A Girl's First Solo Trip - August 2018 *updated 10/9 x2 and COMPLETED!*

AKL looks lovely...I can’t wait to stay there.

You lucked out with baby animals with the elephant and now the giraffe...soo cute!
 
Round Em Up Latte - a playfully delicious latte with cookie butter and dulce de leche, topped with whipped cream, spinkles, and animal crackers.

I'm not sure I'd want soggy cookie in my coffee either?

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Nice find!


LOVE this photo!

There doesn’t seem to be any track! Side note, I really, really hate that people have decided throwing hair ties at the top of Everest is a cool thing to do. How did this start? Why is it still continuing? Leave no trace should become a theme park motto as well. You don’t need to leave your mark on the park, people!

Thank you! WHY?! Stop it! Totally wrecks the theming and all.


This is a great view not often seen.


So cute!!
 
I'm pretty far behind every where and just lost most of the multi quotes I'd had stashed to put in, but I wanted to say your Pandora photos and the tiger ones were just stunning. BUT WOW! THat smiling gorilla.... NICE!
 


Nope, I will not willingly go near bats. I think when I was a kid my parents may have taken us to one but not something I would do now I don't think. At my university bats would get into the buildings all the time and scare the blazes out of me. Didn't help that I often worked the night shift when they would come out. I got a bit of a reputation among my co-workers due to my screaming bloody murder. I would hide in the bathroom while they caught it and released it outside. lol

HAHA! That sounds exactly like one of my charge nurses. She's like, "I'll be in the med room, you all sort this out!"

I think AKL definitely wins in the atmospheric pool category.

I think I'd have to agree too. I think I remember Port Orleans Riverside being pretty nice too... but I'd still give the upper hand to AKL.

Beautiful tiger pictures! The babies have always been sleeping when we are there!

Beautiful AKL, love it

Scary bird pictures, eek!!

Thanks! Same for me. And when I did catch them awake they're not really babies anymore! But still act like babies.

AKL is so darn stunning.

Haha, I should have put a trigger warning!!


Great pics of AKL. I have to get back there one of these trips. That rhino cupcake looks so yummy!!!

I hope soon! Everyone deserves ample time at AKL!

AKL looks lovely...I can’t wait to stay there.

You lucked out with baby animals with the elephant and now the giraffe...soo cute!

Do you have a trip planned there? So excited for you, if so!

It did feel like a pretty lucky animal day, I definitely wasn't complaining!


I'm not sure I'd want soggy cookie in my coffee either?

It was a cute concept and cookie butter always sounds like a win... better in thought than execution probably.

Nice find!

I was pretty pleased! I never spot Hidden Mickeys unless I already know where they are.

LOVE this photo!

Thank you!! I was so excited to finally see her.

Thank you! WHY?! Stop it! Totally wrecks the theming and all.

AGREED. Maybe Disney should put up a sign in the line or something. Not sure that would deter people, but something should be done!

This is a great view not often seen.

I agree! It's cool to find new PP spots.

So cute!!

Thanks! Timon is the best!

I'm pretty far behind every where and just lost most of the multi quotes I'd had stashed to put in, but I wanted to say your Pandora photos and the tiger ones were just stunning. BUT WOW! THat smiling gorilla.... NICE!

I feel like I'm so far behind, too, so no worries!!

Thanks so much! Love taking pictures of the animals. Always exciting to get a good shot!
 
August 3rd - Evening in Animal Kingdom!



After a refreshing break at my beloved Animal Kingdom Lodge I returned to Animal Kingdom for the rest of the evening.
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I met back up with Samira and Will in Pandora. At some point I had managed to grab us same-day Fastpasses for Flight of Passage. I really do love FastPass+! I was really excited to get them on the ride for their first time without the wait.
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The FP line was a little backed up, so I suggested that we try the Pongu Lumpia from Pongu Pongu.
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Pongu lumpia - a pineapple cream cheese wonton


We all loved the Pongu Lumpia. The outside is a wonton coated in cinnamon sugar, that’s nice and crispy, and it’s filled with warm cream cheese and a few pineapple chunks. Fans of the wontons at Yak & Yeti will definitely like this dessert, and it’s so cheap! At least for now.

