AKL In OCt. ~I'm scared

[want2go2disney]

We are booked for Oct at AKL and I'm scared.

I don't know what to do first, what to see first, etc. etc.

It's our first trip to WDW, we went on the WOnder Cruise in late March 2003 and absolutely fell in love with it. Wanted to try the parks, so booked the fairytale package.

Now, I'm overwhelmed with planning....help

 

[Patio]

I really love AKL, it's a breathtaking resort. Make sure you spend time exploring the resort. I love walking around and seeing the animals from all the different lookouts. I love the gift shop and the pool area is very relaxing. There is only one bus stop and the buses were never an issue for us. If it gets cool at night, grab a hot chocolate and sit by the fireplace in the lobby, talk about relaxing!! Have fun planning!!

 

[halfway there]

Yes, I agree. Definitely explore the resort especially on your first day to get acquainted with where everything is. I found it a little confusing at first. It is a beautiful resort and very restful so you may find you will go at a slower pace here. You'll probably need that after your frantic planning, eh?

Look over a map of the resort ahead of time to see where you might like to be in terms of room location then try to request that area. You may be limited by what view you paid for. There are places to see the animals all over the resort so don't worry if you have a standard view. I'd almost prefer it!

Definitely make a reservation for Boma! I can't stress this enough. If you're concerned, check out Mara first and sample some of the 'tastes of Boma' there but have your PS already made. I'm sure you'll love it!

How may days will you be there and do you have kids? This will determine your park schedule. I would try to at least have a sketchy outline with a few restaurants booked here and there of places you really want to go then fill in the rest as you go. It really does help to plan ahead!

Once you are there just sit back and enjoy the magic!

 

[Susiesnowflake]

You will have a wonderful time! I'd recommend reading some of the guide books before you go...Sehlinger's Unofficial Guide to WDW ( 2004 is now out) and Birnbaum's WDW. They offer lots of information and recommendations. Maps are also enclosed, so you can become familiar with the layout of the resorts and parks. Upon check-in at AKL, you'll also be given resort, park, and transportation guides/maps. You may want to become familiar with some of the restaurants and make PS prior to going. Lots of people do this. We usually just call and schedule from our room.

I'd take advantage of the early entry/Extra Magic Hour days. If you find the parks get too crowded later on, just scoot back to the AKL for a rest or swim and return later in the evening or just park hop to another park.

Wishing you a great trip! And remember, if you don't get to see and do everything this trip, hopefully you can go again!

 

[Susiesnowflake]

Yes!! Definitely go to Boma's! I can't wait to return! Enjoy!

 

[lentesta]

Hi want2go2disney,

The AKL is a fantastic resort. IMHO it's the best value among the deluxe resorts, especially if you can get a discount. While the savannah rooms are nice, there is nothing wrong with a standard view room, either.

I'd suggest having dinner one night at Boma, too. The prime rib is very good, as are the desserts. Besides being a personal favorite, Boma is the highest-rated restaurant for "value" in all of WDW in the 2003 and 2004 Unofficial Guide.

As far as planning goes, the Guide's touring plans will help you make the most of your time in the parks. They're by far the most efficient way to see the best attractions in WDW. I wrote the computer software the Guide uses, so let me know if you have any questions in that area.

The Guide also has detailed descriptions on each restaurant, and I'd encourage you to solicit the opinions of other DISers for good meal choices.

Thanks for mentioning the Guide, Susiesnowflake!

Sincerely,

Len

 

[want2go2disney]

Here's my info:

ME
DH
DS (13)
DS (8, will be 9 by Oct)
DD (6)

AKL: Oct 19 - 25
AKL Lodge Deluxe Savannah Bunk

Plans : 0

Must Do List by DS (8): Meet Buzz Lightyear & Woody
Must Do List by DD (6): Meet Cinderella
Must Do LIst by DS (13): Ride Rollercoasters

Our family is interested in sports, movies, disney pins, eating, relaxing, swimming, experiencing magical moments.

 

[Susiesnowflake]

With the ages of your children, you may want to schedule a character breakfast. I've only been to the Crystal Palace with Pooh & friends, and I'd highly recommend it.

 

[tithonia88]

The number one thing that I tell all of my friends that are planning trips to Disney World is "You can never do it all!".

Just remember that. Take your time and enjoy. Enjoy being with your family. We have been numerous times and I still have not possibly done it all. I try to do one new thing each year. The first year we went I totally missed that there is a ride in the Epcot ball. We were at Disney World for 5 days!

I am also staying at AKL in October. I really worked hard to get there because DS is 8 and DD is 6. I think that the resort will be a wonderful experience for both children.

