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Friday Five:  5 Tips for an Incredible Summer Trip to Walt Disney World

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1 incredible summer

Now that my school year has finally come to a close it is time to start enjoying the summer.  I can’t think of a better way to celebrate summer than with a trip to Walt Disney World and this summer is going to be an Incredible one…

Summer at Walt Disney World

  • In the Magic Kingdom,  the Incredibles are going to take over the Tomorrowland Dance Party.
  • In Epcot, the Guardians of the Galaxy take over an out of this world themed concert with music from the movies!
  • In Animal Kingdom, Donald is taking over Dinoland for a Dino-Bash.  And…
  • In Disney Hollywood Studios, the much anticipated Toy Story Land opens on June 30 where guests get to play big and shrink to the size of a toy in Andy’s backyard.

With summer comes some not so magical parts of a summer vacation at Walt Disney World…crowds, rain and heat. Here are Friday’s Top 5 Ways to Make Sure that Your Summer at Walt Disney World is Incredible…

1.  Be Prepared for the Mr. Sun

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Summer humidity and heat in June, July, August, and even into September is no joke and can quickly ruin a trip to Walt Disney World if you’re not prepared.

When packing for your summer trip to Walt Disney World make sure to include

  • Sunscreen
  • Hats
  • Sunglasses
  • Aloe Vera

3 frog towelsAnd wear quick dry shirts and shorts. Even if you don’t actively plan on getting wet by going on water rides, these quick-dry materials are nice because they also don’t get soaked with sweat. They’re more breathable, light, and airy, keeping you cool.

I am also a huge fan of Frogg Cooling Towels.  These lightweight and inexpensive towels are easily found at Walmart and will keep you cool for hours. “This towel can absorb eight times its weight in water providing longer evaporation times than conventional towels. An internal polyester mesh IMG_0494reinforcing material allows it to dry you off, while it cools you down. Simply moisten the towel, wring out excess, and it starts working immediately.”

And if you need to cool off, make sure that you hit the water rides like Splash Mountain and Kali River Rapids.  Don’t forget that there are splash pads in Epcot, Disney Springs, and Magic Kingdom…whose says only kids can run through the sprinklers?

2.  Dance in the Rain

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Florida’s rainy season starts with summer with the average rainfall from June to September being 6 to 9 inches EACH month.  The rains are usually limited to afternoon downpours during the summer months, so expect a storm each afternoon. These afternoon storms are commonly referred to as “Nature’s FastPass” and once it begins to rain the lines will begin to clear out and people will rush out of the parks.  When this happens, put on a poncho, brave the rain and enjoy the rest of your day with low crowd levels. Just remember to pack extra shoes, socks and rain ponchos.

3. Hydrate

Staying hydrated is so important especially during the hot summer, no one wants to faint6(1) while in line!  Many people like to carry a water bottle along with them (just remember not to bring glass)  and refill them throughout the day. An aluminum water bottle is a great choice because it keeps the water cold and the bottle does not sweat, so I can put it in your purse or backpack and not be afraid of what it will ruin.  I however prefer to go as bagless and hands free as possible, plus I don’t want to waste a precious snack credit on a bottle of water.  Instead, any quick service location will happily provide you with a free glass of ice water for the asking. And if you are dining, refill your cup before you leave. And if you are dining, make sure to ask for a glass of water along with your other beverage and drink up!

4. Manage Time

7The old saying, early to bed and early to rise makes a family happy, healthy, and wise. I always advise clients that a Disney vacation is NOT a sleep in kind of vacation.   For those families who can answer their wake-up call and get to the parks before opening, they will be able to enjoy some of the theme park’s best attractions with little to no wait. Your family can take advantage of this by arriving early and enjoying the most popular attractions before the heat of the day creeps into the theme parks. You will be amazed at what you can enjoy and accomplish before 1:00 pm, while everyone else is slowly making their way to the parks.

Take advantage of Extra Magic Hours, but only if you have the park hopper option. This will allow you extra time in the parks with lower crowd levels.  Then when the crowd builds hop over to a different park.

