zack and Ben did not want to miss out, so they joined in on the fun. As you can see in the picture below, Aunt Alyssa is a lot of fun to fide with!


Whereas Mom and Dad are a little more tame...


By now, it was close to lunch time, so William and Kevin decided to go back to the resort with the kids for naps and pool time. By then, it was pretty hot and humid (this was the warmest day of our entire week), so they were ready to go back.
I, on the other hand, had lots more to see and do, and was going to stay at Animal Kingdom. After a little debate, Hannah and Alyssa decided to stay also.

On our way to the park entrance, we passed the Bird Show. Because of Covid, the birds come out with their handlers and have a Meet and Greet experience. After about 10 minutes, they fly over the guests and back to their homes. Zack loves red macaws, and was very excited to see one up close!


Shortly after that, the birds flew away...


We also passed by the river on the way out and saw Chip, Dale and Goofy!


Up next: Pandora!

 

[Steppesister]

This CM was doing a great job with a variety of birds. He was so much fun to watch!

OH nice!! I didn't see any of that going on when I was there, but how fantastic!

Ben and Charlie thought the fish were pretty amazing!

THat part of the trail was all closed for our week since it was so cold. Well, half opened up later in the week, but not this section. I was sad to have missed the Weaver Birds and the fish. Glad you got to enjoy that part!!

We then headed towards Asia. The park is so peaceful, with the music playing and the beautiful surroundings... I was truly in my Happy Place!

YES!! Someone who "gets it"! ::

When we got to Dinoland, Kevin and I decided to stay with Charlie and Aubrie, while everyone else rode Dinosaur.

I just recently "re-discovered" this ride and remembered that I like it. It's a bit out of the way, and in a part of the park that's not a fave, but I think it's a fun one to hit up after the last couple of trips.

I, on the other hand, had lots more to see and do, and was going to stay at Animal Kingdom.

Good choice, Mama!!

On our way to the park entrance, we passed the Bird Show. Because of Covid, the birds come out with their handlers and have a Meet and Greet experience. After about 10 minutes, they fly over the guests and back to their homes. Zack loves red macaws, and was very excited to see one up close!

I was wondering how that was working these days. I never saw it except for the flyover from the TOL trails. It's such a stunning show!

 

[pkondz]

This is a beautiful area, well shaded, and has several Wilderness Explorer stations to stop at.

I need to spend more time on the trails.

What a pretty bird!

Our first stop was Kali River Rapids. This is such a cute ride, and the wait was only 15 minutes, so the kids were excited and appreciated the chance to cool off!

Oh, that'll cool you off all right!
Anyone get soaked?

Ben was just tall enough to ride, and he and I had a great time, so much so that we got off and he wanted to get back in line to ride again!

Yay!

we rode Triceratops Spin,

One I've never ridden, and unless I get some grandkids some day, probably never will.

then a second time, then a third time! He loved that ride!

That was us with our kids and Magic Carpets.

When everyone else got off Dinosaur, Charlie asked Aunt Alyssa if she wanted to ride Triceratops Spin. Not knowing that he had just ridden it three times, she said "let's go!".

Little con artist!

Yup. She's a fun aunt.

they fly over the guests and back to their homes.

Love that part.

Terrific shot!

 

[tundra1]

OH nice!! I didn't see any of that going on when I was there, but how fantastic!
Yes, he had quite the show going one, with four different birds.


THat part of the trail was all closed for our week since it was so cold. Well, half opened up later in the week, but not this section. I was sad to have missed the Weaver Birds and the fish. Glad you got to enjoy that part!!
Oh, the kids loved that trail! The CM's throughout the trails were so happy to share their stories and tell us details about their "families" of animals, birds, turtles, etc.. I can see that the gorillas would not be out if it was too cold. I am sorry you missed them.

YES!! Someone who "gets it"! ::


I just recently "re-discovered" this ride and remembered that I like it. It's a bit out of the way, and in a part of the park that's not a fave, but I think it's a fun one to hit up after the last couple of trips.
Dinosaur is a fun ride! The kids loved it!

Good choice, Mama!!
Oh my god! We had a great afternoon! That will be my next installment...

I was wondering how that was working these days. I never saw it except for the flyover from the TOL trails. It's such a stunning show!

I am glad you were able to see a fly over! The birds were only out for a short time, and we were lucky to see them. Once a crowd formed, the birds flew to their backstage homes.

