YES, touring Cinderella’s Dream Suite was Amazing!+14 Other Magical Days* Dismeet & Wrap

[princessjv]

Yoru killing me! I am so intrigued by AKL club level! I have himmed and hawed over if we should stay CL on our visits! I hope you give a lot fo fantastic details!

STUCK ON CoP! Now my DH would LOVE this! Last time we were on it, a child was sick and needed to head to the potty -- FAST! There was no emergency stop and get out! It was terrible.

 

[chattadisser]

Yea to being "stuck" on CoP! That's when I start looking for the midden Mickey's in each room. An even bigger yea to to the mimosa! Thats the way to start a new resort.

Can't wait to hear more about CL at AKL (Love to do that at some point) and your dinner at Jiko's (which could be my favorite on-property resturant).

 

[peachmermaid]

I agree, the magic bands can be pretty touchy. That's annoying that they couldn't do anything about fixing Em's. Boo.

The tangled area looks awesome!! I love your pics. I definitely love just sitting there, taking it all in. And of course, there is the bonus of bathrooms. I love that the mirrors are covered in there. It's like the imagineers are saying, you're in the happiest place on earth, you look great! All it's missing is eugene hiding around the kingdom.

I can't wait to hear all about jambo house! If they're giving you mimosas first thing, that's a very good sign.

Unfortunately I do not go every month, I wish I could though!! I just hit the jackpot the last few months with convincing Richard I needed to go to my happy place. I'm thinking about convincing him to go down again after our October visit for the Christmas season since we'll likely be missing thanksgiving with our families but it sounds like wdw is crazy packed around that time...

 

[gracer9977]

All caught up.

Bummer on the Splash pic with the kid punching you in the face.

I too got spit on by the Aladdin camel, my DD thought it was HILARIOUS, especially since it surprised me.

Looking forward to the next update.

 

[cajunfan]

I can't wait for the next update!
Lynn

 

[emmysmommy]

Neglectful me.... trying to get caught up here so let's see how many comments I can respond to before I get too loopy from being tired and call it a night!

You found one of my photo safari items for my trip in October!! The bag of apples and the mess Maximus left behind. The Tangled Rest Area looks soooo good. It's amazing how much effort they put into some restrooms.

Ok, is it just me or does that kid "punching you in the face" on Splash Mtn have freakishly long arms?!?

I know that's on your list Dave so I'm looking forward to see your genius at work with that photo op!

It is pretty amazing... when you think that there's not a lot to do there...

That kid is another example of Disney's "forced perspective" ...

I love CoP, but if DH was subjected to a second round like that, he would never go again. Actually, I probably would have been upset too, in a hurry to move to the next attraction.

These magic bands seem to be causing a lot of issues for a lot of people.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Hi Jill! Your hubby's not the only one! My DH is not such a fan as well.

There was another issue or two with them coming up but we were in a test phase so I couldn't expect perfection. Oh well.

You've kind of left us hanging on the club level snacks. Inquiring minds want to know.

Two rounds of Carousel of Progress?! Yikes!

I love the new Fantasy Land. The detailing is fantastic.

Overall, how would you rate the Magic Bands?

I forget that I bounce back and forth between my Dining Review and this TR so you can pick up anything that I miss food/dining wise in my other report. Didn't mean to leave you hanging though!

Yep, two rounds which didn't make me upset but apparently other people were not happy.

Tough question regarding how I rate the.... again, considering we were in a test phase. Overall, I like the concept and the ease of use and not having to get passes out all the time or room keys. However, we didn't plan wisely for use of FP+ on many days so they were limiting. And I don't necessarily like the marketing genius of embellishing your MB. Who want's a plain one when they sell flair?? (I didn't purchase anything for our MBs but then again most people hadn't at that point. I expect to see more in the near future.) So there you have my opinion!!

Wow! I still can't belive how much you were able to accomplish this morning - try as we might, we never do...

I loved the Rapunzel area - but we never did make it into the bathrooms. We also found2 Pascals, neither of which were the same ones you did. I would also like to spend more time in this area... Cause for another trip! WHOOT!

I love that the MBs display your name - that is really cool. But clearly - there is no way that a CM could let anyone in earlier/later - unless it's still a little lenient?

And AWESOME Dismeet - you know I love those!!!

Excellent idea to wait for snacking until you checked into CL... I am curious how that turned out? I hope you didn't have to wait too long for food.

D~

Hi there Miss D~! If we'd planned our morning better we could have covered more ground but you know how it is traveling with teens!!

We saw people having pic-nic lunches at the Tangled rest area. I think that sounds fabulous.

Since we policed ourselves and stuck to our return window for FP+ (other than the oops! this day) so I'm thinking they probably do enforce the window of time just like the paper FP.

You my dear, are the queen of Dismeets so I know you agree that they are always a highlight of our days!!

We missed snacks at CL at AKL but ......stay tuned to see what we did have. (unless you peeked at my DR!)

This is a really cool picture. Love it!

I also love the picture from the ascent on Splash Mountain. Actually, all the splash photos are really good. Did you take them with a camera or your phone. So clear.

I didn't read your dining review, but I am guessing that those nachos were not your favorite culinary delight of the trip.

How annoying that Em's magic band did not work as expected. I am curious to see how ours work. We only have them for the end of the trip as I guess BWV does not use them.

