A Bash, a Benson, and a Banshee: A DIS 20th Event Solo Trip ** new Aug 2nd, 2017 - Complete! **

[amazingact21]

I haven't been able to read past the introduction, but I just wanted to let you know that I'm here and following along! Cant wait to hear about all the DIS 20th activities. I had to laugh at the remark about telling folks you were going to Disney solo. Alex catches a lot of grief from guys he's deployed with when he tells them he's gone to WDW by himself before.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Yeah they always say 30-35 minutes to WDW but I feel like it never takes that long.

The rooms weren't bad. I am interested to see what the new ones are like. I didn't get to look around the resort as much as I would have liked.

I am thinking they might give the range to actually being at your resort - but WDW is so big it is quite a bit earlier when you first see the signs and arch and stuff (in any event, I was happy it was less!)

I thought the room was fine, but definitely felt it needed a refresh so I am glad they are getting them definitely seems like a different set up they are going for with the one big bed and then the murphy bed .... seems to be mixed feelings on the change in the POP thread

John was busy on the phone when I got there so I didn't get to chat with him. I did talk to Kevin and he knew me right away when I said my name. He said my claim to fame is that I'm the youngest moderator.

Ryno was busy but I got to chat with Corey and Pete which was nice. Jackie saw me and gave me a big hug. She said it felt like we already. I also got freaked out about the party ticket and put it in my wallet.

Congrats on being the youngest moderator! Corey is one person I have never really talked to much - obviously hard to get to all of them in a short period of time.

Thanks for the food run down! I never made it into Satuli and I really regret that.

Food/eating out is always a big part of vacation for us so I knew I wanted to try out the new food options. Though I think you did pretty good with your lunch at Tiffins - definitely want to try that in the future

I think I know who the DisMeet is with because I'm at the same part in both of your reports!

we'll see

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I love Pop, but it was due...

Awesome! They look great and I'm glad he liked them!

That isn't bad at all.

I just took in some of the Pandora stuff. It does look great and I look forward to checking it out in a few weeks. You were there, what? 4 or 5 days after it opened or something like that, right? It makes me feel better that you could actually walk right into the land at 2:30 rather than standing in a long line just to get in.

It was my first time at Pop and it seems like a nice resort for a value and had no issues with anyone or anything - but yeah, the rooms needed an update

Thanks! Definitely had this worry that he wouldn't but he definitely seems genuinely touched that I put the effort in, etc.

yeah, Day 5 - and even since I was there it seems to be easing out as far as wait times - though I am sure it will tick up when it fully gets to the true summer season

Great shot of the sign when entering property!

I'm sorry you weren't too impressed with the room or its location!

You made great timing get to AK! Loved seeing all your Pandora pictures and I'm glad you enjoyed your meal!

Thank you! I was glad to get that 2nd row and had a clear shot!

Well, the room was fine - just clear to me that the rehab they are doing is needed! The location wasn't terrible or anything, just not as close as I hoped. Definitely much worse problems out there!

Thank you - I am very glad I enjoyed my meal and that a lot of people seem to be liking the food there - hopefully will encourage Disney to keep up with having a variety of food and seems like they figures out a way to have "different" food but that is still approachable to many people

I am so relieved that Pandora is good.. I'm so excited to see it for myself!

I really liked Pandora - they did a really good job with the details. And definitely makes an even bigger impression in person vs pictures or even video

Wow, that is pretty awesome!

Yeah, I don't know how that would go for me...

Eh, if I can find it, anyone can. (Seriously, I still can't find my way around half of WDW, but I've made it to the bus on my own.)

I can relate. I'm glad you were able to push out of your comfort zone and make this trip and have the DIS-meets.

Wow, that is pretty impressive!!

I've heard only good things about this so far and can't wait to try!

Looking forward to seeing more Pandora!

Well, maybe some day you can do a solo trip - I am sure with your great planning skills you could have a really efficient trip if just you It's definitely different planning and executing a trip with kids vs without

I am definitely directionally challenged - and just get nervous and tend to 2nd guess myself a lot with directions. I also get worried when someone says "well, I'm following you!" (as happened during the Disney Springs portion of the trip (thought it worked out ok)

I think it is really the starting conversations I get nervous about and anxious. Once I am talking I tend to be ok. I really hate those "networking" events where just an large room with tons of people and you just have to walk up to people and start talking

That day I think I lucked out pretty well with timing of things (The AK bus showing up right at the stop when I got there definitely helped) and taking the Uber really helped out as relying on Disney transportation to go resort-to-resort can take a long time!

I am really glad the food in Pandora seems to be getting almost universal approval, so i think it is great they were able to have food that is "different" but that also seems approachable to most people

 

[TheMaxRebo]

We we're in the 50's section when we stayed there, and it felt like we had to walk quite a ways to our room from the bus stop. I'm glad they're refurbing rooms there too I think they needed it.

