Will You Chill Out if I Sprinkle You With Pixie Dust? The End p136 *New TR Link* p138

[amazingact21]

I feel like I say it every time, but I love your morning run pictures! They just make WDW look so tranquil!

Front row on EE is the best. I find that barely anybody ever asks for it, though. On RNRC, I usually have to stand in a small line, but on Everest I'm all by my lonesome.


Looking forward to seeing if the lions were cooperative that morning!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

So for the first time this vacation I set an alarm. And I actually managed to listen to it and get our of bed. I can't even tell you how much I didn't want to run.

That's dedication. I don't even get up to run at home.

How close were we to the 8am park opening? Judge for yourself......

Not too shabby. Not too shabby at all.

I got smart and suggested to Denny that we asked for front row. Of course, this time I remembered to tell him BEFORE we got to the end of the queue. It works so much better that way.

What would he do without you?

Up we go

These are great ride pictures! Excellent work!

Is this too many pictures? I was a little picture obsessed today.

No, because the AK theming is terrific.

Up Next. At 0845 am do I finally get a picture of that elusive lion??????

No, because it's an animatronic sleeping lion, like I keep telling you.

 

[MEK]

Looks like y'all were off to a great start for the last day! And all of the pictures are so pretty!

Thanks! And, yes, I was quite proud of our early start to the day. I let you know how that ends up...soon.

From the Gate at BCv entrance right by the hill to the bag check pole, yes i actually touched it.

That is too funny. I actually would have thought that was just a tad bit longer. I do this counting thing which helps me figure out how far I have gone and I thought I was pretty close to a mile just from the BW eixt. Hmmm. Guess I need that app.

Oh - and I actually saw a PP guy there right near bag check on my last day, so I had him take my picture and told him not to make me look fat in my running clothes. You know I really sucked it in for that pic!

I went by the BW to DHS and then by the YC on the way back..... same distance.

Interesting to know its the same distance in both directions. I was wondering about that.

 

[MEK]

I feel like I say it every time, but I love your morning run pictures! They just make WDW look so tranquil!

I'm glad you like them. I think I took even more on the October trip. I love taking pictures because otherwise I really would forget where I ran. Plus, its a little luxury to be able to stop for a few seconds and catch my breath.

Front row on EE is the best. I find that barely anybody ever asks for it, though. On RNRC, I usually have to stand in a small line, but on Everest I'm all by my lonesome.

It's true - people rarely aske for it. On RnR I don't care as much because its dark through the whole ride. Hmmmmm - I wonder if I have ever done front row on RnR. Maybe once, purely by accident.

Looking forward to seeing if the lions were cooperative that morning!

Those darns lions - they can be so darn fickle!

That's dedication. I don't even get up to run at home.

Loser! Just kidding. I actually like getting up and running more in Florida than at home because, well, its just more interesting.

Not too shabby. Not too shabby at all.

I am actually quite proud of our ability to have reached the TOL by 8:10am. That's probably a Disney world record for us, so "thank you".

What would he do without you?

He would be SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO lost!

These are great ride pictures! Excellent work!

Thanks! I think I have the whole EE photo shot technique down, with my vast experience.

No, because the AK theming is terrific.

It really is. I just love the theming there. It's so immersive. The details are outstanding.

No, because it's an animatronic sleeping lion, like I keep telling you.

OK - I didn't just laugh out loud....I just snorted out loud! Thank goodness my door is closed.

 

[glennbo123]

Nice EE pictures MEK! I remember when you wouldn't take out your camera for that ride, and now look at you. I especially like that first one, of the bamboo at the first turn just after you leave the station. It makes me think like I'm about to go on EE myself.

 

[MEK]

Nice EE pictures MEK! I remember when you wouldn't take out your camera for that ride, and now look at you. I especially like that first one, of the bamboo at the first turn just after you leave the station. It makes me think like I'm about to go on EE myself.

I know. I'm a beast, right? (That is so something one of my kids would say). Thanks for the compliment. I thought the same thing when I saw that picture. It made me ready to ride!

 

[Pinkocto]

Great update! I am amazed you can get up so early on vacation. Can't wait to see how you liked Boma.

