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| Common
Ground / Goofy's HUGE!
/ Day Four- Talk To The Animals, (and don't forget to wash) |
Ajax
Cast Member
Posts: 1032
Registered: Aug 2002
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Posted 02-09-03 06:20 PM
Day Four- 1/2/2003
Ajax Family WDW Trip- 12/30 thru 1/03
Cast- My lovely wife Sandra, darling daughter Lauren, and myself
How much sleep do two women need? Granted, I dozed a bit the night before while Sandy & Lauren rampaged through the MK, but come on now! I was up at my usual 7:30-8am- wow-I'm-still-at-Disneyworld time, ran the routine, and headed out mugs in hand for the Food Factory.
Another beautiful day, what punishment. Calm, mostly sunny, 70 degrees, hard to beat.
I was euphoric, until I got back to the room and found that Princess' S&L hadn't budged! So I gently woke them, (again) made sure they were up, turned on the 'Today' show to make them crazy, and went out for a walk with my mug in hand. This was no problem that an order of fresh beignets wouldn't solve. So I grabbed a half-dozen and a pound of butter, and retreated over to a table by the Doubloon Lagoon pool bar to raise my cholesterol in peace.
When I went back to the room, all was well and we were soon off. We decided to eat breakfast at the Tusker House in the AK. I wasn't that hungry for obvious reasons. I tried to keep my decadence a secret, but the confectioners sugar spread from my forehead down to my beard gave me away.
I really like the AK. The closeness of the park and the lush greenery give you a taste of actually being in the jungle without having to deal with twelve foot snakes, four-inch scorpions, and hemorrhagic fever. We headed straight for Harambe, and the girls went into Tusker House to order our breakfast sandwiches while I FP'd the Kilimanjaro Safari. Breakfast was nothing spectacular, but would sustain us. While we were waiting for our FP time, we took in the 'Flights of Wonder' bird show. I highly recommend it! They have a parrot that can sing entire verses of 'The Camptown Races' and 'Yankee Doodle', and five other songs. It was hilarious. Several species of endangered birds are featured performing routines that display how intelligent these creatures really are.
After the birds, we took a walk down the Pangani Trail. The underwater Hippo exhibit and the gorilla troop were big hits with us. On the bridge that crosses the Gorilla exhibit, a crowd had gathered, watching the antics of a male that was having fun with a five-gallon plastic bucket, tossing it around & smacking it against a tree. When he saw the people gathered on the bridge, he dropped the bucket, dropped onto his haunches, and began to...pleasure himself. There's one in every crowd. Soon children began to ask 'What's the monkey doing, mommy?' and other unanswerable questions. After a spell he tired of his private party, grabbed his bucket, and scampered into the shadows under a cliff. Show's over, folks!
By that time, we were approaching our FP time and headed off to the Safari. Our guide was very knowledgeable, and took time to stop the truck and point out animals that many of us would have missed. I never tire if seeing Giraffes in a natural setting, watching them eat the tops out of 15-foot tall palms amazes me. More than anything else, I think that those animals prove that God has a great sense of humor.
After the Safari, we took a walk down the Maharaja Jungle Trek trail, passing a 'Living Vine' CM who scared hell out of a man who stopped right in front of it, wondering why all the people were gathered. When the 'vine' reached out and touched his shoulder, I though that vapor-lock was imminent.
The Tigers were out in force in their domain. It's hard for me to think of a more elegant animal after I've seen a Bengal Tiger strutting across the ruins of an ancient temple. What magnificence!
We walked over to Kali Rapids for a look from the bridge. We didn't ride it because getting wet wasn't in the plan, but we did enjoy shooting the water jets at the already soaked people. I've never said we were nice people.
I walked over to Primeval Whirl for FP's, then we got into line at the Tree of Life to view 'It's Tough to Be a Bug!' I always enjoy the time spent in line here; picking the various animals out of the Tree is as much fun as looking for hidden Mickeys. The show rivals 'Muppets 3-D' for effects. People nearly lose it in this one, especially those with bug phobias. Lots of screaming, trying to claw their way out, and otherwise having good clean All-American fun.
When the show was over, I was in need of a restroom. After I'd used the urinal, I was washing my hands when a little boy posed a question to his father. 'Daddy', he asked 'Some daddies don't have to wash their hands after they pee, do they?' His father replied 'No, everybody should wash their hands'. To which his son said in a loud voice 'That man didn't', and pointed out the offender, who was standing at the mirror combing his hair. Everybody laughed as Mr. Hygiene pocketed his comb and beat it for the door.
After the Great Unwashed incident, we walked over to Dinoland. At first I didn't like this part of the park, but as I've begun to look around at the 'Disneyfication' of an old-fashioned carnival, I've come to understand why the place swarms with kids. Sandy & Lauren rode PW, I didn't given the previous days horror at MGM. They liked it, and would have done it again had not 'Parade Time' been fast approaching.
