The newlyweds head back to AKL Club level! Now Live May 1-10! Update May 10- MK DHS

[RachaelA]

The newlyweds head back to AKL Club level
for a first anniversary trip!
Now Live May 1-10!

We're currently in Virigina on our way down to Disney. We left Northeast Ohio at 5:30am this morning (only a half hour behind schedule!). We should arrive around 9:17 according to our trusty Garmin. Hopefully DH can cut another hour off that time!

We honeymooned at Disney for 10 days/9 nights last June. We stayed at AKL Club level and when I got a 40% deluxe email pin in October, it was the perfect opportunity to go back for our first anniversary trip (but a few weeks early to beat the summer crowds)!

We will be joined halfway through the trip on Wednesday by my brother, sister in law, and 4 year old niece. They went for the first time last year because my brother had a conference at Shades of Green.

DH- age 29, husband and Disney lover

Me- age 24, wife and Disney addict, trip planner

DN- age 4, doesn't know about the trip!, loves Disney princesses and doggies, shares a name with Princess Aurora

DB- age 29, excited that Aurora is tall enough to ride Splash Mountain!

DSIL- age 29, ready to ride Everest

The Plan
Arrive tonight at the Holiday Inn Express Kissimmee for just tonight. Tomorrow morning bright and early check in at Animal Kingdom Lodge Club level for 8 amazing nights May 2-10).

DB, DSIL, and DN check in Wednesday May 5 at Shades of Green for 4 nights with the 4 day military pass tickets.

DH and I are on the dining plan. Yes, I know its a ton of food, but I like prepaying plus if we don't have the dining plan I'll feel bad about getting anything expensive to eat. We eat breakfast in the lounge, CS lunches, and TS dinners.

ADRS
Sunday- Crystal Palace dinner
Monday- 'Ohana dinner (first time)
Tuesday- Le Cellier dinner
Wednesday- no planned dinner
Thursday- Jiko Dinner
Friday- Askerhaus Dinner (first time- all 5 of us)
Saturday- Whispering Canyon Cafe dinner (first time- all 5 of us)
Sunday- Narcoosee's dinner
Monday- Liberty Tree Tavern lunch

We check out Monday the 10th and plan to leave after our lunch reservation at Liberty Tree Tavern and start the long drive back.

Tonight I hope to arrive with enough time to hit up DTD for a late dinner at Earl of Sandwich and some quick shopping at World of Disney.

If anyone has any questions, please ask away! I'll be updating once or twice a day either from my laptop or my droid.

[sjs314]

Wow.....am I the first one here ? :laughing:
Looking good so far RachaelA :thumbsup2

[lissiesmum]

I'd love to hear specifically what kind of hot food items are served each night in the lounge, and if they serve soup this time of year? I know they serve "hot appetizers", but I was curious exactly what they are. :thumbsup2 I hope you get lots of pictures to post, if you could take a few of the food and the CL lounge, it would be greatly appreciated! Have a great stay and drive safely! Happy Anniversary! :cheer2:

[s&k'smom]

I'm so looking forward to the reports!

[jlcd]

Joining in. We checked out of AKL a week ago. Wish we were still there. Have a great trip!

[Bookmomhp]

I subscribed! We will be staying for the first time in October, CL, and I can't wait to read about your adventures.

[Bibbidi]

Great, a live trip report. We are staying at AKL for the first time this August--though we've eaten there on several previous trips. We are WL lovers, so I hope we will love AKL just as much. Can't wait to read along--we're from Ohio too - do you drive down 75?

[eeyoresnr]

popcorn::

[tiggrbaby]

Have a wonderful trip! Looking forward to hearing more!

[jerseygal]

CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PICS WOULD BE SO SO APPRECIATED!:cool1::cool1:

HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT TRIP! I'M ENVIOUS...WILL BE AT KIDANI,
MID AUGUST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::wooho o:

[Applemomma]

:surfweb: I'm in! Only 193 days and I'm there too....well not club level but still in the building! :banana:

[SRUAlmn]

This will be a great way to help me pass the time before our first trip to AKL in July :) Can't wait to hear all about it :goodvibes

[floridascgirl]

If I can't be there myself, a live report will have to suffice. :surfweb:

[RachaelA]

Great, a live trip report. We are staying at AKL for the first time this August--though we've eaten there on several previous trips. We are WL lovers, so I hope we will love AKL just as much. Can't wait to read along--we're from Ohio too - do you drive down 75?

Hello fellow Ohioan! Where are you from? We're from Geauga county. We take 77 South through WV, VA, NC, and SC. DH drives and I sleep :lmao:

[RachaelA]

Trip update we are now about halfway through SC. We are slated to arrive at DTD at 8:45pm.

I was looking through pictures from our honeymoon trip from last year and I figured I'd post a few.

*Removed pictures*

Can't wait to wake up to this again!

[SRUAlmn]

Trip update we are now about halfway through SC. We are slated to arrive at DTD at 8:45pm.


We're in SC.......Wave!! :wave2:

[John's Mom]

Can't wait to read all about your trip! :goodvibes

[Bibbidi]

Hello fellow Ohioan! Where are you from? We're from Geauga county. We take 77 South through WV, VA, NC, and SC. DH drives and I sleep :lmao:

We're from the Cincinnati area, so we take 75 south. It takes about 14-15 hours to get to Disney from here. We have two dds though, so bathroom breaks are more frequent than if it were just DH and me.

