I actually like Krispy Kreme in very low doses, especially when the “Hot doughnuts now” sign is on. Fresh donuts are the bomb!
20th century Dunkin and Timmy’s were good. Their 21st century counterparts are mere shells of what they used to be.
1 Like
Only when they are decent. That is, not Krispy Kreme. Blech. I will just skip them if offered. I am always shocked when I see people choosing them. Entemanns or even Kroger boxed donuts are far above Krispy Kreme.
3 Likes
Chapter 4: The Marathon Commences 
“Three parks in one night? That’s not a plan. That’s a cry for help.”
— The Narrator’s Inner Monologue, approximately 3:15 PM
The Liner Lounge: A Brief Interlude 
Before we embark upon the evening’s chaos, your humble narrator must address the faithful!
@Jeff_AZ, the pool was lovely! Water temperature comfortable, outdoor temp in the 70s — perfect pool weather. Granted, our hero had just escaped Pennsylvania snowfall, so anything above “frozen solid” registers as tropical. The hot tub remained the star, but the pool delivered.
@FelisLachesis, the accuracy of this burn rivals the dryness of that turkey. Well played. 
And regarding the Great Donut Discourse that has erupted between @ryan1 and @FelisLachesis — the Narrator refuses to take sides. All donuts have merit. All donuts have flaws. The only true villain is the donut left uneaten.
(Though the Narrator will quietly note that Pittsburgh’s Oakmont Bakery would humble them all.)
Park One: EPCOT — A Fashionably Late Arrival 
3:15 PM. Our hero approached the AKL bus stop with confidence.
The EPCOT bus? Pulling away.
Bus luck status: Poor.
A 17-minute wait commenced. Our hero used the time productively — refining the previous chapter, people-watching, and contemplating the life choices that led to planning three parks in one evening.
3:47 PM. The next bus arrived. The Marathon was officially underway.
GEO-82: Spaceship Earth’s Hidden Speakeasy 
4:00 PM. Our hero arrived at GEO-82 — that mysterious lounge tucked inside Spaceship Earth itself — precisely 30 minutes late for a 3:30 PM reservation.
Would they turn him away? Would the velvet rope of exclusivity claim another victim?
They took him anyway. Because Disney magic is real, and also because they probably had an empty bar seat.
The Setting:
This was our hero’s second visit. The first, during November’s incomplete trip, had been at night — when the space truly glows with that retrofuturistic Tomorrowland-meets-speakeasy energy.
Today? Daylight filtered through. Still stunning. But like seeing a magician’s trick in slow motion — impressive, but missing some mystery.
The Bar Seat Strategy:
Rather than a table, our hero claimed a spot at the bar itself. This proved wise.
Round One:
| Item | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Brown Butter Old-Fashioned | $28 | “A Mythical Triumph!”  — Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, brown butter, maple, Mexican chocolate bitters. This is entering the pantheon of Top Disney Cocktails. Second time ordering; will order again. 5/5. |
| Jumbo Lump Crab Gâteau | $25 | “A Heroic Find”  — Fresh, genuinely crabby (in the good way), not fishy, not weak. However: the portion commits the cardinal sin of being too small for $25. Dinged one star for economics. 4/5. |
Round Two:
| Item | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Exclusive Disney Select Bourbon Flight | $55 | Four pours: Uncle Nearest Single Barrel, Woodford Reserve Private Barrel, Blanton’s Gold Single Barrel, Stagg Private Barrel. More on this below. |
| Funghi Flatbread | $15 | “A Mythical Triumph!” — Repeat order from November. Would eat every single trip. The mushrooms achieve transcendence. 5/5. |
The Bourbon Flight Experience:
Here’s where GEO-82 surprised our hero.
The bartender didn’t just pour four whiskeys and walk away. No — she delivered a presentation. History of each bourbon. Tasting notes. The story behind each distillery’s Disney-exclusive barrel selection.
Our hero, never one to miss an opportunity, posed a question: “When is GEO-82 going to offer its own version of La Cava’s tequila experience? A proper bourbon tasting class?”
Her eyes lit up. “I was literally just talking to a coworker about that before I clocked in.”
(The Narrator senses a future offering. Remember where you heard it first, dear Liners.)
