Trip Report Makin' Memories....One More Time! *COMPLETED*

Makin' memories
Makin' memories
Takin' pictures is makin' memories
Catchin' little pieces of time
Makin' them yours and makin' them mine
Great vacations and celebrations we love to hold near and dear
And when we're makin' memories
Happy days can reappear!

@amjt660 it seemed a little presumptuous of me to include Three Peat in the title of this trip report. A more accurate term might be Repeat, considering this is my third TR in three months. I am fearful that my WDWMagic friends may be weary of me.

But for @Big Hair and anyone else who wants to follow along, Welcome! I truly love reliving our great (and not-so-great) vacation memories through writing these reports. As always, your comments and observations are much appreciated!

So c'mon everybody, here we go........

Cast: Tuvalu, Woody and Em
Dates: June 17-25, 2017
Resorts: Port Orleans Riverside and Polynesian Village ('cause let's be honest......you can take the girl out of the Poly, but you can't take the Poly out of the girl!)

(Does this picture make you woozy? It is an appropriate representation of my Pandora experience.)

Stick around to discover what memories we made!

 

[Tuvalu]

The first time brad and I did the Pirates picture we were cheesin' to the front of the boat, boat it didn't matter because we were in the last row and barely visible in the picture. The next time we looked to the side and were in the front row we still look like dorks but at least we are facing the camera and visible in the picture.

Agree, folks in the back of the boat lose out. Not sure why ride pic was added to POTC anyway.

I don't understand the point of the dance party either..

Right??!!

Thanks Tuvalu

My pleasure!

 

[RememberWhen]

Um.....

My son is five. He hates avocado, but loves guacamole. Even if we show him how guacamole is made he won't touch avocado. It's weird.

 

[Tuvalu]

Saturday, June 24

We ate a very early breakfast in the room because our impossible-to-get Flight of Passage FP window opened at 8:30 am. The AK bus was just pulling in when we got to the bus stop and we were one of three families to get a practically private ride to the park. (A little Shirley dust, perhaps?)

It came with a price, however.

Don't you just love overhearing Disney "experts" share their "knowledge" with those around them? We were privileged to listen to Mr. Bus Expert announce with authority, "Buses pick up at the resorts at each half hour and leave the parks at 10 minutes til the hour."

Then he opened his MDE app to check the wait time for Flight of Passage.
"180 minutes?" he bellowed. "That can't be right. The park just opened. How do they know?"

I like to give credit where credit is due. Mr. Expert was right. The standby wait when we got to AK was actually 195 minutes.

We stopped for a quick picture before continuing on to Pandora.

WARNING

These posts contain a favorable second impression of Pandora. Pixie Dusters should continue reading.

As soon as we reached Pandora we realized what a huge mistake it had been for our first visit to be at night. There was no confusion as to where we were and no wooziness from bioluminescent lighting. WE COULD SEE!!

It's a mountain!

It's a waterfall!

There's a brook!

Colorful foliage!

More waterfalls!

OMG it's a face!!

 

[Tuvalu]

Okay, so I'm not exactly sure what this is.

Or this.

But hey, it's supposed to be a fantasy place, right?

(We, on the other hand, are real.)

Joe Rhode: "Why have signs with words when you can use weird art to make a statement?"

What ride is this? (Sorry but the weird art pictured above doesn't help much.)

 

[Tuvalu]

We did a quick exploration of Satu'li Canteen. Surprised (though not really) that most of the seating is outdoors. Joe Rhode seems to forget that Florida IS NOT California.

I've read decent reviews of the food here, but it was much too early for lunch and we'd already eaten breakfast.

 

[Dory71]

We also first visited at night during EMH. It was pitch black, we had no idea where we were going and could not find our entire party. We did end up waiting over 2 hours for FoP and it was so worth it! Can't wait to go back to see it during the day. Love the pics!

 

[fractal]

Yes, parts of Pandora look like they are themed to look like Joe Rhode's jewelry collection...but it does grow on you.

 

[Big Hair]

So Em and I trekked over to MK and waited 30 minutes in line at Pirates solely for the purpose of this lovely picture:

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As you can see, we had our Cheese! smiles ready. We literally were saying, "Cheese!"
Camera failure in the front row.
Not quite as bad as some of my Space Mountain pics.
But almost.

We exited POTC a few minutes before Happily Ever After was due to begin. We made it to Liberty Square and watched from there.

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It's fun to discover new spots to watch fireworks!

