Trip Report Spoiler Alert. No Pandora, but Flowers and Gardens and Waves Galore.

Time for my first trip report!!! Exciting! First off going to tag some people in no particular order. @21stamps , @figmentfan423 , @Gabe1 , @betty rose , @littleroo, @Tony the Tigger , @donaldtoo, @Mr Ferret 88 , @Tuvalu , @TheMouseFan , @blgauger , @bee , @Cesar R M , @Songbird76 , @StarWarsGirl , @MinnieM123 , @MOXOMUMD , @ajrwdwgirl , @93boomer , @Courtney6682 , @amjt660 , @Doc Disney , @Goofyernmost @everybody

If you haven't read the ptr here is a link to it.
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/our-hopefully-pandora-thrown-in-f-g-trip-2017.925406/

The planning for this trip May 19-27 started in November last year after I received a precious pin code in my email. I couldn't say no to that.

Eventually I ended up getting a better rate when the AP discounts came out(dh had an AP at the time), so I rebooked for the same resort, The Cabins at Fort Wilderness.

Who was going: me, dh, and the 4 kiddos(dd15, ds13, dd9, dd6). Who we were leaving at home(3 dogs, 3 cats, 1 cockatiel, and a dear SIL who was housesitting for a price. )

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Well timed pictures!!

Max

Thanks. I actually had the video setting on and just kept pushing the picture button as it was happening. It worked really well.

 

[12in12]

I really liked it. It is much better in person than on television. Even dh liked it and he was less than pleased with the opening night YouTube stream from the Disney Blog.

I am glad to hear that. Wishes was so special to me that I am not sure if I can like HEA, but I really want to.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

I am glad to hear that. Wishes was so special to me that I am not sure if I can like HEA, but I really want to.

I get that. I was skeptical myself at first, but when you are there in person and see it you will feel different about it. I really did enjoy it.

 

[12in12]

I haven't watched it online because shows are never as good on a screen then when you are in the park and can feel the magic. So I will wait to see it until January and hopefully not be disappointed.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

May 22 Day 4
This day was our AK day and we started at the safari. There were plenty of animals out. I could only get a few pictures of animals that actually came out half good. I know the drivers aren't supposed to wait but if they sometimes could stop for more than 5 seconds, that would be great. So here are some that are not half bad.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

My 2 favorite animals on the safari are the flamingos on Mickey island and the lions.

Could only get the lioness's backside.

Afterwards we got something to eat at Kusafiri. We had a blueberry muffin, an elephant ear, a breakfast sandwich, and a Mickey pretzel purchased from a cart. We managed to find a table inside this little pavilion. Got lucky.

 

[amjt660]

those are good pics of the safari
I have given up even trying

Max

 

[MinnieM123]

those are good pics of the safari
I have given up even trying

Max

Those were some great photos she took. I haven't taken pictures, myself, for a long time (no camera, and the disposable ones are a pain in the neck).

However, what I've discovered from reading multiple TRs for a few years here, is that it's primarily luck and timing to get a great photo from the safari, for most people. (It also depends on where you're sitting in the vehicle, and the short time that the driver allows for a stop, so that people can take photos, etc.)

I've seen some outstanding animal pictures, from time to time here. And some of those photos were from people who went to WDW a few times each year, and had not taken any decent photos of the safari, on previous trips. So don't give up yet, Max!

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Those were some great photos she took. I haven't taken pictures, myself, for a long time (no camera, and the disposable ones are a pain in the neck).

However, what I've discovered from reading multiple TRs for a few years here, is that it's primarily luck and timing to get a great photo from the safari, for most people. (It also depends on where you're sitting in the vehicle, and the short time that the driver allows for a stop, so that people can take photos, etc.)

I've seen some outstanding animal pictures, from time to time here. And some of those photos were from people who went to WDW a few times each year, and had not taken any decent photos of the safari, on previous trips. So don't give up yet, Max!

Yep @amjt660 think about it. The safari is a long ride and I only got 10 good shots worthy enough to share. Just luck.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

After breakfast we made our way to EE where 3 of us had a FP. I signed up 6 but 2 didn't want to go on and dh decided to stay with them.

The imagineers loaded the queue with some really cool relics. Sometimes when you are in line for a coaster you forget that there is a lot of effort actually put into those queues.

I sat with dd9 and dd15 got a single rider with her.

Guess who used her brown eyes to sucker daddy into getting her a snow leopard.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Kids enjoyed a cool drink while sitting here near EE and then we realized that Flights of Wonder had a show starting in 10 minutes so we decided to go.

This show is a favorite of mine. It is a little cheesy but I love it.

The beautiful bald eagle.

 

[93boomer]

Love your pix! May have to upgrade to the 7. I especially love all the water pix!!
Yayy for the snow leopard to find a home. They are my favorite.

 

[amjt660]

Guess who used her brown eyes to sucker daddy into getting her a snow leopard.
View attachment 211283

Max

 

[amjt660]

And just to clarify on the safari picture issues...

What I find is that if I try to take pictures I to might get a few good ones but I spend the whole time trying and getting frustrating with all the ones that do not turn out

So I find it more enjoyable now to just ride along, enjoy the commentary and look for/at the wonderful animals and scenery

Max

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Love your pix! May have to upgrade to the 7. I especially love all the water pix!!
Yayy for the snow leopard to find a home. They are my favorite.

I had an android prior to the 7 plus. The reason I wanted the 7 plus was because of the camera. I figured a great camera would cost a bundle and would be cumbersome. I love having a great camera in a small package. I have gone from the Canon Sure Shot to the Sony Cyber Shot. I liked that they were small but they were so unresponsive and indoor pix were terrible. I never would have gotten great shots of the fireworks with either of those. I totally recommend the 7 plus. The 7's screen is too small for me and the battery lasts longer in the 7 plus.

View attachment 211301


Max

Ha! So true! But not complaining about it. It should be that way.

 

[LeighM]

I'm sorry but that shirt with the state of Florida is just wrong. Florida isn't the only thing I pictured when looking at it. Who would wear that!!

I totally thought the same thing

 

[93boomer]

I had an android prior to the 7 plus. The reason I wanted the 7 plus was because of the camera. I figured a great camera would cost a bundle and would be cumbersome. I love having a great camera in a small package. I have gone from the Canon Sure Shot to the Sony Cyber Shot. I liked that they were small but they were so unresponsive and indoor pix were terrible. I never would have gotten great shots of the fireworks with either of those. I totally recommend the 7 plus. The 7's screen is too small for me and the battery lasts longer in the 7 plus.


Ha! So true! But not complaining about it. It should be that way.

Thanks for the info!

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Next up was Kali River Rapids. This is everyone's favorite ride at AK! We were taking bets as to who would get the wettest. I thought I would. Dh said he would. Funny how we want to get wet but don't want to walk around with wet underwear.

First splash down. The other family with us got hit with this splash.

The result! Dh did get the wettest of our group. The other family seemed wetter than us. It was a hot day though so whatever water was on us evaporated quickly.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Our bellies were growling so we searched for a place where all would eat without a fuss. Restaurantasaurus fit the bill. The decor inside and out is fun.

These guys were waiting for handouts.

I had the black bean burger. It was yummy and so were the pickles.

 

[MinnieM123]

Guess who used her brown eyes to sucker daddy into getting her a snow leopard.

Jealous. I wish I bought a snow leopard when I was there in May!