Kick'n It at Kidani (aka Am I Becoming a Resort Snob?)Final Update 8/20 p.54

[Queenofallthings]

Nice pictures! Falling asleep in the movie made me laugh out loud....carosel of progress, universe of energy and Spaceship Earth, last year I was out cold!! hey a girls got to do what a girls got to do.

Can't wait to hear about your ADR's.....

 

[KathyRN137]

Gorgeous pix!

I loved your final thoughts... esp. that Kidani Village got such a rave review!

Have fun planning September!


Kathy

 

[brookelizabeth]

Hi brooke:

I've been stopping by your TR from time to time. It's really good, but I am so far behind that I'm a bit overwhelmed with following it.

I'm glad you like the CSR and Kidani pics. I really wish I was going back to CSR in September, but I'm not. boo! You are going to LOVE the 2BR villa at Kidani. It is just gorgeous!!!!!!!!

Also - I agree ....that pic of LJ is priceless!

I know what you mean about being far behind - I get that way on some TRs/PTRs too - no worries!

Kidani looks truly amazing - while looking at your pictures I turned to DH and said "I can't look at these anymore, I want to be there NOW!" I've seen the models, I've seen oodles of pictures, but I know it's different when you are staying there!

The Niagara Falls pics are beautiful - my SIL was just there recently as well, she did the Maid of the Mist too. I would love to visit there someday and experience it!

Looking forward to more...and to your ADRs!

 

[SunnieRN]

Oh man!! I am sorry to see your trip report end, yet it will be fun to see if we will be able to cross paths in September!!

Loved the Falls pictures!! I have never been, but I actually had an ancestor that went down the falls in a barrel and survived. I can't believe he did that just because his last name was "Falls"...sheesh! The picture of you and Nick with your blue ponchos and Nicks thumbs up was particularly cute!!

Dang what is it with your camera batteries and fireworks you poor thing!!

Looking forward to more. Maybe you can give us an update on after your amusement park trip also!!

 

[eandesmom]

On Friday I posted some final thoughts. Here it is, two days later, and I am finally getting around to finishing my final thoughts. I had a lot of music to do this weekend....a wedding yesterday, the state fair, and two masses this morning. The wedding was not one of my best. I played my flute with the organ and the organ was incredibly sharp. This organ was ancient, built originally in 1820. Anyway, there was no way I could tune my flute to the organ. I can make the flute play flater, but pulling out the mouth piece, but I could not make it sharper. The fact that we were so out of tune was distracting to me and I played like crap. Oh well. These things happen. Anyway, after all that running around I needed to take a nap this afternoon and it took FOREVER to upload my Niagara Falls pictures to photobucket. Really not sure why.

So when I left off I mentioned that we had:

1. Stayed in two new resorts
2. Eaten at three new table service restaruants
3. Eaten at two new CS restaruants
4. We also swam in FOUR NEW POOLS!

As far as new attractions....well, when this is your 10th trip its hard to do a lot of new things, but I did manage to do a few......

At Animal Kingdom:

Perhaps the coolest new thing I did was FINALLY attend EMH at AK. Unfortunately, I did not ride EE at night. That would have been da bomb, but it will have to wait until who knows when. We are missing EMH at AK again in September, because our trip is so short.

As far as new attractions, well I didn't really do anything new but I did go into the boneyard for the first time since 2002, so that was "semi-new". I also went on Tricera-top spin for the first time since 02. So that was cool!

At MK:

The only really new thing I did was ride Aladdin's Magic Carpet. Yup...never been on that before. So, the only other things I haven't done are the speedway, goofy's barnstormer, the merry-go-round, and dumbo. I guess I will have to pick one of those babies for my next trip. I do regret that we never made it to Philarmagic. I know LJ would have liked that. I am glad we spent more time in Mickey's house than usual. It was fun taking pictures in there.

There is one other new thing I did in the MK....I tried to watch Wishes from the trainstation. That was new for me, although the experience was hampered by my dead batteries and the lady with the 'tude. But next trip, I will position myself plenty early!

