4 Parks, 2 Days, 1 Backpack: The Trip Report Complete! - Page 10 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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LONG day - but very productive day! Like Cathy said - I learn so much about restaurants and bars from you... San Angel has never really been on my must do list, or even on my ok to do list. I can get much better mexican food elsewhere (when you grow up in New Mexico and go to college in Texas - well, nuff said).
Glad you got to see both Illuminations and Fantasmic. I know some people love Fantasmic - and I adore the DL version. WDW version doesn't do much for me.
LOVED your zen moment of relaxation on ToT... before the ride stopped. That would freak me out - just a little bit.
Wow, that was one heck of a long day! You did get a lot done though - sorry about the smoke in IllumiNations, that's the worst when that happens.
It really does sort of take the magic out of the show when you are coughing up a storm and struggling to breath--oh well--it'll wait until next trip.
Quote:
Originally Posted by buzzspal2
What a super day. Thanks for the photos of Fantasmic, It is my favorite. I missed last January.
Glad I could help!
Quote:
Originally Posted by unewillow
Wow, that's a long and full day, but it looked awesome.
I agree with you 100% about the Pocahontas section, everytime I see Fantasmic! I find myself wondering why they picked this movie to include. I also find the whole thing a little disjointed. But, I love the glow animals and the dragon.
It made me remember why we often skip Fantasmic! When did Fantasmic start--was it shortly after Pocahontas was released?
Quote:
Originally Posted by skateycat
what a fantastic trip! glad you were able to get down here for a few days of fun. and i LOVE your photos...such talent! i am also wondering about the CM's with the green shirts and what the significance of it all is....
The Brazil shirts have me really wondering?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wendyismyname
Hey Heather? Was that burger at Liberty Inn good? just making sure you're awake.
I am glad I didn't "die" with the reading of San Anger Inn since it was so short lived!
Okay, so hmmm, if you'd like a sit down meal but not a lot of time in which to take out of your day, this seems the place! You know, that was how it happened in 2009 at Rose and Crown for me, Amy and Cheryl. Took no time to get the food. Sounds tasty though and that margarita looked good.
I would have love to see that Journey cover band, I too love me some Journey!!
I still can't believe you hot-footed it to the studios! I would have crashed before then, but I do love your touring style! You made the most of you first day there and you did it in a relaxing way! I'm not a huge fan of Fantasmic! for the same reasons you stated.
Okay, can't wait to see what you do next!
It was actually a pretty relaxing day--even though it was long--the only thing not relaxing was the sea of people storming the Theatre for Fantasmic! You would think now that it is showing every night, twice a night it would be less of a zoo.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lauriep
LONG day, but a good one! I've stopped going to Fantasmic! The crowds there are more unpleasant than anywhere else and I've often felt unsafe being so low-to-the-ground in the scooter. And, as you say, the story line is very weak and just doesn't move me like Illuminations. I can find zen moments almost anywhere, anytime, but you've got me beat by having one on ToT!
Hmm I would definitely write a letter to Disney about how that stampede makes you feel! I'm sure they don't want people who are in scooters or wheelchairs to feel scared. Maybe that would get them to change the process to something like the World of Color Fast Passes.
Quote:
Originally Posted by cubfancolleen
What a full day!! you are a rock star - doing Illuminations AND Fantasmic in one night. Not sure I'd have the stamina. And the ice cream sounded like the perfect way to end a (nearly) perfect day!
The ice cream sundae hit the spot!
Quote:
Originally Posted by lexiemom
That was the day that just kept going! I can't believe you made it to F! after Illuminations. I would have been a zombie by then. Great tips for the summer time heat. Can't wait to hear about day 2!
