ADP Live From Mousefest

[scarlett873]

Staying offsite, but will they try to kick me out if I'm not riding rides or getting into attractions? I don't think I'm the only one in the group staying offsite, I think Mindy is too.

Hmm, I forgot about space bags. I have some still in a box around here somewhere...We did swear by them when we went to Russia. Never heard of the packing cubes, I'll have to check them out.

Sorry, Aaron, didn't mean to hijack your thread, but we are talking about DATW here

Psssst...check your PM's...again...

 

[Tonya2426]

UGH!!! I am at least 2 hours behind schedule!!!! Why didn't I finish packing last night?!?!!? My plan to finally ride EE at night is out the door.

See everyone soon!!!!

 

[ADP]

Wednesday, Dec 10th

Hi Everyone,

I'm back from my day at Disney's Animal Kingdom and Lodge. My day started at Downtown Disney where I did some souvenier shopping. It was nice getting there early before the crowd madness started. I left Downtown Disney at Noon as the crowds were building to head to the Animal Kingdom.

Before I walked into the World of Disney I took a picture of the completed dockside stage in the Disney Marketplace.

As I entered the World of Disney a couple of signs surprised me. Apparently, you can get a free shopping assistant who will walk around the store with you and provide shopping assistance for free....Yes, for free!!!

Here are the signs

As I mentioned before the World of Disney was not very busy basically because it was only 10:00AM in the morning.

After I left the World of Disney I walked over to The Christmas shop. The store was busy, but I wouldn't call it "crazy" busy. Here's a photo of the crowd inside the store.

After I left the Christmas shop I made my way to the car and headed over to the Animal Kingdom. I had a 1:05 ADR at the Tusker House with reserved seating at Finding Nemo the Musical. Dinosaur was only a 10 minute wait believe it or not so I took a spin. In fact, the Animal Kingdom was not terribly busy today. I also waited about 20 minutes for a ride on Expedition Everest. Here are a few shots at the Animal Kingdom today.

The Tree of Life. NICE!!!

Expedition Everst from afar

I made it over to Africa at 12:45 and checked in at the Tusker House. I waited about 10 minutes before I was seated. I reserved this meal specifically to see how the reserved seating with Finding Nemo would work out. When I arrived at my table my reserved seating ticket was waiting for me on the table. My server took my drink order and it was on my way to the marketplace buffet.

I really enjoyed the food. They had a cous cous grilled vegtable medaly that was phenominal. I had seconds of that. I've been to this buffet 3 times now; once for breakfast, once for lunch, and once for dinner and each time it did not disappoint. About the only thing I didn't like were the desserts. There just wasn't much of a selection.

Here are some photos from my meal at the Tusker House.

Restaurant signage....Good Eats, Get Them Here!

The Marketplace buffet....Help Yourself; Plates are Underneath.

My reserved seating ticket for the Finding Nemo show

At 1:35 I raced to Camp Minnie Mickey for Festival of the Lion King. I had to see that show since I like it so much. I made it there just before the doors opened.

Tumble Monkies or flying monkies? You decide!

I was told by my Tusker House server to arrive at the Finding Nemo theater 30 minutes prior to the show starting. I arrived at 2:45 and could not find the reserved seating line. I kindly asked a Cast Member where the line was. After looking around he finially told me the reserved seating entrance was behind the standby line. I didn't quite understand that so I just followed him. He walked me through the standby line to a sign that said "Reserved Seating Entrance". This is a problem. You won't be able to see the sign even if you are looking for it. I walked through the entrance which is a path to the side of the theater where 2 automatic doors which were closed. After a 2 minute wait the doors opened and I walked down a handicapp ramp to the bottom of the theater. Here's the second problem of the reserved seating. The seats are at the front, right of the theater. The best seats for this show are towards the back of the theater a little off-center because the actors actually use the entire theater. The front-right seats were roped off for reserved seating guests only. Once the reserved seating guests were seated they began letting standby guests into the theater. They were not allowed to use the reserved seating until 15 minutes before the show started. That is when the rope came down for all guests.

My suggestion would be not to do the reserved seating unless you are visiting Disney World during a peak time. If its an off peak time I don't think its worth it simply because of the reserved seat location. I should mention it was nice not having to wait in such a long line at the side of the theater. You could stretch out and relax without worrying about other people around you.