We declared night #5 of HEA, "pretty darn good."

My daughter and I watched the fireworks from the stockcade area last year during the mnsshp and thought we found the secret best place to watch the fireworks. Now that Tuvalu let the secret out we have to find another not so crowded place.

 

[Tuvalu]

We also first visited at night during EMH. It was pitch black, we had no idea where we were going and could not find our entire party. We did end up waiting over 2 hours for FoP and it was so worth it! Can't wait to go back to see it during the day. Love the pics!

FoP review coming up. And thanks!

Yes, parts of Pandora look like they are themed to look like Joe Rhode's jewelry collection...but it does grow on you.

True dat!!!

My daughter and I watched the fireworks from the stockcade area last year during the mnsshp and thought we found the secret best place to watch the fireworks. Now that Tuvalu let the secret out we have to find another not so crowded place.

Oops, sorry.

 

[becca_]

Yes!! A positive Pandora review (I hope it stays that way)

 

[LadyBelle]

My son is five. He hates avocado, but loves guacamole. Even if we show him how guacamole is made he won't touch avocado. It's weird.

Chalk this up to a very busy week, but I just happened to realize that while I love pickles (especially Mt. Olive dill pickles), but do not like cucumbers...

 

[Missy_May]

My son is five. He hates avocado, but loves guacamole. Even if we show him how guacamole is made he won't touch avocado. It's weird.

Ha! I love avocados and hate guacamole...even if people show me how guacamole is made I won't touch the stuff

 

[Tuvalu]

I just happened to realize that while I love pickles (especially Mt. Olive dill pickles), but do not like cucumbers...

Same as Woody! And I am the opposite.....love cucumbers but not pickles!

 

[sheriffwoody]

Yes, parts of Pandora look like they are themed to look like Joe Rhode's jewelry collection...but it does grow on you.

*slow clap*

 

[Tuvalu]

We purposefully waited until the end of our FP window to experience Flight of Passage. The plan was to get a "feel" for the land first....in the daylight....since that didn't really happen the other night in the dark. We felt a new appreciation for the Imagineers' creativity in their attempt to make Pandora authentic to the movie, even though Avatar isn't our cup of tea.

This test vehicle should have been out on Day 1.

The standby wait for FoP was over 200 minutes when we entered the FP queue. We learned that the long wait wasn't only due to the number of people wanting to ride, but that the experience itself was longer than the typical Disney "ride". From the time we scanned our bands at the FP entrance to the time we exited was 30 minutes. We did not feel like we waited extraordinarily long in the FP line either. FoP is just a time consuming experience.

FP was a necessity since a lot of the queue was outdoors and it was already miserably uncomfortable in the heat.

This was our first stopping point. It was just a couple minutes before we moved into a briefing room.

Not gonna lie.....it was a little scary in the briefing room. The host dude was creepy and awkward. Anxiety was a little high because we didn't know what to expect or what was going to happen next. Woody was assigned to a number that was not next to me or Em and he was essentially by himself ~ it wasn't until the ride was over that we figured out the "banshee" between us was probably broken.

I suffer from motion sensitivity and cannot ride most screen-based rides without feeling ill afterwards. There are a few moments in Soarin' and Mickey's Philharmagic where I must close my eyes. Star Tours is an eyes-closed-all-the-time attraction for me and thus I don't do it often. I fully expected that I would have to close my eyes on FoP but I still wanted to try it. I was hopeful my decision would not ruin my morning.

Getting settled onto a "banshee" for the first time was a little unsettling. The restraints are very restrictive and my natural inclination was to tense up. I was afraid I was "doing it wrong" but no sirens went off and the CM didn't scold me so I relaxed....a little.

To say that FoP is a completely immersive experience is almost an understatement. WOW is much more accurate. The sensation of "riding a banshee" is very realistic. We were indeed soaring through a fantasy world! For the first couple of minutes I felt fine....but then the speed, screen distortion and looping took its toll and I shut my eyes. When it was over I did not feel queasy or have a headache. But I also had no strong desire to ride it again.

Woody and Em both gave FoP two thumbs way up! However both said they would not make a special trip to AK to ride it, especially during warmer months. We just don't care for AK in the summer heat.

The three of us agreed that Disney did "hit it out of the park" with Flight of Passage. We're glad so many guests love it and want to ride it again and again. If only Na'vi River Journey was half as good as FoP.....(half? We'd take 25 percent....10 percent....even 5 percent as good!!)

