Trip Report “Parents please supervise your children, and children please supervise your parents” 2018 Graduation Trip Report! *COMPLETE*

Well, it’s been three days, but I’m back from “The World”. Still trying to recover and catch up on sleep . I was pretty exhausted, but we had a great time! The Disney depression has officially kicked in, but I’m hoping this TR will help alleviate some of the pain.

For those of you who are just joining and are wanting to know the Who, When, Where, and Why, feel free to read my PTR!

https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/the-captain-is-headed-home.940164/

This is my first TR, and the bar was set pretty high for first timers (cough cough @becca_ cough cough). Seriously, if you haven’t read her first TR, you need to! Anyways, I hope everyone bears with me and enjoys the 2,000+ pictures that I made, along with this TR!

Up next: Travel Day!

 

[DisAl]

Did you get to do the Magic Behind Our Steam Trains tour?

 

[Captain Barbossa]

My husband wouldn't patiently push my grown, healthy self in a child's stroller that's for sure LOL I think my Mom stopped allowing me in a stroller when I was 5 or so. Once I was big enough to walk, there was no more nice stroller for me lol.

Yeah, it was ridiculous.

Did you get to do the Magic Behind Our Steam Trains tour?

You'll have to wait and see.

 

[Captain Barbossa]

AK continued

Our FP window for Kali was 11:20-12:20. I think we ended up getting there just after 11:30.

This was the only picture I took

I don’t bring my phone with me anymore on Kali since they got rid of the big waterproof cargo bag that used to be in the middle of the raft , so I left it with M (she doesn’t like to get wet ). I can’t remember if L took hers or not.

The FP line moved ok, and we were on in about 10mins or so. I noticed that one of the CMs name tag said Clemson University! Of course I had to shout “Go Tigers!” at the top of my lungs. I think everybody stared and thought I was crazy. We chatted for a couple minutes and I told him that I’d be starting there in the fall and that I’d eventually like to do the DCP. He said that he loves the DCP and that he doesn’t regret applying.

Our trip down the Chakranadi River was surprisingly kind of dry. We somehow avoided getting wet from the drop, but that changed once we got to the elephants.

I mean I love Kali, but it would be better if it had a second drop, like Grizzly River Run at DCA, but that’s not going to happen anytime soon, or at all. Imo, in terms of length and overall ride quality, GRR blows Kali right out of the water. (no pun intended )

We met up with M back at the bridge and decided to go on the Maharajah Jungle Trek since we were right next to it.

Up next: More AK

 

[MinnieM123]

AK continued

Our FP window for Kali was 11:20-12:20. I think we ended up getting there just after 11:30.

This was the only picture I took
View attachment 288245
I don’t bring my phone with me anymore on Kali since they got rid of the big waterproof cargo bag that used to be in the middle of the raft , so I left it with M (she doesn’t like to get wet ). I can’t remember if L took hers or not.

The FP line moved ok, and we were on in about 10mins or so. I noticed that one of the CMs name tag said Clemson University! Of course I had to shout “Go Tigers!” at the top of my lungs. I think everybody stared and thought I was crazy. We chatted for a couple minutes and I told him that I’d be starting there in the fall and that I’d eventually like to do the DCP. He said that he loves the DCP and that he doesn’t regret applying.

Our trip down the Chakranadi River was surprisingly kind of dry. We somehow avoided getting wet from the drop, but that changed once we got to the elephants.

I mean I love Kali, but it would be better if it had a second drop, like Grizzly River Run at DCA, but that’s not going to happen anytime soon, or at all. Imo, in terms of length and overall ride quality, GRR blows Kali right out of the water. (no pun intended )

We met up with M back at the bridge and decided to go on the Maharajah Jungle Trek since we were right next to it.

Up next: More AK

I haven't been on Kali since it opened. Found it underwhelming overall and got completely soaked at the end.

What stood out in your comments above was that they actually got rid of the waterproof cargo bag in the middle. Makes NO sense at all.

 

[Captain Barbossa]

What stood out in your comments above was that they actually got rid of the waterproof cargo bag in the middle. Makes NO sense at all.

Yeah, I found that out back in 2016 and was (and still) not happy about it.

 

[fractal]

Kali has so much wasted potential.

OMG - Adult in the stroller! Maybe there's a valid reason, but probably not.

 

[Gurt]

Congratulation on your graduation. Great report so far.

 

[Captain Barbossa]

Kali has so much wasted potential.