Drive safely. Looking forward to following along.

[lovesdumbo]

How fun!!!

You must be in FL by now!

Love AKL CL!:banana:

I'll be at BWI CL on Wednesday.:cool1:

[swwake]

I'm here. Can't wait for more!

[Angel16]

I'm joining in for the great trip. It is a little after 11 pm in Florida. :) Hope you are there safely and enjoying DTD after your dinner. Looking forward to the next 10 days.



Angel 16

[missjudit]

I'm so looking forward to the reports!

Me too. Planning a trip next Feb with one of our g'kids for her 5th birthday.:yay:
Judi

[RachaelA]

Yes we are here in FL! We are at a Holiday Inn in Kissimmee. We stayed here a night before our trip in January 2008 so we figured we would use some points and stay here for free. Lets just say its gone downhill since then, but oh well its only for one night because today WE CHECK INTO AKL CLUB LEVEL!!!!

We arrived at the madness that is DTD a little before 9 last night. We luckily found a super close spot by WOD and the Lego Store.

Earl of Sandwich was AMAZING! We had never eaten there before and DH and I are now in love with it :lovestruc

I got the All American without tomatoes and DH got the Hawaiian BBQ with some Earl's Coleslaw

The All American - roast turkey, buttermilk ranch, cranberries, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and buttermilk Ranch.
Hawaiian BBQ - ham, grilled chicken, Hawaiian BBQ sauce, Swiss cheese and pineapple

The bread was amazing and both DH and I agree that all the flavors of the ingredients just go together so well.

http://i41.tinypic.com/359xnw8.jpg
The All American is the top sandwich.

When then went to DTD and I got a pair of Minnie ears to wear on this trip. We then decided to call it a night because we had been up since 4am! :eek: We got to the hotel at 10:30ish.

Its now 6:15 am. I'm about to start getting ready so we can leave here by 7am and go check in at AKL so we can get our tickets and hopefully make it to MK rope drop. Our plan today is MK rope drop. Crystal Palace Dinner. Spectro and Wishes. Throw in a CS lunch somewhere and a cream cheese pretzel from the lunching pad! I plan to make DH get a dole whip since he loves pineapple and has never had one!! Wish us luck!!

[SRUAlmn]

Sounds like you're off to a great start! Funny, you two got the exact same two sandwiches we always get, and I get it with no tomatoes too :thumbsup2 Have fun, and can't wait to hear more!!

[lissiesmum]

Rachael...great trip report so far! I love the pictures of the sandwiches! We haven't had the chance to eat there yet, but I think I'll make that a stop next time! :thumbsup2 I hope check in went smoothly and you enjoy the MK today! Have a dole whip for me...I get at least one a day when I'm at the MK! :thumbsup2 Can't wait to hear more....:surfweb:

[tiggrbaby]

Have a magical day!

[sjs314]

Good Morning ! Those sandwiches look yummy , have never been to Earl of Sandwich. Have a magical and fun day at MK :thumbsup2

[taymacsmom]

I am psyched for your TR! popcorn::

[swwake]

Wow! you guys have a busy day with an early start! I might have to try Earl of Sandwich!

[dvc at last !]

Enjoy...
waiting to hear more !

[starann]

Jumping on for the ride!!!!! I have a lot of the same places booked for meals when we go in Sept, can't wait to hear what you think of them all!

[RachaelA]

Currently waiting for hall of presidents. Lots done this morning. First set of people on space mountain! Crowds are managable. Leaving to go to our room soon. We got the text it was ready at 11. Post more with pictures later!

[TxMickeyLover]

Jumping on. It looks like you are having a great time so far! We love Earl of Sandwich! :lovestruc Can't wait to see pictures of the room!

[Aristocath]

Joining in...I love live trip reports!

[momma of 2]

Joining in for live updates. Have a great time. We'll be there in July

[dellasgirl]

subbing Gotta love live trip reports just like being there yourself:cloud9:
Hope you got a wonderful room

[MudEJeep]

Glad I found your report....checking in on the 28th!! Would love to hear about the CL and your room/locaton/view and the walk from your room to the various areas around AKL.

[Applemomma]

Currently waiting for hall of presidents. Lots done this morning. First set of people on space mountain! Crowds are managable. Leaving to go to our room soon. We got the text it was ready at 11. Post more with pictures later!

How were the Presidents? Is Obama still odd looking or did they fix him?

This is a must do on our next trip since my nine year old found out we're distant, distant, distant (so distant we actually live in Canada!) of both Franklin and Teddy Rosevelt! :rotfl:

[SRUAlmn]

Joining in for live updates. Have a great time. We'll be there in July

We'll be there in July too!! :banana::banana:

[RachaelA]

Waiting for spectromagic at 9 and then wishes at pretty much all curb spots were gone by 730pm. Will update when we get back to room after wishes!

Obama looked weird to us in hall of presidents. He looked the least like himself.

[jlcd]

Waiting for spectromagic at 9 and then wishes at pretty much all curb spots were gone by 730pm. Will update when we get back to room after wishes!

Obama looked weird to us in hall of presidents. He looked the least like himself.

Enjoy Wishes! Looking forward to hearing about your room and view.