When we finished our treats we got in line for Flight of Passage.
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It took forever once we got to the loading area, but we eventually got on. It’s so fun to ride this with first-timers; everyone is always so amazed by it and it never gets old to me.

When we got off the Flight of Passage it was dark out. I ordered a Rum Blossom at Pongu Pongu.
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Rum Blossom - Bacardi Superior Rum with layers of Apple and Desert Pear Limeade topped with Passion Fruit Boba Balls

Surprisingly, I liked this more than the margarita. I’m more of a tequila girl than a rum girl, but this drink was less sweet so that was a win.


While we were in the FP queue for FOP I had made us FPs for Everest so that was our next destination.
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I love that stars are visible in these!
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I stopped for a Photopass in front of the Tree of Life.
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Once we got to Everest we decided to go through the standby line first since Rivers of Light was on and eating up a good chunk of the crowds. My name showed up on the boards in there!
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Look at those cute kids behind us!
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We then used our FPs. This time I tried to imitate the stationary yeti. That’s why my arm is on the seat beside me. I don’t think it translates. This time I had us wait for the front so that they could experience it. It really is so much better in the front!
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Finished with Everest we headed to the front of the park to try to watch the Tree of Life Awakenings. On the way there I spotted a lantern PhotoPass that I had never seen before, so I had to stop! I look like a hot, sweaty mess, but it’s a cute photo opp.
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Onward to the front of the park!
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The new Up area is so cute at night.
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I sat with Samira and Will to try and watch the Awakenings, but I felt hot and gross, and the bugs started biting so I had to call it a night.
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Once again, Art of Animation was the first bus to show up so I jumped on that AND it was a charter bus? I’d never seen such a thing, but it had big comfy seats, so I was happy.
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It was a short walk through Art of Animation back to my room.
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How gorgeous is this Little Mermaid concept art?
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I grabbed my mug from the room and headed to the food court for some dinner, which I brought back to the room.
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Roasted Vegetable Sandwich - Roasted Red Peppers, Caramelized Red Onions, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Grilled Zucchini, Roasted Mushrooms, Avocado, Arugula, Sun-dried Tomato Pesto, and Provolone with House-made Chips

This sandwich was DELICIOUS. The food in the parks tends to feel a little unhealthy so it was great to get some vegetables in. Bonus, I got to watch Cinderella while I ate!
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Up next: Epcot!
 
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Ooh I’ve never been to AK in the dark but it looks pretty and I’m guessing you would get a different atmosphere to during the day.

Thanks for the descriptions of the food/drinks consumed...the Pongu Lumpia definitely sounds interesting.

Them kids on the first ride of EE are super cute :cutie:

The lantern photo pass looks great and the little mermaid art is a great concept.

Yay, love Cinderella :thumbsup2
 
Kara I love your pictures of Animal Kingdom Lodge. I will probable keep viewing them until my trip.I am very excited to be staying there in September. Can't wait to see if it becomes my number one resort, I am a Poly girl. I loved the Poly since the first time I saw it in 1976!!! Long time ago!
 
As always, beautiful photos at both AK and AKL! Especially of the tigers and then the giraffes at the resort!

Sounds like a good night! You got lucky with some great same day FPs!

I love that lantern shot, I've never seen that one before!
 
I need to try The Pongu lumpia it sounds yummy!

I like the lantern shot, it’s nice there are several spots for these now!
 
At some point I had managed to grab us same-day Fastpasses for Flight of Passage.

Woohoo!


Pandora is so pretty at night.

On the way there I spotted a lantern PhotoPass that I had never seen before, so I had to stop! I look like a hot, sweaty mess, but it’s a cute photo opp.

Aww, I love all the lantern photo ops.

Bonus, I got to watch Cinderella while I ate!

Fun! Love Cinderella
 
Not until September 2020 but I can’t wait!

