CaptainFinz and Family return to the World: 9/6 - 9/11

CaptainFinz13 · Post by **CaptainFinz13** » Sep Mon 21, 2009 8:27 am

Oh good, I'm glad it's not a phenomena known only to my brood!

It's clearly an epidemic!

heaven2dc · Post by **heaven2dc** » Sep Mon 21, 2009 9:49 am

I will definitely have to take your "day 3" tip on our next trip esp since we will have a 3 yr old in the mix. I got spoiled my last trip in December where I was solo for the first 4 days....ahh....what a feeling! Then my daughter, bf & grandson (14 mos old then) joined me for the last 4 days. We only had basic tickets so we couldn't go commando style (or at least I refrained from doing so). It was her boyfriend's first visit so I made sure they hit the best attractions while my grandson & I leisurely strollered (is that a word?) thru the parks. I wish I had taken your suggestion and taken him to see Playhouse Disney while they were on a coupe of rides. Thanks for the tip!

I hope you get to go on EE first thing! That is my first priority at AKL is EE (get FP & ride) and then head right over to Safari. Can't wait to hear how the AK day went!

Future Guy · Post by **Future Guy** » Sep Mon 21, 2009 11:05 am

Great trip report! You're a mighty brave man, bringing small children to Florida for an outdoor vacation during one of the hottest months of the year!

Looking forward to hearing how your day at AK went.

disneydreamer58 · Post by **disneydreamer58** » Sep Wed 23, 2009 8:46 am

Bart!!! Glad you had a great time! Love your trip reports! Super glad you were able to go to WDW after all. I haven't been on here too much lately. I used to be the 1st one in the office in the mornings, and I would have time to drink my cup of coffee and ck out the forums, but the boss has been getting in early so I am not the 1st one in any more, I refuse to get here an hr before we open, 15 min's is where I draw the line ... ha ha ha

Anyway, loved the report!

Edited: BTW, I couldn't see your pics. When I clicked the links I got an HTT 500 error The server encountered an internal error () that prevented it from fulfilling this request
Don't know on who's end that is.

heaven2dc · Post by **heaven2dc** » Sep Wed 23, 2009 1:51 pm

I couldn't view the pics either - got same error but still enjoyed the TR!

Post by **Len90** » Sep Thu 24, 2009 6:50 pm

Wow seems like a very interesting and eventful day three. I have to say your rant on the buses is not surprising to me. I feel the same way about it. I personally just hate it when a family has a bunch of small kids who take up all the seats and they never have any sit on a lap to try and make more space. Also the ECV's are something that can grind my gears. There are plenty of people who have a legitimate reason for them, but then there are those that hop out of it and literally race you down the lines in the attraction.

BTW: I also can't see your pictures.

CaptainFinz13 · Post by **CaptainFinz13** » Sep Thu 24, 2009 7:29 pm

I'm gonna have to try a plan b for the pics then. Thanks for letting me know everybody!

disneydreamer58 · Post by **disneydreamer58** » Sep Fri 25, 2009 9:14 am

Yah you better get it fixed so I can see the pics...ha ha ha
Glad you had a great time!
I will watch for your WDW book in my Borders store as soon as you publish it...ha ha ha

CaptainFinz13 · Post by **CaptainFinz13** » Sep Sun 27, 2009 9:49 pm

Day 4: There's a Cowboy in the Jungle

I woke up Wednesday morning with a little more spring in my step. I love Animal Kingdom. In fact it's gotta be my favorite park, after MK.

Sidebar: When people ask me which of the WDW parks is my favorite, I usually take Magic Kingdom out of the equation altogether. It's kind of like I heard someone say about movies and how from now on everyone should agree to just take Citizen Kane out of the equation and rate every other movie because we all know film buffs all think Kane is the greatest movie ever made. Personally, I find that movie tedious, and will watch Casablanca any day of the week. But still, the analogy makes sense. In the same way I look at it like, yes, Magic Kingdom is the best because its Walt's park and closest to Disneyland and the most "Disney"-like and features the characters, yadda yadda yadda . . .

So if I rate the other 3, Animal Kingdom is my favorite.

I was showered, dressed, and had been to the food court for coffee and chocolate milk before my roomies were even out of bed. In anticipation of a hot day, I put on the new sleeveless Mickey shirt my wife found for me at the outlet store the night before. That's right, sun's out, guns out.

http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232% ... 3%3Aot1lsi

They pulled themselves together and Joe and Ash were getting it together next door and we made it to the park right at 9:00.

Once again, Ashley told us all how she hadn't been to AK since opening year and all they did was ride the safari. "My family just thinks it's boring" was said. I could probably live with "thought it was boring" but to hold the same judgement a decade later, knowing there've been changes and additions irks me. But again, it's my favorite so I'm defensive. More so just because I know she's not the only one who thinks this way without actually having been to check it out in a while. The funniest thing to me is, no matter what park we're in, she's never ridden anything faster than Peter Pan. We've been to WDW once before with Ashley and her family, before she was married or had a little one, and she still spent the majority of the days riding a bench with a drink or shopping. So how boring can any park really be??? If anything, AK is the best park for just chillin' out on a bench in the shade. It's got more trees than the other 3 put together and it's beautiful. Sorry, that was a sidebar without warning! Thank god she doesn't read this site!!!

