Trip Report Shortest Retirement in History?

Justin Bieber lasted 2 weeks.

Tom Brady lasted 40 days.

I, Tuvalu, outlasted them both. Not by much, mind you. Yet if not for the encouragement of some forum friends - along with some unusual circumstances - you wouldn’t be reading this.

Unusual circumstances, you say?

Around Thanksgiving my beloved Woody learned his presence was required at a work conference. In Orlando. At Universal.
Just down the road from Walt Disney World.

Woody said I could accompany him if he drove (rather than flew) to Florida. And that we could leave a couple days early and have some Disney time together.

Well you don’t have to ask me twice!

I’d be on my own during the conference. Since the majority of Universal’s attractions don’t appeal to me, it didn’t make sense for me to buy Uni tickets when I could visit WDW for free with my AP. Being solo, I thought it might be fun to do a live trip report so y’all could be my virtual companions!

Turns out I won’t be alone while Woody is occupied after all. Some friends that you have seen in my previous TRs (and one you haven’t) have offered to play with me. I can’t wait!

 

[Tuvalu]

Monday, con’t

Woody hasn’t ridden Navi River Journey in years - not the summer that Pandora opened.

That was about to change.

As our boat slowly floated along, he had the same facial expression that he’d had on his first ride.

“What in the heck IS this??!!”

“You need to appreciate the beauty of the colorful creatures,” I winked at him.

“I keep waiting for a big hill, like on Pirates,” he said. “Or for something, you know, TO HAPPEN.”

“And a weird chanting AA doesn’t count,” he added.

He finished with, “Then you pass the chanter and the ride ends!”

Indeed.

 

[Tuvalu]

Would he have a more positive experience on Kilimanjaro Safari?

Absolutely. He enjoys the safari when it’s not hotter than Hades and the animals are active rather than hibernating.

We saw more giraffes than ever. Antelopes. Hippos, elephants and rhinos. Cheetahs. Warthogs.

We even saw a human carefully crossing a bridge over crocodiles!

Speaking of bridges, this one creaked A LOT.

Hello, zeeba neighbors!

(Bonus point if you get the reference.)

This guy - a three of his buddies - caused a ride stop for our Jeep and two others.

How often does someone post a pic of the flamingos?

You’re welcome.

This was my favorite part of the entire safari.

I adore goats. They make me smile. When they fall over and play dead, I laugh uncontrollably.

 

[Tuvalu]

‘Nuff said.

Who’s with me?

(@ajrwdwgirl I did not buy the t-shirt. I followed your money-saving “take a picture” tip instead.)

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

‘Nuff said.

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Who’s with me?

(@ajrwdwgirl I did not buy the t-shirt. I followed your money-saving “take a picture” tip instead.)

That is a fun design. I too would have take a money saving picture.

 

[Tuvalu]

Monday, con’t

Woody and I spent a long time browsing in all the gift stores.

AK has the best (and most unique) merchandise.

We could have spent a lot of dollars had there been the sizes we needed for our family. Oh well.

We watched a street party. We saw the “Birds in Flight” performance three times (not on purpose but we always stopped to watch.)

Tried to ride Dinosaur but it had just gone down when we got there.

Had a terrific meal at our favorite AK counter service restaurant.

Grilled beef in both - hearty salad (me) on left and noodles (Woody) on right. I may have swiped a few noodles. I forgot how much I like the peanut flavor. Next time!

Tour group crowds began to pick up in the afternoon and wait times were long. Rain was coming. We wanted to end our AK visit on a high note so we headed for the exit.

Besides - my hunt wasn’t over yet.

 

[Tuvalu]

Am I the best mom or what?

 

[Tuvalu]

Surprisingly wait times at DHS weren’t as bad as at AK, especially for non-headliners. We didn’t stay after buying Em’s third mug though. The sky had begun spitting rain.

Woody and I were comfortably seated on the boat back to YC/BC when the deluge began.

I’m talking the heavy downpour that usually occurs on a summer afternoon. Only the droplets contained winter’s chill.

Though prepared for rain, it was no fun getting from the dock to shelter.

You know the ice cream I didn’t get yesterday?

Today we got to watch the sundae creators!

And I thoroughly enjoyed mine.

For the first time ever, Woody veered from a Beaches and Cream sundae. He opted for a root beer float, a childhood favorite.

It brought back sweet memories.

 

[Tuvalu]

Is there anything better than a nap when it’s raining outside?

For me it removes all guilt about “wasting time.” Especially when I’m at WDW.

But for some people (and I am guessing hearty northerners) neither wind nor rain prevents them from frolicking in a pool during winter.