 

[tundra1]

I need to spend more time on the trails.
Oh, they are so worth the time, and with you being a photographer, your photos would be so beautiful! Go early in the day. The animals were much more active.

What a pretty bird! With a lot of personality!

Oh, that'll cool you off all right!
Anyone get soaked?
We ended up sharing a raft with a couple from New York. They got completely drenched. The rest of us not so much!

Yay! Yes, a new EE fan is born!

One I've never ridden, and unless I get some grandkids some day, probably never will.

Come on, it's fun! Who doesn't want to fly in a circle on the back of a dinosaur in direct sun on a hot day?

That was us with our kids and Magic Carpets. What we won't do for our kids!

Little con artist!
Yeah, and he was only 2 back then! Now that he is 3, he has added a bit of flirting, too!


Yup. She's a fun aunt.
She has as much fun on this vacation as the little kids did!

Love that part.

Terrific shot!

I got lucky with that one. Wait until you see my Everest shot at night! Talk about luck!

 

[MMSM]

When I last left off, we had just finished the Safari and we’re heading to the Gorilla Trail. This is a beautiful area, well shaded, and has several Wilderness Explorer stations to stop at.

Zack loved learning about the animals.
View attachment 559412

This CM was doing a great job with a variety of birds. He was so much fun to watch!
View attachment 559411


Ben and Charlie thought the fish were pretty amazing!
View attachment 559413

And of course, I loved the Gorillas!
View attachment 559419 View attachment 559420

We then headed towards Asia. The park is so peaceful, with the music playing and the beautiful surroundings... I was truly in my Happy Place!
View attachment 559425View attachment 559428

Our first stop was Kali River Rapids. This is such a cute ride, and the wait was only 15 minutes, so the kids were excited and appreciated the chance to cool off!
View attachment 559447

While we were riding the river, Kevin and Aubrie were enjoying Asia on their own. Hi Pocahontas and Meeko!View attachment 559448

 

[buzzrelly]

mobile ordering from The Wave Restaurant at the Contemporary Resort as we walked. When you mobile order from a sit down restaurant, they give you a 30 minute window to pick up your order, so it worked out perfectly for us. By the time we exited Magic Kingdom and walked to the resort, our food was ready to go. We brought it to the room and had a delicious meal.

That's a great tip and I'll have to try to remember that whenever we go next! Sometimes you want good food but just don't feel like eating in a restaurant for a couple hours.

a nice family took a few pictures of us with my phone, so I was able to get one of our precious few family photos!

She's adorable and that's a beautiful family picture!

When I left off, we had just completed a 13 hour Magic Kingdom day, taking full advantage of the walking path to/from Bay Lake Tower.

The CM in the lobby suggested we try the Jambo House pool, so we headed over there. When I looked at the map, it seemed as though Jambo House was just around the corner from Kidani, but the walk was a bit farther than I had thought, and it is not scenic at all...unless you like to look at cars parked in the Kidani parking garage, or cars parked in the Jambo lots, or busses going by while the hot sun (that our Wisconsin skin was totally not used to) was beating down on us... But, half a mile later, we were there and greeted by this beautiful lobby and Christmas tree! That was worth the walk alone!

That is a hike! I was going to tell you about the shuttle, but I read that you figured it out later

I had originally planned to go to Disney Springs this evening, but everyone was tired, so we got settled in the villa, mobile ordered from Sanaa (butter chicken potjie-YUM, bread service - Double YUM!) and then sat on our balcony watching the sunset.

Stunning!

 

[pkondz]

Oh, they are so worth the time, and with you being a photographer, your photos would be so beautiful! Go early in the day. The animals were much more active.

Thanks for the tip.

With a lot of personality!

So, you're saying he/she is a sassy bird, too.

We ended up sharing a raft with a couple from New York. They got completely drenched. The rest of us not so much!

Perfect!

Come on, it's fun! Who doesn't want to fly in a circle on the back of a dinosaur in direct sun on a hot day?

You make it sound so appealing!

I got lucky with that one. Wait until you see my Everest shot at night! Talk about luck!

Okay!

 

[Steppesister]

Oh, the kids loved that trail! The CM's throughout the trails were so happy to share their stories and tell us details about their "families" of animals, birds, turtles, etc.. I can see that the gorillas would not be out if it was too cold. I am sorry you missed them.

Well, actually, I caught the gorillas on my last day, but the aviary never opened so missed pretty much everything else. Did get to see the meerkats and zebras as well as Baby Grace but that's about it.