Ok, back on track. We got in and I immediately scouted out our path to Everest on the map. I was pushing Sean in the stroller, and as mentioned, I have an "enthusiastic gate" so soon enough I looked around to realize I was all alone. I spotted Wendy coming up around the bend into Asia not too far behind, but already Joe and Ashley had vanished. I asked where they were and she said she didn't even know. I waited around another minute but saw a large wave of people working their way toward us and it was clear they were following the same plan I was. Their destination: the same forbidden mountain. We continued our trek toward Everest and I sent Joe a text asking if we'd lost them. A moment later I received the following message:

"Ashley slipped. Taking a break."

I asked if she was hurt and he said she'd just twisted it and needed to sit for a bit.
Undaunted I carried on. The mountain has claimed many a visitor in her time. It's the risk we accept when we take her challenge. Sadly in this case, it was shopping that claimed today's victim. Apparently she ducked into a gift shop to look at something and somehow managed to step in a wet spot on the ground as she was leaving and her foot slid and buckled under her. To her credit, as they sat on that bench, her ankle starting to throb, she told Joe to go on ahead and meet up with us and she'd head back to the resort. And Joe to his credit said no, he was going with her. So they compromised and she sat for a little longer to see if the pain subsided and Joe texted me he was on his way.

At this point we'd already grabbed a child swap and I had just entered the que to go on first. I waited a minute or two because honestly there no was no wait time, but as more people started to pass me, I was too anxious to wait any longer. Joe would have to take his own chances with the mountain. I had to go it alone!

Once again the line moved so fast I had no time to actually look around at all the detail the Imagineer so painstakingly put into the que areas. It was beautiful too and really tells a story so vividly. You really can let your imagination transport you to Nepal. Well, Nepal on a 90 degree day. I was assigned to row 10, just about the rear-center of the train and had no one around me. The train pulled out and off I set on what could be the last adventure of my life . . .!

I have to admit, all jokes aside, that a funny feeling began to set in. I've been waiting to see this animatronic Yeti for almost 4 years now. I've seen it on t.v. and in pictures online many times, even watched how it was made. But as I found myself locked in to that train seat, I actually began to get nervous. Especially when we stopped at that peack where the tracks had been ripped up you can hear the mysterious sounds and growls. In that moment, I began to remind myself I've seen the gears and wires and controls; the Yeti isn't real!

Then fortunately the train went flying backwards and up into the mountain and I gotta say it felt like we were almost going to go right over in a loop. It was exhilerating. We straightened out, saw the shadow of the beast, and raced on. With every twist, and turn, and dark tunnel I was certain we'd encounter the Yeti at any moment and I was bracing myself emotionally. I didn't want to miss it, even though I knew in that moment, real or not, it was going to be terrifying. We rocketed through one last dark cavern and then . . . sunlight.

The train slowed and we were back at the station. The ride was over? I looked around at my fellow passengers to see if they were as confused as I was. Where was the Yeti? I hadn't seen literally hyde nor hair of any Abominal Snowman. Was he on a Union 10? Did he start late on Wednesday or something? Maybe I just blinked at the wrong moment or something. I thought I saw something move in the darkness for a split second but could that have been it???

Don't get wrong, the ride kicked all kinds of butt and when I got off I was woozy and my heart was racing. But I couldn't help but be a little let-down that I never saw the Yeti. Wendy and Joe took the child-swap ticket and rode. I waiting with Sean near the exit and we watched for mommy. By they way, my 2 & 1/2 year old was beside himself that he couldn't go on the ride. He wanted to tell them what they could do with their 48 inch high rule!

They were on and off within 10 minutes tops and Wendy said "you and Joe go ride it again real quick." Don't have to tell me twice. In line I asked Joe what he thought of the ride and he just said "it's pretty good." We sat in car 11 this time, just behind where I'd been. Apparently he and Wendy were much closer to the front - a spot I find is usually less exciting on roller coasters due to the lag time.

Right before we took off I asked, "Did you see the Yeti?" and he also said no, they hadn't noticed, other than the shadow appearance halfway through. Before I could ask the CM about it we were on our way again. This time my eyes were peeled. When we reached that final cave where I knew he had to be I strained to see into the darkness. We were both on HYE (High-Yeti-Alert)! As we entered I pointed up and the following words left mouth exactly as I'll write them: "He should be right, he's right there OH GOD!!!"

