"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. 

It's Happening: Rivers of Light to Debut Next Week, Dining Packages Announced

The news we never thought was coming is finally official. Rivers of Light at Disney's Animal Kingdom will debut next Friday, February 17. Shows of the new nighttime spectacular will occur every other day on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday's after the official debut next Friday. 

The shows will occur once a day at 7:15 until April 8th. On April 9, the show will move to daily showings twice a night. This is coming from Disney World's website, an official announcement on the Disney Parks Blog should come later today. 

When the show moves to daily, there will be two showings at 8:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. The only day the show is not available after that is May 24, which is presumed media preview of Pandora: The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Also, dining packages for Rivers of Light were made available at Tiffins and Tusker House Restaurant. At Tusker House for breakfast it will cost $39 for adults and $23 for children ages 3-9. For lunch and dinner, adults will be $52 and it will be $32 for children ages 3-9. For Tiffins the dining package will be available for lunch and dinner where adults will cost $67 and children ages 3-9 will cost $26. For more details on the dining packages visit the Walt Disney World website here.

Is Rivers of Light Delayed Until May 2017?; DINOSAUR Refurbishment Extended a Month Longer

Is Rivers of Light Delayed Until May 2017?:

The Rivers of Light saga continues to be a mystery as today some revelation on the nighttime spectacular may have been leaked today. A discovery by several people on Disney World's website revealed that dining packages for the new show leaked  to show that they would begin May 1, 2017. 

In those details it revealed that three restaurants would be available in Tusker House and Flame Tree Barbecue, but the third option remained unnamed. One would think that option is Tiffins as that is Animal Kingdom's newest signature restaurant. However, the dining package page on the website was removed by late morning. 

Rumors have been swirling for weeks that Rivers of Light was just about ready to debut. Many were saying that it would be ready in the coming weeks if not by late Fall. Could Disney really be delaying the show for more than a year after it was originally slated to debut. Disney has yet to confirm any kind of official debut of Rivers of Light to this moment. In fact we are still waiting on an update about the nighttime show since it was delayed in April. 

If the May 1, 2017 date is really the official debut for Rivers of Light, it is kind of disappointing. The preview that Disney showed to the media looked really amazing. The anticipation for this nighttime spectacular is overwhelming and as always stay tuned for when we get official word on the debut of Rivers of Light at Animal Kingdom.

DINOSAUR Refurbishment Extended a Month Longer:

DINOSAUR at Disney's Animal Kingdom was supposed to reopen next week on October 17. However, several guests have reported of receiving emails that their FastPass+ reservations for the attraction have been cancelled for the next 30 days. The new re-opening date for the attraction is now extended to November 20, 2016.

Have you had a FastPass+ reservation cancelled for DINOSAUR?

Menus Released for Tiffins Restaurant & Nomad Lounge Opening Next Week; Echo Lake Eats Opened Today

Menus Released for Tiffins Restaurant & Nomad Lounge Opening Next Week:

The new nighttime experiences at Animal Kingdom aren't the only things debuting next week. The new Tiffin's Restaurant and adjoining Nomad Lounge will open near Pizzafari and what will soon be the entrance to Pandora - The World of Avatar. Today, the Disney Parks Blog showed off the menus for both Tiffins and the Nomad Lounge take a look:

New Dining Packages will also be available beginning May 28 for both Tiffins and the Tusker House Restaurant and allow you reserved seating for the new limited nighttime engagement in Jungle Book: Alive with Magic. At the Tusker House the dining package will be available for the all-you-care-to-eat meals at breakfast, lunch, and dinner same day (you have to dine at least 2 1/2 hours before the show). At breakfast it will cost $37 for adults and $23 for ages 3 to 9, plus tax and gratuity. For lunch and dinner, it will cost $49 for adults and $30 for ages 3 to 9, plus tax and gratuity. Tusker House is on the Dining Plan and costs 1 meal credit.

At Tiffins, the package will include a choice of appetizer, entree, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage for either lunch or dinner. The package here will cost $67 for adults and $32 for children ages 3 to 9, plus tax and gratuity. Tiffins will cost 2 dining plan credits on the Disney Dining Plan. 

