panthergirl
Go Carolina Panthers!!
- Joined
- Mar 24, 2004
- Messages
- 447
June 11-18
Me, Two Sisters, One Brother in Law and One Niece
June 11 Saturday I flew in and traveled to POP Century via Magical Express. Great experience; I landed at 9:45 and was headed to Epcot at 11:00. My bags were in the room when I went to meet the rest of the family at 3:00. I had lunch at Chefs de France (the French menu YUM!) rode Soarin, drank champagne and wandered around a bit before heading back to POP. We unpacked the car and headed to Everything POP to check out the shopping and to grab a bite to eat. Swimming for my niece and BIL and then early to bed for all.
Magical Magical Express, Soarin, the French Menu and champagne.
Not so magical POP Century Sorry, this just wasnt for us but people seemed to be enjoying it.
June 12 Sunday Headed over to the Beach Club villas, check in and headed to Epcot. Rode Soarin, saw Circle of Life and the Living Seas (including Turtle Talk with Crush). Back to the Beach Club when our villa was ready and had a late lunch at Beaches and Cream. Swimming for the niece and BIL while the rest of us set up the villa. That night we stayed in for room service, cocktails and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Magical Soarin(great again!), my niece got picked to talk to Crush (the dudette with the pink shell and a visor on her noggin with her fin in the air) and she asked him if he wore sunglasses. No idea where that question came from but Crush went behind a rock and came back with a pair of huge yellow sunglasses! Also the banana split at Beaches and Cream and as always, Captain Jack Sparrow!
Not so magical Our villa had a few condition issues a stained couch, frayed carpet and one outlet that repeatedly tripped its circuit. Nothing earth shaking just a bit disappointing.
June 13 Monday Checked out the mini food court area at the Beach Club. We all found this so convenient and used it frequently for breakfast, snacks and mug refills. We had a pool day planned and lounged at Stormalong Bay until around 2 with lunch at Hurricane Hannahs. We wanted to try Extra Magic Hours at the Magic Kingdom that night and headed over at about 6. It was very crowded but we did get to ride TTA, COP, The Carousel, Its a Small World, Mickeys Philharmagic, Buzz Lightyear, Stitch, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. We also caught most of Cinderellabration. Dinner was at Columbia Harbor House which we enjoyed. We headed back at around midnight after catching Wishes and SpectroMagic (11:00 show)
Magical Stormalong Bay plenty of pool chairs, sandy bottom, and a lazy river what more could you want?
Not so magical Mondays in the Magic Kingdom. Its a fact folks, the Magic Kingdom is hard to get around on a Monday. Extra Magic Hours are not, I repeat, not like E-Ticket nights. The big attractions are not walk ons and there are no fast passes. I still like the EMH concept but folks should be prepared for the crowds.
June 14 Tuesday One sister and I headed to MGM while the other with her husband and daughter went to Typhoon Lagoon. MGM crowds were not too bad and we were able to see the Muppets, Indiana Jones, Great Movie Ride, Voyage of the Little Mermaid and had lunch at Sci-Fi. We met up with everyone mid afternoon and got ready for a big night out. I was taking my sister and niece to the Hoop Dee Doo Review and my sister and her husband went out on a data night. We were all in bed by 11:30.
Magical The walk from the Beach Club to MGM is quiet and beautiful and I highly recommend it. We got our pictures taken with the Incredibles which were the only characters I really wanted to see. Hoop Dee Doo Review is a hoot and this particular cast was very good. The most magical thing of all happened when we left the show. There was a horse drawn wagon outside of Pioneer Hall with a wagon ride leaving at 9:30. We decided on the spur of the moment to give it a try so we paid our $20.00 (for three of us) and hopped on. The big treat came when we found out that we would be taken lakeside for a private viewing of Wishes. A truck with a sound system met us at the lake and piped the soundtrack in. If the nice lady who provided bug spray for the group is reading this THANK YOU! You saved our lives!
Not so magical The AC at Sci Fi was blowing directly on us all during lunch. It felt good at first but we were little Popsicles by the end.
June 15 Wednesday Another Epcot day after sleeping in and having breakfast at Spoodles. This time we rode Mission Space and Test Track and saw The American Adventure. Dinner was a last minute walk up to the Biergarten. We also wandered the shops and saw Illuminations.
Magical My niece was pulled on stage by the Voices of Liberty and they sang to her. Mission Space was better than the first time I rode it very fun! Also, I bought an oyster for my niece in Japan and the look on her face when the pearl was discovered was priceless! Watching kids dance to German music while sipping a beer was a nice way to enjoy a meal.
June 16 Thursday We split up again with one sister and I heading to Animal Kingdom and the rest of the family going horseback riding and doing Disney Quest. I really enjoy Animal Kingdom although it can get really hot there. We did Kilimangaro Safaris, Kali River Rapids and walked the Pagnani Forest trail. Breakfast was at Tusker House and lunch was at Flame Tree Barbeque. We managed to see Lucky at his 2:00 show then headed back to the room to rest up. I headed back to Epcot alone in the evening to pick up my nieces pearl which we had left to be set. I grabbed some fish and chips and enjoyed The British Invasion before heading over to the Boardwalk to enjoy the sights and sounds of the evening.