 

[CruellaNY]

It's been awhile since I've commented but wanted you to know I'm here and caught up! Such a good day at AK so far I always like that park but since COVID it's actually become more of a favorite and interestingly enough, we've spent more time there in a day than we did pre-COVID! I'll skip making a park reservation at HS before I skip making one at AK!

 

[noahdove]

Loving your trip so far.

 

[tundra1]

After we walked the rest of the family to the entrance, Hannah, Alyssa and I headed back into the park. We found a Photopass photographer, and stopped for some photos with Simba, Pumbaa, and Timon. Then we headed towards Harambe Village for lunch.


I loved this view of Everest from the Harambe Bridge. I had made a mental note to go back to one of the bridges after the sun set to see what it looked like at night.


Fast forward to park close time...

The Disney Magic was happening this day! As I got to the bridge to Asia from Discovery Island in the evening, there was a group of people there, staring at Everest. One of the guys told me there was going to be a rocket launch from Cape Canaveral any minute now, and I should wait to take my picture, because we should be able to see it coming over Mount Everest. My angle was a little off...but can you believe this photo????? (I love the night setting on my I-phone. It captured the colors so well!)



Now rolling back in time to Lunch...
Back in November, Harambe Market was only open on the weekends, and the menu options were exactly what we wanted: Alyssa and I got a Harambe Salad with Chicken (YUM!) and Hannah got the Grilled Chicken Bowl, also excellent! We walked a bit down the path toward Asia and found a couple of picnic tables along the river. While we were there, several character boats came by, including Pocohantas and Meeko, Donald Duck and Friends, Pluto and Goofy, and the African Drummers. It was pretty cool to sit in the shade, enjoy the breeze off the water, and savor our socially isolated lunch! However, we saw some rain clouds heading our way, so decided shopping was our next order of business!



After the rain ended, we walked towards Pandora. This was our first time in this land, and it is truly beautiful! The line for Navi River Journey was 75 minutes, so we decided to skip that until later in the day.




Flight of Passage was posted at 60 minutes, and we got in line there. While we were waiting, Santa floated by in his Christmas Boat...



It took the full hour, but we finally made it on Flight of Passage. I loved that ride! It was so immersive, and after the escape scene, sitting on that mountaintop catching our breath, I couldn't help but pat my Banshee on the neck and tell her "It's okay, slow down your breathing, you did a great job!". I know, I am a nurse, it just comes out sometimes. My daughter was laughing at me!

After that ride, Hannah needed to get back to the resort to feed Aubrie. Zack had also texted us to see if he could come back to the park. He had spent the afternoon swimming with his dad and was ready for more Animal Kingdom! So we headed back to Kidani Village.

Going out on the balcony to greet my neighbors, I just had to stop for a minute to say Hello!



The four of us headed back to the park a little while later. We found a photopass photographer, and stopped for a Tree Of Life photo. We walked through the Discovery Island Trails, checking out all the carvings on the Tree of Life. We then were hoping to go on the Maharajah Jungle Trek, but by the time we arrived, it was 5:05 pm, and the trail had already closed.


So, we decided another journey on Expedition Everest would be amazing! Which it was! Unfortunately, we never got a ride photo from this adventure. More photopass woes! After Everest, we headed to Dinosaur land so Kevin and I could ride the Dinosaur ride, but it was down. Instead we headed towards Pandora again, and decided Zack and Kevin would love Flight of Passage, so we got in line for another journey on the Banshee. Woo Hoo!

By the time we got off the ride an hour later, the sun had set. We were going to try for Navi River Journey, but the posted wait was still 75 minutes, so we decided to stop at Satu'li Canteen for dinner. We had a great meal and as we were finishing, the park was closing, so we walked around to get some nighttime photos.



On the way out, we stopped and took pictures by the Christmas tree. By then, most of the guests had left, so you can see the entrance plaza was really empty! I felt bad that on most days the park closed at 5pm, and so many people could not enjoy this park after dark. It is truly beautiful. The Tree of Life has projections, the markets are lit up by lanterns and torches, and the mood of the park was so peaceful! After being at all four parks, I had truly found my happy place!


Next up... Another day at Magic Kingdom!

 

[tundra1]

It's been awhile since I've commented but wanted you to know I'm here and caught up! Such a good day at AK so far I always like that park but since COVID it's actually become more of a favorite and interestingly enough, we've spent more time there in a day than we did pre-COVID! I'll skip making a park reservation at HS before I skip making one at AK!