OMG - Adult in the stroller! Maybe there's a valid reason, but probably not.

Haha yeah, I highly doubt it.

Congratulation on your graduation. Great report so far.

Thank you!

 

[Captain Barbossa]

AK continued

We were off on our trek through the Maharajah Jungle!

For some reason, these fruit bats really freak L out.

Here’s mama! The cubs were lying down behind her. They weren’t really visible.

I could be wrong, but I think these are the Eld’s Deer.

Made some new friends!

I didn’t take too many pictures, because, with exceptions to the cattle and deer, there wasn’t a whole lot of activity. We planned on coming back later in the day in hopes of getting a better look at the tigers.

By the time we had completed MJT, it was 12:15, and I had a FP for Everest (will explain later) at 12:30. I checked the app and EE was still down! So, I walked over to Everest to see if there was any new info. The CMs said they were working hard to get it back up and running, but had no idea when or if they even would. I started to get very nervous. I couldn’t bare to think of going to AK and not riding Everest! Anyways, I explained my situation to a CM, and he informed me that if EE was still down at 12:30, my EE FP would turn into a multiple experience FP.

After getting everything straightened out, we wanted to head over to Rafiki’s Planet Watch.

Back to Harambe!

I think we may have stopped along the way for some PP pictures, but I honestly can’t remember.

Up next: Rafiki’s!

 

[Captain Barbossa]

AK continued

Our train soon arrived, and we were off to Rafiki’s!

I love these whistle signs. It’s too bad they no longer have them on the WDWRR.

Of course I forgot to take a picture of the elephant houses.

It was unusually crowded inside Conversation Station, which made me kind of happy because I love Rafiki’s, and it’s very under appreciated. So, I decided to change things up a bit and start off at Affection Section.

You can’t see it too well, but this gal (I think it’s a she) has a hidden Mickey shaved on the left side of her butt (please excuse the poop )

I really want a pig one day...

...and a donkey I think there were 3 of them, and they kept hee-hawing!

I felt so sorry for this cow. There was this annoying family that kept trying to grab it’s horns, and it was really making the cow p’d off. I was waiting for the cow to charge right at time. Why do people have to be so stupid? I found myself asking that question a lot on this trip.

The crowd began to lessen, so I went back inside Conversation Station.

Up next: Last bit of Rafiki’s

 

[DisneyGigi]

She's got bad separation anxiety. Idk what we're going to do when I go off to college .


Nah I passed. They're shakes are really good though.


Thanks for joining!


Keep your fingers crossed! Hopefully y'all will get one!


Thanks for following!

I should have been more clear. "The Curse of the Black Pearl" and "At World's End" are the best films of the franchise, but I give "At World's End" a slight advantage.

Totally agree with the PotC, but I give a slight edge to the original over at World’s End.
You went to CookOut and did not get a shake? I love that place, ours, is about 30 minutes away due to horrid traffic, but the kids and used to make the trek, just for a milkshake! I love their chili cheese fries too. Reminds me of Peco’s Bills, back in the day.
Had to say that, and now will catch up on rest of report!

 

[DisneyGigi]

AK continued

Our FP window for Kali was 11:20-12:20. I think we ended up getting there just after 11:30.

This was the only picture I took
View attachment 288245
I don’t bring my phone with me anymore on Kali since they got rid of the big waterproof cargo bag that used to be in the middle of the raft , so I left it with M (she doesn’t like to get wet ). I can’t remember if L took hers or not.

The FP line moved ok, and we were on in about 10mins or so. I noticed that one of the CMs name tag said Clemson University! Of course I had to shout “Go Tigers!” at the top of my lungs. I think everybody stared and thought I was crazy. We chatted for a couple minutes and I told him that I’d be starting there in the fall and that I’d eventually like to do the DCP. He said that he loves the DCP and that he doesn’t regret applying.

Our trip down the Chakranadi River was surprisingly kind of dry. We somehow avoided getting wet from the drop, but that changed once we got to the elephants.

I mean I love Kali, but it would be better if it had a second drop, like Grizzly River Run at DCA, but that’s not going to happen anytime soon, or at all. Imo, in terms of length and overall ride quality, GRR blows Kali right out of the water. (no pun intended )

We met up with M back at the bridge and decided to go on the Maharajah Jungle Trek since we were right next to it.

Up next: More AK

 

[DisneyGigi]

The lady in the stroller- The bags on Kali, I had no idea, it was gone, and had a brand new Haunted Mansion Dooney. Much thanks to the lady with a poncho that held it under it during our ride. I was going to get off the ride. Many congrats on your graduation too btw!