What a great morning in MK. Looks like a beautiful day.

Yay for AKL checkin. I am very excited to be staying at the Jambo house this time. My last stay was in Kidani. Looking forward to your Jiko dinner as that's where we are celebrating Denny's birthday.

Wonderful updates!

Thanks Mary Ellen! All those photos are with my Nikon 7700. (Point and shoot/bridge camera)

Oh my gosh! Those nachos were the opposite of amazing!

There were more issues with the MBs but again, they were still in a test phase so I feel I need to be more forgiving.

I hope Denny and you enjoy Jiko. I'll be interested to see what you thought.

The Rapunzel bathrooms look beautiful! So much detail! Finding the pascals would be fun!

I love AKL! I stayed at Kidani before...so beautiful and relaxing! I have never stayed club level before, but never felt the need since we always get the dining plan when we go and usually end up with food left over on that. If/when we get to go to DL I am thinking of going club level at Paradise Pier. Would that be a good choice?

Anyway, great updates! Awesome Dismeet!

I wish I had cheated and looked up where all the Pascals were ahead of time so I could have photographed them.

Definitely the dining plan trumps CL since the lounges are usually only snacks and continental type stuff for breakfast.

I don't really know too much about Paradise Pier or what they offer for CL. Sometimes they offer other perks other than just the food offerings. I've only peeked in that hotel in the lobby so I'm not sure.... sorry can't answer that one.

Thanks!!

All caught up, I love your pics in the MK.

Hi Lori! Thanks!

I have to admit, I kinda like the "personalization" thing with the MB where the CM's can call you by name. It's like Cheers and we're all Norm!

You're definitely not alone in regards to seeing the mermaids on POTC. I had to ride 3 times to see them, and to be honest, there's not a lot to see.

Wow, you know it's a busier time when Tortuga Tavern is open.

Wow, you got some amazing Splash photos. That new camera is sure paying off. One of the perils of sitting in the back is getting blocked in the ride photo.

Hahaha Critter Country... NICE!

Ahhh I so love your little video clips. Too precious. Maybe I'll get to be in one someday. You two do Disney right!

Awesome DISmeet (and so random) made even better in that you missed her in D-land I think.

Ha ha! Norm! Or it's like wearing a name tag to the parks.

I don't know... maybe because I've not actually seen the mermaids I'm too critical but Disney, don't make it so subtle that most people don't actually see it. Maybe I just don't know where to look.

So Tortuga Tavern is like the Tomorrowland Terrace which I NEVER see open?? Seasonal. Didn't really know that.

Yep, that's the trade off... front row = gonna get wet, back row = exuberant ride companions blocking your face. You caught that reference!

Hmmm..... I do believe you may make a guest appearance. I hesitate to post videos. There's so many that I just don't upload since 1. they don't make sense a lot of time since we do a lot of silly inside jokes and 2. I hate the way I look/sound on video and 3. I have no idea how to edit these to get rid of the stupid parts!!

You remembered I was at D-land same time as Kristen in July. You have a great memory.

Man! I got way behind again. I thought September would be kind to me and allow me some leisure time. So far -- no good!

Day one's end sounds great, very nice and relaxing. I LOVE all the lodge photos, what a gorgeous place!
Love hearing about the MBs and how they're working out. I hope we get to use them in November! There are rumours going both ways so I guess we'll have to wait and see.
I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for the mermaid additions. The mermaid skeleton freaks me out though.
You did get some great shots on POTC! That's a really dark dark ride so it's hard to get anything in there.
I can't even contain my excitement for the Tangled themed bathroom/area It's so pretty! I'll have to remember to look for 10 Pascals.
A second go-round on COP? I'm in!
AKL! AKL! I'm so excited for this part!!! AHHHH!

Hi Wendy! No worries. You have a lot going on with your trip coming up as well!

I forget which resorts are using the MB. AKL was part of the test when we were there.

I was pretty lucky with some of those photos. I'll let you in on a secret, I cheated and pre-set one of the dummy user settings on my camera. After all those photo tips/lessons I couldn't remember do I want my ISO increased or decreased.

Definitely GO visit the Tangled restroom area. I fully expect to see some awesome photos too!!

AKL coming up ...

Another great TR installment! So, did the MB's bother yours or Em's wrists? That's the part I'm unsure about- I don't know that I'll want something on my wrist- especially in the heat. That's why I stopped wearing a watch 20 years ago!

Love your embedded DR's! Great idea! Those nachos did look nasty!

The POC pics were great- one of my favorite rides. Although they could make it better by placing Johnny Depp at the entrance/exit.

And what are the odds that the camel would get you right in the face? LOL

We were at Fantasyland for their official Grand Opening on 12/6/12. We didn't make it to the Tangled Restroom, though, so thanks for those pics! Great theming. Disney sure does that right, don't they? And I didn't know about the Pascals either! Definitely something to see on our next trip.

And big kudos to that very insightful CM who brought you a mimosa! It looked fantastic! Makes me want one right now!!

Liesel

Hi Liesel. No, the bands didn't bother us. Of course they were loose on us even on the smallest fastener. You could adjust them further with a kid setting but I didn't bother.

Oh thanks. Makes it easy to jump to the dining part if anyone wishes to do so.

A Johnny Depp fan are you?? More Johnny wouldn't bother me!