Another way to manage your time is to make sure that you have made the best use of your FastPass+ selections.  Don’t waste them when when the crowds are lower in the morning. I like to begin booking FP+ around 10:30. Also, make sure that you have made your ADRs (Advanced Dining Reservations) at the 180 day mark.  If you are doing a quick service meal, try to avoid peak dining times 11 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 7 pm.

If you are staying on property AND have a PARK HOPPER TICKET,  I recommend taking advantage to the Extra Magic Hours and then hop to a different park when the crowd level builds.  By staying at a Disney Resort hotel access to either extra magic hours in the morning or evening each day of your trip.  Take advantage of the extra time in the parks during the coolest time of the day.

5. Take a Break

The struggle is real and you will be tempted to try to tour until you drop trying to do it all, but I GUARANTEE that this will not be your only Disney vacation.  So take a break. When the crowds and the temperatures rise in the afternoon, this is the perfect time to take in a few shows like the Festival of the Lion King, Nemo, Frozen Forever, Mickey’s Philharmagic (my personal favorite), American Adventure in Epcot, Turtle Talk with Crush, Pixar Shorts, or the Adventures of the Little Mermaid Show.  Not only do you get out of the sun but you also get a chance to sit down and relax. If you time it right you will not have to stand in line either. Don’t worry about a FastPass+, the theaters are huge and normally there are lots of open seats.

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My best suggestion is at 1 pm when the crowd is building and those that sleep in are just arriving are just arriving, LEAVE the park. That’s right I told you to leave the park and head back to your resort.  All of the Disney resorts have fabulous pools and while everyone else is in the park you have them to yourself. And Disney Cast Members are there to entertain the kids, while you get to sit back and enjoy an adult beverage better is that you can Or even better, take a little siesta in your room and recharge.  Around 6 pm, return to the parks and have dinner, afterwards enjoy the evening.  

I know that for many families,  summer is the only opportunity that they have for a Disney vacation and that’s okay. Remember to keep a positive attitude, be flexible and use these tips and your family will avoid the heat, the largest crowds, and the longest wait times, which will make your family happy.  And you will be happy because you just maximized your day by outsmarting other guests.

I am full of tips to make your first or next Disney vacation the most magical ever, just contact me today and let’s get planning.  Remember all of my services are FREE when you book your vacation with me.

Bonus Tip:  Cool down with some delectable frozen delights.

There are plenty of ice-cold treats that’ll keep you cooler longer than a melty cone of ice cream. Here are a few of my favorites…

  • Lefou’s Brew (Gaston’s Tavern)-Magic Kingdom, Fantasyland
  • Raspberry Lemonade Slush (Cheshire Cafe)-Magic Kingdom, Fantasyland
  • Night Blossom (Pongu Pongu)-Animal Kingdom, Pandora
  • Frozen Chai (Royal Anandapur Tea Company)-Animal Kingdom, Tree of Life
  • Kaki-Gori  (Kabuki Cafe)-Epcot, Japanese Pavilion
  • Frozen Elephant of Coke Slushie (Refreshment Outpost)-Epcot, World Showcase

Tammie’s Take Thursday:  When is the Best Time to Ride Kilimanjaro Safari?

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kiloLions and Tigers and Bears, oh my!  Okay maybe not bears and you can see the tigers in Asia, but if you get lucky you will see some lions.

Disney Kilimanjaro Safari is an exceptionally realistic imitation of an actual African photo safari where you and 35 of your closest new friends will aboard an open safari vehicle and be sent off into a simulated African Savannah habitat  Where you might get lucky and see…

Antelopes, Baboons, Black rhinos, Cheetahs, Crocodiles, Elephants, Flamingos, Gazelles, Giraffes, Hippopotamus, Hyenas, Lions, Okapis, Ostrichs, Warthogs, White rhinos, Wildebeests, Wild dogs and Zebras

Recently I was helping out a client in planning her itinerary and a question came up when was the best time to take a safari.  She had read that it was best to ride first thing in the morning. While I tend to agree that morning is the best, the way that Disney Imagineers have created the Kilimanjaro Safari attraction, anytime is a good time (except for in the middle of the day in the summer and I am just like the animals, avoiding the heat).