Here's a photo of the doors at the side of the theater where the reserved seating guests waited.

Finding Nemo as always was a wonderful. As I was exiting the theater and making my way to Discovery Island I walked into Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade. I took in the parade since I was already there.

Hey Minnie. The back of your float smells like hot chocolate!

After I left the Animal Kingdom I decided to take a bus over to the Animal Kingdom Lodge and check out the resorts christmas decorations and see how far along Kidani Village has come along.

I was really impressed with the christmas decorations at the lodge. I love the orange and white lights. I also really loved the lobby Christmas tree. The ornaments were so unique.

The lobby Christmas tree was full of huge basket ornaments like this one

Larger view of the lobby tree

I left the lobby and decided to take a walk over to Kidani Village. I knew the resort was still under construction, but my curiosity got the best of me. I went way into the construction zone. I know I shouldn't have and I was doing it at my own risk, but I wanted to see some of the details of the resort. This is going to be a HUGE resort.

Here are the photos I got from somewhat afar. Enjoy!
Parking will be underneath the resort on the first floor

Road signage

Part of the front entry way from afar. It's taking shape nicely

Afterwards I stopped back in the lobby for a refreshment. I also called our good friend Mindy to see if she made it into Orlando. She's here!! Hey Mindy!

I toured the Zawadi Marketplace (AKL gift shop) and took the bus back to the Animal Kingdom. I planned on staying for Extra Magic Hours, but I did everything I wanted to do today so I decided to go to my car and drive back to Saratoga Springs. On the way back I spoke to Chris who I informed it was 80+ degrees here in Orlando today.

That's it for today. I plan on walking over to the Turf Club tonight to relax at the main lobby. Mousefest starts tomorrow and I want to be well rested before all the late night and early morning meets startup.

Before I call it quits here is one more photo of the Animal Kingdom park Christmas tree.

More to come!

Up Next:
Breakfast at Boatwrights with Mousefest Attendees
Mousefest Starts - Mousefest 101 and Reception
Dole Whips

 

[safetymom]

Thanks for the update.

 

[Madi100]

Thanks for the update! I'm really enjoying reading this.

 

[kimisabella]

Great update Aaron - Kidani Village looks huge! Now that Mindy is there, the party has officially started! Have fun

 

[Whipperwhirl]

thanks for the update on the nemo show - I have reserved seating during peak time - do you think you can go sit in the front right and then move as they are allowing in the general poulation?

 

[aspen37]

Thanks for the update Aaron!

 

[DISNUT21]

Thank you so much for giving us in depth action from the parks. I def. wish I was there in WDW for Mousefest, but instead im knee deep in finals for my MBA. Thanks again... you make it feel as though I am there... if only I actually was.

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

Great updates Aaron. I am glad Mindy got there safely. Kidani village looks fantastic!!!

 

[NC Belle]

I love the pictures. Enjoy Mousefest fun.

 

[ADP]

Great update Aaron - Kidani Village looks huge! Now that Mindy is there, the party has officially started! Have fun

I can confirm Mindy is here...In fact I met with her already at the Turf Club. She's great! And that thing about her saying she's shy.....Forget about it. She's a bundle of joy.

thanks for the update on the nemo show - I have reserved seating during peak time - do you think you can go sit in the front right and then move as they are allowing in the general poulation?

You can. In fact, you can duck under the rope and go sit towards the back. You just can't duck under the rope from the general seating into the reserved seating.

 

[MODisFan]

Aaron your trip report is wonderful! Thank you for taking the time to let us enjoy it. I've been real surprised by the low crowds you've mentioned. Maybe it will pick up during mouse fest. Looking forward to more installments. ~Elizabeth

 

[Iggipolka]

WOOHOO! Loving the trip report and the great pictures. Thank you for doing this!

 

[CynthiaC925]

Oh my goodness, I need to get to sleep becuz tomorrow I leave for WDW! But I had to read your trip reports - thank you soooo much - I know these take a lot of time. Your reports and pix are awesome! I hope we meet so I can thank you in person.

Yippee! Mousefest 2008!
ADP- You Rock!

 

[miss missy]

YAY this is great stuff! feels so good to know what is going on. THANKS!!

