All you need is to believe....~Our Sizzling Summer Getaway! July 2012~~ TR started!:)

[Angies1274]

July 16, 2012—Animal Kingdom—Last Day

This is officially our last day in Disney. We debated whether we wanted to visit a park on our last day or if we wanted to hang around the resort but ultimately decided to visit Animal Kingdom on this day. I can’t remember if I mentioned it earlier but I had originally scheduled AK on our arrival day instead of Epcot but when Jetblue changed our departure time it meant we would be arriving later and since AK closes so much earlier than the other parks, it didn’t really make sense to go there on our first night. The only other day that I could think to squeeze it in without getting park hoppers would be our on our last day since we have always found that for us Animal Kingdom is a half day park. Don’t get me wrong…I love this park. But, generally when we arrive in the morning we can usually get all our must-do’s done by early afternoon. Mostly, because it’s not DH or the boys favorite park but they go because they know how much I enjoy it.

On this morning, I’ll probably be up bright and early to finish getting things packed up. I’m going to try and keep up with it each day if I can so I won’t have so much to do our last morning and we can get to Animal Kingdom as early as possible. We’ll grab breakfast in the food court…again. Then off to AK we will go.

I’ll probably get a picture of the boys in front of the sign (or peeking out from behind it)

Then, of course get a few of the Tree of Life as we follow the crowd of people in front of us—

I’ll probably run ahead to get FP's for EE

Then meet the guys in Dinoland so we can ride this-

Not a favorite of mine…but the boys really like it!

And this—It will be the first time for the boys! Noah is going through a Dinosaur phase so this is a must-do for him. (Hopefully, this time I'll keep my eyes uncovered)

We may stop and get another one of these pictures—

I’m hoping that our FP’s are ready to use for EE but if they’re not then we will visit here—

We love this show especially the music. The movie Finding Nemo is a family favorite and we can’t wait until it is re-released in 3D this fall.

After Nemo and EE, we’ll probably grab some lunch and while we are deciding where…probably Pizzafari. I may encourage DH to run and get us FP's for Kilimanjaro Safari. I’ve got to get more of these pictures---

I’m hoping to get one of the Lion this time too…..

After lunch, it may be nice to do this---

We haven’t done this since our second trip so it may be something fun to do. I guess it will depend how hot it is at this point.

I’m sure we will stop so the boys can do this—

If there is time we may try to fit in FOTLK…such a great show!

After that we’ll head out for the day, maybe stopping to get another silly picture of the boys—

Then it’s back to the resort to get our luggage and wait for DME that will take us to the airport. Of course, we’ll be so sad to be leaving especially knowing that our next trip won’t be until 2014. But, I really want to wait until Fantasyland is finished before we return. So, those are the plans so far. I'll post a list of our must-do attractions for each park and favorites when we get closer to our trip.


Up next—Looking back at past trips.


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[newtexan]

Sounds like a good day at AK. I too love this park, especially the safari.
Our boy should be big enough to do dinosaur this year - it will be a new ride for us. Our daughter skipped it last time we went.

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Awesome AK day. We usually start our AK day with Tusker House for breakfast and then onto the safari. I can never get great pictures of the animals since the jeeps move, bump and throw you all over the place!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Oh no! It's departure day already? Animal Kingdom isn't John's favorite park either but he goes because I love it so much. Hopefully, you can get everything on your list done before you have to leave.

 

[JimShockz]

Oh no! It's departure day already? Animal Kingdom isn't John's favorite park either but he goes because I love it so much. Hopefully, you can get everything on your list done before you have to leave.

AK is normally our first park,we have a 9 yr old girl and a 10 yr old boy,they cant get enough of the animals both of them are fascinated the time,great park

-JH

 

[BrerMama]

Sounds like a great way to end a trip!

 

[wdwgirl03]

The Kingdom Keepers books are so fun! I finally started the new one the other day.

Yay for deciding to go to the Animal Kingdom! I can't imagine taking a trip and not going there. Oooh, can't wait to hear how the boys like Dinosaur.

 

[Cory's Gal]

Your plans sound awesome Angie!! I love all the new clothes you have gotten and I really like hearing how other people save, we do a lot of the same things as you and your family. I too like Couponing to Disney, there are some great tips & deals on there. I liked your Lion King movie/dinner night too, it looks like so much fun to plan those!! I can't wait to hear if you and Noah brave Rock n' Rollercoaster!! It's lots of fun and it's a quick ride too! I would love to try Animation Academy, I have heard such great things about it and at One Man's Dream there is the model for the new Fantasyland expansion too!! That should be neat to see!! Looking forward to seeing those past trip pics

 

[mommytothreeboys]

AK sounds like a great way to spend your last day. I'm glad you were able to fit it into your schedule!

 

[Angies1274]

Sounds like a good day at AK. I too love this park, especially the safari.
Our boy should be big enough to do dinosaur this year - it will be a new ride for us. Our daughter skipped it last time we went.