Magical Lucky the Dinosaur is something to see. We saw so many animals on the safari this time. We also caught a group of acrobats in Africa who were very entertaining. I love The British Invasion and try to catch a show or two each time I go to Epcot. This time they were as fun as ever and the weather that evening was just gorgeous.
Not so magical Although I always enjoy Kali River Rapids, this time I was so wet that I really could not enjoy the rest of my day. My shorts would not dry in the extreme humidity and I was soaked through. Its just the luck of the draw depending on where you sit in the ride.
June 17 Friday We had great plans to get up early and do the Magic Kingdom but didnt get going until 11. Yes indeed, the absolute hottest part of the day and were just heading out! We rode the steam train, Pirates, The Tiki Room, Swiss Family Robinson Tree House, The Jungle Cruise, Country Bears, Magic Carpets of Aladdin and Space Mountain and had lunch at the Plaza Restaurant. Then we headed over to the Polynesian to pool hop. (we are DVC members staying on points) I had scored some last minute reservations for Ohanas so we headed there for a late dinner. Then my niece and I went over to the Magic Kingdom for EMH and stayed until 1:00. We were able to ride Big Thunder Mountain, the Haunted Mansion, and Splash Mountain.
Magical We got to see Wishes from our table at Ohanas while we enjoyed a very good meal. Alone time with my niece was very special.
Not so magical Our last full day!
June 18 Saturday - I had to be up early to meet the Magical Express bus at 8:40. The bus was prompt and painless and had me to the airport in plenty of time to make my flight.
Parting thoughts The crowds this trip were very nice to be around. I found folks to be polite and easy going. Of course there will always be the occasional rude person but they were few and far between on this trip. The weather was interesting. We had a good bit of rain on Saturday and Sunday. I thought Monday and Tuesday were comfortable by Florida standards and it got progressively hot after that.
Suggestions Stay away from the Magic Kingdom on Mondays. If you want to do evening EMH there wait until Friday if you can.
Buy a mister fan. That saved our lives on Friday at the MK.
Make some Advance Dining Reservations. You dont have to go crazy but make sure you have ressies for the places you really want to go. We found we could get things the day before or even the morning of. However for the more popular places, I would suggest making them as soon as you set an itinerary.
A nice mid day break to swim or shower is important on hot days.
Im happy to answer any questions!
Me, Two Sisters, One Brother in Law and One Niece
June 11 Saturday I flew in and traveled to POP Century via Magical Express. Great experience; I landed at 9:45 and was headed to Epcot at 11:00. My bags were in the room when I went to meet the rest of the family at 3:00. I had lunch at Chefs de France (the French menu YUM!) rode Soarin, drank champagne and wandered around a bit before heading back to POP. We unpacked the car and headed to Everything POP to check out the shopping and to grab a bite to eat. Swimming for my niece and BIL and then early to bed for all.
Magical Magical Express, Soarin, the French Menu and champagne.
Not so magical POP Century Sorry, this just wasnt for us but people seemed to be enjoying it.
June 12 Sunday Headed over to the Beach Club villas, check in and headed to Epcot. Rode Soarin, saw Circle of Life and the Living Seas (including Turtle Talk with Crush). Back to the Beach Club when our villa was ready and had a late lunch at Beaches and Cream. Swimming for the niece and BIL while the rest of us set up the villa. That night we stayed in for room service, cocktails and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Magical Soarin(great again!), my niece got picked to talk to Crush (the dudette with the pink shell and a visor on her noggin with her fin in the air) and she asked him if he wore sunglasses. No idea where that question came from but Crush went behind a rock and came back with a pair of huge yellow sunglasses! Also the banana split at Beaches and Cream and as always, Captain Jack Sparrow!
Not so magical Our villa had a few condition issues a stained couch, frayed carpet and one outlet that repeatedly tripped its circuit. Nothing earth shaking just a bit disappointing.
June 13 Monday Checked out the mini food court area at the Beach Club. We all found this so convenient and used it frequently for breakfast, snacks and mug refills. We had a pool day planned and lounged at Stormalong Bay until around 2 with lunch at Hurricane Hannahs. We wanted to try Extra Magic Hours at the Magic Kingdom that night and headed over at about 6. It was very crowded but we did get to ride TTA, COP, The Carousel, Its a Small World, Mickeys Philharmagic, Buzz Lightyear, Stitch, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. We also caught most of Cinderellabration. Dinner was at Columbia Harbor House which we enjoyed. We headed back at around midnight after catching Wishes and SpectroMagic (11:00 show)
Magical Stormalong Bay plenty of pool chairs, sandy bottom, and a lazy river what more could you want?
Not so magical Mondays in the Magic Kingdom. Its a fact folks, the Magic Kingdom is hard to get around on a Monday. Extra Magic Hours are not, I repeat, not like E-Ticket nights. The big attractions are not walk ons and there are no fast passes. I still like the EMH concept but folks should be prepared for the crowds.
