JPL's June 2008 Safari Report

[JPL]

Ok here is the start of the trip report

Day 1 Part 1
June 20th
Travel and Arrival

I got up super early after only a few hours of sleep. I showered and called a cab after a few minutes of last second packing. Of course I forgot a pair of shorts to sleep in.
I arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare despite long lines at security. I grabbed a cup of coffee and went to wait for boarding to start. I boarded the plane no problem and was relaxing and settling in when a flight attendant walks over and says are you Jeffrey? I said yes and she asked the lady next me if she was so and so. She then proceeds to say you 2 just hit the lottery and escorts us up to first class
I re-settle into my new digs with a glass of OJ and soon we are on are way. I will add that the only difference in first class is the wider seat and a real breakfast. We had a Croisant, fruit plate and yogurt. The flight was rather uneventful and after watching a few videos on my iPod we were landing in Orlando.
We were right on time and I quickly left the plane and headed to DME. I had perfect timing since I was on a bus and we were pulling out within about 10 minutes of my arrival at the counter. After stopping at Pop Century with a slight delay since a couple thought the bus continued onto the parks The only reason the driver noticed was after all the people were off the bus he had a set of unclaimed luggage sitting next to the bus. We made a rather quick stop at Coronado Springs and then finally Animal Kingdom Lodge. I headed over to check in since my room wasn't ready, I decided it was close to lunch and I was hungry so I would walk around the lodge for a little while then grab some Lunch at the Mara before heading out for the day. I had some African Stew served in a bread bowl which was quite good as usual. I then decide to head out to the Animal Kingdom before the Magic Kingdom EMHs.

Here are a few Pictures
Pictures

Next up Animal Kingdom

[KineGirl]

First class upgrade...Lucky!

Thanks for the pics.. I cant wait for my own stay at AKL in 3 weeks.

[Blue Genie]

Good start so far JP.

[TinkRocks]

I bet everything was 'smooth sailing' for the rest of the weekend, right?

Lovin' the report & pics so far, JP!

[terri.m]

Hopefully the bump to first class was the first of
many nice surprises for the rest of the trip!

Can't wait for the rest!

[JPL]

Day 1 Part 2
June 20th
Animal Kingdom until the Rains came

After lunch I set out for the Animal Kingdom since it's so close to the lodge and I wanted to go to EMHs at the Magic Kingdom later that night. I arrived at the park around 1PM and headed straight back to Africa and grabbed a FP for the Safari. I took a stroll in the Pangani Forest and watched the animals for a while. Then walked around through some of the shops and traded some pins. I came back for my Safari and had a great ride with lots of animals out and about. After sucessfully catching the poachers, I walked over to Everest to grab a FP and then headed over to the Maharjah Jungle Trek. Before starting my trek I watch the Gibbons and Siamangs while finishing my Ice Mocha and then started down the trail. I spent about 20 minutes exploring the trail,watching the animals and taking some pictures. After my trek I walked towards to everest but still had some time to kill before my FP time. I walked around by the Dino Rama Area and then headed over for a ride on Dinosaur. I have to laugh because I got into the wrong line and the CM asked me if I had a FP and made me change lines but there was nobody at all in the queue. The CM taking actually told the people after me who did have FPs to keep them as souvenirs. After a very short wait I boarded my Time Rover and off I went. I got off the ride and notice it was starting to get darker in some areas and looked in the gift shop for a few minutes and then went over to ride Everest. I chose to wait for the front which added like 5 minutes to my wait but it's always worth it. The ride was great as usual but I was a little disappointed that the Yeti was in it's "B" Show mode again. I got off Everest and grabbed a drink and headed back to Africa to grab a spot for the parade. I got a nice spot near the bridge in Africa and watch the parade but as the parade was going on you could see the weather was threatening and a storm was on the way. I walked down the trail by the Tree of Life something I hadn't done in quite some time and took a few pictures of the SaddleBill Storks and then went to look at some pins int he shops near the entrance. By this time it was pouring and coming down in buckets and I was pretty much trapped running between shops while it poured. I spent some time talking to my brother and then Traci(Chescat) but the rain didn't want to stop. Finally it seemed to let up and made my way towards the Exit. I got to the ticket booths and it was pouring again the lightning started up. I was about 100 feet away from the entrance to the Rainforest Cafe and I was Hungry so decided I would make a run for it and grab some dinner. I got the Rainforest and got seated right away and had the Crab Dip Appetizer(which was free since I'm a Safari Club Member)and then had a Steak and Shrimp Entree which was really good. I decided to skip dessert since I was on the full side and they took my favorite dessert off the menu. I left the Rainforest and the rain had stopped so I decided to head back to the hotel and get my room and settle in before heading out to the Magic Kingdom. I arrived at the lodge got my room. I was staying in a Value Studio and it had a nice view of the pool. After I settled in for a little while, I decided towalked around the lodge checking out the animals and the new construction before heading out for the night. I made a conscience effort to spend a little time walking around the hotel each day so I could fully enjoy my experience.

Next Up Magic Kingdom EMHs

Updated Pictures

[Randypandy]

It sounds like you had a good time. I went to aquatica the other day and they close everything down when it rains and lightning hits. Did you get any good pins?

[terri.m]

You got some awesome pictures there! I can't wait to see more.

How did you like AKL? The lobby looks amazing!!

[Tink's Mom]

Sounds like your trip is off to a great start! Hope your luck continues.

[JPL]

How did you like AKL? The lobby looks amazing!!

I have always been a huge fan of the AKL and would stay there every trip if I could

[TinkRocks]

JP - I'm hiring you as my official trip photographer next time I'm in WDW...

Great pics!

[chrisb26]

Great report so far but you better hurry up. You only gave me about 8 or 9 days to finish for my entire 10 day trip which included pictures. Since you've been back for a few days already and haven't even finished the first day you better get moving.

Remember just because I'll be out of town doesn't mean I wont be able to check and make sure you are keeping up with your report

It's great so far can't wait for the rest!

[wizardmickey]

JPL:

I was a little disappointed that the Yeti was in it's "B" Show mode again.

What does that mean?
And what sort of camera are ya using & how much was it?
Oh yeah, nice pictures and great adventure... so far...

[JPL]

B show mode is when the Yeti doesn't move and they just flash strob lights at him to give the Illusion of movement it's really lame.


I have a Cannon Powershot S5 IS, It was $249 on Amazon

[TinkRocks]

I have a Cannon Powershot S5 IS, It was $249 on Amazon

Snap! I have the same camera!!

[WDWfanatic742]

I hate how they have kept the Yeti lately. I've ridden it like 10 times on three or four different trips and I have only seen it in A mode once and that was the first time I saw it. Yeah the strobes are all right but when the Yeti is attacking you it makes it seem so real.

[Patricia]

Awww.. I want to go to Animal Kingdom. We always have a great day there.


I love this picture..

http://s182.photobucket.com/albums/x...urrent=019.jpg

[Chescat]

That camera was worth it JP. Those pictures you've been putting up and I've seen have been awesome. The close up shots and the night shots.

[Blue Genie]

I'm going to be a Dino here and say. We want more trip reports get your butt in gear.

[JPL]

Ok here's the deal I am trying to keep the picture up to date with the report. I have about 100 or so MK pictures to fix before I can go onto part 3.