"Adventure is Out There" Trip Report Part 1

It's been three weeks already since my trip and it just doesn't seem possible that it went by so fast. You've seen my review of our stay at Pop Century and the review of the amazing Caring for Giants Tour. Now its finally time for the trip report a trip that was full of adventure. 

We left for the airport around 8:30 for our 10:00 flight, we have a small airport hence the no need to rush. Our flight left on time and we got to Sanford right at 12:30 and this is where the problems began. Our pickup ran into some issues and had to go back to the depot because there windshield wiper was broke. It arrived 45 minutes late only to be told he didn't have a pickup permit. We did finally get going but after some other people were dropped off at Universal, we arrived at Pop Century finally around 3:45 p.m, more than 3 hours after we were supposed to get there.

Finally home!!!

After a quick trip to our room we headed to the food court and had a light lunch then headed over to Disney Springs. My mother and I walked around Town Center and did some shopping. We hadn't been to Town Center yet so just enjoying the sights of the area is quite nice. They did an amazing job. We headed over to The Polite Pig for dinner.

While I have no pictures of the newest restaurant in Disney Springs, it is a very nice restaurant. The food is delicious and was one of my favorite meals of the trip. I got the brisket along with a side of the Mac & Cheese and my mother got the half chicken along with a side of bbq cauliflower. Both meals were excellent and I wish I had gotten the bbq cauliflower because the taste and flavor was amazing. The Mac & Cheese was good but that cauliflower was great. I can't wait to go back there again sometime.

After dinner we just walked around Disney Springs for a little while longer before heading back to the resort to head to the pool. The Hippy Dippy Pool was quite cool on this June evening but it was relaxing. After the pool we headed back to our room, we were turning in early because we were heading to Pandora and Animal Kingdom early the next morning.

We awoke early, probably our earliest wake up call ever on a Disney trip at 5:30 and were down to breakfast by just after 6 a.m. We wanted to be sure we were on the first bus to Animal Kingdom to get in line for Pandora and Flight of Passage.

We did get on the first bus to Animal Kingdom and we arrived to see a mass of people heading over to Pandora: The World of Avatar. Here is the line of people waiting to get into the land:

The mass of people and us were all let into Pandora around 7:45 and we walked straight to Flight of Passage. The line was moving quite nicely until we got into the caves of the queue. This is where we waited the most of the 2 and half hours that we were in line. The queue itself is half the attraction. 

After about an hour in the caves we got through to the lab area of the queue. This area in itself is so awesome especially the Na'vi in the tank. We got through the lab area and got to the final room before the lines for boarding the attraction. That is when the problem arose, we were in that room when all of a sudden the lights all came on. There was then an announcement that everyone need to evacuate the building and the ride was shut down. Since our 2 and half hour wait came to an end without even riding it and it being in the same building as Na'vi River Journey (our FastPass for that was gone too). 

It was almost 10:30 when that happened and since we had to head towards Kilimanjaro Safaris for our Caring for Giants tour. If you want to check up on my thoughts on the amazing tour and see amazing photos of Baby Stella, check it out here.

After our tour, it was already time for lunch. I had made a reservation on Tusker House under the Rivers of Light Dining Package. Lunch was great and the character interaction with Mickey, Goofy, Donald, and Daisy was amazing. It was really great for my mom as she loves Goofy.

After a wonderful lunch, I headed back to Pandora and went ahead and purchased my own interactive Banshee. Since, I had only a carry-on with our short stay I had to ship him to my house. He arrived later that week, meet Bert the Banshee.

After successfully adopting Bert, we started heading over to the Finding Nemo: The Musical. What an amazing show and it was so nice to get out of the hot sun. After seeing the show it was almost time for one of mine and my mother's favorite rides in Expedition Everest, what a great roller coaster. 

It really is a thrill and so exhilarating.

While we were eating lunch, I had gotten an email that since Na'vi River Journey was shut down during our FastPass once it came back up we could use it at anytime until end of park operation. We were also told if we went to guest relations they might be able to help us get on Flight of Passage because we waited so long and we didn't get on it. We headed back to Pandora and rode River Journey. 

The Shaman of Songs is so interactive and so life-like, Joe Rohde and Disney Imagineering really out did themselves with Pandora. It was such a peaceful boat ride along the river and hearing the sounds of the wildlife and from the Shaman of Songs was breathtaking. 