Wow!! You were there for a huge milestone with NFL open! Did you receive a commemorative park map or pin or anything? That is cool to just be a part of that.

Ha! Yes, that was very nice of the CM. Mimosa's make everything better, right?

Wonderful updates. The photos were awesome!!
Must watch out for those spitting camels!!!

I loved the area around Rapunzel's bathrooms. But can you believe I never went in?! I missed all that was inside! And I forgot all about looking for Pascals. Must go back!

Wow!! A mimosa for having to wait too long! Just going to have to try that CL some day. (even if only for a night) What I really want to be able to do is the safari for CL at AKL only. I absolutely love sitting and watching the animals on the savannah.

Sorry your magic bands seemed to give you trouble. But do you think the FP lines are going to be so much slower with those? I was feeling like they stalled the lines more-especially when we used ours to get into Fantasmic. And so many people are entering an area at the same time. I thought maybe we would be sent a survey after getting home on what we thought of the bands, but no such luck. I loved them for the ease of getting in and out of the rooms and at the CS food places.

Thank you!!

I've gotta go back and find the other 7 Pascals. (I think I mentioned I saw one in one of my photos from a hint I got from another Diser.)

We didn't see too much difference with using the MB for the FP lines but it was still in test so I would hope they thought that one through and don't bottle neck the FP lines with these. BTW, I received and completed a survey that Disney sent me. Definitely perks to these. Especially if your hands are full when returning to the room you don't need to dig in your pockets or bag for your room card/key.

I saw another AK club level guest who was offered a mimosa so perhaps that is their traditional welcome drink? Not sure but it sure was good!

Awesome info on the MagicBands. My mom and I are already talking about the possibility of having them for our Thanksgiving trip!

Oh my gosh, poor Brenda with the camel spit!

Wonderful Splash photos!!

Haha, funny story semi-related to the Critter Country reference...we went to Disneyland in 2011 and I loved Bengal Barbecue so much. Our next trip to the World, my dad suggested we go to that place in Adventureland where we can get meat on a stick. Uhh, that's across the country, Dad...

I found a few of Pascal's pals, but not the two that you found, I don't think! So I will have to keep an eye out next time.

Two spins on the Carousel of Progress?! I love it!

Hi Courtney! Yeah, the aim was perfect. And I know the camel does that. That's what I get for not paying attention.

Ha ha!!! Yeah, Bengal BBQ is only at D-land. At least your dad didn't say let's go on Indiana Jones ride by Bengal BBQ!!

I really need to look up where all the Pascals are. I'm too impatient to hunt for them.

What a pain that the MB didn't work right but the way the screen on the podium showed your name looked very cool

I love CoP and have to do it every trip but to go round twice

The CL lounge at AKL is lovely, I can't wait to see what snacks you were offered

Hi there!! Good concept but definitely has some bugs to work out for those MBs.

I'm a huge CoP fan too!!! I didn't mind the second spin around since it was nice and cool in there.

It was a lovely lounge...if you peek at my dining review links you'll get a preview since that report is moving a lot faster than this one.

 

[emmysmommy]

Thanks for the photo of the MB console! I was curious how that worked for FP. Annoying that Em's wasn't working that great, though!
Only at Disney is themed bathroom area a big deal.

Hi Kylie! I thought that was interesting too. Yeah, we still had a few issues with Em's MB but it didn't prevent us from entering the park so all was well.

Isn't that right!!! I think Disney raised the bar so high on bathrooms now!

Poor Em with her magic band. We don't qualify for the magic bands and I've read two or three reviews of them - are they just four fast passes a day and your room key and charging privileges all in one?

Hi Alysa! When we were there the MBs were for park admission, room entry, and dining plan credits, and charging privileges. I hear they are now for in test for photopass. Definitely a great idea there!

Wowee I’ve fallen behind!! But hey, I was on vacation!! Lol, lots of good excuses to use now! Lol, but I’m here to catch up on everything!! Ugh, I WISH bags flew for free on more airlines, or at least one, I hate having to pay both ways, it adds up so much!!

I need to get caught up but I hope you had a great time and ... if for an audition... that the stars are aligning to with your talent and adorableness!!

Whoop! Nasty deal with the luggage!! I nearly bought one like that too this past trip, my luggage was falling apart during the trip and I wanted a nice one but they were all the hard shelled ones and I knew they wouldn’t last through an airline trip! Lol. Much less a Canadian winter! You guys look so classy when you fly! I am the frumpiest of frumps!!

yeah, that luggage was a fail. At least is was cute while it lasted. Ahhh thanks. I just don't share the photos of our return home when we are all messed up and scary looking!

The same thing happened to the BFF when she flew in, got stuck in the air so long they had to re route to Tampa to land! Eck. Glad you guys only had to wait an extra 30!

I would have been more impatient to land but heck, I'd rather land safely considering the weather circumstances.

I noticed those new spiffy signs recently, I figured it was something magic band related. Eck. We’ll see how those turn out. I guess I’ll get to read some about them in here won’t I?? Great shots from the bus!

Do you take the ME or rent a car. Never mind... silly question... you must use DME if you've seen the signs.

THIS RESORT LOOKS AMAZING!! Yup, officially added to my “must stay” list! It’s gorgeous!! TiW includes alcohol?? Man, I really need to look into that card, especially since I’m thinking I’m getting another AP this year! Thanks for linking the dining review!!