The Rankings:
Stagg — the clear favorite
Uncle Nearest — a close second
Woodford & Blanton’s — tied; different profiles, equal excellence
GEO-82 Total Damage: A gentleman doesn’t discuss such things.
(It was a lot. It was worth it.)
Park Two: Animal Kingdom — Extended Evening Hours
5:30 PM. On the bus from EPCOT.
5:37 PM. Off the bus at Animal Kingdom.
5:54 PM. Tapstiles cleared. The final hours of Animal Kingdom awaited.
The Mission:
AP Magnet Bundle pickup- Ride Dinosaur
- Ride Expedition Everest
- Catch Tree of Life projections
- Close the park
Simple enough. What could go wrong?
The Magnet Situation: A Villain Emerges 
Our hero power-walked toward Discovery Trading Company, AP Magnet bundle dreams dancing in his head.
And then he saw it.
Cast Members. Taking down the sign. Rolling up the queue rope.
Line cutoff for the night.
The AP Magnet — that elusive collector’s prize that @SirGreggLadyV lamented missing — would not be claimed today.
(The Narrator exhales slowly. There will be other opportunities. Probably. Maybe. The trip isn’t over yet.)
The Ultra Rare Fur Character Encounter 
But wait! As our hero stood in defeat near Discovery Trading, the universe offered a consolation prize.
A familiar face. A familiar fur.
“Sith Lord Oliver?”
There, in front of the Tree of Life, stood Michael — a former coworker from our hero’s Boy Scout camp days — and his service dog, Oliver.
Now, dear readers, Oliver is no ordinary good boy. Oliver is a hero.
The Backstory:
Years ago, when our hero and Michael were rooming together at camp, something happened in the middle of the night. Our hero stopped breathing — an undiagnosed sleep apnea episode.
Oliver knew.
The service dog alerted, jumping on our hero’s chest, forcing consciousness, forcing breath.
Oliver detected sleep apnea before any doctor did.
And now? Oliver is on his retirement trip. A well-earned Disney vacation for a very good boy who literally saved our hero’s life.
Michael presented a challenge coin. Our hero accepted it with appropriate reverence.
(If you’d like to see the legend himself: Oliver on Instagram)
Sometimes the magic isn’t in the rides or the fireworks. Sometimes it’s in the unexpected reunions — the friends from past chapters appearing in new ones.
Dinoland: A Land of Walls 
The walk to Dinosaur revealed… construction. Lots of construction.
So many walls. A very long “hallway” of walls. A crane visible in the construction zone, hinting at whatever’s coming next.
Dinoland as we knew it is fading. The extinction metaphors write themselves.
@motherofdaughtersthree, the Narrator feels your pain. First Rex at PIT. Now Dinoland itself. 2025 is not kind to prehistoric friends.
Dinosaur: A Timing Experiment 
Posted wait: 5 minutes
Actual wait: 15 minutes
“But wait,” you say. “That’s three times longer!”
Ah, but here’s the thing: our hero counted from queue entry to ride vehicle. Disney’s posted times stop at the preshow.
Our hero walked straight into a preshow already in progress, sat through the Seeker briefing, loaded, launched, and screamed appropriately at the carnotaurus.
Off ride: 6:48 PM.
The Narrator’s Note: If you’re counting your own wait times, count the preshow. Disney’s posted numbers stop there. But the TouringPlans way? We count until butt hits ride vehicle.
This is the way.
Expedition Everest: The Walk-On Wonder 
Posted wait: 10 minutes
Actual wait: Walk on. Next train.
Extended Evening Hours delivering exactly as promised.
Our hero boarded, climbed, encountered the Yeti (still in “Disco Mode” — one day they’ll fix him), and plummeted backward through the mountain.
Classic.
Tree of Life Awakenings: Holiday Edition 
With time to spare before the Minnie Van, our hero positioned himself at the front of the Tree of Life.
The Tree of Life Awakenings — Holiday Edition began.
Projections danced across the iconic trunk. Animals came alive in light. Holiday music swelled.
A fitting farewell to Animal Kingdom. For tonight, at least.
The Minnie Van Sprint 
8:14 PM. Minnie Van pickup confirmed.
8:29 PM. Dropped at Magic Kingdom.
Fifteen minutes, door to door. The most efficient transportation of the trip.
Park Three: Magic Kingdom — The Grand Finale 
8:30 PM. Main Street was already chaos.
