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!

 

[Captain Barbossa]

Update

Sorry for the delay, but I'm having problems getting our PP pictures. The code they gave us to download the pics did not work, so we contacted Disney and they're suppose to email us a new code. Once we get the situation resolved, hopefully soon, I promise I'll resume. I'm so aggravated because I was just about to finish up AK. Oh well. Just hang tight.

 

[Captain Barbossa]

Sorry for my absence, but along with the PP issue, I had some family stuff to deal with over the last few days. The good news is, I’m back! Thanks to all for being patient. Btw, Happy Father’s Day to all the Disney Dads out there!

DINOSAUR continued

This is probably one of the worst on-ride pics ever. I was expecting that loud burst of air, but it didn’t happen, so I think I was a little confused for a second.

We didn’t encounter any asteroids and made it back to the present safely.

I can’t remember where, but I met up with M and L once I got off DINOSAUR. It was around 6:45, and we wanted to hop back on KS for an evening safari. Back to Harambe!

We ended up going through Asia instead of Discovery Island. Everest had like a 20-30min wait, but single rider was only 10mins, and L hadn’t ridden it yet, so the two of us jumped in.

It was time to disco with the Yeti again!

Luckily the PP system was working

Shout out to the guy who was blocking my face.

I can’t remember if L and I were on the same train or not. Once we got off, we headed onwards to Harambe.

There weren’t any FPs available, so we waited in the standby. It said 10mins but we waited close to 30. They kept announcing that some animals were in the road, so that most likely caused the longer wait.

I love Warden Matua

The rhino was more visible this time.

I think these are the greater kudu. They sure got up close!

The actual sunset (not the fake one) over the savanna was absolutely stunning!

Up next: Last bit of KS

 

[Captain Barbossa]

Last bit of KS

I was hoping the lions would be somewhat active since it was in the evening and starting to get dark, but clearly they had other ideas.

Once again, KS didn’t fail to disappoint! Even though there were a lot of active animals, I didn’t take many pictures on this safari, mostly because my battery was down to around 40% and I was trying my best to conserve. All I’m gonna say is that it’s hard to resist from taking pictures while on KS!

Our safari came to an end and it was time to “go well”.

It was almost 8 by the time we got off, and we were all ready to get some dinner, so I waved Harambe goodbye.

L and I wanted Flame Tree and M wanted Yak and Yeti, so we split up in Discovery Island, which turned out to be a good call since L and I planned to head to DINOSAUR and Everest after we ate.

I got the ribs and chicken, and L got the french fries with pulled pork and cheese (not pictured).

The ribs were good as always! This was actually my first time getting chicken from Flame Tree and it was also very good! And this is coming from a guy who generally doesn’t care for white meat (it was a wing and breast). Of course the baked beans were good to, and I think Disney is improving on their slaw!

The CM who gave me our food noticed that I was wearing one of the “I’m Celebrating” buttons and saw that it said graduation, so she threw in the cupcake! I know it’s just a little ordinary cupcake, but I really do appreciate CMs adding some extra magic to a guests’ vacation, no matter how big or small it may seem. Btw, that cupcake was fantastic!

L said that the fries were so good. I tasted a couple and they were! Overall, everything was great! Flame Tree is consistently good and that’s why I always go back.

The view wasn’t too shabby either

I apologize for the crappy quality of this picture, but Nicole (@prfctlyximprct) told me to think of her whenever I see the lotus blossom.

She really really loves Rivers of Light.

On a side note, I believe she just got married, so I’m wishing the newlyweds all the best!

We finished eating around 8:30, then L and I headed over to DINOSAUR.

I’m so glad they haven’t changed the briefing video with Phylicia Rashad (knock on wood).

Our Time Rover awaited us, and we were off to find an iguanodon!

Had to throw the shades on

Much better pic than the first time.

We came back with one additional passenger, extra large.

After DINOSAUR, we made our way to Asia.

Next up: More dancing with the Yeti

 

[MinnieM123]

Dinosaur is fun! For whatever reason, I hadn't gone on that attraction for at least 5 years, but did go on it toward the end of May. I had forgotten what a jolting ride it was, and I laughed a lot during it.

You mentioned that @prfctlyximprct recently got married?! She had mentioned (some time ago) that i would be this year, but I don't recall any date. If you're right, I hope she posts some pictures!

 

[becca_]

Dinosaur is fun! For whatever reason, I hadn't gone on that attraction for at least 5 years, but did go on it toward the end of May. I had forgotten what a jolting ride it was, and I laughed a lot during it.

