Heat, humidity and a great Mother/Daughter trip! A May TR **TR Update 12/10**

[afwdwfan]

You really had a nice day at MK. I really thought it would be way crazier with the long day, but it didn't seem like crowds interfered too much. I don't blame you for leaving around midnight. I'd be about ready to crash by then anyway, and you really got a lot done by then.

The Wild Africa tour looks amazing. Thanks for sharing pictures of it, and I look forward to seeing more. Those pictures of Hans make hippos look completely harmless...

 

[PhoenixStrength]

This Tour looks incredible! And your pictures are amazing. I have been toying with the idea of surprising my DD with this tour. If I get some extra work I might just be able to manage it!

I am also a picky eater, so I can relate to how your mom was feeling.

Your pictures are amazing, oh wait, I said that already?

Thanks, the tour is incredible! This was actually my second time doing this tour, but my Mom's first. I say definitely do the tour if you can afford it, it's wonderful.

The food is unusual on the tour, but good. I have pictures of it coming up.

Thanks again!

Great update and great photos...especially the hippos.

I so want to do this next trip with Mark. He was a little leery because of his weight, but I keep telling him now that he's lost weight that he will be okay.

I can't wait to see more of it.

Thank you!

You guys should definitely do the tour. I'm sure Mark will be fine, weight-wise, especially with losing weight.

I have a TON of giraffe pictures coming up in the next update (possibly tonight!) just for you!

You really had a nice day at MK. I really thought it would be way crazier with the long day, but it didn't seem like crowds interfered too much. I don't blame you for leaving around midnight. I'd be about ready to crash by then anyway, and you really got a lot done by then.

The Wild Africa tour looks amazing. Thanks for sharing pictures of it, and I look forward to seeing more. Those pictures of Hans make hippos look completely harmless...

It was crowded that day but not terribly so. Some rides had crazy lines (like everyone's favorite, IaSW that had a 40 minute line so we skipped it!) and some had almost none. It was certainly busier after Wishes than it normally would be, but the crowds were managable.

Hans is pretty nice, for a Hippo at least! Obviously we were far above him and had food we threw at him, so he had no reason to come after us. Actually Mel did say he was the nicest male hippo they ever had there and was easy to handle.

 

[PhoenixStrength]

DAY 5, SATURDAY DECEMBER 24TH, PART 2

Once our group got done visiting Hans, Henry and Mel we moved on to the part of the tour that made Mom the most nervous, walking across the rope and wood plank bridges. She knew they were safe, but she's afraid of heights and has bad balance, so they still made her uneasy. The guides do show you all of the safety features and there is a semi-complex way they hook up each person to ensure safety, so that helped her feel better. One of our guides, I forget which one at this point, went over first to get pictures of everyone as they walked across, and she took some pictures as she went.












Once she was across and ready to take pictures the mother of the young boys went first, then her 2 boys each went, followed by the other mother/daughter team. I asked Mom if she'd rather go before or after me, and she said she'd go after me so she could watch me cross to help her feel better. I took one picture from the platform while I waited my turn to cross:






And then I was signaled to go and I started to make my way over. At one point a KS vehicle went right under me, so I quickly got a picture of that. Sorry for the lens cap showing, I had very little time to snap the picture while looking down!






And I got one picture of the female hippo area that was to my left






About halfway across they let the next person start going, so I stopped to turn and get a picture of Mom as she got going.






And our guide took some pictures of me as I crossed too!















And she took ones of Mom too!












There are two bridges to cross, one going across the hippo enclosure, then there is a platform to wait on to cross the second, which goes at a 90 degree angle to the other and over the Nile Crocodiles. While we waited for my turn to cross that bridge the guide took a picture of Mom and I together.






Once I was given the all clear I made my way over the second bridge. The first picture I took was of one of the waterfalls in the crocodile enclosure.






This next picture is of a lone crocodile I saw that was as far toward the hippo enclosure as they could get. I later found out that this is the alpha/boss crocodile of the group and he almost always hangs out by himself. He is also their biggest crocodile.






