Up early (surprise, surprise) and put on the coffee. We decide to hit Animal Kingdom today. Tonight is the California Grill so our plan is to skip lunch in favor of a late breakfast at the Tusker House.

We’re at the bus stop by 8:15 and at the AK by 8:30 . We decide to do a little window-shopping at the Rainforest Café (RFC) before getting into line. I find pens, with animals on them, for sale at 2 for $10. A friend and co-worker of mine shares a theory with me that anything with a monkey in it is funny. Try it yourself. A priest and a rabbi walk into a bar… Not very funny, right? A priest, a rabbi and a monkey walk into a bar… Admit it. You’re smiling. Anyway, I decide to buy him a pen with a monkey eating a banana. I can hardly control my laughter as I pay for it (I can’t imagine what that sales girl told her family that night. “There was this guy with a monkey pen…”).

Barb hits the rest room and I wait for her outside. One of the other downsides to the oppressive humidity is that every time I leave an air-conditioned building and head outside, my glasses fog up. It takes them a good 5-10 minutes before they adjust and I can see again. I don’t use eyeglasses all the time but they really help with distances so I like to wear them at WDW. Unfortunately, this is really becoming a pain. It’s also affecting my camera lens.

We get in line at the turnstiles and, at 8:45 , enter slowly (damned MYW tickets). We spend a bit of time in the Oasis viewing a Chilean tarantula, held in a plastic case by a CM. We walk through the left side and catch a glimpse of the anteater as he/she is walking away. I scramble for my camera but, before I can get the fog wiped off the lens, the best I got was a shot of the anteater’s butt retreating around the corner. I hustled back down the hill and was rewarded with a full-length shot and the anteater walked directly in front of me. The CM commented that that is a rare picture because he/she is usually sleeping. I think the closest I’ve come before is when it’s rustling around in the vegetation toward the rear.

We wandered up and joined the crowd in front of the Tree of Life for rope drop. There were 2 couples, seniors, behind me and for 5-minutes all they did was gripe about waiting. One guy wanted to go under the rope and enter via the lane reserved for the Breakfastosaurus seating. They eventually said “Let’s go around” and walked over to the left to get around much of the crowd and make their way to the front of the line.

After the opening ceremony, we went in and veered right for It’s Tough To Be a Bug (ITTBAB). While walking through the uncrowded queue, we stopped occasionally to view some of the carvings in the tree. I got Barb to pose by the gorilla’s face for a picture. I was fumbling with the flash and Barb was pushing me to “Hurry up”. I finally got the shot and realized that about 6-8 people had stopped so as not to walk through our photograph. I pride myself on never holding people up so I can get a picture and was very apologetic to them.

We had about a five-minute wait in the theater ‘lobby’ which we used to, once again, enjoy the movie posters there. I noticed that, periodically, it appeared that there was a shadow of something (a bug?) that would appear on the wall by the doors – sort of reaching out at something or someone. I surmised it was a bug, in one of the ceiling crevices or holes, reaching for the people below. What a great effect and one I had never seen before. I was telling this to Barb when she informed me that two children were taking turns standing in front of the spotlight – that was the shadows I was seeing. D’oh!

We enjoyed ITTBAB but, apparently, not as much as the guy behind us. He was 30-something and he was laughing uproariously at every scene in the show. It’s nice to see someone really enjoy himself like that.

Next, we headed for a ride on Dinosaur which was a walk-on. After Dinosaur we decide to take the exit into the carnival for a spin on Primeval Whirl. There’s about a 5-minute wait and we ride with 2 other people (father and son). Each time I ride this, it seems like I spin more and faster than the previous one. I think we spun for a full minute this time.

We left this area and took the new (?) path up past Tarzan Rocks into Asia . We stopped so I could get a few photos of Expedition Everest. It appears that the exterior is almost complete and is very impressive. It looks like there’s forced perspective at work because it really looks authentic. There appears to be an old building (or temple?) to the left with a track that runs at an upward angle into the mountain. The only other visible evidence of a ride is the track that exits the mountain near the bottom. It’s at a very steep angle downward and appears to be a significantly banked turn. Should be fun.

