I also wished we had a longer stay. It would have been great to have one day just to enjoy at the resort, especially since it got so warm and beautiful toward the end of our visit!
Can Grumpy get Happy on a Disney Family Vacation? AKL CL 1/09 PTR
- Thread starter west&east
- Start date
I also wished we had a longer stay. It would have been great to have one day just to enjoy at the resort, especially since it got so warm and beautiful toward the end of our visit!
I couldn't bear to be without my laptop, so I brought it with me on my trip to Portland Oregon. My connection out of Phoenix was delayed on the ground for over an hour due to some computer paperwork glitch. Then, as we were nearing Portland, we were diverted to Seattle due to fog in Portland! We refuled and turned back to Porland, over 2 hours late. Luckily, I had an upgrade to first class so I was fairly comfortable.
I should be preparing for the presentation I am giving tomorrow but instead I am posting on the DIS. I spoke at length with the flight attendant about Disney. She just got back from a Disney cruise and booked another one for June. I told her to get on the DIS!
Here is a question for trip report readers: How important is the title of the TR in determining if you will read it? Should I change my title to something catchier?
The time change and travel is catching up to me. I will try to continue the TR tomorrow.
I should be preparing for the presentation I am giving tomorrow but instead I am posting on the DIS. I spoke at length with the flight attendant about Disney. She just got back from a Disney cruise and booked another one for June. I told her to get on the DIS!
Here is a question for trip report readers: How important is the title of the TR in determining if you will read it? Should I change my title to something catchier?
The time change and travel is catching up to me. I will try to continue the TR tomorrow.
We walked down the hallway on the 4th floor, admiring the view into the lobby then admiring the decor of the hallway. In the area by the elevators closest to our room is a display of African Puppetry. Beautiful and unique. As we entered our room, I held my breath- would we have the bunk beds I requested? (On club level, bunk beds are a request, not a separate category.) Almost right away, I saw that we did in fact have them. Minnie and Baloo were thrilled, and I was so proud of how they negotiated who got to sleep on the top bunk first, and who got the extra night on the top bunk.
In between the bunk beds and the queen bed was a nightstand. There was plently of floor space on either side of the bunk beds, and the other side of the queen. The bed had a towel mickey on it. Unfortunately, I forgot to get a picture of it! But here is a picture of the bed which had been turned down for the evening. We had nightly turn down service, chocolates on the bed and a nightly African proverb card.
The biggest drawback of the room, imo, is that there is minimal drawer space. There were two full size drawers under the flat screen tv, and two small drawers in the night stand. That was it. Also, the safe in the closet was the size of a medicine cabinet. It was not the programmable type of safe, but had an actual key. I did keep my wallet in the safe most of the week and remembered to retrieve it before we left! The closet was fine and contained two comfy robes. I also noticed a pack and play in the closet. I wonder if they keep them in certain rooms or if housekeeping just didn't retrieve it. I hope no family needed it. The bathroom area has a nook with a double sink and a narrow shelf above the sink. There is a separate room for the shower and toilet, which is dimly lit.
As we explored the room further, we noticed the round table across from the bed had two gift bags upon it! One was a gift for Grumpy and me wishing us a Happy Anniversary. It contained a small perfume and small cologne with carved tops, both from South Africa. The other gift bag contained a Happy Birthday note for Grumpy with a wooden pen inside a wooden box. Both were very nice and were not expected or requested. I had mentioned that this trip was a belated 15th anniversary and belated 40th birthday celebration for Grumpy. Receiving the gifts just added to the VIP feel of our arrival!
We went out on our balcony but were unable to see any animals. The evening was quite chilly so we decided to go down for our 7:55pm ADR at Boma!
In between the bunk beds and the queen bed was a nightstand. There was plently of floor space on either side of the bunk beds, and the other side of the queen. The bed had a towel mickey on it. Unfortunately, I forgot to get a picture of it! But here is a picture of the bed which had been turned down for the evening. We had nightly turn down service, chocolates on the bed and a nightly African proverb card.
