Walt Disney World Buddy Trip 2016, Part 5

By Nick

Who: Me and my friends Joe and Josh
Where: Walt Disney World, stayed Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Kidani Village 

Part 5

 
Friday, May 13th  

We slept in a bit after not getting to sleep till around 3am, and headed to Disney Springs a little after 10. We walked around checking out a few shops while we waited for Jock Lindsey's to open at 1130am.

We were seated in the diving bell, which is very cool (maybe not for claustrophobic individuals), and  had some appetizers and adult beverages, hit some more shops and then headed for Disney's Hollywood Studios mid-afternoon. 

While Josh and Joe rode Star Tours, I hung out at Tatooine Traders perusing the Star Wars merch, before heading to dinner at 50s Prime Time Cafe.

We waited at the bar and people watched before being seated.

After such a heavy meal we needed to go someplace to digest, so we rode The Great Movie Ride.

As we exited, we noticed that C-3PO was just going up the ramp in back of the Star Wars: A Galaxy Far Far Away stage, so we went to check out the rest of the cast coming out. When 3PO noticed me taking a photo, he waved and did a little shimmy dance! Being a Star Wars geek, this just blew my kind, it was so awesome! 

As we stood there Darth Maul walked by and gave us the evil stare, Chewie threw his arms up in his victory pose, and the First Order Troopers, Captain Phasma, and Kylo Ren marched by. Too cool. I think enjoyed this experience more than the actual stage show!

We had FastPasses for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror.

A little while later we found a spot to watch Symphony in the Stars. I loved that show, and I'm very excited to see the new Star Wars a Galactic Spectacular show.

We headed back to the resort, and we're just settling in for the evening when our new friends Alison and Jim called asking if we wanted a beer, as the next day was the last of their trip. 

I was really wiped out, but decided I wanted to see my new friends again, even though I fought to stay awake, and finally had to throw in the towel and hit the hay!
 

Princess Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World; Part: 5

By Nick

Part 5 : Monday, February 22nd 

I spent the entire morning just relaxing at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, taking a stroll over to Jambo House from Kidani. I walked around the lobby and stopped at a couple of Savannah outloooks, walked through the shop, and had a very good breakfast at The Mara, AKL's quick serve restaurant.

The African-inspired Breakfast Platter, Scrambled Eggs, Sausage, Pap, Chakalaka, and Grilled Tomato.

I spent some time at the Flamingo Pool, which is located in back of the main people pool, and watched as a giraffe tried to... get friendly with another giraffe. 

I walked back to Kidani Village and had a wonderful conversation with a Cast Member from South Africa before taking a swim. 

On my way back to my room, I ran into friends Beth and Noel, who introduced me to their brother-in-law Lars, who treated me to some Dogfish Head beer. Thanks again Lars!

I got a text a little while later from my friend Peter. I met Peter and his wife Marilyn several years ago on our Disney Cruise to Alaska and we've stayed in touch since. 

We met up at Jock Lindsey's in Disney Springs where they treated me to lunch and cocktails. Thank you again Marilyn and Peter, it's always a pleasure to spend time with you!

After saying goodbye to my friends, I went to The BOATHOUSE and ordered a margarita in honor of National Margareta Day. Yes, I considered going to the Mexico Pavilion in Epcot but instead decided to sit at the bar on the water. Love The BOATHOUSE!

I hopped the first bus to a resort, which happened to be Pop Century and then a bus to Disney's Hollywood Studios.

I was feeling hungry again and stopped into 50's Prime Time Cafe where I had hoped to grab a table at the bar in the Tune In Lounge, but it was packed. I went to the podium at Prime Time and asked if there was any chance to get a table, and was surprised when they told me it would only be a 20 minute wait! 

In the meantime I got a Bourbon at the bar. I'm starting to really dig Bourbon!

I was seated after about 30 minutes. I have to admit, it is odd eating at Prime Time solo. But I love that fried chicken dinner, so it was worth it!

I went to Star Wars Launch Bay and on the way tried to get a selfie with a First Order Stormtrooper.

Imagine my surprise when I was grabbed and interrogated! I mean, really! It was awesome. 

Fear not, Chewbacca rescued me. And we celebrated!

I used my FastPasses for Rock 'n' Rollercoaster, Tower of Terror and Muppets before catching what is my favorite fireworks show at the World at the moment, Symphony in the Stars!

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4

Princess Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World; Part: 4

By Nick

Part 4 : Sunday, February 21st

I started the day off with rope drop at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

I rode Toy Story Midway Mania and Tower of Terror before a breakfast at Starring Rolls.

I took a walk through Star Wars Launch Bay and made a trade with a Jawa. A napkin for a origami swan, which I though was pretty good.

The person who took this photo happened to be staying at Animal Kingdom Kidani Village as well, as he and his daughter were on my bus. His daughter was dressed as Rey from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, complete with a pouch like Rey wore in the movie. I was totally touched by how attentive he was to his little girl. I gave the swan to her, and she thanked me and put it in her pouch. In the one in a billion chance that you are reading this sir, you are doing a phenomenal job of parenting!