We make our way through Asia and into Harambe. I grab 10:50 FPS for Kilamanjaro Safaris (KS) and we head to the Tusker House for breakfast. We each get the scrambled eggs breakfast with sausage. Barb goes for the coffee and I get an orange juice. We eat, relax and enjoy the AC.

As we leave, the group of dancers is outside (I never remember their name but it’s the group of African drummers and dancers that are very, very energetic). They have enlisted several guests to dance with them and they’re in the middle of a particularly vigorous number. Given the heat and humidity, I’m surprised several of the dancers haven’t keeled over.

We spend a few minutes shopping in the Marketplace, waiting for our FP time. I find some very nice carved animal figures – mostly elephants and giraffes. Barb likes them as well but we can’t figure out where we could display them so we pass.

On to the Safari where we walk past a huge standby line and board in about 10 minutes. I’ve heard so many different stories on when the animals are active – hot, cool, early, late, etc. I really don’t know what to expect. We see a lot of okapi, those large-horned cattle, zebras, etc. There are two cheetahs sitting up watching us. I’ve never before seem them not sleeping. The male and female lion are sitting on Pride Rock (not laying down) facing each other. But we only see one elephant (not counting Little Red). Our driver/guide was very good but actually had a brief argument with a guest in the back of the truck when he explained that zebras were black with white strips. The guest shouted “No they’re not”. The guide re-emphasized that zebras had black skin with white stripes. The guest shouted “No, they don’t”. The guide let it slide. He also made 3 announcements, early on; admonishing people that they needed to remain seated and keep their children in their seats. By the third announcement, he was calling people out – “especially you in the hat and red shirt”.

It was now about 11:30 and we decided to head out. We were going to Downtown Disney (DD) for some souvenir shopping and didn’t think a ride on Kali River Rapids would be a good idea. We hit the bus stops at 11:40 and decided to board the first bus we saw and then transfer to DD. We boarded a bus for the Contemporary – big mistake. I realize the Contemporary is not actually on the way to DD but I figured that there was no way to predict the arrival of a DD bus so any resort would do.

We waited for a driver change, then 5 minutes of just waiting before leaving. Then we had to make a stop at Typhoon Lagoon (might have been Blizzard Beach ) and got to the Contemporary at 12:10 . It took about 20 minutes for the DD bus to show and we had to make another waterpark stop and didn’t get to DD until after 1:00 . This is one of the few times that I wished I had rented a car and driven.

We shopped through the Christmas shop, looking for a Baby’s First Christmas ornament. I finally asked a CM and she said they were sold out (I’ve since tried shopping for one on-line with no success). We did find a suitable ornament that could be personalized but it wouldn’t be ready before we left tomorrow. I’ll need to look on-line for that as well.

We zipped through World of Disney and secured some souvenirs for the ‘kids’ including a plush Mickey for our soon-to-be-born grandson. It will go with the plush Pooh that Michelle already has on display in the nursery. We also picked up a CD and some shirts for Barb and me as well as a Mickey stick-it note pack with a magnet for the refrigerator. We checked out, using the AP for a 10% discount, and learned that because our purchase was over $75 we could buy a lithograph for $5. It was a rendering of the MK, with a dominant Castle, with many of the characters milling about. The bottom portion contained autographs from all the characters pictured. Now I’ll need to get a frame for it. I haven’t measured it yet but it appears to be an odd size.

We walked out of WoD and were hit immediately with the humidity. My glasses fogged, of course. We decided to head to Fulton ’s Crab House for a cold beverage. On a nicer, less sticky day, it would have been nice to sit outdoors but we opted for the bar instead. Barb had a Bud Lite and I had a Sam Adams. It was refreshing and relaxing to just sit there for a while, admiring the view and having our drinks.

