"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. 

The Polite Pig to Open April 10; New PhotoPass Experience at China Pavilion

The Polite Pig to Open April 10 in Disney Springs:

The Polite Pig is ready to open and it will make its grand opening next Monday, April 10. The new restaurant will open in the Town Center of Disney Springs. It is the newest concept for award-winning Orlando chefs, husband and wife James and Julie Petrakis. They will also be joined with the opening of this new venture with James' brother Brian. They couple has a sister restaurants in The Ravenous Pig and Swine & Sons in Winter Park and Cask & Larder at the Orlando International Airport. 

The Polite Pig will feature “modern barbecue” in an open kitchen, with Southern sides like a tomato and watermelon salad, mac and cheese and smoked corn with lime butter. (Sauce fans, there’s a bar with seven different ways to top your ‘cue, from Layla’s Sweet to Fresno Hot Sauce.) Add a solid selection of craft beers and cocktails, and a bourbon bar with more than 50 selections, from small batch bourbons to a Pappy Van Winkle 23-Year Family Reserve.

We talked with Julie, who met James, by the way, while studying at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. Both are Central Florida natives.

The husband and wife combo did an interview with the Disney Parks Blog. Here it is what they had to say:

Why did you decide to open at restaurant at Disney Springs? 
Disney approached us with the idea of opening a fast-casual outpost that would represent the atmosphere and quality of our Winter Park location, The Ravenous Pig. We shared their enthusiasm for bringing a true local restaurant to Disney Springs.

Is the menu similar to The Ravenous Pig and Cask & Larder, your other restaurants in Central Florida? 
I would say that the menu is similar in its approach to using quality, seasonal ingredients, with our signature touch. We’ll have Cask & Larder Brewery beers, cocktails on tap and also an extensive Bourbon Bar. And this restaurant will focus a bit more on wood-smoked and grilled items.

Anything you’ll offer at The Polite Pig that will be a signature, or exclusive to that restaurant? 
Most of the menu will be exclusive to The Polite Pig: modern barbecue with The Ravenous Pig twist. Like the Southern Pig Sandwich with pulled pork off the smoker, apple slaw, mustard sauce and Duke’s mayo; peel-and-eat shrimp with bourbon-cocktail sauce, and crispy Brussels sprouts with whiskey caramel.

Who will be the chef daily in The Polite Pig kitchen? 
We have two of our Ravenous Pig/Cask & Larder veterans at the helm, Jared Thate and Allie Weldon, along with Chef James Petrakis’ guidance and inspiration.

Tell us about the craft beer program. 
We will feature four of our beloved Cask & Larder Brewery brews on tap, as well as a couple other Florida/domestic craft beers.

Anything special about The Polite Pig cocktails?
We will feature five house cocktails on tap, including some of our crowd favorites from The Ravenous Pig, such as the Gin and Tonic and Old-Fashioned.

How many seats and describe the décor. 
We’ll have 190 seats, and the décor pays homage to the beloved swine of The Polite Pig, as well as antiquity. Whimsical pigs on various adventures can be seen throughout the space, and rustic touches are used for custom featured art pieces. Large faded graphics also adorn the main wall of the space adding to the feel of the long-time family run business.

What’s your favorite dish on The Polite Pig menu? 
My favorite appetizer is the Hop Salt Pretzel with beer cheese fondue and IPA mustard. Favorite sandwich: the Salmon BLT with bacon jam, marinated tomato, romaine and aioli. I love that with a side of charred broccoli tossed with herb buttermilk dressing and house granola.

What do you think is the secret to good food? 
Using quality seasonal ingredients and taking great care of it by enhancing with smoke/cooking, proper seasoning and passion!

Source: Disney Parks Blog

New PhotoPass Experience Coming to the China Pavilion at Epcot:

Guests visiting the China Pavilion will now be able to experience a brand new PhotoPass experience. Every evening beginning at 7 p.m. (weather permitting) guests can take park in this new nighttime experience by having their photo taken with a glowing lotus flower blossom. 

A Disney PhotoPass photographer will be stationed at the pavilion to take the photos. You can purchase photos taken with this prop individually or receive unlimited digital downloads of all your vacation photos from Disney PhotoPass Service by purchasing Memory Maker before, during or after your visit to Walt Disney World Resort.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Disney Hits Box Office Milestone in Record Time; The Polite Pig Opening in Disney Springs in Spring 2017

Disney Hits Box Office Milestone in Record Time:

Disney hit the $2 Billion mark at the domestic box office in the quickest time ever on Saturday. This isn't the only milestone as it hit the $5 billion globally on July 6, doing so faster than in 2015 when it didn't hit that mark until December 20. Disney films have already hit $3 billion internationally.

This is after its latest hit Pixar's "Finding Dory" has already hit $724 million globally ($445 million domestically) with it not even opening in some major markets such as the UK, Italy, and Germany. Other films helping Disney at the box office include: Marvel's "Captain America: Civil War" ($1.15 billion #1 at the box office this year), #2 in Disney's "Zootopia" ($1.02 billion), and Disney's "The Jungle Book" ($938 million). These take four of the top five films domestically and four of the top six films globally released in 2016.

Those don't include Lucasfilm's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" which took in $737 million in 2016 of its total $2.07 billion in the calendar year. All five films take a rating of 90% or higher on Rotten Tomotoes.

Disney is set to release several films for the rest of the year these include: Disney's Pete's Dragon (August 12), Queen of Katwe (September), Marvel's Doctor Strange (November 4), Disney Animation's Moana (November 23), and Lucasfilm's Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (December 16). 

The Polite Pig Opening in Disney Springs in Spring 2017:

The Polite Pig Restaurant will be opening in Town Center of Disney Springs in Spring 2017. The restaurant which has a sister restaurant, The Ravenous Pig, in Winter Springs, FL will bring a variety of wood-fired smoked and grilled items as well as an innovative beverage program that serves all drinks on tap, this includes locally-brewed Cask & Larder beer, wine, and cocktails. 

Here is more info on the owners and details on The Polite Pig released on the Disney Parks Blog:

"Owners and James Beard award nominees James and Julie Petrakis are partnering with James’ brother (who operates another popular Orlando-area eatery, Greens & Grille) to open the new restaurant, located in the Town Center neighborhood of Disney Springs. The 5,000-square-foot venue will be open daily for lunch and dinner, with seating for about 200 guests.
“As a locally-based restaurant group, it’s great to bring our new concept to Disney Springs where we’ll have the opportunity to showcase genuine Florida cuisine for guests from around the world,” James Petrakis said. “With so many talented chefs opening new restaurants at Disney Springs, we’re really excited to be part of a group helping Central Florida distinguish itself as a world-class culinary destination.”

Tune in for more information like an opening date for The Polite Pig in the future right here on It All Started With a Mouse.

Enjoy your Monday evening everyone. - John