Trip Report Shrouded In A Daft Disguise *COMPLETED*

Two weeks ago today, I returned home from the most surreal Disney vacation I have ever experienced.

During my last visit in February, I couldn’t have imagined having to wear a face mask and have my temperature taken before being allowed into a park. “Social distancing” wasn’t part of my vocabulary. Hand sanitizer was something I carried in a little bottle in my purse, not something in giant containers at the entrance/exit of every attraction.

No park hopping? No Fastpasses? No FIREWORKS ?!! Not even on my radar screen.

Like a bolt out of the blue, the pandemic struck and life was dramatically altered. For everyone. And there is no Magic Mirror to tell us when it will be over. For me the pandemic has been a reminder to take nothing for granted ~ and that there can still be joy in the darkest days.

My name is Tuvalu and I have been a WDW annual passholder for nearly 25 years. I was raised on Disney and so were my children. The parks have always been my “escape” from real life. Could they still be an “escape” in the midst of a pandemic? After months of quarantine, I was ready to find out.

My daughter Em was my travel buddy. My husband Woody had reservations, but not for our safety. He was concerned we’d struggle with the restrictions and disappointment with all the changes. He wanted us to come back happy and wasn’t sure we would. Truthfully, I wasn’t sure we would either. After much research and due diligence, Em and I felt prepared to embark on a vacation with few expectations.

Full disclosure ~ I‘ve wrestled with writing a report of our trip. The pandemic and subsequent events have caused much division on this Disney fan forum. I’ve always considered the trip reports section to be a “safe space” and hope it stays that way. My goal is to provide entertainment to the reader, nothing more.

With that in mind.....

 

[Swissmiss]

I love the giraffe pictures.

 

[Tuvalu]

One thing that really stood out to me during our our safari was the overgrown vegetation. I’m sure only a skeleton crew was working at AK during the closure and cutting/trimming back was not a priority.

Eat up, little guy!

Baby flamingos. Eat that and you’ll be pink in no time!

As cat people, Em and I adore the cheetahs and lions. The one visible cheetah was sleeping when we drove by (no pic) but our guide gave us a fun fact we did not know.

Cheetahs are the largest member of the cat family that still meow. Anything larger will ROAR.

A lion ROAR can be heard 5 miles away. But a lion must actually be awake to roar....sigh.

Hello, zeeba neighbor!*

For a late July morning, we were pleased at the number of animals that were out on the savanna. But I really hope those silly plastic dividers are removed from the jeeps before my next ride.


* For those unfamiliar with my Pearls Before Swine reference:

 

[Tuvalu]

We saw these cuties on a cart at the KS exit.

I wish we had gotten to see the life-size versions! Em and I did not witness any character cavalcades at AK.
But watching real live monkeys was fun!

I read that many Photopass CMs lost their jobs in this week‘s layoffs. Can’t help but wonder if this location will remain staffed.

Praying for all CMs who are unemployed.

 

[Tuvalu]

I waited while Em had a Yeti encounter.

Her ride photo never showed up. Glad I took these.

 

[slipperalwaysfits]

As cat people, Em and I adore the cheetahs and lions. The one visible cheetah was sleeping when we drove by (no pic) but our guide gave us a fun fact we did not know.

I am a major cat-lover, too! How are Poly and Kona? I am sure Woody took great care of them while you were adventuring!

I read that many Photopass CMs lost their jobs in this week‘s layoffs. Can’t help but wonder if this location will remain staffed.

I was so impressed in 2018 how PPCM's were EVERYWHERE but alas, times have changed. I hope they are able to build back up eventually!

 

[Tuvalu]

Up next ~ Countdown to Extinction.

Silly Tuvalu! That was 20 years ago.....

Miss Em looks a little terrified!

We headed inside DINOSAUR.

Where's Dr. Marsh? And Dr. Seeker?

Yet again we were privy to witness ride vehicle sanitation.

Grown-up Em feigns her terror. (And nails it!)

 

[slipperalwaysfits]

AAAAAAAaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwwww, family pictures from back in the day! How did your kids like Countdown to Extinction? My hubs said it was really scary for kids, that's why they modified Dinosaur. So nice that the grandparents were able to come!

 

[fractal]

Nice safari pics!

I noticed a lot of AK seemed overgrown.

I can't believe I'm actually correcting you, but for the record those are apes, not monkeys.

Love the flashback family pic!

 

[MinnieM123]

I love it when you post older family photos!

