January 2013

[buzznina]

Did you bring binoculars or were they in the room for you to use? We willl be staying at AKV Kidani for part of of January stay. That might be a good christmas gift idea if we need them.

We brought them, DD used them to help her see all the animals that were on an animal list that we got when we checked in.

 

[buzznina]

Great pics!! But I don't see any animails...did you see a lot from your balcony during your trip?

Sometimes, first thing in the morning our area would be pretty empty and then some mornings there were animals to watch. It seemed like the CM's would fill the animal feeding areas at different times of the day, I think to make sure the animals went into or by most of the areas. In the picture, the group of trees in the center had a feeding container for the giraffe's and a group of 4 or 5 would come along to eat. In the evening a little group of Elands that would lay in the brush in front of our balcony. Our DD was able to cross off a good dozen different type of animals from her list

 

[mickeyplanner]

Sometimes, first thing in the morning our area would be pretty empty and then some mornings there were animals to watch. It seemed like the CM's would fill the animal feeding areas at different times of the day, I think to make sure the animals went into or by most of the areas. In the picture, the group of trees in the center had a feeding container for the giraffe's and a group of 4 or 5 would come along to eat. In the evening a little group of Elands that would lay in the brush in front of our balcony. Our DD was able to cross off a good dozen different type of animals from her list

How much time did you spend at the resort itself to see the animals on the list? We orginally were going to spend at whole day there and skip the parks. But now we were rethinking our plans and wanting to get one day out of MK and the new fantasyland. What would you recommend?

 

[buzznina]

How much time did you spend at the resort itself to see the animals on the list? We orginally were going to spend at whole day there and skip the parks. But now we were rethinking our plans and wanting to get one day out of MK and the new fantasyland. What would you recommend?

That trip we were there for 8 nights, so we had plenty of park time and then had 2 non-park days to relax and enjoy the resort. On our trip in January we will be doing 2 days at MK, so our DD's can enjoy the new Fantasyland. I really would not spend a whole day if all you want to do is see a lot of the animals. I do not know what your schedule is but, you could always do rope drop at MK and then head back to AKL around 2. If you get there when the park opens you can really accomplish a lot because it will be less crowded. Just an idea

 

[KuyaJeff]

I LOVE the spreadsheet!!

Here are some thoughts but obviously take them or leave them

On Friday I see that you have an ADR for Kona cafe. I'd suggest switching your Thursday Boma ADR with the Kona Cafe ADR. That way on Thursday you are at MK so you can hop on the monorail to Poly easy! Or if you could get Ohana for dinner at around 7:15 you could head there from MK and ask for a table to see Wishes. While it's not guaranteed they will try to accomodate. Then you could watch Wishes from Ohana and then walk down to the Beach afterwards and watch the water parade at 9:00.

On Friday you are going from AK to hotel to Poly to Epcot. While you can hop on the monorail to Epcot from Poly you could always move your hotel break up later on this day and do AK then hotel where you eat dinner at Boma and then to Epcot. I think it might make it a smoother day and you'll have had Kona on Monday (unless you switch to Ohana).

On Saturday if you get an earlier CM then you could save some time without having to take the bus from HS and then back. That'll probably be more than an hour. I don't think you'll make it back to HS that morning because the ADR is 10:45. You'll have to leave HS by 10:00ish then with a 10:45 ADR assuming an hour to eat that's 11:45 and then another 30 minutes back to HS. At that point you could probably just walk over to MK from the Contemporary and take the bus back to AKL for the afternoon break.

Have you looked at the menu at Sanaa? If it sounds appealing to you then you might want to switch it out for one of your breakfast Boma ADRs to a lunch or dinner Sanaa. It's supposed to be really good from the reviews and at Sanaa you have a view of the Savannah. While Boma also has great reviews it doesn't have a view of the Savannah and you've got it down 3 times so you might want something new.

Again, just ideas that may or may not fit into your plan!!!

Oh no, how could I not have seen this? I'm barely reading it now. There is some valuable in your post!