When I said this bridge goes over the crocodile enclosure, I mean right over it! You can see the side of the bridge I was on while taking this on the bottom right of the first picture









Mom once again started while I was about halfway across, and here are the pictures I got of her:












On the ending platform after the second bridge there was the crocodile expert, Joshua, who also had a camera and took our pictures as we crossed.












CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST

 

[PhoenixStrength]

One more picture of Mom from Joshua!





If it looks like he was above us, well, he was! There is an upper platform there to unhook us from the safety line so he was up there the whole time so he could release us all. One by one as we came across we were unhooked and then sent down a set of steps to wait for everyone else at the bottom. While I waited I did get a few pictures!









In the first picture you can see the bar system that we were hooked up to once everyone was across, the same as for the hippos. I was able to get some great pictures of the crocs, some of which were right below us, once we were on the lines.




































They look so sedentary from KS, but there were quite a few moving around a lot, especially the ones you see in the water in my pictures. We were there about 10-15 minutes while Joshua told us some interesting facts






I won't give everything away, but the most interesting thing two things I learned about their particular crocodiles are that they are 28 males. As Joshua said if there was even one female in that pen they would have 0 crocodiles within a couple of hours! The second interesting fact is that WDW is the first, documented at least, to train crocodiles to come to a sound. If you don't know, all of the animals at AK are trained to come in at night to a sound that is different for each species. Their crocs are the first to do that!

Before we moved on the guides took pictures of each group with the crocs visible in the background. Here is the one of Mom and I, and one picture from Mora of the whole croc area.









Once we were all unhooked from the croc bar we got another group shot, this time with both guides since Joshua was there to take it!






We bid Joshua goodbye and were allowed to take off our vests, since that portion of the tour was done with. We were also given cool rags since it was very hot and humid once again, and filled our water containers. Next up we headed for a short walk thru the woods. Every once in a while there was a break in the trees and you could see out onto the savannah part of KS, which was our next stop! I spotted a couple of animals so I took quick pics as we walked.















After about a 2 minute walk we were at our ride vehicle for the savannah part of the tour. It's similar to the KS part, except we can pull off on the extra roads to get more picture opportunities instead of having to continue like you do on KS. I forget our driver's name but he was great and knew lots about the area and which animal was which (like, their names, not just species!).






Mom and I took quick pictures of each other as we got settled in the open air ride vehicle...









CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST

 

[PhoenixStrength]

Once we were all seated comfortably and had our cool rags out we found a break in the KS vehicles and headed out on the roadway. Kathy, I think you'll love these next pictures, as the giraffes were all out and ready for some photos!














































Had enough yet? I hope not, because at this point we pulled over to an off-shoot road and were surrounded by giraffes so we got even more pictures!
























There was one giraffe who was standing right behind our vehicle, so the guides thought it would be cool to get each group's picture with the giraffe behind us. This giraffe was so unaffected by us being there that she was sleeping standing at one point! Oh, and this giraffe's name is Stephanie!!!






Most of Mora's pictures look similar to mine, but she did get a few really good ones. The first picture is of Stephanie the giraffe, and then there are some others she got!












CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST

 

[PhoenixStrength]

A few more of Mora's pictures:


















Once we had plenty of giraffe and Sable Antelope pictures we pulled back onto the road and continued on the safari where we saw Wildebeest, Patterson's Eland and Ankole Cattle. First up are my pictures


















The only two pictures of Mora's from here are of the Patterson's Eland, so here they are!









NEXT TIME: LUNCH BREAK!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Bless your Mama's heart! She crossed those bridges like a pro and even got brave and took pictures. I'm not so sure that I could have done that.

Speaking of pictures, your's are fantastic! They were so close up that you could really tell a difference in the patterns of their skin.

 

[Valgoof]

Awesome pics!!! I love that the guides take pictures too. I carry a camera but usually forget to take any pictures.

 

[KatMark]

Steph, that's it! If I have to do the tour myself, I am doing it on our next trip. Love the crock pictures, and obviously I LOVE LOVE LOVE the giraffe pictures...especially Stephanie...she's so cute.

Thank you for sharing this. I'm going to have Mark look at it tomorrow and see if I can convince him.

