Happy Birthday, Dear Dude - A Sept 2010 PTR - 9/22 Trip Report Started p34

[swwake]

Here's where we are as of now.

Jiko - I am going to change this reservation to 8pm. I might try to talk Dude into switching his client visit day to Friday. Then we will have most of Thursday to see parks and rest (after the sunrise safari). Not sure if he'll go for it, but I am afraid that if we don't get to a park together that day, we will end up with 2 days of his park-hoppers unused. (We don't think we'll be using the passes on the first day (Wednesday) at all, since we'll be moving over from US.) I may have to consider upgrading them to no-expiration by the end of the trip, especially if we have 2 or more days left.

Le Cellier - I am going to tell Don to schedule around 6:30 either Saturday or Sunday and just surprise us.

Boma - I'm keeping the 8pm Wednesday reservation request.

I am striking Artist Point and Narcoossees. We decided we will make plans as we go, on the fly. If we can't get in somewhere we think we want, we'll find another option - even if it's Counter Service. We may end up doing Sci Fi, but we're not sure. Since I'm not creating a strict plan for parks for each day, we really don't know where we'll end up around dinner time each day. And with the crowd levels so low (4-5), I'm not sure it matters to follow the crowd calendars.

Does anyone remember what they did with Free Dining last year? I know it 2008, it was the normal DDP, but with the introduction of QSDP last year, is that what they offered "free" for Free Dining? If so, and if we get FD this year, along with our CL lounge, I'm not sure we'll need many table service meals, so I think our flexible plan is best.

After I get more comments from y'all, I will email the IPO tonight and finalize my requests. With the online reservation system, I figure I can add to it later if I want to.

 

[swwake]

I went sent in my requests to the AKL IPO tonight. Here is what I requested:

Boma - Wednesday, September 15 (addition)
Sunrise safari - Thursday, September 16. (no change)
Jiko - The Cooking Place - Thursday, September 16 - This will also be Chris's birthday dinner (on his birthday!) (time change)
Le Cellier - either Saturday (18th) or Sunday (19th) - Surprise us! (addition)
Surfing at Typhoon Lagoon - Monday, September 20 (no change - not sure if we can make these reservations at 180 days?)

Let's see what we get on Friday...

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Monday - Narcoossees ~7pm - The only reason for this choice is that everyone says Narcoossees is a must-do. We don't know what's special about it, and we may drop it. I just can't think of something else to substitute in on this night. This will be an early morning for us (surfing Typhoon Lagoon), but hopefully we will get in a nap or some rest earlier in the day. This is also our last night at WDW.

Ok, so I'll open it up to all of you. Comments? Suggestions?

I'm here (crazy weeks must be in the air). I know you've already decided against Narcoossees, but I thought I'd still chime in. We went there last May for our anniversary dinner. The selling point for us was being able to watch wishes from the balcony (we didn't have window seats). The view is amazing, its not a stuffy formal restaurant, but the food was really good and the desserts were fantastic. Since we didn't have any kids with us that trip we really enjoyed it.

Also, I wanted to ask about the "yellow/green" designations you had for the parks, is that your own system or is it from one of the tour planning sites?

I'm SO glad that Magic made it through the surgery (I was all teary at my desk).

Looking forward to reading your TR inside the PTR.

 

[swwake]

I'm here (crazy weeks must be in the air). I know you've already decided against Narcoossees, but I thought I'd still chime in. We went there last May for our anniversary dinner. The selling point for us was being able to watch wishes from the balcony (we didn't have window seats). The view is amazing, its not a stuffy formal restaurant, but the food was really good and the desserts were fantastic. Since we didn't have any kids with us that trip we really enjoyed it.

Also, I wanted to ask about the "yellow/green" designations you had for the parks, is that your own system or is it from one of the tour planning sites?

I'm SO glad that Magic made it through the surgery (I was all teary at my desk).

Looking forward to reading your TR inside the PTR.

Yay! I love readers!

Thanks for the info on Narcoossees. I have looked at their menu and it looks awesome. We may add it back if we have some open time one evening and feel like doing it. We are fortunate to get lots of nice dinners at home (and when I travel for work), so we won't be bothered if we have to miss this one. And it gives us a reason to go back to WDW, right?!

Yellow/Green was from Tour Guide Mike. That's the one where I was trying to remember what the membership did for me and if it was worth it. I believe there are message boards over there too, but he is pretty active on these boards as well (at least he was back in '08). He will give you nice calendars that say the hours and parade times for each park each day during your vacation. And he rates his days at each park Green, Yellow or Red, depending on projected crowd levels, and gives the reason for each rating. Again, since we're going at a slow time, I haven't decided if we need that much guidance.

Ahh you must have been reading my trip report! I wrote the part about Magic so long ago! It was a sad story. But unfortunately, there is sadder news ahead

I will try to do another update tonight.

