Trip Report COMPLETED: So why is it you’re cruising so much now: A NYE TR that doesn’t contain cruising. Now with Tuna/Egg talk!

Zipadeelady · Feb 17, 2019

I'm with you on the feelings of Illuminations. The idea is great but I just don't get excited about it. I am however excited to see what it is replaced with.

@imahistorygeek I don't recall ever hearing about you trading pins, do you trade your pins or do have a huge stash at home?

I do really like that Beach Club pin.

imahistorygeek · Feb 17, 2019

Zipitidoda said:
I'm with you on the feelings of Illuminations. The idea is great but I just don't get excited about it. I am however excited to see what it is replaced with.

@imahistorygeek I don't recall ever hearing about you trading pins, do you trade your pins or do have a huge stash at home?

I do really like that Beach Club pin.

Huge stash at home!

lostpro9het · Feb 17, 2019

Zipitidoda said:
@imahistorygeek I don't recall ever hearing about you trading pins, do you trade your pins or do have a huge stash at home?

#pinhoarder

So we made our way back to BCV and had a quick lunch in the room before changing into our bathing suits. Having a full kitchen saved us a few times this trip from having to eat in the parks which was nice. On the way out from the DVC wing we passed Ariel. I've posted pics of her in past TRs but managed to neglect her in this one!

Our Aqua Seas Tour was set to start at 12:15 and we had about 20 minutes to make it to the main entrance from IG. Some brisk walking and we were there in no time.

We rallied at the area to the right of guest services and waited for all the participants to arrive. In all we had about 11 in the tour including us. FROM THIS POINT FORWARD WE ARE BACKSTAGE AND PICTURES WERE NOT ALLOWED. We would soon meet Keenen our super fabulous tour guide. He had many uncandid opinions about Disney that I enjoyed but lost some credibility with me when he was recommending LeCel and Coral Reef as "good dining options" to some other guests who were asking. Took all I had not to slap him down and save the other tour guests from some miserable dining. Otherwise, Keenen did a good job of going over the stats and history of the Seas pavilion, same facts we learned on previous tours but that is not what we are here for. Soon we gathered in the "waiver room" where signed our rights away in the event of an accident and also agreed not to aggressively touch any of the wildlife. We were then escorted to the locker rooms to change into our wet suits. FYI, ain't hiding anything in a wet suit! As we all exited the locker rooms Keenen asked if we wanted the embarrassing walk to the aquarium or the unembarrassing walk. The consensus was that we weren't scared and took the "embarrassing" route. Before we took that route we got to see the backstage manatee tanks and the gear they use to move the animals in and out of the tanks. Time for the embarrassment.

So apparently the embarrassing route meant we would all be paraded, in full wet suit, from the door adjacent to the manatee tanks through The Seas guest area and down to the center column where guests view the main tank. We got some stares but were soon entering the door to the top of the tank. As we came out on the other side were greeted by some more CMs in wet suits, an array of surface scuba gear, and a very curious sea turtle! As we all entered the tank and started putting on our gear the turtle made a few passes checking us out before making his way out to the tank. We received brief instructions on how the breathing system worked and was reminded on the policy of touching animals that didn't want to be touched. Before we made our way into the tank each group got their picture taken and everyone in the party got a copy.

For the next 40ish minutes we all circled the tank taking in all the animals. The sea turtle visited with us for about the first 10 minutes before going deep and hiding. Its tough to describe the feeling of being "on stage" while on your tour. Guests are waving and taking pictures of you while you swim in the tank and it just adds to the enjoyment when you interact back. The time you are allotted is PLENTY! If you are a big breather they will swap out your air tank if you get low mid tour. As our time came to an end in the tank we were given a 5 minute warning and started making our way back to the staging area. Its worth pointing out that we had access to about 2 /3 of the tank, the area where the fish were, and were prohibited from accessing the dolphin tank. Something else I noticed that I didn't before was a staging area for fish that were new or being reintroduced to the tank or fish that were being monitored. It was basically a large net in the tank that segregated the animals from each other.

After we shed our air tanks we were given some towels and lead towards the backstage dolphin area where we got to meet a few finned friends and learn some things about them. From there we all pretty much reeked of fish tank and were escorted back to the locker rooms to shower and change. We rallied in the "waiver room" again and given our photos as well as our conservation pins and, as Keenen pointed out, something we were not supposed to get, Dive Quest Hats.

Finally we were offered some water and hot chocolate to go before Keenen escorted us back to The Seas pavilion letting us loose in the parks. This was another fantastic tour and our third time doing it. You get some fun swag, including a string bag, but the bang here is getting to swim in the tank with the animals! I still have a tough time saying which tour is better, this or the Wild Africa Trek, but would do either tour again in a heartbeat!

The ladies were tuckered out but I was ready for Stormalong Bay since I was already in my bathing suit. As we approached BCV I noticed something on the ground. As I went to pick it up I knew what it was. I looked around and there was no one in the area so it must have been there for a bit.