Due to the large number of guests in Pandora, we were routed to the alternate exit ~ which after a long,hefty walk ~ ended near the theater for Festival of the Lion King.

The only way to fully appreciate the next picture is to know that it was taken in Harambe....and that the line for FoP entered through Pandora's main entrance, not through the exit we'd just taken.

Another explanation for 3+ hour waits.

 

[Zipadeelady]

I have found that as I get older I'm starting to have issues with motion and also have to close my eyes as Aladdin and Donald are flying through the streets on the magic carpet and Star Tours is also now a close my eyes experience. Luckily everything is still fine with Soarin and I hope with FOP. Your review makes me feel better!

I'm also very happy that your review of day time Pandora is much better than nighttime Pandora.

 

[MerMom1981]

OMG can you pleaseeee talk to my Mom? Its definitely not too exotic for me I have never eaten there because my Mom is beyond picky and insists she hates all these things even though she has never tried them. She LOVES chick peas and refuses to try hummus Next time I go to Disney with my Dad (likely next year) we will definitely try it out because he always wanted to but I doubt I can ever convince my Mom

They have chicken fingers on the kids menu. Problem solved!

I'm a huge fan of TC, and the only reason I tried it was because I find something for both of my picky kids there.
I was fully expecting a dried up bootleg version of a gyro, but I was blown away! Everything I had was fresh and delicious!
You've gotta go, girl!

 

[Tuvalu]

They have chicken fingers on the kids menu. Problem solved!

Brilliant!!

 

[Longers]

Liberty Square is just a stone's throw from Frontierland and therefore easy to get to our favorite attraction to ride at night.

This is dedicated to the special lady from the U.K. who adores BTMRR but whom I promised not to tag anymore since all our BTMRR photos are making her sad.....
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Then we went here.....
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.....cause the neon in Tomorrowland is cool.

And there's another ride better at night there.
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There was a "Cosmic Dance Party" going on in Tomorrowland. No characters were out. Which makes me wonder what is the appeal of a dance party without characters? Truthfully, what is the appeal of a dance party in a theme park at all?
Inquiring minds want to know....

Thanks for not tagging me - but I've seen it anyway - lol - I did chuckle at your comment and do feel very privileged to be thought about every time you ride!

We are a month away from our fast passes now and have decided that we will get Magic Kingdom fast passes for 6 of those days - no prizes for guessing what's on the list for each of those 6 visits! Still won't come close to how many times you've ridden but it will be a start!

Its starting to feel like it's in touching distance after so much counting down eek.....

 

[riverside]

I managed to avoid being attacked by birds and went to the pool. Relaxing in the cool water felt wonderful.

We skipped Happy Hour in the club lounge in favor of an Island Sunset and a Pina Colada from the Tambu Lounge.
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(@blgauger, you're missing out not trying an Island Sunset!)

Woody had grabbed a Kona Longboard before leaving our building and the three of us sat in the lobby of the Great Ceremonial House and enjoyed our drinks.

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This giant poster was in the lobby. In case you missed Em's facial expression after riding Na'vi River Journey, here it is again for your viewing pleasure ~
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We. Just. Didn't. Get. It.

This is where I had my big chance & I blew it...
We had reservations at 7:00 at Ohana. We arrived about 6:30 and had a drink in the Tambu Lounge while we were waiting. We're sitting at the bar and I get up to take some pictures. I take a picture of the Ohana sign and turn to my left. I see Woody(he's facing my direction) and you & Em are there but your backs are to me. I've read your trip reports over the years(they're all great) but I'm one of those ones who never comments. (Well, this day taught me a valuable lesson to start commenting on peoples reports so I can somewhat introduce myself & get acquainted.) I actually felt myself putting a step forward like I was going to approach you & your family to say hello. I stopped dead in my tracks & said to myself "Patti, get a grip. 1-You're approaching people who have no clue who you are(even though I feel like I know you) & they may find you a bit creepy for it. 2-I was there with my niece & my boyfriend(this is only his 2nd time at Disney-1st was 20 years ago). My boyfriend is no where near the Disney fan that I am & doesn't know that wdwmagic even exists. Had he seen me approach you & then I had to explain to him how I "knew" you he would have been on the next flight back to Pittsburgh!!
Anyways, I spent the rest of the evening kicking myself. Had I finished my Lapu Lapu as opposed to just starting it I may have had the courage to say hello!! I have a few more trips lined up this year so hopefully I'll see you again & say hello!!