That wild haired monkey is adorable! I missed seeing him. From their descriptions I think R & M saw a CM feeding him when we were there.

I've gotten stuck in EE the last couple times and it seemed like ages.

I hold onto my camera bag for dear life, let alone take it out on a ride

 

[Poolrat]

That is too funny. I actually would have thought that was just a tad bit longer. I do this counting thing which helps me figure out how far I have gone and I thought I was pretty close to a mile just from the BW eixt. Hmmm. Guess I need that app.

Oh - and I actually saw a PP guy there right near bag check on my last day, so I had him take my picture and told him not to make me look fat in my running clothes. You know I really sucked it in for that pic!



Interesting to know its the same distance in both directions. I was wondering about that.

Cardio trainer... free app but I have a droid.

It was maybe a .01 mile difference ...maybe...

I actually have it
Run #1 1.29 BC- DHS
1.27 DHS-YC-BC
Run #2 1.23 Bc- DHS bag check
1.25 DHS- YC- BC

I was curious too. And actually a bit disappointed that from the BCV gate it was about the same. I would bet going around by YC was longer.

 

[MEK]

Great update! I am amazed you can get up so early on vacation. Can't wait to see how you liked Boma.

I am so used to getting up early for work that on a beach vacation it takes me the whole week before I can learn to sleep late. I normally wake up on my own but on this day I had to set an alarm. There was no way.

That wild haired monkey is adorable! I missed seeing him. From their descriptions I think R & M saw a CM feeding him when we were there.

Isn't he/she/it? They really do have some of the coolest animals at AK. I really enjoyed seeing him that morning, even though I was in a rush to get to EE.

I've gotten stuck in EE the last couple times and it seemed like ages.

That is not a ride I would want to get stuck on. I know someone who got stuck on the lift hill and had to walk up the track to get off the ride. Not so sure how I would do with that.

I hold onto my camera bag for dear life, let alone take it out on a ride :scared1

I actually cracked the rim of my distance lens on EE, but not because I had it out. I packed it too hastily with the lens up and the cap came off and I must have put my foot on the bag and....well.....the outcome was not good.

Cardio trainer... free app but I have a droid.

It was maybe a .01 mile difference ...maybe...

I actually have it
Run #1 1.29 BC- DHS
1.27 DHS-YC-BC
Run #2 1.23 Bc- DHS bag check
1.25 DHS- YC- BC

I was curious too. And actually a bit disappointed that from the BCV gate it was about the same. I would bet going around by YC was longer.

That is a cool app. I will have to look for an iphone equivalent. I do like knowing how far I have run. My "system" is not bad, but having the exact mileage is so much better. Thanks for the info!

 

[MEK]

Update Coming!

 

[MEK]

Crash and Burn

In my last update we managed to get to EMH at AK and at 9:15 am we were ready to get in line for Safari (I thought it was 8:45, but I stand corrected). I guess we skipped the FPs because my next picture in photobucket was this......

That is my signature "reflection in the side view mirror" picture. I stumbled upon this quite by accident back in 2009. Now I always to try to take this same pic, if I get seated in the right spot. Funny thing is, as many times as I take this pic, its never as good as the first time. Beginner's luck.

Here's another try.

I later realized that part of the reason I didn't like these shots was because I had my filter on. Filters and safaris don't mix. Everything looks purple.

So sit back and enjoy some purple animals and scenery.

I'll call this guy Bubba. No, Purple Bubba!

Purple Alligator

Purple sky

Purple trees

Giraffe, who looks close to his normal color

The truck in front of us had to make a giraffe detour

Looks like he came pretty close to us, too.

Hi Giraffe

Bye Giraffe

Purple Monkey

Still trying for that 1 in a million shot

Wow, Did I finally get smart and take the filter off?

I think I did because, if I'm not mistaken, that sky looks BLUE! Yeah!

Continued In Next Post........

 

[MEK]

Oooh Oooooh Oooooooh I think we are getting close to the lions? Would one be out?

Rocks

Wait - Is there something resting between those rocks?

There she is, in all her blurry gloriness.