I agree!! The safari is one of my favorite things about this park!!

Dinosaur is so much fun! It's bumpy and dark... and I did spend most of the ride with my eyes closed but I loved it! I can't wait for the boys to ride! I'm sure you will enjoy it as well.

Awesome AK day. We usually start our AK day with Tusker House for breakfast and then onto the safari. I can never get great pictures of the animals since the jeeps move, bump and throw you all over the place!

We did Tusker House breakfast on our last trip and it was a great way to start the day. It was actually one of our favorite character meals!

I think it's become a goal of mine on each trip to try and get better pictures on the safari ride. I remember on our first trip my pictures were one big blur.

Oh no! It's departure day already? Animal Kingdom isn't John's favorite park either but he goes because I love it so much. Hopefully, you can get everything on your list done before you have to leave.

I know...I don't want to even think about departure day yet. I wish the boys and DH liked Animal Kingdom more because for me, it's such a relaxing park. But, they always complain that it's too hot and there isn't enough rides.

AK is normally our first park,we have a 9 yr old girl and a 10 yr old boy,they cant get enough of the animals both of them are fascinated the time,great park

-JH

Welcome!! Glad you are here!

 

[Angies1274]

Sounds like a great way to end a trip!

Thanks!! I think so too!!

The Kingdom Keepers books are so fun! I finally started the new one the other day.

Yay for deciding to go to the Animal Kingdom! I can't imagine taking a trip and not going there. Oooh, can't wait to hear how the boys like Dinosaur.

The Kingdom Keepers book just came in the mail yesterday. I'm so excited to read it!!

I know...I can't imagine skipping Animal Kingdom! Nick is a little nervous about Dinosaur but Noah is so excited. I can't wait to see their reactions!!

Your plans sound awesome Angie!! I love all the new clothes you have gotten and I really like hearing how other people save, we do a lot of the same things as you and your family. I too like Couponing to Disney, there are some great tips & deals on there. I liked your Lion King movie/dinner night too, it looks like so much fun to plan those!! I can't wait to hear if you and Noah brave Rock n' Rollercoaster!! It's lots of fun and it's a quick ride too! I would love to try Animation Academy, I have heard such great things about it and at One Man's Dream there is the model for the new Fantasyland expansion too!! That should be neat to see!! Looking forward to seeing those past trip pics

Thanks Beth!!

I think one of the best parts of getting ready for Disney is all the shopping you get to do. It's so much fun being able to pull out new things to wear during the trip.

We have had such a great time doing our movie nights!! I can't believe we only have 3 left before our trip. I guess I need to get busy and start planning our one for May since we only have a couple weeks left this month. I've already decided on Cars I just need to figure out a menu and some games to go along with it.

Yay! I'm glad to hear you liked Rock n' rollercoaster! I'm still a little nervous but also excited to give it a try! (I think Noah is as well...he hasn't changed his mind yet so that's good!)

I just read the other day that they are including the Fantasyland expansion in One Man's Dream. That will be so interesting to see. Can't wait!!

AK sounds like a great way to spend your last day. I'm glad you were able to fit it into your schedule!

Me too!! I'm so glad we were able to make AK work for our last day! I always have such a good time there.

 

[ellajeansmom]

Good plans for the last morning at AK. Leaving is always sad but since you usually only spend part of the day there anyways you won't feel as much like you're missing out when its time to leave. I totally get that logic

Seriously all of your plans sound terrific and this trip will be here before you know it

 

[archdandy]

It looks like you have some great plans for your park days! And your planning notebook is so cute! I love how you have a map of each park. Ack! Your a brave one. I couldn't stomach the idea of not being in Disney for two years! I hope you guys have fun on this trip!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Great plans! I think AK fits nicely on your last day.

Don't you hate writing about the last day... when you haven't even left yet! I hate it too!

 

[Angies1274]

Good plans for the last morning at AK. Leaving is always sad but since you usually only spend part of the day there anyways you won't feel as much like you're missing out when its time to leave. I totally get that logic

Seriously all of your plans sound terrific and this trip will be here before you know it

I know...I can't believe how close we are! We're so excited!
AK plans have changed....update coming up next.

It looks like you have some great plans for your park days! And your planning notebook is so cute! I love how you have a map of each park. Ack! Your a brave one. I couldn't stomach the idea of not being in Disney for two years! I hope you guys have fun on this trip!

Thanks!! I had a lot of fun making the planning book. I'm sad that we are waiting to go back but it's been over 2 years since our last visit so I know we can do it. (I'm not saying it won't be hard though....)

Great plans! I think AK fits nicely on your last day.

Don't you hate writing about the last day... when you haven't even left yet! I hate it too!

Thanks Amy!! I thought so too...well until this weekend. We've decided to change AK to a different day. Update coming up next.

 

[Angies1274]

Well, I’ve got some more news.