I walked over to the Boardwalk and met up with my family, Jill and Zach. We headed to Disney Springs and spent a lot of time in what is now one of my favorite stores there, The Spice & Tea Exchange, and it isn't new, I just happened to actually get some of the samples and wound up buying several items. Jill bought a few things for my wife as well. My favorite, The Scorpion Pepper Sea Salt.

Zach and me sampling the Scorpion Pepper Sea Salt.

We met up with my Disney Exchange Podcast co-host Lisa and her husband Raymond at Jock Lindsey's, and were joined a short time later by friends Amber and Ryan, and had some drinks and food.

  Lisa and me

Ryan, Jill, Raymond, Amber, Lisa, me and Zach

We went to lunch at The BOATHOUSE which is right next door to Jock's, and not only had a great meal, but we were seated in the boat that has been converted into a table which sits in the front of the restaurant!

After lunch, Lisa and I decided to get a dessert at Vivoli il Gelato, which is almost directly across the way from The BOATHOUSE. Imagine my surprise when I ran into my friends Beth and Charrissa again!

Amber, Ryan, Jill, Zach and I said goodbye to Lisa and Raymond and headed to Epcot for the evening, riding Imagination, Living With the Land, Nemo and Spaceship Earth before heading to the Morocco Pavilion for dinner at Restaurant Marrakesh.

Thanks again for dinner Jill and Zach!

 We made it a somewhat early night as everyone except me was flying out early the next day.

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar in Disney Springs

By Nick

There was a time I didn't find it necessary to visit Downtown Disney, recently renamed Disney Springs, but with the addition of 2 new establishments, The BOATHOUSE, which I will review at a later date, and Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar, that is no longer the case.

Like most things at Disney, there is a backstory.

Jock Lindsey was an American freelance pilot who was frequently hired by Indiana Jones to fly the archaeologist to remote parts of the world. Primarily easygoing and affable, Lindsey butted heads with Jones on just one subject, his pet snake Reggie. Info from The Indiana Jones Wikia.

Lindsey stumbled upon Disney Springs, bought some waterfront property and eventually settled down, piloting seaplane tours across central Florida.
His home base soon became a popular stopover and watering hole for world travelers and locals alike.
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar was born!  Info: Disney

The Hangar is, appropriately, aviation themed, with several nods to it's Indiana Jones tie-in throughout.

If you see a postcard or other sign, stop and read it!

Reggie's cage. Note, it's open, and empty! "Snakes. Why'd it have to be snakes?"

This Lost & Found case is by the restrooms. Look inside, and you'll find a very prominent artifact from Raiders of the Lost Ark, as well as references to other films in the series.

Even the menu is entertaining, so take your time and peruse it.

It even includes a very handy beverage pricing index, which would be nice over at Trader Sam's.

Over my last 2 trips to WDW, I visited Jock's on 3 occasions, both solo and with family and friends, and enjoyed several of their really great food offerings, as well as a few of their adult beverages.

On my first solo visit I had the Squid! Why'd it have to be Squid? which is fried calamari with Harissa Aïoli and Rolling Boulders Sliders, three spicy meatball sliders served with yogurt sauce, as well as a Scottish Professor, Monkey Shoulder Blended malt Scotch Whiskey, Hendrick's Gin, Pear Nectar, simple syrup, and fresh lemon juice, all of which are my favorites on the menu. So far!

The second time I visited was with my Disney Exchange Podcast co-host Lisa Green, her husband Raymond, my wife's cousin Jill and her husband Zach, and friends Amber and Ryan.

Ryan bought me an Aviator's Flight, ¾-oz pour of each Single Malt Scotch Whisky - The Macallan 12 yr Speyside, Highland Park 12 yr Orkney Islands, and Bowmore 12 yr Islay, as well as a German Mechanic which is a Bavarian Radler a.k.a. a "Shandy" with Paulaner Hefe-Weizen and Simply Lemonade. I love Scotch, and this is a great flight. I'm also a Shandy fan, having previously only had them at Epcot's Rose and Crown Pub. This was actually better!

Note, the Aviator's Flight is served on a propellor!

I didn't order food as we were going to lunch at The BOATHOUSE afterwards, but others in our group did and I got to sample some of the Snack of Ra, which consists of African Salads and Dips with Injera and Naan Crisps and the Air Pirate's Pretzels.

On my final visit, I was treated to a couple of Scottish Professors and the Rolling Boulder Sliders by my friends Marilyn and Peter. I asked for extra yogurt sauce with the sliders this time, and I enjoyed this excellent option even more!

As you can see we sat outside, which offers very nice views, and there is a full bar outside as well.

So, I believe it is fairly obvious I love Jock Lindsey's, and look forward to visiting and trying other beverages and meal on the menu.

Have you been to the Hangar Bar? What'd you think?

This article was originally posted on The Disney Exchange Blog, home of The Disney Exchange Podcast!