A Safari Christmas Goes Pop! (w/pics)

[njdisneyfreak]

Last December my DH and I went on the most magical WDW trip, yet! We celebrated our anniversary, Christmas and New Year's all at one of our favorite places, Walt Disney World. It was absolutely amazing, and before we left, we had already begun talking about when we'd be back.

Well, for those of you who joined me on that journey, you know that we had planned to go this summer, but that didn't work so well into our plans. For months, my DH and I kept talking about Disney as a trip we wouldn't be able to do again for quite some time. Not anymore!

We decided to go back, and not only go back, but go back for our anniversary (which is during the week of Christmas), Christmas and New Year's again!!!! I know. We still can't believe it ourselves.

Alright, well on with the story. . .

CAST OF CHARACTERS: My DH and me, and we're both in our early-thirties. We absolutely love WDW and are really looking forward to returning for our favorite time of the year and a cooler time of the year.

This is us, at Sci-Fi, this past December:

TRIP DATES:
December 23, 2008 - January 3, 2009

PLANNING IT ALL:
Now, if you read either of my last two reports, you know that organizer/planner is my middle name. Yes, learning to spell that in kindergarten was rough! My DH is Mr. Organizer/Planner. Is it any wonder that we're married? So, we already have our trip planned quite a bit.

Tonight, my DH booked our dream resort, AKL!!! Now, can you see why I'm dreaming of a safari Christmas? On our last trip, we went to just about every resort, checking out the holiday decor and enjoying what they had to offer. One step into AKL (now imagine the intro music to the Lion King here. . .well, at least in our heads) and we fell in love with the place. We walked all over and ended our time there by eating zebra domes for the first time at Mara. Oh, man! If you have never had one, you have to go to AKL and try it. AMAZING

While we were eating, my DH promised me that we'd come back to stay on our next vacation. Now, I know this sounds sappy, but I actually began tearing. I grew up going to WDW several times throughout my childhood. To make it affordable, my family always went to a no-frills campground in Kissimmee. I grew up dreaming of staying on property, especially whenever that monorail rode threw the Contemporary.

Well, I'm all grown up now and married, and we've been blessed to have stayed on property each time. Each of our trips, we've tried to step it up a notch. Now, we are actually going to get to stay in a savannah room at AKL! I know it's going to be amazing.

So far, this is our itinerary (we can't book till late June, so this may change):

December 23, 2008 (Tuesday)
- Arrive at AKL in the evening.

December 24, 2008 (Wednesday) - - CHRISTMAS EVE!!!
- Head over to Epcot
- Breakfast at Akershus
- Lunch at Seasons
- At some point head over to the Studios (we may take a break back to the resort for a bit in between)
- Dinner at Mama Melrose
- Enjoy Osbourne Lights (if you've never gone, it's breathtaking)

December 25, 2008 (Thursday) -- CHRISTMAS
- Christmas morning breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Banquet Hall
- Lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern
- High tail it out of there (we left last year on Christmas day after lunch; crazy crowded by this time of day)!
- Go back to relax at the resort
- In the late afternoon, head to Downtown Disney
- Go to Cirque de Soleil (our first time ever!!!)
- A late dinner at our resort, at Jiko's

December 26, 2008 (Friday)
- Breakfast at Boma's
- At some point head over to Epcot
- Lunch at Garden Grill
- Dinner at Chef Mickey's
- Go to the Studios

December 27, 2008 (Saturday)
- Go to AK
- Breakfast at Donald's Safari Breakfast at Tusker House
- Head to the Studios via our resort (not sure about this part yet)
- Lunch at Sci-Fi
- Head over to Epcot in the evening
- Dinner at Teppan Edo and go see the Candlelight Processional (this may change depending on who the guest speakers are during our stay)

December 28, 2008 (Sunday)
- Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare
- Go to MK
- Lunch at Tony's Townsquare Restaurant
- Head back to resort
- Dinner at Boma's