 

[swwake]

I got an email stamped 5:19am from the IPO. Attached is the "Wilson Safari" itinerary document!

We got what we asked for, and they accidentally booked Jiko twice, because they didn't see my time change instruction in the email.

Here's what we have:
Wednesday, Sept 15 - Boma - 7:55pm
Thursday, Sept 16 - Sunrise Safari - 7am
Thursday, Sept 16 - Jiko - 7:10pm
Saturday, Sept 18 - Le Cellier - 6:45pm (perfect!)

We can't book our Typhoon Lagoon surfing until 90 days out, but everything else is scheduled.

This is so exciting!

 

[Marshay]

I got an email stamped 5:19am from the IPO. Attached is the "Wilson Safari" itinerary document!

We got what we asked for, and they accidentally booked Jiko twice, because they didn't see my time change instruction in the email.

Here's what we have:
Wednesday, Sept 15 - Boma - 7:55pm
Thursday, Sept 16 - Sunrise Safari - 7am
Thursday, Sept 16 - Jiko - 7:10pm
Saturday, Sept 18 - Le Cellier - 6:45pm (perfect!)

We can't book our Typhoon Lagoon surfing until 90 days out, but everything else is scheduled.

This is so exciting!

Ooh, Boma, Safari and Le Cellier -- yum,yum!!! I agree with not planning too many table service meals since you'll have the CL. Besides, you'll be back again and can try more TS in the future.

That said, FWIW, I would totally go with Narcoosee over Jiko, but since you'll already be at AKL, that makes perfect sense. Our experience at Jiko was within a few weeks of it opening and it wasn't good but I really should try it again, now that it is more established. It is very pretty inside!

Narcoosee is an experience. It isn't just a meal, at least the way we do it. Appetizers, wine, entrees, Wishes fireworks, dessert, EWP and walking around the resort. This is date night for us and we spend about 3 hours or so there, more if we do the monorail loop, too. The seafood is absolutely wonderful. The service impeccable. Both times we've eaten there we did not get a window table but it was still enjoyable and if you time it right you can go out to the balcony to enjoy the fireworks in between your entree and dessert. Then go see the EWP, too.

I really can't wait to hear about the safari!

 

[swwake]

Part III, Chapter 2
I've a Sensitive Soul, Though I Seem Thick-Skinned
Sunday, August 10
​

After Everest, Mom and I headed over to Kilimanjaro Safari. The standby line had an estimated wait of 40 minutes. We ended up waiting 30 minutes.

A few pictures of what we saw. I am not sure the names of all of the animals.

Luckily, we had this, to help us identify the animals:

Hippos:

I think these are birds.

More hippos, with a bird thrown in for good measure.

Gators or crocodiles? Does someone know the difference?

A curly gator...or two

I think this is a special kind of tree. And I think my Hidden Magic book told me it's one of two things on the safari that isn't real (the other is an ant hill).

These guys had really long necks, and they were really hungry. Good think they had long necks or they could never reach their food.

Ok, there's nothing cuter than a baby elephant. (Actually, I think this is an adolescent.)

If the gestation is 23 months, how many years do you think it takes to get to adolescence? I guess almost 3x as long as a human? A 30-year-old teenager? Scary thought.

Someone got flocked. I wonder whose birthday it is?

Ok, so the rhino drew the short straw in the "pretty animal competition". And he needs some Nivea.

The lion was very sleepy. The people at MGM Grand once told me that they sleep up to 20 hours a day in the wild.

Pumbaa: I've a sensitive soul, though I seem thick-skinned.

Answers to previous questions:
• What did Mom and I do next? Kilimanjaro Safaris, of course!

Next up: More Animal Kingdom

• What time did Chris, Katie and Caitlin arrive at AK?
• What was the first thing they did?
• What did we do for lunch?
• What did we ride twice with no wait?

Next up:
Hedwig?

 

[swwake]

Ooh, Boma, Safari and Le Cellier -- yum,yum!!! I agree with not planning too many table service meals since you'll have the CL. Besides, you'll be back again and can try more TS in the future.

That said, FWIW, I would totally go with Narcoosee over Jiko, but since you'll already be at AKL, that makes perfect sense. Our experience at Jiko was within a few weeks of it opening and it wasn't good but I really should try it again, now that it is more established. It is very pretty inside!

Narcoosee is an experience. It isn't just a meal, at least the way we do it. Appetizers, wine, entrees, Wishes fireworks, dessert, EWP and walking around the resort. This is date night for us and we spend about 3 hours or so there, more if we do the monorail loop, too. The seafood is absolutely wonderful. The service impeccable. Both times we've eaten there we did not get a window table but it was still enjoyable and if you time it right you can go out to the balcony to enjoy the fireworks in between your entree and dessert. Then go see the EWP, too.