I assumed it was from the pearl shop adjacent to SB so I told the ladies I would return it there in case the owner came back and they made their way back to the room for a nap. As I approached the pearl stand I told the CMs working it what had found and they immediately said it didn't come from them because they don't put the date on their baggies. They said it came from Epcot and I might as well keep it because no one would come to them or the BCV front desk, where I was going to take it next, looking for it. I pressured them again making sure they were certain I shouldn't leave it with them and they were pretty adamant I should just take it, so I gave it to the DD later that evening.

I would spend the next couple hours poolside sipping and relaxing. I ended up enjoying a High Stepper from the pool bar.

Interestingly enough the first time I had this beer was a few months prior during the craft beer exchange on our 20/40 Trip. I would relax here for a a bit while the ladies napped in the room. We had FPs scheduled for later tonight at HS.

MinnieM123 · Feb 17, 2019

I love the design on the Dive Quest cap!

Sounded like quite an experience you had. I've never known anyone who did the Aqua Seas Tour -- seems like it was fun and interesting.

imahistorygeek · Feb 17, 2019

I can’t decide which tour I like better either.

Aqua Seas - you get to swim super close to aquatic life. Rays and I think a shark got pretty close to me and the fish were all around me. It’s an amazing experience. Apparently, I’m a heavy breather. My tank was switched out twice.

Wild Africa is another amazing experience. You get up close encounters and ample time to view the animals. You get to walk across the crocodile habitat, which is very cool. We also received a lunch, which was excellent.

Disney tours are the best.

lostpro9het · Feb 18, 2019

So after some relaxing we had a few FPs to burn through. We took the boat from BCV to HS. The weather, again, was playing along and pretty comfortable out.

First FP of the day was Toy Story Mania...whatever happened to the Midway!?!? Anyhow, I was paired with the DW, I guess the DD got tired of having her butt handed to her. We were fortunate to enter Andy's room.

lostpro9het · Feb 18, 2019

We timed it so our RNR fp would be ready as we exited TSM so we made for Sunset Boulevard. The standby line was ridiculous but we were in an out in no time. I beat the censors today by deconstructing the "Steven Tyler" #shockthecensors

After that we had a bit of a wait before our ToT FP so we took in shops and then hung our by the exit til our time. This would be our last ride of the day and that is legitimate fear/excitement on the DW's face.

We lucked out as we exited HS as a boat was approaching and we made it on. We decided to checkout the YC lobby before we went to our room. This is one lobby where I've never seen their holiday display. I thought it was very well done with decent detail.

Tomorrow morning we would do a first at TTA/MK. We also had FP plans at AK that evening with dinner in the park.

fractal · Feb 18, 2019

We did Aqua Seas in 2011 and loved it!

lostpro9het · Feb 18, 2019

fractal said:
We did Aqua Seas in 2011 and loved it!

The first time we ever did the tour, around 2013, I had never seen my DD smile as much or as big as she did that day. We surprised her with it and it turned into a truly memorable event for all of us and something I will never forget.

DisneyGigi · Feb 20, 2019

I missed the egg and tuna conversation lol- I do think it is weird when people put eggs in it but celery? I put celery in everything, the flavor it gives is sooooo good! I do prefer it cooked though. Mayo tho- cannot do. Nastiest stuff on the planet, I will literally throw up if I taste it.

Love the post about the Aqua tour. I would love to do the Wild Africa Trek you guys did awhile back but I am terrified I would flat freeze on the bridge. I have vertigo and will freeze up on a pier if I look down thru the slats. :-/ We May do Backstage Magic again, have not made my mind up yet, but I loved it enough to do it twice.

lostpro9het · Feb 23, 2019

So there were extra magic hours this morning at MK today so we got up early to make the opening. The DD decided to sleep in and join us later. We drove to the park and ended up parking in the row adjacent to the preferred parking spots which already had people parking there. The "first for us" I referenced earlier was taking the boat from TTC to MK. I honestly dont recall us EVER riding this guy before so it was an experience for us.

We made our way through the AP line that for some reason was confusing folks on how it works. Soon we were in the early hour madness.

We made our way towards the hub to head to SM when we realized we were mixed in probably the dumbest and most unnecessary bottle neck those rocket surgeons at Disney could have concocted. Rather than doing band checks at the entrance to see if you were a room guest they decided to let everyone into the park THEN do band check at the hub pathways heading to the lands. I know they do this at AK to and I cant get my head around why. Anyhow, soon we made it through with a few minutes before the magic opened the park.

lostpro9het · Feb 23, 2019

Seemed like everyone and their uncle was planning on SM this morning.

We had a great ride and exited to find that the SM queue was just wonderful, so magical.

We trekked across the park to get our HM on. The DD decided she was conserving energy for AK this afternoon and let us know she was staying in. So we continued on as a couple.

