It's All Fun and Games Until Someone Needs An Eyepatch - A Dec TR Complete 8/31

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Joining in your TR, AKL looks a lovely place to stay

 

[Steppesister]

Loved the last couple of updates! As you know, we'll be staying at AoA for the majority of our trip, so once again, the photos and descriptions were especially wonderful for me! The kids don't know we're staying at AKL yet, and now that I've seen your pool pix, I am even WAY more excited to have them get to stay there! And the themed areas of AoA are even better than expected. You had some great views of places there I haven't seen yet- Cool!

Interesting about the parking passes and showing MBs. Weird. You're right; how can they even enforce it and have non-guests not take up precious spaces?

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Hope your reminiscing about Disney will help you get better soon!

I'm feeling 98% better, barely had to blow my nose today.

Joining in your TR, AKL looks a lovely place to stay

AKL was lovely, wish I had had a few more days to enjoy it.

Loved the last couple of updates! As you know, we'll be staying at AoA for the majority of our trip, so once again, the photos and descriptions were especially wonderful for me! The kids don't know we're staying at AKL yet, and now that I've seen your pool pix, I am even WAY more excited to have them get to stay there! And the themed areas of AoA are even better than expected. You had some great views of places there I haven't seen yet- Cool!

Interesting about the parking passes and showing MBs. Weird. You're right; how can they even enforce it and have non-guests not take up precious spaces?

I'm sure you will have a great time at both resorts but definitely schedule some downtime at the resort for the AKL portion to fully enjoy it.

 

[KathyM2]

I thought I had been here already...oops!! Love your TR so far!! AKL looks like such a cool place to stay...I've only been there once for a dinner but that is it. How cool to have animals right outside.

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I thought I had been here already...oops!! Love your TR so far!! AKL looks like such a cool place to stay...I've only been there once for a dinner but that is it. How cool to have animals right outside.

I really like AKL. If you ever get the chance it is a cool place to explore.

 

[Steppesister]

I'm sure you will have a great time at both resorts but definitely schedule some downtime at the resort for the AKL portion to fully enjoy it.

Definitely planning on it. It's at the tailend of our trip after DH gets there. WE'll have gotten plenty of park time in by then, so some downtime will be nice- can't think of a better place to do that!

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

After checking out Art of Animation it was off to the main attraction of the evening, Disney Springs. The traffic approaching DS was a little crazy as there was roadwork/construction going on. I also wasn't anticipating that you enter the parking garage from the right side. So here's a tip, if driving to DS the parking garage entrance is on the opposite side of the street from DS. I have to say I really like the parking garage versus the old parking lots. As you drive up to the garage it tells you how many open spaces there are on each level. Saves a whole lot of driving around in circles on each level trying to find a spot.

I ended up deciding to park on the top level as that is where the most spots were although there were open spots on every level. Walking towards the elevator it started to get windy and I am pretty sure that I blinded some people with a view of my undies when the wind lifted the skirt of my dress a bit. Sorry to anybody I may have blinded, hope it isn't permanent!

We took the elevator down and then went over the walkway and come down by the Bowling Alley. I have to tell you, DS was PACKED! We wandered in and out of stores on the West Side of DS. We then wandered over into the newly redone area that used to be Pleasure Island. I thought this area was looking really nice although as I said, really crowded!

I liked all the cute Christmas decorations. I didn't get pictures of all of them as I didn't feel like battling the crowds to get a good shot.








It was really starting to get windy and I felt a few drops falling. I had to walk around holding my dress down so as not to blind all the shoppers.

Once we were over in the Marketplace section we decided to start off by having dinner. Erich suggested that we try Earl of Sandwich so that is where we headed. It was busy but not terribly so. I ordered the Chicken Caesar Wrap and a small order of broccoli cheddar soup. I'm pretty sure that Alek and Erich had the Earl's Club and macaroni and cheese and I think Mom had a salad. We also got a sugar cookie and brownie. I remember that we all really liked our food. Definitely a nice option for a meal while at Disney Springs.

I think it was while eating here that we had one of our more memorable conversations of the trip. Don't even ask how we got into it and sorry if it offends! Alek:" Home is where you poop most comfortably". Erich:"No, home is where you poop with the door open". Yep, this is our dinner conversation. We were so tired that we thought this was hysterical.