Absolutely, TiW includes 20% off alcohol. No problem about the links...I love Disney food and it shows!

Isn’t it awesome to be able to have the best servers at Disney!! I’ve made good friends with one at BOG and somehow we ended up not in her section last week! Sad face! However it was still great! How awesome that he has the blue tag now! Yay!

Now we notice those blue name tags. There were 3 CMs that we know that have them.

Ah! If only my Mom could see your color coded spread sheet! She laughed at me for hand writing out a little schedule. It simply said what park, what ADR’s, and what time to be at the bus for that day!

Ha ha!! I need to download stuff to my phone more. It's easier than carrying a piece of paper. But I LOVE spreadsheets!!

Boourns to not having good nachos! Paige and I weren’t impressed with Casey’s ones either. Oh well! Awesome splash photos! I still always forget to leave my camera out for picture and video purposes, oh well, next time!

I just went on CoP for the first time last week! It was a nice break, I probably wouldn’t rush there in the future, but I’d go again!
No kidding?? First timer huh? Ok, not everyone can be a fan and I appreciate that otherwise it would be a 3 hour wait to take a spin so for that I thank you for not rushing back!!

AHH! Kristen!!! Yay for running into her!!
We've run into each other randomly 3 times now. It was awesome!

Looks like a pretty good start to a trip minus the MB not working out! I hope those problems fixed themselves in the next little bit!! Excited to see the wonderful pictures of AKL, it’s definitely my favorite resort!!

Hi Katt!! I keep meaning to get caught up with your latest updates... I WILL yet! Thanks for getting caught up.

What a fun update - where else but Disney can one get "the world's best nachos" and spit on by a camel!

Very nice of that CM to bring over a mimosa - always appreciate when workers realize that things are taking a while or something is wrong with a system and try to compensate in another way

Ahh Disney, it is a special place for sure!

That was a perceptive CM for sure. They probably thought, let's give her alcohol so she won't care that this process is taking forever!! And I didn't. So it worked!

I can't wait to see that bathroom!

We loved Splash Mountain, but I just read this week that it's going to be DOWN when we go in March! I'm really surprised, considering they did a huge overhaul this past winter… what gives?!?!?!

How nice of them to give you two spins on the COP! I think I may actually have to ride that this next trip. The girls have never been on it! I know… I know… I'm sorry!

Hi Christen! Oh NOOOOOO!! Down during Spring Break time... that's lousy timing.

They must have known there was a huge CoP fan in the audience so I'm sure that was just for me!

All caught up !!

We have the RFID AP cards and they only worked randomly. Seems like this technology has quite a few bus that still need work.

Looking forward to reading more !!

Susan

They wanted to switch us to the RFID near the end of the trip but I declined. It was always at an inopportune time. At least we're the guinea pigs working out the bugs.

Thanks Susan!



I'll return more comments tomorrow... errr later today...

 

[foodrocksluver]

Your MagicBand problems are just solidifying my hatred toward them. We got invited to test them on out October trip which is in 16 days because we added a day on at Pop (we will be there one night, the rest at OKW). There are like, zero Fastpass+ reservations that will work for us. Such a bummer. But my fiance seems to like his band, he asked me if he could wear it even if it didn't work

Men

Anyway, I love that candid picture of Em. So high fashion!

And I love the Tangled bathrooms. I can't wait to um...visit them in October.

 

[distripplanner]

I can't wait to see that bathroom! We loved Splash Mountain, but I just read this week that it's going to be DOWN when we go in March! I'm really surprised, considering they did a huge overhaul this past winter… what gives?!?!?! How nice of them to give you two spins on the COP! I think I may actually have to ride that this next trip. The girls have never been on it! I know… I know… I'm sorry!

Waaa!!!! I can't believe Splash is going to be down again! It was down last year during our trip at the same time. I've been teetering between going to disland (for our 1st time ever) or back to the world. No offense here but dis world has our heart and I'm just not that excited about disland. (In sure it's fab just haven't been and afraid it won't stack up-silly I know!) However, I can't move my son's bday and he is finally tall enough and ready to ride so maybe we will do disland this time. Oh such a dilemma!

 

[HBGdancermom]

Hi! I just found your TR and it is AWESOME!!! All caught up and can't wait to hear the rest. Thanks!

 

[emmysmommy]

Loving the pictures in this last series of updates! Your pictures from Pirates are AWESOME!!! I love that fire scene.

Thanks Dee!

The Splash pictures also had some great detail. I have never noticed those bear paw prints before.

Neither had I. It's funny the details that I miss. Next someone is going to tell me that there are hitch-hiking ghosts in HM.

Wow, bad nachos AND camel spit???

I must have been sporting a big bulls-eye!

I have heard about the Rapunzel bathrooms, but yours are the first pictures I have seen.

Leave it to me to take my camera INSIDE the ladies room.

for meeting disneyfreak616 again!

I was pretty excited about that!

The club level offerings look really interesting. I would love trying those out.

Glad you are caught up Dee. Now, it's my turn to do the same!

I can't even imagine 2 weeks in WDW! Can't wait join in!!

Hi there blessed! I'm so glad that you are here and joining!! 3 boys AND a girl. You really are blessed! Seriously, thank you for reading along.