Be excited, but don't stress.

Tithonia88

 

[*Flower*]

Exactly!!!

Try not to plan your trip as if this will be the last time that you go to WDW, EVER!!!

I think that the biggest mistake that a lot of people make is they overplan their vacation to the point that nobody has a good time.

DH and I were in line for 'Dinosaur' at AK, and behind us was a family of 2 parents and an 18 year old girl. From the conversation that I heard going on in their group- they'd been to MK, MGM and AK and hadn't DONE anything. They'd been so busy jumping from line to line that they just never rode ANYTHING!!!

I'd hate to think of anyone having a trip like that........

Relax!!

 

[halfway there]

With that 'must do' list I would recommend going to MGM where you can see both Buzz and Woody. Also RocknRoller Coaster is there which my DH says is the best anywhere! You'll knock off two of your kids requests right there!!

For your DD, I'd make a PS at 1900 Park Fare at the GF for the character dinner where she will be able to see Cinderella in the flesh among others! It is an excellent restaurant with great food and atmosphere plus you'll get to check out that resort.

That should get you started!

 

[bobcat]

I stayed at AKL in July with my 8 and 11 year olds and there is so much for them to do just at the resort. Check out the kids programs if you have time. There is a schedule printed on the back of your resort map when you check in. My kids loved the cookie decorating and the hidden Mickey hunt. If you plan on eating at Boma I suggest taking the cullinary tour. It was amazing and you get to try samples. All of these are free. You may have a hard time leaving AKL to go to the parks.

 

[SuiteDisney]

First of all, welcome to the DIS!

I have many pictures of the AKL, here is a LINK. There are links at the top of that page that will show you around the resort. Maybe they will give you more of an idea of what you'd like to see.

 

[Hadjii]

Hi want2go,
Your first time? I am sooo excited for you! Hey, something to keep in mind......during your stay they will be having the International Food and Wine Festival at EPCOT. We go every year and love it. Great food and entertainment for little cost. (Unless you're like us and feel the need to try EVERY wine from EVERY country lol). Also, How about MNSSHP (Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party) for the kids? They might really enjoy that.
I would agree with the above posters, take your time and don't try to do everything. If you are like most of us here...you will go back.
I'll be there in October too, it's my favorite time of year and I think one of the best times to visit WDW. Have a magical time! - nancy

 

[lentesta]

Hey want2go2disney,

Plans: 0

Funny.

Here are some suggestions:

DS(8): You can meet Buzz and Woody at one of the character greeting areas in Disney-MGM Studios. The characters are available throughout the day at certain times, so you should be able to catch up with them. I'd also suggest a couple of spins on the Buzz Lightyear ride at the Magic Kingdom.

DD(6): The easiest way to meet Cinderella is at the 1900 Park Fare Character Dinner in the Grand Floridian. The prime rib is okay, the kid food is what you'd expect, and its a little noisy. But there are characters out the wazoo. A much easier reservation to get than Cindy's breakfast, too.

DS(13): Mission:Space and Test Track in Epcot. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror in the Studios, Space and Splash Mountain in the Magic Kingdom. You DD(6) will probably not be going on many of these, so have her help out her big brother by donating her FASTPASSes for these to him. He can take her on Dumbo and the Mad Tea Party in return. Mom and dad can take photos.

How's that sound so far?

Len

 

[anita46]

Great suggestions I would just add...

Sometimes the things that really stick in everyone's mind and is a great shared memory such as the first thing you do when you finally get checked in.

We have a family tradition of as soon as we are unpacked we head to EPCOT France and the Boulangerie (sp) pick up one of their marvelous confections and sit in the courtyard to plan out the next days activities and/or just take in the atmosphere.

 

[jds]

I'll second what lots of other posters have said--take a deep breath, relax, and don't try to plan to do too much! It's great to have plans, but remember that you'll all have more fun if you keep them flexible---if your kids really enjoy doing one thing, let them go back and do it again rather than feeling like you have to stick to "the plan" all of the time!

Also keep in mind that even though this is a family vacation, you don't ALL have to do EVERYTHING together. You may want to enjoy some special "girl time" with DD while your DH does something else with DSs. When you get back together, you'll have lots to talk about! And I heartily recommend a grown-ups-only dinner at Jiko (though kids are certainly welcome and have a good time there) while the kids eat at the Mara (on their own if the 13 yo is a good "sitter", or earlier in the evening with your supervision).

Have a great trip!

 

[want2go2disney]

THANK YOU
Everyone!
I appreciate ALL the suggestions!