It's really nice that you made him something, I'm sure he really liked it; they're really good!

I think today they said some MK places would be included now. I can't wait to use it. When I order at Panera that way it's usually very fast.

Ordering a kid's meal is a good idea because those are pretty filling. I didn't think of that when we were there. They do taste like Mcdonalds, but they're pretty delicious.

Yeah, the 50s turned out to be a bit further than I expected (it was one of the recommendations from people in the Pop thread (well, 90s was the first suggestions but that was the one currently being rehabed so couldn't stay there)

Thank you!

yeah, that was recent news that places in MK would start to have the mobile ordering (i think they said Be Our Guest was not included though). I hope it continues to work well as they expand it as I thought it was great and a big time saver!

There are definitely a few places I get kids meals - especially for lunch. I think it helps that i like small portions and then trying different things and snacking. Plus I think the kids meals are bettter values as they usually come with a drink and a side (often a pre-packaged something that you can take with you for later)

Very much enjoying your trip report. How sweet of you to make something for Ryno, those look AWESOME!! That same show/incident touched me deeply for him as well, and he seems to think he's so "fat", poor dude, (I have been struggling with weight and body issues my entire life, so I can SO empathize!!), so I try/reach out via social media every week or so, and send him virtual hugs and positive messages. He is such a sweet and creative soul! I'm glad I came back and checked this trip report - I'm a neophyte with the board's controls, but despite me "watching" and "requesting email updates", it did not indicate you had done one.

Thanks Heidi! These definitely came out better than my first attempt last year! Ryno definitely looked very not fat when I saw him and thought it was looking pretty good in his Power Rangers outfit!

I have some issues with those update setting as well - I don't think they always work. I am trying to get 1-2 updates done a week and can give you a heads up if you want

Fun TR Phil! Enjoying it!

Thank you! I am sure you will recognize some parts coming up

I'M HERE!! AND IN!!!
AND SO much regretting the fact that I never messaged you about a meet up!! We were so close for those few days lol!!
Also can't believe you're 4 updates in alredy, I'm just BARELY organizing photos to get a TR on the go!
Great updates so far! We managed to not eat in Pandora, but its definitely on the list for next time!!

I am bummed to that it didn't work out for us to meet up this trip .... one day!!!

Well, I tend to organize and edit my pictures as I go and that helps me structure the updates

I think you would really liek the food in Pandora - like you said, next time!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I haven't been able to read past the introduction, but I just wanted to let you know that I'm here and following along! Cant wait to hear about all the DIS 20th activities. I had to laugh at the remark about telling folks you were going to Disney solo. Alex catches a lot of grief from guys he's deployed with when he tells them he's gone to WDW by himself before.

Thanks for joining! I can imagine Alex getting some grief in that setting!

 

[wdwnut61]

Following along great trip report really enjoying your Pandora pictures. I feel you about the awkwardness of telling coworkers after 30 years of marriage and countless trips to Disney DH is content to stay home with our 2 dogs. I love traveling with my youngest DD during her college breaks and someday taking solo trips. I always get comments "you're going to Disney again" and without DH. I just smile and say yes.
That was such a thoughtful gift you made for Ryno very creative.
I'm looking forward to ordering the food ahead of time thanks for sharing that.
We stayed at POP for the first time in May and were in the 50's section but building one. We didn't have as far to walk and were very pleased with the resort. Looking forward to staying there again after the renovations.

 

[ashleymrush]

I'm so enjoying everything so far! I'm jealous that you met Ryno. He's my favorite from the podcasts and vlogs! I'm happy to hear that you like the amber ale. I've heard mixed reviews on it but am definitely trying it. Can't wait for more!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Following along great trip report really enjoying your Pandora pictures. I feel you about the awkwardness of telling coworkers after 30 years of marriage and countless trips to Disney DH is content to stay home with our 2 dogs. I love traveling with my youngest DD during her college breaks and someday taking solo trips. I always get comments "you're going to Disney again" and without DH. I just smile and say yes.
That was such a thoughtful gift you made for Ryno very creative.
I'm looking forward to ordering the food ahead of time thanks for sharing that.
We stayed at POP for the first time in May and were in the 50's section but building one. We didn't have as far to walk and were very pleased with the resort. Looking forward to staying there again after the renovations.

Thank you! Pandora is pretty easy to photograph

I think my co-workers have given up and just know I am always going to be going back to Disney - so it is more "so when is you next trip?"