I was a zombie by the time I got back to my room. I didn't even need to have a glass of wine to help me fall asleep--which was good, because I didn't actually have any wine to consume.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcc0313
I almost forgot we were still on the first day Love that you got to see both Illuminations and Fantasmic, I agree the travel time between both parks on the boat many times leaves a lot to be desired, we have made it to DHS from Epcot faster than the boat a few times...we even made it to DHS faster than the boat once and that was after walking to the BW, waiting for a bus and finally jumping into a cab...when we finally pulled up we finally saw a boat floating in the distance towards the park
We usually leave Fantasmic as the last scene is in progress...the madhouse getting out of that theater is crazy. Glad that the Disney buses were still following the memo...and that your bus waiting for you before it took off. Now that is Disney service
It was like Disney knew when I was planning on coming or going almost the entire trip--one little snafu on Tuesday though.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lazanya
What a long day for you! But you certainly did a lot!
I did manage to accomplish quite a bit--really the only goal for the whole day was to see Impressions de France. Which I loved!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dlandmom2
You sure did get a lot done! I think that's one really great thing about travelling alone...you get to do whatever you want whenever you want. If you want to do a marathon 18 hour day, you can, but if you decide you want to stop early or change course, you can do that too!
Can't wait to see what the next day brings!
I love solo trips for just that reason. I don't have to worry about pleasing anyone but myself, which is kind of nice because I spend all day waiting on other people and trying to anticipate everyone else's needs.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sc507
Found it! Now to find time to read through this one
You can do it! (It isn't going to be very long)
Quote:
Originally Posted by DrDolphin
LONG day - but very productive day! Like Cathy said - I learn so much about restaurants and bars from you... San Angel has never really been on my must do list, or even on my ok to do list. I can get much better mexican food elsewhere (when you grow up in New Mexico and go to college in Texas - well, nuff said).
Glad you got to see both Illuminations and Fantasmic. I know some people love Fantasmic - and I adore the DL version. WDW version doesn't do much for me.
LOVED your zen moment of relaxation on ToT... before the ride stopped. That would freak me out - just a little bit.
Can't wait to read about day 2.
I know how you feel about Mexican food. We didn't have very many good Mexican restaurants in New Orleans until after Katrina. Now we have actual Mexicans living in NOLA and the number of Mexican places has tripled and some of them are VERY good--and cheap. I can tell when I've found a good one because I'm the only one who is Mexican in the room and typically the only female as well.
Lovin' this report. A little jealous as well! Last Disney trip was in December. No new trip in the works. Must pay for college instead.
While the reason behind your trip wasn't great, I love how you've turned the whole thing into a positive experience!
We once got completely covered with smoke and ash during Illuminations in that same spot. You were smart to leave when you could. I do think Fantasmic! started around the same time Pocahontas came out. Disneyland's version doesn't have it, and I think Disneyland's story makes more sense. Although I do love Pocahontas...
I slept really well in my nice huge king bed and woke up just before my alarm and wake up call. Yes I both set my phone alarm and a wake up call because I was really tired the night before, but I didn't want to miss rope drop at Animal Kingdom. I decided the night before that the MK was out because it was Morning Extra Magic Hours and I'd have to get up an hour earlier. I just wouldn't have gotten enough sleep. I know I've gotten enough when I wake up before the alarm, otherwise I know I didn't get to bed early enough, like say this morning. I hit the snooze button too many times and ended up having to drive myself in to work. (Driving takes 5 minutes walking takes 25 minutes.)
I got up and out to the buses and waited about 5 minutes for a pick up with an almost empty bus. I was the only one who got on at Music.
I stopped at the coffee kiosk outside the gates and got a double expresso, which I had them dump over ice and then added cream and splenda. Breakfast of champions. Don't worry my breakfast gets MUCH better in a little bit.
I caught the opening show from the left side, as I would not be racing to Everest this morning, but to the Safari instead.
I ended up on the second Safari of the morning. I was right at the front when the rope dropped, but I just don't feel the need to run or jog to the rides. I walk at a pretty good clip, but not THAT fast and my legs are short. I walk about a 13 minute mile when I'm trying, but I wasn't trying.
I asked for the front slot on the left side of the vehicle--I think it is the best spot for photos, although the last row left side is good as well. The right side just misses a lot. (That would be the last person loaded into the row.)
Backside of a rhino
Did you know that hippos don't really like water, but it is safer for raising young?
My croc pics came out blurry--it was pretty bumpy.