The biggest drawback of the room, imo, is that there is minimal drawer space. There were two full size drawers under the flat screen tv, and two small drawers in the night stand. That was it. Also, the safe in the closet was the size of a medicine cabinet. It was not the programmable type of safe, but had an actual key. I did keep my wallet in the safe most of the week and remembered to retrieve it before we left! The closet was fine and contained two comfy robes. I also noticed a pack and play in the closet. I wonder if they keep them in certain rooms or if housekeeping just didn't retrieve it. I hope no family needed it. The bathroom area has a nook with a double sink and a narrow shelf above the sink. There is a separate room for the shower and toilet, which is dimly lit.
As we explored the room further, we noticed the round table across from the bed had two gift bags upon it! One was a gift for Grumpy and me wishing us a Happy Anniversary. It contained a small perfume and small cologne with carved tops, both from South Africa. The other gift bag contained a Happy Birthday note for Grumpy with a wooden pen inside a wooden box. Both were very nice and were not expected or requested. I had mentioned that this trip was a belated 15th anniversary and belated 40th birthday celebration for Grumpy. Receiving the gifts just added to the VIP feel of our arrival!
We went out on our balcony but were unable to see any animals. The evening was quite chilly so we decided to go down for our 7:55pm ADR at Boma!
mickeysmyboy
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- Joined
- Feb 15, 2008
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- 3,691
Great update! I love the picture of your room!!
That is a real lack of drawer space! I wonder why there isn't more!? We had a key safe in our room at WL a few weeks ago and it was tiny! Last year when we stayed at GF we had a larger safe in a small chest of drawers in the closet. It was bigger then the wall safe but still small. Not big enough to fit a laptop or anything of the like!
Can't wait to read more!
That is a real lack of drawer space! I wonder why there isn't more!? We had a key safe in our room at WL a few weeks ago and it was tiny! Last year when we stayed at GF we had a larger safe in a small chest of drawers in the closet. It was bigger then the wall safe but still small. Not big enough to fit a laptop or anything of the like!
Can't wait to read more!
I have started a separate dining report (see my signature) so please head over there if you want excessive details about our meals. We did eat at Boma on our first evening. We made a 7:55 ADR just in case we would feel like eating after our travels. We decided to head down there and were seated in 5 minutes. We had a great meal and then tried to walk outside to explore the pool area. It was way too cold, so we quickly retreated back to the room. I sent DH up to the lounge for a little adult beverage and he returned with a glass of Bailey's for me and brandy for him. He asked for water but was told there were not small bottles. I forgot to tell him about the tip I read here on the board- that they will provide you a large bottle of water to keep in your room. As I was getting ready for bed, I realized I forgot my toothbrush. DH went down to the Zawadi shop and returned with a big bottle of water and a toothbrush for me. How sweet.
Next- our first glimpse of the animals at AKL!
Next- our first glimpse of the animals at AKL!
Hey! Which bus were you on? I was on the group with Mel. The sunrise safari was awesome, I can't wait to write about it. Thanks for reading!
I'm really enjoying your trip report! It's making our trip to AKL CL seem not so far away...
Glad it is helping pass the time. It is helping me hold on to the magic a bit longer! My DS5 woke up a bit tired this am. I made a comment about how Mondays were hard, and he said it was just that he missed Disney World! I told him maybe we could go for his 7th birthday (he turns 6 the end of this month- wow, is it really February?), but of course, he wants to go back for his 6th! We took a few minutes this morning and looked at some pictures. He requested pictures of the characters.
We woke up (with a wake up call) about 7:15, got dressed, and went out on the balcony to see what we could see:
We enjoyed our breakfast in the lounge. I found that a bowl of quinoa really provided a good start to my day and I wasn't hungry an hour later. I have been preparing quinoa as a side dish at home for the past couple of years, but I now plan on trying it for breakfast! We were at the bus stop and on the bus by 8:31 (after waiting perhaps 2 mins for a bus), and at Hollywood Studios at 8:42. Here's proof:
After all the questions and concerns raised about transporatation from AKL, I decided to start tracking the travel time to each park. So if you saw me snapping pictures of the bus clock, that is why!