Happily Ever After loomed. Crowds pressed toward the Hub. Every inch of castle-view real estate was claimed.
The Tactical Retreat:
Rather than fight for a mediocre spot, our hero diverted to Sleepy Hollow.
The Order: Sweet-and-Spicy Maple Chicken Waffle — maple-sriracha glaze, parsley flakes.
| Item | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Sweet-and-Spicy Maple Chicken Waffle | “A Heroic Find” — Excellent. The sriracha almost fully murders the maple (sad), but if you pay attention, the sweetness is still there. Would like 10% more sauce. 4/5. |
Happily Ever After: A Different Kind of Magic 
Our hero did not have premium fireworks views.
But he had something better.
Nearby stood a family — parents, kids — watching Happily Ever After for what appeared to be the very first time.
The children’s faces, illuminated by firework glow. The gasps. The pointing. The pure, unfiltered wonder.
Their reactions were better than the show itself.
Sometimes being a solo traveler means witnessing magic through others’ eyes. And that’s its own kind of mythical triumph.
Disney Starlight Parade: The Verdict 
Post-HEA Mission: Secure premium Starlight Parade positioning.
The crowd thinned. Our hero moved.
Location acquired: Castle hub, right at the turn toward Liberty Square. Front row. Center. Perfect.
The Parade:
Disney’s newest nighttime spectacular rolled through, and…
The Narrator’s Decree:
| Category | Ranking |
|---|---|
| vs. MVMCP Christmas Parade | Below |
| vs. MNSSHP Boo-To-You Parade | Below |
| vs. Festival of Fantasy | Above |
It’s an excellent addition to Magic Kingdom’s regular nighttime lineup. The floats glow. The music soars. The performers commit.
Favorite floats: Toss-up between Moana and Miguel (Coco).
One critique: It could be longer. The parade feels like it’s building toward something grander… and then it’s over.
Still: for a non-party night? Disney Starlight Parade absolutely delivers.
The Nightcap: Aloha Isle & Jingle Cruise 
With park close approaching, our hero made strategic choices.
Aloha Isle:
Santa Surf Shack Float — Minute Maid Passion Fruit Orange Guava Juice, coconut soft-serve, and a Spiced Pineapple Tree Pop.
| Item | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Santa Surf Shack Float | “A Mythical Triumph!” — First time having this specific version, but the coconut Dole Whip + POG juice combo is undefeated. The pop is mostly decorative. 5/5. |
Jingle Cruise:
Posted wait: 25 minutes
Actual wait: 11 minutes
Skipper: Chandler, aboard the Garland Gertie
Chandler delivered. Animated. Committed. Every pun landed with theatrical precision.
Off ride: Approximately 10 minutes past official park close.
The Slow Stroll Home 
Post-close activities:
- PhotoPass stop: Main Street facing tree/train station
- PhotoPass stop: Base of the Christmas tree
- Leisurely Main Street exit
Final bus: MK → AKL
Head meets pillow: Late. Very late.
The Marathon: Complete
Parks closed in one night: 3 (EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom)
The Stats:
- Cocktails consumed: 2 (plus a bourbon flight)
- Snacks devoured: 4
- Attractions conquered: 3
- Nighttime spectaculars witnessed: 3 (Tree of Life Awakenings, HEA, Starlight)
- Service dogs reunited with: 1
- AP Magnets acquired: 0
- Challenge coins received: 1
The Marathon lived up to its name.
What Lies Ahead…
Thursday brings:
- Resort move: AKL → All-Star Sports
- More Animal Kingdom (AP Magnet redemption arc?)
- Hollywood Studios
And Friday?
Candlelight Processional — narrated by Ashley Eckstein herself.
The voice of Ahsoka Tano, reading the Christmas story, in the America Gardens Theatre.
The Narrator is not emotionally prepared.
Postscript: The Fireplace Chronicles 
Current status: 1:47 AM. AKL lobby. Fireplace crackling.
Your humble narrator sits in one of those oversized leather chairs, phone in hand, drafting this very post while the last embers of The Marathon fade from weary legs.
The lobby is quiet now. A few night owls scattered about. The occasional Cast Member passing through.
Tomorrow — well, technically today — brings a resort move, more parks, more snacks, more questionable life choices.
But for now? This fireplace. This chair. This moment of calm before the next storm.