I really do agree that Sanaa is definitely worth checking out, but have replaced our Kona Cafe ADR from Friday to fit that in. I can then move the Hotel break to a later time to either be before or afterthe Sanaa ADR. With everything close to each other...I think it's pretty doable.

I agree that Chef Mickey ADR is in a very awkward spot, I've realized that before and fully realize it now. It ended up being more of a "must do" from my traveling companion than a logical transition. You probably are right that we might not make it back to HS after. But we always have the option to just hop on the monorail to Magic Kingdom or even Epcot which could then lead to an easy transition back to the hotel break. I might as well switch that now. The main goal for that day is to take advantage of the AM EMH for Hollywood Studios. So two hours(8:00AM-10:00AM)in HS for the morning seems decent to start off the day. ...at least I hope it is.

Here's the latest iteration fo the spreadsheet... I'm starting to think I should break down the hours to half hours.

 

[loveshak22]

Oh no, how could I not have seen this? I'm barely reading it now. There is some valuable in your post!

I really do agree that Sanaa is definitely worth checking out, but have replaced our Kona Cafe ADR from Friday to fit that in. I can then move the Hotel break to a later time to either be before or afterthe Sanaa ADR. With everything close to each other...I think it's pretty doable.

I agree that Chef Mickey ADR is in a very awkward spot, I've realized that before and fully realize it now. It ended up being more of a "must do" from my traveling companion than a logical transition. You probably are right that we might not make it back to HS after. But we always have the option to just hop on the monorail to Magic Kingdom or even Epcot which could then lead to an easy transition back to the hotel break. I might as well switch that now. The main goal for that day is to take advantage of the AM EMH for Hollywood Studios. So two hours(8:00AM-10:00AM)in HS for the morning seems decent to start off the day. ...at least I hope it is.

Here's the latest iteration fo the spreadsheet... I'm starting to think I should break down the hours to half hours.

I've heard Kona is good so I hate for you to miss it based on my suggestion! But I have heard Sanaa is yummy and it seems to fit nicely in your plan for the day! I'd give you a report when we get back in January but you'll actually be there a week before us so that wouldn't help. I'll wait to see your post-report though.

Breaking the spreadsheet into 30 minute blocks - that's some skillful planning

I understand about CM and sometimes we have to plan around what we just have to do...that's what makes life soooo hard at WDW (said with sarcasm) Although looking at the EMH for that day it actually makes sense to start at HS and then end up there and then either back to hotel or MK!

I think the plans look great! Lots of good time at the parks, the resort, and good eatin'!

 

[mickeyplanner]

That trip we were there for 8 nights, so we had plenty of park time and then had 2 non-park days to relax and enjoy the resort. On our trip in January we will be doing 2 days at MK, so our DD's can enjoy the new Fantasyland. I really would not spend a whole day if all you want to do is see a lot of the animals. I do not know what your schedule is but, you could always do rope drop at MK and then head back to AKL around 2. If you get there when the park opens you can really accomplish a lot because it will be less crowded. Just an idea

WE will only be staying at AKV for two nights as a split stay with BLT for a total of 6 nights/7days. Sounds like we should be good with two afternoons for animal viewing. Did your kids take part in the resort arts and crafts activities?

 

[buzznina]

WE will only be staying at AKV for two nights as a split stay with BLT for a total of 6 nights/7days. Sounds like we should be good with two afternoons for animal viewing. Did your kids take part in the resort arts and crafts activities?

They did the ceramic activity, you buy a piece($3-$5) paint it and they will tell you to pick it up later after they put it in their kiln. Both our DD's really like rubbing. AKL has two or three 4' brass circle imbedded in their lobby floor with african symbols, plants and animals engraved on it. You just ask a CM for some paper and crayons and then lay the paper over a part of the circle and lightly rub the crayon over the paper and whatever you put the paper on will start showing up on the paper as a picture. Hint; take the paper off the crayon and rub using it on it's side. We had all 4 of us sitting in the middle of the lobby floor doing this It makes a very unique souvenir
I would also highly recommend doing the night vision, it is also free. Google aklresort and they have a copy of the animal list that the resort gives out and a lot of good info. Have a great time. Only 32 days before we will be back at the world

 

[Echo queen]

30 days out and my Mickey Mail is here

 

[Penguin312]

30 days out and my Mickey Mail is here

What all is included in the Mickey Mail? This is our first trip and I've been impatiently watching the mail box.

