Down the Hole: A Pre-Trip Report w Alice, Madhatter, Cheshire Cat, & Queen of Hearts

[PracPerfPatricia]

We have 21 Days to Go...​

I'm just the teeniest bit in denial-I do have to but my "official trip binder" together but as I told DH last night-"Don't worry-it's all up here while I pointed to my head..." and it really is but he just rolled his eyes...


but I didn't really care because I had just convinced him that we should book the PIRATE's LEAGUE for DS & DD wants to go too...

so that means that our last evening will be...

4:00 Appts. at the Pirate's League...then a
6:00 Dinner at the Wave and then a
Pirates and Pals Wishes cruise...​

I'm so excited-somehow I had missed the Pirate's League and in the course of my readings...(HERE>>>) I found out about it and am so excited that we were able to book it...(I can't wait to go in there myself...

I'm not too sure what Alice would think about Pirates but I have a feeling they would get along famously with the Queen of Hearts...




So today since I'll be home-one of my primary goals is to get the binder as complete as possible and to order DS's Disney Birthday Cake...


It seems like yesterday although it it was two years ago that we had his 5th B-Day at the Liberty Tree Tavern with a Goofy cake...

Awww-I loved the Characters at the Liberty Tree Tavern...where else do you see Goofy and Minnie in Colonial Clothing...


DS loved that dinner...he had a smile a mile wide....

 

[jordanyosh]

I wonder if they'll ever bring Characters back to LTT?

How do you order cakes?

 

[Lady Lallie]

I Liberty Tree Tavern!! I really hope they do bring the characters back at somepoint, such a shame they took them away.

Yay for Pirates League! I can't wait to hear about it!

 

[dismagiclover]

I miss those LTT tavern guys too My avatar was taken there. I too can't wait to hear your report of the Pirate's League. I'm considering taking my boys there next summer

 

[Charleston Princess]

I don't know how I missed your update yesterday!

Anyway, hurray for being under three weeks -- time will fly by!

I cannot wait to hear all about the Pirates League and the Wishes cruise!!! That is going to be such a blast!!!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

I wonder if they'll ever bring Characters back to LTT?

How do you order cakes?

There are rumors that they may bring back the Character Meal-but I don't think there is anything definate yet... (I really loved this character meal-For certain the food isn't gourmet (it was kind of "Thanksgiving" -basic but tasty-but the Characters were so fun-it isn't a huge restaurant and if you've been in there each room is colonial but decorated slightly differently-I felt like the character interaction was really good-we saw everyone at least twice and the costumes were so fun-the whole colonial theme was really cute on the characters...(Minnie's dress was fabulous...)


The Cake...hmmm....(you have a birthday trip coming up=ahh but that one isn't coming up for a couple of years... Well for the LTT cake 2 years ago-I ordered it from the Main Street Bakery and they must have transported it to LTT...(Supposedly you can get a cake from many of the restaurants when you check in-they have a basic 8" vanilla or chocolate you can ask for them)...I wanted Goofy-cause that's DS' favorite character...

This year we are staying at the AKL and have ressies at Jiko the 2nd night -I thought we celebrate his "Dis" birthday then and there so I called the hotel and they transferred me to Jiko/bakery and I had a choice of three cakes, a basic birthday cake, a "zebra" cake and a mickey head cake (which is what I went with)...

First decide where you want it-resort restaurant or park restaurant...then I'd call them directly and see what they can do-unfortunately central reservations are pretty out of the loop on this-they initially told me all you can have is the basic cake... which isn't true at many, many places...

There is a cake thread under the restaurants forum-where people get really into this-some of the most awesome cakes I've seen come from the bakery at the Grand Floridian-so if you're eating at one of their restaurants-there are a ton of choices...something to think about if someone has a special birthday in their not too distant future...

I Liberty Tree Tavern!! I really hope they do bring the characters back at somepoint, such a shame they took them away.

Yay for Pirates League! I can't wait to hear about it!

I obviously agree-BRING BACK THE LTT CHARACTERS!!!!