Sleep beckons. The Narrator shall answer.
Stay tuned, dear Liners. The Marathon is done, but the magic continues.
Until the next chronicle…
Your Humble Narrator
19 Likes
Oh @Enchantedbythemouse was serious that you need to be part of the proposed KY bourbon meetup. Those are some nice pours you had. I haven’t had Uncle Nearest (yet) but I’m surprised you ranked it above the Blanton’s Gold Disney pick (which is a step or two up from regular Blanton’s). I think this bourbon flight would be enough to tempt DH back to WDW.
6 Likes
Absolutely he needs to be part of it! We need to start planning the great bourbon meet up!
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Love your trip report humor!
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Okay, I don’t think DH has tried this so thanks for the Christmas idea. I know he likes the other ones.
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See @SJCricket he will fit right in on the bourbon trail. 
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Wellllll the MSRP on the bottle isn’t bad, but it’s one that liquor stores mark up 3x, so there may be others I can suggest.
2 Likes
But we don’t want to kill @gMagicScott’s Disney budget or you won’t get more TRs.
Btw, when we do the bourbon trail I will need to have you all sign NDAs so you don’t disclose what DH and I spend. 
7 Likes
Just come when I go with DH. They can hang in a lounge together.
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I am all ears.
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I will sign it as long as it is mutual. Lord that bill was high. My checking account took a nice hit.
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Oh WOW. 
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Depending on where in Kentucky, I might be able to jump a river or two 
4 Likes
No, they won’t.
FIFY
Love this!
3 Likes
Chapter 5: Farewell to the Savanna 
“The work alarm doesn’t care that you’re on vacation.”
— Universal Truth, discovered at 5:25 AM on a Thursday
The Liner Lounge: Bourbon Edition
Before we proceed with today’s farewell to Animal Kingdom Lodge, your humble narrator must address the VERY enthusiastic bourbon contingent that has emerged in this thread!
@SJCricket and @Enchantedbythemouse — the Narrator is extremely intrigued by this proposed Kentucky bourbon meetup. Consider this his official RSVP of interest. A man who willingly drops $55 on a Disney bourbon flight clearly has Opinions about whiskey and would very much like to form more of them along the Kentucky trail.
NDAs accepted. What happens on the Bourbon Trail stays on the Bourbon Trail. (Unless it makes for good trip report content, in which case… negotiations may occur.)
@FelisLachesis, the more the merrier! This is shaping up to be quite the gathering.
@motherofdaughtersthree, Oliver has that effect on people. Good boys who save lives deserve all the tears.
@SirGreggLadyV, regarding the Yeti… yeah. You’re probably right. But hope springs eternal. (The Narrator will continue believing anyway.)
…Also correct. The Narrator concedes the point.
The Alarm Betrayal 
5:25 AM. Our hero was ripped from slumber not by a gentle sunrise over the savanna, not by the distant call of exotic birds, but by…
The work alarm.
The 5:25 AM alarm. The one that normally summons our protagonist to begin preparing for a 7:00 AM ambulance shift. The one that allows time for proper morning routines and the commute to base. The one he forgot to disable before leaving Pennsylvania.
The work world had reached into the Disney Bubble, uninvited and unwelcome.
(The Narrator groggily silenced it and questioned every life choice.)
The Balcony Ritual 
9:00 AM. Recovery commenced.
Coffee brewed via the in-room Keurig. Zebra domes retrieved from yesterday’s Mara acquisition. Our hero relocated to the balcony for a proper send-off to Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Pro Tip for Future AKL Guests: The metal chairs that live on the balcony are uncomfortable. Like, aggressively so. Bring a chair from inside. Just be courteous and return it when you’re done.
(The Narrator tested this theory. The Narrator confirms.)
The K-Cup Regret:
A realization struck mid-sip. Our hero had not made any room coffee yesterday. Had he hidden the Joffrey’s K-cups in his luggage, Mousekeeping would have restocked them, and he’d have double the supply to take home.
The ambulance base has a Keurig. Joffrey’s beats Great Value Donut Shop variety any day.
A tactical error. Filed away for future trips.
The Room Reveal: AKL Edition 
Now that checkout is complete, we can finally reveal the accommodations!
Room 2345, Kudu Trail, 2nd Floor.