December 29, 2008 (Monday)
- Breakfast at Boma's
- Go to Epcot
- Lunch at Coral Reef
- Not sure if we'll stay all day or take a break at our resort
- Dinner at Narcoosee's

December 30, 2008 (Tuesday)
- Go to MK
- Get breakfast the Main St. Bakery (great cinnamon rolls!!!)
- Lunch at Whispering Canyon Cafe (Wilderness Lodge is the only resort we've never seen)
- Back to MK
- Dinner at 1900 Park Fare

December 31, 2008 (Wednesday) -- NEW YEAR'S EVE!!!
- Breakfast at Boma's
- Lunch at The Wave (pending their reviews)
- Dinner at Boma's
- Ring in the New Year at the Studios

January 1, 2009 (Thursday) -- NEW YEAR'S
- Chef Mickey's for breakfast
- Go to Epcot
- Lunch at Nine Dragons
- Back to our resort later in the day
- Dinner at Jiko's

January 2, 2009 (Friday)
- Go to MK
- Breakfast at Crystal Palace
- Lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern
- Head over to Epcot (might take a break at resort in between parks)
- Dinner at LeCellier (one of our favorite restaurants after last trip -- yummy!)

January 3, 2009 (Saturday)
- Head home.

So, that's our plans, for the moment. We know things will get tweaked as we get closer. Also, we plan to do the Seguey Tour (the one that goes through the countries) on this trip one of the mornings we go to Epcot. On our last trip, we tried them out at Innoventions and knew we had to book this tour on our next trip. So much fun.

Right now my life can be a bit hectic, since I'm a teacher. I teach eighth grade language arts. So, I'm up to my eyebrows working on research papers with the kids, while my team finalizes plans for the eighth grade trip and graduation, all while trying to keep the kids interested, as high school calls their name and the sunshine that is often shining outside calls all our names!

I'd love any feedback on our itinerary, the resort we're staying (since it's our first time there) and anything else that comes to mind. I welcome questions, too. If you've read my past reports, you know that I truly am a Disney Freak and love talking all things Disney.

In the meanwhile, I'll continue dreaming of a safari Christmas! Is it me or do you hear Christmas music mixed in with drums and African beats? This is going to be a long seven months.

HERE ARE SOME LINKS TO THE OTHER PARTS OF THIS THREAD, IN CASE YOU WANT TO SKIP THE INTRO PAGES. . .

MAKING MY ADRs (original choices)

WHY WE'RE GOING BACK FOR CHRISTMAS & ANNIVERSARY w/pics

CHANGES

CROCS, A SURPRISE & WE'RE GOING TO BE GUEST BLOGGERS!!!

CUSTOMIZED MAPS

LAST YEAR HOLIDAY PICS FROM PHOTOPASS, AKL ACTIVITIES & AN UPDATED ITINERARY

OUR SAFARI CHRISTMAS WENT POP. . .Check out why

ITINERARY CHANGES

DECKING THE HALLS!!! (posts 388-390)

FINAL PREPARATIONS

 

[DISNEY4XMAS]

I'M HERE I'M HERE THE FIRST ONE!!!!!

 

[DisneyDaughter5589]

You are very brave and LUCKY! Disney for Christmas and NewYears WOW! We went in Early December one time and thought it was beautifully decorated (of course you already know this). You are brave indeed the closest thing to being busy in Disney was when we went may 2005 and where there when they celebrated the 50th anniversery me and my family were clueless. Had no idea what was going on but instead of going to MK on MAY 5th (my birthday) we visted MGM. We were our own TGM without knowing it!
Your reservations look great and I can honestly say I've only ever eaten at CP. That will change in September!

 

[njdisneyfreak]

I'M HERE I'M HERE THE FIRST ONE!!!!!

Hi, Steph! I'm not surprised you're the first. Welcome!!!