Tell Mindy hey for me too! I am so bummed I can't make it to ML Wish I could meet everyone!


Oh and if you have a chance... check out ICE! It's really cool (no pun intended LOL)

 

[pklein09]

Great report! I'm with you in spirit here in dreary, rainy NJ...

 

[crazydisneyman]

Hey Aaron!

Have a great day today! BTW it is 27 degrees here this morning.

Anyway, we will see you on Saturday! Woo Hoo!

 

[Sooze]

I think it's wonderful that you are doing this report while you are there and everything is fresh in your mind. It looks like you are getting a lot done and enjoying every minute of it!!

Thanks again for sharing with us. You are the best!!

 

[ADP]

Thursday, Dec 11th

Hi Everyone,

I'm back from my first full day of Mousefest activities. Today was a very enjoyable day and a lot of fun.

My day started at Boatwrights where I met many other DISers. This was an unofficial meet of DISers who wanted to get together for breakfast. I met many new people and others who I met before. Thanks to everyone who came out and to Will who organized the meet.

Here's a photo from our table this morning.

After we left breakfast I decided to head over to the Magic Kingdom to ride a few attractions before the Mousefest 101 kick-off at Noon over at the Contemporary Resort Convention Center.

While I was walking into the Magic Kingdom I took several pictures of the Christmas decorations.

Magic Kingdom Christmas Tree

Front of the Magic Kingdom

Main St. USA. A wet morning/afternoon. Crowds were very low today

Mickey and Minnie with a Castle backdrop

During my time at the Magic Kingdom it rained quite a bit. I was able to ride the Haunted Mansion and the TTA twice during the rain. At 11:15AM I realizeed I needed to start my walk over to the Contemporary Resort. During my walk it was sprinkling, but not nearly as hard as it rained earlier. Lucky for me I guess.

I arrived at the Comtemporary convention center where there were a few people waiting outside our assigned room. As Noon approached more and more people showed up. The Mousefest 101 was a success and very well attended.

Here are some photos from the meet.
Mousefesters take their seats

The crowd gathers inside the ballroom

Afterwards, a Mousefest reception was held for everyone who was in attendance at the Mousefest 101 meet. Light refreshments were served; most of which were sugar inspired like Full Throttle energy drink, candy bars, chocolate covered coffee beans and trail mix. If you weren't awake you definately opened your eyes after eating this food.

After the reception I walked back over to the Magic Kingdom for a few more attractions and to attend the Dole Whip meet. The meet was well attended and I met up with Mindy, Tonya, Yvet, and Emiele. We enjoyed our Dole Whip floats and gave a toast to our good friend Bawb.
Here's a photo from the Dole Whip meet.

After the meet the 5 of us decided to ride Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise and Swiss Family Treehouse. We had a great time. During our journey on the Jungle Cruise I snapped this photo. Can you figure out who is who?

After riding the attractions we worked up an appetite and decided to walk back over to the Contemporary and dine at The Wave. We decided to sit at the bar and eat. You can choose from the full menu at the bar. We tried a glass of wine from Autstralia Yvet chose. I was glad she chose it because we all really liked it. It was a chilled, sparkling red wine. I should also say we all agreed our food was very good. Some of the dishes tried were the grilled pork tenderloin and flank steak. Our total bill with tip was $145 for the 5 of us. The restaurant accepted our 20% DDE discount (I refuse to call it Tables in Wonderland).

After dinner I decided to head back to the resort and rest up for an early day tomorrow. On the way up to the monorail I snapped this picture of Pinocchio and Chippeto as part of the Contemporary Resort's Christmas decorations. Lots of chocolate used here.

I've left out a number of details from today, but these were the highlights. Tomorrow morning I'll be at the Animal Kingdom attending a couple of meets. In the afternoon I'll be over at Hollywood Studios for a few more meets. During the evening I'm headed over to EPCOT for our Drink Around the World meet. That's 3 parks in one day!!! Definately action packed. I hope I'm up for it. I'm not getting any younger.

More to come tomorrow.

Up Next:
Mousefest Day 2
Mousefest Meets at Animal Kingdom
Mousefest Meets at Hollywood Studios
Drink Around the World at EPCOT
Checking Into All Star Music Resort