I ended up doing exactly that! We changed up our plans for our last day, and Kevin, Zack and I went to Animal Kingdom for a second day, while everyone else went to Hollywood Studios for more rides.

 

[pkondz]

Cute shot.

I loved this view of Everest from the Harambe Bridge.

yes, that's one of my faves, but...

The Disney Magic was happening this day! As I got to the bridge to Asia from Discovery Island in the evening, there was a group of people there, staring at Everest. One of the guys told me there was going to be a rocket launch from Cape Canaveral any minute now, and I should wait to take my picture, because we should be able to see it coming over Mount Everest. My angle was a little off...but can you believe this photo????? (I love the night setting on my I-phone. It captured the colors so well!)

WOW!!! What an amazing shot!! What timing! I don't mind saying that I'm pretty envious! Terrific!

Back in November, Harambe Market was only open on the weekends, and the menu options were exactly what we wanted: Alyssa and I got a Harambe Salad with Chicken (YUM!) and Hannah got the Grilled Chicken Bowl, also excellent!

Good! I've only eaten there once and once was enough. Looks like they've changed the menu since then and I couldn't be happier.

However, we saw some rain clouds heading our way, so decided shopping was our next order of business!

Got it. Rain = shopping.

The line for Navi River Journey was 75 minutes, so we decided to skip that until later in the day.

Nope! That ride is not worth a 75 minute wait.

Flight of Passage was posted at 60 minutes, and we got in line there.

This shocks me. NRJ is 75 but FoP is 60????
Something is wrong with the world.

after the escape scene, sitting on that mountaintop catching our breath, I couldn't help but pat my Banshee on the neck and tell her "It's okay, slow down your breathing, you did a great job!".

I know, I am a nurse, it just comes out sometimes. My daughter was laughing at me!

Going out on the balcony to greet my neighbors, I just had to stop for a minute to say Hello!

I'm just gonna guess that seeing giraffes out your window just never gets old.

We then were hoping to go on the Maharajah Jungle Trek, but by the time we arrived, it was 5:05 pm, and the trail had already closed.

Bummer.

Unfortunately, we never got a ride photo from this adventure. More photopass woes!

I always swipe my MB to make sure I get the right photos. I just don't trust it otherwise. It's saved me a couple times.

We were going to try for Navi River Journey, but the posted wait was still 75 minutes,

I felt bad that on most days the park closed at 5pm, and so many people could not enjoy this park after dark. It is truly beautiful.

Couldn't agree more.

 

[tundra1]

Cute shot.
Thanks!

Good! I've only eaten there once and once was enough. Looks like they've changed the menu since then and I couldn't be happier.
I also had an African beer with lunch, that was really tasty too! Perfect on a hot day! The girls were drinking something sweet and frozen, but I don't remember exactly which ones they chose.

Couldn't agree more.

WOW!!! What an amazing shot!! What timing! I don't mind saying that I'm pretty envious! Terrific!

Thank goodness I asked the guy next to me. I saw it on the news when we got home that night, but would not have known about the rocket launch otherwise! It seemed odd that everyone was standing there, fancy cameras ready, waiting for something...and me with my I-phone! LOL!

Got it. Rain = shopping.

This shocks me. NRJ is 75 but FoP is 60????
Something is wrong with the world.

I agree. The queue for NRJ was stretched towards the entrance into Pandora, and I think people just hopped in line, not quite sure which ride they were queuing up for. The FOP line crossed the road and then stretched along the river towards Festival of the Lion King. I think we were looking at the Nomad Lounge tables across the river at the turnaround point. But... it kept moving, and was definitely worth the hour long wait!

I'm just gonna guess that seeing giraffes out your window just never gets old.

Couldn't agree more.

Hopefully with the attendance coming back up, there will be more later nights in that park. We had Homecomin' booked at 6pm that night, but I cancelled it when they extended the park hours. I am so glad we did!

 

[Steppesister]

This is a great shot!!

I loved this view of Everest from the Harambe Bridge. I had made a mental note to go back to one of the bridges after the sun set to see what it looked like at night.

Absolutely stunning!

The Disney Magic was happening this day! As I got to the bridge to Asia from Discovery Island in the evening, there was a group of people there, staring at Everest. One of the guys told me there was going to be a rocket launch from Cape Canaveral any minute now, and I should wait to take my picture, because we should be able to see it coming over Mount Everest. My angle was a little off...but can you believe this photo????? (I love the night setting on my I-phone. It captured the colors so well!)

Holy Crap!!!!