 

[MinnieM123]

I felt so sorry for this cow. There was this annoying family that kept trying to grab it’s horns, and it was really making the cow p’d off. I was waiting for the cow to charge right at time. Why do people have to be so stupid? I found myself asking that question a lot on this trip

I would have reported those imbeciles immediately. There is always 1-2 CMs in that petting zoo area. A CM would probably tell the family to back off, while explaining to them, that they might not realize they were stressing out the animal. (I'm sure they did know they were stressing out the cow, but a seasoned CM would probably first try to handle it in a calm manner.)

If the family didn't comply with that request, then the CM could call for security. (Seriously, if I see someone annoying an animal, I speak up. Have zero tolerance for this type of behavior.) What I also find amazing about this incident is that the family was at ANIMAL KINGDOM. Um . . . don't you'd think they'd show a bit more respect to a live animal, in a theme park they CHOSE to visit?! I ask this again -- WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH PEOPLE?

 

[Captain Barbossa]

Totally agree with the PotC, but I give a slight edge to the original over at World’s End.
You went to CookOut and did not get a shake? I love that place, ours, is about 30 minutes away due to horrid traffic, but the kids and used to make the trek, just for a milkshake! I love their chili cheese fries too. Reminds me of Peco’s Bills, back in the day.
Had to say that, and now will catch up on rest of report!

Our closest COOKOUT is about 30mins away too, unfortunately. Have to agree with you on their chili cheese fries. They’re sooo good!

The lady in the stroller- The bags on Kali, I had no idea, it was gone, and had a brand new Haunted Mansion Dooney. Much thanks to the lady with a poncho that held it under it during our ride. I was going to get off the ride. Many congrats on your graduation too btw!

Hope your bag survived! Dooneys aren’t cheap!

Thank you!

I would have reported those imbeciles immediately. There is always 1-2 CMs in that petting zoo area. A CM would probably tell the family to back off, while explaining to them, that they might not realize they were stressing out the animal. (I'm sure they did know they were stressing out the cow, but a seasoned CM would probably first try to handle it in a calm manner.)

If the family didn't comply with that request, then the CM could call for security. (Seriously, if I see someone annoying an animal, I speak up. Have zero tolerance for this type of behavior.) What I also find amazing about this incident is that the family was at ANIMAL KINGDOM. Um . . . don't you'd think they'd show a bit more respect to a live animal, in a theme park they CHOSE to visit?! I ask this again -- WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH PEOPLE?

Idk. If your not going to pet the animal, just leave it alone. Rafiki’s did seem understaffed.

 

[Captain Barbossa]

Last bit of Rafiki’s

I went back inside and looked around at the exhibits for a bit. A macaw demonstration was going on , so that drew the crowds away for a few minutes.

I made my way inside one of the Songs of the Rainforest rooms. Idk why, but I always look forward to it. It’s so peaceful and relaxing inside! And those couches, talk about comfy! It’s a great way to catch a 5min nap! In all seriousness though, I really do enjoy it. The sound quality is so good that when I close my eyes, I really do feel like that I’ve been transported into the rainforest!

After my “nap”, which was cut short thanks to a family who rudely barged in, even though the sign outside the room clearly said “Show in Progress” (there were 4 other rooms that were empty), L was hungry and decided to head on back to Harambe and go get something to eat.

M and I stayed a little longer because they were about to do something in the hospital.

I bet that wing amputation was a sight to see

A not so hidden Mickey!

The 1:30 patient was a Florida Red Belly Turtle. This poor fella was found in the road (somewhere on the property) by a CM. He had been hit by a car and his shell was badly damaged. The goal was to get him under anesthesia and try to put his shell back together, by using some type of glue/cement and small zip ties.

We didn’t stay for the whole procedure, but hopefully everything went well and I wish this little guy all the best.

A few minutes later, we headed back to the train station.

I really love this mural.

Caught Rafiki heading back to his M&G!

We soon arrived back into Harambe Station, and it was time to bid farewell to the Eastern Star Railway.

We met up with L, who still hadn’t eaten yet , in Ziwani Traders. We then headed off towards Discovery Island.

Up next: More AK

 

[MinnieM123]

Last bit of Rafiki’s

I went back inside and looked around at the exhibits for a bit. A macaw demonstration was going on , so that drew the crowds away for a few minutes.

