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

[MeMom]

Just what I needed to see! My daughter, granddaughters, and I have an October trip booked, but we're still not sure she can get off. We keep waiting for an answer, but nothing yet. Those pictures make me more ready than ever! We've been before, so I know about all the rockin' awesome music, lights, and atmosphere behind all those pictures.

I second everything good that has been said about MNSSHP!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Just what I needed to see! My daughter, granddaughters, and I have an October trip booked, but we're still not sure she can get off. We keep waiting for an answer, but nothing yet. Those pictures make me more ready than ever! We've been before, so I know about all the rockin' awesome music, lights, and atmosphere behind all those pictures.

I second everything good that has been said about MNSSHP!

Thanks! I really wish I had pictures of Main Street but I don't! I LOVE the lights on the buildings and all the decorations! I can't wait to do MNSSHP again!

 

[dawnbu40]

Your AK plan sounds fun! We've always found AK to be a short day so maybe you could go back to Pop afterward and relax and then hit the party? We went to the Pirates and Princess Party in spring 2008 and to the MVMCP in Dec.08 and loved them both! You'd be going to such an early MNSSHP that I don't think crowds should be an issue! I can't wait to go but... if those pics don't sell you on the idea, nothing will

 

[MEK]

I was a few days behind!! Had some catching up to do! Epcot WS is my favorite part of WDW!!! I could spend soooo much time (and money) there!

Me, too. But I think most of my money would be spent on booze, either ingesting it there or buying bottles of it to take home.

We'll have time once you get back -- Charles and I aren't leaving until October 1.

By the time you leave I'll be ready to go back again! Seriously - I'll get my TR up and going fast so you can hear all about the storm chaser!

You're a sweetie, thanks! I think Rachel is starting to seriously doubt the wisdom of driving at this point.
I am excited about this reservation!

As you should be because that place looked really, really cool! I would like to try the south african wine flight. (Notice....that is two references to drinking)!

glad that Rachel is starting to second guess the driving. Curious to see what happens.

I'm hoping we can do an add-on here in about 5 years!!

Oh....I wish I could add on here....that would be such a dream!

Rope drop here seemed worse than the TSM frenzy at HS!!

Rope drop is pretty bad at Epcot. I will have to agree with that. It just feels like your walking so much farther to get to Soarin.

This is the perfect opportunity to get DH to do the behind the seeds tour with you. I may be wrong, but a CM told me it should be open. (I want my ex's GF to be able to take the tour), yeppers, it will be an interesting trip!

ex's GF.....yup...that sounds interesting.

I will definately check to see if its open and try to talk DH into it.

I don't drink, but with our trip dynamics I want to get the welsh dragon from the R&C pub, to keep the glass, if the trip is anything like I think it may be, I may try one of the GG Slushies also!

In certain situations alcohol can be a good thing.

You should check out the "Great Biscuits" trip report. He has some great POP pictures, including the pools!

I will do that....thanks for the tip!

Grrrr, you are really making me second guess myself. Connor can stay up late, but will be a wreck the next morning, but I want him to see the fireworks and parade. What to do?

Well....the fireworks are at 9:30 and the first parade is at 8:15pm, so that's not too horribly late.

 

[MEK]

MEK! Your plans look great so far!!

So many yummy meals! You will not regret Narcossees! It is seriously one ofthe best meals I've ever had! I can't wait to go back there and I can't wait to here what you think!!

As for MNSSHP, you HAVE GOT TO GO! Truly, seriously!! It's one of the best times at WDW ever! We went in 06 with 2 little ones, 5 and almost 4 at the time, and we didn't close the party out. But staying until 10:30 or 11 gave us enough time to do a lot of stuff and really enjoy it! It was so much fun! The Parade is GREAT, the fireworks are WONDERFUL and SUPER COOL!

As for pictures your wish is my command... (although I feel like I'm some how hyjacking your thread!)


My Cinderella with her coach in the stroller parking area by IASW


family Photopass shot...


mickey pumpkin


Super cool headless horseman (not the best quality sorry!)








this gravedigger guy with the bloodhound is super cool as well and so in character it's amazing!






I love these guys!













Hope you enjoyed!

Really, if your going to WDW during MNSSHP you definitely have to go!!!!

OMG.....there are SOOOOOOOOOO many pictures there and I am losing my mind because I can't see them at work. I can't wait to get home and thank you so much for posting the pics. I appreciate you telling me how great the party is, because I really do want to go. I'll just keep telling myself....its not the Christmas party, so just go. I really do want some night time in the MK and I have all my ADR's arranged around it, so I'm sure it will be a go.