[heaven2dc]

I'm joining in too! Thanks for posting a live report - a co-worker, his wife & 2 daughters just arrived today & are staying at VWL and I'm so excited to hear all about their trip! I think they were planning to head to MK tonight too (or plan B was to relax at the pool after check-in and maybe DTD tonight).

I hope you have a great trip - sounds fantastic (except for the hotel in Kissimmee)! Will be curious to see how the crowd levels are.

[princessallegra]

AHHHH SO EXCITING!!!!!!!!! You're there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to hear more!!! :yay::yay::yay:

[RachaelA]

Hi guys! I'm currently sitting on our balcony on the Zebra trail on the Arusha Savannah looking at..... no animals! Well I can see one in the distance and there was one or two earlier for a minute.

Our view this year is no where near as good as last year. We are much farther down (the last room before it curves). Last year we had like 4415. This year we have the high 30s. Many more trees in the way. I'm really not in love with the few, but we're at Disney and staying at my favorite resort so I'm sure I can deal! (And someone is on the balcony next to me which never happens! its a little weird!). Our room is a loooooooong walk from the lounge which I don't love either.

Here is our view.
http://i39.tinypic.com/9qepm8.jpg

Our room looks exactly the same as last year except this time we have a cool dresser by our door so DH can actually unpack his clothes!

We checked in at AKL around 7:30. Ate and booked it to MK for rope drop. We got a ton done early one. We were in the first Space Mountain car of the morning. Then we FPed Peter, rode Big thunder, rode pirates, rode haunted mansion, FP Pooh, Rode Snow white, Rode the People Mover, FP Buzz then had lunch exactly at 11am at Cosmic Rays. So we got a lot done by 11am. We got the text our room was ready around 11:30am.

http://i44.tinypic.com/wbtgkw.jpg

After lunch at Cosmic rays, we rode everything we had FPs for Buzz, Pooh and Peter. Then saw Hall of Presidents.

We went back to the room to rest and back to MK by 4:30. We FP Splash and Jungle Cruise and saw Tiki Room and Country Bears (for the first time for both).

Dinner at Crystal Palace. Our reservation was at 5:35. We checked in 5 minutes late and were seated at 6pm.

Dinner was fine except for Tigger dissing us not once but twice. Its obvious when the character doesn't feel like interacting with adults. Almost our whole section was adults and he gave a few high fives or touched their shoulders and left. And this happened to all of us twice! The rest of the characters were fine.

Then we used our FPs for Splash and Jungle Cruise and tried to get a spot at 8 for 9pm Spectromagic. Every curb spot was taken by 7:30 or so we were told by the people we stood behind. Then we saw Wishes at 10 and booked it out of there.

It was pretty crowded at some points, but everything was doable if you planned well. It was insanley hot and humid for us Ohioans!!

http://i43.tinypic.com/j90ozk.jpg

I don't have time to post more pictures because I tether my laptop to my Droid and its pretty slow to upload and we need to run off for the morning, but I definitely post more this afternoon!! I have room pictures and food pictures from Cosmic Rays and Crystal Palace. I also have pictures of breakfast offerings in the lounge. i won't get evening pictures until tomorrow or wednesday!

Plan for the day: Epcot rope drop, hopefully first ride of the day for soarin'! then some rides and Innoventions fun! back to the room for a nap around 2. Then 'Ohana for dinner at 5pm. Then hopefully Illuminations at 9! Throw in a CS lunch somewhere again.

[RachelTori]

I hope you & DH get the chance to ride Sum of all Thrills in Innoventions! It's fun! :thumbsup2

Have a great day at my favorite park! :cloud9:

[taymacsmom]

OOOHHH! Soarin' is my fav! Keep the reports coming. It makes me feel like I am there instead of here in rainy, damp Connecticut.:)

[KYCruiseCrazy]

I'm joining!! I'm wait listed and hoping to get 4 nights AKL CL.:goodvibes I hope you can include some photo's from the lounge. Isn't there internet in the rooms? I thought DVC got free high speed internet in DVC rooms or your not in DVC?:confused3 Maybe I read it wrong. Please enjoy your trip and Happy Anniversary:wizard: I hope have a great HOT day at Epcot. You at least miss the great RAINS of the ohio river valley 2010:scared1: I'll trade ya:rotfl2:

[RachaelA]

So it was a super hot and humid morning in Epcot today! Thankfully its mostly indoors.

We were the first 2 in line for Soarin'! We then FPed it and went and rode Test Track before heading off to Innoventions. We took some photopass pictures in front of the topiaries for the Flower and Garden Festival.

We did the usual Great Piggy Bank Adventure, the WM trash game, played some video games. Then we did Sum of All Thrills... well I did because DH has motion sickness. Sum of All Thrills was really cool! I of course went as fast as possible and all the 6 wildest sections.

http://i42.tinypic.com/ngyfqf.jpg

We ate at Sunshine Seasons. DH got the Ham and Salami Sandwich and Strawberry Shortcake. I got the chicken Caesar sandwich and the Butterfinger Cheesecake. We loved our deserts and the food was fine but nothing exciting.

Rode Soarin' again. Rode Nemo, Journey into Imagination, Spaceship Earth.