I made my way inside one of the Songs of the Rainforest rooms. Idk why, but I always look forward to it. It’s so peaceful and relaxing inside! And those couches, talk about comfy! It’s a great way to catch a 5min nap! In all seriousness though, I really do enjoy it. The sound quality is so good that when I close my eyes, I really do feel like that I’ve been transported into the rainforest!

After my “nap”, which was cut short thanks to a family who rudely barged in, even though the sign outside the room clearly said “Show in Progress” (there were 4 other rooms that were empty), L was hungry and decided to head on back to Harambe and go get something to eat.

M and I stayed a little longer because they were about to do something in the hospital.
View attachment 288546
I bet that wing amputation was a sight to see

View attachment 288547
A not so hidden Mickey!

View attachment 288548
The 1:30 patient was a Florida Red Belly Turtle. This poor fella was found in the road (somewhere on the property) by a CM. He had been hit by a car and his shell was badly damaged. The goal was to get him under anesthesia and try to put his shell back together, by using some type of glue/cement and small zip ties.

We didn’t stay for the whole procedure, but hopefully everything went well and I wish this little guy all the best.

A few minutes later, we headed back to the train station.
View attachment 288559View attachment 288560
I really love this mural.

Caught Rafiki heading back to his M&G!
View attachment 288562

View attachment 288565View attachment 288566

We soon arrived back into Harambe Station, and it was time to bid farewell to the Eastern Star Railway.View attachment 288568

We met up with L, who still hadn’t eaten yet , in Ziwani Traders. We then headed off towards Discovery Island.

Up next: More AK

Very nice! I also like the Conservation Station -- it is peaceful in there. Regarding the veterinary "window" inside, I once saw a tiger being operated on for a torn ear (tiger had been in a scuffle with another tiger). Man, those animals are huge--because I was so close at the window, I remember thinking just how big the paws were! There was a large staff presence in that for that procedure too. It was fascinating to watch.

As for the turtle you saw, that must have also been interesting as well. How often do any of us get to see something like this?

I love Rafiki's. It's one of the more underrated attractions at AK, but it's a "must do" for me every time!

 

[DisAl]

Captain, since you are a train fan did you pay attention to the Wildlife Express locomotive? If I remember correctly it is a diesel / hydraulic drive system. (A diesel engine driving a hydraulic pump which then drives hydraulic drive motors.)

 

[Captain Barbossa]

Very nice! I also like the Conservation Station -- it is peaceful in there. Regarding the veterinary "window" inside, I once saw a tiger being operated on for a torn ear (tiger had been in a scuffle with another tiger). Man, those animals are huge--because I was so close at the window, I remember thinking just how big the paws were! There was a large staff presence in that for that procedure too. It was fascinating to watch.

As for the turtle you saw, that must have also been interesting as well. How often do any of us get to see something like this?

I love Rafiki's. It's one of the more underrated attractions at AK, but it's a "must do" for me every time!

Hope the tiger was ok! I've always wanted to see a procedure there involving a larger animal. I'm sure they had to have a lot of staff members just to carry him.

I love Rafiki's too! It's sad that most people don't understand or appreciate the message that it represents.

Captain, since you are a train fan did you pay attention to the Wildlife Express locomotive? If I remember correctly it is a diesel / hydraulic drive system. (A diesel engine driving a hydraulic pump which then drives hydraulic drive motors.)

You are correct. All three locomotives are 2-4-2T diesel-hydraulic steam outline locomotives built by Severn Lamb in the U.K. Severn Lamb also built the locomotives for the Hong Kong Disneyland Railroad.

I could be wrong, but I think they burn bio-diesel just like the WDWRR and the buses. For numerous safety reasons, you can't operate a steam locomotive in a theme park filled with animals.

 

[DisAl]

Hope the tiger was ok! I've always wanted to see a procedure there involving a larger animal. I'm sure they had to have a lot of staff members just to carry him.

I love Rafiki's too! It's sad that most people don't understand or appreciate the message that it represents.



You are correct. All three locomotives are 2-4-2T diesel-hydraulic steam outline locomotives built by Severn Lamb in the U.K. Severn Lamb also built the locomotives for the Hong Kong Disneyland Railroad.

I could be wrong, but I think they burn bio-diesel just like the WDWRR and the buses. For numerous safety reasons, you can't operate a steam locomotive in a theme park filled with animals.

Not to mention that steam locomotives take a LOT of maintenance and it would be cost prohibitive to build a shop capable of handling steam locos just for one unit.