 

[PhoenixStrength]

Bless your Mama's heart! She crossed those bridges like a pro and even got brave and took pictures. I'm not so sure that I could have done that.

Speaking of pictures, your's are fantastic! They were so close up that you could really tell a difference in the patterns of their skin.

The bridges look a bit scary, but are so very safe! You are hooked in above, there are a few boards missing for theming but no big gaps at all and there is a net underneath just in case you did slip and the line above failed too. So you are triple-safe crossing them. I think that whenever you do finally do this tour you'll take some pictures too once you get comfortable!

Thank you! You are quite close so getting good pictures isn't too hard.

Awesome pics!!! I love that the guides take pictures too. I carry a camera but usually forget to take any pictures.

Thanks! The guides taking pictures is definitely a bonus!

Steph, that's it! If I have to do the tour myself, I am doing it on our next trip. Love the crock pictures, and obviously I LOVE LOVE LOVE the giraffe pictures...especially Stephanie...she's so cute.

Thank you for sharing this. I'm going to have Mark look at it tomorrow and see if I can convince him.

I hope Mark decides to do the tour with you! You get so many opportunites to see all of the animals for much longer than just riding KS. And I have even more giraffe pictures coming up in the next update!

 

[debsters41]

Ok, now I am obsessed with doing this tour! Thank you, thank you, thank you for the in depth report of it! It is something that has been lurking in the back of my mind, but I have now decided that this is going to be the 'surprise' that I will have for my traveling companion (DD)! Thank you! Now, I need to find some extra work

You have an engaging smile, by the way

Looking forward to seeing the lunch (so I know if we will also be hitting Pizzafari beforehand )

 

[ElsasMom]

28 male crocs! WOW. I think it's amazing how used to people the animals are. great pictures! Yay AK adventures!

 

[PhoenixStrength]

Ok, now I am obsessed with doing this tour! Thank you, thank you, thank you for the in depth report of it! It is something that has been lurking in the back of my mind, but I have now decided that this is going to be the 'surprise' that I will have for my traveling companion (DD)! Thank you! Now, I need to find some extra work

You have an engaging smile, by the way

Looking forward to seeing the lunch (so I know if we will also be hitting Pizzafari beforehand )

I'm so glad you will be doing this with your daughter, I'm sure she will love it and so will you!

Thank you!

Lunch picture will be coming up in the next update!

28 male crocs! WOW. I think it's amazing how used to people the animals are. great pictures! Yay AK adventures!

Yes, they are all quite used to people since they've been there for years (mostly).

 

[PhoenixStrength]

DAY FIVE, SATURDAY MAY 24TH, PART 3​

After exploring and taking lots of pictures of the animals of the savannah we continued on along the roadway that KS takes. We passed by the baboons and they were actually within view!












Mora got a good picture of one of them too!






The male elephant was out, but turned around and in the back corner so we kept going to the female and baby elephants. We couldn't see them very well at first, though I was able to get a few pictures.















We went up around a dirt trail right after the elephants and flamingos and up to the building overlooking the savannah for our lunch break! We all took turns using the rest room first and refilling our water bottles while the guides got everything together for us. They checked to make sure no one had food allergies and then went inside to get the meals. While we waited I took some more pictures of both the savannah animals and the elephants, which is all visible from us there!






























Then it was time for lunch! Here is what the standard lunch meal looks like. I'll explain what is what (they I remember at least!) after the picture.






In the left bin is a fruit salad, prosciutto and salmon thinly sliced and a curry chicken salad that was DELICIOUS! In the right bin is some bread, shrimp, a salmon roll over jicama salad and some type of humus. I ate the chicken salad, fruit salad, some of the prosciutto and humus. Mom loved the shrimp but I'm not a shrimp fan. Overall it was pretty good for a snack at least, and if you liked all the food it would have been a good meal! Oh, and we got Jambo Juice to drink, which I LOVE!

While we all ate the guides both took some pictures of the animals, so here they are!





















The guides also took a few pictures of the groups, sitting at the tables eating as well as at the balconies overlooking the savannah






CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST

 

[PhoenixStrength]

The other two pictures of us!