I am glad to see they have already announced they are expanding the mobile ordering to other locations - it really did work well at Satu'li

Pop was certainly nice enough for me and the resort itself was fun and the people were nice ... definitely needs that update to the rooms though - definitely interested to see the reaction to them when they are up and running

I'm so enjoying everything so far! I'm jealous that you met Ryno. He's my favorite from the podcasts and vlogs! I'm happy to hear that you like the amber ale. I've heard mixed reviews on it but am definitely trying it. Can't wait for more!

Thanks! Ryno is such a nice guy and really does want to talk to people ... and he just seems so genuine.

I tend to like beers like the Country Ale - with more of the earthy, nutty notes, less of the straight up hops, etc. So this was right up my alley. I think on a hot day I could see the Grog Ale feeling a bit more refreshing - it was more of a straight up citrusy ale

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Part 7: Meeting DISers and a Yeti
Wednesday May 31st 2:50 - 3:20pm​

We last left off as I was leaving the back entrance of Pandora which goes by the theater for the Festival of the Lion King and into Africa. I so love the details in Animal Kingdom, but especially this area - just feels like a "real" place and not inside a theme park

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I was heading to Asia, so walked past the back side of the Tree of Life, looking magnificent as always, and then past the Rivers of Light Theater - which I would be in later that evening

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I was texting with the DISers I was meeting and so I knew where to head - and that was basically right across from the entrance to Expidition Everest. So who was I meeting? Well it was @amberg93 and @MarieLightning! We have known each other through the boards and social media for a while but never met in person, so I was very excited to finally meet them. They were also super nice to rearrange their plans so that we could meet up in AK this day. I know the internet isn't perfect but they are both such great people and if it wasn't for the internet and the DIS I would have never met them - so I think that is pretty darn awesome.

We just chatted for a bit and then got inline for our FP for Expedition Everest (which is one of my absolute favorite rides in all of Walt Disney World. We were talking and catching up so I didn't really take many pictures, but here is one to prove we were in the queue

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I did take some pictures and video while on the ride, though not too much as I just wanted to enjoy it

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I do love how far you can see when at the top of the main lift hill - now can even see some of the floating mountains of Pandora

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I still don't get why people throw ponytail holders on the sides here - but to each their own I guess. And then I actually got a pretty good shot of the Yeti shadow (love the backwards part of this ride - gotta remember to lift your legs to maximize the effect!)

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And here is our ride Photo (Amber and Marie in front of me doing fun poses ... and then me with a stupid grin on my face. Though, I tend to take terrible ride photos so I will take it!)

Having survived the Yeti we were off to our next adventure - which meant going back into Pandora!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Part 8: Exploring Pandora
Wednesday May 31st 3:20 - 4:20pm​

Heading to Pandora for our next FP - it was funny as since I had 5 minutes of exposure to the land from before I became a bit of the default tour guide (though if you ask my wife, I am not the one who should be providing directions) - but I at least knew where the back entrance to the land was, and since that was a more straight forward walk, we headed that way. Fortunately it was open to enter that way (in the early days of Pandora opening the back entrance was, at times, only used as an exit - you had to enter through the main entrance) and we just took in the details. Amber was gopro-ing, so looking forward to the video!

This way they also had a sign for the Moara Valley - which explains a bit about the land and is a map (which is useful to check out as there aren't a ton of signs in the actual land)

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We had a bit of time before our FP so we just explored the area a bit (at one point we did have a photopass photo taken, but I have to get that from them - and then will add it in!). There is one slightly elevated walkway that overlooks a water area and contains this warning sign (I appreciate all the details that even this sign was put up by ACE, not Disney). This area overlook a pool that contains animals that shoot water (so you may get wet). These were really cool and a fun feature (though I did wish they had a little more motion to them to make them seem even more like living animals - but really nit-picking here)

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We then went to the photopass location to get some pictures in - including a magic shot which was very cool to get!

We then just took in more of the scenery, including the floating mountains ...

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... and the drum circle, which had a performance going on (and again, you can see the details as the garbage cans have the ACE logo on them, nothing says "Disney") ....

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... and then looked at the totem that is out front of the entrance to the Na'vi River Ride (just tons of detail in it, my understanding is it was all done by hand)

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a Gif of the area:

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We were all a bit thirsty so decided to check out the Pongu Pongu drink stand. Sorry for the distortion in the menu picture - I didn't realize until later that I had accidentally put the "fish eye" effect on. I had the one beer earlier and knew I would try the other with dinner so I decided to try the Mp'ara margarita. It was a solid margarita, but at the end of the day was just a straightforward strawberry margarita - only thing unique was the boba balls on the top. Marie got the Night Blosom (which she shared some with Amber) and they enjoyed it but did agree with other reviews I had read that it is quite sweet. They commented that it tasted like a green apple candy. Oh, one side note, Amber just wanted a glass of water and they don't offer that at Pongu Pongu so she had to go to the Satu'li Canteen to get it.