Two kinds of giraffes this morning: reticulated and can some one help me with the other one? Is it a Rothchild or a Smokey? The spots remind me of Maple Leaves.
Wildebeasts
I LOVE Flamingos. I also love that these don't have that artificial pink color that the ones at my zoo have. The zoo puts some kind of supplemental dye in the food that makes them neon pink.
You can see some baby grey Flamingos in this one:
Holy cow that rhino got close to the truck! They were waiting to cross into their area, which they did right after we moved past.
The male Lion was up and having his morning roar:
Up close:
Isn't he beautiful!
And then it was nap time:
These guys are just beautiful and I don't think I remember seeing them up close before
Hello Ostrich!
Do you know what's missing? We did not see a single Elephant on this Safari. I think they might be the last animals let onto the area--as it was clear that the white rinos were just loading in. I thought about taking another trip round, but decided I had had enough. I picked up a FP for later, which I never used. This Safari was particularly bumpy and adding to that they've fixed the bridge--the one that shakes. It felt like our driver (and the one ahead of him) were plowing through the areas where they knew the animals weren't out yet.
I headed for the Forest Trail next.
I'm not sure if you can make out the hippo hiding in the back
I took this one using the Fish Eye lens on my camera and it is awesome if I do say so myself
The hippo's skull is huge!
On to the gorillas!
Lily is getting so big
I like this shot too!
Then it was time for breakfast! I headed to the Kusifari Bakery intending on ordering a white chocolate elephant cupcake--until I discovered that they have a new offering. The Cotton Top Tamarin Cupcake, can you say Oh My God!
The cupcake itself is chocolate chocolate chip and was moist and delish! The frosting is white buttercream and then there's all that chocolate on top. I ate all of the cupcake part, but only had a few bites of the chocolate. In case you are wondering the Tamarin head is a lollipop stuck into the cupcake. Talk about a calorie heavy breakfast, but I always have a cupcake for breakfast once on my solo trips. It has become kind of a tradition. Usually it is from Starring Rolls, but this offering was too good to pass up!
I made my way to Camp Minnie Mickey next, as it was just about to open. Tomorrow you get to see all of my fun character photos!
You did well on that safari with the lion shot and the baby flamingoes - I've never seen any of those before, now I think about it, so I had no idea what they looked like!
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Just found your TR - how cool you could do an impromptu solo trip!
Your photo of the fish is great! The Pagani trail is my new found love - we went for the first time two trips ago and now it's a must do each time. Have to check up on Lily and see the underwater hippos!!
Thanks for posting the Voices of Liberty video - they are terrific. I've never heard them before! I added them to our itinerary for next month.
I love the shot of the flamingos!! They are one of my favorite animals. I also vet he fish-eye of the fish. I just bought me a Canon Elph 100 and it has a bunch of those settings and I fell in love with it first click!
Awesome looking cupcake! now I want something sweet.
Wonderful AK photos! Amazing to see the lion standing up and actually looking alert. The fish-eye shot is incredible--I never really understood what that setting can do, but that was a perfect subject to illustrate. The giraffe are Reticulated and (I think) Masai. The Rothschild giraffe is very similar, but doesn't have any spots on its lower legs. They're both gorgeous!
Great safari pics, especially the lion and the rhino! Can't believe the rhino was so close! And cool shot with the fish-eye lens!
What to say about your breakfast, other than 'I WANT ONE NOW,'?! and since I am about to go down to the breakfast buffet at a hotel (taking DS to camp), I think my chances are SLIM. But I think I will try the cupcake for breakfast craze you've started on our next trip!
Also, I agree the DL version of Fantasmic is much better! That came out at least 18 years ago, as we were still living in LA, and got to see the premiere of F!
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I'm caught up on the last 2 updates! It's awesome that you got to fit IllumiNations and Fantasmic both in the same night! What a great way to finish up your first day. You've already seen a lot and it doesn't sound like the park is even open yet! And I can't think of anything better for breakfast than that cupcake
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You did get a lot done though - sorry about the smoke in IllumiNations, that's the worst when that happens. 
Must pay for college instead. 
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Karen
That cupcake looks amazing! 
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