Amy and F1gment take on Thanksgiving 2011

[Soarin08]

I always watch IllumiNations from that exact same spot! I know exactly where you are just by looking. That's sad...

No, that's AWESOME!!!!!

It's usually that spot, or there is a lovely little secluded on in Germany that NO ONE notices till last minute I go to.... and of course last year on the CP depending on who worked the outdoor UK cart, I'd plant myself there. But the spot Amy was is my favourite. I LOVE IT.

[Amy]

I always watch IllumiNations from that exact same spot! I know exactly where you are just by looking. That's sad...

No, that's AWESOME!!!!!

It's usually that spot, or there is a lovely little secluded on in Germany that NO ONE notices till last minute I go to.... and of course last year on the CP depending on who worked the outdoor UK cart, I'd plant myself there. But the spot Amy was is my favourite. I LOVE IT.

I think we were close to the Germany spot last year with the Mousekecouple. I don't know that we had ever watched from this vantage point or not. It really worked out well. And if we had been so inclined to join the masses, we could have easily slipped out quick quickly from there.

[Amy]

Day 6 ~ Part I
I had been feeling a bit ill through the night but woke up and seemed to be ok so it was game on for the day. We got to the bus stop and arrived at DHS about 10:22.
I love the foreign English sayings t-shirts. This t-shirt was worn by a Japanese man in front of me at the turnstyles. His shirt said Insecure Expectation Desired Dream... And, to Future ~ huh?!


We joined the fray and headed right for Toy Story Mania. I was the highest scorer in our group of cars But my high score wasn't all that great so I'll skip the photo
The Army men were playing tricks on one another. Two of them locked the third in the closet. They then blamed each other when he finally got out.




If you look up in Pixar Place, the crowds don't seem so bad!


Then we headed to the attraction I had missed last December ~ One Man's Dream. I love all the memorabilia and information in that exhibit!





Then we took in the Art of Animation presentation. Still a fun show, but I wonder if they will change the presentation soon since Mushu isn't really in the forefront of current movies at the moment.

Then it was off to F1gment's favorite nemesis, the Character Drawing Academy.


She had been quite disappointed in her drawing of Mickey Mouse last December and wanted another stab at it. While we were waiting, an annoyingly loud family of 5 weaseled ahead of us in the line, then they worked their way past the next family. When they tried to pass the third family, that family called them on trying to cut the queue. The mother of the group, who had joined the queue a good 5-10 minutes after we had gotten in line, then complained quite loudly how her husband had been waiting in the line the whole time and was saving their spot. Luckily there ended up being plenty of room for everyone and Mom and I didn't have to sit next to them and their kicking toddler I did mange to drive over my toe when I was helping F1gment navigate her ECV through the load area. I suppose better my toe than another guests...I think

Today's subject was....Mickey Mouse. So F1gment would indeed have a chance to draw Mickey and make him look a little more like...well...Mickey! And she did do much better this year!


While my drawing looked much worse


Concentrating...


I won the animator's drawing by knowing when Mickey Mouse's birthday is. Thank you to the CM at the Disney Visa photo spot a few days ago for reminding me that Mickey's birthday was on 11/18!

Dang there are a lot of lights on the Streets of America




We split a turkey sandwich with fries at the Studio Catering Co. for lunch. I have to say, the sandwiches are pretty good there.


Today was super hot and super humid. I never did catch the humidity percentage on the news for this day, but it was 83 degrees. A little too hot for me, but F1gment was loving the warmer weather!

Next up was the Backlot Tour where I volunteered and was chosen at the Captain in the first show scene. I took my waterproof camera which confused the heck out of the CMs. They each asked me at least 2 or 3 times if I was sure I didn't want to put my camera in the lockers. I assured them that it was waterproof and if it was ok, I would be taking it out with me. They all shrugged, said that was a first to have a camera out there, and went on with the show.

For the bazillionth time, you're sure you want to take your camera with you??


"Backstage" changing area



More "on-stage" shots





I took the time to stop and really take pictures and look at the "props" in this area. I sort of wish they would have some more recognizable things. I do remember this...



I wonder if Walt actually flew in this plane??





This always reminds me of MmeLeota and Cbog40 for some reason...


I'd like one of these please!