But try as I might I could not get a decent picture.

Drat! Foiled AGain!

Here's the shot again!

After my lack of success with the female lion I think I just put the camera away. Not gonna lie! I was bummed!

Here's the end of the ride

I guess we decided to check out this gorilla

I have no idea where I took this picture, but it looks cool.

Oh - look - Here's a group getting ready to start the Wild Africa Trek

Yeah kid - I AM looking at you!

We obviously didn't walk the entire Pangani trail because here is my next picture.

We still had time before our Boma breakfast ADR. Where to Next?

Not Here.....

Not Here......

But here.........

Continued In Next Post........

 

[MEK]

I skipped the red neck ride photo again, but I assure you we had a great ride and even came back with one more passenger, extra large!

It looks like our next stop was the exit because we had a breakfast ADR to keep

Bye AK. I hope to be back before this day ends

Our Next stop

I didn't have a lot of time to take pictures, but I managed to take a few hasty ones

I am sort of disappointed in myself for not taking any pictures in the restaurant. Boma is so interesting. But I guess thirst and hunger took over.

But I did remember to take a picture of my plate. Yum Yum Yum!




Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr

Sorry for the bite. Everything was yummy and since it was practically lunch time I took a big portion of asparagus. Its hiding under the pancake. I also had about 3 glasses of jungle juice before I even started to eat. Guess I was thirsty! Even our server commented on my excessive thirst.

Here are more pictures of the lodge.....

This picture looks like I put the filter back on. Who knows?

Nah - too blue

We, well at least I, were really enjoying the AK Lodge. If the lodge allowed DVC pool hoping I am sure I would have suggested that we stay and lounge by the pool for a bit.

I was beginning to formulate a plan. You see - we both had serious post brunch lethargy and we knew we would never enjoy going back to the park in the heat. So we decided to take a pool break at the BWV and go back to AK park later in the afternoon.

But we also had a dinner reservation at Rose & Crown. The idea - change the ADR to Sanaa. It made sense. We could leave AK park and go directly to dinner, just like we had done for breakfast.

So we went to concierge and changed out R&C ADR to a 7:30 pm reservation at Sanaa. Perfect.

And then we were off. Plan - pool time and maybe a nap.

I have new appreciation for this after learning about the nesting habits of sea turtles.

On the way back

When we got back to the room I knew I wasn't going to make it to the pool right then and there. Fatigue totally overwhelmed me and I realized that after 10 days in the world I needed something I almost never take in Disney World - What you ask?

A Nap.

Yup, we both crashed at the same time. It was a good nap. The kind where you dream and drool.

Up Next.....Pool time and a little undiscovered treasure at the Boardwalk Inn.

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Hey... that kid doesn't look particularly happy to be going the Wild Africa Trek...that's ashame... I guess he doesn't realize how much $ his mom or dad put out for him to do it... I on the other hand would love to do it sometime...

I think as always your photos are great... Even the ones with the filters on are kind of arty... like you're seeing the world through rose colored glasses...

Boma = Yummy

Sanaa also = Yummy

Hmmm... so what did you find at the Boardwalk Inn....?

 

[MEK]

Hey... that kid doesn't look particularly happy to be going the Wild Africa Trek...that's ashame... I guess he doesn't realize how much $ his mom or dad put out for him to do it... I on the other hand would love to do it sometime...

Yeah - he has one of those tweener "I'm a cold dude" look on his face. Not a clue about the expense, but I bet he ended up loving it. It's a great tour!

I think as always your photos are great... Even the ones with the filters on are kind of arty... like you're seeing the world through rose colored glasses...

Thanks. I think the filter works well for some locations, but not all. I like the safari pictures must better after I removed the filter. I didn't even realize it was on for half of the ride. DOH!

Boma = Yummy

Agreed!

Sanaa also = Yummy

Really agree! We had an excellent dinner there, but you'll have to wait just a bit longer.

Hmmm... so what did you find at the Boardwalk Inn....?