After our meal we went into the Christmas store where I was tempted by many things but I ultimately walked away without a purchase. Then it was over to Goofy's Candy Company as I wanted to design my own treat. I opted to get a Mickey rice krispie treat dipped in milk chocolate, covered in peanut butter chips and then finished with milk chocolate drizzle. It was delicious although it took me several days to eat it because it was so sweet and so big! I neglected to take a photo of mine so I am borrowing this one from the internet.

Erich also decided to get a treat. He got one of the candy apples.



While waiting for my treat to be made we had some fun with the mirror they have in the shop.





When we came out of the store we saw all the lights twinkling in the trees. It was so pretty!



Mom and I hit up Basin next where she bought about a billion bath bombs and I bought several bars of soup. We love Basin! I could spend all my money there.

Next it was time to tackle World of Disney. We all made arrangements to meet at the exit in the Princess room that way we could all go often and do our own thing. Usually I love shopping at World of Disney but this night it was so packed that it was chaos and I felt like I could barely move in some of the rooms. The crowds also led to my getting turned around and I was walking in circles it felt like. I ended up being so overwhelmed by the crowds that I left without buying anything. I guess that was our mistake for going on a Sunday night close to Christmas. Next time I will stick to a daytime trip, way less crowded!

Alek and Erich made a side trip into the Lego Store while I wandered around in circles in World of Disney. The Lego Store is always a fun place to visit.



Overwhelmed by the crowds we decided to make our way back to the parking garage. I really liked this neat "tree".



As we passed Splitsville we could hear the music booming. Good thing it was fun music as we heard it all the way back to the car!



Back at the car we had one last stop to make before heading back to the hotel, the grocery store. In the past we have used the Publix near Gaylord Palms so that is where I headed. Well, it had been shutdown! Not knowing where there was another grocery store in that area I decided to drive down the road a bit as I was sure we would hit something and if all else failed I knew there was a Target we could go to. Luckily we didn't have to drive too far as we found a Publix in Celebration which was only a few minutes drive from the old Publix we used.

We stocked up on breakfast food - bananas, yogurt, milk, etc. and then back to the hotel to hit they hay.

Back at the hotel we had to park at the very back of the parking lot as all the better spots were full. This would be a daily issue for us.

We were back to the hotel by 8:30.



I think we were all settled and lights out by 10pm. We decided that we would not deliberately try and make rope drop the next day and would just sleep until we woke up naturally.

Next Up: Our first stop, Animal Kingdom!

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

I just found your trip report and all I can say is ugh about your time at person, it can be pretty confusing even if you've traveled from it before. The US flights have a separate check in are due to US pre clearance (customs )and are separated from the international flights outbound because of that.
And now for a shameless plug to my youtube channel I have some videos of the train at the airport that a lot of poels say is more like a roller coaster

I took these in the spring well the Union Person Express was still being tested.

and hers one of what it looks like coming in on it

ok report hijack over

 

[adudeinblue]

Surprisingly my GF and I have similar dinner conversations. I also debate home is where the business happens naturally for me, while my GF likes to do it while at work, so she gets paid to poop haha

I can see how annoying parking all the way in the back is now. Especially every time you leave in your car.

 

[DonnaBeeGood]

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[Elevationist]

Hello everybody! I had to call in sick for work today (can't go around sneezing and coughing on my patients) so since I am sitting around the house doped up on cold meds I figured I may as well write this next update which doesn't require too much memory work.

I hope you're feeling better by now, and was able to enjoy Christmas!

We noticed that the pool area is gated off and that you need to use your Magic Band to gain entry. I actually noticed that at several resorts on our trip. They must have been having problems with non-resort guests using the pools.

Pretty sure that I read a while back that eventually all resort pools will be gated this way.

Walking towards the elevator it started to get windy and I am pretty sure that I blinded some people with a view of my undies when the wind lifted the skirt of my dress a bit. Sorry to anybody I may have blinded, hope it isn't permanent!

I liked all the cute Christmas decorations. I didn't get pictures of all of them as I didn't feel like battling the crowds to get a good shot.

Same! Disney Springs was insane, and I don't think I took one single photo there.

I opted to get a Mickey rice krispie treat dipped in milk chocolate, covered in peanut butter chips and then finished with milk chocolate drizzle.

Oh my sweet lord. You are a treat-designing genius!

When we came out of the store we saw all the lights twinkling in the trees. It was so pretty!

I love love love those twinkle lights!