In this case the “quiet” pool that our water view room overlooks.

Sound carries. That’s all I’m saying.

So the nap wasn’t as satisfying as I had hoped which left me sluggish as evening arrived. The rain had finally ended but so had my motivation to go anywhere.

Fortunately this meant we were able to do something I love to do when staying at YC/BC.

Dine in the Solarium.

It’s just so charming. The paintings on the wall depict an old-timey Beach Club. I’m sorry the portrait light makes this one difficult to see!

Our mobile order from The Marketplace.

Italian sammie for Woody and a roasted chicken dinner for moi. (With enough mashed potatoes “to feed an army” according to Em. She and I typically split this meal. I only ate half of it.)

Woody and I shared the dessert that Em and I have shared. A cookies and cream trifle.

To my delight, Woody began the same discourse that Em did when we partook of this dessert.

Joey’s trifle commentary from Friends.

I’m just gonna leave this here without commentary.

Woody and I had another great day!

 

[dddisney]

Thanks for coming out out of retirement. Your reports are great.

 

[Tuvalu]

Thanks for coming out out of retirement. Your reports are great.

Thank you for saying that and for following!

 

[Laurenciaa]

I’m just gonna leave this here without commentary.

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Think they misunderstood the definition of a BATHrobe for a second... and that bagpack....

Humans....

 

[93boomer]

Monday, con’t

Woody and I spent a long time browsing in all the gift stores.

AK has the best (and most unique) merchandise.

We could have spent a lot of dollars had there been the sizes we needed for our family. Oh well.

We watched a street party. We saw the “Birds in Flight” performance three times (not on purpose but we always stopped to watch.)

Tried to ride Dinosaur but it had just gone down when we got there.

Had a terrific meal at our favorite AK counter service restaurant.

View attachment 763235
Grilled beef in both - hearty salad (me) on left and noodles (Woody) on right. I may have swiped a few noodles. I forgot how much I like the peanut flavor. Next time!

Tour group crowds began to pick up in the afternoon and wait times were long. Rain was coming. We wanted to end our AK visit on a high note so we headed for the exit.

Besides - my hunt wasn’t over yet.

The Dinosaur ride broke down on us too. We haven’t been on it in forever. We were all hungry and not waiting an hour or more so a very nice CM escorted us out the side door.

 

[TrolleyFollower91]

Am I the best mom or what?

View attachment 763239

 

[Zipadeelady]

Monday, January 15

Ready @Zipadeelady?

Brace yourself.

You’re not gonna believe it.

Where did Tuvalu and Woody venture to this morning?

Can you tell?

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The selfie needs to be closer.

Wait for it.

TA-DA!!!

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Do I need to send a defibrillator your way?

You just made my day! Did you have a great time or are you regretting your decision? I shall read on to find out!!

 

[Minnie1986]

I was glad our first time through here was at night. It is gorgeous!

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There has been much criticism of this attraction. I agree it took way too long to build. However it is not a “Moana attraction”. The IP is subtle (mostly ) and its educational aspects reminded us of old-school Epcot. It is a nice, simple addition to World Nature and great for kids. For the record, Tuvaleen (5) LOVED it and declared it her favorite thing on her visit last month.

SSE can be seen from certain places on the trail.

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Anyone feelin’ Navi River vibes?

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Very excited to see this all finished

 

[Minnie1986]

What was the first order of business?

Securing this.

View attachment 763117

I am probably the only one on the planet who has never ordered a single beverage from Starbucks.

But I will wait in a long line to purchase this for my sweet daughter.

I'm dreading what's going to happen (to my wallet) when my niece discovers Disney x Starbucks merch

 

[Rainey]

Welcome back. Now don't do that to us again. Your trip reports are enjoyed too much by all for you to retire. Can not wait to read more.

 

[Tuvalu]

You just made my day! Did you have a great time or are you regretting your decision? I shall read on to find out!!

 

[wdisney9000]

Pics from Crews Cup? Ale and Compass Lounge? Did you even stay at YC? This is fake news TR

 

[lindawdw]

I

It's Tuvalu!!! I can't begin to tell you how happy I am that you've come out of TR retirement!!! I can't believe the circumstances of the first room you walked into at YC! I happen to like pool views, but the Crescent Lake water view would have been so much better! I love that you went to Beaches & Cream for dinner your first night and second night. Woody's reaction to Navi River is priceless! Em must have been so excited that you got the mugs for her, and I can't believe you've never ordered a beverage at Starbucks!!! I can't wait to see what meet-ups you get to enjoy on this trip!