This should be interesting in a few weeks with the magic bands & FP. I am so used to having the time stamp on the FP to know we are there are the right time.

Good idea with the snacks at AKL CL. Mimosa yes please.

Not good that they could not fix anything with the bands. I guess it is all new to them too. I am sure it will be a learning curve for all CM's.

Hi Doreen! I didn't download reminders to my phone which obviously I should have done but yeah, if you have the hard copy FP you have something tangible.

I had some serious mimosa love there for about 2 minutes!

They really spent a lot of time trying to fix Em's band. So they do get an A for effort.

Hi, I just found you TR and I am in. The title got me immediately, I am so excited to see what's coming up. First of all, I thought going shopping was a requirement before any vacation. I am loving all of your pictures. I loved the WL pics now I am waiting to read all about the AKL. We are trying to decide between the two for our next trip. I also found your dining report getting caught up there next!

Hi Nikia! I'm glad you found me here and on the dining thread!! Thank you so much for joining!

I'm glad to see that you fully endorse the pre-trip shopping indulgence!

I really liked WL but I love AKL. So there's my opinion. Honestly, you can't go wrong with either.

Ok, let me get the girly things out of the way....LOVE your bag, I have the same one just different colour....great minds think alike I guess You two just remind me of Shan and I....you always look so happy, I love it!

Love AKL...especially Jambo House, it's our favourite place! A little cocktail never hurt anyone upon arrival either.

Hi Jacquie! Ohhh you have great taste!

I've seen photos of you and Shanleigh from your last trip and you guys truly look like you have a blast!! I think you even said on one of your Epcot days that you were having the time of your life - which completely reminds me of the Celebrate You song from the Move it, Shake it, Celebrate it parade!

Cocktails can truly be medicinal!!

Great updates! I did not know about the hidden Pascals in the Tangled area. Thanks for that tip... we will be searching for them for sure when we go next month!

I can't remember if I have said this before (probably!) but I am very intrigued by CL. I've never done it but think I may have to give it a whirl on an upcoming trip. I have too many favorite restaurants and snacks to probably get my money's worth out of the spread they put out but it would still be fun to try!

Just added Jiko to our October itinerary. I read your dining review and said to myself, why aren't we eating there??? LOL. So now we are. So yummy! And I just love exploring that resort. One of my favorites, for sure!!

You'll have to share how successful you were with the hidden Pascal's Christine.

For more info on the CL foods/beverages, feel free to check out the dining links as they come up. Right now I think I only have 2 CL reviews but there's another coming up. Even if you don't eat too much at the lounge they have drinks out at all hours and cocktails in the evenings if you partake.

Yay for Jiko being added to your dining line up.

So excited to see you have a new trip report. I love the mother-daughter theme. Looks like you two have an amazing time together! I am especially looking forward to hearing about how you got in to see the suite in Cinderella Castle, how you liked Yee-ha Bob, and how the tea at GF went. The last two are must-dos for my next trip, but I have some convincing to do to get my three boys and husband into the tea room....

Hi there and THANK YOU for joining!! I'm glad that you are reading along.

Some good stuff coming up...

If you can get your boys to accompany you to tea I want to hear about it. They do serve juice or chocolate milk to kids if it makes any difference.

Brenda, I absolutely LOVE reading your trip and dining reports. Love that you take the time to notice all the special details. That is what I love most and reading your reports makes me want to be there so badly! You do an amazing job. Also, I have to say, I am in love with the pink bag you are carrying in the last few post!

"ABA"...Marta

Hi there!! Thank you so much!!

Well, I do take a lot of photos so if I don't notice details while in the park I see the photos and say, oh, lookie there!!

Yeah, my bag change. I don't think you can tell too good from the photos but that is my new favorite "pink" - coral.

Subbing! I'm a little late, but loving all the updates!! Love your Disney wardrobe pics and the pre-Disney Disney snacks on the plane. And what a cool photo of you guys checking into the Wilderness Lodge - that's such a smart idea to have the CM take it, you get a totally different perspective!

Ahhhh...so many wonderful resorts. And now the Kilamanjaro Club - LOVE. Can't wait for more!

Hi Emma! Thank you for finding me and joining!

You are the queen of fashions with your adorable outfits. And I must say once again, I LOVE your new haircut. So adorable.

My goodness...our updates did sound very similar (ours was minus the Carousel of Progress...wasn't ready for my nap yet ).

Love your two little videos...you and Em are just too cute.

Love AKL (so hoping we stay there with the kids next year).

How nice of the CM to bring you a Mimosa.

Hi Kathy! Thanks! Ahhhh I wish I was returning soon to AKL. Maybe next summer.

That mimosa was certainly welcomed! And gone in 120 seconds.

Hey Brenda!!

Loving your posts, this is turning out to be a hot trip for y'all, huh? It's hard to transition to that when you are use to living in southern Cali.
Speaking of, we are having outstanding weather here, we have the windows open and enjoying the cooler, dryer than normal air. Hope it lasts for a good long time.

Yeah, blazing hot is how I'd describe it. I think I saw you post something on FB about your fabulous weather!!! I wish you continued good weather.

I have to agree with you on the theming for BTMR, I like that we go down to the platform at WDW better than DL's version. Since they've done the refurb at WDW, it's pretty outstanding!!