Through the careful placement of salt licks, fodder like hay and grass, and fresh water supplies, the animals are encouraged to stay close to the roads so that you can see them when you ride by in the safari vehicle. Additionally, Disney uses air conditioned rocks and other temperature “tricks” to coax the animals to stay within view of the guests on the safari ride.

Disney uses water features, moats, electric fences, and natural barriers to keep the animals within their proper areas. Additionally, cattle guards, wires, and chains are placed on the ground to prevent the animals from crossing into other areas. And of course all of this is hidden from guests.

I have ridden the Kilimanjaro different times of the day on every trip and each time the safari is different.  Recently, I rode late on a afternoon in November near Sunset and had probably the best safari ride I have ever had. I saw several animals that I had never seen before including the hyenas and the black rhino.  The animals were all quite active, in complete view and close to the safari vehicle.

On my next trip this fall, I am planning to experience the safari at night. Disney Imagineers have installed a baseball stadium–size wall of graphics displays at the far end of the tour’s savanna grasslands. When turned on late in the day, the displays are programmed to simulate the dusk of a setting sun for hours on end. It provides theme park guests enough light to see those animals still roaming around. Disney also spent a year acclimating the existing animals and new nocturnal species to life at Disney.  I understand the actual safari pace is slower at nighttime and many animals are more active, while it is almost impossible to see other animals.

There are a few things that you need to know before you take off on your safari…

  • If you are taking photos, keep in mind that the vehicle does not always stop.  Be prepared to snap at anytime. Most stops are rolling stops. Drivers do their best to stop in places where big animals can be spotted.
  • You can expect long lines beginning 30 minutes after park opening until mid afternoon.
  • Sitting near the front of the safari truck will lessen the bumping that you feel as you travel. Sitting near the back of the truck will make the ride feel more bumpy and jumpy.
  • The ride can be rough and some people get scared crossing an “old bridge” that seems to collapse under your truck.
  • The ride lasts for about 20 minutes.
  • Each safari jeep hold 36 passengers with up to 5 people across and there are not seat belts.
  • Try to sit on the left side of the vehicle (side farthest when you board your jeep) since most of the animal sanctuaries are located on that side.

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I guarantee that no safari ride will be the same.  No matter matter what time of day, rest assured that it will be an “Hakuna Mata” adventure, sit back and enjoy the safari.  And when you get off you will find yourself at the start of the Pangani Forest Trail,make sure that you explore this trail for closer looks at some the animals you saw on the safari as well as few new ones.

Bonus Fun Facts

  • Kilimanjaro Safari is 110 acres and It is the largest attraction in all of the Disney parks with regard to area covered. The entire Magic Kingdom theme park is 107 acres and could fit into just this one attraction in Animal Kingdom.
  • Disney acquired all animals from other zoos and reputable breeders instead of taking them from the wild.
  • Look closely at the flamingo island during the safari, take note of the island’s shape for a Hidden Mickey.
  • The elephants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom produce a ton of poop every single day which Disney even recycles and uses as fertilizer on the grounds across the Disney property.
  • Each evening the animals are called into their enclosures for the night by audio cues which include drums, whistles, horns, bells, and duck calls!

Tammie’s Take Thursday: Flight of Passage (FOP)

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Be warned there will be a few spoilers in this post…

It’s been no secret that I am not a huge fan of the movie, Avatar.  It’s a beautiful movie from a scenery aspect but has a very predictable story line that at times is long and slow.  I have also felt like Disney missed the mark by making it an entire land in Animal Kingdom.  To me the area could have been better served by adding North American story lines like Brother Bear, Bambi, and Pocahontas; but I am not the Imaginear.  I must say that though in terms of rides/attractions Disney certainly hit MOST of the marks I look for in a great attraction with Avatar:  Flight of Passage (FOP) and technology wise finally come close to what the “dark side” (aka Universal Studios) of Orlando has been offering now for over 7 years with the Forbidden Journey. But before I tell you more about the ride itself, let’s discuss the journey to get on this attraction which starts WAY before ROPE DROP.