You mentioned that @prfctlyximprct recently got married?! She had mentioned (some time ago) that i would be this year, but I don't recall any date. If you're right, I hope she posts some pictures!

Yes she did get married on Saturday the 16th!! (I'm only slightly obsessed with her )

 

[Captain Barbossa]

Dinosaur is fun! For whatever reason, I hadn't gone on that attraction for at least 5 years, but did go on it toward the end of May. I had forgotten what a jolting ride it was, and I laughed a lot during it.

DINOSAUR is so much fun! It's definitely my favorite ride in Dinoland, and it's my 2nd favorite ride in all of AK (Everest is still #1). I felt sorry for the little girl in the white shirt in front of me.

You mentioned that @prfctlyximprct recently got married?! She had mentioned (some time ago) that i would be this year, but I don't recall any date. If you're right, I hope she posts some pictures!

Yes she did get married on Saturday the 16th!! (I'm only slightly obsessed with her )

I'm so happy for her! I know she's been looking forward to it for a long time. If my mind serves me right, I think that either she or her bridesmaids were going to walk down the aisle to Colors of the Wind. Anyways, I hope it was the fairytale wedding that she dreamt of!

 

[Captain Barbossa]

Disco time!

We made it over to Everest to get our disco on! I still had my multiple experience FP, so I used it and L jumped in the single rider line. We actually ended up riding together!

It’s sad that no one knows what the “dab” is anymore. God I look stupid, and feel old.

I can’t stress enough how much better Everest is at night! Also, we got to see the fireworks from HEA and Illuminations while going up the main lift!

The first show of RoL had just started, and there was like a 5min wait for standby, so we hopped back on!

And look what row we got...

... I’ve been waiting on this day for a while.

For some reason I thought the camera was on the left. Any other day I would know it’s on the right.

We hung out in the gift shop for a couple minutes so L could make a penny. The plan was to meet M in front of the Tree of Life for some PP pics, so we headed there next.

I was able to catch some of RoL along the way and it looked amazing!

We met M and got some PP pics made.

Not the best pic, but the Tree of Life is absolutely beautiful at night.

It was about 9:30, and the 2nd show of RoL was at 10:15 (even though AK closed at 10). Despite my opposition against Pandora, I knew I would regret it if I didn’t check it out and do FoP, but I really wanted to see RoL as well. I had a tough decision to make. Why couldn’t AK stay open a bit later!

As much as I wanted to see RoL, I went with my gut and chose Pandora instead (no one tell Nicole ).

On the way over, I spotted a massive rat running across the walkway. He was headed towards Tiffins, so I guess he was hungry.

As soon as I stepped foot in Pandora, my grudge against it quickly disappeared. I was instantly blown away by all of the bioluminescent lights. I had been transported to another world and wanted to stay forever.

Joe Rohde, you sir have captured my imagination yet again.

NRJ had a 10min wait, and it was like 9:35 or something, so we had time to ride it before getting in line for FoP.

I only took a few pictures because I was too amazed by everything. That and the lighting isn’t the greatest.

I absolutely loved NRJ! I could ride it over and over and not get bored because there’s so much to look at!

Idk why people hate on it all the time. The only thing I didn’t like were the boats. It just felt kind of crammed inside. Also, I don’t like the fact there’re only two rows per boat. But overall, I think the ride is absolutely stunning!

Once we got off NRJ, it was just after 9:45 (I think), so L and I headed over to FoP. Since L and I were going to be there for at least another hour, M decided to head on out because she wanted to grab a few more things out of the car before it got too late.

Up next: Last bit of AK (I promise)

 

[Captain Barbossa]

Last bit of AK

The wait time for FoP said 85mins, but we got on in an hour.

I tried to take a picture of the floating mountains, but it didn’t turn out so well.

There was an older man (probably 70sish) with his granddaughter in line behind us. They were AP holders from Buffalo and were very nice. He was in a wheelchair (not a ecv) because he had some walking problems do to bad knees. Anyways, there was this guy that I saw staggering around in the line earlier. He looked as if he had 7 too many drinks, and was getting on everybody’s nerves. I was kind of surprised that he hadn’t been asked to leave. He was a good bit behind us in line, but we came to a part in the queue where we ended up walking past each other. I want y’all to know this idiot went up to the gentleman in the wheelchair and obnoxiously yelled, “Simon says get off your butt and walk!” Seriously?! What an a$$!

I swear, people no longer have common decency or respect for others. That’s why today’s society is so messed up.

Sorry about that. Had to let some steam out.