 

[Tuvalu]

I am a major cat-lover, too! How are Poly and Kona? I am sure Woody took great care of them while you were adventuring!

Woody kept me appraised of their antics.

Kona made a nest from a tablecloth.

Poly used her signature whack him on the head move when Kona threatened her perch.

 

[slipperalwaysfits]

Kona made a nest from a tablecloth.

Poly used her signature whack him on the head move when Kona threatened her perch.

AAAAAAAAaawwwwwwww, thank you for sharing!! I needed some adorable cat pics in my life! My cat is great and a little crazy!

 

[Tuvalu]

AAAAAAAaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwwww, family pictures from back in the day! How did your kids like Countdown to Extinction? My hubs said it was really scary for kids, that's why they modified Dinosaur. So nice that the grandparents were able to come!

The ride is about the same now as it was then except CTX seemed darker and louder. My boys loved it. My parents hated it.

I can't believe I'm actually correcting you, but for the record those are apes, not monkeys.

I know. I can’t get it to stick in my brain, even after you explained the difference to me in a previous TR!

 

[TheMouseFan]

Another fun cheetah fact is that they can also purr. Any cats that can roar cannot purr. They can make low affectionate sounds, but not a true purr. I am enjoying continuing to follow along on your adventures!

 

[Tuvalu]

Sunday, con’t

In less than 2.5 hours, Em and I had completed all we’d wanted to at AK (including browsing the gift stores). Originally I had thought about grabbing lunch at “our place” @93boomer, but it was too early and it didn’t make sense to hang around when we had a 7.5 hour drive ahead of us.

If you have seen National Lampoon’s Vacation you might understand why I found the following sign hilarious.

Fittingly it also provides the perfect closing point for part one of this TR.

Some final thoughts ~

Overall our vacation was terrific. No crowds, short waits, good transportation and Magic meet-ups were worth the trade-off of mask wearing, physical distancing and reduced hours/experiences for us. Having the parks practically to ourselves was like a dream come true, especially since the parks have been ridiculously crowded all the time over the last several years. We loved the extra space in a one bedroom villa, and our view was a nice bonus!

Em and I were aware that we were having a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Though our next visit(s) will still be under pandemic conditions, there will be more people, more hassles and more “missing” of things that are normally open. (How long can @Tuvalu and @TrolleyFollower91 go without Happily Ever After?)

Thanks for following along and sharing with me. If you’re so inclined, stay tuned for Part Tu!

 

[93boomer]

Sunday, con’t

In less than 2.5 hours, Em and I had completed all we’d wanted to at AK (including browsing the gift stores). Originally I had thought about grabbing lunch at “our place” @93boomer, but it was too early and it didn’t make sense to hang around when we had a 7.5 hour drive ahead of us.

If you have seen National Lampoon’s Vacation you might understand why I found the following sign hilarious.

View attachment 502949

Fittingly it also provides the perfect closing point for part one of this TR.

Some final thoughts ~

Overall our vacation was terrific. No crowds, short waits, good transportation and Magic meet-ups were worth the trade-off of mask wearing, physical distancing and reduced hours/experiences for us. Having the parks practically to ourselves was like a dream come true, especially since the parks have been ridiculously crowded all the time over the last several years. We loved the extra space in a one bedroom villa, and our view was a nice bonus!

Em and I were aware that we were having a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Though our next visit(s) will still be under pandemic conditions, there will be more people, more hassles and more “missing” of things that are normally open. (How long can @Tuvalu and @TrolleyFollower91 go without Happily Ever After?)

Thanks for following along and sharing with me. If you’re so inclined, stay tuned for Part Tu!

Ohhh you could have got it to go and eaten on the road! Thanks for sharing all your adventures! I really love your TRs. Yes, I am stay tuned! (you know I would)

 

[MickeyCB]

Thanks for sharing, and tuned up and ready!

 

[Darstarr]

Part Tu is the best part

 

[riverside]

Can’t wait!! I totally enjoyed this one—as always!!

 

[Swissmiss]

When I started reading your last post I was because you said you were leaving ... but then I immediately remembered you also took a trip with Woody, so I was

 

[MinnieM123]

Oh, goody!!! More to come from Tuvalu!!

Meanwhile, this most recent TR with you and Em was intriguing, in the sense that I had wondered what the experience would be like, under all the present conditions. Sounds like you two had some pleasant experiences, as well as some trade-offs. Thanks for sharing it all. Really looking forward to Part Tu!!