Some lodging that looked really cool and I took tons of pictures to prove it.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Your purple filter made me laugh - I used to have these sunglasses that made everything slightly purple too, so things looked pretty similar to all of your pictures! Whenever I'd take them off I'd have the same moment you did: "hey, the sky is actually blue!"

Love Boma breakfast!! I always take a big portion of asparagus there too!

Sometimes, yes, a nap is definitely what is needed at Disney!!

 

[MEK]

Your purple filter made me laugh - I used to have these sunglasses that made everything slightly purple too, so things looked pretty similar to all of your pictures! Whenever I'd take them off I'd have the same moment you did: "hey, the sky is actually blue!"

I kept trying the filter, even though I had a strong suspicion that some of those pictures were going to be "off". As I was looking through the pictures I remember thinking "where's the blue?" Then I remembered the filter. Oh Brother.

Love Boma breakfast!! I always take a big portion of asparagus there too!

Really? I love asparagus and I eat it a lot at home , so when I saw it I was like "SCORE"! It really was a great breakfast made better by the fact that we went late so it wasn't very crowded.

Sometimes, yes, a nap is definitely what is needed at Disney!!

You can say that again!

 

[Wicket's Mom]

Ahh, AKL, my new love! I'm researching another stay, but want Club level. I need a good discount, then I'm in!

I love me some asparagus, am fixing some for an 18th century dinner tomorrow. Didn't try Saana, but we loved Boma for dinner.

Your AK day sounds like our days, park time, then pool time, then dinner, plus more park time!

 

[teekathepony]

Hehehe I had to giggle about the purple animals. I don't use coloured filters, but once I accidentally changed my white balance and shot half a wedding outside, in an indoor setting. Everyone was blue. Luckily a quick batch fix in Photoshop worked to make the bride's dress white again!!
You got some great safari shots!
Mmmmm breakfast at Boma! Now I'm drooling! I love the asparagus with it. I find everything else so sweet and the green veggies take it down a notch. Or something like that.
I promise myself every trip, no naps! I never keep that promise. It's a tiring trip, a nap is sometimes a necessity. (especially when you get up for a run as early as you! )

 

[MEK]

Ahh, AKL, my new love! I'm researching another stay, but want Club level. I need a good discount, then I'm in!

It's such a wonderful resort. I am so glad you loved it. A club level stay would be so awesome. I am really torn about where I want to stay next October. Part of me wants to stay only at BWV, but another part of me thinks its time to go back and visit AKL again.

Can't wait for you to start your TR. I hope its coming!

I love me some asparagus, am fixing some for an 18th century dinner tomorrow. Didn't try Saana, but we loved Boma for dinner.

Cool. I hope your dinner goes really well tonight.

Boma dinner is excellent. Its been awhile since we've eaten there. Sanaa - the bread service is amazing. Love all the AKL restaurants. I think they are the best of any resort hotel.

Your AK day sounds like our days, park time, then pool time, then dinner, plus more park time!

After brunch we were way too tired to go back into the park, so I knew we needed the pool. I don't feel guilty about pool time anymore since I have done everything I want to do in each of the parks multiple times.

Hehehe I had to giggle about the purple animals. I don't use coloured filters, but once I accidentally changed my white balance and shot half a wedding outside, in an indoor setting. Everyone was blue. Luckily a quick batch fix in Photoshop worked to make the bride's dress white again!!

I have found that the colored lens have limited applications. Definitely not for safaris, but it did work well for the beach. I have not used much of that lens since this trip. Live and learn, right?

Too funny about the bride's dress. Thank goodness for photoshop!

You got some great safari shots!

Thanks!

Mmmmm breakfast at Boma! Now I'm drooling! I love the asparagus with it. I find everything else so sweet and the green veggies take it down a notch. Or something like that.

By lunch time I am definitely ready for veggies, so the asparagus was such a treat. I usually eat a ton of veggies at lunch so by now I was really craving them. It was funny how much I took. I know you can't see it, but I actually had to leave some on my plate.

I promise myself every trip, no naps! I never keep that promise. It's a tiring trip, a nap is sometimes a necessity. (especially when you get up for a run as early as you! )

I so needed a nap that day. And I am glad because I was definitely refreshed for the rest of the day.