I can't wait to see those pics!!!!!!!!

Just what I needed to see! My daughter, granddaughters, and I have an October trip booked, but we're still not sure she can get off. We keep waiting for an answer, but nothing yet. Those pictures make me more ready than ever! We've been before, so I know about all the rockin' awesome music, lights, and atmosphere behind all those pictures.

I second everything good that has been said about MNSSHP!

Thanks for the second resounding "YES" for MNSSHP. I really hope your daughter can get off from work so you will be able to go. I am just too excited to see these pics!!!!!!! I can't stand it!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks! I really wish I had pictures of Main Street but I don't! I LOVE the lights on the buildings and all the decorations! I can't wait to do MNSSHP again!

What????/ No lights??????

Your AK plan sounds fun! We've always found AK to be a short day so maybe you could go back to Pop afterward and relax and then hit the party? We went to the Pirates and Princess Party in spring 2008 and to the MVMCP in Dec.08 and loved them both! You'd be going to such an early MNSSHP that I don't think crowds should be an issue! I can't wait to go but... if those pics don't sell you on the idea, nothing will

Thanks Dawn. We usually make AK a short day too, but I would like to take in as many shows as possible. Of course, I just read that Flights of Wonder will be closed for refurb, so that's one less show to schedule.

Anyway, as you know, I can't see the pics right now and I am just about pulling my hair out. I know they will seal the deal!

 

[MEK]

Well.....some disappointing news....Flight Of Wonder is closed for refurbishment while I am visiting. So there is another attraction to cross of my list. Oh well, it will give me an extra half hour of time.

I went on line this morning to do some more reading about the AK attractions that iI frequently overlook. In additional to the Pagani trail, I would like to travel down the Marahajah jungle trek. That's were the bats are and I hope to be able to photograph them. I would also like to board the train to Rafiki's Planet Watch. I only did this once before during a very crowded visit during Thanksgiving. I would like to nose around and maybe see a little surgery. Wait....that might be too much like work. Haha...kidding.....operating on animals is defiantely a different game. If there are any characters out, maybe I can get a few pics.

The last thing I would like to do is the FOTLK. I've seen this show two or three times in the past, but the last time was 1/08. I love when they sing...."The Lion Sleeps tonight".

So, I am trading ITTBAB, Dinosaur, the Safari, Primeval whirl for the two trails (Pagani, Marahajah), Rafiki's planet watch, Nemo and FOTLK. And somewhere in there is EE. I guess my real issue will be how to work my lunch ADR around these things.

Try as I might (and believe me I have tried numerous times), I can't get a lunch ADR at Yak and Yeti. It is completely full. So our ADR is at 11:30 at the Tusker House. I thought breakfast would be cool here, but that was pretty much unavailable, too. So we made the ADR for lunch. I am a bit concerned that this may interfere with the Nemo show time. This past June the first Nemo show started at 11:15am. That is just too late and that was June....high season. I liked when the Nemo show started at 10am or 1030. I wish there was a way to see exactly when the first show is, but I don't think that's possible.

Anyway.....As far as the actual meal is concerned, I have read some pretty good reviews about Tusker House. Apparently they have lots of vegetariam/vegen selections and, although I am neither of these, I do enjoy eating those types of food. I just can't eat them to exclusion of everything else. I read a dining review on the boards written by a vegen and she RAVED about this place, so I am planning on liking it. That has not stopped me from still trying to get an ADR as Y&Y, but I am satisfied with the choice, just not so sure about the time.

I would love to stay and watch the parade....its at 3:45pm, but that doesn't give us much time to get back to the resort, change, and head to our 5:10 ADR. Where is that?????....coming up next.

 

[manntra]

Mickeysmyboy thanks so much for the great pictures! I am going to MNSSHP for the first time in October and I am looking forward to it!

ME...you should really go...if only to see all the Mickey pumpkins that we won't be seeing LWTL!

Tracy

 

[MEK]

Melissa:

Thank You!!!!!!!!so much for the great pictures. I can't believe how cute you guys look, especially your little cinderella. I also love the pictures of the parade and it doesn't look that crowded. Where did you stand to take your firework pictures?

 

[MEK]

Mickeysmyboy thanks so much for the great pictures! I am going to MNSSHP for the first time in October and I am looking forward to it!

ME...you should really go...if only to see all the Mickey pumpkins that we won't be seeing LWTL!

Tracy

I really am looking forward to going around Halloween. I can't wait to see the decorations, so I really must go to the party. I'm not sure why I was questioning it.