I'm glad that they change up the attractions so that it doesn't feel like we never left D-land. I know so petty but I do appreciate it![/B]

You take such great pictures! What camera do you have again?
As we're going up the first hill on BTMR, I always look down into the pools on the right, I like watching the drops (coming from the stalactites) make ripples in the pools, and then watch them "change colors" as they do. Just one of the quirky things I do while in the MK.

Most of these are with my new Nikon 7700. Just a point/shoot with some manual setting used. I have no clue most of the time so any good photos are complete luck.

You are very observant!! I need to pay attention to that part of the ride... it sounds familiar but more like what I recall seeing in DL when they have the first big climb.

You aren't alone on POTC when it comes to spotting the Mermaids, Mackie caught them but I never could. They light up on each side of the boat right before getting to the area where the very, hippy, mermaid skeleton is. Mackie said the mermaid images kinda ripple through the water and then do a little splash with their tail, I'll take her word for it because I have no clue! They also added the little diddy My Jolly Sailor Bold that one of the sirens sings in the POTC movie as well.

Ok, I just need to look down in the water next time. Thanks for the hints.

Direct hit!! I have a love/hate relationship with that silly camel, I'm convinced he tries to take people's cameras out, he's not on my 'good' list, not since our 2010 trip when he tried to get my camera.

Bad camel!

Again, loving all the pics from Splash, I just love that ride so much and it was made all that much more magical for Mackie and I upon seeing it after the big refurb.
I thought the new paint job and all the freshened up items were outstanding!! Well worth the long down time to do it.
If I had to complain it would be that it was REALLY loud in some places. And I noticed it didn't have the bromine smell any more.

Even so, I'm totally okay with the refurb, you hear and see things you didn't hear and see before (better sound system, and more lighting), and everything is beautifully painted, and in such vivid colors!!

Most of the animatronics were working, the laughing place room (all the fountains) was in working order when we first got there, although, they did have some difficulties while we were there. For an entire first half of the day Splash was down all together (on one of our MK days) and then we noticed a lot of the animatronics were no longer working again once it was back up, must be why they are having another long refurb this winter.

The ride really was show ready. Again, I'm impressed that you notice the details!

As long as they get it back up to show quality I'm all for it!! Seeing how amazing it is now, it kinda upsets me they allowed it to look as bad as it did for as long ad it did. Kinda like Peter Pan. That is one ride in need of a MAJOR refurb!! Glad it's getting it, or so I hear!

Anything that they need to do to get Peter Pan spiffy is ok with me since it is a fan favorite!

Love the new Tangled area!! Mackie and I really loved the new rest area but never found any of the Pascals, to be honest we didn't even know there were any to find!

Unless you know to look for them you may not see them. Some are obvious. Some not so much.

When I look at the Tangled Tower area and the New FL, I keep thinking how other parts of the park should be themed so well!

Wouldn't that make potty time that much more fun?

We missed the CoP, it went down for a refurb while we were there and it wasn't going to be back up until after we left. I still haven't seen it.

I'd be sad for that since I'm a CoP fan. But they did have Muppets 3D down when we were there...

Sorry to blab on so long! You certainly don't have to respond to everything I commented on.
No worries. You were definitely paying attention!!!

Hi Camille!! I hope you are having a great week!!

 

[emmysmommy]

The more I read about FP+ the more I think it won't work for us this trip, but I really like the magic bands. I would constantly be showing up at the wrong time.

The tangled area looks incredible. Only Disney could make me look forward to using a public restroom.

Ahh, Carousel of Progress is such a classic. I love the history of CoP.

WL one night and AKL the next, how fun! I need to get over to your dining report and read your review of Jiko. I always found their menu to be intriguing.

Hi Ashley. Since they only book 3-4 FP+ reservations per day you may be able to remember better than me.

Ha ha!! Great way to put that!! Only Disney.

I love nostalgia so CoP is definitely a favorite!

I randomly found your previous trip report when I was going through some serious withdrawal from my trip with my family in April, and seeing the Admiral Suite was incredible! And now the Dream Suite! Count me in as another follower. Maybe once I have enough forum posts to be able to post pictures I'll start my own trip report.

Hi there Jedimeg and welcome to not only the Disboards but this Trip Report!!! I'm so glad that you found this place!!

We've just been lucky so I'm glad that anyone is even interested in how all that happened.

Please feel free to come back here and let me know if you started a TR. I'd be glad to follow along.

Thanks again for joining in!!

Just catching up as we've been away for the weekend - middle of nowhere and no WiFi, couldn't even get a phone signal most of the time ..... Bliss.

Lovely photos from your MK day.

I do hope that we can get MBs in December - shame yours were having a few issues but I am sure they will soon be ironed out

What a fab welcome to AKL.

Hi Linda and welcome back to civilization!!

I thought a CM told me that all resorts would have Magic Bands by late this year. It doesn't necessarily say that on the WDW site. I did like the convenience so I'm hoping I'll see them as well in December.

I hope you are having a great week!!

I feel the same way! I don't have a smart phone, so I wouldn't even have an "app" to keep me up-to-speed. Sigh. I don't know that I will have a choice come March though…

By March they may have these rolled our for all resorts.... however, they may have an opt out option where you can decline the bands. Thought I read that on the WDW site.

