When You Hear Hoofbeats...4/11-4/18 TR About This Page:

[islandgirl]

Loving your TR so far!! Great updates & wonderful pictures!!! Can't wait for more!!

[lissybri]

Great TR. Kidani is our home resort and I absolutely love it. Thanks for the pics of the GF Tea as I would love to try it someday. Can't wait for more.

[unewillow]

Day Four

Today was our other "wherever the wind blows us" days, where-in we had no specific park plans set out and only a dinner reservation to get to. My favorite park is Animal Kingdom and Jonah's is DHS so we decided to split the day between the two parks. AK in the AM so we could jump on the safari while the animals were awake and active and DHS in the evening before heading to the Poly for dinner at Ohana.

But first, breakfast at Mara and another zebra scouting expedition. We had been looking for them EVERY SINGLE MORNING since arriving and had yet to spot one. Of course, we went out to the savannah and asked, only to be told that these happen to be the 2 hours that the animals go in to get check-ups and breakfast. But we did see these awesome (and smelly) pelicans before we got on the bus for AK.



First thing we did was back for the safari and grab some fast passes that were about 45 minutes away. While we waited for our FPs to ripen we took the train ride back to Rafiki's Planet Watch where we ran into some characters: Pocahontas (my first time snapping a pic with her!), Rafiki, and Jiminy. I will say that seeing Jiminy did make me a little melencholy as I remembered that his voice had just passed away




On the way to RPW we also got to see the tamarins, which I was excited about because last time I was there they had the habitat closed off and were working on it. They are fairly adorable and it amuses me to no end that their "homes" are cat carriers. Plus, they kind of look like little old men.



By the time the train got us back it was time for our 2 week safari. And for once we got to sit in the first row! It's the small things really. Know how in my last TR I was like "I refuse to take any more safari photos?" Well...




It's an addiction!! Oh, and there are 2 giraffes in that second pic, can you spot them? It's like, Where's Waldo Safari Edition! After our safari was cut short by poachers we took a wander along Pagani Trail and spotted this guy taking a nap.



In fact, byt this time in the afternoon that's what all the animals seemed to be doing as yet again...there was not a merekat to be seen. We had gotten FPs to the 1pm Flights of Wonder show from a CM as we were walking in, so we headed over for the show. Can someone explain to me why you would need a FP to this show? We got a seat no problem about 5 minutes before it started. As always, hilarious. I have no pictures this time around though, so just imagine birds doing bird-like things...like smashing lizards onto rocks.

By now we were hungry so we had a delicious lunch at Flametree BBQ and managed to not be accosted by the numerous ducks hanging about. From there we were off to the Tree of Life and ITTBAB. Aren't we so stylish?



I may or may not have, ahem, kept my glasses for scrapbooking purposes later on. At this point we were ready to head over to DHS, since we knew we would be coming back to AK another day and could ride EE then (again, best laid plans...more on that later). So, a quick bus ride later we found ourselves at:



First stop, Star Tours which we pretty much walked on to. From there we went to SoA to get my two picture goals for DHS this time around. They are this:

and this:

Because for some reason I could not find them last time. Mission complete we headed over for the next showing of LMA. Another first for me, or at least I think it is, tbh I could have done it in 2003 but thanks to dehydration I have very little in way of memory of our DHS day. I agree with others, it's cool, but it's loud and it stinks.




After LMA we headed over to the Backlot Tour, which the technical geek in my adored.



Having pretty much finished the left side of the park (minus Muppets, Christina was fighting a migraine and the 3D wouldn't have helped) we headed off to the Poly for our dinner reservation.

Here are my thoughts on Ohana: our view was fantastic but we were very far removed from the grill area and whatever entertainment was going on up in that area (like the limbo). We enjoyed all of the food, especially the pot stickers and the noodles, but our server seemed VERY distracted and we found ourselves constantly waiting between go rounds or meat while other tables would be served 3-4 times. My biggest complaint (and it's small in the grand scheme) is that I was so looking forward to the shrimp and yet, they were the biggest disappointment. Don't get me wrong, they were delish, but there's something about having to de-vein your food on your plate that just totally grosses me out. Would I go back, totally, I just will know better than to get the shrimp next time.

Back to the resort we went and I think this was the night we got in the hot tub for a bit. We tried the pool too, but we did it wrong...remmeber kids, pool THEN hot tub, not the other way around or else BRRR!

Next time: Why do I only have 4 pictures?

[unewillow]

Originally Posted by chezp

Great start! Sorry you didn't get an upgrade.

Thanks! To be honest, for as much as we were actually in the room, we didin't need the extra space. I would have loved a real bed, but I was fine on the sofa bed.

Originally Posted by dutchdisneyfamily

I'm enjoying your trip very much! I sooooo want to do tea at GF, but it just isn't happening this trip. I do have the same china though... so I guess I'll just have to do my own!