June 14 Tuesday One sister and I headed to MGM while the other with her husband and daughter went to Typhoon Lagoon. MGM crowds were not too bad and we were able to see the Muppets, Indiana Jones, Great Movie Ride, Voyage of the Little Mermaid and had lunch at Sci-Fi. We met up with everyone mid afternoon and got ready for a big night out. I was taking my sister and niece to the Hoop Dee Doo Review and my sister and her husband went out on a data night. We were all in bed by 11:30.
Magical The walk from the Beach Club to MGM is quiet and beautiful and I highly recommend it. We got our pictures taken with the Incredibles which were the only characters I really wanted to see. Hoop Dee Doo Review is a hoot and this particular cast was very good. The most magical thing of all happened when we left the show. There was a horse drawn wagon outside of Pioneer Hall with a wagon ride leaving at 9:30. We decided on the spur of the moment to give it a try so we paid our $20.00 (for three of us) and hopped on. The big treat came when we found out that we would be taken lakeside for a private viewing of Wishes. A truck with a sound system met us at the lake and piped the soundtrack in. If the nice lady who provided bug spray for the group is reading this THANK YOU! You saved our lives!
Not so magical The AC at Sci Fi was blowing directly on us all during lunch. It felt good at first but we were little Popsicles by the end.
June 15 Wednesday Another Epcot day after sleeping in and having breakfast at Spoodles. This time we rode Mission Space and Test Track and saw The American Adventure. Dinner was a last minute walk up to the Biergarten. We also wandered the shops and saw Illuminations.
Magical My niece was pulled on stage by the Voices of Liberty and they sang to her. Mission Space was better than the first time I rode it very fun! Also, I bought an oyster for my niece in Japan and the look on her face when the pearl was discovered was priceless! Watching kids dance to German music while sipping a beer was a nice way to enjoy a meal.
June 16 Thursday We split up again with one sister and I heading to Animal Kingdom and the rest of the family going horseback riding and doing Disney Quest. I really enjoy Animal Kingdom although it can get really hot there. We did Kilimangaro Safaris, Kali River Rapids and walked the Pagnani Forest trail. Breakfast was at Tusker House and lunch was at Flame Tree Barbeque. We managed to see Lucky at his 2:00 show then headed back to the room to rest up. I headed back to Epcot alone in the evening to pick up my nieces pearl which we had left to be set. I grabbed some fish and chips and enjoyed The British Invasion before heading over to the Boardwalk to enjoy the sights and sounds of the evening.
Magical Lucky the Dinosaur is something to see. We saw so many animals on the safari this time. We also caught a group of acrobats in Africa who were very entertaining. I love The British Invasion and try to catch a show or two each time I go to Epcot. This time they were as fun as ever and the weather that evening was just gorgeous.
Not so magical Although I always enjoy Kali River Rapids, this time I was so wet that I really could not enjoy the rest of my day. My shorts would not dry in the extreme humidity and I was soaked through. Its just the luck of the draw depending on where you sit in the ride.
June 17 Friday We had great plans to get up early and do the Magic Kingdom but didnt get going until 11. Yes indeed, the absolute hottest part of the day and were just heading out! We rode the steam train, Pirates, The Tiki Room, Swiss Family Robinson Tree House, The Jungle Cruise, Country Bears, Magic Carpets of Aladdin and Space Mountain and had lunch at the Plaza Restaurant. Then we headed over to the Polynesian to pool hop. (we are DVC members staying on points) I had scored some last minute reservations for Ohanas so we headed there for a late dinner. Then my niece and I went over to the Magic Kingdom for EMH and stayed until 1:00. We were able to ride Big Thunder Mountain, the Haunted Mansion, and Splash Mountain.
Magical We got to see Wishes from our table at Ohanas while we enjoyed a very good meal. Alone time with my niece was very special.
Not so magical Our last full day!
June 18 Saturday - I had to be up early to meet the Magical Express bus at 8:40. The bus was prompt and painless and had me to the airport in plenty of time to make my flight.
Parting thoughts The crowds this trip were very nice to be around. I found folks to be polite and easy going. Of course there will always be the occasional rude person but they were few and far between on this trip. The weather was interesting. We had a good bit of rain on Saturday and Sunday. I thought Monday and Tuesday were comfortable by Florida standards and it got progressively hot after that.
Suggestions Stay away from the Magic Kingdom on Mondays. If you want to do evening EMH there wait until Friday if you can.
Buy a mister fan. That saved our lives on Friday at the MK.
Make some Advance Dining Reservations. You dont have to go crazy but make sure you have ressies for the places you really want to go. We found we could get things the day before or even the morning of. However for the more popular places, I would suggest making them as soon as you set an itinerary.
A nice mid day break to swim or shower is important on hot days.
Im happy to answer any questions!
Now my family won't think I am bonkers because I already bought EACH of us 2 misters (for when one of them inevitable conks out). Please tell me more about the trail at AK, is that the one that is only open EMH? my kids read about it and are looking forward to walking it... 
I was so happy we were being taken to AKL for our stay...Much more relaxed atmosphere and that is what we want when at the resort. 
(Plus I had an awesome rate - pin code) 