At HS:

American Idol. That was new. And fun. I definately recommend the finale for those of you who like singing. I just wish it wasn't so "fixed". I read on someone else's TR that they even pick the songs for the contestants. I don't know if that is true or not. But if it is....don't pick "Black Horse and a Cherry Tree" and then tell the contestant the song didn't have a wide enough range.

At Epcot:

The fire safety game at Innoventions (I think it was called "Where's the Fire?")Next trip - Stormchasers!

So, a good time was had by all, despite the heat, humidity, missing tickets/room keys, and the meltdown on spaceship earth. I thought about calculating what the older boys tickets cost me per hour, but decided it would be too depressing. DS16 and his friend still joke about how they barely went into the parks and how they wasted their ticket. Nice.

So have I changed my mind about going next summer?....Nope.....not gonna do it. Maybe the following summer, but not next summer.

So have I changed my mind about taking the teenagers back? ....Nope....not gonna do it. If DS 16 really begs to go one more time before college then...maybe.

How frustrating about the organ! That would have made me crazy, like nails on a chalkboard!

I am so about your Black Horse and the Cherry Tree comment! I read they got to choose their song but it's a limited selection. Still enjoyable though! I'll go back to AI for sure. I may post some of my bootleg video.

You know, I wonder, if the teens were so bad b/c he did bring a friend. We had zero issues with DSS16 on the trip wanting to be in the parks and I could only see that changing if he was influenced by a friend otherwise....hmmmn...food for thought!

Since our quick trip to Niagara Falls fell on the heels of our Disney trip, I thought it would be fun to give a quick recap. After all, in one weeks time, we went from central Florida to Northern NY and the Canadian border. The purpose for our trip....our nephew's wedding in Buffalo, NY.

We got home from Florida late on a Monday evening, worked the rest of the week, and then headed to my BIL/SIL's house in Allentown, Pa on Friday night. On Saturday morning we caravaned to Buffalo. We left very early....around 6:30am ....and arrived in Buffalo shortly after noon. Nick went with us, but DS16 stayed home. His ODP team advanced to the semi-finals and he was cleared from his stress fractureon Thursday and allowed to play on Saturday.

The ceremony was very short (20minutes) and during that time I was getting text messages about the progress of DS16's game. When the ceremony was over we went outside and were greated with pouring rain. It was almost 3pm and the reception was not until 6pm. We drove back to the vicinity of the hotel and stopped at a TGIF for a drink and some munchies. Still not able to kill enough time, we went back to the hotel and watched, "Snakes on a Plane". No, I'm not kidding......we actually watched that ridiculous movie. In fact, we got so sucked into it, we were almost the last ones to get to the reception.

The boat basically idles near the Horseshoe Falls (canadian falls) for a good five minutes. It was very windy and wet. Then you are returnd to port. Boats depart from the US and Canadian side every 10 - 15 minutes. Basically no wait. Nicholas made a funny comment when we disembarked. He said, "Mom, if this was an attraction at Disney world it would need a FP or a 2 hour wait".

So....how did the game go? How is the stress fracture after playing again?

I am about snakes on a plane. NO WAY you could get me to watch that!

Nicks FP comment cracks me up but he is right! I would LOVE to go to Niagra someday with the kids. Sigh.

Thank you for sharing the pictures, they were great!

 

[Captdonswife]

Loved, loved, loved your trip report! And thanks for the addition on Niagara Falls. I'd love to go there someday - your pics were great!

Vicky

 

[MEK]

Nice pictures! Falling asleep in the movie made me laugh out loud....carosel of progress, universe of energy and Spaceship Earth, last year I was out cold!! hey a girls got to do what a girls got to do.

Can't wait to hear about your ADR's.....

I am definately good for falling asleep any place that's cool, dark, and relatively quiet. It's just what I do. We obviously like to take "power naps" on the same rides.

I will be posting my original ADR's soon.....then my current ones!

Gorgeous pix!

I loved your final thoughts... esp. that Kidani Village got such a rave review!

Have fun planning September!


Kathy

Thanks!

Kidani was so awesome. I went back and looked at some of my kidani pics today and I already want to go back there.

Seot plans are coming soon!