There are 3 things that you need to know about Flight of Passage before you arrive, motion sickness is REAL, wait times are UNREAL and getting a FastPass is DIFFICULT.

Motion Sickness is REAL

Guests need to beware and respect the “Motion Sick” warning to this ride.  Flight of Passage last 4 minutes and you no not want to feel sick for 4 minutes (and probably the rest of the day). So if you are prone to motion sickness, like Mr. Grumpy, you might want to take precautions or skip FOP because the combination of the movement of the vehicle and the action on the screen might be too much for you. But what is worse than motion sickness…

Wait Time in UNREAL

The worst thing about Flight of Passage is the wait time, I have seen it posted 15 minutes after park opening at 3 hours and later in the day at 5 hours.  Let me assure you from talking to people in that line and experiencing it that guests WILL wait 5 hours to ride Flight of Passage so that line will not go down until park closing, but what makes this wait really frustrating is that obtaining a….

FastPass is DIFFCULT

A FastPass is hard to get for FOP, even if you are able to book at the 60 days.  If you are waiting until the 30 day mark, a FastPass is pretty much not going to happen.  Animal Kingdom is on a tiered system FastPass system and both the attractions, Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey, in Pandora are Tier 1, so you are going to have to stand in line for one of the rides in Pandora.

Honestly, until the opening of Toy Story Land in 2018 and Star Wars in 2019 I do not see wait times coming down anytime soon nor the availability of a FastPass.  So how do you combat the wait time and no FastPass?  Book your vacation through me and I will be happy to share my tips on how you can to ride both Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey BEFORE the park officially opens and NOT use a FastPass in what I am calling the Na’vi Shuffle. I have spent months stalking trip reports for tips on how it can be done, and I HAVE DONE IT.  Now you have used my vacation planning expertise and have made  relatively in one piece to Flight of Passage…

You can expect stunning views of the floating mountains as you venture through a bioluminescent rainforest that is taking over the ruins of the abandoned RDA building.  I will say that Imaginears have done an amazing job bringing Pandora to life.  It is beautiful to the eye and you will feel like you have entered another world.  Don’t be afraid to stop and take pictures while you are in line, there are lots of beautiful selfie spots (or maybe you have made great friends with the people with you in line for the last 5 hours since you did not use my complimentary traveling planning services).  Once have made your way through the rainforest the line will then enter a cave adorned with Na’Vi paintings and then into the abandoned RDA building and now research laboratory of the humans who’ve settled on Pandora.  Here you will fine various experiments showing how the study of Pandora wildlife is progressing, including a suspended animation of a Na’vi avatar inside a giant, water-filled tube. Most disappointing for me during my whole journey through the queue was that I was constantly moving and not being able to focus on the small details built into every Disney attraction that brings the experience to life.  Disney does an amazing job keeping you stimulated as you spend 5 hours in line.

Once you are though the queue, you are lead into a 16 person chamber to prepare for your flight. There are actually 2 chambers, with 2 different videos and interactions.  Although I experienced both chambers my first 2 flights on FOP, but the 3rd flight I only was in the first chamber and walked through the second.  I am not sure why other than I am guessing it is a crowd manage technique. 

When you are done preparing for your flight you are lead into a room with what looks like 16 stationary bicycles without pedals and handed a pair of 3-D googles and to board the “bike.”  Once all preparations are done for your the room goes dark, there’s a flash of light, and you become “linked” to the Na’vi surfing a banshee and flying through Pandora.  The ride is beautiful, similar to what you would experience on Soarin’ but more intense.

Disney technology has caught up to Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter in terms of motion simulator, but Universal will always have the edge with Forbidden Journey and Escape from Gringott’s in my opinion.  Why?  There is no storytelling with Flight of Passage, nor with Na’Vi River Journey which for Disney is a huge let down and disappointment because to me Disney is stories and beloved characters.  Again, I reference back to why Disney should have gone with the beloved stories of the Americas.  None of the scenes from the screen playing in front of me could I relate back to the movie, Avatar which makes me not vested in a story line with the banshees.

Will I ride Flight of Passage again? Of course I will, it was beautiful and FUN to feel like I was flying but only if I can get a FastPass and not have to get up so early.  There are other rides in Animal Kingdom that I would prefer to wait for or use a FastPass for, because they don’t leave me emotionally empty wanting more.