We then did the Disney Visa Character Meet and Greet. We got in line at 1:25 (starts at 1:30) and we were the 5th or 6th family in line. We were done by 1:45. It was Minnie and Goofy. We didn't get our free picture because I didn't feel like waiting for them to show up on our photopass card. We might try to claim it tomorrow at a park like the girl at the Photo Center said to do. We preordered the CD already so I'm not concerned.

Then we left around 2.

Our room
http://i44.tinypic.com/dhbm1u.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/4sef50.jpg
This is the cool dresser that wasn't in our room last year.

http://i43.tinypic.com/nbxfrp.jpg
Our new friend

http://i39.tinypic.com/2jd14l2.jpg
First time we have had toothbrushes

We also had a super cute giftbag in our room yesterday
http://i44.tinypic.com/2wdqa6v.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/10ekbyb.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/c51xl.jpg

Its a notebook with paper made from elephant poop! :)

Here is a couple pictures of the breakfast offerings in the lounge. They aren't the greatest because DH took them and didn't know what to take pictures off.

http://i41.tinypic.com/16jio01.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/scq4aa.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/t7y70k.jpg

I'll take some pictures of the lounge later tonight.

We're back in the room getting ready for our 'Ohana reservation at 5:30. Our first time! Then we don't know what we are doing. Maybe relaxing back at AKL. I want to see what the desert and cordial offerings are). We might hit up DTD. We'll see!

[LovintheLodge]

Enjoying your live report! Loved the pictures...what a nice welcome you received!

Please let me know how you liked Ohana's. My family went for dinner during our last trip 5 years ago and really enjoyed it, but I've seen mixed reviews lately though. We are thinking of going there again in August.

Looking forward to following your trip report.

[lovesdumbo]

Enjoying your live report until I arrive on Wednesday!!!

Your notebook is cute! Happy Anniversary!

I've been to AKL CL twice and didn't have that dresser. That is nice! I cannot remember if either or both of my rooms were connecting?

Hope you make it to Illuminations!

[tiggrbaby]

Great update! You are certainly managing to fit lots in!

[Bookmomhp]

I'm loving your report! It's getting me so excited for our October trip:banana:

[SRUAlmn]

Is The Sum of All Thrills new? My husband would LOVE that!!! Although, we thought the same about the 'build your own roller coaster' thing at Disney Quest only to find out (after an hour in line) that he was too tall to fit in the capsule where you ride your ride :rolleyes1 Did you see any height restrictions? Loving all your pics of AKL!

[lovesdumbo]

Is The Sum of All Thrills new? My husband would LOVE that!!! Although, we thought the same about the 'build your own roller coaster' thing at Disney Quest only to find out (after an hour in line) that he was too tall to fit in the capsule where you ride your ride :rolleyes1 Did you see any height restrictions? Loving all your pics of AKL!

I think it opened in November. There is a sample just outside the ride that you can try out to see if you fit.

It is really cool! I did it in Dec with my DD(10) and Jan with my DD(7). My 7 year old just made the 48" height requirement and wasn't the 54" required to go upside down but it was still lots of fun.

[SRUAlmn]

I think it opened in November. There is a sample just outside the ride that you can try out to see if you fit.

It is really cool! I did it in Dec with my DD(10) and Jan with my DD(7). My 7 year old just made the 48" height requirement and wasn't the 54" required to go upside down but it was still lots of fun.

Awesome! That explains why we hadn't heard of it since we haven't been there since last July. What a great idea to have a sample outside so people can see if they fit before they take the time to wait for their turn :thumbsup2 I'll have to show my husband. He'll love it! Me, not so much, I get motion sickness like the OP's husband!

[miprender]

:cool1: Live update from our favorite place. YEAH!!!

We have been home for a little over a week and I miss Disney.:sad1:

I love that you are able to get so much in. I remember those days (pre kids) when you could do that:lmao:

Can't wait to read more.

[RachaelA]

Hi guys!

'Ohana last night was nice. We looooooved the wings and dumplings. DH really liked desert. I don't know if its a place that is a must eat at though. Our server was really abrupt and just threw stuff on the table like our straws and drinks which turned me off a bit.

We really liked the Poly though and we had never been there before.

Plan for today is rope drop at DHS. Then spending the day there before back to our room for a bit before dinner at Le Cellier at 825pm.

[taymacsmom]

Enjoy the day!

[miprender]

Hi guys!

'Ohana last night was nice. We looooooved the wings and dumplings. DH really liked desert. I don't know if its a place that is a must eat at though. Our server was really abrupt and just threw stuff on the table like our straws and drinks which turned me off a bit.

We really liked the Poly though and we had never been there before.

.

Sounds like the waiter we had a few weeks ago!:laughing:

[RachaelA]

First problem of the trip we get back from dhs and our room wasn't cleaned. So we call because there was still a bit of time left for rooms to be cleaned. They say they will send someone right up. We come back an hour later still not cleaned. We call again . Once again they say someone will be right up. An hour later we go back still not cleaned. Sowe go to the front desk. The manager tells us that housekeeping is gone for the day and that is says both of the services calls were completed. Then he says he can move us to a new clean room. Well we don't want to move rooms.

Now I'm not a complainer but when I'm spending almost $300 I would like my room cleaned and to not have to hunt someone down for it.

So now DH and I wait.