Haha, I love that you have the same china set! It totally fit the theme but it's not something I could ever imagine owning myself. You should totally throw your own tea party with it.

Originally Posted by lazanya

What a great time you all are having! Love your pictures!

Thanks! I took a lot and kept almost 300 of my own photos. These are just a handful to capture the mood.

Originally Posted by chezp

Wonderful updates. I love your photos of the Flower and Garden Festival - it's beautiful isn't it?

It is amazing the amount of work and skill that go into creating and maintaining those topiaries. I find Epcot's landscaping to already be beautiful, this just made it 1000x better.

Originally Posted by Colexis Mom

More great updates! Glad you're having a great time!

Thanks!

Originally Posted by PamelaK

Great TR! I am also loving the pics.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by KMB733

Looks like your trip is off to a great start! Love the pictures!

Thanks!

Originally Posted by Stephie1551

i am loving ur trip report...the tea looked really nice...

I cannot say enough about the tea. It was wonderful and the perfect afternoon break.

Originally Posted by Cam22

Day three sounds wonderful, too! And it so neat to just relax and watch Illuminations!

You never realize how much you don't see until you are actually watching and not looking through your camera lens.

Originally Posted by Nick and Ryans Mom

Sorry you didn't get an upgrade on your room but it looks very nice! How awesome to sit so close at CR. When we went there we would have needed a telescope to see the tanks!

The last couple times I've gone I've been in the top tier, and yeah, binoculars would have been helpful. I wish I had included it but, the only downside to sitting that close was when the goliath grouper made and appearance and scared the wits out of me because that thing is MASSIVE.

Originally Posted by islandgirl

Loving your TR so far!! Great updates & wonderful pictures!!! Can't wait for more!!

Thanks!

Originally Posted by lissybri

Great TR. Kidani is our home resort and I absolutely love it. Thanks for the pics of the GF Tea as I would love to try it someday. Can't wait for more.

Everyone should try the tea I would love to have Kidani as my home resort when I buy in to DVC (not if, when). There's just something so earthy and lovely about it. Also, smoothest elevators in the world.

[Colexis Mom]

Another great day!!

[Cam22]

I truly enjoy your writing style -- so much fun! Great split day at AK and DHS! I really like the picture of the napping gorilla -- too cute! When I did my October 2009 scrapbook, I told myself I wouldn't need to make an safari/animal spread for the 2010 book. But then I found the coolest paper, so I'll be taking loads of safari pictures yet again so I can do a really neat spread. I'm a sucker for the animals.

[chezp]

Great day - and I hear you about saying you'll take no more safari photos. Been there, said that and broken that promise!

[KimandMark]

I'm jealous of all the good food!! and I too suffer from the Safari Picture Addiction. I'm not sure how many blurry photos of gazelles a girl needs...

[unewillow]

Day Four: FLASHBACK!

Before we move on, I forgot to mention that I was up insanely early this day in order to make my ADRs for my October stay. I got pretty much everything I wanted and the list is as follows:

Oct 11th
Dinner @ Kouzzina 7:40pm

Oct 12th
Breakfast @ Boma 8:20am
Dinner @ Cali Grill 5:50pm <--early for MNSSHP

Oct 13th
Breakfast @ Akershus 8:40am
Dinner @ Teppan Edo 8:00pm

Oct 14th
Breakfast @ Cape May Cafe 8:25am
Lunch @ 50s PTC 2:30pm
Dinner @ Narcoossees 8:25pm

Oct 15th
Breakfast @ Tusker House 8:25am
Dinner @ HDDR 7:15pm

Oct 16th
Breakfast @ CRT 8:05am

But, here is now my conundrum. When making my ADRs I mentioned that I was waiting to see if FD was going to be offered before I added the dining plan to my reservation and the CM told me that with CRT and HDDR if I added the DxDDP later I would have to call back, cancel my existing reservations and then re-add them and I wasn't guaranteed to get them back So, now I'm like, well do I add the DP later and just pay OOP for both since they're already on my CC...and then use those extra credits for QS lunches. Or do I risk it? I am already considering changing my breakfast ADRs to later times in order to not be awake at the crack of dawn each morning...I don't know what I was thinking when I booked them at 8am.

So, that's where things stand right now...and without further ado we continue onto...

[nursemom]

Great TR, just spotted it! Regarding Capt. Cook's breakfast at the Poly, we get breakfast from there each morning. I'm not sure what time you went. You have a great writing style and excellent photos! Keep it coming~

[unewillow]

Day Five

I only have 4 (yes, FOUR!) pictures from this entire day. I don't know what happened other than, we were having so much fun I didn't stop to pull out the camera! I know Christina has some pics of the day, and when she shares them I may come back and add them in.

Today was our planned DHS day and also the day we decided to use our MAGICAL FPs from my GADGAD voucher. So, first stop, breakfast at Mara, second stop was the Will Call window at DHS. Now for those of you wanting an in-depth look at how this works, here you go.

