[DawnDenise]

Morning at the AK, a Terrific Lunch, and We Call an Audible

We slept in a bit and got up around 8:30am. We were at the bus stop by 9:15am and in the park by 9:45am. We grabbed some pictures of the AK Christmas tree and off course had Photopass there as well.



So we headed to security even though I only had my camera in a case that just surrounds the camera body. We make it through without an issue and get through the turnstiles. We headed straight to Asia as Everest was calling our name. We made it over to that area quickly and grabbed a FP. Stand-by was showing ten minutes so we just got in line, and we were boarding our train to see the Yeti before we knew it. After a great first ride, we headed over to Africa to do the Safari. Along the way, we ran into DeVine for the first time ever.



Along the way, we saw King Louie and Baloo out for a meet and greet. We initially got into line then a grouchy comment from a hungry husband made me get out of line and find something to tie his hunger over until lunch. We found some bananas and some drinks and went to sit down to get something in our bellies. After finishing off the banana, Chuck was much better and we headed over to the Safari and just went through stand-by as it was only showing a 10 minute wait. It was more like a walk-on because we walked right up to a Jeep for our 2 week journey. We saw a lot of animals but I won’t bore you with all of the pictures, just a few of my faves.





After the Safari, we decided to head back over to Asia to do the Maharajah Jungle Trek before going to lunch. We hadn’t done this trek since 2001 so I am glad we took the time to do this again. We got some good pictures and enjoyed it.





After our trek, we headed over to the Yak and Yeti to see if we could check in for our lunch. We had an 11:30am ADR and they went ahead and let us check in. Chuck took the camera and took some pictures of the surroundings. They seated us around 11:40am in the back room all by ourselves at a little table for two. Our server came over and got our drink orders and described what we could get on the dining plan. Chuck initially went for a Coke but once he saw my wonderful Yak Attack, he had to have one for himself. For an appetizer, Chuck went with the Wok-Fried Green Beans (battered green beans, sweet Thai chili dipping sauce) and I went with the Pork Pot Stickers (pan seared or steamed, soy lime dipping sauce). We both really enjoyed our appetizers. I even got to sneak a couple of green beans from Chuck. Chuck was impressed that I ate with chopsticks yet again. I was getting good at it.



We placed our order for our entrees once our appetizers where delivered. I decided to go with the Crispy Honey Chicken (tempura chicken, broccoli, carrots, honey sauce), and Chuck went with the Shaoxing Steak and Shrimp (skirt steak, tempura-battered shrimp, jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, chili plum dipping sauce). I had had the honey chicken via the counter service option and knew that I would enjoy it. Chuck enjoyed his as well but was impressed at the presentation more.



I skipped out on the dessert as I was beyond full but Chuck went with the Fried Wontons (Skewers of fresh pineapple and cream cheese wontons, vanilla ice cream, honey vanilla drizzle). He REALLY liked them as he wouldn’t even let me snag a bite. We settled the bill and headed out to Everest again after a quick pit stop. We used our FPs and within 5 minutes we were aboard the train again. We ended up buying the ride photo as once again, I had a scrapbook layout for this ride that I had planned. I hate that we were in the last row, but I’ll make it work.



We headed over to get in line for the Finding Nemo show because I knew Chuck would enjoy this show. We got a decent seat in the lower section and sat next to an adorable little girl and her mom. We spent the time waiting for the show to begin playing Find Nemo in the bubbles with the little girl. Well, I did. Chuck took a little happy nap. The show began about 30 minutes after we sat down. Chuck enjoyed the show and thought it was done very well, but he thought something was missing. Even today, he still cannot tell me what that thing is but still says it. Who knows! Here are some pictures from the show.





Now once we got out of the show, Chuck and I started talking about what we wanted to do. I told him we would miss the parade as we needed to head back to resort to get ready for dinner at the Artist Point. I told him of the plans after dinner and he said we needed to figure out something else for dinner. So we moved over to a bench and I called WDW Dining to see what we could find. If all else failed, we would grab counter service for dinner. We were able to snag an ADR for Tony’s Town Square since we were going to MK for EMH. We cancelled the Artist Point ADR (2nd trip I have cancelled this ADR, I will make it there!!) and headed on our way.

Coming Up: Lots of Characters, a Parade, and Another Audible