I really can't wait to hear about the safari!

Thanks Marsha. Narcoossees sounds a little like our California Grill "experience" in 2008. I somehow have a feeling Narcoossees is in our future. Likely within the next six months!

 

[Circusgirl]

I got an email stamped 5:19am from the IPO. Attached is the "Wilson Safari" itinerary document!

We got what we asked for, and they accidentally booked Jiko twice, because they didn't see my time change instruction in the email.

Here's what we have:
Wednesday, Sept 15 - Boma - 7:55pm
Thursday, Sept 16 - Sunrise Safari - 7am
Thursday, Sept 16 - Jiko - 7:10pm
Saturday, Sept 18 - Le Cellier - 6:45pm (perfect!)

We can't book our Typhoon Lagoon surfing until 90 days out, but everything else is scheduled.

This is so exciting!

I've had great meals at Jiko. The food has been outstanding, and the restaurant itself is beautiful and peaceful.
I can't wait to see your pictures from the Sunrise Safari. Does that still come with breakfast at the Tusker House? I've thought of staying concierge for just a night in order to be able to take this tour.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Great pictures from the safari! I didn't realize lions sleep so long in the wild -- no wonder I have never seen one awake when we ride Kilimanjaro.

 

[Native NYer]

Congrats on getting the ADRs you want.
Great safari photos. I can't wait to be there in August

 

[swwake]

I've had great meals at Jiko. The food has been outstanding, and the restaurant itself is beautiful and peaceful.
I can't wait to see your pictures from the Sunrise Safari. Does that still come with breakfast at the Tusker House? I've thought of staying concierge for just a night in order to be able to take this tour.

We are really looking forward to Jiko for the birthday dinner.

The breakfast is at Pizzafari. It is a buffet and the rumor is that it's exactly the same as the old Tusker House breakfast was.

I bet a lot of people do the 1-night CL thing to take the safari. And I bet Disney still makes lots of money on it!

Great pictures from the safari! I didn't realize lions sleep so long in the wild -- no wonder I have never seen one awake when we ride Kilimanjaro.

I remember getting really mad at MGM. We were watching the lions there sleep and I asked one of the "tamers" about their sleep pattern. They said "well in the wild, they sleep up to 20 hours a day, but our lions sleep 22 hours a day because we keep them sedated. I have never been back to see those lions since. It made me so mad.

Congrats on getting the ADRs you want.
Great safari photos. I can't wait to be there in August

I can't wait to hear about your trip and see pics (hopefully before we leave!).

 

[Dancegrl624]

Great safari pics! I'm not surprised that lions sleep that many hours a day. My DD loves cats and is always reading books about them. She tells me all the time that domestic cats sleep about 18 hours a day. We have 2 cats and I feel like all they do is sleep!

 

[swwake]

Part III, Chapter 3
I Have Always Loved Steel Drums
Sunday, August 10
​

Mom and I were enjoying our leisurely morning in the Animal Kingdom park. No hurry to get anywhere, not having to meet anyone else's desires.

After the Safari, we stopped at a shop in Harambe and looked around a bit. Mom found a dress she really liked, purchased it and had it sent back to the room.

Then we wandered back along the trail toward Asia and came upon this:

A cast member had an owl (but it wasn't Hedwig ) outside the Flights of Wonder theater. We became very enthralled in the details about this bird. So we stayed and listened for a bit.

We were so interested in this one owl, that we decided to go ahead in and find seats for the Flights of Wonder show. I don't remember this show being highly touted in any of the books or on any trip reports, so I have never given it much thought, and it wasn't a priority or a must-see/do.

But we were really glad we saw this show. It's wasn't just about birds (there were other animals in the show). It was extremely informative and entertaining. Unfortunately, I think I was so into the show I forgot to take any pictures. One of the best parts was when one of the large birds (an eagle maybe?) flew low over the audience and back.

I will definitely see this show in September. And I'd really like to share it with Dude.

By the time the show was over, it was about noon, and the rest of the crew texted us that they were in the park. We connected with them, then they got fast passes for EE.

Passes in hand, we all went toward Dinoland and had lunch at Restaurantosaurus. Now, for some reason I don't remember this (maybe it's been 2 years?). My notes say that Chris, Susan and Mom had cheeseburgers and fries. Katie got a coke. Caitlin got chicken nuggets. The notes don't say they were bad, so they must have been ok. After reading some of my Hidden Magic book, there are lots of things in this restaurant that I would like to explore on the next trip. So maybe we'll go back there, if just for a snack or a drink.

After lunch, we went to the Festival of the Lion King show. All of us but Caitlin had seen this back in 1998. Since that time, we had seen the Broadway production here in Austin (not sure if Mom saw that one). We really enjoyed this show once again. I don't remember which section we sat in.