Reservations open tomorrow, May 21,  for both Tiffins and the new Dining Packages. Reservations can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/DINE or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Echo Lake Eats Opened Today at Disney's Hollywood Studios:

Last week, it was announced that the new Echo Lake Eats would open around Echo Lake at Disney's Hollywood Studios with three new quick-service kiosks. Today, the three kiosks opened with some summertime eats. Here are the menu's for Bocados del Lago Nachos y Empanadas, Sliders to the Stars, and Hollywood Waffles of Fame:

Bocados del Lago Nachos y Empanadas

• Loaded Chili Cheese Nachos with Guacamole 
• Beef Empanadas, roasted corn and black bean salsa, Queso Fresco with cilantro sour cream
• Dulce de Leche Cookie

Sliders to the Stars

• Pulled Beef Brisket Sliders with arugula, pickled onions and horseradish aioli on sesame bun served with chips
• Pulled Barbecued Chicken Sliders with coleslaw and chipotle aioli on a brioche bun served with chips
• Mickey Brownie

Hollywood Waffles of Fame

• Shaved Turkey and Gouda Waffle Sandwich with mixed greens, bacon, tomato and herb-cheese pesto served with chips
• Shaved Ham and Cheddar Focaccia with water cress and spicy mustard served with chips
• Freshly-baked Chocolate Chip Cookie

Try these new amazing summertime eats for a limited time at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Your Daily News from Around Disney 3/2/15

It's Monday and although it was a dreary weekend up here in Pennsylvania, it is March and that could only mean we are that much closer to warmer weather. We will get right into the news however with your daily news from around Disney.

New Character Dinner Coming Animal Kingdom's Tusker House:

Donald's Safari Dinner will begin at Animal Kingdom's Tusker House beginning this Sunday March 8, 2015. Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and friends will greet guests in the fun-filled character dinner at the Tusker House. It's going to give guest the opportunity to meet some of their favorite characters while enjoying an all you can eat meal with spit-roasted carved meats, unique salads, creative vegetarian options, hearty stews, and delicious desserts with an African touch. Guests can make reservations by calling 407-WDW-DINE or by visiting Guest Relations at any of the Disney theme parks or at Guest Services/Concierge at any of the Disney resorts. Donald's Safari Dinner will begin serving at 4 p.m. daily.

Walt Disney Studios Promotes Lylle Breier to Lead Promotions, Partnerships and Special Events:

Walt Disney Studios has promoted Lylle Breier to lead of Promotions, Partnerships, and Special Events. This will expand Breier's duties at the studios where she has overseen event strategies across all of Disney's motion picture brands which includes Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Marvel, Touchstone, Disneynature, and Dreamworks' live action releases. As part of the promotion, film-related promotions and non-broadcast synergy activities will now be centralized under her leadership. Breir said of the promotion, "This is an extremely talented group of people and this new structure will enable us to better serve our partners and optimize our strengths and resources. We are very excited about the wealth and opportunities ahead." Bremer is a 25-year veteran of the Walt Disney Company.

Star Wars Saga to be Retold by Lego Droids in Upcoming Disney XD Series:

Last week we brought you the news of the return of Ducktales in a new series on Disney XD set for 2017. This week Disney XD got more news, this time in the form of the Lego Star Wars series. In a release Disney XD announced that our favorite droids R2-D2 and C-3PO will retell the Star Wars Saga in Lego form from their point-of-view in a 5-episode series to be released later this year. The series Lego Star Wars: Droid Tales will be a 22-minute 5 episode series. The series will be set after the Ewok celebration in "Return of the Jedi" as R2-D2 and C-3PO retell their adventures starting with "The Phantom Menace" all the way up to "Return of the Jedi". However according the release from Disney, there will be a kidnapping of some sorts while the 2 droids are reminiscing and suddenly viewers will be taken on another adventure. The airdate has yet to be announced but it will be before the December 18 release of Episode VII of the trilogy "Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens."

This Day in Disney History:

On this day March 2nd in 2009, Disney Cruise Line announces that construction has started in Germany on its two news ships the Disney "Dream" and the Disney "Fantasy".

Daily Disney Quotes:

"Of all the things I've done, the most vital is coordinating those who work with me and aiming their efforts at a certain goal."

Walt Disney

Well that's all for today, I know I am looking forward to the Star Wars saga being retold by R2-D2 and C-3PO. Man, do I love those droids. As always I end with the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."