Now....I guess I have to think of a costume. Any suggestions? I was thinking maybe something piratey. I'm not really creative, but I've always wanted to be a girl pirate. I'm not sure if I can get DH to dress up though.

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

I think it will be nice to be able to take the time to see some things that are new!! I can't wait to hear about the lunch at Tusker...we have only done the breakfast, which is excellant! We also want to get into Y & Y for a lunch ADR when we go.

 

[MEK]

So after a leisurely day of walking paths and shows at the AK, we will head back to Pop for a quick break and to get ready for dinner.

Hey....I just thought of something......can I wear a costume to dinner or would that be wierd? Maybe instead of a full blown costume I can make some type of disney themed Halloween T-shirts. Hmmmmmm....I'll have the creative side of my brain give that some thought. There's plenty fo creative people on the boards. Maybe someone will have some suggestions.

Oh,.....there is one more thing I want to do at AK. I want to view the Tree of Life from different angles and I want to see how many different animals I can find. Does anyone know where there is a good spot(s) to take pictures of the different carvings in the tree of Life? I once saw a TR on the boards where someone took the most amazing Tree of Life pics.

So...dinner...well, I did not change my dinner ADR. I'm sticking with the 5:10ADR at Kona. I think we'll drive to the Poly and park there. I ate at Kona once with my DS and GF. It was really good. My DH has never eaten there, so I hope he likes it. He will!

I love the Poly resort. Its so pretty and tropical. I like to walk around the pool and the beach, but I suppose we won't have time to do that because we will be heading right to the party. I'd like to ride Splash and Big thunder at night and then line up for the parade. I guess we should try a little trick or treating and try to find some characters. Melissa's pictures are so good that I am really looking forward to seeing the park at night and seeing the parade. The ghosts look so real. I also HAVE TO ride the Haunted Mansion. Which reminds me....I was leaving Costco yesterday when this truck parked near me. The front liscense plate said "Doom buggy" with Haunted Mansion printed on the bottom. As the driver got out of the truck I said, "Nice liscense plate". He just chuckled and said, "thank". Then I noticed he had an Animal Kingdom t-shirt on. Gotta love it!

So that's it....my day 3 plans. Wow, my short trip is almost over with Day 4 and 5 to be posted next.

 

[MEK]

I think it will be nice to be able to take the time to see some things that are new!! I can't wait to hear about the lunch at Tusker...we have only done the breakfast, which is excellant! We also want to get into Y & Y for a lunch ADR when we go.

I heard the breakfast is really good and I read about it in CP's report. I can't remember if she posted pics or not (she probably did) and I remember thinking....yummy...I need to eat there.

I hope you get your Y&Y ADR. I'm sure you will. I just waited to late to make mine. I will make sure to take good notes at T H for lunch.

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Ohhhhh! I so want to go to the party!! I think maybe DH and I may try to do like you next year and sneak away for just a few days and go to it alone!!

 

[dawnbu40]

Day 3 sounds awesome! I know you will enjoy TH! Caitlin and I ate there on our "girl's trip" last Dec and really enjoyed it! The buffet is huge and there really is something for everyone! I'm glad you decided to go to the party. I can't imagine going that time of year and skipping the party. Trying new things keeps it fresh!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Have you eaten dinner at Boma before? I understand that the meals at Tusker House (lunch and dinner) are similar to Boma's. That sounds pretty delicious to me since we love our Boma dinners.

 

[jenjolt]

Totally loving your AK plans!! Paula and I will be dining at Tusker House and after reading all the great reviews here on the DIS I'm really looking forward to it!!

As far as great shots of the Tree of Life you should ask C...she took a photo tour of the tree and took some amazing shots so she might be able to guide you around the tree. I"m hoping to ask her to take me on the trail while we're down there!!!

Oh...I just love Melissa's MNSSHP pictures...I cannot wait to be there!!! The Haunted Mansion portions of the parade look amazing and I can't wait to see it!!!!

 

[eandesmom]

I
I am seriously thinking about calling when we get there. Not ahead of time, because if it works .....great, if not....that's OK. Here's what I was thinking:

Call to see if there is anything available for BC/BWV for Monday night (Epcot night)....if not......

Check to see if there is anything available for BLT for Tuesday night (MK night - Halloween party).....if not......

Check to see if there is anything available for WL for Weds night (eating at WL that night)

I think my DH would go for that because its only about 12 or 13 points for midweek. Those are really the only resorts I would like to try right now. I have heard (on the DVC board) of people getting same same day reservations, so you really never know. But, of course, I won't be disappointed if it doesn't work out either.