I can't wait to go into the Pirates League!!!

I miss those LTT tavern guys too My avatar was taken there. I too can't wait to hear your report of the Pirate's League. I'm considering taking my boys there next summer

I will be taking tons of pictures....

I don't know how I missed your update yesterday!

Anyway, hurray for being under three weeks -- time will fly by!

I cannot wait to hear all about the Pirates League and the Wishes cruise!!! That is going to be such a blast!!!

20 days today!

 

[Flossbolna]

The Cake...hmmm....(you have a birthday trip coming up=ahh but that one isn't coming up for a couple of years... Well for the LTT cake 2 years ago-I ordered it from the Main Street Bakery and they must have transported it to LTT...(Supposedly you can get a cake from many of the restaurants when you check in-they have a basic 8" vanilla or chocolate you can ask for them)...I wanted Goofy-cause that's DS' favorite character...

This year we are staying at the AKL and have ressies at Jiko the 2nd night -I thought we celebrate his "Dis" birthday then and there so I called the hotel and they transferred me to Jiko/bakery and I had a choice of three cakes, a basic birthday cake, a "zebra" cake and a mickey head cake (which is what I went with)...

First decide where you want it-resort restaurant or park restaurant...then I'd call them directly and see what they can do-unfortunately central reservations are pretty out of the loop on this-they initially told me all you can have is the basic cake... which isn't true at many, many places...

There is a cake thread under the restaurants forum-where people get really into this-some of the most awesome cakes I've seen come from the bakery at the Grand Floridian-so if you're eating at one of their restaurants-there are a ton of choices...something to think about if someone has a special birthday in their not too distant future...

All this cake talk!! After having researched that Zebra cake for you, I am know thinking about getting a cake for my DS birthday (I hope she does not read your PTR )... When you talked to the bakery, did they tell you anything about sizes? Since we will only be two persons, I really don't want a big cake!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

I know Floss-you were so helpful with all that Zebra Cake research......

This is what I found out at AKL

1. Do not call Disney main reservations (they are really out of loop on cakes)

2. Call AKL-I don't have the number handy but I can find it if you don't have it-you need to speak to someone about a bday cake-(they should put you in touch with the restaurant-Jiko or the bakery...

3. You could have the cake at the end of a dinner at either Jiko or Boma or you can have it delivered to your room...

4. there were 3 choices...

a-the Zebra Cake (which thanks to your research I knew I didn't want...
b-the Mickey Head Cake (which technically feeds 8-10-I ordered and I know we'll have leftovers but we'll take it back to the room...It cost $49 but I know we'll have it in the room for the week for snacks....
c-the traditional birthday cake-in vanilla or chocolate with vanilla or chocolate icing-and they can write on it...I KNOW they can definately make a smaller version of this-for 4-6 people I think-not sure of price-I think about $25-30

For the two of you-I think c is the way to go-I only did b because I wanted the Mickey Head-but that's because it is for a 7 year old

Let me know how you make out-(I'll be back before you need to make this decision-I'll get you all the specifics when I'm there if you'd like...

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

FIRST THE PIRATES INVADED WONDERLAND-NOW WE'RE ALL ABOUT THE JEDI...


We have officially become Star Wars Focused household...-the Jedi have invaded...

DS started to discover the Clone Wars and Star Wars...towards the end of school when the boys were playing it at recess...

when he realized there were Star Wars legos-well that made it all the better...

and then we started watching the Clone Wars and the whole StarWars series...

(I was worried about what his reaction to Anakin's transformation into Darth Vader would be (he can be sensitive) but apparently my worry was needless he seemed to roll with it (he was able to separate good Anakin from bad Anakin much more easily that I thought-

I think this is also a boy/girl thing-DD and I have been rewatching the whole series and I just weep-yeah so I'm a weeper

...when Anakin is drawn to the dark force because he thinks he can save Padme...( & that whole sad business in the 2nd film with his mother...and then at the end when he saves Luke..weep...weep...and then at the very end when you see him with Yoda and Obi Wan-he's redeemed himself and a Jedi once again with the good side of the force...) (ok-I was never a big Star Wars fan-but having a little boy will suck you in...)

