ADP - Live From Disney World - Family Holiday Adventure

[ADP]

Saturday, Dec 26th
Pre Trip Report

The Cast -
Me - ADP
DW - Kim
DD - Anna (9)

Crowds, lines, and prices OH MY!!! I expect to be saying that phrase quite a bit in the upcoming week. After all, it is the busiest week of the year at Walt Disney world. The week between Christmas and New Years has been known to bring hoards of people to Orlando since most of the country's school systems are on winter break. Yes, we plan to be one of them braving the elements. However, we know better than to "bum rush" the parks during this busy season. Although we will be visiting the parks we plan to go early and not make a day of it. We've also planned some hard-ticketed events which limits the number of guests who can attend. More on those in a minute.

Two weeks ago I visited Disney World for DAP. Who could forget the fun we had attending the cool events and seeing Disney legends speak to us about their past Disney experiences. From DATW, to the TSM party it was a week I'll never forget. Now it's time to move to a family vacation. Although DAP will be almost impossible to top I do love our family vacations. I must admit, I really did miss my family during DAP; especially towards the end. Hanging out with friends (tequilla bar..cough...cough..) was loads of fun, and I relish those opportunities as well.

During this trip we are staying at the Animal Kingdom Villas (Jambo House Kilimanjaro Club Level on DVC points. The lodge is beautifully decorated during the holidays. I can't wait to hang out in the lobby on a sofa admiring the Christmas decorations. The Animal Kingdom Lodge/Villas is a very unique resort experience. We love the free-roaming savanna surrounding the resort(s). In fact, we plan on experiencing something this trip I've wanted to try for many years and just haven't had the chance; The Sunrise Safari.

Some of the things I'm looking forward to on this trip:
- Seeing Cirque Du Soleil - La Nouba for the first time
- The Candlelight Processional
- The Sunrise Safari
- Watching Anna go through the Pirate League
- Spending New Years Eve and New Years Day at Disney World
- Seeing New Years fireworks at one of the parks (not sure which one yet)
- Warmer weather than central Indiana
- As Always....Seeing friends

During the upcoming week I'll be posting photos and writing about our daily adventures as they happen. And yes, I will be using eTicket (the new DIS IPhone app for Disney park nuts like us). Our flights leaves tomorrow morning and we should arrive in Orlando around 1:15PM. I've said this before, but 11 months ago, to the day, I booked our stay at AKV - Kilimanjaro Club and now it's finally upon us. It's a reminder of how fast time flyes. 11 months of waiting for 8 days of fun and excitement.

Let the fun begin!

Next Up:
- Arriving in Orlando
- Checking Into AKV
- A visit to the Animal Kingdom
- Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade

P.S. Here are some DAP photos

Gingerbread House

Castle Lights

Nothing beats watching the Unplugged crew record a live show

Dolphin Christmas tree

Princess Tiana

Beginning of the Candlelight Processional

Disney Dream cruise ship model

Green Army Men skit

Who could forget riding TSM until our arms fell off

Citizens of Hollywood streetmosphere welcoming guests to Hollywood Studios

 

[shellyminnie]

Woohooo!!!

Sounds like you guys have a fun trip planned!!

I especially like the seeing friends part!!

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Wow, I didn't know you all were heading back so soon. I'm hopping on to follow along. Have fun Aaron, Kim, and Anna.

 

[BriarRosie]

You're a glutton for punishment.

I think you'll enjoy La Nouba and the Sunrise Safari. I know I did!

 

[wdwscout]

You'll have a blast!
We did the Christmas to New Year's week at the end of 2005- and New Year's Eve in Epcot is something we will never forget! (... in a good way! )
You are right on the mark planning ticketed events and shows. And the rest of the time- enjoy watching the crowds stand in 240 minute lines (but just don't join them! )

 

[Tonya2426]

Have a great trip!!! Can't wait to follow along on another ADP family trip.

 

[hannah's dad]

Enjoy your trip! I always love reading your trip reports, but this time we'll be in WDW at the same time, so no jealousy! We arrive 12/31 for one night in AKV and then from 1/1 to 1/5 in VWL...maybe we'll see you there!

 

[Iggipolka]

Woo! Can't wait to read how much fun you all have. Take care of the AKV club level for us. We'll be there in March eating all the goodies.

 

[safetymom]

Can't wait to read your reports.

 

[TSWJan78]

I am along for the ride!! Can't wait to hear your adventures Aaron!!

 

[disneyholic family]

getting on board....
i'm not even going to make my traditional comment about how jealous i am of all your trips to WDW every third tuesday....

 

[Launchpad11B]

Hi Aaron, I'm sure you'll have a blast this week. Take good care of my vacation home. (AKV club level) Tell Kim & Anna hello and merry Christmas! Are you going to see Puck this week?

 

[kab407]

Nothing like an Aaron Trip Report to make my week!!!!

Have a great time. Love to Kim and Anna

 

[3amigos]

So excited to see you have a new trip report, I always enjoy them! have a great time!

 

[Renysmom]

I am all ready to read this trip report.

I could see how excited you were to be there with your family when we talked of it at DAP..

 

[georgemoe]

Hope you, Kim, and Anna have a wonderful time this week Aaron. You're bringing in the New Year right! Looking forward to the pics and report.

 

[stitchlover]

Can't wait to hear all about your trip. I also will love to hear your take on the crowds at this time of year.
Hope you have a wonderful time!

 

[ADP]

We are at the airport and checked-in. 1 hor and 50 minute flight to Orlando.

Hi Aaron, I'm sure you'll have a blast this week. Take good care of my vacation home. (AKV club level) Tell Kim & Anna hello and merry Christmas! Are you going to see Puck this week?

Yea. I've got his number. We'll get together at some point.

 

[NC Belle]

Have a great trip!

 

[ADP]

In Orlando. It's a balmy 58 degrees.