After our safari, they walked us back through the market place area, turned right and headed past Festival of the Lion King.
We had a bathroom break there and headed towards Pandora. The first ride they took us to was Na'vi River.
This is another time where child rearing comes into play. In our tour there was a mom and her son, I believe just turned 7. While we waited to start she let him in the dirt off of the trail, climb on the rocks, swing on the fences, etc. Little annoying.
But, as you enter Na'vi River there is a bridge (which surprisingly for Disney) does not have a railing. The mom lets this kid climb on the wet slippery rocks, and if he slips, will fall a short distance into shallow water, but there are rocks in the water. I was one second from saying something and my husband reminded me, he's not our kid. The VIP gave me a "what do I do" look. Just then the line moved forward and we were off of the bridge.
Later the VIP guide, walked beside me and we started talking about the incident. She told me she didn't know what to do, because if she said something the parent could turn her in "for being rude" but she was aware if he was injured she would also be reprimanded. I agreed not a good position to be in.
We went on a VIP tour in Disneyland a few years ago and I loved our guide. She was quite experienced and as we went through the parks, if she saw a kid doing something potentially dangerous, climbing, etc., she didn't hesitate to say something.
Anyway, the only picture I got here was of the ceiling, of some incredibly cool lights in the queue.
After this we rode Flight of Passage, which is still one of my family's absolute favorite rides.
They then took us into a side/back door of Satu'li Canteen. There we found all of the foods that you normally can order off of their menu laid out on a long board/serving tray on each table that sat 5-6 people. Things happened rather quickly from here and I didn't get any photos. (And I am very annoyed with myself because it was beautifully laid out). But, by the time I thought of a photo, nothing left to see.
Read next paragraph.
Guess who we were seated with? Yep, super mom and the little darling. This was a very sophisticated woman, (you could tell by speech, dress, etc. and she made it a point to tell me they were staying at the Four Seasons
) with incredibly poor manners. The food was laid out family style and Seth had run to the restroom (for 2 seconds), and she didn't wait at all, nor ask "do you mind if we start"? Nope, she grabbed the tongs and began to load up her and her sons plate as if they hadn't eaten for a week, and wouldn't be again. I actually put some food on Seth's plate to ensure he had something in case she didn't slow down. (This is Seth's current favorite restaurant in Disney). Gary had been given a separate bowl due to his shrimp allergy of chicken that he said was excellent.
Aside from the hunger games style dinner, it was excellent food (and of course) plenty provided. The desserts offered were both the Blueberry Cream Cheese Mousse (both Seth and I had that), and Chocolate Cake, that Gary chose.
We finished dinner then headed out of Pandora to make our way to DinoLand. We saw this guy on our way out. Check out the Christmas decorations in the background. Garland of carved animals, Santa, etc.
Next stop was to ride Dinosaur. Gary bailed on this. I'm not super excited about this ride, but glad I did it, since I have not been on it
for several years. That is our tour guide to my left. She is looking to the left, because supposedly there is some Easter Egg there to see. She said she has not found it yet. I'm not looking at anything (coward that I am).
From there we walked towards Finding Nemo, and they offered another bathroom break. We then continued on to Expedition Everest. Gary once again bailed and Seth and I rode. It had become dark by now, and I found it to be a very different ride in the dark. Seth agreed with me and we both thought it was fun. The family in front of us was also on the tour. The were very friendly. Before the ride the brother was bragging on his bravery, after-not so much!
After Everest we walked across the path to Rivers of Light. If we had chosen to stay there was VIP seating with the tour. But, we decided to bail. Gary had never seen the show before (both Seth and I had), but Gary said he was getting a little tired and didn't want to stay. So we slowly made our way out of the park and bought a few trinkets on the way. Gary had seen a popcorn bucket shaped like a drum that he really wanted, and someone told us it was for sale in Asia, so Seth ran and got it for him while Gary and I took our time.
I found 2 things I really liked. This first is a drink/sippy cup. The lady started to put soda in it, but I asked her to please not do that, I would just take the soda in a paper cup. I am glad I did this, because a friend told me her daughter got one with soda and they still haven't been able to properly wash it. And how about it lights up! I thought it will make a cute decoration.
The other item, not even sure how you use it, is supposedly for a hot beverage. The reason I say that, is the handle is towards the back of the mug, not at the side. I have no problem seeing me wearing that cup of hot cocoa!
In summary of the VIP tour, we enjoyed it. The guides were awesome, the meal great (ignoring our dining companions), and there were a fair amount of rides. If you break it down to cost per ride and the meal (Disney comes out ahead)!
We like to try different tours, etc. But, I probably wouldn't do this one again. A few I would spend the money to repeat is the Wild Africa Trek, that was an awesome tour. The Day of Thrills coaster tour was good. But, when we did it, it included lunch at the Brown Derby, I think is has been cheaped (word)?, down to a quick service lunch for more money.
After our shopping, we headed out of the park and I voted for an Uber, but Gary and Seth said lets just take the bus. It's free. I get that from Gary, but Seth?! Maybe, just maybe, a sense of fiscal responsibility creeping in?
Anyway, we went to the bus stop and apparently just missed the WL bus.
We waited perhaps 20 minutes. At first it was only us and another family. Then the line filled up. This was one of those nights that your faith in humanity is restored. It was a very crowded bus.
We went way to the back, last row. I saw a mother with young children make them all double up and have one of them give their seat to another lady. I saw a young girl, maybe 18 or 20 stand up and offer her seat to an older woman. They were small but heart warming gestures.
We got back to the WL, stopped in the store to grab a snack and that's when I broke down and bought the Mickey pickup truck.
You can see it in the next photo beside Cinderella's Castle. At the beginning of this TR I had a pic of the beginning of building the Lego Disney train station. I've started to put a little scene together with both here. Not quite done yet.
And as I pretty much hate decorating for Christmas, my friend sent me this today to help me out.
Next up, last day of the birthday blitz!
I will be 60 in 2 weeks and had no plans for the big day! 
7DMT!!!!
