Up, up, UP! We've got pre-park opening breakfast reservations!
Mac wasn't too hard to find. I think he was making a statement about the Glow With the Show ears.
Since I didn't critique the Glow With the Show ears in the last entry, I'll take a minute to do so now. When your kid sees them, they are going to want them. Just like every other light up thing ever invented. Here is what you need to know. First, they cost $25. Each. Next, because of the battery pack in the middle of the headpiece, they are not comfortable to wear. Yes, the battery pack is cushioned in foam... but, that results in there not being enough "skull cap" space for it to fit over your head. It is more propped on top of your head and wants to slide off to one side or the other. Third, the kids can't see what the ears are doing once they are on their head. My boys spent their own souvenir money on them (grandparents are good at giving them their own money to spend) and they spent most of the day carrying them around, only wore them during Fantasmic and the Osborne Lights, and then never touched them again. My suggestion? If you are going to get them, get them inside the amphitheater for Fantasmic (they have CMs walking the aisles selling them) and be prepared for them to be a single-use souvenir. They blink different colors when away from the shows, so that may be more fascinating to some kids than others.
Moving on...
We caught the first Animal Kingdom bus.
Everyone was a little draggy. The kids don't normally stay up past 9:30pm, but the night before we were a bit later than that getting settled in. I wasn't too worried. I knew this would be a short day for us. AK was only open until 6pm, so we couldn't have stayed late even if we wanted to.
We arrived at the park.
Had our reservation checked on the list and then we were in.
Straight with the few others already in the park to Tusker House.
We checked in and were assured that the credit card number on file would not be charge a no-show fee. Yeah, I would hope not since, you know, we showed up.
We were herded off to the side for a picture with Donald.
This is your only chance to "meet" Donald. He does not circle the tables inside. They will try to sell you a photo package with this picture before you are done with your breakfast. It's a $30 package, but we had the Photopass+ so they handed it to us for free (Well, not "free". It was included in the purchase price I already paid. You know what I mean.)
Sidenote: I have seen a side by side comparison of Photopass+ and Memory Maker. Here's the deal. You can pre-purchase Memory Maker for the same $149 price, but you can do so up to 3 days before your trip (Photopass+ had to be purchase 14 days in advance). It will be linked to your Magic Band, so no stopping at Exposition Hall for the card on a lanyard. You do NOT get the printed pictures at Tusker House, Chef Mickey's, Hoop-de-doo, O'hana, etc. with Memory Maker. You get the digital version linked to your Magic Band. Memory Maker does NOT include a CD. You get unlimited downloads, but if you want a backup CD with your pictures you have to cough up an additional $30. Photopass+ has been replaced by Memory Maker, so if you are going in the future you'll be using Memory Maker. We were among the last people issued a Photopass+ card. The CM at Exposition Hall told me so.
So, with our required photo op (like I would have skipped it?) out of the way, we turned in our pager (it was already flashing) and were shown to our table.
Server took our drink orders and we were free to load up on the buffet. We did this meal several years ago and remembered it as being a good one. I'm pleased to say that it is still good. You get the usual selections (bacon, sausage, eggs, Mickey waffles, pastries, cereal, etc) along with some more unusual choices that give you that "taste of the region" you are supposedly visiting. In this case, Tusker House is in South Africa. I asked what "mealie pap" was (that's how it is labeled on the buffet) and was told it is "porridge". I gave it a try and I would say it is very close to polenta in flavor. If you like to try new stuff, you'll enjoy the buffet. And, hey, the familiar is still there to fall back on even if you don't like anything new you try.
By the time we had our plates full, the characters started to visit.
They tell you when you sit down what pattern the characters visit the tables in (so you can plan ahead) and suggest that you have the kids sit to the outside of the tables so the characters can get to them easier (and it is easier to have them stand up for pictures). They also ask if you have autograph books to have them readily available with an empty page marked. They keep the characters clicking along like a well oiled machine.
We ate a lot and then we ate some more (isn't that what you do at a buffet?). When we were done, I scanned the Magic Bands and typed in the code and there went another set of TS credits. Oh, before I forget. We took enough cash with us to give that to the servers for tips. You can add the tip onto your total and it will get charged to the room if you choose, but I prefer to avoid room charges if possible. I like to review my folio at checkout and if there are room charges, I know they are NOT mine. But, that is just personal preference. Again, just tossing out info as I think of it.
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