After the Lion King, we stopped by the character greeting areas in Camp Minnie Mickey. We never waited in line for character meets during this trip, and at this point in the trip, the girls weren't too excited about the characters yet.

We did run into Koda from Brother Bear (which we haven't seen).

Next, we explored the Discovery Island Trails. It was really nice not to be in a hurry while we were at Animal Kingdom that afternoon.

We found some otters.

Kinda cute, isn't he?

Next, we decided to head back toward Expedition Everest via Dinoland. We ran across this little band.

I have always loved steel drums.

Chris stopped at a stand to get us a few bottles of water. At that point I turned around and noticed that Katie and Caitlin had occupied themselves with this funhouse mirror.

I was standing behind Katie when I took this one.

This doesn't seem to be moving very quickly, but we did so much that I want to chronicle.

Answers to previous questions:
• What time did Chris, Katie and Caitlin arrive at AK? About noon.
• What was the first thing they did? Picked up Fast Passes for Expedition Everest

Next up: Late Afternoon at Animal Kingdom
• What did we ride twice with no wait?
• What was a favorite time-waster?
• What Disney staple did Katie refuse to participate in?

 

[swwake]

Great safari pics! I'm not surprised that lions sleep that many hours a day. My DD loves cats and is always reading books about them. She tells me all the time that domestic cats sleep about 18 hours a day. We have 2 cats and I feel like all they do is sleep!

I guess that's just a cat thing. Eat, sleep, maybe play a little.

 

[Flossbolna]

I love it that you restarted your TR! I am sorry to hear that your mother has health problems and I hope she will feel better soon! She appeared to be such a lovely lady and I enjoyed her posts on your last PTR!

Your pictures without your journal were quite hilarious!!

I am not sure wether anyone answered your question about free dining yet, but last year it was still the normal dining plan for deluxe hotels. I think at the values you only got the QS dining plan.

 

[swwake]

I love it that you restarted your TR! I am sorry to hear that your mother has health problems and I hope she will feel better soon! She appeared to be such a lovely lady and I enjoyed her posts on your last PTR!

Your pictures without your journal were quite hilarious!!

I am not sure wether anyone answered your question about free dining yet, but last year it was still the normal dining plan for deluxe hotels. I think at the values you only got the QS dining plan.

It's fun doing the TR again, and reminiscing about our trip. Mom is getting better. I was at the doctor with her today and they reduced some of her BP meds again. She is slowly weaning off much of her medication and it taking lots of supplements in hopes of getting her kidneys functioning again. She asked for a link to this thread, so maybe if we're lucky she'll make a cameo!

It has reinforced the importance of a travel diary. I have decided I will take a journal book with me on every vacation from now on.

Great news for me on the FD (if it comes through)! That really makes me excited to think we could get the regular dining plan with some TS credits. I guess we only have to wait another couple of weeks to find out!

 

[Marshay]

It has reinforced the importance of a travel diary. I have decided I will take a journal book with me on every vacation from now on.

Since being on DIS, I too, have taken a travel journal and write up some things about each day. It really does help me remember our trips.

I had been doing them in a separate book, but now I'm thinking of getting a nice journal book and using that year after year.

How cool would it be to go back and re-read to the kids (and for me, too)!

 

[swwake]

Since being on DIS, I too, have taken a travel journal and write up some things about each day. It really does help me remember our trips.

I had been doing them in a separate book, but now I'm thinking of getting a nice journal book and using that year after year.

How cool would it be to go back and re-read to the kids (and for me, too)!

Oooh a nice journal book would be so cool.

But I am having trouble reading my scribbles from my notebook from '08. What I did was take some notes every time we waited in lines, at bus stops, maybe during sit-down meals, etc.

One thing that I did was ask everyone for the "Best", "Worst", "Funniest", etc. things for them each day. That really will make the trip report cool. Except, I stopped documenting those about halfway through the trip. There's a reason for that, but I'll get to it later in the TR.

I am going to take a notebook when we go to Europe this summer. I think it's important to go with the photos for (hopefully) future scrapbooking.

 

[swwake]

I added a ticker for our US stay. I noticed yesterday that my ticker starts on our original first day, before we added the day for US. I didn't want to re-do the ticker, because the martini glass will go back to the far left (am I a little obsessive?). But I didn't want to forget that we are 1 day closer to our trip. (Yeah, right.) So I added the US ticker.

Not much to do as far as planning the Disney trip, so I'll keep working on the '08 Trip Report.

We are also trying to nail down details for our Europe trip. Ok, maybe not details. Big things like airfare, ferries, dates and locations. I haven't even started on the hotels. I am trying to price it out to get an estimate of cost. Katie wants to try to bring a friend, so we are trying to figure out how much it would cost the friend, since we don't have it in our budget to pay for a 4th. But the trip is only 2.5 months away, so I need to get crackin'!