It was around this time that the "regulars" were allowed in the park and things were getting ridiculous and it was only 9:00. We decided to make it a pool day and made for the exit but not before hitting pirates up along the way.

We had FPs lined up for this afternoon at AK and still needed to decide what to do for dinner so we still had some deciding to do while at the pool.

lostpro9het · Feb 23, 2019

So we detoured through the gift shops as we exited MK to see if there was anything interesting. The DW didn't see anything to catch her eye so we made for BCV. We quickly changed and I grabbed some to-go libations and we claimed some spots at Stormalong. With chairs claimed I made my way over to Hurricane Hanna's to get the DD something to sip on. She had the Category 5 the day before and decided to try the Storm Chaser today.

Me + Disney pool =

We relaxed and swam here for a few hours while still deciding on what to do for dinner. We ultimately decided on a late Yak&Yeti adr made through OpenTable. The DD likes it there and AK has slim pickins for dining so we went for it. Late afternoon rolled in so we cleaned up, collected the DD, and drove over to AK. The skies looked good but the forecast was calling from some serious showers.

Our first FP was for James Cameron's Soarin. Cant argue with it, this is the best thing about the black light nightmare nook. As we exited, the skies started to open up so we sought shelter at Nomad Lounge.

Sadly they still have not updated their beer menu since day one so we passed on libations. We did try something new, though. The DW and I shared an Ethiopian Natural Press Pot.

This was some really good coffee and was a perfect beverage for the downpour we were witnessing on the deck. The DD went with a passion fruit tea, she liked it.

We sat her for close to an hour relaxing and enjoying our beverages. We even invited a couple, who were looking for a place to sit, to come sit with us since we had the space. Our next FP was for EE and we were waiting on it to be canceled because of the rain. We watched and watched and the rain kept falling and EE stayed open. We couldn't believe it but decided to poncho up and make our way over there to see if the ride was actually operating. Sure enough, it was! We got in line and had quite the experience!

As we exited EE it was obvious the downpour was not going to let up. Our Safari FP had been canceled and we had an open FP to use for anytime/any ride, except pandora. We still had a WHILE til our adr so we looked on OT to see if we could get an earlier one and we lucked out and was able to get one for about 45 minutes from now. Just enough time to make our way over to Dinosaur before dinner!

MinnieM123 · Feb 23, 2019

lostpro9het said:
We made our way towards the hub to head to SM when we realized we were mixed in probably the dumbest and most unnecessary bottle neck those rocket surgeons at Disney could have concocted.

I read what you said, but tell us how you really feel about this. :hilarious:

Captain Barbossa · Feb 23, 2019

lostpro9het said:
Rather than doing band checks at the entrance to see if you were a room guest they decided to let everyone into the park THEN do band check at the hub pathways heading to the lands.

I experienced this last year.

It was one massive, chaotic mess. Idk why the hell they think it’s a good/efficient route because it’s certainly not.

RyPat · Feb 24, 2019

lostpro9het said:
We made our way towards the hub to head to SM when we realized we were mixed in probably the dumbest and most unnecessary bottle neck those rocket surgeons at Disney could have concocted. Rather than doing band checks at the entrance to see if you were a room guest they decided to let everyone into the park THEN do band check at the hub pathways heading to the lands. I know they do this at AK to and I cant get my head around why.

Gift shops. Disney can’t take their $$ if they’re waiting outside the park...

FlaggNL · Feb 25, 2019

thanks for sharing this great TR!

lostpro9het · Mar 3, 2019

Ok, time to get this albatross off me.

So as we exited Dino the skies really opened up. We made our way over to Y&Y where we were greeted by about 50 people crammed into their tiny lobby. Folks continued to pour in without ADR's and were given 60ish minute wait times. A few minutes after our scheduled ADR time we were called and taken to our table. We passed several empty tables. We studied the menu prior to being seated so we were ready to order. The ladies went with waters and I went with an I-4 IPA

DW chose the street tacos that strangely came with french fries

DD had the sweet and sour chicken

I went with the Korean beef

The food and service were good. Its essentially upscale Panda Express but decent enough. We passed on desserts and decided to head for the car since it was still pouring outside. Tomorrow we would head back to AK to get our safari on before heading home.

lostpro9het · Mar 3, 2019

We got up early to make AK rope drop. I loaded most of our stuff into the car the night before so we wouldn't be too rushed. There were EMH this morning starting at 07:00 and we made the gate by 06:45. Once again, they allowed everyone through the turnstiles only to bottleneck them again 50 feet later to scan bands for resort stays. Soon after we weer in the James Cameron Soarin line with about 10,000 friends. Since I had some time I decided to track the the wait times

In all it took us 49 minutes from the time our queue formed til the time we got to ride. As we exited and made our way to the safari we could see the line was pushed back to Starbucks