In the meantime while I'm crying about the tragic figure that Anakin truly is-DS is paying attention to the cool characters and ships and weapons...and still thinks Anakin is a cool guy along with Luke and Obi...

But the deal was officially sealed when

a. I found a Star Wars Fandex at Barnes & Noble and
b. when he realized that there was Star Wars stuff at Disney Studios... (I think I may see a Star Wars Weekend in our future...)

So we will be all seeking out anything Jedi that Disney has to offer...

I know about

-Star Tours
-the Jedi Academy &
-the make your own light Sabers...(at DTD-and I think the Studios...)





This is some of our current Star Wars collection...

this includes amongst other things...some Target Purchases from earlier in the week

-2 Star Wars tee shirts-one traditional, one Lego-$7.99-which is probably not bad considering Park prices
-2 pairs of boy's sunglasses-one with Darth, one with Yoda -$4.99-(we need two-a spare-trust me...)
- a pair of Clone Wars playing cards-DD and DS have really gotten into the cards this summer-this will be good on the plane-even though we thankfully only have a 2 hour ish ride...

This is a secret for DS-shhhhhhh-Jedi Mickey-how cute is this...(He is going to get this at home (we are having a small family party one week before we leave for vacation on his really birthday...we already had a 6 3/4 birthday party in late spring with some friends from school...)

and least but certainly not least...

Our Star Wars Fandex-this is a thing of beauty and one of the best $8.95 purchases I have ever made...

It's kind of hard to see but it basically has all the main characters, certain ships, weapons etc. It is about 8 inches tall and 2-2 1/2 inches wide-150 cards all attached on the bottom left so it can fan open...(I have actually referenced it--hey I can't keep up with all of those secondary characters...)

Well a fandex can act as a distractor, an educator, a soother-so many things AND they come in a variety of topics too-like the 50 states, First Ladies, Civil War, Mummies, etc. David actually reads his and we're going to take it-it has great possibility for Restaurant waits., etc.-I'm waiting for a Disney Fandex...




Hmmm...I think that the Queen of Hearts would make a great couple with Darth Vader or better yet-Darth Sidious -(the Evil Emperor)-she does have a husband-but that probably wouldn't be a problem for a Sith Lord for long...

"Off with his head-with a light saber..."




NEXT UP-DD REFUSES TO WEAR ANY "TRADITIONAL MATCHING DIS SHIRTS" SO SHE ACCEPTS HER OWN PERSONAL PROJECT RUNWAY CHALLENGE TO MAKE "HIP" DIS SHIRTS WITH AN ALICE IN WONDERLAND THEME---HMM HOW WILL SHE DO...?

 

[tiggrbaby]

What a great collection of treats for your son! And I can't wait to see the t-shirt designs!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I was a bit behind there! Love all the info on the museum, despite it being crowded with naughty children, it sounds like a good day - and ended fabulously with gelato!

Were you able to get your trip binder done? The Pirate's League looks VERY cool. And what a perfect time to do it before the cruise!

All the Star Wars stuff looks great! DHS does have a whole dump shop off the Star Tours ride of gear. Costumes, toys, magnets, shirts, key chains, light sabers, books, etc. It's a neat shop. I was tempted to purchase the Princess Leia "hair muffs" for $10 last time we were there....

The Fandex is such a great idea!!!! I think one on Disney would be excellent!

 

[dismagiclover]

I know all about Star Wars loving boys. I have 3 of them (DH is included in that count) The Jedi Training Academy is just awesome. Keep your eye on my TR. I should have that installment up in a couple of days. Be aware that they only pick 14 kids each show so it helps to come prepared. My boys had bright yellow shirts that said "I want to be a Jedi." and they waved their light sabers. Plus we were right in the front at the first show. I think all of those things helped. I felt bad for all the kids that didn't get picked. Anyway, all the SW stuff is tons of fun. Tatooine Traders right outside of Star Tours has tons of SW stuff. It's just all so fun

 

[TyRy]

Love the Star Wars stuff - it's my absolute favorite movie.