[floridascgirl]

It sounds as if you are having a great trip so far and getting a lot accomplished. :goodvibes I'm exhausted just reading about everything you are squeezing into a day. My DH says Disney is not for wimps! :rotfl: Sorry about the hold up on your room cleaning...don't let it ruin the magic. :wizard:

[lissiesmum]

hmmm, sounds like your stay so far is not 100% magical :confused3 I agree with you, for all the extra money you spend on CL, you'd think that something as simple as getting your room cleaned would not be a big project??? I hope they finally made it up to your room and you were able to enjoy the rest of your afternoon. Le Cellier was my favorite place we ate our last trip. I'd be happy with just the soup and pretzel sticks! :goodvibes How's your view been? Have you seen any animals? I know you said there were a lot of trees blocking your view and you were further down than last time...I hope you got to see some animals up close and personal today!

[RachaelA]

Well we just got back from another amazing meal at Le Cellier. I could live on the soup, bread sticks and mashed potatoes!

Ill post more in the morning but we had a super hot and busy day at DHS and got a ton done by 1!

I have some lounge pictures I will post. Our view was much better today with some ankole cattle right out front along with a few other types of animals. I haven't seen a giraffe since our check in day and that was in the distance. I saw some zebras under the trees today. We qctually saw way more animals when we walked the Kudu trail yesterday.

But I'm off to bed. Ill post more in the morning before head off to rope drop at AK. Our niece Aurora arrives tomorrow night!

[KYCruiseCrazy]

Well we just got back from another amazing meal at Le Cellier. I could live on the soup, bread sticks and mashed potatoes!

Ill post more in the morning but we had a super hot and busy day at DHS and got a ton done by 1!

I have some lounge pictures I will post. Our view was much better today with some ankole cattle right out front along with a few other types of animals. I haven't seen a giraffe since our check in day and that was in the distance. I saw some zebras under the trees today. We qctually saw way more animals when we walked the Kudu trail yesterday.

But I'm off to bed. Ill post more in the morning before head off to rope drop at AK. Our niece Aurora arrives tomorrow night!

Cheddar Cheese soup:love:

[RachaelA]

So we were at DHS for rope drop. Now something to note when DH and I do rope drop, we make sure we are one of the first few people at the turnstiles because I want to be able to see plus I'm not going to be stuck in the mob of people. At MK we were the 2nd family at Space Mountain. At Epcot we were the first family at Soarin' and yesterday we were first to our FP machine at DHS. I figure we need to take advantage of what we can do pre-children (especially since we hope to have a new addition to our family by next summer!)

So we FP Toy Story Mania and then rode it right away. I beat DH for the first time ever!! Then we booked it over to RnRC with our new friend we met while waiting for rope drop. We rode RnRC and then Tower of Terror and went back to Toy Story to use our first FP and FPed it again! This was all accomplished by 10:15!! :scared1:

I have pretty much no DHS pictures because we were running around plus we have been just using the photopass and not taking out our own camera for some reason.

After FPing TSM for the 2nd time, we rode the Great Movie Ride. Then went over to Disney Animation and met Sorcerer Mickey.

Then we did the drawing class for the first time. We got to vote on who to draw and it was 12 for Pooh and 13 for Mickey. Unfortunately we wanted Pooh! Our drawings were horrible and I am too embarrassed to post them.

We then ate at Pizza Planet which was a normal CS meal and nothing special.

Lastly we saw Beauty and the Beast for the first time.

http://i40.tinypic.com/6hj7mt.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/j9sjtw.jpg

We were out of the park by 1:15 and then we dealt with the room fiasco until almost 4 which was really annoying. We also signed up for a DVC tour for today.

We left for Epcot around 6pm. We wandered the world showcase until our 8:25 Le Cellier reservation. We checked in at 7:55 and were seated at 8:15. Dinner was awesome. And so far is the only restaurant from this trip that is a must do for our next trip! We were back in the room by 10ish.

Here are some pictures of what I saw from our balcony yesterday. As I said in my previous post, there was actually a good amount of animals outside our balcony yesterday.

http://i40.tinypic.com/xg02ki.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/2nk86tk.jpg

Here are a few pictures of the lounge. I still need to take one that has a whole view of it. I plan to take pictures of the evening offerings today.

http://i42.tinypic.com/2my10sg.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/idayr7.jpg

A few random pictures from our trip so far

*Removed pictures*

http://i44.tinypic.com/vncex0.jpg
Spectro

Plan for the day is AK Rope Drop. Then DVC tour at 2:40. Then the afternoon is open probably dinner again at Earl of Sandwich. Then 2nd Fantasmic show at 10:30.

My brother, sister in law and niece arrive late tonight. We won't see them until tomorrow though. I'm super excited to experience Disney with Aurora! :)

[RachaelA]

On a side note, have you guys seen the new Toy Story Disney Visa designed? I just ordered it! I'm super excited for it!

[LovintheLodge]

Wow you had a great day at DHS! That's amazing how you seem to be one of the first at rope drop. How early before opening do you arrive? I have to keep this in mind for our August trip! It may be tough to get my kids (teenagers) up, but it's worth it to get a lot done in the morning.

Le Cellier is a must do for us this trip too! And this time I'm determined to get to Earl of Sandwich! Have fun today!

[taymacsmom]

As fun as it is to bring my children, the thought of accomplishing what you guys did is appealing! Have a great day at AK! It's my families fav!