I couldn't help but pat my Banshee on the neck and tell her "It's okay, slow down your breathing, you did a great job!". I know, I am a nurse, it just comes out sometimes. My daughter was laughing at me!

LOLOLOL!! I know!! I get that!

By the time we got off the ride an hour later, the sun had set. We were going to try for Navi River Journey, but the posted wait was still 75 minutes

Same was true last month too. So funny that the line is always longer, but,... 1 track, limited boats, vs. 3 theaters, multiple levels, 16 to a room each cycle. Just a way higher capacity for FOP.

I felt bad that on most days the park closed at 5pm, and so many people could not enjoy this park after dark. It is truly beautiful.

That was a major gripe of mine last trip. I hated missing seeing the park at night. And unless they extend hous next month and with sunset even later, probably going to miss it again.

I had truly found my happy place!

My soul sister!!

 

[pkondz]

The girls were drinking something sweet and frozen, but I don't remember exactly which ones they chose.

Maybe a Frozen Flamingo? I've had that there and it's quite good.

It seemed odd that everyone was standing there, fancy cameras ready, waiting for something...and me with my I-phone! LOL!

The queue for NRJ was stretched towards the entrance into Pandora,

and I think people just hopped in line, not quite sure which ride they were queuing up for.

Ohhh... yeah, I can see that.
Can you imagine? "Well, we've been standing in this line for over an hour, but I hear this ride is really cool! It's just like riding a Banshee!... Wait... what the heck is this????"

Hopefully with the attendance coming back up, there will be more later nights in that park.

Hope so too.

We had Homecomin' booked at 6pm that night, but I cancelled it when they extended the park hours. I am so glad we did!

Oooohhh... that's a tough one to drop.

 

[tundra1]

Monday November 16th was a beautiful day! The weather was perfect and we were headed back to Magic Kingdom. The hours for the park were 9a-7p on this day. We headed to the bus stop around 8am. There was already a line for the Magic Kingdom buses when we got there, but there were also a couple of buses waiting to transport us, so the line moved quickly. We were walking into the park by 8:30 or so. I was hoping to see the characters or the Dapper Dans out on the train station platform, but we never saw anyone out there the whole day.

Our first stop was Tomorrowland. The line for Space Mountain was already forming, so everyone got in line for the ride except me, who had stroller duty with Charlie and Aubrie. The CM said it would be about a 30 minute wait (it was actually 45 minutes due to some "issues") but the kids got to ride! While they were conquering another mountain, I saw Buzz Lightyear on the Tomorrowland Stage, and decided to say Hello! He was very gracious and made sure to smile in my picture and tip his Santa Hat our way.




Afterwards, we saw this amazing CM creating some impromptu art on the ground. It was so cool to see him create Mickey with a sponge and a bucket of water! I thanked him for the entertainment and he wished us a Magical Day!



After that, I took the little ones to the hub and we watched the Goofy and Clarabelle Cavalcade go by. We walked around the perimeter of the castle to Fantasyland, and then past the Motorway and back towards Space Mountain. Meanwhile the rest of the crew had a great time on their Intergalactic Rockets!



Once their ride was over, we met up and took a spin on the Astro Orbitor, and then planned to take a break inside the Carousel of Progress, hoping Charlie and Aubrie could take their naps. However, the Carousel was down, so we headed towards Big Thunder Mountain instead. We had another great trip over the Mountain! I wasn't sure where to stand for pictures, but did manage to get this photo of Kevin (in his red hat turned backwards) and William, sitting behind Alyssa and Zack, who was behind Hannah and Ben. I am glad I got it, because no ride photo showed up in our Photopass account for this one...again...


After that, we watched Santa go by in his cavalcade, and then Kevin and William took the boys on Peter Pan's Flight, while Hannah, Alyssa, Aubrie and I went shopping.




We stopped by the Christmas store to pick up some ornaments. Lucky for us, all 2020 dated ornaments were 70% off, so we scored in there, and had all our gifts in less than an hour! Meanwhile, Aubrie fell sound asleep... We then met back up with the boys and got in line for Its a Small World.


I know some people don't like this ride, and feel the song is annoying, etc., etc., But next time, find an 8 month old child and see this ride through their eyes! Aubrie was a bit uncertain at first, but Wow!, she was entranced by the entire ride!



After that ride, it was time to head to our ADR at Be Our Guest! The timing was perfect because it was starting to get hot outside, and the humidity was picking up a bit. I was so excited to meet the Beast!