I think I may have given a little foreshadowing in the beginning of this PTR but honestly I have tried really hard to make it work. But, I did warn you. I tend to change things on our trips one day we are going here and one day we’re not.

The bad news…. we have decided not to go to SeaWorld on this trip after all. I know I said that I was determined to make it work this trip but I just couldn’t. It started to become a much bigger expense than I had originally planned for, the transportation issue also became a factor and to be honest I was really counting on a better discount from Disney to help offset the cost, which is evident we are not going to be receiving with only about a month and half left. Something had to be cut. Now, we could have eliminated the few TS restaurants we picked or decided to stay someplace else but when push came to shove the only thing that everyone seemed willing to sacrifice again....was Sea World. Of course, I’m sad but surprisingly not as sad as I thought I would be. We are trying it again in 2014 when our plan is to visit MK for the Fantasyland Expansion and Epcot to see Test Track. Plus the new Antarctica exhibit (penguins) will be open and I’m hoping the boys will be more willing to try Kraken and Manta which they have no desire to do this year. We’re also thinking we may stay off-site that trip so we’ll have a car and there will be no transportation issue. So, now that I have rambled on about the bad news I have some good news to share.

Since we are saving so much by not going to Sea World, we decided to add a couple less expensive things to the mix. I gave the boys a choice of a character meal such as Chef Mickey’s or we could do the Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party on our last MK night and add Mini-golf to the mix on our last day. It didn’t take them long to choose once I mentioned a dessert buffet. So, we are going to the Dessert party! Yay! I’m so excited! It’s something I have really wanted to try. DH does not like crowds especially the ones on Main Street while waiting for the parade and fireworks. The idea of having a place to sit to wait before Wishes start and being able to enjoy yummy desserts sounds heavenly to me. We decided to book it on an EMH evening so after the party we could head back into the park to enjoy more rides.

We have also decided to spend our last morning playing mini-golf at the Winter Summerland course and switched our Animal Kingdom day to the day that was originally supposed to be our SeaWorld day. That evening we will still visit Downtown Disney but I have changed our T-REX ADR to that evening instead.

Lastly, we have decided to pick the QSDP back up. It probably won’t save us anything but I like it just for the convenience alone. I thought that I could do OOP completely but I am the type of person that will order the less expensive item just to try and save money and this way we can get what we want. We will still be paying OOP for T-REX, Sci-Fi and ‘Ohana. We decided against the regular dining plan because we didn’t want to be tied to ADR’s every day.

Oh….I almost forgot. JetBlue has changed our departing flight again. Now, we will be arriving in Orlando around noon instead of 1:30pm. We’ll have much more time to spend in Epcot (which of course has changed our plans a little— which I’ll share later)

Whew! So that’s our big news. I’m excited for the changes especially on our last day because we won’t have to rush in the morning since mini-golf isn’t even opened until 10:00am and we can sleep in after our EMH night.

So here is a rundown of how these changes have affected our plans
Day 1—Arrival Day/ Epcot afternoon and evening
Day 2—Animal Kingdom morning/ Afternoon rest/ DTD evening/ T-Rex Dinner
Day 3—Magic Kingdom/ ‘Ohana dinner (stayed the same)
Day 4—Epcot (stayed the same)
Day 5—Disney Hollywood Studios/ Sci-fi lunch (stayed the same)
Day 6—Magic Kingdom/ Wishes Dessert Party w/ evening EMH
Day 7—Last Day/ Mini-golf

Up Next--Past trips...I promise!

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[Victoriasmom98]

Wow Angie! That's quite a few changes, but I really think this sounds better for you guys! It's hard to make everything work and if you are going to be stressing about money spent, well, it's not worth it! Look forward to reading more!!!

 

[andapanda]

Sea World is something I hadn't considered for this trip, but I'd like to go in the future. We're doing the dessert party also, were you still able to get reservations? That was the one thing I was afraid of - not being able to get the dessert party reservations for the date I wanted. (That's a little bit of OCD kicking in there, haha.) Your plans still sound great

 

[newtexan]

Sorry about SW, but your plans look great.
The dessert party is on my next wish list.

 

[DisMomAmy]

I think you made a good choice with Sea World. I know you really want to get there, but it will be so much easier if you stay off-site & have a car. When you were describing what would be involved with just getting there, I was a bit overwhelmed.

You'll really like the dessert party. We did it in April. It was nice to be able to sit and eat while we waited. It got a bit dicey when the fireworks started & everyone went up to the railing though. Fortunately most people were nice & wanted to make sure the kids could be right up front, but there was one woman who kept creeping in closer & closer. She had on a backpack & every time she turned she would hit one of the kids with the backpack. I finally said something to her. I heard other guests complaining about her too... I guess she REALLY wanted to be right up front. I stood behind the boys & Tim was happy to sit at our table. Also, doing it on an EMH night is smart. The park closed after Wishes when we were there so we had to make our way out with the million other people who were leaving.