I know what you mean about being far behind - I get that way on some TRs/PTRs too - no worries!

Kidani looks truly amazing - while looking at your pictures I turned to DH and said "I can't look at these anymore, I want to be there NOW!" I've seen the models, I've seen oodles of pictures, but I know it's different when you are staying there!

The Niagara Falls pics are beautiful - my SIL was just there recently as well, she did the Maid of the Mist too. I would love to visit there someday and experience it!

Looking forward to more...and to your ADRs!

You are going to love Kidani! I just commented that I looked at my Kidani pics tonight and I really, really want to go back!

Niagara falls was fun. I suggest everyone see it once because it is pretty amazing. The sheer force is undescribable. I feel fortunate that I was able to drive there.

Oh man!! I am sorry to see your trip report end, yet it will be fun to see if we will be able to cross paths in September!!

Loved the Falls pictures!! I have never been, but I actually had an ancestor that went down the falls in a barrel and survived. I can't believe he did that just because his last name was "Falls"...sheesh! The picture of you and Nick with your blue ponchos and Nicks thumbs up was particularly cute!!

Dang what is it with your camera batteries and fireworks you poor thing!!

Looking forward to more. Maybe you can give us an update on after your amusement park trip also!!

I'll be posting my itinerary soon. I do want to see if any of our plans overlap

I can't believe you are related to someone who went over the falls! Talk about the ultimate thrill ride. OMG.....never!

How frustrating about the organ! That would have made me crazy, like nails on a chalkboard! It was so bad because I practice with a practice CD in my computer and the organ is perfect and I nailed it. It sounded so great. And then to switch to that. Horrible. There is no other word to describe it@

I am so about your Black Horse and the Cherry Tree comment! I read they got to choose their song but it's a limited selection. Still enjoyable though! I'll go back to AI for sure. I may post some of my bootleg video.You have a bootleg video....I have been hoping one turns up on Youtube. Yeah...I still really enjoyed it, too. Especially the winner of the finale. She was fantastic.

You know, I wonder, if the teens were so bad b/c he did bring a friend. We had zero issues with DSS16 on the trip wanting to be in the parks and I could only see that changing if he was influenced by a friend otherwise....hmmmn...food for thought! I do agree that bringing a friend can sometimes have a negative effect, but Brian has been a difficult teen since he turned 13. We took a family trip to the world in 06 and he was so annoying that we left him in the room all day and told him he could only leave to get lunch. After that, he acted much better. I was a lot like that too as a teen, so I know its a phase. Having the friend keeps him from picking on his brother and becoming a smart a.. around us. It's a challenge. Two boys, same household, same parents...totally different attitudes. And he was badly behaved, just didn't want to be part of the family.



So....how did the game go? How is the stress fracture after playing again?Doing well. No complaints at all. Thanks goodness because preseason for school starts in two weeks.

I am about snakes on a plane. NO WAY you could get me to watch that!Even though it was contrived, it was still pretty creepy!

Nicks FP comment cracks me up but he is right! I would LOVE to go to Niagra someday with the kids. Sigh. I know how you feel since you love the outdoors...there are so many places on the west coast that I would like to see

Thank you for sharing the pictures, they were great! your welcome

Loved, loved, loved your trip report! And thanks for the addition on Niagara Falls. I'd love to go there someday - your pics were great!

Vicky

OMG....thanks! So glad you joined in at the end and that you enjoyed the TR. Thanks for the compliment about the Niagara falls pics. I actually have a few more to post!

 

[MEK]

I don't do PTR's. I don't think I am witty enough to keep one going that long(even though my trip is only 6 weeks away). But I would like to tell you about my upcoming trip now, because we really booked it on a whim. When free dining was announced I said to my DH, "How about going to Disney for free dining this September?" I figured my DH would say, "Are you crazy?", but he didn't. So I picked up the computer and started to price out a 4 night stay at a value resort. The beauty was we only need a one day park ticket since we have AP's. I announced to my DH, "It will only cost $538, plus airfare. What do you think?" Then I checked to see what it would cost to stay at a mod. The difference was almost $300 more. Well, after some conversation DH said YES to the value, no to the mod. Our 20th anniversay will be in October, so that is how we justified it.