When we finished, it was time for the walk back to the bus stops. Just as we neared the stops I saw a BW bus pulling away. Barb thought that was a good time to head back into the Marketplace to find a rest room so I went on and grabbed a bench at the bus stop. It was 20 minutes before we saw the next bus (another argument for the rental car) and we made our way back – after a stop at Typhoon Lagoon.

We hung out in the room, showered and dressed for the California Grill (CG). I know there’s been a lot of discussion about the new ‘business casual’ dress code at the CG. The only thing I was told when I made the reservation was ‘business casual’ and no jeans, cut-offs, tee shirts or torn clothing. In deference to the heat, I decided on shorts (a nice pair of khakis), a golf shirt and New Balance athletic shoes. The same things I typically wear to the parks. Barb went a bit nicer with a pair of slacks, a nice top and a pair of those strappy-type shoes (you can probably tell that women’s fashion is not my strong suit). In either case, we were both acceptable and fit in with the rest of the clientele.

We left the BW around 6:00 and caught a bus to the MK. We thought about the walking path to the Contemporary but by the time you walk from the bus stop back toward the MK to begin coming back for the path, you’re almost at the monorail station. I’m not sure if that last sentence makes any sense so let’s just say we rode the monorail to the Contemporary.

We went down to the second floor and checked in at about 6:40 – the reservation was for 7:10 . I asked politely if there was a window table available and indicated we’d be willing to wait a short while for one. The hostess called upstairs and asked and was informed there was one opening in 5 minutes. Would we like it? Sure. Hannah was called to escort us upstairs. I had noticed that she just completed escorting the previous couple so I asked if that was pretty much her job – just riding the elevator all night. She said it was.

Someone met us upstairs (host? Maitre ’D?) and said he would bring us to our table. I assumed the table was being prepared and asked if we had time for a drink at the bar. He said “Sure” and disappeared. We went to the bar and ordered a Tangeruay and Tonic (Barb) and a Belvedere martini (me). As we received our drinks, the host showed up and kind of hovered. I asked if we had time for this drink and he said “Take your time” but he continued to stand there. Finally, I asked if our table was now ready and should we take our drinks there and he said “That would be fine”. Sheesh! Why didn’t he just bring us to the table?

We were seated at an absolutely perfect table. From our seats we could see the Poly to the left, Grand Floridian at left center and Cinderella’s Castle in right center. Across the lake, looking toward the GF, we had the beginnings of a glorious sunset. It was perfect.

We sipped our drinks and chatted and our server, Charmaine, introduced herself. She’s from Clayton, New York (which I had never heard of), somewhere near Watertown . She was very pleasant and did a great job of explaining the restaurant, menus, and offering some fine suggestions. I imposed on her to take a photo of Barb and me and then took one of her which seemed to make her a bit embarrassed.

She delivered our menu, wine menu, reserve wine menu and dessert menu. A lot of reading material. I told her we would like to take our time in order to be here for Wishes at 9:00 and she said that was no problem. She said she’d leave us to our reading and stop back with some suggestions. When she stopped back, she ran through the appetizer menu and we settled on the BLT Flat Bread with Neuski's Bacon, Heirloom Tomatoes, and Lemon mayo. She told us that would take about 10 minutes and asked if we’d like another cocktail while that was being prepared and we said sure. My philosophy on martinis is that they’re like breasts – one’s not enough but three are too many.

When the appetizer appeared, we were glad we had agreed to share. It could have been dinner for one. It was very good and we did not finish it all. Charmaine returned and inquired about a first course and wine. I ordered the Heirloom Tomato Extravaganza - with tomato vinaigrette, domestic Camembert and basil oil while Barb had the Hearts of Romaine Salad with Green Goddess Dressing, aged parmesan, and sourdough croutons.