Next was Lights, Motors, Action. Always an entertaining show.







F1gment is usually a pretty good photo subject. Here she is waiting for LMA to start.



Take that you little, tiny theater I'm taller and you're smaller and I'm in front ~ nah, nah, nah


It seems like you can't really see the Earful Tower very many places in the Studios anymore either

[MmeLeota]

Sounds like a good day...aside from the protein spill-ridden limo!
Just awaiting the pics!

[Amy]

Sounds like a good day...aside from the protein spill-ridden limo!
Just awaiting the pics!

Yes, a much better day. Way more action filled ~ which I like!
Sorry, no pics of the protein spill-ridden limo
But the others should be about done uploading to photobucket, I'll go check on those

[Amy]

Day 6 - Part II
We decided to head on down to catch the first showing of Fantasmic. The ampitheatre was already open at 5:15 so we headed on up.
Our favorite section in which to sit...


Hooray ~ we ended up in Mickey!


I originally was going to go out and get Mom a sandwich from the Sunset Ranch Market, but really didn't want to walk all the way out and back since the theater was filling up rapidly. She decided she would be happy with a snack so she had the nachos and cheese from the snack stand inside.

Still early, so it wasn't full yet...but it soon would be!


Our second viewing of Fantasmic, the first was with NaCler and his Momma a few days prior, was just as good, although we missed our friends being there with us






I got some cheese slices for Mom at Rosie's All American Cafe and I headed to the single rider line at Rock 'n Roller Coaster. By the time I realized the single rider line wasn't really moving it was too late for me to try to get out of the queue.

ACK!!! And it was really hot and humid still...even this late at night.


I had to! And no hand sanitizer with me either It was with all my other stuff back with F1gment. Actually we were here so long, the teenagers behind me and I counted all the marbles...sigh.


Ahhhh....it's sooooo pretty!


Luckily the teenager behind me let me use his phone and I left a message for F1gment saying I would be a bit delayed returning. (Actually, it turns out that I needn't have worried as she had 2 people that had parked at her table and they were all merrily chatting away like old friends F1gment never has met a stranger!) It took about 30 minutes to get into the pre-show and then another 20 minutes to get on the limo. One limo passed by with a protein spill ~ ick!



We headed for the bus at 8:30 and returned to the hotel. I had to chuckle on the bus as there was this lady describing all the EPCOT attractions to a young couple. The young lady of the couple was obviously pregnant and was inquiring which attractions she should take in and which ones she should avoid. I could barely hold in my giggles when the lady got to describing the Energy show. She was telling them, "It's got that talk show host in it...you know...that Ellen Degenerate character"
I was slightly dismayed to see that the saran wrapped beverage dispenser from last night, was still saran wrapped this evening. Not sure what the problem was, but it took another day or so before it was back in commission. Little things like that are sadly becoming ok for Disney.
Today's lucky money was a dime and a penny at Rosie's in the evening.

Trip lucky money count -
pennies - 4
nickel - 1
dime - 1
smushed penny - 1

[MmeLeota]

Thank you for NOT having a pic of the protein spill limo!!!
I just love the Army Men...the way they interact with guests and each other is just a joy to watch! We didn't get to see them at DHS this time but we have seen them @ DLR.
One Man's Dream is a FABULOUS exhibit!!! There were a couple of those displays at the D23 Expo before, but it's nice to see them again! If anyone ever gets to go to the Walt Disney Family museum in San Francisco, do it! Some of the same elements of this display are there...but in a much larger scale of course.
Your drawing academy sketches are both awesome!
LOVE that you were able to get some pics of both "backstage" and "on stage" at the Backstage Tour. It's cool to see the point of view pics for a change.
Hmmm....Villains? Cbog40 and I? Awww, how sweet!
Cbog40 REALLY wanted to see LMA, but we missed the last show of the day by like 5 min. Great shots!
LOVE the pics of F1gment! She really does make a great model!!! Especially in the second picture...
I agree, it's really sad that the Earful Tower can hardly be seen anymore...
FANTASTIC pictures of FANTASMIC! Doesn't Mickey seem to be saying "nanny nanny boo boo"? Love that pic of Belle and Beast too!
NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! NOT THE MARBLE WALL!!!!!!!!!