Did I miss the stuff about the Zebra cake on here...was thinking about ordering that, but wondered what the details were.

Ty

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

What a great collection of treats for your son! And I can't wait to see the t-shirt designs!

Thanks & I'm quite curious about what my daughter comes up with with the shirt designs-it's her own little project runway challenge...

I was a bit behind there! Love all the info on the museum, despite it being crowded with naughty children, it sounds like a good day - and ended fabulously with gelato!

Were you able to get your trip binder done? The Pirate's League looks VERY cool. And what a perfect time to do it before the cruise!

All the Star Wars stuff looks great! DHS does have a whole dump shop off the Star Tours ride of gear. Costumes, toys, magnets, shirts, key chains, light sabers, books, etc. It's a neat shop. I was tempted to purchase the Princess Leia "hair muffs" for $10 last time we were there....

The Fandex is such a great idea!!!! I think one on Disney would be excellent!

Gelato is always a good thing...
My trip binder is well on its way... & I am beyond excited at the reservation at the Pirates League-I almost made myself an appointment...but caught myself in the nick of time...but then again...
Ah Star Wars-give it a couple of years and I'll bet Henry will drag you into the Star Wars web as well... Looking forward to those Princess Leia hair muffs...

I would so buy a Disney Fandex...

I know all about Star Wars loving boys. I have 3 of them (DH is included in that count) The Jedi Training Academy is just awesome. Keep your eye on my TR. I should have that installment up in a couple of days. Be aware that they only pick 14 kids each show so it helps to come prepared. My boys had bright yellow shirts that said "I want to be a Jedi." and they waved their light sabers. Plus we were right in the front at the first show. I think all of those things helped. I felt bad for all the kids that didn't get picked. Anyway, all the SW stuff is tons of fun. Tatooine Traders right outside of Star Tours has tons of SW stuff. It's just all so fun

Do you think the Star Wars thing is programmed in at birth? I think I'll explain the Jedi Academy to ds so he'll both be prepared in either case-in case he gets picked or in case not...I'm sure we will be good customers at Tatooine Traders indeed...I foresee a Star Wars Weekend in our future too...
(Did you find the crowds at the Star Wars Weekend manageable? You seemed to manage well & have great fun in your trippie-I guess it it hard to compare...

Love the Star Wars stuff - it's my absolute favorite movie.

Did I miss the stuff about the Zebra cake on here...was thinking about ordering that, but wondered what the details were.

Ty

Hey Tracy-Star Wars is now one of my favorites too...

The AKL does three cakes for its resort guests/restaurant guests...

1. traditional bday cake
2. Mickey head cake
3. A Zebra Cake-which apparently tastes like a Zebra Dome-

I had been having a difficult time finding info on it-but Floss Goggled it and posted the info on the AKL board...

you can (must) order it ahead-you must call the AKL and get transferred to the restaurant/bakery...and they can take your order so if you're going to Jiko for dinner-you can order the cake for dessert-...

I'm doing the Mickey Head for my son but because the Zebra Cake has some liquor in the filling...it sounds absolutely yummy...

 

[dismagiclover]

(Did you find the crowds at the Star Wars Weekend manageable? You seemed to manage well & have great fun in your trippie-I guess it it hard to compare...

There were definitely crowds around all the SW stuff, but we still had tons of fun. We weren't interested in the celebrities. I think those lines get long and you have to come to the park early for fastpasses. There were lots of characters we saw that we decided weren't worth waiting in lines for. We tried to just hit our musts (like the ewok) One of the best things are the roaming characters. These characters have no lines and are really good at staying in character. So we had little SW experiences as we just walked from one place to another The closing show was super crowded and the kids couldn't really see anything. The Jedi Training was really crowded too. We didn't even try it during the weekend. We waited until the next week figuring we'd have more chance to be picked. Anyway, lots of words to basically say yes it was crowded, but it was so worth it

 

[Charleston Princess]

I love this update because we are HUGE Star Wars fans at our house -- well, Connor and I are -- Charles and Chelsea tolerate it. I have had a crush on Han Solo since I was six.