Needless to say, he was there. Albeit very hard to see. There was only a faint strobe light behind him, so dim we really didn't get a good look . . . on top of flying by at break-neck speed of course. But I saw enough that it was terrifying for a split second, and I loved it. And Joe loved my reaction, as he reminded me all day of it. Not that this is any big secret to roller coaster lovers, but Joe having sat closer to the front and then to the back, said further back was way better. He said he didnâ€™t understand why I was so wobbly when I got off the first time, but after we rode again he totally felt it.

After Everest we found Ashley and Abby, who were ready to soldier on into the heart of dark . . . I mean continue on into the park. I led on toward Dinoland. I had mentioned to them that we should use a Counter Service meal to have lunch at Flame Tree BBQ. Iâ€™d never eaten there but heard good things. As we passed by all of us were immediately drawn in by the delicious smell of barbeque and smoke. Everyone instantly agreed with my idea!

Since it was my attention to go right to Dinosaur, the ladies took the kids to ride the Triceratops Spin. There was no line again. We got right in to the Dinosaur Institute and just waited for the doors to be opened so we could go see Mrs. Huxtable.

Joe asked if this ride was as scary as Jurassic Park over at IOA. Personally I think it blows JP away, and told him so. The dinosaurs alone are so much more realistic (the big ones anyway.) I remember last time I rode JP, I noticed that when the big dinosaurs outside (Brachi0saurus and Stegosaurus) opened their mouths, they were still connected by black rubber, plus had no teeth which I donâ€™t think is anatomically correct even for these plant eaters. Iâ€™m a dino-nut so I found that lame but ok, it may be a picky detail. Even so, Dinosaur itself is so much more kinetic and exciting. Iâ€™ve seen a lot of people on line criticize it and say they donâ€™t like it. I donâ€™t know how you can not like it, unless itâ€™s just too intense for you. And just as on Everest, there are moments where for a brief second you forget those dinosaurs are mechanical and programmed to stop before they actually eat you. Oh and anyone who tells you Indiana Jones at Disneyland is better (they use the same vehicles) is out of their mind.

http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232% ... 2%3Bnu0mrj

Afterwards we came off to find Goofy and Pluto taking pics just outside of Dinosaur and the girls were waiting in line. Then we jumped on Primeval Whirl. Well Joe and I did. I took Sean with thinking thereâ€™d be no problem with him riding it. I didnâ€™t know this was another 48 incher. Once again, I had an unhappy child.

The girls and kids had probably indulged us long enough, so we decided to get them out of the sun so they could sit for a bit. We headed over to Itâ€™s Tough to Be a Bug. As we would our way down into the tree, I have to admit I considered warning them about some of the â€œ4Dâ€

Post by **Len90** » Sep Sun 27, 2009 11:46 pm

Interesting day, but very sad to see you didn't get through the entire park. I know it is tough to do and involves a lot of walking, but you never made it to Africa for Kilamanjaro. For some reason the animals have been getting closer and more visible lately from my experiences.

CaptainFinz13 · Post by **CaptainFinz13** » Sep Mon 28, 2009 2:31 pm

YEah, I wrestled with that one. I thought Sean would love it, if for nothing else riding in the big truck. But the wives were convinced the kids would be too restless, and again one of them used the adjective "boring." At which point I walked away.
If you haven't guessed yet, while I do really like the people we travelled with, we won't be traveling to WDW with them again. There were many moments where I couldn't even understand why she claims to love it there so much, given how much she doesn't like.

Oh well . . . you can lead a horse to water, or something like that.

timekeeper · Post by **timekeeper** » Sep Tue 29, 2009 7:12 am

You are very patient, I would be dying over the lack of enthusiasm to do it ALL!!!!!!

I am better just traveling with my family, it didnt go well with others the time we tried it.

disneydreamer58 · Post by **disneydreamer58** » Sep Wed 30, 2009 1:10 pm

CaptainFinz13 wrote:YEah, I wrestled with that one. I thought Sean would love it, if for nothing else riding in the big truck. But the wives were convinced the kids would be too restless, and again one of them used the adjective "boring." At which point I walked away.
If you haven't guessed yet, while I do really like the people we travelled with, we won't be traveling to WDW with them again. There were many moments where I couldn't even understand why she claims to love it there so much, given how much she doesn't like.

Oh well . . . you can lead a horse to water, or something like that.

You can always go on one of the Subsonic Meets cause we like to do it all. However, with that said I have yet to go on one

BUT BY GOLLY I WILL SOMEDAY!!! *said using the voice of Scarlet Ohara in Gone W/The Wind*

CaptainFinz13 · Post by **CaptainFinz13** » Sep Wed 30, 2009 2:00 pm

So I just spent all day writing the next installment of my trip report and got interrupted (dang customers! He needed me to do something and when I tried to bring up the program I need it decided to route through the internet page I already had up and I lost the ENTIRE THING!!!

So while I promise to have a continuation up shortly, I'm going to go outside and punch a tree.

See you in a few!

disneydreamer58 · Post by **disneydreamer58** » Sep Wed 30, 2009 3:03 pm

LOL don't break your hand!!! Oh and where's the pics?????