You are very brave and LUCKY! Disney for Christmas and NewYears WOW! We went in Early December one time and thought it was beautifully decorated (of course you already know this). You are brave indeed the closest thing to being busy in Disney was when we went may 2005 and where there when they celebrated the 50th anniversery me and my family were clueless. Had no idea what was going on but instead of going to MK on MAY 5th (my birthday) we visted MGM. We were our own TGM without knowing it!
Your reservations look great and I can honestly say I've only ever eaten at CP. That will change in September!

Nice to meet you.

I've always gone during peak seasons. Growing up, we always went 4th of July week. Then, as an adult, I'm a teacher. So, peak season is all we have to work with. But, we also enjoy the festive atmosphere of holiday times. I guess that's why my DH and I have only gone during the 4th of July and Christmas. Brave? Maybe. A glutton for punishment? Who can say?

CP is good. Are you going for breakfast, lunch or dinner? We've gone for both breakfast and lunch, and we've enjoyed it. September is right around the corner. You must be so excited.

It will be fun to exchange trip info.

 

[wdwgirl03]

I remember reading your last trip report so I thought I'd check in. How exciting you get to stay at AKL...we leave in 4 days and we're staying there for the first time! I can't wait!!

We have also always gone during busy times and since I'm going to be a teacher too I can't really see that changing at all! Oh well, after a while you just sort of get used to the crowds...they're really not all that bad!

 

[njdisneyfreak]

I remember reading your last trip report so I thought I'd check in. How exciting you get to stay at AKL...we leave in 4 days and we're staying there for the first time! I can't wait!!

We have also always gone during busy times and since I'm going to be a teacher too I can't really see that changing at all! Oh well, after a while you just sort of get used to the crowds...they're really not all that bad!

Welcome back!!! That's so cool that you're going to be at AKL in a few days, and for the first time, too. How cool! I can imagine your excitement, since I'm excited and still have 7 months to go.

You will have to do a TR when you get back. I can't wait to find out how it is for you. Take lots of pics.

You're going to be a teacher? That's great. When will you be done with getting your degree/certification? What grade/subject? I agree that you get used to the crowds. It's all I really know, and if you remember from my last TR, if you utlize the EMH well, you can get nearly empty parks to ride on all the rides you want a number of times, as well as great some great pic ops.

I wish you all the best on your trip. Have fun!!! Let us know when you get back.

 

[DISNEY4XMAS]

So when you go to Whispering Canyon Cafe just DON"T EAT the buffalo burger, unless you really really want to eat bison. I hope that you get a really good waiter/waitress because ours wasn't into the theme as much as others till DD asked about them doing CRAZY things there. Then he did a little but not much. I heard that there is one guy who is great I think his name is jeff? I will have to check into it.

 

[njdisneyfreak]

So when you go to Whispering Canyon Cafe just DON"T EAT the buffalo burger, unless you really really want to eat bison. I hope that you get a really good waiter/waitress because ours wasn't into the theme as much as others till DD asked about them doing CRAZY things there. Then he did a little but not much. I heard that there is one guy who is great I think his name is jeff? I will have to check into it.

What do you mean about the burger? Are you saying it's huge?

I wouldn't mind if our waiter/waitress wasn't overly into the theme, but we could watch in amusement at all the other tables. If you find out the name of the waiter, though, definitely let me know.

 

[njdisneyfreak]

I haven't forgotten to post, but have been having major allergy issues this week. Needless to say, I've gotten a bit behind. I have more info to update, but I want to wait till maybe this weekend to post it.

Let's just say that we have totally redone our itinerary, which if you know us and our past trip planning experiences, isn't so unusual. Also, my DH got me a wonderful Disney present earlier this week. I'll share more soon. Isn't suspense wonderful?

 

[DISNEY4XMAS]

What do you mean about the burger? Are you saying it's huge?

I wouldn't mind if our waiter/waitress wasn't overly into the theme, but we could watch in amusement at all the other tables. If you find out the name of the waiter, though, definitely let me know.