So .....here it is....Sept 20th (Sunday) to Sept 24th (Thursday) at POP century. Originally I was going to book ASMu, because I have never stayed there and I really think the theming is cute, but then I read that the rooms are still not refurbished. So I went with POP. I have stayed at POP twice before. Once with my kids, my GF, and her kids, and once by myself. My last trip there I was a little displeased with my noisy neighbors who came home every morning at 2am. But otherwise the resort did not seem overly crowded in January and it was quite pleasant for a solo trip. I am hoping for the same in September. Since we plan to rent a car, I won't have to deal with the bus lines. I have stayed in both the 50's section facing the lake/SE and the 70's section facing the lake. This time I think I would like to stay in the 80's building near the parking lot. I would also like to swim in the computer pool. I am hoping it will be a little less crowded over there. I could be wrong. I just want to be close to the car and away from the action. My DH has never stayed at POP so I will be curious to see what he thinks.

I did not try to book my flights until after we returned from the June trip. I figured it someone canceled and couldn't go in June at the last minute, I would use the credit from their flights to books our September flights. Of course, I started flight shopping the day after we returned from Disneyworld. Flights from Phila were too high: $99 on Sunday and $69 on Thursday. That's not terrible, but this is supposed to be a budget trip and the Sunday flight I wanted was actually $109. So I checked into Baltimore. Flights were $59, but the noon departure I wanted was not available. So I had no flights booked when I called to make my ADR's.

So flash back to June 22nd, Hampton Inn, Niagara Falls.......7am and time to call for ADR's. I wanted to try the online booking system but I could not get my computer to connect to the internet. So I got my coffee and sat in the lobby and called. Here were my original ADR's.........

Sunday 9/20 The Grand Floridian Cafe 8:30pm - remember I still didn't have flights, so I wasn't sure what time we would arrive. I wasn't even sure about this ADR. All I knew was I wanted to be close to MK and I wanted to eat at the GF, since I have never been there. I wasn't too impressed with this reviews of this place and I didn't have complete confidence that this was a decent ADR.

Monday 9/21 Rose & Crown 7pm My plan was to eat there and "hopefully" see Illuminations from the deck. I wanted a later ADR, but that was all I could get. I was pretty happy with this ADR because I have never eaten here before.

Tuesday 9/22 Kona Cafe 5:10pm My DH has never eaten at the Kona Cafe, so I thought this would be fun. Please its close to MK and this is the night we may go to the Halloween party. I knew we would be able to park at the Poly and then go to the party.

Wednesday 9/23 Artist's Point 6pm I had to have one signature ADR, even though we were on the regular dining plan (at the time ). I figured we could pay for one ADR OOP. The other possibility was that we cancel the GF Cafe ADR.

I was fairly satisfied with my ADR's, but not completely. In my head I kept calculating my OOP costs. I hate worrying about spending $ on food. That's why I like the DP so much.

So....up next.....The CAve of the Winds tour at Niagara Falls and changing ADR's.

 

[dawnbu40]

Your dates at Pop are exactly a week before ours! Its too bad they didn't coincide! Of your "currently posted" adrs we've only been to the Rose and Crown which we've always enjoyed. I love their fish and chips! I'm thinking there will be at least one more signature meal when you post your updates adrs.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

I don't do PTR's. I don't think I am witty enough to keep one going that long(even though my trip is only 6 weeks away). But I would like to tell you about my upcoming trip now, because we really booked it on a whim.

I would have to say you are plenty witty! I look forward to hearing about the rest of the planning. I hope you do a trip report for your Sept trip too.

P.S. If you like Kirklands, have you checked out Homegoods? (I live in West Chester-30 min from Lancaster) and my husband is from DE.

 

[mickeysmyboy]

There is no way, no how you'd get me on that viewing platform at the falls! Nope! I just about had an anxiety attack looking at it!

Your too funny about falling asleep in the movie! I ALWAYS fall asleep in Hall of Presidents and The American Adventure! Terrible I know! DD gets sooo mad at me! But it's cool, quiet and dark! Plus, you just walked 9,000 miles through a park filled with 10,000,000 people! Once my rear touches that soft chair it's like instant relaxation! I'm out in like 30 seconds!