Like your signatures says.... duh, Kara! :rolleyes1Well anyway, I can't wait to read about it!!

Ooh I’ve never been to AK in the dark but it looks pretty and I’m guessing you would get a different atmosphere to during the day.

Thanks for the descriptions of the food/drinks consumed...the Pongu Lumpia definitely sounds interesting.

Them kids on the first ride of EE are super cute :cutie:

The lantern photo pass looks great and the little mermaid art is a great concept.

Yay, love Cinderella :thumbsup2

Oh you should absolutely visit it after dark if you have the time. Completely different atmosphere. And some of the lighting is so fantastic.

Of course! I definitely recommend the Lumpia if that's up your alley.

Aren't they? Maybe I'll steal their posing next time I ride.


It is a cool shot, I'd love to try it again when I'm less sweaty!

Me too! Probably my favorite of the live-action remakes. Though I did really love Aladdin, surprising even myself.


Kara I love your pictures of Animal Kingdom Lodge. I will probable keep viewing them until my trip.I am very excited to be staying there in September. Can't wait to see if it becomes my number one resort, I am a Poly girl. I loved the Poly since the first time I saw it in 1976!!! Long time ago!

Thank you, that's high praise! I'm super excited for you to stay there, I hope it's at least as good as Poly for you!

If it helps, I think Poly is my second favorite Deluxe! Also that's how my dad felt about the Poly - it was a bucket list item for him to stay at it.


OMG! Yes, this is soooo good!

Agreed! Hope they don't get rid of it.

Great last minute FOP FP snag!!!! I need to try this!!! I've only had it without alcohol...

I was pretty stoked! And whaaaa, a drink without alcohol? What's the point?! :rotfl:

As always, beautiful photos at both AK and AKL! Especially of the tigers and then the giraffes at the resort!

Sounds like a good night! You got lucky with some great same day FPs!

I love that lantern shot, I've never seen that one before!

Thank you! The animals were extra cooperative on this day.

I think I worked at those FPs for a while, so I was pretty happy!

I don't think I saw it when I just went in May, but it's a cute one!

I need to try The Pongu lumpia it sounds yummy!

I like the lantern shot, it’s nice there are several spots for these now!

It's so yummy, you can't go wrong with it. And I guess even if you don't like it, it's one of the cheaper Disney snacks!

I like it too; really like the Rapunzel one but the line is always soooo long. Is there also one around the tea cups?



One of the best feelings. Up there with getting an IV on the first try!

Pandora is so pretty at night.

It really is. They thought of everything.

Aww, I love all the lantern photo ops.

It's super cute, and it was nowhere near as popular as the Rapunzel one.

Fun! Love Cinderella

Me tooo, it's such a sweet movie.
 
August 4th - Epcot Morning!







On this day I woke up around 8:30 and headed to the food court for breakfast. I ended up getting the same Mickey waffles kid’s meal that I had gotten the day before, since it was just the right amount of food.
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Although when I went to pay I realized that I had forgotten my MagicBand in the room. Luckily, I did have my wallet with me. I’m so bad at remembering my MB in the morning! On my June trip with Dad I left the room without it twice. So on this trip when I realized I had forgotten it I stopped at the front desk and got a temporary card to let me in the room. While in the lobby area I took some time to check out the shadow boxes from the various decades.
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Gotta love old Disney memorabilia!
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I used to love the game Simon, and Rainbow Bright, and My Little Ponys and Ninja Turtles. Such an 80s kid!
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Ooh, the 90s! There’s a lot in this case that brings me right back.
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I used the temp card and finished getting ready in the room, then headed out to my park of the day: Epcot! I believe Samira and Will were skipping Epcot on this trip, and instead spent their day at Magic Kingdom. I waited 17 minutes at the stop for a bus.
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And we’ve arrived! I’ve been finding Epcot to be the least repeatable in a short timespan (this was my 4th visit in less than a year) but something about walking in that park and the general atmosphere feels so fantastic.
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At the front of the park I stopped for a new PhotoPass opportunity with a fish-eye lens.
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This pose was not my idea.
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Ehhh, not my favorite.
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I continued on my merry way with one thing on my brain.
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Caffeine!
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The Starbucks in Epcot is my least favorite, and it was a madhouse in there. Maybe it'll be more interesting once all the work in Epcot is complete?
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I had a FP for Living with the Land first.
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Oh, hello pavilion that I never go in!
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I tapped my MagicBand and then waited and waited.
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Then they announced technical difficulties and cleared the line out. I tried to get my FP back from the CMs at the tapstiles but they said they had to wait for a coordinator. There was a huge crowd of guests, some of whom were being jerks, and we waited quite a while. Eventually I bailed. Luckily, I walked past the exit to the ride where I noticed a coordinator with an iPad giving back FPs to people. I was a little irritated I hadn’t been told this, but at least I got my FP back.