Remember that when you book your Walt Disney World  Vacation with me, I will give you my honest opinions as well as help you successfully do the Na’Vi Shuffle without waiting in 2-5 hour lines!

 

 

Tammie’s Take Thursday: Epcot is for All Ages

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best family shotI was helping a friend the other day come up with a plan for which park they were going to visit each day when she informed me that Epcot was really just for adults and they were going to skip Epcot.  I was kind of stunned by her statement, because in my mind nothing could be further from the truth and skipping an entire park made me sad. If you asked my oldest son when he was 9 what his favorite park was, he would have told you “Epcot,” in fact now at 17 he still would tell you Epcot. After I picked my chin up off the floor, I began to dispel that widely accepted Epcot myth that “kids will be bored by Epcot” and that “parents of small children should skip this theme park altogether.” Epcot is a great place for the entire family…

FutureWorld

There are only 3 thrill rides that will exclude younger members of your party in Epcot’s Future World, but there are other things for them to do while others are enjoying the thrill rides…

coral-reef-restaurantGo Under the Sea in the Living Seas Pavilion-You will find a world class aquarium here and until 2005 it was the world’s largest saltwater tank, home to more than 6,000 sea creatures.

Be part of the Fab 5 at the Epcot Character Spot-Here you will find the classic Disney Characters including Mickey Mouse. The characters are in front of fun backgrounds, making it a great spot to get photos. You can utilize Disney’s PhotoPass service or use your own camera.EPCOT_CHRCON1_20161106_7853074709

Explore your Senses in Imageworks-This interactive area is found at the exit of Journey into Imagination. There are several stations that let you explore sights and sounds. You can also email a fun, free e-postcard to yourself or to someone else from this area.

Laugh a little and take a rest with Pixar Shorts-The Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival is an 18-minute 4D cinema attraction at Epcot, featuring 3 dazzling short animated films.4c84319bd32c58405733494b646217c4

Take a Boat Ride through a Green House-The sight of a Mickey Mouse shaped pumpkin or the experience of boating through a greenhouse might be better than expected in holding your child’s interest.

Explore Space-Even if your little one isn’t going to ride Mission Space, they can take their own space adventure in the Advanced Training Lab. There is a play structure there for little kids to explore, buttons to push, and seats in the air conditioning for their grown-ups. It’s a fun stop, especially if your child is obsessed with space!Epcot-Water-Play-Area

Play in the Fountains-There are three sets of fun fountains that encourage the littlest EPCOT visitors to cool off on a hot day. Two interactive fountains along the Futureworld walkways (one in Futureworld East and one in Futureworld West) allow kids (and adults) to walk right in and get soaked by the spray! The fountains outside of the Imagination! Pavilion aren’t ground level, but you can stand under the jumping water or try to catch the bouncing water balls. A very fun way to cool off on a hot day!

World Showcase

When you’re ready to explore the world, take your kids along to because there is plenty to keep them busy while you enjoy the World Showcase including…1 kidcot in france

Explore the People of the World at the Kidcot Stations-Kids decorate a card stock Duffy Bear at which ever station they stop at first. Then they can add a decoration at each additional station throughout Epcot. The World Showcase Kidcot stations can be especially fun because there will often be a Cast Member from the country represented by the pavilion – giving kids theIMG_1768 chance to meet someone from another country. Cast members will embellish the back with the child’s name in their language or a fun symbol of their country

Go on a mission to Save the World while learning about the World-Kids will love the interactive Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure, particularly if they are Phineas and Ferb fans. There are several locations where families can sign up for this free activity and get a free app to guide them through the mission searching for clues in the various countries of the World Showcase. Each mission only takes 30-45 minutes but will ensure the kids are keen to explore the country pavilions.