[sjs314]

Loved the pics of the CL Lounge, first I have ever seen taken from that angle showing the actual Lounge area, not just the food offerings :thumbsup2
Congrates on the future plans announcement hope all goes well for you guys.
I want to try TSM this year, missed it last year the day we went to DHS it was super crowded so we did not stay long, Dinl has panic attacks in super crowded situations :sad2:
I decided to pass on Le Cellier(we have never been) but seems lately to be getting mixed reviews glad you enjoyed it so much, who knows may add it , ADR day for us is next Wednesday.

[RachaelA]

We're DVC owners at AKV!! Signing the paperwork now.

[KYCruiseCrazy]

We're DVC owners at AKV!! Signing the paperwork now.

Congrats!! Your are staying where I hope to stay this Dec with DW.:lovestruc

[LovintheLodge]

The tour/presentation must have been really good since you decided soon after! Exciting news for you guys!!! :goodvibes

[sjs314]

We're DVC owners at AKV!! Signing the paperwork now.

Congratulations!

[floridascgirl]

We're DVC owners at AKV!! Signing the paperwork now.



:wizard::banana::woohoo::cheer2::yay:

[miprender]

We're DVC owners at AKV!! Signing the paperwork now.

Congrats!!!:cool1:

[tiggrbaby]

Wow! What a day of announcements! Congrats and best wishes!!!

[RachaelA]

Hey guys. Ill update with pictures later (for the first time this trip I was actually able to sleep until our alarm went off so no time this morning.

Yesterday we were at Animal Kingdom from rope drop until 1ish. I miss the old opening show at AK.

We were picked up from AKL at 230 four DVC tour. And weren't done there until 7 but were DVC owners now so its was totally worth it. I'm ready for many many more years of disney!

We ended up back at Earl of Sandwich for dinner. We did some shopping. Bought some ornaments and used our new DVC discount at Basin.

Today we are meeting our family at MK at 830 which is after rope drop which kills me to do but I'm trying this whole be flexible thing.

[taymacsmom]

Congrats!!!!:dance3:

[heaven2dc]

How exciting!! Congratulations! Can't wait to find out when you book your first DVC vacation using your own points :cheer2::cheer2: Hopefully next year I will be a proud owner of DVC but I will miss renting points as I've met online some great DVC owners.

[RachaelA]

We are still at MK. Longest we've been at a park without going back for a break in this heat. Aurora was quite surprised to see us when she walked into magic kingdom!

I finally had my cream cheese pretzel. We have reservations at Jiko at 7pm. I'm ready for some flatbread and goat cheese mashed potatoes!

[LuvEeyore]

Lovin' the live trip report. I look forward to joining you on your trip and hope you are having a great time.

[KYCruiseCrazy]

Must be fun today:banana:. No photo's yet:lmao:

[thumper*]

Rachel loven your TR. Makes me so excited for our stay in Sept.:cool1:
I too would be super excited to experience DN first WDW trip.:love:

Trying to finish up planning how long does Wishes Last?

[RachaelA]

So Wednesday we were at AK in the morning. We didn't do a whole lot because of how spread out everything was. I really miss the old rope drop show. This one is just a cheap version of it.

http://hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net/hs289.snc3/28101_785287066494_23312324_43292877_4446792_n.jpg

We did Everest, Kilamanjaro Safaris, saw Nemo (my favorite!!), took some photopass pictures, ate at Restaurantosaurs (sp?) and then went back for our DVC tour. We're going back sunday so I plan to get more done then.
*Removed picture*

No pictures from DTD Wednesday night. DH and I are really slacking on the picture taking this trip. Even on the photopass pictures!!

Yesterday we were at MK with DN, DB, and DSIL. We got there halfway through the AM extra magic hour. Now I'm not the one picking the parks this trip so every day we are at the park to avoid. Its killing me!

This trip was a surprise for our niece Aurora. She woke up at Disney when they got in Wednesday and she walked into MK yesterday and saw her Aunt and Uncle (us!). She was very suprised.


We actually did get a lot done. We didn't do any character meet and greets which saved time. Off the top of my head we did Teacups, Barnstormer x2, Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan, Snow White, Dumbo (I can't get over the wait for this ride), Carousel, Big Thunder x2, Splash Mountain, Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Aladdin, Tree House, Laugh Factory, Buzz, People Mover, and Carousel of Progress x 2. All of this from 8:45 to 5ish.


http://i43.tinypic.com/mv6eeu.jpg
I tried to get Aurora to ride Cinderella's Horse, but she wanted one with roses on it so I rode it instead. DH also can't take pictures and cut off my head! ;)

It poured pretty bad for over a half an hour at the end. We jumped on Carousel of Progress before it started and then stayed on it again because it was still raining. We started a trend because about 10 other people stayed on with us. Pirates and SM were down on and off all day.

We ate at Columbia Harbor House. No pictures sorry!

We got back to our room to get ready for dinner and we finally had a giraffe outside our room (and over to the right a bit)! and I saw some more zebras. Finally!

We went up to the lounge for some wine and cheese. I didn't take pictures of the offerings because it was super crowded, but there were lamb and fig tarts, dips and bread, olives, cheese, etc. And of course wine and beer.

Jiko was awesome. I had the BBQ chicken flat bread and a side of goat cheese mashed potatoes (and the side was huuuuuuuuge). We also got cauliflower soup as a thank you for staying at AKL. DH got the filet and mac and cheese. We got a special dessert because it was our first anniversary. A super cute version of the pistachio creme brulee. Then we got the Jiko trio for dessert. Jiko is still a must do every trip.