The 'Mickey’s Jammin' Jungle Parade' was great! All the non-costumed CM's seemed to be 'into it', and the Characters were wonderful. Pluto Hi-5'd me, Mickey waved, and Minnie blew me a kiss! And people really expect me to grow up?
After the parade, we headed for the gate in a round about way to catch a bus for the AKL and our PS at Jiko. I always plan to do the AK 'by the numbers', and someday I will. I always feel like I've missed so much.
The AKL is not my favorite Disney resort. I've never been impressed with the muted tones of the interior. I like the exterior and the pool area enough, but for some reason the interior is drab, imho. You can't beat the place for quality and theming, but it's not my cup of tea. I fall somewhere in between the AKL & Pop Century.
We checked in at Jiko, were handed our buzzer, and roamed the restaurants and shops in the lodge. S & L did some serious damage to our VISA account at the Zawadi Marketplace. I can't talk about it without weeping.
We checked out Boma from the veranda above, and wished we'd made our reservation there- that joint was jumpin'! Soon our buzzer erupted, and we reported to Jiko's hostess.
Jiko was unimpressive to all of us. Our waiter was an arrogant snob, the filet wasn't nearly as good as the one I had at Le Cellier on NYE, and the red-wine reduction sauce gave me a case of acid stomach that took six Gaviscon tablets to quench. The 'Taste of Africa' appetizer platter made me glad that I reside in North America, with the exception of the Duck Firecracker Spring Rolls.
Two grandparents and a pair of out-of-control grandchildren occupied the table next to us. Granny was drinking gin & gramps was demolishing a bottle of Merlot while the kids ran amok. The hostess finally had to tell them that a collision with a tray-laden server would not benefit anyone, and would they please reign in the little tykes?
Which they did, after a complimentary insult to the hostess. So that was our night at the AKL's flagship restaurant.
We ran out of the AKL, bound for POFQ, anti-acid remedies, and Cirque du Soleil, in that order. We had just enough time to make the bus transfer at Epcot, hit our resort, chew up some chalky tablets, and beat it for DD. We arrived at the Cirque Tent just as the lights were being dimmed.
I love this show! And it was even more unbelievable than it was when we first saw it in '99. The bike act and the 'spool girls' have both been tweaked to provide even greater thrills, and the grand finale has become so intense that it's virtually impossible to absorb everything that you are seeing. Those people define athleticism to me.
When the show was over, we visited the gift shop to add to our coffee cup collection, then Sandy & Lauren used the rest room while I waited outside a door marked CM's. I was surprised when the performer known as 'dot.com' and the man who performed the 'Aerial Ballet in Red Silk' walked out in their street clothes, and immediately lit up cigarettes! That was something that I found way out of character with what I'd just seen.
We toyed with the idea of walking over to the Ghirardelli shop for a treat, but with Jiko's revenge welling up again and the Witching Hour approaching, we decided that POFQ was calling. We caught the Last Boat Out of Dodge at the dock by the Cirque Tent, and crossed the lake bound for the Marketplace dock. If you've never done this, you should. At night all the electronic magic of Downtown Disney is mirrored in Buena Vista Lagoon, to an astounding and inspiring effect. It looks like 'Fun City'.
At the marketplace dock, we picked up more passengers, and began our journey up the Sassagoula River. The slapping of the waves against the pontoon hull coupled with the gentle purr of the boats engine lulled me nearly to sleep. As the muted light from the Tree Houses at the Disney Institute passed in the night and the buildings at POFQ came into view, I was once again seized my the magic. This place never fails to astound me. So many views, so many thrills, so much fun, so many good times past, present, and yet to come.
I grabbed a piece of cheesecake at the Floatworks, wolfed it down, kissed my girls goodnight, hit the sack, and slept the sleep of the truly goofy.
Did you see me at EPCOT on New Years Eve? I was wearing a yellow poncho...
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Ahnalira
Cast Member
Posts: 433
Registered: Aug 2002
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Posted 02-09-03 06:35 PM
Have I got a picture for you, Ajax!
By the way, Alan TOTALLY shares your sentiments regarding Jiko... He'd rather go to Le Cellier any night of the week; >)
Ahnalira
Grace finds beauty everywhere. Grace is my best friend.
Meet The Our Laughing Place Travel Pixies
Everybody's got a Laughing Place... we'll help you find yours!
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Tink *~*~*
Cast Member
Posts: 1066
Registered: Aug 2002
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Posted 02-09-03 06:40 PM
I have a question.
Ajax is taking just as long to post his trip report as Janie is, yet there is no talk whatsoever of depriving Ajax of the Elixir of Life.
What's up with that?