After that we headed over to Guest Relations and thanks to them they were able to get us a FastPass that could be used at anytime for Flight of Passage. Instead of heading straight to Flight of Passage we stopped at Pizzafari for a quick meal. Not my favorite but it was nice and quiet in there. 

We headed over to Flight of Passage and got right through the FastPass line in 15 minutes. When everyone says this is the best ride ever, they really are telling you the truth. Flight of Passage, and I won't spoil it for those who haven't rode it yet, is absolutely amazing and it doesn't disappoint. On a scale of 1 to 10 with the 10 being the best its a 12. That how awesome this ride is. 

We finished with Flight of Passage and it was already time to head back over to the Discovery River and see Rivers of Light. What an amazing show to see the reflections of the images on the water. I thoroughly enjoyed the show seeing the animals and the music was absolutely my favorite part of the show.

Once the show was over and traveling through the crowds to get back to Pandora for the Extra Evening Magic Hours exclusive to the new land. Cast Members scan guests Magic Bands to prove they are staying at a resort and they are then allowed to get in line for the ride. We waited another two hours for Flight of Passage. It was so worth it because the ride is that amazing. Here are some shots of Pandora: The World of Avatar at night.

After 17 hours at the park it was finally time to head back to the resort. It was such a successful day in both Pandora and at Animal Kingdom. 

That's all for part 1, next week I will dive into part 2 and our adventure to the Magic Kingdom. See you all real soon. 

Marvel Announces Experiences for D23 Expo; Mobile Ordering Coming to Pizzafari Next Week

Marvel Announces Experiences for D23 Expo:

Today, Marvel and D23 announce what Marvel would be bringing to this year's D23 Expo in July. Awesome presentations and an epic pavilion celebrating upcoming films from Marvel Studios as well as an all-new game console and mobile games that are coming from Marvel Games. Here is what to expect:

Presentations
If you’re a Marvel fan, make sure to add these two panels to your must-do list! On Friday, July 14 at 1:15 p.m., Joe Quesada, Chief Creative Officer of Marvel, will take the stage in the D23 Expo Arena for Cup o’ Joe, a no-holds-barred panel on everything Marvel. Later that day, Marvel Animation will hold a surprise-filled panel of sneak peeks, special guests, exclusive footage, and big announcements about the future of Marvel Animation on Stage 28 at 6 p.m.

Pavilion

Get a closer look at some of the costumes from two highly anticipated Marvel Studios films: Thor: Ragnarok, debuting this November, and Black Panther, in theaters 2018. Plus, explore some of the props from the upcoming Thor film and don’t miss photo opps with exclusive set pieces from the movie. Throughout the weekend, Marvel Studios will host multiple giveaways and events, and even give fans a chance to meet with Marvel Studios’ filmmakers, development team, and talent. Details on talent appearances and special signings will be made available in the D23 Expo App (available soon!).

For the first time at D23 Expo, play as the world-famous Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, Spider-Man, and more on new console and mobile games at the Marvel Games Pavilion. Read on to see what games you can experience during D23 Expo:

• LEGO® Marvel Super Heroes 2 is an all-new, original adventure and sequel to the smash hit LEGO® Marvel Super Heroes. Bringing together iconic Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains from different eras and realities, along with signature LEGO humor, the latest epic adventure from TT Games transports players into a cosmic battle across myriad Marvel locations ripped from time and space into the incredible open hub world of Chronopolis.
• Adding to the infinitely exciting D23 Expo activities at the Marvel booth, Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite will offer attendees hands-on opportunities with the next era of the highly revered action-fighting game series. Marvel and Capcom universes collide like never before as iconic characters team up for action-packed player-versus-player combat.
• Gazillion will offer a chance to play Marvel Heroes Omega and win fantastic prizes. Marvel Heroes Omega combines the core gameplay style of Action-RPGs (Role-Playing Games) and MMOs (Massively Multiplayer Online games) with an expansive library of heroes from the Marvel Universe.
• Netmarble is bringing all the best to D23 Expo with MARVEL: Future Fight. Featuring 120 Marvel Super Heroes to choose from, players create teams of their favorites to fight for their future. D23 Expo attendees can drop by the Netmarble booth and try their hand at saving the universe.
• Marvel Puzzle Quest is where the best in match-3 puzzle gameplay meets Marvel’s biggest Super Heroes and Super Villains in the most epic puzzle adventure game out on your phone, tablet, and PC. Marvel Puzzle Quest combines favorite Marvel characters with deep RPG leveling, player-vs-player tournaments, Alliances, and much more.

