Zawadi's Safari To The Magic (Day 8/7)

[Zawadi]

Sat 14 Dec 2013 - Animal Kingdom & Home
So, this is Day 8/7! We've been here for 7 nights (8 days)

The two main objectives for the day were check out by 11:00 and leave for the airport at 15:00. So what to do in the middle? The closest park is Animal Kingdom so we'd go there but to do what? FP+ for Safari, Finding Nemo and Everest.

The day started early to get ready and finish packing. As DW got ready I went to the Mara to get some cinnamon rolls.

We left our room at 10:00, left the bags at the bell desk and headed to the AK. Our last Safari beckoned. There was a delay in loaded, a small issue of no trucks. There must have been a animal on the road out on the savannah. I decided not to a take any more photos on this ride. MISTAKE!!! The lions were close to the road, a purr-fect shot Oh well! We'll have to make do with the 500+ animal shots that we've already taken!

After the safari we headed to Nemo, via the Maharajah Trek to see the tigers. One tiger was out. It was lying down and as we watched it started to have a wash then roared. More fantastic photos.

At the FP+ return for the 12:00 showing of Nemo, the family in front of us got blue scans. The CM was extremely polite in asking if they had made a reservation. Our scans worked and we found a seat next to the runway that leads out from the stage. For the first time we noticed a man and woman standing in front of the stage and they signed the entire show. We really enjoy this show.

It was then onto Everest before lunch at Pizzafari. As I was walking with the tray I tripped at the table one one of the Cokes went flying. Fortunately it spilt away from me. I started to mop the table but a CM simply told me to move to another table whilst he cleaned up my mess. As soon has he'd finished he came over, asked what I had then got me another one. How kind is that? The sandwich was nice even if a bit soggy.

Then it was time for our final Disney ride - the bus back to the AKL We had a final look out from Arusha Rock before leaving for the airport.

We found the Quicksilver driver, parked up under the Porte-Cochere, holding a name board. The bags were loaded into the escalade and we got in. The journey from hell then started. First I noticed that the dashboard was dead, so the driver had not idea of either engine speed (rpm) or road speed (mph). He also drove like a mad man. At one point he over took a line of two motor coaches. The first on the right before squeezing between them to overtake the second on the left. We also had an accent issue and he couldn't understand us saying "British Airways". We were so glad to get out at the airport. We have never had this sort of experience with Quicksilver before.

The line for economy check in as enormous, but our club line was non-existent. Cases checked, a final look around the Earport store before heading through security. We had been given "preferred line" rights but the portion of this line between passport check and x-ray was closed so we were back in with the masses.

In the Delta lounge, we got talking with another couple and he worked for Disney IT on FP+. He took notes of our experiences and asked for an email address so that he could follow up. There was a hint that the one park restriction on FP+ will be removed within the next 2 years.

The flight has half an hour late leaving. DW watched Planes whilst I watched Wolverine. After the meal, it was lights out.

In the last few days we have started to warm to FP+. On the downside:

* Single park
* 1 major / 2 minor rides split (we were not affected since we booked before this came in)
* 20% return scan success rate is not good
* app is not easy to use when changing both experience and time

On the positive side:

* ability to change even if you miss the window
* opens up reservations for shows
* ability to reserve a timeslot instead of the next window
* hint that it might go multi park
* concentrate on quality instead of quantity

Sad to say but it is going to be at least 2015 before we return to WDW. We are fortunate enough to be able to return, several times since 1998. There are many people who never get to experience it.

We hope that these ramblings have given you a humorous insight in to our week. So for now, enjoy this festive season and all the best for 2014.

See ya real soon!

[yjgirl32]

Thanks for sharing.

[badkitty]

Great report, Zawadi! Thank you for the details. It was almost like being there. Now the planning continues for CA and HI.

[ibelieveindisneymagic]

Thanks for the great reports! I really enjoyed them.

[MississippiDisneyFreak]

Great reports, thanks so much

[Zawadi]

Thanks for reading.

As a bonus here are some scenic pics on photobucket

[faline]

Thanks for taking us along on your trip!! Enjoyed following you around!!

I hope you've contacted Quicksilver to discuss your experience with your driver.

[Zawadi]

I hope you've contacted Quicksilver to discuss your experience with your driver.

Yes we have.

I was shocked to find out that they knew 2 days earlier that the speedometer on the vehicle was dead but still allowed the vehicle on the road as they considered the issue to be a "minor" defect.