Tink *~*~*
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Ajax
Cast Member
Posts: 1032
Registered: Aug 2002
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Posted 02-09-03 06:51 PM
Wow! Now that's a shot,Ahnalira. Pictures like that have ruined me as a hunter, which is probably OK with my family.
I was about to draw down with my bow on a Whitetail Doe two years ago when her fawn walked out of the woods and began to nuzzel her. I didn't shoot, and haven't been able to release an arrow or pull a trigger since.
I've spent enough time in the wild to understand the food chain and acknowledge the need for harvesting overabundant species, but I just can't do it anymore.
So know I just kill targets. They're a lot easier
to clean, but they taste like hell!
Did you see me at EPCOT on New Years Eve? I was wearing a yellow poncho...
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Mary
Cast Member
Posts: 465
Registered: Aug 2002
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Posted 02-09-03 07:45 PM
quote:
Tink *~*~* wrote:
I have a question.
Ajax is taking just as long to post his trip report as Janie is, yet there is no talk whatsoever of depriving Ajax of the Elixir of Life.
What's up with that?
Ajax has not harassed others into writing trip reports as Janie has. She is getting what she has dished out at radp since she arrived there. THEN she brought it here.
Trust me, Tink. Janie deserves it.
Mary
First Mate, Good Ship Stickey Mickey and Keeper of the Ships Log
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inkydinkydoo
Cast Member
Posts: 112
Registered: Sep 2002
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Posted 02-09-03 09:36 PM
I am loving your report, Ajax! You write with such a sense of humor. I almost lost it when I got to the hand-washing incident. Out of the mouths of babes, eh?
Pat
300 days and counting . . . again!
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TrpltJanie
Cast Member
Posts: 1661
Registered: Aug 2002
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Posted 02-10-03 12:13 AM
quote:
Mary wrote:
Ajax has not harassed others into writing trip reports as Janie has. She is getting what she has dished out at radp since she arrived there. THEN she brought it here.
Trust me, Tink. Janie deserves it.
NO SOUP FOR YOU! (stomps off)
Janie
The Curb Kicker
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TrpltJanie
Cast Member
Posts: 1661
Registered: Aug 2002
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Posted 02-10-03 12:15 AM
Ajax--
Your trip report is most EXCELLENT so thank you for sharing it with us. I gotta type the rest of them up ASAP so Mary can keep on harrassing you!
Janie
The Curb Kicker
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Mary
Cast Member
Posts: 465
Registered: Aug 2002
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Posted 02-10-03 11:25 AM
quote:
TrpltJanie wrote:
NO SOUP FOR YOU! (stomps off)
Oh no, Janie is the Soup Nazi now too?
Mary
First Mate, Good Ship Stickey Mickey and Keeper of the Ships Log
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Mary
Cast Member
Posts: 465
Registered: Aug 2002
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Posted 02-10-03 11:29 AM
quote:
TrpltJanie wrote:
Ajax--
Your trip report is most EXCELLENT so thank you for sharing it with us. I gotta type the rest of them up ASAP so Mary can keep on harrassing you!
Janie, I don't plan to harass Ajax at all. I believe
he only has one day left on his trip. You see, Ajax
has not run around harassing people to write trip
reports. Besides, he bought me a drink at the Polynesian.
 I couldn't possibly
berate someone I had such fun with!
Mary
First Mate, Good Ship Stickey Mickey and Keeper of the Ships Log
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TrpltJanie
Cast Member
Posts: 1661
Registered: Aug 2002
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Posted 02-10-03 12:11 PM
quote:
Mary wrote:
Janie, I don't plan to harass Ajax at all. I believe
he only has one day left on his trip. You see, Ajax
has not run around harassing people to write trip
reports. Besides, he bought me a drink at the Polynesian.
I couldn't
possibly berate someone I had such fun with!
DANG! DANG! I cannot beleive Ajax is in cahoots with you! I have one thing to say:
It is a small world after all.
It is a small world after all.
It is a small world after all.
It is a small, small, small world!
Janie
The Curb Kicker
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Ajax
Cast Member
Posts: 1032
Registered: Aug 2002
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Posted 02-10-03 12:28 PM
(Ajax runs around the room with his hands clapped firmly over his ears)
I CAN"T HEAR YOU!
I'M NOT LISTENING!!
NAH NAH NAH NAH NAH NAH!
I DON'T HEAR NOTHIN'!!
I'M GOING TO SING THE DAVEY CROCKETT SONG!
Born on a mountain top in Tennessee
The greenest state in the land of the free
Raised in the woods so he knew every tree
Killed him a bear when he was only three
Daveyyyyy, Daveyyy Crockett King of the wild frontier
Daveyyyyy, Daveyyy Crockett King of the wild frontier
HA!
Did you see me at EPCOT on New Years Eve? I was wearing a yellow poncho...
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Common
Ground / Goofy's HUGE!
/ Day Four- Talk To The Animals, (and don't forget to wash) |
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