The 2017 D23 Expo takes place July 14-16, 2017 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Source: D23

Mobile Ordering Coming to Pizzafari Next Week:

Mobile Ordering will be expanded to Pizzafari beginning next week after its successful debut at the Santu'li Canteen when Pandora: The World of Avatar opened this past weekend. This will begin on Tuesday, June 6.

Using the My Disney Experience app, Guests can select menu items, customize their order and pre-pay for their meal. When they arrive at the restaurant they tap an “I’m here” button in the app, which notifies the kitchen to prepare the meal. Once it is ready, Guests are alerted through the app to pick up their meal at a designated window.

DuckTales, Descendants 2, & More at D23 Expo, 'Delicious Disney' Chef Series, and More

DuckTales, Descendants 2, and Tangled: The Series Panels at D23 Expo 2017:

Disney Channel, Disney XD, and Disney Junior will all be featured at this year's D23 Expo. Exciting panels, appearances, and experiences will be taking place throughout the three-day weekend. Here is what D23 announced today:

All weekend long, you can take a dive in Scrooge McDuck’s Money Bin on the Expo show floor. While you’re there, visit McStuffins Toy Hospital, where younglings can give toy babies a checkup and play with the brand-new Doc McStuffins Baby app, set to launch this summer. Read on to see what sorts of Disney magic you can expect from Disney Channel and Disney XD on each day of D23 Expo.

Friday, July 14:

Catch a special appearance from Descendants 2 stars Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce, Sofia Carson, and Booboo Stewart, and Emmy® Award-winning director, executive producer, and choreographer Kenny Ortega.

Saturday, July 15:

DuckTales Q & A panel (4:15 – 5:15 p.m., Stage 28)––Excited for the new DuckTales series on Disney XD? Want to learn more? Stars Ben Schwartz (Dewey), Kate Micucci (Webby Vanderquack), Beck Bennett (Launchpad McQuack), and Toks Olagundoye (Mrs. Beakley) will join executive producer Matt Youngberg and co-producer/story editor Francisco Angones for a Q&A panel on the highly anticipated new show.

Sunday, July 16:

Tangled: The Series Q & A panel (10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Stage 28)––Mandy Moore (Rapunzel) and Zachary Levi (Eugene) will be joined by executive producer Chris Sonnenburg, co-executive producer Ben Balistreri, and Broadway stars Eden Espinosa (Cassandra) and Jeremy Jordan (Varian) for this hair-raising panel on the new Disney Channel show.

Source: D23.com

'Delicious Disney' Chef Series Coming to Walt Disney World:

The 'Delicious Disney' Chef Series is coming to Walt Disney World with its first event being held later this month. The event will feature world-renowned culinarians that will present unique culinary creations with delectable wine pairings. Bookings to the events are now open to Tables in Wonderland guests as well.

The events will begin on May 31 and one day in each month running through December. Each event will have different and unique culinary offerings. All of the events are $249 per person except for the final event on December 6 which is $199 per person. Here is the rundown on the events:

Tickets to the 'Delicious Disney' Chef Series are now available while supplies last. Guests can purchase tickets by calling 407-939-5773 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET if you are a Tables in Wonderland member.

Source: WDW News Today

Mobile Ordering Will Be Expanded to Several Restaurants at Disney's Animal Kingdom:

Mobile Ordering was officially added the other day on the My Disney Experience app ahead of its official debut on May 27 at Santu'li Canteen when it opens in Pandora: The World of Avatar. Mobile Ordering will be expanded to several other Disney's Animal Kingdom quick service restaurants this summer. It will expand to Pizzafari, Flame Tree Barbecue, and Restaurantosaurus sometime this summer. 

Even more restaurants at other Walt Disney World parks will have access to Mobile Ordering in the very near future as well. Here is the rundown as well as a video of just how Mobile Ordering works:

Mobile Order, which can be found in the My Disney Experience app, offers the added convenience of being able to place orders and purchase meals on-the-go. You select menu items, customize orders and pre-pay for meals during park visits – all within the app.
It’s easy to do. After you’ve placed your order and pre-pay in the app, and arrive at Satu’li Canteen, you’ll just tap the “I’m here” button. That will notify the kitchen to prepare your meal. When ready, you will be alerted through the app to pick up your meal at the designated window with the Mobile Order pick up sign.

Reminder: Right now credit card is the only accepted form of payment for Mobile Ordering. Anyone with special dietary restrictions, or those who want to use discounts or redeem dining plan entitlements must place their order with a cashier.

Source: Disney Parks Blog