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After we finished our drinks our fastpass time was open so we headed towards Flight of Passage to ride - very excited to ride this brand new attraction so close to opening day ... especially one getting such rave reviews.

At this point I noticed Ryan (@rteetz) walking by - so said hi to him and chatted for a brief moment - I would get to spend more time with him later in the trip

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(note: there is a single ride entrance but they have yet to use it, and I don't see there being a big benefit to using one due to the configuration of the attraction)


Just a warning that my next post will have some photos from the queue and pre-show from the ride ... nothing from the actual ride but if you want to avoid seeing anything from the ride, I would suggest you stop reading now

 

[SorcererHeidi]

Enjoying and continuing to follow. Love your mix of photos/vids, etc. Awesome trip report as usual, Phil!!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Part 9: Flight of Passage
Wednesday May 31st 4:20 - 4:45pm​

Again, warning that this post will contain photos from the queue and pre-show of Flight of Passage, so if you don't want to be spoiled please stop reading ... otherwise, don't complain to me as I have given you fair warning


Obviously I was very happy to have gotten a fast pass for this attraction (and very glad that I was able to get mine to overlap with Marie and Amber's) - though it does skip almost all of the queue (which itself is an attraction - but more on that later!) so we basically just walked up the mountain a bit and into this chamber - which had a bit of the feel of the entrance to Soarin' (though with tons more detail). We were commenting on all the work it took to make something new that looks old and do people market themselves as "rusters" to make new things look rusty, etc. Oh, look, you can see Amber in this (again, terrible) selfie

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After this wait you do go through a bit of caves until you get to the room for the next line which is right before the first pre-show

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You then go in groups of 16 into the first pre-show which is the part where you learn about what the ACE team is doing and why they are studying the banshees. I do like how they tried to fit this into the message of Animal Kingdom and the value of studying animals, etc. This is also the part where you are matched with an Avatar as your DNA needs to be compatible with a pre-made Avatar. Not surprisingly, everyone in the room had a match found!

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You then go to the 2nd pre-show where they talk more about the linking process and what you will experience on the ride, etc. - basically a fancy way of telling you how to sit on the seat and that it will be a thrilling ride

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We then were led into out theater and onto our seats. No one in our group had any issues fitting (which I was glad to see) and everything worked well.

As for my opinion of the ride - not sure what to say that hasn't already been said but it is unbelievable. It's like they figured out how to make a simulator near perfect and more intimate and expansive at the same time. I will say it took me a few minutes to really get into it, but once I did it was really amazing. The movements are so realistic and then the added effects (scents, water sprays, etc.) only add to it

Now, I will say, at the end of the day it is still a simulator so not sure if I would wait 5 hours to ride it - but I would definitely do 1-1.5 hours, especially with how cool the queue is.


After the ride we chatted a bit more, but then Amber and Marie had to head out as they were attending one of the DIS 20th mini-events. Fortunately right before they left I saw another DISer so I didn't have to be alone ... but that is for the next update

TTFN!

 

[SorcererHeidi]

Sure hope I'll be able to ride whenever I get back!

 

[missangelalexis]

Glad you had such a nice DISmeet!

Your pics on Everest are great, one of my favorite rides as well

Loved seeing all the Pandora pics. Really can't wait to see it for myself one day! Glad you enjoyed Flight of Passage!

 

[Raeven]

I still don't get why people throw ponytail holders on the sides here - but to each their own I guess.

I don't get it either! I've also seen people do it in other theme parks on certain attractions and it's just so strange.

 

[pucknasty]

can't wait to try Pandora drinks next month! ah!

 

[rteetz]

I believe we saw each other right before you went to FoP. It really is quite the ride. I haven't experienced anything quite like it. I don't know how it ranks in my favorite rides since it is a simulator.

 

[annie170]

Great Pandora pics, Phil! Thanks for getting this up so quickly.

 

[ashleymrush]

So much fun on EE and FoP! It still hasn't hit me that I'll be on both of them this Sunday! For a long time I was convinced that I was going to get the strawberry margarita but the more I read about it the more it seems to be just a normal margarita that I can get anywhere like you said. I'm also not a fan of the balls so they won't add anything for me. I think I'm going to stick to beer and a bloody mary from Dawa Bar in AK. I'm so happy that you enjoyed FoP. Looks like everything is shaping up to be a great day! And YAY for DISer friends! It's nice to know you've got friends everywhere.

 

[PrncessA]

I love that you got to meet up with Dis'ers to spend you day at Animal Kingdom!

I can't believe that all the weaving was done by hand. There is so much of it and it is so detailed! It was one of the things I took countless pictures of!