I had perused both wine lists. The Reserve list started at about $175 and went up quickly so I stuck with the other which was heavy in California wines (to be expected). There were only 2 wines on the list of reds that I had before so I asked Charmaine for a recommendation. She asked several questions about our tastes, our probable choice for entrée, etc. and left. She returned with an unopened Bezinger Cabernet Sauvignon, opened it and poured two half glasses for us to taste. I thought it excellent and expected her to simply leave the bottle. Instead she ran off saying she would bring a new one. All their wines are offered by the glass so, I assume, that first bottle went back behind the bar. One interesting note, her recommended wine was less expensive than the two bottles I told her I was considering.

The first course arrived. Barb’s was a variation on the Caesar Salad and presented nicely. Barb said it was very good. The Tomato Extravaganza was a stack of thick tomato slices, alternating toasted bread, garnished with the Camembert and covered with the oil and vinaigrette. It was outstanding in presentation and taste.

For entrees, we debated and wound up ordering the Oak-fired Beef Filet with Three Cheese Potato Gratin, asparagus, and Tamarind Barbecue Sauce for Barb. I had the Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Creamy Goat Cheese Polenta, Cremini Mushrooms, Zinfandel Glaze and Sage. I thought mine was excellent until Barb let me sample her filet – maybe the best I’ve tasted.

I never had to touch the wine bottle during the entire meal. Charmaine did an excellent job of providing top-notch service without being intrusive. I did notice that there were a couple of wine ‘drips’ on the tablecloth near the bottle. One was, and I’m not making this up, a perfect Hidden Mickey. Barb agreed and when I called it to Charmaine’s attention, she smiled but didn’t seem to have a clue. For some unknown reason, I neglected to take a photo.

We were stuffed but Charmaines’s dessert suggestion, Chocolate Lava Cake with PB&J Ice Cream, convinced us to order it to share. We also ordered 2 coffees which unfortunately, even at the CG, were ‘freshly-brewed Nescafe’. While scarfing down dessert, we saw, for the first time ever, the Electrical Water Pageant floats as they set up in the lake below.

The check arrived and, after the DDE 20% discount, and including tax it came to $161. Considering we each had a cocktail, wine, appetizer, etc., I thought it a good value. The service was outstanding.

I had paid the check and received change when Wishes began. The music played clearly in the restaurant but they did not dim the lights (as I thought they would). I left Charmaine a generous and well-deserved tip and we hustled outside onto a crowded deck. I did manage to get a great photo of the heart-shaped firework. The deck we were on was long and narrow and unlike the one I remembered from an unsanctioned visit one afternoon in 2003. There seemed to be another deck across from us but, when I tried a door to get there, I saw another dining room that did have the lights dimmed. I thought it would be disruptive to wander through there so we didn’t. I saw so little of the layout of the restaurant, that I was unaware of this other dining room.

Once Wishes had concluded we returned to the restaurant to say thanks and goodbye to Charmaine but we couldn’t find her. We took a crowded elevator downstairs and out the door. There were 3 waiting taxi/vans so we grabbed one for a $15 ride back to the BW. I thought that would be a wiser choice than heading to the MK and fighting the post-Wishes crowds for a bus. Our conversation with the female driver centered on ME. She shared the same opinions as our Town Car driver. She told us her husband was also a driver and, previous to ME, made 3-4 airport runs per day. He’s now making 2 per week.

Back at the BW, we visited Lobby Concierge and had them print out our boarding passes for tomorrow’s flight. We decided to finish out the evening with a nightcap (OK, it was two) at the Belle Vue Room before turning in.

Things I Think I Think - I still think monkeys are funny. I think I enjoy the AK a bit more with each visit. I think I normally have very good luck with the WDW transportation system – but not getting to DD today. I think the California Grill is an excellent restaurant and one that I hope to visit again. I think I could end every day with Wishes and the Belle Vue Room (is that becoming redundant? Nope. I made it Wishes this time). I think 4 nights / 5 days is too short a trip – we leave tomorrow.

Day 5...

Recommend this page to a friend

Visit our Message Boards