Dessert #1
http://i40.tinypic.com/mmx2ck.jpg

Dessert #2
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs325.snc3/28850_785917957184_23312324_43304771_5061695_n.jpg

Then our family came over to the Lodge and we used the night vision goggles which were a let down. Nothing really out there.

Plan for today is Epcot and Askerhaus dinner around 5 so Aurora can meet the princesses. This is also a surprise!

[sjs314]

Sounds like you had a very fun and full day at MK yesterday. Disney is so much fun when you visit with a lil one.
I feel for DH, I tend to chop off a head or two every now and then and always get picked on for it :rotfl2:
Have a great day at Epcot today.

[taymacsmom]

Sounds like you had a very fun and full day at MK yesterday. Disney is so much fun when you visit with a lil one.
I feel for DH, I tend to chop off a head or two every now and then and always get picked on for it :rotfl2:
Have a great day at Epcot today.

Not hijacking the TR, but I noticed you are in CT. We are in Wethersfield. How about you?

[RachaelA]

Finished a bit at Askerhaus. Aurora totally stuck her finger in Jasmine's belly buttom and then she told Snow White that Princess Aurora was her favorite. Oh kids!

[tiggrbaby]

Finished a bit at Askerhaus. Aurora totally stuck her finger in Jasmine's belly buttom and then she told Snow White that Princess Aurora was her favorite. Oh kids!

Oh my! How funny! This will be a forever memory!

[sjs314]

Not hijacking the TR, but I noticed you are in CT. We are in Wethersfield. How about you?

Waterbury, Hi Neighbor

Finished a bit at Askerhaus. Aurora totally stuck her finger in Jasmine's belly buttom and then she told Snow White that Princess Aurora was her favorite. Oh kids!

Too funny, Aurora sounds adorable......like they say "out of the mouth of babes" :rotfl:

[princessallegra]

Your niece is so cute! Terrific that you're having a (mostly) amazing time!! The Jiko dinner looks soooo good! We can't wait to eat there. Have a great rest of your trip!!!! Can't wait to read more! :goodvibes:goodvibes

[RachaelA]

We've had a busy bunch of days! With Aurora here we've been at the parks all day which is something DH and I never do!! Its super tiring!

Friday was spent at Epcot. We got a lot done. Rory was tall enough for Soarin' and Test Track this year.

*removed picture*

We introduced our family to Innoventions.
*removed picture*

We did the Disney Visa Meet and Greet again. This time it was Mickey and Pluto and Rory was once again shocked when she went around the curtain. I love this perk for the visa. Its worth having the card just for this. We had over 5 minutes over alone time with Mickey and Pluto.

*removed picture*

We had dinner at Askerhaus and the meal was much better than I thought. This was another surprise for Rory and she was incredibly shocked to see Belle when we arrived. I posted this earlier, but she actually stuck her finger in Jasmine's belly button and told Snow White that Princess Aurora was her very favorite princess.

*removed picture*

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs325.snc3/28850_786285485654_23312324_43312477_2239058_n.jpg
Dessert

We didn't leave Epcot until around 9 which made it over a 12 hour day. It was exhausting.

Yesterday we were at DHS and AK for a bit. We used our Volunteer fastpasses which weren't really needed and we didn't even use all of the Donald ones.

We meet lots of characters and saw the Little Mermaid. We called at 10am and got an 11am reservation for 50s Prime Time which we all really liked, but we wished our waiter was into as much as one of the other waitresses. (We ended up not going to Whispering Canyon last night).

Aurora was not a fan of Tower of Terror, but loved Toy Story Mania.

*removed picture*

We left DHS around 230 and booked it to AK and caught the 3:15 Nemo Show and then DB and DSIL rode Everest while we dealt with a little Aurora melt down that was eventually fixed with a Mickey Ice Cream Bar.

DH and I ate at the Mara last night and then did some shopping at DTD. We have almost $500 in Disney rewards and gift cards we need to spend and we still haven't spend all that (including tips!).

We had to drive over to the Contemporary to get my monorail shirt in Spanish in my size so we watched Wishes from the balcony there which was cool. We've never seen it from anywhere other than MK or Narcoosssee's.

The offerings in the club level lounge have definitely been reduced and reduced to the point that we don't plan on staying club level anymore. I don't see spending the extra money just for IPO planning and breakfast. DH and I like the snacks and drinks. DH will miss his African Smoothie, but its just not worth it.

I have more pictures, but I have to go get ready for our last full day at Disney :(

Today's plan MK for rope drop. Then the family leaves around noon. DH and I are going to run over to DHS to catch Lights Motors Action and use our last volunteer fast pass. We also want to meet Lotso on his first day of meet and greets and then Narcoossee's at 8pm for the fireworks and maybe if we aren't exhausted Fantasmic at 10:30 (which probably won't happen!).

[RachelTori]

Rachael,

Sounds like y'all are having a great time! :cloud9: Thanks for taking us along on your vacation! :thumbsup2

I'm sorry to hear about the offerings in the Club Lounge, but the last time we stayed (February), the CM's told us they were reducing the evening offerings and we could definitely tell the difference. :sad1:

[sjs314]

I was exhausted just reading about all the running around from park to park you guys did. I am so glad we can do a more lesurely pace now that our kids are grown, I miss having lil ones but not all the added energy one needs. Sounds like you have another full day planned for today....you guys must be sleeping good once you get back to the resort.