 

[Echo queen]

What all is included in the Mickey Mail? This is our first trip and I've been impatiently watching the mail box.

Luggage tage
ME yellow tags
The booklet with all details of your package, like ME ticket, all vouchers that are included in your package.
I will start packing my stuff bag today.

 

[kdog_1981]

DW called Disney since they forgot my ME ticket. Lady told my wife... "Don't worry you got plenty of time." Um yea? Busy time of the year!

 

[Echo queen]

DW called Disney since they forgot my ME ticket. Lady told my wife... "Don't worry you got plenty of time." Um yea? Busy time of the year!

I have always gotten my Mickey mail and ME information at or before the 30 day mark. . Possibly you will have a Mickey mail Monday

 

[kdog_1981]

We got the mail but my name was forgotten in ME tickets. Traveling with 5.

 

[mom of lil princess]

Not only was I able to book CRT this morning I was also able to move around biergarten and akershus so we didn't have 2 princess meals the same day...I am so excited I was able to do all this with only 36 days left. I am so excited

 

[Penguin312]

We received our Magical Express packet with the yellow tags but that was all. Will there be another letter sent? I also found it strange that it didn't have our flight info printed in the booklet even though we booked them through Disney. Guess I'll need to call tomorrow and make sure it is added.

 

[loveshak22]

We're not using ME...will we get anything or just get everything at check-in?

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

We received our Magical Express packet with the yellow tags but that was all. Will there be another letter sent? I also found it strange that it didn't have our flight info printed in the booklet even though we booked them through Disney. Guess I'll need to call tomorrow and make sure it is added.

We're not using ME...will we get anything or just get everything at check-in?

If I'm mistaken, hope someone can correct me, but as best as I can remember, the Magical Express tickets are a separate thing from what most folks refer to as "Mickey Mail". Mickey Mail consists of a booklet that includes your a reservation summary sheet that includes the names of the guests included in the package along with the lodging ressie and park pass information. It will also include air travel summary and car rental vouchers as well as some other coupons and vouchers that's included as your Magic Your Way Package. Finally, the mailing will also include some Disney themed luggage tags to help you label your luggage BUT is different and separate from your Magical Express Tickets.

My understanding is that the Magical Express tickets arrive first. Then the Mickey Mail and in some cases, the Mickey Mail may not arrive until 2-3 weeks prior to your arrival date. Also, if you did not book a vacation package (such as those who book room-only ressies), you will not receive the Mickey Mail.

Hope this helps!!

 

[Caseystigger]

So excited to be going back! My sister and I are having a girls only weekend Jan 18-21st. We're staying at POR Royal Guest Room River View! SO EXCITED!!

 

[loveshak22]

If I'm mistaken, hope someone can correct me, but as best as I can remember, the Magical Express tickets are a separate thing from what most folks refer to as "Mickey Mail". Mickey Mail consists of a booklet that includes your a reservation summary sheet that includes the names of the guests included in the package along with the lodging ressie and park pass information. It will also include air travel summary and car rental vouchers as well as some other coupons and vouchers that's included as your Magic Your Way Package. Finally, the mailing will also include some Disney themed luggage tags to help you label your luggage BUT is different and separate from your Magical Express Tickets.

My understanding is that the Magical Express tickets arrive first. Then the Mickey Mail and in some cases, the Mickey Mail may not arrive until 2-3 weeks prior to your arrival date. Also, if you did not book a vacation package (such as those who book room-only ressies), you will not receive the Mickey Mail.

Hope this helps!!

It does help - thanks!!

I've always used ME in the past so we'd get the yellow baggage tags plus the Disney luggage tags and the packet of info. I just didn't know if you weren't doing ME if you'd get any of that.

We are at 57 days and counting!!!