Belle's Best Tip #3: Arriving by Rope Drop really does help you do more at the parks!
We watched the opening show at Hollywood Studios (kind of lame) and headed straight to Toy Storia Mania. We were walking through the line by 9:05 and we had no wait.
TSM has great theming in line:
DH and DS's car was facing toward us at first:
The first look of pure Disney joy on this trip:
TSM is a fabulous, fun ride! And we didn't have to wait!! The biggest mistake we made was not grabbing a fast pass for it as soon as we got off. I thought we would need a fast pass for other attractions, but many of the fast passes weren't operating that day.
After TSM, we split up. DH and DD went to ride the Rockin Roller Coaster while DS and I went to catch the Jedi Training Academy. Would Baloo get a chance to battle Darth Vader? Read on....
We enjoyed our breakfast in the lounge. I found that a bowl of quinoa really provided a good start to my day and I wasn't hungry an hour later. I have been preparing quinoa as a side dish at home for the past couple of years, but I now plan on trying it for breakfast! We were at the bus stop and on the bus by 8:31 (after waiting perhaps 2 mins for a bus), and at Hollywood Studios at 8:42. Here's proof:
After all the questions and concerns raised about transporatation from AKL, I decided to start tracking the travel time to each park. So if you saw me snapping pictures of the bus clock, that is why!
Belle's Best Tip #3: Arriving by Rope Drop really does help you do more at the parks!
We watched the opening show at Hollywood Studios (kind of lame) and headed straight to Toy Storia Mania. We were walking through the line by 9:05 and we had no wait.
TSM has great theming in line:
DH and DS's car was facing toward us at first:
The first look of pure Disney joy on this trip:
TSM is a fabulous, fun ride! And we didn't have to wait!! The biggest mistake we made was not grabbing a fast pass for it as soon as we got off. I thought we would need a fast pass for other attractions, but many of the fast passes weren't operating that day.
After TSM, we split up. DH and DD went to ride the Rockin Roller Coaster while DS and I went to catch the Jedi Training Academy. Would Baloo get a chance to battle Darth Vader? Read on....
On the walk over to Jedi Training Academy, I start to worry. What if Baloo doesn't get picked to battle Darth? He tends to be cranky and to hold a grudge- would this ruin his day? Would he even want to be picked? Maybe he'll be intimidated by Darth. He can be a bit anxious at times.
We arrived and stood just behind the white line to the right of the stage as facing it, not too far from the stairs. We were about 15 minutes early and more people started gathering behind us. A CM encouraged the children to follow the rules of standing behind the line and to show a lot of enthusiasm when asked who would like to be trained. Baloo practiced with a lot of silliness, but would he get stage fright at the appointed time?
Just as the trainer came on stage, a larger boy edged in front of Baloo. I was concerned that he would edge out Baloo and be rewarded for his rudeness! But I didn't want to be one of those parents, so I kept my cool and trusted in the force.
Baloo raised his hand and jumped up a bit (less enthusiastically than he had practiced), and was picked!!!!!! The boy in front of him was not. I do think it helped that Baloo was wearing a Star Wars shirt. He had a great deal of fun during the training. When Darth Vader came out, Baloo seemed to absorb the scene. When asked who would like to go first, he did NOT raise his hand. But after watching the first child, he gained his confidence and was the second or third child to defeat Darth. Baloo's shirt had Darth Vader on it which led to some funny dialog with Darth and the trainer. What a fun experience. At the end, the children returned their training sabers and each received a Jedi Certificate!
I took a video of the battle and lots of other pics, but due to the angle of the sun, they didn't come out great. That is where the PhotoPass photographer saved the day! I did have to have the pics added to my photopass at the end of the day but it was pretty easy. The pics he took turned out great! I can't wait to get my CD!
We arrived and stood just behind the white line to the right of the stage as facing it, not too far from the stairs. We were about 15 minutes early and more people started gathering behind us. A CM encouraged the children to follow the rules of standing behind the line and to show a lot of enthusiasm when asked who would like to be trained. Baloo practiced with a lot of silliness, but would he get stage fright at the appointed time?
