Two adults take on Flower & Garden & Spring Training (w/photos) New! 5/9:THE END

[wiigirl]

Great TR! Great pics!

 

[poison ivy]

Great TR! Great pics!

Thanks so much!! Really glad you are here.

 

[poison ivy]

Day 3 – St. Patrick’s Day – Tusker House Breakfast - AK Pre-Opening

We kick off our anniversary with breakfast at Tusker House at 8:05am. This grants you early entry into the Animal Kingdom and we were so looking forward to it.

We of course complicate things by waking up late and having to switch resorts. Right now it was 7:15am and we have an 8am check in for breakfast!! This is one of those times you really can’t be late. That would defeat the whole purpose of the pre-opening, early entry breakfast.

So we rush to pack, grab a quick shower and practically run out of our room and jump in the car ! Neither of us had mapped out a route so we weren’t sure how to get there. I make a quick note of the time:

Yes! That reads 6:38am. The GPS was not reset for daylight savings. The actual time is 7:38am with breakfast at 8:05!! There is no time to spare.

We pass a tram slowly making its’ way on the main road! What’s that doing here? Only at Disney! (wish I had a better shot)

Early morning traffic was quiet

Empty parking lot! So cool!!

Look! Hardly any cars parked in front of us!

And here’s the best part. Our arrival time. 7:48 am. We left PO Riverside and were parked inside the AK in 10 minutes flat. (Reason # 3 to rent a vehicle)

Walking up to the gates I was surprised to see the outside gift shop already open!!

This is the entire line ahead of us at this point. No one had been let in yet and it was just starting to move. Perfect timing

The CM with the clipboard asks us our name. We have different last names. This should be fun. So we fire them both at her. Nope. Not on the list. Uh-oh! I realize we made our reservation less than 10 hrs ago and of course in my haste, I forget to grab the confirm number online.

It’s funny how organized we were when we got here and none of our paperwork was ever needed . Everything's been the system and working great. So I guess we became complacent and forgot the basics – like, last minute changes require information to be on your person – sheez!!

I tell the CM “we may not be on the list; we just made our reservation last night”. She agrees that would cause the problem and waves us through. Thank You!!

They have photo pass set up which is really great! So we quickly give the photographer our camera. This is one of the few shots I managed of the two of us together this trip.

We are loving this!!! It was a beautiful day a perfect setting and an empty park. Animal Kingdom has the most tranquil and calming effect when you give it the time it deserves. It is a park we really enjoy time and time again.

Rope drop set up for 9 am.

It was a really beautiful walk over to the restaurant.

The Yeti is calling

Walkway from Tusker House to Expedition Everest roped off

Tusker House is located right outside the Safari entrance (shown here roped off.)

JQ checking us in. (loved the family in green!) We would see this again and again today.

Up next Tusker House breakfast

 

[ckquan]

Hi Poison Ivy and JQ! Just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to share your trip report and pictures with us. I have enjoyed reading the report and look forward to seeing all the pictures. Your food pictures are making me more and more excited for our upcoming trip. It'll be my family's first time at EPCOT's Flower and Garden festival and we are just thrilled that they added food kiosks this year. We're also going to the Yachtsman for the first time and are very excited for that also. So thanks again!

 

[poison ivy]

Hi Poison Ivy and JQ! Just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to share your trip report and pictures with us. I have enjoyed reading the report and look forward to seeing all the pictures. Your food pictures are making me more and more excited for our upcoming trip. It'll be my family's first time at EPCOT's Flower and Garden festival and we are just thrilled that they added food kiosks this year. We're also going to the Yachtsman for the first time and are very excited for that also. So thanks again!

thanks so much!! you will have such a wonderful time at the festival. I really miss it and wish I could have spent more time there. I still have the afternoon of our day 3 at Epcot to share which covers a lot more.

Yachtsman is always a good choice. Hope you enjoy it.

 

[poison ivy]

Tusker House – Donald’s Dining Safari at Breakfast

Location: Africa in the Animal Kingdom Park

Day 3 - 8:05 AM (3/17/13)

This is a character breakfast hosted by Donald w/friends Daisy, Mickey and Goofy.

From the Disney Website:

“Let Safari Donald Duck and his friends quack you up at the wildest Character Breakfast and Character Lunch this side of Kilimanjaro. The all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast and lunch buffets include traditional American fare, plus unique dishes with flavorful African influences. As you dine, Disney Characters visit for laughs, photos and autographs”

Since we were among the first to arrive, we were seated immediately upon check in.

The CM gave us the option of having our picture taken with Donald who greets everyone outside the restaurant or we could just go right on in for breakfast. We were ready to get moving and the line for Donald looked time consuming so we skipped it and went inside.

(note: Donald does not come around to visit in the restaurant so this is the only photo opportunity you have with him)

Here’s a couple of photos of the Donald line I took from inside the restaurant.
I'm sure it grows as the day progesses.

Restaurant photos.

First, let me just say this restaurant is huge! I have no idea what the numbers are they serve each day but it must be extensive. I was very glad to be among the first to seat and dine. It allowed me to move about without interfering with other guests.

I only have one side of the restaurant as this is where we were seated but there is a whole other side as well.

Our table was in the area on the same side as the buffet. First we were escorted through this entire section to the back section and then turned left into a connecting seating area

We were seated in the waaay back corner by the fire exit. Not the best location as you could feel a draft thru the back door but we weren’t complaining. We booked this less than a day ago and really felt lucky to get it.

Tusker house buffet photos.

This is a beautifully themed breakfast venue. I really love the whole atmosphere here. There is a ton of food to choose from and it’s a great selection which combines traditional and African dishes. It’s a welcome change from the usual buffet and a unique and wonderful experience. I’ll try to walk you through as best I can.

(Warning: It's going to take 2 posts to showcase this whole meal!!!)

Starting from the left – (5 buffet stations)

Assorted Fruits: Cantaloupe; Melon; Pineapple; Honeydew Melon; Watermelon / Cottage Cheese / Grapes (Not pictured but also offered: Whole Apples / Bananas / Oranges)

Turning the corner to the Back wall - Left side (3 stations)

Oatmeal / Mealie Pap / Biscuits and Sausage Gravy

continued on next post................................................

 

[poison ivy]

Tusker House & Donald's Dining Safari at Breakfast - Part 2.


Back wall continued - Right Side (3 stations)

Froot Loops / Rice Crispies / 2% Milk / Whipped Butter (not sure what the other item is)

Mickey Waffles and Warm Maple Syrup

Turning the corner to the right side (4 stations); w/unique African influences

Sweet Plantains and Basmati Rice

Spit Roasted Bone-In Ham

Seasonal Vegetable Quiche / Beef Bobotie / Coconut Sweet Potato Casserole / Oven Roasted Red Skin Potatoes

Center Dessert Isle
(Also offered but not pictured: Fresh Plain and Chocolate Croissants)

Then the characters come around. They are dressed for safari and look great. They are really fiesty and a lot of fun at this venue. We had a good time with them as they stopped by to visit. Here's a few photos. I didn't get a clear shot of Daisy but she and Goofy were a riot. You can see we're really enjoying ourselves.

I would do this buffet again and would love to try it at other times.

The only downside to breakfast is if you want to get in and out before the park officially opens to hop on the kilimanjaro safari ride - which was our plan.

50 mins for breakfast is pushing it when you factor in the time it takes to walk there and get settled. You can easily lose another 20mins up front which leaves very little time to enjoy the great food and characters.

We rushed ourselves, which I regret. So, I will be back to spend much more time here. (next time - I'll relax and enjoy my meal and resign myself to the standby line for the safari or who knows with FP+ the options could be endless)

next up: a quick AK morning of fun

 

[poison ivy]

Day 3 An Animal Kingdom Morning

As I stated, one of the advantages to a Tusker House breakfast in the AK park is its proximity to the Kilimanjaro Safari ride. And if you manage to score a reservation for one of the earliest pre-opening times, you can finish in time to be among the first to ride ahead of the rope drop masses.

This was our goal.

We wrapped up breakfast and patiently waited by the rope set up right outside the restaurant. (That's me in the white) James noticed something perched in the tree in the background.

It was this guy keeping watch.

Its now 8:55am. I look around as we continue to be held in place. I see the path to EE is still roped off.

And this family is coming across the bridge. I assume they were let in for a Tusker House reservation at the last minute.

Then it happens! The rope is dropped and we are ushered on through.

I glance back to see whats behind us and how quickly they are catching up! This woman in the foreground so eloquently captures the epitome of the moment. Well said!!! Thank you!!!

At this point, I am really glad we're already queing!

We arrive, and I see the first vehicle being privately loaded and sent off. Who the heck are they? We get behind them in the second truck.

JQ catches of glimpse of them later on at one point. They had a private guide and the vehicle all to themselves. We never saw them again.

Early in, we pass the Wild Africa Trek drop-off and group getting ready to visit the crocs.

A few animal photos

Hungry?

The cats were all awake!! This was rare for us.

"Here's looking at you kid"

And that concludes our safari adventure.

Before we head over to EE, I look at the crowd coming in. Not too bad at 9:40 am! (Unfortunately, I didnt see the que or wait time at this point)

Loved this!!

We are big coaster fans and EE is always a great ride!! Miss that Yeti!

What a great day so far!!


Next up: Caribbean Beach

 

[poison ivy]

Finally figured out how to post links! Hope it helps.

 

[Johnny Quest]

I love that coaster! The Animal Kingdom is a beautiful place in the early morning.

This trip report is the "BOMB"! Can't wait to see what happens next!

 

[Disneychix]

I'm really enjoying reading along!
We haven't been to Yachtsmen's in years. Your pictures wre amazing and I really want to head back there!

Happy Anniversary!

 

[poison ivy]

I'm really enjoying reading along!
We haven't been to Yachtsmen's in years. Your pictures wre amazing and I really want to head back there!

Happy Anniversary!

Thanks so much!! Glad to have you here.
Yachtsman is a wonderful restaurant. It was quiet and very relaxing at 5pm.

I love that coaster! The Animal Kingdom is a beautiful place in the early morning.

This trip report is the "BOMB"! Can't wait to see what happens next!

You'll love this next one. It's your favorite resort coming up.

 

[AGPrincess]

Love all your photos - the food at F&G looks so tasty! We've sometimes parked at the BC to get over to Epcot as well - I love that the security guards are so relaxed and never question you. And it's such a lovely resort, that we usually do end up spending some time relaxing in the lobby or buying something at the gift shop before we leave!

 

[poison ivy]

Day 3 - Noon - Caribbean Beach Resort (Part I )
(Whose decision was This?!?!)

We left Animal Kingdom slightly before noon and drove over to the
Caribbean Beach Resort to check in.

As I mentioned before, our 4 day trip included a split stay:
2 nights at Port Orleans Riverside
2 nights at Caribbean Beach Resort

Split stays are great if you manage them correctly - particularly when using the Deluxe Dining Plan!

Let me preface by stating that we have never stayed at either resort, and I did not do any real research prior to booking these since it was a last minute trip to begin with. (which is completely out of character, btw)

This I do regret.

JQ and I are very laid back and RARELY complain when we dine or travel. It's got to be a big deal if we do. (we tend to observe before we jump, knowing that things may not be as they appear, and the person standing in front of us isn't usually the reason.)

For example - on this trip, when we first checked in to PO Riverside, we were assigned a room which had an obvious cat odor fighting its' way thru tons of cleaning agents. Clearly, someone had snuck "fluffy" in. So we promptly requested a room change and alerted the CM at the front desk to the concern.

The CM didn't engage us regarding the issue just re-keyed us to a new home. It initially felt a little impersonal. In retrospect, I'm now thinking, "well trained". He didn't belabor the issue. He stayed out of it. It didn't require anything else from us. He kept things moving and immediately eliminated our problem. How Disney handles it from there is not really my business.

Turns out we would be doing this a second time with our NEW resort as well. (not because of fluffy)

& "promptly requested a room change" may not have been the correct phrase to describe switching rooms post check-in.

This actually can take a mini-lifetime once you factor in all the variables:

1) lines at check in are directly correlated to Magical Express drop offs. We learned this the hard way.
2) Non-preferred room locations at the moderates are a loooong way from any main building hiding a CM
3) You need a GPS to figure out the location of your room in the first place. Ours was hidden among a sea of buildings that all looked the same and used a numbering system designed by someone who may have dabbled in hallucinogenics.

Here's a visual to better explain - this is a PO Riverside room directory as you drive in. Pay close attention as it flashes by since you must make an immediate turn left or right on the approach! Well, it's the only main sign they post. If you look closely you will see the room areas are not in numerical sequence. So we park and haphazardly walk up to a section of the vast continuous interconnected building(s) and proceed to wander around aimlessly trying to crack the hidden code which reveals the layout and locates our room! Hence my analogy a "trip" within a trip.

So, be prepared to WALK
(Reason #4 to rent a vehicle)

Checking in and re-checking in to Port Orleans Riverside is where JQ utters his famous quote of the trip:

"It takes Hours to accomplish practically nothing"

This would become our mantra. Brilliant.


up next..caribbean beach part II

 

[poison ivy]

Love all your photos - the food at F&G looks so tasty! We've sometimes parked at the BC to get over to Epcot as well - I love that the security guards are so relaxed and never question you. And it's such a lovely resort, that we usually do end up spending some time relaxing in the lobby or buying something at the gift shop before we leave!

Thank you so much and welcome!!! The F&G is such a wonderful event. I have one more afternoon to share and really wish we had more time.

We limit parking at the Beachclub also. On St. Patrick's day, we parked at Epcot. But we love to visit the Beachclub Marketplace for their roast beef sandwich when they have it on the menu. It's one of our favorites.

 

[poison ivy]

Caribbean Beach part II

In order to properly showcase the wonderment of it all, I will provide some visual as the situation was unfolding.

We pull into the entrance. I see a line up on the curb. I turn to James and ask are they coming or going? He replies, looks like they're going. Two days here and we quickly learn this may be their target demographic. Not sure when or how that came to pass.

Next comes the lobby. The CM says, "welcome to the islands" I'm thinking, "what islands? And how long has this bank been here?"

Cute balloons. Got any free pens, calendars and lollipops?

The CM asks if we are celebrating anything and we reply yes, 25 yrs together. She gives us 2 Happy Anniversary Buttons and inquires if its our 25th wedding anniversary. We try to explain in as little detail as possible....... no.......that's not this one.........that falls on a different date...........with a different timeline. (but thanks for asking) This is where the confusion begins. I thought I heard her say "you're all set. I got you a king room". I'm thinking that's great! Thank you!

We are directed to Jamaica via a map. We pull into the area and begin to wander around the maze looking for our room. (must be the same imagineer who designed Port Orleans - Riverside)

JQ opens the door. Whoa!!! we're not in Kansas anymore!!

We both agree we don't want to stay here. I reply, "This must be a mistake. The CM booked us a king room". JQ corrects me - "not a king room, a clean room". Well that explains it. He decides he's not giving up another mini-lifetime trekking back to the front desk and picks up the phone. Apparently, the front desk button doesn't go to the front desk of the hotel. It is sent to a call center. Good luck with that! We're instructed to wait in the room and someone will call us back.

We don't want to disturb anything so we sit in place. JQ seems ready to spring on whomever comes thru that door. Too funny.

The phone rings and it's the CM who checked us in. She informs us that we used DVC pts. and this is what they reserved. However, she was able to rebook us in a king room and is sending out a runner to exchange our keys. JQ gets the new room number. It's in the same Jamaica section and he quickly ventures off to find it. Sure, I'll sit here and wait. I'm a seasoned Disney vet who majored in "patience". This seems to take an eternity but it was really 15-20 mins.

New room. Looks vaguely familiar but just enough of a change to make a difference.

We decide to take a stroll around the property and visit the establishment. Rumor has it there are islands here.

Were heading toward that bridge waaaay off in the distance.

We pass the "island themed?" quiet pool.

Looking back towards it as we move along.

Beach looks a little scary the closer you get to the bridge.

Looking forward from the bridge. Not sure if these are considered preferred units.

I think we found the island

I call this "playground through the weeds". Proceed at your own risk. It has a big wrought iron gate they lock at night. This is a bad location, a bad set up and hard to see since its' hidden among a ton of brush. Nobody played there.

Finally, the main pool. This may be one of the few selling points they have. We didnt go in to take a better look.

So, lets talk about Caribbean Beach now that we've had the pleasure!!

**disclaimer** the following statements are MY OPINION ONLY and are not meant to offend anyone who may feel otherwise.

First - to use the word resort next to this gem is a bit of a misrepresentation.
Second - to place this resort in the moderate category is a bit of false advertisement.
Third - to charge a higher pricing point than a value tier for this place is a bit of a price gouge.
Fourth - to charge 24 DVC vacation points per night for this experience should be outlawed.

Again, this is MY OPINION.

And now for MY ADVICE

To the Disney Corporation - put this property into extensive major refurbishment. Brand it better w//POTC. (apparently they do have some pirate themed rooms here. We of course were unaware and did not reserve one.)

Otherwise, recategorize the place and drop the price. It should not be classified as a moderate resort. The poor room design far outweighs any themed pool area and uncharismatic walking path along a dredged waterway.

Thats my .02 cents. Thanks for listening.

Up next. An afternoon wrap up at the Flower and Garden Festival.

 

[Johnny Quest]

That "runner" couldn't get there fast enough. I wanted them to bring me keys to the Boardwalk! This resort is not at all for me, but in a pinch... it's still bad! Definately not a moderate resort. More like a motel to me. The only saving grace was that we were in Disneyworld and that's how they sell this place.

 

[acm97]

Deleted

 

[acm97]

Have you guys been to any of these islands? Because that's the style they are going for, weird color combinations, older styled buildings and crazy patterns. Maybe you're just not a fan of the "Caribbean" theme in general. I personally love this resort because of its style. I've also stayed at Port Orleans Riverside and hated everything about it. The style was just not what I like. Saying that Caribbean Beach doesn't belong in the moderate doesn't make sense because its definitely not a value! Also, when you use DVC points on any resort other then a DVC resort its going to expensive, it's not just Caribbean Beach.

 

[poison ivy]

Have you guys been to any of these islands? Because that's the style they are going for, weird color combinations, older styled buildings and crazy patterns. Maybe you're just not a fan of the "Caribbean" theme in general. I personally love this resort because of its style. I've also stayed at Port Orleans Riverside and hated everything about it. The style was just not what I like. Saying that Caribbean Beach doesn't belong in the moderate doesn't make sense because its definitely not a value! Also, when you use DVC points on any resort other then a DVC resort its going to expensive, it's not just Caribbean Beach.

Hi and thanks for posting. I think this resort is geared for your age group and I'm glad to hear you really like it. My concerns aren't necessarily with the buildings or the colors or the design. (with the exception of the lobby) They have to do with the quality of the resort and guest rooms

1) the curtains don't fully close - with a wide enough gap to give a direct view of half the room from the outside - (imagine at night if you are changing and aren't aware of this). We had to rig them each day. We had a corner room so watch the angles and coverage if you stay here.
2) the beds, the lack of bedding
3) the barren feel and layout of the room. (w/ the coffee maker crammed on the corner of the sink and the old hvac temp control unit on the floor)
4) and certain more subtle problems as you walk the property.

It's not well maintained.

It is for these reasons, the resort should be either refurbished or sold cheaper. (that goes for cash and DVC pts)

It's sold as a moderate. It's supposed to be a moderate. Given its' present condition, it should not be in that category.