While some people finished eating and took final bathroom breaks I took a few more pictures of the elephants, who were spraying water and dirt on themselves, and then walked to the back of the building to see the next section and take a few more pictures of them!

































As I walked back around to the savannah side of the building the guides were having the stragglers line up for the pictures on the railing that Mom and I had already done. Since they still needed time to finish those I took a bunch more pictures of the savannah animals. Kathy, here are more of your giraffes!















The giraffes were on the far side, near the beginning of that section when you do KS, but started to all walk toward our area. I'm sure the truck filling their food stations near us had nothing to do with it!















Mom and her baby boy even started to run over to get a good amount!












These giraffes actually weren't all that close to each other, I just took the picture at the right moment as they passed.









CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST

 

[PhoenixStrength]

More savannah animal pictures!




























We loaded back in the vehicle then and pulled out along the path in front of the building. As we drove passed the flamingos we waved hello to a CM that was in there checking on them.






Next up were the white rhinos!









We almost didn't see any cheetahs and went past them, but there was a delay ahead so we stopped and as we kept looking we finally found them in the top corner, in a spot you can only see if you turn around. One was still pretty hidden, but here is the other!






There were no lions out, but there was a zebra at the base of their rocks.






Pumbaa!






Ok, maybe not, seeing as how that was a female, but maybe it was a relative

Lastly we went through the newest section, with the Addax and yellow billed storks!















And with that our Wild Africa Trek tour was over. Oh, wait, one more thing! When we walked back up to the lockers to retrieve our things we were given a rock each. Part of the cost of the tour gets donated to one of several animal conservation charities. I cannot remember all of the options, there are 4 or 5, but I remember one for the big cats and one for rhinos. I think one is elephants but I'm not 100% on that. Anyway, each person gets to put their rock in the bin of the charity where they want their portion of money to go and Disney divvies it up that way.

You get to keep the mug you use on the tour, which is a nice metal one with the Wild Africa Trek logo on it. And your name tag too!






Mom and I had a FP+ to get to next, but it wasn't too far!


NEXT TIME: MORE ANIMALS, LIVING AND EXTINCT!!

 

[KatMark]

I keep going up and down on this update just so I can see the giraffes over and over again.

And the baby elephant...oh he is just so precious.

I'd have to be sure to eat a really good meal BEFORE the Trek because, unfortunately, none of that food appeals to me (although I do love that Jungle Juice).

Okay, I have to leave now because I have to go back and look at the giraffes and elephants again.

Serioulsy, AWESOEM pictures, Steph.

 

[awalker1015]

LOVE your trip report! So many great photos I fell like I am there! We are headed to CBR for a week at the end of March. Never stayed there before and your pictures make me excited to!

Sorry about your grandfather and your pup. Dealing with both of those issues is so hard

 

[PhoenixStrength]

I keep going up and down on this update just so I can see the giraffes over and over again.

And the baby elephant...oh he is just so precious.

I'd have to be sure to eat a really good meal BEFORE the Trek because, unfortunately, none of that food appeals to me (although I do love that Jungle Juice).

Okay, I have to leave now because I have to go back and look at the giraffes and elephants again.

Serioulsy, AWESOEM pictures, Steph.

I will say the giraffes were all around us the first time I did WAT too! And I agree, the baby elephant is a endearing. He was having a good time covering himself in water and dirt!

I love the Jungle Juice too! I'd say eating beforehand is a good idea. The food stop is like 2/3-3/4 of the way through anyway, so even if you liked the food eating beforehand would keep you from being too hungry while you wait!

Thanks!

LOVE your trip report! So many great photos I fell like I am there! We are headed to CBR for a week at the end of March. Never stayed there before and your pictures make me excited to!

Sorry about your grandfather and your pup. Dealing with both of those issues is so hard

Thank you!

Be sure to check out the official CBR thread if you haven't already, lots of great pictures and info there too.

Thank you, it is hard but Phoenix is still doing well for now so that helps!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Wow, so many animals were out despite the fact that it was the middle of the day and hot. Great job on getting pictures of them all! I'm not so sure that I'd enjoy that lunch but the presentation is very unique and cute.