Just as the trainer came on stage, a larger boy edged in front of Baloo. I was concerned that he would edge out Baloo and be rewarded for his rudeness! But I didn't want to be one of those parents, so I kept my cool and trusted in the force.
Baloo raised his hand and jumped up a bit (less enthusiastically than he had practiced), and was picked!!!!!! The boy in front of him was not. I do think it helped that Baloo was wearing a Star Wars shirt. He had a great deal of fun during the training. When Darth Vader came out, Baloo seemed to absorb the scene. When asked who would like to go first, he did NOT raise his hand. But after watching the first child, he gained his confidence and was the second or third child to defeat Darth. Baloo's shirt had Darth Vader on it which led to some funny dialog with Darth and the trainer. What a fun experience. At the end, the children returned their training sabers and each received a Jedi Certificate!
I took a video of the battle and lots of other pics, but due to the angle of the sun, they didn't come out great. That is where the PhotoPass photographer saved the day! I did have to have the pics added to my photopass at the end of the day but it was pretty easy. The pics he took turned out great! I can't wait to get my CD!
Your son is a trooper! It seems things just went our way this trip (keep reading!)
Minnie and Grumpy joined us to watch Baloo receive his Jedi certificate. Minnie was thrilled about riding Rockin Roller Coaster. It was "awesome"! She got into the whole theming of the ride. Grumpy seemed to have survived it with no critical back or joint pain. (Have I mentioned that I don't ride roller coasters? Grumpy has to be the trooper to keep our thrill seeking Minnie happy. She rode everything at Busch Gardens Williamsburg regardless of height, speed, direction, loops, whatever.
We then went to see the Muppet Show. We walked right in and watched a few minutes of the preshow when we were told they were having technical difficulties and the attraction was closed. We were told to come back later. So we actually walked out the entrance and tried to figure out what to do next.
Ultimately, we headed over to the Indiana Jones show. When they asked for adult volunteers, I told Grumpy to raise his hand. I was shocked when he did, and even more shocked when he was picked as an extra! Off he went backstage to get his costume. He told me he did actually have to sign a waiver. So now the show became that much more interesting. When he came out in his red turban, we were thrilled. Grumpy got singled out to do a "death scene!"
Needless to say, we really enjoyed this show! The fire effects were cool too although Grumpy said he thinks the whole show is dated.
We then went to see the Muppet Show. We walked right in and watched a few minutes of the preshow when we were told they were having technical difficulties and the attraction was closed. We were told to come back later. So we actually walked out the entrance and tried to figure out what to do next.
Ultimately, we headed over to the Indiana Jones show. When they asked for adult volunteers, I told Grumpy to raise his hand. I was shocked when he did, and even more shocked when he was picked as an extra! Off he went backstage to get his costume. He told me he did actually have to sign a waiver. So now the show became that much more interesting. When he came out in his red turban, we were thrilled. Grumpy got singled out to do a "death scene!"
Needless to say, we really enjoyed this show! The fire effects were cool too although Grumpy said he thinks the whole show is dated.
SunnieRN
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2005
- Messages
- 3,861
Really loving your report! I can hardly wait for our concierge stay in December! Looking forward to reading more! Minnie and Baloo are adorable and she is doing a great job helping with your trip report!!
Way to go volunteering Grumpy and Baloo!! Both stars now!
Way to go volunteering Grumpy and Baloo!! Both stars now!
2xcited2sleep
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2008
- Messages
- 11,304
What a great report!!! I can't wait to hear more about your trip!
Minnie- you are a very good writer!!
And how great that you have two stars in the family in Grumpy and Baloo. That's fantastic!
Oh also love your special celebration presents... what a nice extra special treat!!
Minnie- you are a very good writer!!
And how great that you have two stars in the family in Grumpy and Baloo. That's fantastic!
Oh also love your special celebration presents... what a nice extra special treat!!