Well when I ordered the burger it said buffalo burger with chipotle mayo or cheese, so I though hot spicey like BUFFALO WINGS, not that the meat was actually bison. And yes it was HUGE! I ate only a portion because the whole mind over matter thing kicked in and I just couldn't eat it! I was gaging!
Oh for the waiter I have copied the link to the BADSHOE.com web site were they talk about their experience with him. His name is Bobby Jo
http://badshoe.com/bobby_joe.htm

I haven't forgotten to post, but have been having major allergy issues this week. Needless to say, I've gotten a bit behind. I have more info to update, but I want to wait till maybe this weekend to post it.

DS Tyler has been in the DR already for his, he has asthma and it is really affecting it! I give him a treatment and he is still wheezing about an hour later. The have now added Zyrtec to his list of medicines and I can add in the benedryl as needed.

Let's just say that we have totally redone our itinerary, which if you know us and our past trip planning experiences, isn't so unusual. Also, my DH got me a wonderful Disney present earlier this week. I'll share more soon. Isn't suspense wonderful?

This is NOT uncommon I am sure that it will change atleast four more times just don't change hotels this time!!!

 

[njdisneyfreak]

Well when I ordered the burger it said buffalo burger with chipotle mayo or cheese, so I though hot spicey like BUFFALO WINGS, not that the meat was actually bison. And yes it was HUGE! I ate only a portion because the whole mind over matter thing kicked in and I just couldn't eat it! I was gaging!
Oh for the waiter I have copied the link to the BADSHOE.com web site were they talk about their experience with him. His name is Bobby Jo
http://badshoe.com/bobby_joe.htm

I will definitely stay away from the burger. We're thinking of going for the skillet. Any feedback on what that's like? Thanks for the link. I'll have to check it out.

DS Tyler has been in the DR already for his, he has asthma and it is really affecting it! I give him a treatment and he is still wheezing about an hour later. The have now added Zyrtec to his list of medicines and I can add in the benedryl as needed.

I have the worse ticklish throat that has made me cough like crazy, and of course phlegm gets involved. I've been wearing my glasses for a few days now, instead of contacts, because my eyes keep drying out and getting itchy. But, the absolute worse has been the sinuses! I used to have bad asthma, so I understand what your son is going through.

This is NOT uncommon I am sure that it will change atleast four more times just don't change hotels this time!!!

Today we made some more dining changes! Hey, why not, right? But, I got my DH to agree that once we book the dining in June that we are staying with what we have at that point. Let's hope that happens.

As for the hotel, we are not changing this time. . .don't you worry. We want to stay there so bad and don't want to put that off again, especially since we may not be able to go there again for a little while. So, no worries. . .this will be a safari Christmas!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Welcome back!!! That's so cool that you're going to be at AKL in a few days, and for the first time, too. How cool! I can imagine your excitement, since I'm excited and still have 7 months to go.

You will have to do a TR when you get back. I can't wait to find out how it is for you. Take lots of pics.

You're going to be a teacher? That's great. When will you be done with getting your degree/certification? What grade/subject? I agree that you get used to the crowds. It's all I really know, and if you remember from my last TR, if you utlize the EMH well, you can get nearly empty parks to ride on all the rides you want a number of times, as well as great some great pic ops.

I wish you all the best on your trip. Have fun!!! Let us know when you get back.

Well, we are back...the AKL is awesome!!! You will love it. I had a PTR going and just started my TR in the same thread (it's in my signature), so feel free to check it out.

I actually finished my student teaching in January. I got my teaching license shortly after that (didn't take as long as they made it sound!) for 1st-8th grade. I'm doing a lot of subbing right now and had an interview last week for a couple full-time jobs for next year. I'm crossing my fingers!

I definitely agree about EMH...we never have a problem doing the attractions we want to! Looking forward to hearing more about your plans!

 

[njdisneyfreak]

Well, we are back...the AKL is awesome!!! You will love it. I had a PTR going and just started my TR in the same thread (it's in my signature), so feel free to check it out.