[Soarin08]

M-dude has a name for those beads now, among many other things at WDW. Need to remind him to post what all he came up with. All I forever think now is "finger of death!" after I go through the turnstiles.

EW for the protein spill, but I guess Rock 'n Roller Coaster can cause it. See what I mean everytime I'm complaining about the singles line???

[MmeLeota]

Oh, and I forgot to mention how stylish you looked in your smurf-inspired water wear...

[Amy]

Oh, and I forgot to mention how stylish you looked in your smurf-inspired water wear...

Why thank you very much!
Hopefully more to come very soon. I'm on a roll with my trip report!

[Amy]

Day 7 - Part I
Today was my Wild Africa Trek tour. I planned to get to the bus stop around 6:45 so brekkie was a nutrigrain bar and chocolate milk. After the my experience with the Train tour, I'm glad I planned ahead and booked this tour for an early EMH at the Animal Kingdom. Riding the bus saved me those exorbitant taxi fees

Not a lot of people at the bus stop for AK EMH



I checked in behind the Dawa bar and had some time to wander and take some photos while I waited for my 8:45 trek.






I loved how the early morning sun shone on the Tree of Life





I spoke with a CM feeding the painted storks. The storks have been trained to stand on one of three platforms if they are hungry. They eat trout, smelt, mice and meatballs made of horse meat and other nutrients. This is what the CM called the carnivore diet. She said the meatballs are the storks least favorite food so will sometimes let those roll away where the other birds can gobble them up. When I met up with F1gment after I had completed my Wild Africa trek, I found she had had the same conversation with a CM feeding the storks


This stork was waiting to see what the CM had in her hand. It was amusing to watch the birds try to decide if they wanted to step on the platform or not. The wild birds, the egrets and such, were just hoping the storks would miss so they could get a treat!


Working my way back to the tour starting spot.


The little staircase in the back right there is where you entered the tour. There was a path that led along the water, through some lovely bamboo and to the little hut that housed all the gear for the tour.

[Amy]

Day 7 - Part II
Here is the lovely bamboo forest we walked through to begin the tour. It was also where we ended the tour.


Onward to the tour. We had a group of 11. An older couple, me, and two families with two children each. Overall it was a nice group. There were two CM guides. One of the CMs talked about the animals and what we were seeing, while the other CM took the photos for the photo CD that was included with the tour. They switched roles about halfway through.
One of the guides happened to be from a town that is about 40 minutes from us here in Michigan. He had fun reminiscing about his old hometown and was truly surprised at what a small world it truly is. I’m glad I took the chance to ask him about his hometown shown on his name tag as I almost didn’t. He looked a lot like Harold Ramis to me too.


They had lockers to put all your belongings in.


You weren’t allowed to have anything in your pockets. My small camera was fine with it’s strap, and was clipped on to my vest. My bigger camera was fine as it was since it had a neck strap. The only bad part was they weighed you before selecting your fall restraint system. Luckily the only person that saw your weight was the CM. Ladies ~ you know what I am talking about don’t you?!
Then they gave us a stainless steel water bottle that we later kept as a souvenir. There was a water canteen with which you could fill your bottle before leaving the gear shack. After you got all your gear, including a little earphone pack so you could hear the guide as we spread out on the trek, we moved on to a little staging area. There was sunscreen and bug spray available if you wanted any. You could also have some juice which seemed to be a mixture of orange and pineapple juices.


Each person had to cross a sample rope bridge that had some planks missing. Once you felt comfortable and the guides felt you were going to be able to cross the bridge ok, they gathered us up and we set off.
The testing ground


The tour started out in Harambe village and we viewed a few of the animals there first.
After a short trek through the woods, we got to see hippos, rhinos, and the crocs closeup. We had lots of opportunities to take photos and crossed a couple of rope bridges.

I couldn't pick just one favorite of the hippo we saw being fed. Feel free to skip the next several photos if you don't like hippos


These lucky duckies were hanging out in the hippo pool










Smile





This was the restraint system we were hooked to when we were near the feeding pools or on the bridges.


Along the trail


The bridge over the crocodiles





Oh no you don't. I know that song, "Never Smile at a Crocodile"!