Your plenty witty enough to do a PTR and keep everyone interested! Can't wait to see more pics of the falls and hear more about you ADR's!

 

[Queenofallthings]

OMG, those flights are super cheap. We never get great flight prices. When I booked Jas and I last December we got them 50% off and it still cost me $491 each This is why I put everything I can on my visa so I can use the points to get our airfare, but you still have to pay the surcharges and taxes

Loving your ADR's...we're doing Kona for the first time and I'm so excited

 

[Charleston Princess]

Hi, MEK! Loved the rest of the Niagara Falls pics, but I don't think I could ever go out on that observation deck!

I was going to comment on your ADRs, but if you are changing them, I will just wait for the final list!

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

This is like three things in one!! We got your DW trip, Niag. trip and a little pre-trip all in one!! Interrested to see how your ADR's change!!

 

[faerieprincess]

Huh, guess that's why they called it Fallsview Casino i really didn't know it was that close to the falls! Cool.

i'm sorry your trip report is finished but YaY! you're going back almost right away! and yes, you so could keep us going for a full PTR - especially if it's only 6 weeks away

 

[MEK]

Your dates at Pop are exactly a week before ours! Its too bad they didn't coincide! Of your "currently posted" adrs we've only been to the Rose and Crown which we've always enjoyed. I love their fish and chips! I'm thinking there will be at least one more signature meal when you post your updates adrs.

Wow...that would have been fun to be there the same week. Most of the Disers I know are going the week after my trip. I wanted to go a bit later, but couldn't because of my coworker's schedule. So I picked the latest date I could go during free dining. Are you and Dale going to the Halloween party? There are definately some changes to my ADR's coming.

I would have to say you are plenty witty! I look forward to hearing about the rest of the planning. I hope you do a trip report for your Sept trip too.

P.S. If you like Kirklands, have you checked out Homegoods? (I live in West Chester-30 min from Lancaster) and my husband is from DE.

Thanks DDD. I will definately do a Sept TR. I think its more fun writing about an adults only trip because we do more of what I want to do.

I have heard of homegoods, but I really don't know where it is and have never visited in. Is it in West Chester? BTW - I did stop in Kirklands for the fastest 5 minutes ever and managed to get myself a little treat - two candle sticks and a matching vase on clearance. I also saw this adorable umbrella stand, but I resisted.

There is no way, no how you'd get me on that viewing platform at the falls! Nope! I just about had an anxiety attack looking at it!

Your too funny about falling asleep in the movie! I ALWAYS fall asleep in Hall of Presidents and The American Adventure! Terrible I know! DD gets sooo mad at me! But it's cool, quiet and dark! Plus, you just walked 9,000 miles through a park filled with 10,000,000 people! Once my rear touches that soft chair it's like instant relaxation! I'm out in like 30 seconds!

Your plenty witty enough to do a PTR and keep everyone interested! Can't wait to see more pics of the falls and hear more about you ADR's!

No observation deck for you, huh? That really wasn't that bad, but I really didn't think my DH was going to get me in elevator to descend 200 ft through rock to visit the Cave of the Winds. Wait until you see how he conned me into it!

Hall of Presidenta and AA, two of my favorite places for a cat nap. Although, I always get choked up when they sing the song about the two brothers going to war, one who wore blue and the other gray. That song gets me everytime. I really need to bring kleenex with me for the times I DON'T fall asleep.

Thanks for the vote of confidence for the PTR, which reminds me that I need to see what's new with your PTR.

OMG, those flights are super cheap. We never get great flight prices. When I booked Jas and I last December we got them 50% off and it still cost me $491 each This is why I put everything I can on my visa so I can use the points to get our airfare, but you still have to pay the surcharges and taxes

Loving your ADR's...we're doing Kona for the first time and I'm so excited

Yeah, when you only live 2 hours by air from Orlando you can score some cheap flights. That's really the big reason why I can visit so much. Honestly, the absolute most I ever paid for a trip to Orlando was $179 round trip and that was over Thanksgiving. Usually I pay about $135 - 140 RT and I alternate flying out of Philadelphia with leaving from Baltimore. I just go with whatever city has the cheapest fare. My September trip will be my 12th trip to Orlando and my 11th to Disney world.
I definately could not pay $491 RT on a regular basis. I would HAVE to drive....ugghhhh!

