Boardwalk, Dream and Animal Kingdom TR A 10 days adventure

[thepops]

Folks, Here’s my first attempt at a TR. We (myself, DW, DD 25, DD 23 and DD 20) had a lovely vacation starting at the Boardwalk Villas, continuing on to the Disney Dream, and then back to Animal Kingdom Kidani Village. We headed out on July 2nd and arrived at MCO ahead of schedule. Headed down to ME and didn’t have a very long wait at all (15 minutes or so split between the line and waiting on the bus.) Boardwalk was the first stop, and we were checked in very quickly. We had split the 3 day reservation into a single day and 2 days to keep the dining plan costs down. We had NO problem with that. Same keys, Meals showed up correctly. Had a great dinned at ESPN, hung at the pool and just relaxed. We did get to experience the VERY long hallways of Boardwalk. We were 2 rooms short of the furthest point. (We used that exit to walk to DHS).

 

[thepops]

Day 2 – EPCOT and fireworks. We started the day (July 3rd) with EPCOT. We were very surprised that he lines were not crazy. We did get there a little after rope drop, but all day it did not seem like it was crazy. Certainly not empty, but not nearly as bad as we’ve seen spring break times. Got in all the major attractions we wanted to hit, had lunch and then back to Boardwalk for pool time, freshening up and relaxing. Later off to the Poly for dinner at the Kona Café. We had planned to watch the July 3rd MK fireworks from the beach at the Poly, but then realized that we’d have to go back to MK to grab the bus to the Boardwalk (or the monorail to Epcot and walk through). Realizing that we’d be in the throngs of people leaving MK at that point, we decided to head over to the MK to watch the fireworks. We ended up right outside the gates, under the monorail with a good view of the castle. The fireworks were amazing with them going off on BOTH sides of us! Once they ended, we were a quick stroll to the bus, and on our way back before the crowds got to us.

 

[thepops]

Day 3 – Got a little bit of a late start to head over to DHS on foot (since we were closer to DHS than heading back to the boats). Being it was the oldest DDs birthday, she got to pick the park. Headed right to TSM, I got on the Fast Pass line, while the rest headed to the standby line. It didn’t take too long to get the Fast Passes, even with a large Brazilian tour group having one machine all to themselves to get all their tickets through. I guess South America clears out this time of year given the large number of groups from there that we saw. The TSM wait wasn’t too bad (25 minutes) and we all did pretty well. Again the park didn’t seem to be crazy even though it was July 4th. We got to get on the new Star Tours attraction. VERY good update and we enjoyed it a lot. Took our time going through the park hitting all the rides we wanted to see and going through LOTS of water. The ladies convinced me to get on RNRC (even though I’m a coaster chicken). That wait was the longest we saw (they said 50 minutes, but it was more like 70+) so we were a little late for or dinner reservation at 50’s prime time. The girls really love that place for dinner and we had a great time. Our server as well as the one at the table next to us were hilarious. We hung out at Hollywood and Vine for a while listening to Cut, Sweat and Shears who did a great concert. We headed over to catch the 2nd Fantasmic show. That was probably the largest crowd we had the whole day. They let the crowd in part way up the path after the first show got out. At that point DHS started their 4th of July Fireworks (the only time DHS has them I believe). We could see most of them through the trees and they were pretty good. Then we were on our way into Fantasmic. While waiting for the show to start we could see EPCOTs fireworks off in the distance. The show was great, and afterward we headed on foot back to the Boardwalk. Time to rest up for phase 2 of the trip: The Disney Dream!

 

[madthemouse]

Which resort area did your daughters enjoy more, AKV or BWV?

 

[thepops]

It really was a toss up. They enjoyed the nightlife at he boardwalk but also really loved seeing the animals right off our balcony.

 

[thepops]

For the next part (off to the Dream) see this link ...
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2759141

Then we'll be back here for the remainder....

 

[Disney Princess]

Great report so far. It sounds like you had a nice time, despite the holiday "crowds". We love rooms at the end of the halls at BWV so we can have a shorter walk to DHS. It makes it worth it.