Nothing to lose and ALWAYS worth trying! If it's meant to be, it will and if not, it isn't

I
I could, but I'm not that much of a coffee freak that I can't manage for a few days with Nescafe. If I bring some flavored creamers I will be able to make due. When there is a coffee pot in the room I ALWAYS bring my own coffee, but I'll be OK for 4 days. (I think )

Hey, are you calling me a freak?

I suppose I qualify. Anyone who has to take a stainless steel french press camping and bring her own coffee and cups..may just qualify.

I
I'm glad that you have read good things about FF. I've actually only been to that part of the boardwalk once before, so I hope to wonder around the BW resort and villas and check it out more closely. then I am looking forward to walking into illiminations.

I have, I can't recall when and while I've only been to the BW once (and didn't see it) but I did read really nice things about it. I looked at it when I was considering epcot resorts as an option
.

I think things get a little more complicated with my Day 3 plans. For one thing, I feel like I am going to fall asleep right here, right now, so I'm not sure how far I will get with my writing tonight. For another, this is the day I THINK I am going to MNSSHP. I THINK meaning I am not 100% married to the idea. Why? Because I went to the Christmas party last year and I found it to be extremely crowded for both parades and the fireworks. Getting on rides was a peace of cake, but seeing the Christmas shows/parade, ect was just plain hectic. I am also NOT a night person because I have to get up so darn early. So my chances of closing out the party are slim. I usually need to be on my way by 11pm.

On the other hand, I have heard that MNSSHP is excellent and it really IS the party to go do. I heard the parade and fireworks are the best and the park looks very cool decorated for Halloween. So.....I'm pretty sure I'm going.....please convince me. Post pictures....tell tales.....inspire me.

So on Day 3 we plan to go to AK in the morning. I would like to get there for rope drop and head right to EE, grab a FP, and maybe even get on the ride if things appear to be moving along. I would like to do EE early in the am because I plan to deviate from my regular AK touring plans. Usually the staples of my AK day include EE, Dinosaur, Bug's life, Primeval Whirl, and Safari. I also throw in Nemo and Kali RR whenever I can. Kali is out this trip because my DH will refuse to go. Party pooper!

So other than EE, I really don't have plans to do my usual attractions. Instead I would like to try some things I don't do very often. For example, CP and Cynthia's pictures have inspired me to walk the Pagani trail. Usually its too hot or I get too distracted to concentrate on a trail. But this time the focus will be on getting decent pictures and soaking up the atmosphere.

In addition to the Pagani trail, I would also like to do Flights of Wonder. I have only seen this attraction once and I didn't have my camera. So, I think it would be fun to do this over WITH the camera. I probably won't get too many good shots, but I have to try.

I really want to see Nemo this time because we skipped over it last December and this past June. I've seen it 3 times and I love it. I can't believe they sing through the entire production. I thought it might be lyp synching, but its not.

Up next...more plans and lunch!

Awww

I am SO glad we did Pagaini! Majaraha trek is on my list for the next trip as is TOL close up!

Try as I might (and believe me I have tried numerous times), I can't get a lunch ADR at Yak and Yeti. It is completely full. So our ADR is at 11:30 at the Tusker House. I thought breakfast would be cool here, but that was pretty much unavailable, too. So we made the ADR for lunch. I am a bit concerned that this may interfere with the Nemo show time. This past June the first Nemo show started at 11:15am. That is just too late and that was June....high season. I liked when the Nemo show started at 10am or 1030. I wish there was a way to see exactly when the first show is, but I don't think that's possible.

Anyway.....As far as the actual meal is concerned, I have read some pretty good reviews about Tusker House. I would love to stay and watch the parade....its at 3:45pm, but that doesn't give us much time to get back to the resort, change, and head to our 5:10 ADR. Where is that?????....coming up next.

I've heard good things about the food, no clue about lunch though. I hear you on the shows, there is really no way to plan around it. Sometimes you have to just let it go and hope it works. It's funny, sometimes/days we see a lot of shows and others, a big fat nothing!

Hey....I just thought of something......can I wear a costume to dinner or would that be wierd? Maybe instead of a full blown costume I can make some type of disney themed Halloween T-shirts. Hmmmmmm....I'll have the creative side of my brain give that some thought. There's plenty fo creative people on the boards. Maybe someone will have some suggestions.