Explore the Artistry-Throughout Epcot’s World Showcase, you can find a variety of live entertainment representing each country’s culture that ranks among the best at Walt Disney World. These performances happen throughout the day, so there’s a good chance you’ll happen upon a performance as you go around the World Showcase. The acts are always entertaining and give a great flavor of the country’s culture.124 (2)

Find even more characters– Epcot’s World Showcase is the best place at Disney World to meet characters. The lines are often shorter than at other Disney World parks and you can met characters that you haven’t seen anywhere else. The World Showcase is a prime location for character greetings since many Disney movies are based on traditional stories from these countries… Mary Poppins, Mulan, Alice in Wonderland and Marie from The Aristocats in their homelands.

I think you can see that Epcot is not just for adults and offers experiences that should not be skipped.

I love Epcot and would find great delight in helping your family enjoy this wonderful park. Remember all my trip planning services are complimentary when you book your Disney Vacation with me!

 

Tammie’s Take Thursday:  Expedition Everest Challenge

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One of the most popular and thrilling attractions at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom is Expedition Everest located in “Asia”.  Expedition Everest takes riders on a trek from a base camp in Tibet to the top of the “forbidden mountain,” where riders encounter the allusive creature called the Yeti.

Expedition Everest, or EE, is a favorite of mine and each trip I challenge whoever is with me to my EE Challenge.  There is only 1 rule, “How Many Times Can you Ride BACK TO BACK before you have to tap out?”  My record is 6 times, set back in November of this year.  Did I happen to mention, that this is a high speed steel roller coaster and I am pushing the 50 year old birthday soon (my stomach is not what it used to be)?  Trust me EE has multiple surprises and thrills that only Disney can provide.

Before I go into how it is possible to ride 6 times in a row without standing in line the entire day, let me tell you that I LOVE to stand in line for this ride because the theming is INCREDIBLE.  The queue for EE will keep you engaged the entire wait time.  While in line you will get to look at artifacts brought back from Nepal by Disney Imagineers while in the planning stages of this attraction.  There are tons of things to see and read that are fascinating, and really make you feel like you are at as base camp high in the Himalayan’s and that just maybe the Yeti is real.  Make sure at least one of your rides in the challenge is through the queue, and don’t hold the line up because you are reading.

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If possible try to score seats in the first car. I am not going to spoil the ride for a first time rider, but make sure you take a look around when you reach the top of the mountain…the view is incredible and trust me you have a few moments.  Make sure you (and your stomach) are prepared for what is next, because you won’t know if you are coming or going.

What’s my secret to riding 6 times in a row without standing in line all day?  My #1 tip is to make sure you are at “Rope Drop,” opening time of Animal Kingdom and head directly to EE.  You can ride 2-3 times without long waits in line, usually by the 3rd time the wait is 20 minutes.

single

Once the crowd builds, locate the single rider line entrance, between the entrance and exit of the ride near the gift shop.  Your wait will be just a few minutes…and if you really want a challenge go through the regular line 1 time and then hit up the single rider line until your stomach has had enough.  Warning, you will be separated from your challenge group, don’t argue with the Cast Members…this is the SINGLE RIDER LINE.  For your final ride, schedule your FASTPASS+ selection around 10:30 am.

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One of my favorite things during the challenge to do is ham it up for the camera.  If you purchased Memory Maker and taking advantage of PhotoPass+ services you can document each ride.  The ride camera is located just as you escape the Yeti towards the end of the ride, the coaster will take you back outside the mountain.  Just as you come out the mountain and take the big drop, the camera will be to your right.  Have fun with it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opWNofuWPnc&feature=youtu.be

WARNING:  IGNORE THE INCESSIVE GUM CHEWING and NO HUGE SPOILERS!

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And if you are even more daring, document your ride with your camera on video as well as taking a few selfies of your own while on the ride…after several rides you know when you can do this.

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When you are all finished make sure you find the PhotoPass Photographer in front of EE and take an after photo throwing up how many rides with your fingers!

When you’re finished, or rather your stomach is finished with the challenge…there are Mickey Bars next door or if you need to celebrate with a more celebratory drink, try the Triple Yeti Blast (mix of Mango, Lime & Strawberry frozen margaritas) at Warung Outpost near EE.

Are you up for the challenge?  If you are, post your pictures and results on my Facebook Page or here in the comments! Let me know if you were able to escape the Yeti.