Yoru killing me! I am so intrigued by AKL club level! I have himmed and hawed over if we should stay CL on our visits! I hope you give a lot fo fantastic details!

STUCK ON CoP! Now my DH would LOVE this! Last time we were on it, a child was sick and needed to head to the potty -- FAST! There was no emergency stop and get out! It was terrible.

Hi Princessjv! I will try to remember to include as much as I can regarding CL! just for you!!

Oh no!!! That would be horrible for the kid and the parents!!

Yea to being "stuck" on CoP! That's when I start looking for the midden Mickey's in each room. An even bigger yea to to the mimosa! Thats the way to start a new resort.

Can't wait to hear more about CL at AKL (Love to do that at some point) and your dinner at Jiko's (which could be my favorite on-property resturant).

I like your thinking. Are there hidden Mickey's in all the rooms? I only know about the Mickey under the Christmas tree. Maybe I need to look that up.

Amen to that mimosa!!

I'm farther ahead in my dining reviews that my TR so you can peek here to read about our Jiko dinner.

I agree, the magic bands can be pretty touchy. That's annoying that they couldn't do anything about fixing Em's. Boo.

The tangled area looks awesome!! I love your pics. I definitely love just sitting there, taking it all in. And of course, there is the bonus of bathrooms. I love that the mirrors are covered in there. It's like the imagineers are saying, you're in the happiest place on earth, you look great! All it's missing is eugene hiding around the kingdom.

I can't wait to hear all about jambo house! If they're giving you mimosas first thing, that's a very good sign.

Unfortunately I do not go every month, I wish I could though!! I just hit the jackpot the last few months with convincing Richard I needed to go to my happy place. I'm thinking about convincing him to go down again after our October visit for the Christmas season since we'll likely be missing thanksgiving with our families but it sounds like wdw is crazy packed around that time...

Hi Jennifer! Even though the MB didn't always work, we could always use our AP. We kept them with us as well.

Ahh those Tangled restrooms - perfectly themed. Those shutters are a nice touch but I love the hand mirror on the way too.

We've only seen Jambo - but I'm in love with that resort. And the mimosa's don't hurt either!

I'm still under the impression that you live part time at WDW!!! If you need a holiday fix for the World, you could always travel the first week of December... a lot of Disers (ahem me) will be there! Or come out to DLand!!

All caught up.

Bummer on the Splash pic with the kid punching you in the face.

I too got spit on by the Aladdin camel, my DD thought it was HILARIOUS, especially since it surprised me.

Looking forward to the next update.

Glad you're caught up.

I bet the look on your face was priceless when the camel did a fine job with his aim!

I can't wait for the next update!
Lynn

Hi Lynn!! Thanks and I'm glad you are enjoying and following along!!

Your MagicBand problems are just solidifying my hatred toward them. We got invited to test them on out October trip which is in 16 days because we added a day on at Pop (we will be there one night, the rest at OKW). There are like, zero Fastpass+ reservations that will work for us. Such a bummer. But my fiance seems to like his band, he asked me if he could wear it even if it didn't work

Men

Anyway, I love that candid picture of Em. So high fashion!

And I love the Tangled bathrooms. I can't wait to um...visit them in October.

Your experience with FP+ reservations reminds me that I kept trying to "shuffle" the options so that an option would appear that worked for some of our dining plans and such. Some I just went with knowing that we wouldn't make all of them. Also set the preferences so that certain ones would give me a better time. It didn't always work for me either.

In any event... I hope you enjoy your time at WDW with or without those MB and the FP+ options!!

Ha that's funny about your fiancé! Tell him sure, but he also has to wear the matching necklace.

Thanks I liked that photo too.

Ummmm yeah, timing that little break perfectly will give you an immersive experience!!

Waaa!!!! I can't believe Splash is going to be down again! It was down last year during our trip at the same time. I've been teetering between going to disland (for our 1st time ever) or back to the world. No offense here but dis world has our heart and I'm just not that excited about disland. (In sure it's fab just haven't been and afraid it won't stack up-silly I know!) However, I can't move my son's bday and he is finally tall enough and ready to ride so maybe we will do disland this time. Oh such a dilemma!

No offense taken! WDW is definitely a vacation destination for us versus D-land which is still magical but not vacation. Whichever you chose, you won't go wrong.

Hi! I just found your TR and it is AWESOME!!! All caught up and can't wait to hear the rest. Thanks!

Hi there HBGdancermom! I'm so glad that you found my TR. Thank you and welcome!

 

[emmysmommy]

Saturday August 17, 2013: Day 2, Part 5

While we were checking in, the lounge was filling up with guests partaking in the evening appetizers. We joined them since it had been hours since we had shared the icky chicken nachos at Tortuga Tavern. If you are interested in what they offer for evening appetizers and such, you can read here in my dining review.

View of lobby from CL Lounge

Finally, making it to our room, number 4215, we found a lovely Arusha savanna view…..and a completely wet floor in the dressing area. One other "issue" was that it was a connecting room and you guessed it, there was a family with two kids that didn't have inside voices and parents that didn't care that they didn't have inside voices. That and the mother kept yelling at one kid to stop playing with the hair dryer. Ok, this could be fun.

