So, tonight September 30, 2019 is the last night of Illuminations. I'm listening to a live stream of the show. It is fitting for me to finish my trip report.
I left off after lunch at Sanaa. My goal was to make my FastPass at Flight of Passage, as I had not been to Pandora before. New adventures at Disney are exciting.
When I was younger the heat in Florida and the Animal Kingdom didn't bother me much, but this day was very, very hot and humid. Once leaving the bus, it was obvious to me I'd have to pace myself.
I made my way to Pandora and was enchanted and amazed. My first stop, more out of necessity, was the Satu'li Canteen. I needed some water and some time out of the sun. I was not going to risk not making it to Flight of Passage, so I sat for awhile, watched all the other dripping park goers and chatted with some other refugees from the sun.
I HAD to order one of the Hawke's Grog Ale. I enjoyed it immensely.
Then, my FastPass window finally arrived and I was able to ride the near-fabled attraction Flight of Passage. I won't go through a detailed analysis, but suffice to say, that after the ride, I texted both of my sons and said "that was the most spectacular Disney ride I have ever been on". Now, with that said, I would not spend my park time waiting in hours long lines, but I will most definitely do it again, and again. Now, don't get me wrong - I love my Spaceship Earth and it is still my favorite, but FOP is impressive in most every aspect. Had I had more time and energy, I would have spent the coin for the After Hours event, but I was already tired and had my two dining credit meal at Tiffins to make.
The heat was just oppressive. I remembered there was a place near Tiffins called the Nomad Lounge and I made my way slowly there. Let me say, if you are in need of some AK downtime - peace, quiet, cool and a drink, the Nomad Lounge is just spectacular! But SHHHHHH! Keep it quiet lest the secret get out!
I spent about an hour just relaxing, people watching and taking in this oasis of a spot while I watched thousands of people pass by. It was time for my ADR at Tiffins. For the first time ever for me I passed on FastPasses. Kali River and Na'vi River Journey. Honestly, as hot as I was, being soaked from Kali River was not appealing to me and I was way too relaxed to get over to Na'vi.
One of my things is when I eat out at a Signature Restaurant, I like to look presentable. I had to take some time to get myself together, and finally walked next door to Tiffins.
Let me say, similarly to the Jungle Skipper's, Tiffins has amazing theming and the CMs know it and are proud.
That totem was hand carved in Bali I was told and used to reside in another part of the park. The rhino sculpture is recycled from CMs costumes.
Seriously, I was still full from lunch, but I had Dining Plan points to use and you don't need to twist my arm. I had the cheese plate for appetizer. OMG amazing.
For my entree, I had the Grilled Wagyu Beef, Lobster Tail, Purple Potatoes, Charred Peppers, Chimichurri Butter, Bonarda Reduction. It was also outstanding. Cooked perfectly for me. Worth the two credits in service, atmosphere and food.
My dessert was the whipped cheesecake.
It was light and delicate but had full cheesecake flavor.
The meal here was excellent. I highly recommend it!
After dinner, I went on a Kilimanjaro Safari. A first dusk trip for me. The rhinos were so close to the truck!
Then, after the safari, slowly walking back to the entrance and to the bus, taking time to sit and enjoy the Animal Kingdom in the dark.
Hot, tired and overfed, I made it back to my room. The plans to go shopping at Disney Springs were dashed as I really wanted to hang at the pool my last morning.
As excited as I am to get Magical Express mail when I am home, I hate receiving it at my Disney Resort. I knew I had to be front and center at my pickup point by 2:00PM. I thought I'd have enough time for a leisurely breakfast, pool time and checkout.
Well....at dawn, it dawned upon me that I had not ridden the monorail while I was here, nor had I made it to my favorite dream resort..the Poly.
Yes, some girls sing "someday my prince will come", well, I sing "someday I'll stay at the Poly".
I love the place, haven't stayed there....yet!
So, continuing my self-imposed non-stop trip, I got up and had an impressively excellent breakfast at the Food Court.
Seriously..it was good!
Then, I took the the next bus to Epcot to get on the monorail and transfer to the Polynesian. I love the monorail. I was able to get a car by myself and enjoy the ride!
The Polynesian Hotel never disappoints. It was as beautiful as ever. I strolled the grounds, stopped by the bakery to buy a few treats for my boyfriend at home, and wandered a bit.
Time was running out! I had a bloody mary at the Tambu Lounge and took a Lyft back to ASMov to get Magical Express. That's the last selfie/picture as the rest was airport and travel.
It was a long flight home to Albany as bad weather had my connection city of Atlanta a total mess, and I didn't arrive home until about 3:45 am. (Of course I had to work that day!)
Now, as I have just watched the stream of the last Illuminations, with significant tearing of the eyes, I realize how much these memories mean to me, both my boys, and to the countless folk who feel the same way. Illuminations has been a fixture for many years and I will relish the memories. However, I have faith that the Imagineers will make another great show to bring more memories to everyone!
Let's face it. We take pics and video of not only the characters and attractions, we photograph room furniture, food, garbage cans, bathrooms, fireworks, water fountains and everything else in the parks that bring us back again! We're hooked! The ending of this one beloved show is just the beginning of another.
We ALL share in the magic. It is very much alive. But to get the magic, try to remember we need to give some magic as well.
If you have made it this far reading my report, as I've said in my other reports,
you get it. Thanks for being a kindred!
I'm in my planning stages of the next trip, September 2020, split stay POP and first time Animal Kingdom points rental!
See you there?
Until next time, be well and make your dreams happen. Give some magic to get lots more back!
Jill aka Gerweniel