Mom and I hit up Basin next where she bought about a billion bath bombs and I bought several bars of soup.

What's a bar of soup?

We love Basin! I could spend all my money there.

Me too! I restrained myself and just left with a bottle of lotion, though!

I guess that was our mistake for going on a Sunday night close to Christmas. Next time I will stick to a daytime trip, way less crowded!

If it makes you feel any better, it was just as insane when I was there on Monday night (Dec 7)!

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I just found your trip report and all I can say is ugh about your time at person, it can be pretty confusing even if you've traveled from it before. The US flights have a separate check in are due to US pre clearance (customs )and are separated from the international flights outbound because of that.

All my previous flying experience has been with Westjet and has been domestic, no headaches there. It makes sense to separate the US flights out since there are so many of them and you clear through customs in Pearson. However, they need to have much clearer signs and directions so that people end up in the right line. They also need to plan their staffing at the check-in counter and customs far more efficiently! I saw no excuse for the horrible delayed process as Air Canada and US Customs and Immigration know exactly how many flights are leaving and at what time and how many people they need to clear through. Staffing should be adjusted accordingly. I have to fly Air Canada from Pearson in April for my flight from Turkey as it has already been purchased but I will seriously reconsider the airline and airport for future international/US travels.

Surprisingly my GF and I have similar dinner conversations. I also debate home is where the business happens naturally for me, while my GF likes to do it while at work, so she gets paid to poop haha

I can see how annoying parking all the way in the back is now. Especially every time you leave in your car.

Glad to know that we are not the only ones that have such strange dinner conversations!

Haha, how generous of you to provide free shows for everyone at DS! I think I'll be up against the same crowd level over Spring Break, so good to know to be prepared with patience and a plan.

If you can try and go during the day, that is when we have always gone in the past and had much lighter crowds.

I hope you're feeling better by now, and was able to enjoy Christmas!

Yep, all recovered from my cold!

Pretty sure that I read a while back that eventually all resort pools will be gated this way.

Makes sense.

Same! Disney Springs was insane, and I don't think I took one single photo there.

I'm disappointed the crowds were so unpleasant as I would have liked to browse/shop more but just couldn't handle it.

Oh my sweet lord. You are a treat-designing genius!

I was sad to see they didn't have the pretzel rods as an option anymore. I used to enjoy those with chocolate and crushed peanut butter cups. They were amazing!

What's a bar of soup?

Haven't you heard? It's the latest fad!

 

[englishrose47]

Enjoyed your dinner conversation !!! I love Earl of Sandwich too !! I think my favorite ever was the Turkey Holiday Sandwich, it was amazing !!! I agree Downtown Disney for shopping is definitely better during the day !!

 

[Steppesister]

A fabulous evening at DS! Nice choices on what to see. And how can anyone go possibly wrong with Earl? I love how they gussy DS up for Christmas- so pretty!

Bummer about parking out in Timbuktu for the week. Not fun after a long day in the parks.

 

[rachelrapunzel]

Really loving your report! Animal Kingdom Lodge looks so beautiful! I need to visit it next time I go! I LOVE the wallpaper in the bathroom, i love maps so I'd literally be so obsessed with it.
Your evening sounds wonderful! The pictures in the mirror at downtown disney made me laugh!
Also, the create your own treat at goofy's candy co. looks so much fun and so yummy! It's definitely on my list for next time! I look forward to reading more!

 

[tazdev3225]

Decided to check out the Trip Reports and yours was the first one I saw. I have read your past reports so looking forward to reading along.

I have stayed at AKL twice now and have never used the pool. Don't think I will in 2 months when I head back with my husband either although we will have a Savanna view. It will be a step up. My 1st trip I had a lovely view of a roof and the parking lot. Last trip overlooked the pool. I am taking all 9 grandkids and their parents to Disney in 2 years for the holidays and we hope to stay at AKL. I will finally get to see the Christmas decorations.

I have 4 brothers so your dinner conversation sounds normal to me. My brothers once asked for ketchup/catsup for their ice cream sundaes at a restaurant.

The treats at Goofy's Candy Co. reminded me of another thing we will need to check ingredients on. We just discovered my 9 month old grandson has a rather bad peanut allergy. Thankfully when we go down in 2 years my daughter will have just graduated from nursing school so hopefully will be well prepared for an emergency.

Your mom looks really good by the way. Good for her for being able to lose weight. It has been a struggle for me.