Your DS will love all of the Star Wars stuff -- don't forget to look for the speeder bike that Luke and Leia ride in Return of the Jedi across from Star Tours.

That Fandex looks really neat -- I might need to pick one of them up for a stocking stuffer.

I absolutely cannot wait to see what DD designs for shirts -- this sounds like a great idea for a future trip for Chelsea!

 

[jordanyosh]

Thanks for the info about the cakes! I do have a birthday coming up in February.....hmmm......

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

"THE BINDER" IS DONE AND READY TO ACCOMPANY ALICE, THE MADHATTER, THE WHITE RABBIT AND THE CHESHIRE CAT ON A GRAND ADVENTURE...

Today is 16 Days and Counting Down...​

The largest item on my plate has been accomplished, the putting together of the "binder" & my lovely daughter helped me put together the cover...while I- in an over the edge moment- wrote a "welcome to your vacation letter" to my family...
(Ok-its probably time to admit I need a Disney 12 step program...)

The "Binder's" Cover-Madhatter, Alice, Cheshire Cat and White Rabbit (Emily has claimed Alice and I refuse to be the Queen of Hearts all the time-so I'll claim the Cheshire Cat...he's quite the pleasant fellow if not all together sane-I can identify with him as well...)

This is my "somewhat" corny letter in the beginning of the binder...


You are about to embark on an amazing adventure. You will be going to a land where all of your wishes can come true. You can become a pirate, princess or a Jedi knight. You can travel from Mount Everest to Hollywood of the 1930s and from America's Wild West of yesterday to the labyrinths of Morocco...You will be going to Disney World...

Your place of lodging for this wonderful trip is Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. "Disney's version of a safari lodge is truly a stunner, a faithful celebration of African Wildlife, culture and cuisine. Its authentic architecture combined with grasslands filled with hundreds of roaming exotic animals is simply extraordinary. The imposing, five-story thatched roof lobby is a wonder...

You will be partaking in some particularly exciting activities. There will be light saber making. You will be dining on extraordinary African inspired cuisine at Jiko, Boma and Sanaa. You will scale Everest and come face to face with the Yeti. You will go on a spy mission and learn to fight like a Jedi. And you will be disguised as pirates for a pirate cruise.

You will find packing lists and dinner menus enclosed further along with your itinerary. Mind your manners and work to get along with one another. You will no doubt have a marvelous adventure.

Have a good journey.

This is a not very good copy of our family's Disney planning central portable station...with sections for all the parks, the resort, the restaurants...

-We have our daily itinerary for each day
-We have our spreadsheet with all of our ADRs and probably CSR
-We have our Tour Guide Mike suggested itineraries
-We have dinner menus, where the characters are, where the pressed pennies are...lol...our packing lists...

in other words-THIS CANNOT BE LOST... NO NO NO



On a different note, in a stroke of both personal genius and great economy-I picked up a tee shirt for everyone at Michael's -they were on sale for $2 a piece...very basic black tees...

Emily has been balking at the concept of wearing matching Disney clothing-however I have assigned her the task of making some interesting t-shirts for the park...her own personal Disney/Project Runway project...(she can sew and can be rather ingenious when the mood strikes...)...-I think she's planning on going with the Alice theme...Below is the basic black tee waiting to have her inspiration unleashed on it... let's see what she can think of...

(Ummm...she doesn't realize that I have also bought us character shirts for one day ...Donald for DH, Goody for DS, Minnie for me and Mickey for her...oh well she'll deal...-

 

[Charleston Princess]

I think your letter to your family is just wonderful!!! It makes me want to go, too!

Love the cover of your binder!

I cannot wait to see what your DD comes up with for the shirts!

 

[dismagiclover]

You should work for Disney writing advertising copy! Your letter would make any kid (or kid at heart) want to go. I can't wait to see what your DD comes up with on the shirts. I'm sure it will be good