I called the front desk and asked if they could move us to another room in their savanna view inventory. They didn’t have anything available for the night but the next day a room would be available. If we wanted to change rooms we would have to check out of this room and check back into the new one later in the afternoon. Not a problem, we'll move and can you get maintenance to address the wet floor?? Yeah, we'll look into that was the answer.

Room 4215 photos:

Products

Welcomed with chocolate animals:

View from balcony:

Balcony:

It All Started With a Mouse:

Again, we were warned to keep our drapes closed since the savanna is monitored by video. And no, I'm not going to crack the same joke about those sinister animals on the savanna!!

Turn-down Chocolates and Botswana greeting

While awaiting our bags from bell service we enjoyed the view from the balcony which included a passing thunderstorm.

We had a 7:20pm reservation at Jiko so we did our girly stuff and dressed for dinner. Once we were down in the restaurant lobby waiting for our pager to go off, the CM who had checked us in showed up looking a bit discombobulated and nervous. He apologized and informed me that if we planned to charge the meal to our room using our KTTW card they didn’t have a credit card properly attached to the reservation. No worries Mr. CM, I didn’t attach a credit card to the room. All was well in the world I assured him to his relief. He was desperate to catch us imagining the outrage that may have occurred had I not been able to charge to the room!! I thought for a second about messing with him and telling him that we had Disney gift cards attached to our room reservation, didn’t he see those??? Cruelty is not a sport I play so I thanked him and it was time to be seated.

One complimentary dinner photo for good measure!

Anyone interested in reading my Dining Review for this glorious dinner may do so here.

One interesting interaction that occurred with the head chef that I’ll just share briefly here as well… Chef Jon had served an amuse bouche at the beginning of our dinner and I didn’t think anything of his presentation of this complimentary dish. However, when this same chef dude from the kitchen came back around after dinner to get our thoughts on the food I was confused as to why the cook was so interested in our opinion. It took 60 seconds for me to realize who I was speaking with. I stopped mid-sentence and pointed my finger in his direction and asked, “Who are you?” He motioned to his name tag and said matter of fact, “Chef Jon.” THE DISNEY FAMED CHEF JON!! I had instant admiration for the man and said, “You’re famous!” I suppose that’s all relative because if I did a count by hands I’m not sure how many people really know who Jonathan Clark may be; however, in the dining circles he may be better known.

Chef Jon and us

With the excuse of not having ordered dessert for dinner we went to the CL lounge to check out the options. There were plenty of options that vanquished any self-control that I had…

As I said in my DR, here’s what self-control looks like!

Here's where you can see more CL late night offerings including some liquor.

Not much else to tell about our evening folks… thus concludes Day 2.

Continued Next Post

​

 

[MEK]

Beautiful Savannah view! I hope the loud kids / family check out in the morning.

Did the wet floor dry up? Did you change rooms? I have so many questions.

I am sure dinner was fabulous. Denny's BD dinner is there in October. I probably told you that already, only because I'm very excited to be staying there AND eating there! I just wish I was staying CL, but I am sure our 2 BR villa will be awesome.

Nice dessert offerings. Can't blame you at all for passing on dessert.

How fun to meet Chef Jon!

 

[teekathepony]

Oh dear... That's just not a magical check in at all. I hope the family next door quiets down and the wet floor is promptly addressed! Other than that though, wow what a gorgeous room and view! And I love love love the lc lounge too! Gorgeous.
Jiko looks great, how cool that you got to meet Chef Jon!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[DMGeurts]

What a gorgeous room Brenda! I love your view... I didn't mention the "lovely" neighbors we had at the beginning of our stay - but they sure can make a relaxing trip much more "not" relaxing, can't they? Sigh. I hope your new room is much better.

Your meal looks delicious - and how awesome that you were able to meet Chef Jon!

Those desserts just jump on to your plate - at least they did for me! I hope you enjoyed them, at least.

D~

 

[HBGdancermom]

Where was the wet floor? Did they get that straightened out? I also hope the loud family moved out....

Can't wait for more TR! Thanks!

 

[annie170]

The savannah view makes for some gorgeous scenery!

Does Chef Jon visit every table? Is that something he does regularly?

Those club level snacks look delish! You'd have to roll me on to the plane home!

 

[MrsDrewsky]

Your view is lovely.

You and Em look gorgeous in your dresses. It looks like the little girl behind you is excited to be in an emmysmommy trip report. After all, you're famous too Brenda Disney!

Now I know how I can persuade the hubs to eventually book club level... liquor and desserts.

 

[foodrocksluver]

I am so baffled by the wet floor in your room

I can relate beyond words can describe how you must have felt when your heard those people next door. We stayed at our DVC home OKW one year and the people in the one bedroom next to us had teenage daughters. And they stayed out until like 2am. And they were still WIDE AWAKE when they came back to the room. It took every ounce of me and my mother yelling at me to not knock on the door and tell them to pipe down.

Also they remind me of my upstairs neighbors now whom I curse daily, often times at 5am.

On a lighter note, I love that room. And the nice selection of products and chocolates they gave you.

Your story about the man at Jiko and the KTTW card reminds me of an experience we had there a few years ago. We had this crotchety man as our waiter and I tried everything to get him to loosen up and crack a smile. Nothing worked. He was so uppity and I was just sitting there cracking jokes every time he came to the table. I guess, unlike you, cruelty is a game I play