Hi, MEK! Loved the rest of the Niagara Falls pics, but I don't think I could ever go out on that observation deck!

I was going to comment on your ADRs, but if you are changing them, I will just wait for the final list!

CP - You definately could go out on that deck. It looks much worse than it was because the state park level was pretty much the same level as the deck.

As far as my ADR's......I did leave two the same, so you can start guessing which two?

This is like three things in one!! We got your DW trip, Niag. trip and a little pre-trip all in one!! Interrested to see how your ADR's change!!

Hey....I could tell you about my Dutch Wonderland trip today, too if you are interested. Actually, we had a really fun time. Not only did Nick go with me, but DS 16 Brian went as well. Brian is actually grounded right now for a serious infraction, which I will not share with you in detail. Let's just say it was a serious misjudgement on his part and had to do with abuse of his learner's permit. I will leave it up to you to figure that out. Anyway, he has been very pleasant all week and his taken his punishment without any attitude. Since he is bored out of his mind, he went with us. What a treat for all the cousins. It really was fun. Of course, I didn't charge the rechargeables before we left so I didn't take many pics.

Huh, guess that's why they called it Fallsview Casino i really didn't know it was that close to the falls! Cool.

i'm sorry your trip report is finished but YaY! you're going back almost right away! and yes, you so could keep us going for a full PTR - especially if it's only 6 weeks away

Supposedly you can see everything from the Canadian side of the falls. Unfortunately, our passports expired and we didn't renew them so we were stuck on the US side. (I guess when your only vacation is Disney, its easy to let your passport expire LOL).

I could do a full PTR, but I really want to get back to reading everyone else's. To me that's more fun!

 

[wsushocker]

I think its more fun writing about an adults only trip because we do more of what I want to do.

Are the adults mature?

 

[wsushocker]

Hey....I could tell you about my Dutch Wonderland trip today, too if you are interested.

Did you ride this?

 

[MEK]

Are the adults mature?

Yes!

Did you ride this?

And Yes!

Thank you shocker! That little roller coaster was such a blast! I always forget how fun it is because I always think to myself....."Dutch wonderland....there aren't any good rides here", and then I got on that ride and SCREAMED LIKE A LITTLE BABY the first time I rode it. It was downright embarassing. Seriously, my stomach went in my throat on the first drop. It was a blast.

 

[MEK]

I have about 15 minutes, so maybe I can so a really quick update.

BTW...We did go to Dutch Wonderland yesterday and we did ride that coaster in the picture shocker posted. We rode it 5 times and could have ridden it all day because there were no waits. It was actually really, really fun to ride mostly kid rides and not have to wait at all. We did both boats rides, the coaster 5X, the log flume ride, 2X, Bumper cars 2X, the flying spaceship 2X, the simulator 1X, turtle whirl 2X (that was like a souped up version of the teacups......ie. dizziness), the monorail 1X, the speedway cars 1X, the swings 2X. And probably more. We had a really good time. Both my boys went and they were so good with their cousins. It was a really nice day and I'm glad we decided to go there afternoon. As my older son said, it was "chill" and there was no pressure to get on big rides. We just went with the flow.

So back to Niagara Falls. Once our ADR's were made, I went out for a run. Then I started the daunting task of packing. I figured out that in two weeks time I had slept in 6 different places. I do not know how people travel for a living, because I am definately not organized enough for that. I literally threw everything into the suitcases and hoped for the best when I returned home. When Nicholas finally got up we had some continental breakfast and went back to Goat Island. There is where the Cave of the Winds tour was and DH announced that he was doing it, no matter what.

Here is a look down onto people actually taking the tour. they are in the lovely yellow raincoats:

Here's a few rainbow shots:

So....how did DH get me to actually go down into the Cave of the Winds????????