After that incident, it wasn’t too much longer before we reached the first briefing room, which I thought was pretty cool. Soon we were off on our mountain banshees!

Ok, so like everyone else, I loved FoP! Everything was so unbelievably realistic! The part when the whale jumps out of the ocean scared the crap out of me. It definitely lives up to all the hype. The only thing I didn’t like were the 3D glasses. They just don’t cover your eyes completely.

Overall, FoP was awesome and I’m glad I got to ride it! I’m just mad that I didn’t see Pandora in the daytime. That’s what I get for being stubborn. Oh well, something to look forward to next trip!

By the time we got done with FoP, it was almost 11:15, so we slowly headed towards the exit.

Another bad pic of the floating mountains

We stuck our heads in Island Merchantile for a sec before heading out.

I so badly wanted to cry when I took this because it had been such a good day and I didn’t want it to be over. I’m serious, this was the best first day we’ve ever had at WDW. And I’m so glad the weather cleared up too!

We waited for 5mins or less, then a bus soon arrived. I think this one was shared, but luckily we were able to sit, and Sports was the first stop.

I was ready to crash once we got to the room. It was almost 1 by the time my head hit the pillow.

I quickly drifted off to sleep, dreaming about the F&G outdoor kitchens that awaited me the next day. (technically it was the next day, but you get the idea )

Here are my 5 highlights from the day that I posted to my story on Instagram.

Animal Kingdom is truly Nahtazu.

Up next: Day 2

 

[MinnieM123]

With the addition of Pandora, AK is probably rated 2nd now, just behind MK for guests. (I've always loved KS and EE, along with just the theme of the park, and learning about animals.) I also rode FOP and NRJ during my recent visit. FOP was a blast--loved it. NRJ was pleasant, but didn't tell a story--I think if you hadn't seen Avatar (the movie), you might be wondering what the heck the ride was about.

About the guy in line--you were probably right. Sounded like he had a few too many!

 

[becca_]

They were AP holders from Buffalo and were very nice.

Go Bills

 

[Captain Barbossa]

With the addition of Pandora, AK is probably rated 2nd now, just behind MK for guests. (I've always loved KS and EE, along with just the theme of the park, and learning about animals.) I also rode FOP and NRJ during my recent visit. FOP was a blast--loved it. NRJ was pleasant, but didn't tell a story--I think if you hadn't seen Avatar (the movie), you might be wondering what the heck the ride was about.

I agree! I fall more in love with AK each time I go.

Go Bills

It seems as if Buffalo is home to a large WDW fan base!

 

[Captain Barbossa]

Tuesday May 22nd: EPCOT

My alarm went off at 7:50 (I think), and I was ready to go just before 8:15. L was going to leave with me, but I went on and left without her (I’m a bad brother ). M (not a early morning person) would head over later.

Real quick, I’ll show y’all where our room was.

We were in building 6, floor 2, room 6229.

Since it was a standard, we were in the Surf’s Up! section. The X marks the exact location of our room.

The past three times we’ve stayed in a standard, our room was on the front row right outside the pool, which at times, along with the foot traffic, could get pretty noisy, so I enjoyed being kind of hidden in the back of the building for a change. It was definitely a whole lot quieter back there.

My MagicBand was on...

...and I was ready for EPCOT!

But first, the bus stop

I’m gonna take a wild guess and say these two are father and son. Can you see the resemblance? And by resemblance I mean they both look miserable.

A bus soon arrived, and I had to stand, but I was headed to EPCOT and that was all that mattered!

About 7-10mins later, we arrived at EPCOT!

I spy Spaceship Earth!

I went through the no bags line as usual, so I got in pretty fast.

Caught monorail blue coming into the station.

Up next: More EPCOT

 

[Doc Disney]

Go Bills

You beat me to it

 

[Captain Barbossa]

EPCOT continued

The JAMMitors were playing underneath SE before rope drop. They sounded really good! If you ever see them, stop and listen for a few minutes!

Of course I had the best view.

It was 8:45, and L texted me saying that she was here and had just gotten through security. She was gonna head to Frozen, and I was gonna head to TT.

They ended up dropping the rope somewhere between 8:50-8:55, and it was every man for himself! I can’t tell you how many grown adults I saw running through the flower beds just to get a slight advantage. Luckily I know a shortcut , and I was at TT in a matter of seconds.

I was the first person in the single rider line! They hadn’t opened it yet, so I had to wait a couple minutes.

While I waited, I noticed that one of the CMs looked very familiar. It was Matt from the vacation planning dvds!

I said, “Hey, your Matt from the vacation planning dvds!”, and he replied, “Yep! That’s me!”.