Thank you, Sunnie! You will love your concierge stay and how great to go in December!
What a great report!!! I can't wait to hear more about your trip!
Minnie- you are a very good writer!!
And how great that you have two stars in the family in Grumpy and Baloo. That's fantastic!
Oh also love your special celebration presents... what a nice extra special treat!!
Thanks for reading 2xcited2sleep! Minne says, "Thank you!" She will be posting more soon.
Minnie's (DD9) last entry ended with her first visit to our AKL room. Her report continues with the rest of our first evening. (Sorry that Minne and I are not synched up, but perhaps we will be soon, so it will be easier to follow)
Minnie writes:
After that we went downstairs to the restaurant, Boma. We sat down, ordered our drinks (I had lemonade.), and headed towards the buffet. I started with a Carrot-Ginger soup which was a little sweet, (but not too sweet)and tasted as if it was meant for dessert. It was fabulous! With it I had salad with mango vinaigrette, pineapple, cantaloupe, and honeydew. The fruits were all very fresh.
My second helping of food consisted of Coconut Curry Stew (AWESOME!) and flatbread. The stew is delicious! It has a little spice towards the back of your throat at the end though. I f you love curry, then this is definitely for you.
Then it was off to dessert. I had Coco Mi Su. It is like white chocolate mousse. I also had regular chocolate mousse. I think it has a bit of a bitter taste. This may be because of the dark chocolate used or because of the liquor in the mousse. Next, I had a zebra dome. It is a soft white chocolate dome drizzled in milk chocolate and filled with chocolate mousse. It also has a round piece of plain, white cake on the bottom. The pineapple upside-down cake was nothing to be excited about. It is good, but not fabulous. The warm banana pudding is fabulous. It is bread pudding made with banana bread. And rounding up the desserts is the chocolate chip cookie. Its not JUST a chocolate chip cookie though. It is soft and chewy and cooked just perfectly. So dont pass by the cookies when youre looking for a good dessert.
After dinner and dessert, we headed for our room. On the way we spotted some hidden mickeys. (No, no, Im not telling where.) We then discovered some chocolates and snuggled up in bed.
I will be cross posting her comments on Boma on my dining report. I also have lots of Boma pictures posted there.
Minnie writes:
After that we went downstairs to the restaurant, Boma. We sat down, ordered our drinks (I had lemonade.), and headed towards the buffet. I started with a Carrot-Ginger soup which was a little sweet, (but not too sweet)and tasted as if it was meant for dessert. It was fabulous! With it I had salad with mango vinaigrette, pineapple, cantaloupe, and honeydew. The fruits were all very fresh.
My second helping of food consisted of Coconut Curry Stew (AWESOME!) and flatbread. The stew is delicious! It has a little spice towards the back of your throat at the end though. I f you love curry, then this is definitely for you.
Then it was off to dessert. I had Coco Mi Su. It is like white chocolate mousse. I also had regular chocolate mousse. I think it has a bit of a bitter taste. This may be because of the dark chocolate used or because of the liquor in the mousse. Next, I had a zebra dome. It is a soft white chocolate dome drizzled in milk chocolate and filled with chocolate mousse. It also has a round piece of plain, white cake on the bottom. The pineapple upside-down cake was nothing to be excited about. It is good, but not fabulous. The warm banana pudding is fabulous. It is bread pudding made with banana bread. And rounding up the desserts is the chocolate chip cookie. Its not JUST a chocolate chip cookie though. It is soft and chewy and cooked just perfectly. So dont pass by the cookies when youre looking for a good dessert.
After dinner and dessert, we headed for our room. On the way we spotted some hidden mickeys. (No, no, Im not telling where.) We then discovered some chocolates and snuggled up in bed.
I will be cross posting her comments on Boma on my dining report. I also have lots of Boma pictures posted there.
mickeysmyboy
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Great updates!! I can't believe your DH got picked for the Indy show! Very cool!
Dinner at Boma sounds delicious! We went there back in 05, we really need to go back again!
Dinner at Boma sounds delicious! We went there back in 05, we really need to go back again!
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