Our hero had booked a standard room — no savanna view requested. Disney delivered an obstructed savanna view instead. Not the premium version, but enough to squint through foliage and believe wildlife might exist somewhere beyond the trees.
A pleasant surprise for the price paid.
The Departure Protocol 
10:20 AM. Packed. Showered. Every drawer and closet triple-checked for forgotten belongings. (A lesson learned from past trips. Always check twice. Then check again.)
10:30 AM. Bags dropped with Bell Services for transfer to All-Star Sports.
Goodbye, Jambo House. Goodbye, savanna. Goodbye, zebra domes on demand.
(Hello, value resort life.)
The Sanaa Detour 
But wait! Our hero was not quite ready to leave Animal Kingdom Lodge property.
Not when Sanaa at Kidani Village offers a quick-service breakfast with savanna views.
10:53 AM. Seated at Sanaa for the Kuamsha Breakfast — no reservation required. Tables overlooking the Sunset Savanna, giraffes meandering in the distance, and a menu designed for adventurous morning palates.
The Order:
- Eggs Benedict ($13.99)
- Banana Bread French Toast ($11.29)
- Joffrey’s Coffee ($4.29)
- Orange Juice ($5.29)
Total Damage: $35.86
The Sanaa Verdict 
Eggs Benedict:
| Item | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Eggs Benedict | “A Heroic Find” — Really good. Perfectly poached eggs, quality hollandaise, solid execution. However: Would our hero make a special trip to Kidani just for this? Probably not. It’s excellent if you’re already staying at AKL. 4/5. |
Banana Bread French Toast:
| Item | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Banana Bread French Toast | “A Mythical Triumph!” — Here’s the thing: our hero had never seen French toast made from actual banana bread before. He saw it on the menu and wondered, “Does that even work?” It works. It really, really works. The banana bread maintains its structure while absorbing the egg batter perfectly. Caramelized banana topping, raspberry sauce, Chantilly cream, toasted pecans. 5/5. Would absolutely return for this alone. |
The Sleeper Hit:
That French toast is a hidden gem. If you’re staying at AKL and want breakfast without trekking to Boma, Sanaa Kuamsha is the move. Quick service, savanna views, and a French toast that defies expectations.
The Text That Arrived Mid-Bite
10:51 AM. While consuming said French toast, our hero’s phone buzzed with a Disney Parks text:
“Welcome! Your room is ready at All-Star Sports — Hoops section, ground floor.”
All-Star Sports had assigned the room — despite our hero indicating a post-5 PM arrival during online check-in.
(The Narrator appreciates the efficiency, if not the irony of receiving a Value resort room assignment while eating at a Deluxe resort restaurant.)
The Journey Continues
12:02 PM. Bus deposited our hero at Animal Kingdom.
Breakfast complete. Savanna farewells offered. The lodge is officially behind us.
Today’s Agenda:
- AP Magnet Redemption Arc — Discovery Trading Company, Round 2
- Animal Kingdom exploration — Extended time before the resort move
Hollywood Studios — Evening adventures await
All-Star Sports check-in — Value resort vibes begin
The Resort Transition 
Two very different Disney experiences, back to back:
| Category | Animal Kingdom Lodge | All-Star Sports |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe | African safari elegance | Sports-themed nostalgia |
| Views | Savanna wildlife | Giant football helmets |
| Dining | Boma, Jiko, Sanaa | …Food court |
| Price | Deluxe | Value |
| Zebra Domes | On-site at The Mara | Requires transportation |
The contrast is part of the adventure. Deluxe for the first half, Value for the marathon finish.
(The Narrator’s wallet appreciates the balance.)
Current Status: Animal Kingdom. Magnet mission: ACTIVE.
Will Discovery Trading Company have mercy today? Will the AP Magnet bundle finally be claimed? Will our hero survive the resort downgrade without mourning the loss of savanna views?
Stay tuned, dear Liners. The quest continues.
*The Narrator breaks the fourth wall to wave from a shaded bench between security and the tapstiles, Christmas music drifting through the air while photos upload to the forum. This is the vibe.* 
Until the next chronicle…
Your Humble Narrator
11 Likes
I prefer the Value first then the Deluxe.
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Dang it.
Great!
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This sucks, but on the other hand, sometimes there’s no greater feeling than waking up early only to realize I can roll over and go back to sleep … as long as I can get back to sleep. 
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