Yeah, well that's like, just your opinion, man

There is no crisis that systematic, intelligent insight can't make more confusing for some of us. Let's clear this up for those in need.

[rcw1956speaks]

Merida

Character encounters are one of the truly enjoyable experiences at the Magic Kingdom. There is nothing more fun than watching kids (and adults!) meeting their favorite characters from Disney films over many years.

Brave is one of my favorite Disney films. Merida, voiced by Kelly Macdonald, is a princess and heroine that runs contrary to the traditional Disney stereotype. So, with time on the hands, we decided to go see Merida.  Many years ago, when my daughter was much younger, we scoured the parks for characters to meet, get autographs (for those who can sign), and of course, pictures.

The cast member portraying Merida was outstanding. She captured her strength, kind heart, and mischievous personality. She asked if I was a father and had a daughter, and just “what kind of father was I? Was I like hers?”  Without spoilers, I let her know I was proud that my daughter was pursuing her dream of working as a teacher in Beijing, China. She was delighted and hoped she had all sorts of adventures.  A charming fun character interaction, one of the best.  

[rcw1956speaks]

Day 2: Magic Kingdom

Disney’s Magic Kingdom is a true conundrum. The first of Walt Disney’s parks in Florida, it remains the core of the Disney parks enterprise, and the destination for millions of children and adults from all over the world.

And on this day, it seemed that they all showed up to enjoy the home base of Mickey Mouse.  If you have been to Magic Kingdom during peak summer hours, then you understand what this means.  Extra Magic Hours kept the park open until 11:00P for Disney resort guests, and all seemed intent on taking advantage of them.

In short, this was as disappointing day as one can have at Walt Disney World.

But it started out so nicely .....

The park was festively decorated for Halloween, and the crowds on Main Street were happy and energetic. Disney has a new policy that allows people into the park an hour before opening and wander around Main Street and its many shops and eateries.

We kicked off our day with a character visit while waiting for our Fastpasses for Peter Pan’s Flight and Winnie-the-Pooh. Off we went to the greeting area for Merida, toward the back of the Castle.

Along the way, a quick look at Tomorrowland form the castle bridge. 

[rcw1956speaks]

Tree of Life Awakenings

Anyone who has been to Disney’s Animal Kingdom is familiar with the Tree of Life, the iconic symbol that dominates entry to the park.

Being Disney, of course it is not a “real“ tree but an elaborate replica whose concept embodies the core theme of Animal Kingdom. Hence the elaborate carvings of that are presented as you queue for “Tough to be a Bug“ attraction. BTW, the 3-D, multi-sensory attraction is a lot of fun, and most times you can walk right in with minimal waits.

At night, Disney presents the tree in an evolving light and projection show, Tree of Life Awakenings. The lighting and images are dramatic and beautiful, and well worth hanging around the park near closing time. Here is a quick sample of the images from this event.

Park is closing. Along with our lovely parting gifts shown below, time to head back to Riverside. Tomorrow is Early Magic Hours at Magic Kingdom. 

[rcw1956speaks]

Lions at night

We began our lion encounter from the balcony of the pavilion just before dinner.

I have been to Animal Kingdom and rode Kilimanjaro Safari many times, and I have never seen a lion and lioness together like this.

It was almost as if  he was telling us “This is the picture you want ....”

After dinner, on the way home, we encountered the entire pride ....

On the whole, this was a terrific experience. Four years ago, I did the Wild Africa Trek and I enjoyed this tour just as much or more. It was a small group, great cast guides (Shout out to Jess and hope she’s on your tour). Leave you with a final look at vista you enjoy at a leisurely pace (compared to Kilimanjaro)

[rcw1956speaks]

Savoring the Savanna at Animal Kingdom

Savor the Savanna is one of those “Extra Magic“ events that require a separate ticket in addition to the entry to Animal Kingdom park. Annual pass in use.

This is night time safari experience that includes a tapas meal at a venue literally out in the middle of the savanna that Disney maintains at the giant Animal Kingdom reserve that is the heart of the park. If you have experienced the Savanna on the Kilimanjaro Safari attraction,  this  experience goes “off the beaten track“ to view a wider area and the animals active at night. You also enjoy a VERY leisurely pace compared with the ride attraction.

Of course, hippos are an early featured attraction ....

Close encounters with the alligators ...

As we head to the dining area on the savanna, we meet Ace, an Acholi longhorn bull.  Ace came running across the savanna bellowing about not getting enough to eat and confronted the Disney cast member who he believed could remedy the problem ....

He got a couple of extra banana leaves.  This proved unacceptable and he proceeded to plead his case loudly to our bus before galloping off.