I actually finished my student teaching in January. I got my teaching license shortly after that (didn't take as long as they made it sound!) for 1st-8th grade. I'm doing a lot of subbing right now and had an interview last week for a couple full-time jobs for next year. I'm crossing my fingers!

I definitely agree about EMH...we never have a problem doing the attractions we want to! Looking forward to hearing more about your plans!

I can't wait to check out your PTR!!! Keep me posted on the job situation. I remember what that was like.

I'll be posting an update soon.

 

[njdisneyfreak]

I haven't forgotten about my beloved pre-trippie, but between finishing out the teaching year and waiting for Disney to finally get around to posting the hours for the parks, I've been holding out. Our plans right now are tentative and could definitely change once the hours come out. I may post our updated schedule anyway.

Seriously, what can be taking Disney so long with posting their hours? It's so out of character. Poor November people have already had their 180 day marks come and go, and still no hours for them either. I still have a few weeks. Keep your fingers crossed for us.

We are trying to figure out when to do a seguey tour? We're leaning towards doing it on one of our last days. Give us something to look forward to.

I'll be back. I promise. Then, the fun can really begin!!!

 

[roxannensteve]

Hi, saw another December Pre Trippie & couldn't help but come check it out. I know you like the rest of us is wanting those park hours out ASAP, especially since you are going for Christmas/New Years.

We go for our Anniversary as well. Its earlier in December but still close enough to Christmas for us.

Well, I'll stick around as you plan, plan, plan away.

 

[njdisneyfreak]

Hi, saw another December Pre Trippie & couldn't help but come check it out. I know you like the rest of us is wanting those park hours out ASAP, especially since you are going for Christmas/New Years.

We go for our Anniversary as well. Its earlier in December but still close enough to Christmas for us.

Well, I'll stick around as you plan, plan, plan away.

Good to see you again, Roxanne! I remember comparing notes during last year's trip planning.

Well, the WDW website has the hours available today!!! Now, you and I can continue planning our trip.

In case, you want the links, or anyone else who is planning for the holidays, I'm including them.

Here are the daily hours for the MK, and you just need to scroll to the other parks:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/calendar/parkhours/calendarHome?id=MKCalendarParkHoursMonthlyViewPage&date=20081201

Here are the EMH:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/calendar/extraMagicHour?id=CalendarExtraMagicHoursPage

Now, my DH and I will need to check out our itinerary and compare it to the hours. Soon, we can actually book everything!!! I'm so excited. I absolutely love going to WDW and planning for the trip is so much fun.

 

[roxannensteve]

Yes!! So glad the hours are out. I will have to take a look this weekend to see how our plans stand compare to the hours. I think I will be okay, I was going with last years hours when planning & they look similar.

 

[DISNEY4XMAS]

Hey I just saw a lot of the topiaries from the tour you took this past december on another thread from may. Amazing that they last for so long!

 

[njdisneyfreak]

My mother-in-law was battling cancer and just passed away today. For obvious reasons, Disney was not on the forefront of our minds during all this time.

However, we'll be booking our ADRs on Thursday, so I'll be able to post our itinerary. Once we return late next week, I'll begin keeping up with my thread again.

Thanks everyone for understanding.

 

[njdisneyfreak]

Yes!! So glad the hours are out. I will have to take a look this weekend to see how our plans stand compare to the hours. I think I will be okay, I was going with last years hours when planning & they look similar.

We'll have to compare notes later next week. Did you book your ADRs already or are you booking this week, like me?

Hey I just saw a lot of the topiaries from the tour you took this past december on another thread from may. Amazing that they last for so long!

Yeah, I heard they last for quite some time. You figure that they were making them when I saw them last December, with the intent of using them for the spring. So, they have to be well made. During the tour, they shared that they will often reuse topiaries as much as they can, just changing what is needed. It's always good to recycle!