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Enjoyed your dinner conversation !!! I love Earl of Sandwich too !! I think my favorite ever was the Turkey Holiday Sandwich, it was amazing !!! I agree Downtown Disney for shopping is definitely better during the day !!

I knew you would find humour in the dinner conversation even if nobody else did!

A fabulous evening at DS! Nice choices on what to see. And how can anyone go possibly wrong with Earl? I love how they gussy DS up for Christmas- so pretty!

Bummer about parking out in Timbuktu for the week. Not fun after a long day in the parks.

The decorations were really nice at DS, I liked their unique look.

Yeah, the parking at the hotel was terrible for us. Oh well, got several extra hundred steps in a day with the hike to the hotel from the back of the lot.

Really loving your report! Animal Kingdom Lodge looks so beautiful! I need to visit it next time I go! I LOVE the wallpaper in the bathroom, i love maps so I'd literally be so obsessed with it.
Your evening sounds wonderful! The pictures in the mirror at downtown disney made me laugh!
Also, the create your own treat at goofy's candy co. looks so much fun and so yummy! It's definitely on my list for next time! I look forward to reading more!

Hi Rachel, thanks for reading along!

Definitely try out the make your own treat, it is fun and delicious!

Decided to check out the Trip Reports and yours was the first one I saw. I have read your past reports so looking forward to reading along.

I have stayed at AKL twice now and have never used the pool. Don't think I will in 2 months when I head back with my husband either although we will have a Savanna view. It will be a step up. My 1st trip I had a lovely view of a roof and the parking lot. Last trip overlooked the pool. I am taking all 9 grandkids and their parents to Disney in 2 years for the holidays and we hope to stay at AKL. I will finally get to see the Christmas decorations.

I have 4 brothers so your dinner conversation sounds normal to me. My brothers once asked for ketchup/catsup for their ice cream sundaes at a restaurant.

The treats at Goofy's Candy Co. reminded me of another thing we will need to check ingredients on. We just discovered my 9 month old grandson has a rather bad peanut allergy. Thankfully when we go down in 2 years my daughter will have just graduated from nursing school so hopefully will be well prepared for an emergency.

Your mom looks really good by the way. Good for her for being able to lose weight. It has been a struggle for me.

That sounds like it will be quite the family holiday trip!

The ketchup on ice cream sounds like something disgusting my brothers would do as well.

Congrats to your daughter for working through nursing school, it is hard work but definitely worth it!

 

[DisneyJo]

Walking towards the elevator it started to get windy and I am pretty sure that I blinded some people with a view of my undies when the wind lifted the skirt of my dress a bit. Sorry to anybody I may have blinded, hope it isn't permanent!

Or you could have made someone's day

Alek:" Home is where you poop most comfortably". Erich:"No, home is where you poop with the door open". Yep, this is our dinner conversation. We were so tired that we thought this was hysterical.

Errr yep and yep

Back at the hotel we had to park at the very back of the parking lot as all the better spots were full. This would be a daily issue for us.

Oh no that doesn't sound good!

 

[tazdev3225]

That sounds like it will be quite the family holiday trip!

The ketchup on ice cream sounds like something disgusting my brothers would do as well.

Congrats to your daughter for working through nursing school, it is hard work but definitely worth it!

It is going to take me the 2 years to plan the trip but I am so excited that we will be doing it.

I think only sisters with younger brothers truly understand what they are like. Sadly they are teaching all the younger boys in the family their ways. Belching contests, potty humor, odd food requests. I can't win being the only girl.

Thank you she just passed her first semester. Evidently the next 2 are the hardest but she is smart she just needs to ask for help when she needs it. She is going to school with 3 boys at home and the 2 little ones are 1 and 2.

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Or you could have made someone's day

Not unless they are into fat and sickly pale.

It is going to take me the 2 years to plan the trip but I am so excited that we will be doing it.

I think only sisters with younger brothers truly understand what they are like. Sadly they are teaching all the younger boys in the family their ways. Belching contests, potty humor, odd food requests. I can't win being the only girl.

Thank you she just passed her first semester. Evidently the next 2 are the hardest but she is smart she just needs to ask for help when she needs it. She is going to school with 3 boys at home and the 2 little ones are 1 and 2.

I had a friend in nursing school who was trying to juggle getting her BScN while having two young kids at home and a husband who was often away at work. She managed to do it and passed with flying colours. Hopefully the same will be true for your daughter.