Oh,.....there is one more thing I want to do at AK. I want to view the Tree of Life from different angles and I want to see how many different animals I can find. Does anyone know where there is a good spot(s) to take pictures of the different carvings in the tree of Life? I once saw a TR on the boards where someone took the most amazing Tree of Life pics.

So...dinner...well, I did not change my dinner ADR. I'm sticking with the 5:10ADR at Kona. I think we'll drive to the Poly and park there. I ate at Kona once with my DS and GF. It was really good. My DH has never eaten there, so I hope he likes it. He will!

Which reminds me....I was leaving Costco yesterday when this truck parked near me. The front liscense plate said "Doom buggy" with Haunted Mansion printed on the bottom. As the driver got out of the truck I said, "Nice liscense plate". He just chuckled and said, "thank". Then I noticed he had an Animal Kingdom t-shirt on. Gotta love it!

Ok I'm trying to think, I think Carissa has some amazing TOL pics and maybe CP? I've seen some recently too, I'll need to rack my brain!

I your Costco experience!

you can definitely make a cool shirt if you don't want to do a full costume.

Mnnnnn! Kona....dinner!

I Kona for dinner! Not the greatest ambiance, it's lovely but rather open and I think it suffers only in comparison as it is less themed than most BUT oh, the food!

 

[SunnieRN]

family Photopass shot...

Oh my goodness!! How adorable is this!!!!! Your pictures are fantastic and I thank you for making my decision somewhat easier as I can show these to my grandson to see how he reacts. Thank you so much!!

Mary Ellen, your AK plans sound great!! I loved the trails, nothing else like it and the CM's on the trails have so much great information!! Fun stuff!! I would like to go to Rafikis Planet Watch this time, if the boys don't tucker out too soon.

There is a thread on the restaurant board that has categorized food pictures from the different disney restaurants. I will try to find the link to TH as a lot of people explain the buffet as "Boma light" and lunch/dinner look as great as breakfast!! I will edit and add it here if I can find it. Also I have read of people having a lot of success doing a walk-up to Yak and Yeti.

Remember what I said about ever morphing? Things are changing yet again and we may end up changing our dining. I hope not, but time will tell. One good change, Rachel now agrees that driving is out of the question!

Costumes at dinner sound like a great idea! We saw people dressed up at SOG and the Polynesian last September (when on our first trip and we had no clue about MNSSHP).

Looking forward to more plans!!

Here's the link. Just go down to TH and look at the various links within links...lol. On the bottom, two out of three of the links are lunch and I'm sure there are more.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1601839

 

[brookelizabeth]

Where is the candy lady? I am not familiar with her.

She is in Japan. She is funny and amazing to watch! I cannot recall her name...something with an M...someone here would know I'm sure!

Your plans for AK look so great! I hope to accomplish most of what you have listed as well---except with a toddler. So well, I'm setting my expectations pretty low!

That is a bummer about Flights of Wonder!!

As for the Tree of Life, there are actually trails that go around it - they are called the Discovery Island Trails and are very well hidden, they are a hidden gem! The paths are unmarked from what I remember, but wind around all over Discover Island, including around the tree! I think we found them when we were at the Baby Care Center and saw a random path leading into the "jungle" across the road, and we thought, "why not? let's go!" They are beautiful paths, full of waterfalls, animals, and plant life. I am not even sure they are on a map???

 

[MEK]

Ohhhhh! I so want to go to the party!! I think maybe DH and I may try to do like you next year and sneak away for just a few days and go to it alone!!

I am all for the "go it alone" approach to visiting the world. It's so fun to not be tied down to the kids for a few day. Sounds like everyone recommends the party, so I say go for it.

Day 3 sounds awesome! I know you will enjoy TH! Caitlin and I ate there on our "girl's trip" last Dec and really enjoyed it! The buffet is huge and there really is something for everyone! I'm glad you decided to go to the party. I can't imagine going that time of year and skipping the party. Trying new things keeps it fresh!

I am glad to hear that you give the Tusker House a big . I know if you like it than I will like. I guess my only concern now is that I might over eat and not be able to get out of the chair if there's that much food.

I agree that its important to keep things fresh and the party is a good way to do that.

Have you eaten dinner at Boma before? I understand that the meals at Tusker House (lunch and dinner) are similar to Boma's. That sounds pretty delicious to me since we love our Boma dinners.

I have eaten at Boma and I really enjoyed it. I heard that Tusker House is like Boma "light". I do love Boma and really need to eat there again, soon. So...here's to Tusker House! (but I bet that don't have Zebra Domes)

Stupid computer is acting up and I can't open my other window, so I will be back soon with more responses!