I was fed up with the crowds in The Land by this point, so I opted to use my FP over at The Seas.
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I tapped my band and walked a short way through the queue and then was met with a standstill. Great. I was starting to feel cursed on this day. Just as I was about to bail on Nemo the line started moving. WHEW! Fun fact: this ride opened in 2006 when I was working at Disney World AND my roommate was part of the opening team! Now the ride is in pretty poor condition and none of the simple moving characters were functioning (like the shark that moves back and forth). Anyway, Please enjoy this fantastic picture of the ride.
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Up Next:
more fun at Epcot!
 
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The Land can be a mob scene, yuck!

The neon fish doesn’t move anymore either:sad2:

It is nice and cool in there, that is a plus!
 
Those tiger pictures are so adorable!! I can understand why you had a hard time walking away!
 
The Land can be a mob scene, yuck!

The neon fish doesn’t move anymore either:sad2:

It is nice and cool in there, that is a plus!

Yes, it was definitely a mob scene this day. Usually it doesn't bother me.

I feel like almost nothing was moving on the ride! Definitely needs some TLC.

Great place to get away from the heat!


I remember back in the day when Living with the Land never had a line, then fastpass + came along. I love fp+ for many reasons but it did have some negative side effects.

I remember that too! FP+ definitely changed a lot of things.

Those tiger pictures are so adorable!! I can understand why you had a hard time walking away!

Thank you! They're so cuuuute!
 
August 4th - Future World!




After a thrilling ride on whatever that Nemo ride is actually called I looked around the aquariums in The Seas, as one does when in The Seas.
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The Seas never occupies me for long, and I had decided I was hungry so I went back to The Land for some lunch.
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Back in The Land I headed straight for Sunshine Seasons.
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I only had eyes for one thing and that was the fish tacos. The best fish tacos ever. That no longer exist. I can’t even begin to describe my devastation at losing them.
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When I finished my tacos (unaware that was the last time I’d ever have them) I noticed that Living with the Land had just reopened so I quickly jumped in the standby line.
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I got on the ride quickly, but it seemed to still be having technical difficulties. There were times when the water flow stopped and we were basically at a standstill.
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It was a veeeery long ride. At one point they rebooted the ride completely and it seemed to work much better after that.
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Tequila!
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I shopped in MouseGears a bit and then used my FP at Test Track.
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As I was boarding the vehicle my MagicBand somehow fell off and onto the track! Luckily I noticed and was able to quickly grab it. In retrospect that might not have been the safest as the car could have moved… but I’m pretty sure it was still loading at that point. And here’s a very disheveled Test Track photo for your enjoyment!
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I modified my last FP to Pixar Movie Fest and tapped it out so I could start my tour around the world and hopefully grab a Frozen Ever After FP.
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Monorails just make everything better.
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While I was in the area I witnessed a very brazen squirrel rummage through a guest’s stroller and snatch a peanut butter & jelly sandwich bag from it and then run off! It’s a very blurry photo, but you can see the squirrel with its treasure! It was too covered by the branches for me to grab the bag away from it so I hope it did ok with all that plastic.
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Up Next:
World Showcase exploring!
 
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