Hi.
Prior to going on our trip to WDW I lurked on this and other boards for about a month. During that time all of you provided great tips and ideas for our trip. I want to thank everyone for sharing. It was probably the best vacation I've ever taken.
Just to give a quick re-cap: Our family of four (me, DW, DS15, DS5) got to WDW on Thursday, May 27, where we met the family we've been traveling with for 17 years (first trip was WDW in 87!). Of course, the make-up of the families has changed over the years. They now have a DS10 and DD9. The next day, our DD25 and DSIL25 joined us, as well. So, ten in our group in all.
We all stayed in AKL. What an awesome place. The lobby is incredible. The "watering hole" (aka, pool) is really neat. We all had savannah view rooms. Because we got the rooms under special rates the views weren't the best, but we were happy nonetheless. Really cool to sit on the balcony, relax, and watch animals you generally only see in zoos.
Anyway, we spent Friday at MK. Without going into the details, I'll summarize our day this way: as we walked out Friday night at closing, my DS5 looked up at my wife and said, "This is the best day of my life ever". Still brings tears to my eyes.
Saturday was MGM. We expected huge crowds due to Star Wars, but it didn't seem particularly crowded. In fact, Star Wars added to the fun. The characters really played up their roles. We lucked into Disney character signings by being under the Sorcerer Hat at the right time. The characters interacted with the kids a lot.
Sunday was an early morning fishing trip for the guys, followed by Epcot. We participated in the butterfly and ladybug releases. Pretty cool stuff. We also did the passports and Kidcot masks. My DS15 took charge, taking my DS5 from country to country. Added SO much to the enjoyment of the countries.
Monday was AK. Only bad day. Very hot (98), very crowded. Left by 1:30. AK provided one of our funnier moments, though. As we left, several characters were stationed outside the gates for signings/pictures. One character was ultimately dubbed "the bear on crack". I'm not sure who he was. He had a big, toothy, demented grin, with a wild hair do. Needless to say, not many kids were in his line. I felt kinda sorry for the character. He tried to encourage the kids by dancing around and acting silly. Unfortunately, it only made him look more demented.
Monday was also the best day. We did e-ride night at MK. Remember, this was Memorial Day. We didn't know what to expect. Well, it was unbelievable. Of the eight attractions available, we only waited in line for one - Space Mountain. My wife and DS5 rode Pooh so many times, the CMs started greeting him by name (he has ears). At HM, when the lights went out in the entry room, as if on cue, everyone screamed. It was like being in an intimate party.
The best moment of the trip for me? As we left MK after e-ride, we stopped in front of Cinderella's Castle. Yep, we got our goodnight kiss. It was wonderful. Very few people around. No clean-up noise. I feel goofy (no pun intended) saying it, but it really was magical for me.
Tuesday - last full day for everyone. We all went to Blizzard Beach. Great fun. But the parking lot was full by 1:00. We left around 1:30. Attended Mickey's Backyard BBQ Tuesday evening. A lot of fun. Great ribs.
Wednesday. Everyone left but DW, DD, DSIL and DS5. They went back to MK. Woke up Tinkerbell!
As for dining, we did the following:
Friday - Ohana
Saturday - Boma
Monday - Chef Mickey's - got to watch MK fireworks while eating
Tuesday - Mickey's Backyard BBQ
Wednesday - Crystal Palace breakfast
All restaurants, and food, were great. I would recommend them all.
Hmmm. Well, I didn't mean to rattle on so long. But, I want to thank again all the people who make boards like this possible. Not only did it help us to have a truly memorable vacation, it also gave us a better idea of why Disney is so much more than a theme park. I have a much better appreciation of Walt Disney, and his incredible vision.
Already planning our next trip!
Prior to going on our trip to WDW I lurked on this and other boards for about a month. During that time all of you provided great tips and ideas for our trip. I want to thank everyone for sharing. It was probably the best vacation I've ever taken.
Just to give a quick re-cap: Our family of four (me, DW, DS15, DS5) got to WDW on Thursday, May 27, where we met the family we've been traveling with for 17 years (first trip was WDW in 87!). Of course, the make-up of the families has changed over the years. They now have a DS10 and DD9. The next day, our DD25 and DSIL25 joined us, as well. So, ten in our group in all.
We all stayed in AKL. What an awesome place. The lobby is incredible. The "watering hole" (aka, pool) is really neat. We all had savannah view rooms. Because we got the rooms under special rates the views weren't the best, but we were happy nonetheless. Really cool to sit on the balcony, relax, and watch animals you generally only see in zoos.
Anyway, we spent Friday at MK. Without going into the details, I'll summarize our day this way: as we walked out Friday night at closing, my DS5 looked up at my wife and said, "This is the best day of my life ever". Still brings tears to my eyes.
Saturday was MGM. We expected huge crowds due to Star Wars, but it didn't seem particularly crowded. In fact, Star Wars added to the fun. The characters really played up their roles. We lucked into Disney character signings by being under the Sorcerer Hat at the right time. The characters interacted with the kids a lot.
Sunday was an early morning fishing trip for the guys, followed by Epcot. We participated in the butterfly and ladybug releases. Pretty cool stuff. We also did the passports and Kidcot masks. My DS15 took charge, taking my DS5 from country to country. Added SO much to the enjoyment of the countries.
Monday was AK. Only bad day. Very hot (98), very crowded. Left by 1:30. AK provided one of our funnier moments, though. As we left, several characters were stationed outside the gates for signings/pictures. One character was ultimately dubbed "the bear on crack". I'm not sure who he was. He had a big, toothy, demented grin, with a wild hair do. Needless to say, not many kids were in his line. I felt kinda sorry for the character. He tried to encourage the kids by dancing around and acting silly. Unfortunately, it only made him look more demented.
Monday was also the best day. We did e-ride night at MK. Remember, this was Memorial Day. We didn't know what to expect. Well, it was unbelievable. Of the eight attractions available, we only waited in line for one - Space Mountain. My wife and DS5 rode Pooh so many times, the CMs started greeting him by name (he has ears). At HM, when the lights went out in the entry room, as if on cue, everyone screamed. It was like being in an intimate party.
The best moment of the trip for me? As we left MK after e-ride, we stopped in front of Cinderella's Castle. Yep, we got our goodnight kiss. It was wonderful. Very few people around. No clean-up noise. I feel goofy (no pun intended) saying it, but it really was magical for me.
Tuesday - last full day for everyone. We all went to Blizzard Beach. Great fun. But the parking lot was full by 1:00. We left around 1:30. Attended Mickey's Backyard BBQ Tuesday evening. A lot of fun. Great ribs.
Wednesday. Everyone left but DW, DD, DSIL and DS5. They went back to MK. Woke up Tinkerbell!
As for dining, we did the following:
Friday - Ohana
Saturday - Boma
Monday - Chef Mickey's - got to watch MK fireworks while eating
Tuesday - Mickey's Backyard BBQ
Wednesday - Crystal Palace breakfast
All restaurants, and food, were great. I would recommend them all.
Hmmm. Well, I didn't mean to rattle on so long. But, I want to thank again all the people who make boards like this possible. Not only did it help us to have a truly memorable vacation, it also gave us a better idea of why Disney is so much more than a theme park. I have a much better appreciation of Walt Disney, and his incredible vision.
Already planning our next trip!
I think the best part of the cost is that this is for up to a total of 5 people on the boat and the boat is the party-type, very comfy and roomy enough.