 

[thepops]

OK ... picking back up here ...
Day 9 - disembark and head to AKV
We arrive back at WDW and are at Kidani Village just past 9am. I have warned everyone to have whatever they need for the day in their carryon since we might not have a room until 4PM or later. Well, pixie dust ensues and our room is ready! Off we go to get to our room. Well, if you thought those boardwalk rooms had long hallways, Kidani certainly gives them a run for the money. Even though I had a close to the elevator request, we are way out on the beads towards the pool. But when we get to the room it is HUGE! I really didn’t expect a 2BR dedicated to be this big but it is. And the balcony goes the whole length as well with no interruptions. We call for the bags and go out to see what kind of animals we have. Opaki, flamingos (taking care of a new Egg!) Tommies, Red river hogs, and a bunch of guys I don’t know the names of. But it’s a pretty busy place. The bags arrive and the ladies want to grab a quick snooze but can’t fall asleep. So we head off to Downtown Disney and hit the 3 or 4 places they want. We grab lunch at Earl of Sandwich and head back. Now everyone is pooped out, so naps and then ready for dinner at Boma, which as usual is great. We end the evening by heading to EMH at the MK. We catch the fireworks and the second Main Street Electrical Parade. The park has emptied out pretty well and we have very little wait time for any of the rides. We’re back in the room by 1am and done for the evening.

 

[thepops]

Day 10 – Off to AK
Last park day and we’re heading over to AK. We have breakfast in the room and head over. We split up again with half of us heading to get fast passes for Everest and the rest getting on line at the river rapids ride. It’s hot and we are all hoping we’ll be the one to get soaked. Wait time is about 30 minutes so it’s not too bad. Again, most of the wait times aren’t too bad. Lunch was at Tamu Tamu and was good. The chocolate shakes as a dessert definitely hit the spot on a hot day. We headed back out to AKV around 2 for some swimming, packing and getting ready for dinner. Dinner was at the turf club at Saratoga Springs and we were planning on doing the busses (and transfer at DTD). But Mother Nature decided to send some liquid sunshine (and LOTS of lightening) so we changed plans and got a cab rather than get soaked. We outran the storm, so we got in before it hit over there. Whew! The prime rib was outstanding. Then back to pack up and get ready to depart in the morning.

 

[thepops]

Day 11 – Homeward bound
Got checked out quickly, Bell Services took care of getting our luggage down to Airport check-in. A nice easy ME ride and an uneventful flight and we were back to reality.

All in all a wonderful trip. If you’ve got questions, throw them out there.

 

[twob4him]

I really like the idea of a few park days, the cruise and then a few more park days....makes getting off the cruise less depressing. The only thing I am concerned about is renting a car for before and after the cruise. I am guessing you can rent a car from MCO and drop it off at the cruise line terminal. Then after the cruise, rent another car and drop it off at MCO??? Is this even feasible do you think?

I loved your trip and how you got an extra CC day...very cool! Thanks!

 

[HelenaJanelle]

Great trip report!

 

[thepops]

I really like the idea of a few park days, the cruise and then a few more park days....makes getting off the cruise less depressing. The only thing I am concerned about is renting a car for before and after the cruise. I am guessing you can rent a car from MCO and drop it off at the cruise line terminal. Then after the cruise, rent another car and drop it off at MCO??? Is this even feasible do you think?

I loved your trip and how you got an extra CC day...very cool! Thanks!

Yes splitting up the park days before and after the Dream worked pretty well. I couldn't head back to "reality" that quickly after the 5 days on the Dream. (but be sure to use sunscreen very well, otherwise those bumps on the coaster are REALLY annoying!)
I toyed with the idea of renting a car, but didn't want the hassle of dropping the luggage and the going to drop the car, take the shuttle bus back to port and catching up with the rest of the family (and then doing it again on the back end).

 

[mickeys girl 52]

Sounds like you had a great time, I did a similar trip in the beginning of June with my 2 children and grandchildren. We did 4 days in the Tree houses, 5 day Dream Cruise and than 2 days at Beach Club. We also had a really nice time.

I am happy to see that your grown daughters still enjoy WDW. I am always worried that my 3 older grand kids;16,14 and 13 will grow tired of Disney.

I don't no why I feel that way. I am 55 and not tired of it yet and they are just like their grand mother.

 

[MinnieFan4ever]

Sounds like you and your family had a wonderful vacation.

 

[thepops]

Yes it was! Thanks!