Go to the will-call window and give them your voucher and say you want the FPs. You all have to provide your KTTW cards and/or APs as well. The lovely CM will hand you back your stuff and another card (ours were green and had Donald on them) which acts as your magical FP. He or she will also give you a list of attractions that your card is good for. When you go to the FP machine you put the card in and you get back a FP with the current time on it (say for instance it was 12:10, your FP would have like 12:05-1:05 on it). You can use your FP NOW or at any time during the day. I also learned that you can not only get your magical FP, but then if you put your regular ticket media in you can ALSO get a regular FP for whatever the current time window is. So, you could hold 2 FPs for the same ride at one time. I also learned that even if all the regular FPs are gone for the day, there will still be 1 machine open for you to use and still get your magical FPs. Okay, back to the day...

Magical FP cards in hand we raced (well, sauntered) off to ride TSMM. The park had only been open about an hour when we got there but already the FP return window was showing between 7 and 8pm that night! But, no owrries, we got our magical FPs and walked right on! I am not ashamed to say that I pretty much flattened both C&J with my score.

After TSMM we headed towards Sunset Blvd with a quick stop-over in Narnia.



Yeah, not worth the wait. They really need to add the M&G back in, or add teasers for Dawn Treader. Not to mention, they really kind of rush you out at the end.

Our next destination was ToT, Jonah's favorite ride. Here was where we figured out the whole, 2 FP thing, because the normal FP window was only like, an hour or so away and I was like, hey, I wonder if we could ride this twice?! And you can! So, we had 2 sets of FPs for ToT, one we used immediately (AHHHHHHH! ) and one we used later after stopping off at the Animation Building for a picture with our favorite mouse.



We once again checked the time for Little Mermaid and the next show wasn't for another hour, so we shopped a bit and headed back towards the Tower Hotel. We all agreed that our second drop sequence was WAY better than the first

Our adrenaline needs not met, we were off to RnRC to use our last magical FP for the day (of the major rides, we had already done the minor ones listed or like LM, there were no FPs available that day). Now, I should mention that Jonah is not a coaster fan. We thought we had him convinced to do RnRC with us, but he ended up making use of the chicken-exit. But, Christina and I had an awesome time on MY favorite ride

After RnRC we headed back to the Animation Courtyard and FINALLY caught a showing of Little Mermaid. Which, I really love for some reason. And here's my big gripe, how many times and in how many languages to they need to tell people NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY?! Geez! From LM we headed over to One Man's Dream, another first for all of us.

By this time we were all and I was glad I had made our dinner ADR early for tonight. Off to Sci-Fi Dine In!



I am kind of emarrased to say that none of us got a milkshake, but I am a sucker for cherry-coke! I got and C&J split the Spinach and Artichoke Dip (paid OOP) and then for my meal I had the Beef and Blue Salad, which was YUM, but next time I'll get the gallon of dressing on the side. I think C&J both had Reubens and enjoyed them. For desert I had the PB Chocolate cake I forget what C&J had because I was in a PB&Chocolate coma of happiness.

After dinner we had some time before the first showing of Fantasmic (again, the hours I had were wrong and I didn't know there were 2 shows that night) so we headed over to see when the next Indiana Jones show was going to be. We had some time, so I got my face painted (it was sparkley!) and then we watched the Stunt Show. We really lucked out because the skies had been a little threatening all day and it was while we were in the ampitheater that it decided to rain for about 10 minutes or so.

After Indy defeated the Nazis (for the billionth time) we took our time wandering back to the Fantasmic Ampitheater. We looked in some more shops and took a bunch of Photopass pics (see, I have pictures, just not on my camera, lol!).

We got our seats about an hour early, but the place was already filling up quickly. About half an hour before show time they were already at standing room only, so I was glad we got their early. Last time C&J were here they missed the first half due to rain so they were excited to see the whole thing this time. Again, no pictures, just watching and enjoying.

After Fantasmic we decided to call it a night since we had an early wake-up call the next morning

Next Up: Why do I know more than my tour guide?!

[unewillow]

Originally Posted by nursemom

Great TR, just spotted it! Regarding Capt. Cook's breakfast at the Poly, we get breakfast from there each morning. I'm not sure what time you went. You have a great writing style and excellent photos! Keep it coming~

OMG, thank you for confirming that I am NOT insane!!! lol We got there about 10:30ish...maybe, I don't know, but it was still "breakfast" time in my mind. I don't know what time they switch over, but by the time we arrived they had the burgers out.

It was kind of a good thing though, because I *really* wanted some Tonga Toast and so my friends agreed to pay OOP for Kona Cafe because they love me.

[KMB733]

Great updates!!!

[Nick and Ryans Mom]

Originally Posted by unewillow

And here's my big gripe, how many times and in how many languages to they need to tell people NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY?! Geez!

I completely agree!!!

[disneydreamer33]

Great updates. Sounds like you had a lot of fun so far.
Great pics too!