"Adventure is Out There" Trip Report Part 2

After 17 plus hours in Animal Kingdom the previous day, there really was no rush to get to Magic Kingdom for when it opened. We somehow without any intention though got to Magic Kingdom right at 9 a.m.

I must say moving the security to right after the busses was a great idea and really does leave a much cleaner look when entering the parks. Of course is there any better view of entering the parks then when you first see Cinderella Castle walking down Main Street, USA.

After a quick stop at First Aid to drop my insulin off, it was time to really start our day. We headed over to Adventureland and began our day with a ride on one my favorites in the Jungle Cruise. Lines weren't horrible through out the day, we waited about 20 minutes to get on.

Rhino was still missing, replaced by hyenas on 6/10/17

Now I won't bore you with each ride we went on, but it was easy picking with getting on the rides that day with the exception of Big Thunder Mountain which was down for most of the day. In the morning we rode besides Jungle Cruise were 'its a small world', Mine Train, Little Mermaid, and Splash Mountain (not in this order). We then headed to lunch at Be Our Guest.

I have now been to Be Our Guest at lunch twice and both times were spectacular. My mother and I both had the Croque Monsieur (Ham & Cheese Sandwich). I had the Master's Cupcake (my favorite) and my mother had the Chocolate Cream Puff. Both meals were delicious and the meals were brought to us rather quickly. 

After lunch it was much of the same with getting on rides as it was in the morning. Although, we did get caught in two quick moving thunderstorms (normal June Florida weather), but they didn't stop us. We saw Mickey's Philharmagic, then headed to Haunted Mansion where we got caught in the first rain storm while in line. It helped that we were in line as even it was still pouring after the fact it did slow down a few minutes later to allow us to get our FastPass at Peter Pan. 

I then had to head over to the Big Circus Tent to switch out my FuelRod which had died. While in the tent another storm had started up so we just waited it out. It was about 10-15 minutes and it stopped and we headed to Tomorrowland. Here we hit Buzz, Peoplemover, Carousel of Progress, and the Laugh Floor pretty quickly. Since, we used up all our FastPasses, I was able to grab a FastPass for Pirates.

Not my best but I'll take it. 

We headed over to Pirates of the Caribbean but since it was still a bit early for the FastPass. So my mother gladly went and got a Dole Whip and we enjoyed the Enchanted Tiki Room. It was then time for our Pirates FastPass and one of my favorite attractions. 

It was a pretty successful day at that point, it was time for dinner. We decided on a whim to eat at the Plaza Restaurant on Main Street. We sure enough got in and had a great quick meal while sitting down and relaxing. I had the Grilled Reuben Sandwich while my mother really enjoyed the Strawberry Chicken Salad. Really, I've never had a bad meal at the Plaza.

After dinner, we headed to the Emporium to do some shopping and then headed to the Confectionary for some snacks before Happily Ever After. We grabbed a spot on Main Street and waited for Happily Ever After. 

Even after watching the live stream of Happily Ever After, nothing could of prepared me for seeing it live in person. It really is the best nighttime spectacular that I've ever seen. The emotions really do get to you with the music and classic Disney films that make an appearance during the show. It was the perfect ending to our trip and another 12 plus hours at the park.

The next morning we were up at the butt crack of dawn to be back at the airport for our 7 a.m. flight. I was back in Pennsylvania and home by the middle of the morning. The trip was so worth it that I can't believe all things that I was able to see in just two days.

It was an amazing and successful trip and I would do it 10 times over if I had the chance to do it again. Being able to see Pandora just shortly after it opened, being able to experience Flight of Passage and the Caring for Giants Tour (seeing Baby Stella will be a lasting memory), and of course seeing Happily Ever After live were some of the amazing highlights of this trip. 

I can't wait for my next trip and its looking like April 2018 can't come soon enough and I already know its going be one my most memorable trips yet. See you all real soon.

- John

Changes Coming to Disney's Yacht Club Dining Options

This morning the Disney Parks Blog revealed some of the changes coming to Disney's Yacht Club dining options. The first step in those changes at the resort is the Market at Ale & Compass.

The airy, new market offers a small merchandise area (which is set to open later this month) and 28 seats for casual dining. With both made-to-order and grab ‘n go, you can start the day with an egg white wrap, spinach and feta pastry, or sticky bun. Lunch and dinner include specialties such as grilled paninis, ham and Cheddar on a pretzel roll and a veggie sandwich with roasted broccoli and garlic, kale, almond, golden raisins and cheese on a whole-grain baguette.
A grab ‘n go selection offers sandwiches, salads and other eats, including kid-friendly items. For sips, there’s a Coca-Cola Freestyle Machine, beer and wine, and a specialty drinking station that offers both specialty coffees and smoothies

The lobby lounge outside of Ale & Compass is expanding to 58 seats, while offering a new menu of classic cocktails and light bites. The biggest change comes to Captain's Grille which will become the new Ale & Compass Restaurant this October. Check out the concept art released today:

The Ale & Compass Restaurant menu is still in the works. The re-imagined restaurant will have a gastropub ambience with New England-inspired comfort food, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. An on-stage hearth oven is the focal point. Décor will be inspired by the cozy warmth of a lighthouse, as a comforting respite from the outside world. Stay tuned for updates in the future on the menu for the new Ale & Compass Restaurant at Disney's Yacht Club.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

New Disney twenty-three Issue Celebrates 30 Years of Disney Legends

Photo Courtesy of D23

The new Disney twenty three magazine is out and this issue celebrates 30 years of Disney Legends. Here is the release from D23:

JULY 6, 2017

By D23 Team

Walt Disney once said, “You can dream, create, design, and build the most wonderful place in the world… but it requires people to make the dream a reality,” and The Walt Disney Company has been honoring these dream makers in a very special way since 1987. The Disney Legends award was first introduced 30 years ago, and to celebrate, Disney twenty-three has created a unique stand-alone issue featuring all 267 current honorees, as well as the 10 new Legends, who will be inducted next week at D23 Expo 2017.

For the issue, exclusively for Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, Disney twenty-three Photo Editor Ty Popko photographed 40 Legends in Disney settings: from Walt Disney’s Office Suite and the Walt Disney Archives to Walt Disney World Resort and the Good Morning America studios. Featured Legends include Tim Allen, Hayley Mills, Paige O’Hara, Regis Philbin, Anika Noni Rose, Lea Salonga, Richard Sherman, and Dick Van Dyke.

What else can you expect from this one-of-a-kind issue? Kurt Russell gives a first-person account of his time working for Walt himself and the many Disney adventures he has had over the years, Richard Sherman pens a touching tribute to Annette Funicello, Dave Smith answers your Disney Legends Qs, and, of course, tons of photos from Disney Legends Awards ceremonies throughout the years.

Plus, Disney animator Eric Goldberg crafted a piece of artwork exclusively for this issue featuring more than 30 Disney Legends, including Julie Andrews, Steve Martin, Angela Lansbury, and Robin Williams. As a bonus, D23 Gold Members attending D23 Expo 2017 will receive a complimentary print of the artwork at the event.

The D23 Expo 2017 happens next week July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center. 

Source: D23.com

D23 Expo 3-Day Passes Sold Out; Characters in Flight Changes Name

D23 Expo 3-Day Passes Sold Out:

We are now just 8 days away from the D23 Expo which will take place next week from July 14-16. It shouldn't come as a shock but it is quickly selling out as today it was announced that 3-day passes are now sold out.

With 3-day passes being sold out along with Saturday passes, limited single day passes for Friday and Sunday are now only available. For tickets to those days, you can purchase tickets here at D23Expo.com.

Characters in Flight Changes Name:

Photo Credit: WDW News Today

Effective this week, Characters in Flight will change its name to Aerophile. The name change is due to the characters being removed from the hot air ballon a few months ago. It is named after the company that operates the balloon. 

Aerophile takes off from Disney Springs. 

Source: WDW News Today

Brazil Coming to World Showcase?, Club Penguin Island Event at Blizzard Beach, & More

Brazil Coming to World Showcase as New Country Pavilion?:

Photo Courtesy: WDW News Today

We are 11 days away from the D23 Expo and the rumors are getting hot. Today, WDW News Today, reported that Brazil could very well be the next country added to World Showcase in Epcot. The pavilion would be in between the Italy and Germany pavilions. 

It would be an empty 1.5 acre plot that was left empty since Epcot opened back almost 40 years ago in 1982. There is a rumor of an attraction but there has been no word on what kind of attraction would be placed in the new pavilion. 

According to the sources WDW News Today has, Disney will be announcing Brazil as the new country at this months D23 Expo in Anaheim. The D23 Expo takes place July 14-16, 2017.

Source: WDW News Today

Club Penguin Island Event Coming to Disney's Blizzard Beach:

Club Penguin Island, the popular mobile game, will be coming to Disney's Blizzard Beach for a very special event. Just like in the game, the event will let guests make friends and embark on adventures together. 

Guests visiting Disney’s Blizzard Beach on July 29 will have the chance to participate in lots of Club Penguin Island-themed activities such as a penguin splash competition in the Ski Patrol area, coloring contests, a ‘snowball’ toss with water balloons, and much more!

More details on this event will be released in the coming weeks so stay tuned.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

New Food & Wine Logo Released Plus List of New Food Booths Announced:

Today, we got our first look at the logo for this year's Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. The logo this year features Remy from Ratatouille. 

Also a list of tentative new food booths were released with names subject to change:

• Avocados of Mexico
• Cheese – Hosted by Boursin
• Beer (in the former Segway room of Innoventions)
• Flavored by Fire
• Active Eats
• Spain

There will be 35 amazing food and wine marketplace booths at this year's festival which will run for a record long 75 days. This year's Epcot International Food & Wine Festival takes place August 31 through November 13, 2017. 

Source: WDW News Today

"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.