I was gonna ask for a selfie, but I figured on a scale of 1-10, that would probably be a 34 on the stalker meter , so I refrained. We chatted for a couple minutes and I kept telling him how much I liked his introduction to EPCOT on the dvd.

Our conversation came to an end, so we said our goodbyes. It was time for me to hit the SIM TRACK!

God I love the sight of an empty queue. Isn’t it beautiful?

I won all but the power test.

After TT, I walked next door to Mission:SPACE to check out the new film for the green team.

This has got to be one of my favorite entrances.

I miss Lt. Dan! Bring back Gary Sinise I say!

I thought the new film was pretty cool, and liked how you could see the hurricane in the Gulf during the landing sequence!

After my orbit around the Earth, L texted me and said she was getting some breakfast from Sunshine Seasons. At that point, I was getting hungry myself, so I made my way towards Future World West.

Next up: Breakfast

 

[fractal]

MK will always be first in my heart but AK is close behind.

It's also my kids' favorite park.

 

[Captain Barbossa]

MK will always be first in my heart but AK is close behind.

It's also my kids' favorite park.

It’s officially a 2 day park in my book!

 

[Captain Barbossa]

EPCOT continued

As I was approaching the Land, I noticed the Seas had a 10min wait, so I hopped on.

I was too hungry to look at the aquariums when I got off.

I so badly wish I could take this sign home and put it in my front yard!

I was going to get the French toast bread pudding, but tbh, it didn’t look that good, so I opted out for the bacon, egg and cheese croissant with potatoes instead.

Mickey milk and simply orange are essentials.

L ended up getting the same thing. The croissant was really good! It was piled high with eggs and bacon, so it was pretty big. The potatoes on the other hand weren’t too good. Idk, they were just kind of meh.

M met up with us while we were eating. I can’t remember if she got anything or not from Seasons. A couple minutes later, it was time for our LwtL FP.

Trash can pic #1

I think it’s safe to say that everyone wants to live in this house (myself included).

Up next: More LwtL!

 

[Captain Barbossa]

LwtL continued

Another not so hidden Mickey

I always have and always will love Living with the Land. Maybe it’s because I’ve always enjoyed agriculture. Both of my grandfathers, particularly M’s dad, were big time farmers here in S.C., so maybe that’s where my appreciation for agriculture comes from.

I mean LwtL pretty much has it all. It’s indoor, yet you feel as if you’re outside once you enter the greenhouses. There’s AAs and there’s live animals. It tells and shows us just how important farming and other forms of agriculture are to the world. And the fact it’s about a 15min ride is also a plus.

After LwtL, we had about an hour before our TT FP. It really wasn’t enough time to wander around WS, and L wanted to ride Mission: SPACE, so she and I headed to Future World East, and M went to Mouse Gear.

I think we may have stopped briefly in innoventions, which was a disappointment, along the way. Well, both green and orange were 30min standby, and we didn’t feel like waiting, so we walked back towards the Fountain of Nations.

Even topiary Buzz looks like he’s been smoking something good.

M met back up with us, and we decided to go to Club Cool.

I’m not sure what M and L tried, but I stuck with my orange Japanese vegetable juice.

I look forward to this stuff every trip. Wish I could buy it by the gallon!

As usual, Club Cool was crowded, so we went to the butterfly garden.

Up next: Butterflies!

 

[MinnieM123]

I also love The Land (that, and SSE are a tie for my favorites). LWTL is a wonderful attraction (used to be better when they had "live" guides on the boats, but it still is very good).

Maybe in the future, you might also be interested in the Behind the Seeds tour (under $20 pp). (Sign-up reservation desk is right near Soarin.) Tour is about an hour long, and they take a small group (about 15 people) behind the scenes in the pavilion and give more in-depth information about the plants, and the newest growing techniques, etc. The guide also encourages questions during the tour. I love the giant greenhouse with the sun shining through the dome.

 

[Captain Barbossa]

I also love The Land (that, and SSE are a tie for my favorites). LWTL is a wonderful attraction (used to be better when they had "live" guides on the boats, but it still is very good).

Maybe in the future, you might also be interested in the Behind the Seeds tour (under $20 pp). (Sign-up reservation desk is right near Soarin.) Tour is about an hour long, and they take a small group (about 15 people) behind the scenes in the pavilion and give more in-depth information about the plants, and the newest growing techniques, etc. The guide also encourages questions during the tour. I love the giant greenhouse with the sun shining through the dome.

I remember the boat guides. I kind of like the audio narration better.