[RachaelA]

Just met Lotso are DHS. Using our volunteer fast passes and then back to the hotel to resdt. This heat is killing us!!

[Bibbidi]

Just met Lotso are DHS. Using our volunteer fast passes and then back to the hotel to resdt. This heat is killing us!!

Have you seen any Toy Story 3 toys in the parks?
How was Lotso at the meet and greet? From what I've gathered he's the villain the TS3, so I was surprised he was the one they'd have out to meet guests.

[heaven2dc]

You sure got to do a lot in one day! I can't wait til my co-worker comes back to work tomorrow to tell us how his week was last week there. Is this high of heat unusual for this time of year? I helped this family book this time frame thinking it might be less crowded plus maybe in the upper 70's or low 80's.

[RachaelA]

Have you seen any Toy Story 3 toys in the parks?
How was Lotso at the meet and greet? From what I've gathered he's the villain the TS3, so I was surprised he was the one they'd have out to meet guests.

We've seen some Toy Story 3 merchandise, but nothing that is actually of the new characters. It seems to be just be the usual Toys (Woody, Buzz, Jessie, etc) in a box that says Toy Story 3.

Lotso is the villian of the movie, but he did not seem like a villian at all at the meet. He hugged and loved on everyone. We also saw him in Block Party Bash (I'm pretty sure he was the only villian in the parade). And he acted the same way as at the Meet and Greet.

[RachaelA]

You're sure got to do a lot in one day! I can't wait til my co-worker comes back to work tomorrow to tell us how his week was last week there. Is this high of heat unusual for this time of year? I helped this family book this time frame thinking it might be less crowded plus maybe in the upper 70's or low 80's.

All the CMs are telling us the heat is unusual. This is usually how it is in June. Its worse that what DH and I experienced on our honeymoon which was the first two weeks of June last year.

We leave tonight and the weather 10 day shows it getting cooler (mid 80s). Of course once we leave!

[RachaelA]

Sunday May 9th Mother's Day

We were at rope drop at Magic Kingdom with all 5 of us. The morning was spent doing all the rides that Rory wanted to do one last time.

We rode Big Thunder twice, Snow White, Peter Pan, Teacups, Pirates, Haunted Mansion.

I wanted to meet Ariel, but we had already seen her at Askerhaus so my DSIL decided we should pass. DH and I tried to meet Ariel and Eric (since it was their first day in Adventureland), but they were going on a 2 hour break.

We met Tiana and her Prince, Frontierland Donald and the Fairy Godmother.

The Fairygodmother thanked Uncle Max (DH) when his name is actually Matt which was the winning comment of the day.

*removed picture*

I got my cream cheese pretzel again!

DH and I booked it over to DHS by 1:20ish to meet Lotso. On his first day of meet and greets.

He was cute, but unfortunately not scented like strawberry!
*removed picture*

*removed picture*

We met Mr. Incredible and Frozone (Frozo??) for the first time. Then we ate at Pizza Planet again. We used our 2nd set of Volunteer fastpasses and rode Toy Story Mania twice in a row and then Tower of Terror before heading out of DHS. We caught Block Party Bash too somewhere in there.

*removed picture*

We hung out at the Lodge before heading out to our Narcoossee's reservation. We had another wonderful meal there (it was one of our favorite meals from our honeymoon last year). I got the chicken and almond crusted cheesecake and DH got the Surf and Turf and Strawberry Cheesecake.

We watched wishes from the porch/balcony area. It was a nice and relaxing last night.

Today our goal is to finish packing and then head off to MK for one last morning :sad1: We want to get in a few more rides (still haven't ridden Its a Small World) and meet some characters. I want to meet Ariel and Eric, Mary Poppins and Bert, and hopefully Goofy in his new outfit.

Alice and the Queen of Hearts were out yesterday by the Teacups so if they are out again I might just make DH wait in the insanely long line!.

Then lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern if we feel like it and then we hit the rode! :sad1:

I'm sad to go home, but I'm ready to go home to our dog. She is the light of our lives and we miss her dearly!

[taymacsmom]

Your live TR has been awesome and so much fun to read! It has made it a little easier to wait til next year for our trip! Safe travels home! Thanks for the fun.

[LovintheLodge]

Enjoy your last day...and safe travels on your way home. Thanks for taking us along for the ride! I enjoyed it. :)

[momma of 2]

Sounds like a great trip, how do you get those volunteer fast passes?

[Aristocath]

Enjoy your last day! Your trip seems to have gone by very fast.

[tiggrbaby]

Enjoy your last day! Safe travels home!

[sjs314]

We are always happy to get home to our dogs too, have a safe ride home.

[miprender]

Your trip seemed to go by so fast. Have a safe trip.

Post pics if you met Ariel and Eric. I will be so jelous(sp) though:rotfl:

PS: We will be neighbors too. We just bought DVC on Saturday for AKL.:woohoo:

[jlcd]

I have enjoued your report! Have a safe trip home. It is always sad to leave but with your DVC purcahse at least you know you will be returning!!

[superme80]

Awesome report! :woohoo: