7 nights, 3 boys, 1 wild trip - AKL in May 2016 *COMPLETE!*

[KatherineDisney]

double digits woohoo!

I love dining at crystal palace and the plaza in MK. My next trip is just me and BF, so I doubt we will to Crystal Palace. I was toying with a reservation for breakfast over at GF or possibly Kona (but I love their dinner).....now I just don't know if I can give up the Plaza for lunch. decisions decisions. Don't you just love planning ADRs?

 

[Elevationist]

It's Double Digit Dance Time!

I'm late, I'm laaaate!

I'm a peanut butter & jealous sandwich!

And doesn't it seem when you start thinking about a trip suddenly you start adding stuff on?

Of course, every time!

Well in this case, I decided to add on a whole extra night to our trip. But really, it's very cost effective. Let me explain.

No explanation needed! I always support more Disney days!

I've been dying to try this since they began breakfast here. The Sticky Bun Bake alone looks worth it.

Oh man. Look at ALL THOSE DELICIOUS CARBS! Why isn't there a drool emoji?

We've never actually ridden this. I was really looking forward to riding it with Nate and Colin this trip but it looks like it will have to wait until next year.

The good news is that at least it'll be back in time for your solo trip in October!

 

[tabrizia]

Yay double digits! And yay Disney Math! I love Disney Math it always seems to work out in my favor.

 

[ashw100]

So for some crazy reason I was thinking you didn't have a PTR for this trip, but I am here now. Yay for double digit, that milestone is always so exciting. Love the AP magicband, I'm a little green with envy. So, I was looking over your plan and we will be in MK simultaneously three times , I see a DISmeet in our future. Loving the plans so far and I love how Disney math got you an extra day. I have been trying to add a day but we have plans the days before and after out trip .

 

[hokieinpa]

Yay double digit dance!!!!

Your AP magic band looks beautiful

I like the new plan- cost efficient and just better overall! Yay for more disney time AND a reservation at Garden Grill!

I love my AP slider! Now I'm just trying to decide if I'm going to decorate the band or just switch out the few different color bands that I will have.

And the whole situation was a win - more time at Disney for less money!

YAY FOR DOUBLE DIGIT DANCING!

DOUBLE YAY FOR AP MAGICBAND ARRIVAL!

WHY CAN'T I STOP TYPING IN CAPS, I'M SCREAMING IN EXCITEMENT?!!

Love when Disney Math equals extra park time. Woo hoo for a very happy update!!

I'm so happy you're so excited!!

It was a really good week - AP band arrived, double digit dance, and I found out a way to spend more time at Disney!! Very good week indeed!

Love the Disney math. It is always fun to squeeze extra WDW time in.

I love the AP magic band. That would be so exciting to get. Your trip is going to be here before you know it.

More time for less money is a win all around! And it's crazy how fast the trip is approaching now that we're under 100 days!

 

[hokieinpa]

Yay double digits! And yay Disney Math! I love Disney Math it always seems to work out in my favor.

The trip is getting so close now!! And that's the best thing about Disney math - it always end up giving you one more day or one more ADR!!

So for some crazy reason I was thinking you didn't have a PTR for this trip, but I am here now. Yay for double digit, that milestone is always so exciting. Love the AP magicband, I'm a little green with envy. So, I was looking over your plan and we will be in MK simultaneously three times , I see a DISmeet in our future. Loving the plans so far and I love how Disney math got you an extra day. I have been trying to add a day but we have plans the days before and after out trip .

Thanks for joining in! And the double digit countdown makes it seem so real now!!

And I think a DISmeet is totally going to happen! Once we work out FP+ we can make a plan!!

 

[hokieinpa]

double digits woohoo!

I love dining at crystal palace and the plaza in MK. My next trip is just me and BF, so I doubt we will to Crystal Palace. I was toying with a reservation for breakfast over at GF or possibly Kona (but I love their dinner).....now I just don't know if I can give up the Plaza for lunch. decisions decisions. Don't you just love planning ADRs?

Time is flying now!!

ADR decisions are the hardest but the most fun!! So much food that I want to eat but so little time!

I'm late, I'm laaaate!

But you made up for it with Channing Tatum dressed as Elsa!

I'm a peanut butter & jealous sandwich!

I can hardly believe when I look at it! Now the hard part will be justifying NOT renewing again. That way I can always squeeze in a quick weekend trip over the summer. Baddd for the budget but happy for me!

Of course, every time!

No explanation needed! I always support more Disney days!

More Disney time for less money?? Everybody wins on that one!

Oh man. Look at ALL THOSE DELICIOUS CARBS! Why isn't there a drool emoji?

Right? And I didn't even mention the Mickey waffles with a warm chocolate hazelnut sauce!!

The good news is that at least it'll be back in time for your solo trip in October!

Exactly! BTMRR and Soarin' will be all nice and pretty and new for us!!

 

[Dugette]

Hi! So, I guess I am REALLY late to this party. I just now realized you had this PTR. We love AKL - it's our second favorite to the Polynesian. ADRs sound great. I love how you saved money by adding extra Disney time. I can't believe how cheap flights are for you! That's round trip?! If we can keep it in the $200s each, we're doing good here (though we generally use miles and fly free, if possible). Well, the nice thing about me missing this PTR is that your trip is SO close now (not long to wait for the TR)!

 

[hokieinpa]

Hi! So, I guess I am REALLY late to this party. I just now realized you had this PTR. We love AKL - it's our second favorite to the Polynesian. ADRs sound great. I love how you saved money by adding extra Disney time. I can't believe how cheap flights are for you! That's round trip?! If we can keep it in the $200s each, we're doing good here (though we generally use miles and fly free, if possible). Well, the nice thing about me missing this PTR is that your trip is SO close now (not long to wait for the TR)!

This has become kind of a pathetic excuse for a PTR. I'm hoping to do an update this weekend so you haven't missed much!

I'm really excited to experience AKL. And the boys can't wait! We saw some footage of AKL on a Disney Junior commercial the other day and they are even more excited now.

And I love that Disney math worked out to one more night in Disney! Flights are very reasonably priced here and I'm so happy they are direct flights!

 

[princessemsmom]

Excited you were able to add an extra day! I love extra days at Disney. We added 2 extra nights for or trip this year! Getting so excited - almost FP+ day/night!!

 

[hokieinpa]

Excited you were able to add an extra day! I love extra days at Disney. We added 2 extra nights for or trip this year! Getting so excited - almost FP+ day/night!!

Disney math works out for the best sometimes! And I'm happy to make the most of our this trip because I'm not sure we'll be back as a family until November 2017 which just seems so far away!!

 

[hokieinpa]

******************************
48 days until DISNEY!
******************************

So it has been FOREVER since I updated this PTR. I'm ashamed.



But I'm here now so moving on!



Since my last update I have:

*Changed, added, and dropped ADRs
*Made FP+ reservations
*Ordered Magic Bands!


The ADR that I ended up dropping was Garden Grill breakfast. As excited as I as was for that cinnamon roll casserole, I just couldn't justify the cost of another character meal when we already have 3 we aren't willing to give up. We'll eat lunch at Sunshine Seasons that day instead.

The ADR I added was at Boma on our rest day. We're staying at AKL so I feel like we need to eat one meal here since there are so many amazing restaurants. Breakfast at Boma seems like the meal most likely to please everyone in our group. Plus I booked our favorite brunch-y time of 10:30. We get to try both breakfast and lunch foods at the breakfast prices.



https://flic.kr/p/Fgm3da
Thanks to the Disney Food Blog for the pictures of the yummy Simba waffles!


I also made FP+ reservations at the 60 day mark.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/Ej1U6z]
https://flic.kr/p/Ej1U6z

I got everything I wanted at the times that I had planned on so I was one happy Disney girl!

Here are the basic plans as they stand now.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/F5DuzC]https://flic.kr/p/F5DuzC


I'll do a run through of each day when I get to the 30 day countdown.


I also finalized the order for Magic Bands. We're actually getting 2 orders since we have a 1 night reservation before our AKL stay. I may decline bands for the boys since they always want the same color. However, I'll request both of mine since I really want the new...

[url=https://flic.kr/p/Fe6XDG]

PURPLE MAGIC BAND!!

I ordered one for me and one for my mom!

Now I'm just waiting on news about Rivers of Light! I know it will be up and running by the time we arrive but there are rumors of a dining package. I'm keeping my eyes open and will snag one when/if they are released!

But seriously, come on Disney! Planners need to know! Time? FastPass+? Dining Package?

[URL=http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/jwinfield3/media/GIFs/giphy%20late_zpsuyomvku2.gif.html]


Trying for patience but I'm actually just really excited that we'll get a chance to see it in the first few weeks it is open.


I think that concludes this update! Thanks for following along![/url][/url][/url][/url]

 

[Dugette]

We'll eat lunch at Sunshine Seasons that day instead.

Good choice. The croissant berry bread pudding is yummy. (And other stuff).

Breakfast at Boma seems like the meal most likely to please everyone in our group. Plus I booked our favorite brunch-y time of 10:30. We get to try both breakfast and lunch foods at the breakfast prices.

We did Boma breakfast once and loved it! So yummy! And they have their special jungle juice too. And it's so nice to have a brunch right in your own resort!

I got everything I wanted at the times that I had planned on so I was one happy Disney girl!

Nice work!

However, I'll request both of mine since I really want the new...

PURPLE MAGIC BAND!!

So cool!

 

[missangelalexis]

Your ADR changes sound wise. Good idea to check out one of the restaurants at your resort!

Yay I'm glad you got all your FP+ choices!

Omg so happy they added the purple magic band! That will definitely be my choice on my next trip!

I feel so bad for people who have trips coming up and are waiting on Rivers of Light info! Hopefully the dining package opens soon!

 

[MissMaryQC]

So it has been FOREVER since I updated this PTR. I'm ashamed.

No need to be ashamed! PTRs are rough to keep up with sometimes; you're in planning mode! And I'm sure you're starting to gather for packing and all the little stuff you guys will need. BUSY BUSY!

The ADR I added was at Boma on our rest day.

YUM!! We did Boma for Mother's Day in 2015, SO, SO good!

Plus I booked our favorite brunch-y time of 10:30. We get to try both breakfast and lunch foods at the breakfast prices.

We did this too! It is a great meal; you guys will definitely enjoy it.

I got everything I wanted at the times that I had planned on so I was one happy Disney girl!

Sweet!

Here are the basic plans as they stand now

Plans look good! I can't wait to see how you guys enjoy AKL; my hubby loves that resort, and he doesn't love much Disney!

PURPLE MAGIC BAND!!

RIGHT!? I am so glad to see purple as an option, and such a pretty purple too.

Now I'm just waiting on news about Rivers of Light! I know it will be up and running by the time we arrive but there are rumors of a dining package. I'm keeping my eyes open and will snag one when/if they are released!

I hope you guys snag one. We love the Fantasmic! dinner package at HS, I bet this will be just as good, if not better. The floats look amazing.

Trying for patience but I'm actually just really excited that we'll get a chance to see it in the first few weeks it is open.

I'm so psyched for you guys; it's almost here!!!

 

[missjackiemcg]

Perfect update!! I can't wait for all the new things to open up. Lucky for us, we're going in December, so any potential set-backs should still be up and running by then!

 

[DonnaBeeGood]

.

 

[cajunfan]

Awe! I will miss you all by two days! I arrive on the 10th. I know what you mean about information on Rivers of Light. I have been stalking it for a while. That is the one thing I want to see this trip. I read somewhere that they were having electrical issues with it, but I don't remember where I read it so it could be false information. It just sounds fabulous! And I am so excited about the purple magic bands too!! I have already selected that color. We won't be doing any TS meals except for Tusker House for breakfast (if it is a dining package). I love TH for breakfast and Ohana for dinner...both excellent choices. Food wise between BOG and Plaza, hands down I would say the Plaza...but atmosphere, well....BOG has it there. So if you can get the kids meals from a QS BOG may be fun...just PREORDER your meal! It took us forever last May to order our meals. THe talking knights are fun, but not worth the wait in line and if it is crowed it can be hard to hear them anyway.

 

[hokieinpa]

Good choice. The croissant berry bread pudding is yummy. (And other stuff).

Yum, I'm excited to try this place again! We ate here our first trip and had a quick snack before but lunch will be nice to try. I loved the carrot cake and strawberry shortcake. And that bread pudding sounds amazing! Maybe I'll just get desserts?

We did Boma breakfast once and loved it! So yummy! And they have their special jungle juice too. And it's so nice to have a brunch right in your own resort!

I've heard lots of good reviews of the breakfast here! It will be a nice relaxing day so we can all fill up our tummies and just lay out by the pool!

Nice work!

I was happy! And since we aren't in the Anna and Elsa race it makes life much easier!

So cool!

I love the purple bands!! I feel a little silly getting so excited but I think everyone has been talking about it coming for so long that it's fun that it's actually here!

Your ADR changes sound wise. Good idea to check out one of the restaurants at your resort!

I was sad to drop Garden Grill but it was the one that made the most sense to get rid of. And Boma is a good choice - much less expensive than a character meal and I've heard the food is amazing!

Yay I'm glad you got all your FP+ choices!

It was a good night! And I haven't messed with them too much since...but give me time!

Omg so happy they added the purple magic band! That will definitely be my choice on my next trip!

It's been a rumor for so long! Happy they actually brought them out!

I feel so bad for people who have trips coming up and are waiting on Rivers of Light info! Hopefully the dining package opens soon!

It's so hard waiting! And I've heard the theater only holds 5,000 guests at a time so seating won't be easy to come by. Hopefully we can do a package or FP+!

No need to be ashamed! PTRs are rough to keep up with sometimes; you're in planning mode! And I'm sure you're starting to gather for packing and all the little stuff you guys will need. BUSY BUSY!

I feel like this always gets pushed to the bottom of my "DIS to do list"! I want to finish my other TR before this trip and keep up with everyone else...too much DIS too little time!

YUM!! We did Boma for Mother's Day in 2015, SO, SO good!

I've heard so many good reviews! I'm excited to try it!

We did this too! It is a great meal; you guys will definitely enjoy it.

It's my absolute favorite time for a meal. We would struggle to make a pre-park breakfast so this lets us do some stuff when the park opens then take a nice break! And the one meal usually lasts us until dinner!

Sweet!

I'm really happy with our plans!!

Plans look good! I can't wait to see how you guys enjoy AKL; my hubby loves that resort, and he doesn't love much Disney!

I have heard so many wonderful things about AKL. We've only done Values up until now so I think this will be a whole new world for us!

RIGHT!? I am so glad to see purple as an option, and such a pretty purple too.

It's nice to have another choice! And that it finally came out after being a rumor for so long!

I hope you guys snag one. We love the Fantasmic! dinner package at HS, I bet this will be just as good, if not better. The floats look amazing.

I can't wait to see the show! I hope we can get a FP+ or dining package because I've heard the theater is pretty small.

I'm so psyched for you guys; it's almost here!!!

I know!! Once the countdown reaches 60 days the time just flies by!

Perfect update!! I can't wait for all the new things to open up. Lucky for us, we're going in December, so any potential set-backs should still be up and running by then!

Lots of new fun for this trip - I'm excited for Rivers of Light and maybe the new Star Wars fireworks? December will be so fun! All of the new stuff plus all of that amazing Christmas Disney magic!

Looks like more great planning! Time change has kicked my butt, but glad you got the purple magic band!

Thanks! We're getting so close now!

Me too! We had a rough start to the week - a rainy Monday right after time change and Spring Break...so I'm running on a coffee and Disney planning buzz right now!

Awe! I will miss you all by two days! I arrive on the 10th. I know what you mean about information on Rivers of Light. I have been stalking it for a while. That is the one thing I want to see this trip. I read somewhere that they were having electrical issues with it, but I don't remember where I read it so it could be false information. It just sounds fabulous! And I am so excited about the purple magic bands too!! I have already selected that color. We won't be doing any TS meals except for Tusker House for breakfast (if it is a dining package). I love TH for breakfast and Ohana for dinner...both excellent choices. Food wise between BOG and Plaza, hands down I would say the Plaza...but atmosphere, well....BOG has it there. So if you can get the kids meals from a QS BOG may be fun...just PREORDER your meal! It took us forever last May to order our meals. THe talking knights are fun, but not worth the wait in line and if it is crowed it can be hard to hear them anyway.

Oh too bad we'll just miss each other!!

It's so hard waiting for them to release information about a FP+ or package. I've heard the theater is pretty small (5,000 seats) but they could have up to 3 shows a night. But I want some real details so I can finish out plans for AK!

I'm excited about all of our ADRs - lots of new places to try this trip! We decided to go with the Plaza. I think it will make everyone in the group happy. I'm saving BOG for my solo time in October!

 

[ArielSRL]

Jumping on from Dawn's TR! Will catch up sometime today!