It appears Ace was anxious to get back to his “girls“ as we met up with him again on our way for dinner.

We also encountered other inhabitants of the Savanna as the sun set ....

Giraffes, including a mother and young calf

Elephants, who were more interested in their Halloween pumpkin treat than visiting with humans.

Snacks and dinner came at a pavilion with central view of the savanna. The food was prepared by Yak at Yeti restaurant and came in ... yes! Tiffins! These are multi-layer canisters that are the safari “lunch box” for guests on tours like this one.

The menu consisted of a delicious fresh fruit salad with a mint dressing, the incredible curry chicken salad (a Y&Y specialty that appears exclusively on these tours), a roasted pepper hummus, spicy shrimp on Asian slaw, and a smoked salmon mouse roll served on noodles. Even the flower was edible, and the entire meal was delightful. Of course, the accompanying beverages were plentiful as well ....

Our cast member guides were perfect hosts and we enjoyed getting to know them and getting insights on the animals and the park.  The twilight was closing in and with it a trek to encounter lions in their most active time.

[rcw1956speaks]

Disney 2017

If you were expecting something serious, deep with very insightful analytics, you will get your fill soon enough. Instead ….

We will kick off with the 2017 return to Disney World after a three year absence.  Lots has changed since the last visit, but the Epcot Food and Wine Festival remains the centerpiece of the 2017 adventure.  

Personally, my first trip to Disneyland was in June, 1963. The Enchanted Tiki Room was only few weeks old and made a lifetime mark.  The show in Orlando is based on the original show, so a commemorative visit will have to occur.

[loud groans in the background]

Attractions are coming and GOING at the World in the last year. More on that later, but looking forward to Pandora - The World of Avatar at Animal Kingdom(favorite park now).  And there’s that Banshee ride ……

OK …. SO first day is road trip, check-in, then Savor the Savana night safari.

Let’s do this.

On the Road

It’s a 5 ½ to 6 hour drive from the house in the Florida Panhandle to Orlando and Disney. Since its a Sunday, looks like an interstate heavy route using I10, I75 and then some back door roadways into WDW.

Checking in and exploring Port Orleans - Riverside

This is a very busy week in the World. At the end of the week there are the runDisney Marathon Events that draw thousands. The Food and Wine Festival heads in to it final two weeks. And, Disney is taping all of its holiday special TV shows on premises.  Due to price and availability, we ended up staying on property at Port Orleans Riverside. We lucked out.

More to come in a later entry. Beautifully themed resort based on antebellum Mississippi River and towns.

Next Stop .... Savor the Savanna night safari at Animal Kingdom.

[rcw1956speaks]

After a slow start ...

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This entry is boring context on why this place exists and what to expect of it. If you are like a majority of the USA electorate, you will likely be satisfied to skip it for more thrilling pictures and less literary content

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I quietly and in a fumbling manner started this  blog in 2014. Approaching retirement after 40-plus years in Academia, I thought this would give me something to do AND act as an outlet for experiences, ideas and expression now that I had time on my hands. So incredibly naïve and silly for someone who has been on the planet for over fifty years.

Lots of things happened. Some of which you may read about someday. Others, probably not.  Let’s just say the whole “press reset” of life thing took a longer path.

Initially, I debated various social media channels for this “outlet” and decided that, I really wasn't interested in selling things or building a “hugly” mass of minions awaiting anything that came out of me. I concluded that most social media is no better than headline alerts one can get from Google or the better news sources. For me, those are exclusively AP, BBC, Reuters, USA Today and PolitiFacts.

I have subsequently learned the Twitter accounts of Stephen Fry, J. K. Rowling, Mark Oshiro, Brian Kenny and many others who write for a living are wonderful. That's not me however.

What turned me to Tumblr and blogging was something my daughter put together for her semester abroad and subsequent work life in Beijing, Peoples Republic of China. Unlike her present-at-the creation-of-the-Internet father, she is a true Internet Jedi who frequents lots of great sites with good writing, interesting people and pictures.

Her influence was sufficient to make me look at Tumblr as my quick fix, and well here it is. Like Bob Dylan, I am not here to tell you what anything means. I’ll give this a go until one of us thinks its gone on WAY too long. You will see things I find interesting hopefully presented in ways that make you laugh, cry, get angry, but most of all think about what the “things” mean to you and why they mean anything at all.

Let’s finish with introductory drivel and GET ON WITH IT (as one of my heroes, Graham Chapman used to scream in the middle of a sketch going nowhere).

[rcw1956speaks]

In case your initial confusion rests with the title of the blog .... before this gets any further along let's make sure we attribute source properly.