In the middle of the tour there was a 25 minute stop on the savannah with goodies for everyone in their own personal bento boxes. I had an “allergy” box with no coconut and one of the kids had an “allergy” box which seemed to have m&ms as it’s main food!


The one guide wanted to look in my box because he likes seeing what ends up being substituted. I seemed to have a lot of extra raisins while the only thing missing from my snack seemed to be the date cookie. There was salmon with jicama salad, apricots, yogurt, an edible orchid, prosciutto, dried beef, and three tiny little pita pockets.



Lovely ~ but not that much flavor Think I'll stick to looking at and photographing flowers instead of eating them


There was also more juice and water available. We were allowed to roam around the deck and look at the animals and take photos. It started to rain lightly as we were there which made it just a little more hot and humid. I wished the stop would have been a little longer as I wanted to enjoy the food a bit more and have a little more time to take photos. Overall it felt a bit rushed, but they have several tours throughout the day and have to keep on a fairly strict time schedule.



There were also restrooms at the savannah stop which were very fancy and nice. I let them know that if they were striving for authenticity, they needed to remodel and glam down the bathrooms. I told them I had never ran into a bathroom that nice while I was in Africa on safari



When we got back into the safari truck the CMs asked us some questions about the food and what we had thought of the safari so far. They told us they are still in the process of refining what is offered.
Another nice part of the tour was the frosty towel we were given after we finished the “trek” portion and got into the safari vehicle. The little wrapped and lightly lemon scented terry cloth towel was in an individual wrapper and was quite refreshing. It was also a souvenir


Our smaller safari truck was able to pull off onto some of the side roads that you see while you are in the regular safari vehicles. That allowed us and the CM to get some better shots of the animals.



Well hello there Simba ~ you're awake?!


Ahem. Do you mind? Trying to eat here


Sometimes there is that itch that is soooooo hard to reach!








The cheetahs were actually pretty alert this morning too.


WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES AHEAD
You know that book, Everybody Poops?


I'll spare you the last one ~ that is not a pretty picture

Now that we got closer, the male lion is getting closer to his nap time. Assume the pose that you take for all the safaris I have ever been on in the Animal Kingdom...sigh


And this is where we ended our safari drive. At a dock across from one of the regular docking stations for the safari vehicles.


I do like that a portion of the tour fee goes to the WDW wildlife conservation. At the end of the tour they have a box that allows you to vote with a rock where your money will be donated ~ big cats, elephants, rhinos, or the general fund which allows the board to use the money where it is needed at the time. I was the only one to choose the general fund in our group.


I enjoyed the tour, but probably would not spend the money to go again. When I received the photo CD a few weeks after we got home, I was a little disappointed in the photos. It definitely would be more fun to go with friends, like the Mousekecouple and the doubleboilers did, as the CD includes photos from everyone in your group. So I have a whole bunch of photos of people I don’t know And I wasn't overwhelmed by the animal photos that were included. But they did have nice equipment with which to take the photos.


I admit I probably have a bit of a skewed perspective by having already had the opportunity of a lifetime to go on safari in Africa, but this was a good substitute if you don’t wish to spend the money or time on a plane. I must admit, I got a lot better pictures of the hippos on this Florida safari. We didn't get too close to the hippos in Africa because we were in a boat and the hippos could swim really fast and were a bit territorial

[Soarin08]

I'm interested in taking the Wild Africa Trek, so good to hear your thoughts, Amy. I get 50% off so it's one I'm considering, especially after the Boilers and Mousekecouple seemed to enjoy it.

Do you mind if I ask how much it cost? Pricing isn't on WDW's site.

[yodiwan1]

I think I saw the price on allears.net...a little ober $200 I tihnk??

[Amy]

I'm interested in taking the Wild Africa Trek, so good to hear your thoughts, Amy. I get 50% off so it's one I'm considering, especially after the Boilers and Mousekecouple seemed to enjoy it.
Do you mind if I ask how much it cost? Pricing isn't on WDW's site.

It was $189 when I took it. But they told me then that the price was increasing to $249 starting this year. That was one of the factors that influenced me to go ahead and try it this past trip. I'll have to look back too, but I don't think there was any discount on this tour either (AAA, annual passholder, Disney Visa) I think it was the price it was. If you can go at half off, I would say it is worth it. Full price...I'm not sure.