Hello everyone I will try to be as descriptive as possible and will add ALOT of photos later on!!
Day ONE Nov 5th (Saturday)
We flew out of Philadelphia at around 7:30 am (Delta) and had a small layover in Cincinnati. All flights were overbooked and for some people THIS IS A GOOD THING. But we will cover that later on the last day.
We got into the Orlando Airport around 4 pm, got the Alamo rental car and sped off to the Animal Kingdom Lodge. There were ZERO problems.
At the AKL we were met at the car by the Bell Services and taken up to our room 5423, again zero wait and no problems. We went to the Concierge Area and talked to them a little while, had a few glasses of wine and a few bites to eat (food was GOOD). We then proceeded to go to MK to get on the Haunted Mansion before it was closed for rehab.
At the Magic Kingdom it was CROWDED this was at 6 pm. The light parades and Castle stuff was keeping much of the crowd at bay. We quickly went on Haunted Mansion, Small World, Philamagic and Space Mountain. We had a HOOP DE DOO reservation at 9:30, at 8:45 coming down Main Street there were THRONGS of people. It looked like summer time crowds not Nov 5th! We fought though the crowds and made it to the Fort Wilderness Ferry. We got to FW right at 9:30!!
Hoop De Doo was fun, you start eating as soon as sit down. Our seat we front row center so that made it kind of extra fun. After the show the buses we waiting and took us right back to the AKL. Once at the hotel we went swimming (it was 1am) it was only a little chilly plus NO SCREAMING kids!! So it was very relaxing!
Day TWO Nov 6th (Sunday)
We slept in until about 11 am. Woke up looked at some animals outside the balcony got dressed and headed out to MGM Studios. Once there we used our fast passes for the Tower, saw some shows and did the same for Rock and Roller coaster. Seems like we were in that corner of the park for ALONG TIME. We had the Fantasmic Dinner package (which we did use the Meal plan) we ate at Mama Melrose. The food was GREAT and the service was GREAT and noise level was not too bad. After we ate we went to see the Muppets and wandered around back there. There was almost NO ONE back there in that side of the park. The street was decorated for Xmas but nothing was on. We then went and got our extra magic wrist bands and proceed to Fantasmic.
After Fantasmic (which was great) we saw a few more shows, rides and some shopping and then headed back to the AFK (we drove this day)
Back at the AKL they surprised us with a birthday cake for my Fiannce and a gave a nice Giraffe as a gift.
Day THREE Nov 7th (Monday)
This day we went to EPCOT, Got there in time for morning EMH and did Test Track, Mission Space, Honey I Shrunk, Figment, Circle Of life, Mickey Pumpkins and Soaring all in the morning (used fast pass on Soaring). Started wine tasting and went to "O' Canada why can thou not afford seats" did more wine tasting and eating. At the Rose and Crown they had beer tasting. This was VERY well done. Beer was COLD and they samples were good!
After the beer tasting had more wine and food and a frozen strawberry Daq. We went to Yakitori House for lunch and used the meal plan. Food was good and restaurant was quiet and clean. We then proceeded to have more wine samples and went to America and tried the Sam Adams Tasting there. I do like Sam Adams BUT the samples were poured BEFORE we even sat down, and it was not cold. The presentation was much better at the rose and crown.
Now after all that sampling and eating we started to get tired. We rode the maelstrom and then headed off to our dinner Reservation at the Coral Reef.
Now some of this right will here might make readers with little kids unhappy and defending them with follow up post. Please keep in mind this is just being
Descriptive!!!
Coral Reef....Food is GREAT....the view is good; the noise is TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE! If you want are looking for a relaxing dinner after a day in EPCOT the Reef is NOT the place to go. The way the room is designed it just makes the sounds bounce all over. On the way in look at all the strollers parked outside that will be the first hint. If you LOVE screaming and love kids the reef is for you!! I will compare this to Shark's Underwater Grill at sea world later on (the way the two restaurants look is almost the same BUT Shark's Underwater Grill is Designed BETTER and is much quieter)
After Screaming Reef we did Spaceship Earth and a few other things and headed back to the hotel. We drove on this day also and parked very close to the entrance.
Day FOUR Nov 8th (Tuesday)
We slept in some, went to Typhoon Lagoon, and had a great time! Went back to AFK and then drove to Downtown Disney, did some shopping and had lunch at the Rain Forest Cafe, then drove back to the AFK and took a nap. Dinner was at Jiko and was very good and the noise was at normal levels. We then went over to the Boardwalk and went to Jellyrolls and had a fun time there as well!
Day FIVE Nov 9th (Wednesday)
Seaworld day, and it was CROWDED there also. Saw all the shows, fed the dolphins, and ate at Shark's Underwater Grill. If you love the Coral Reef you will LOVE Shark's Underwater Grill. The screaming, yelling and shouting kids are there but the way the room is designed its not noticeable! We had supper at Sweet Tomato and Souplantion (just a place no matter where we go we like to eat at).
At night we went back to DT Disney and saw La Noubia! We would HIGHLY recomended it and yes DO COME EARLY!!!
Day SIX Nov 10th (Thursday)
We did the Sunrise Safari, and it was WORTH every penny. Many people on the Safari said it was much better then the Sunset Safari. Breakfast was at the tusker house and was very good! At AK we did all the rides, saw almost all the shows and had lunch at Flame Tree which was also very good! We took the bus back to AFK and took a 4 hour nap. At Night we went to Boma and we were very happy with the food and selection.
Day SEVEN Nov 11th (Friday)
We did the Disney Vacation Club Open house and took the plunge for the next 49 years. We got the Saratoga Springs Resort love the location and it seems like a great place!!!
The DVC van dropped us off at MK where we rode some rides and did some shopping until the heat beat us down. Back to AFK and then to Ragian Road for supper. Service was GREAT, good was GREAT, noise level was well under that of screaming reef.
At 9:00 we made our way over to the Wilderness Lodge and took our Wishes Cruise, Our driver was very good, did a lap around Bay Lake, saw old Discovery Island, River County, and saw the night time water parade. Then took the water bride over to the Seven Seas Lagoon and did a lap around that as well. The driver put us dead center of the Castle were where viewed wishes. It is WELL worth it, No crowds, no rush and very relaxing.
Back at AFK again they gave us a surprise gift, his and hers cologne for our anniversary.
Day EIGHT Nov 12th (Saturday)
Again Slept in went over to Saratoga Springs to take care of some paperwork, Came back to AKL and when swimming, At 2:30 we went to MK again as we walked on to Main Street the Parade Began (perfect timing). We did more ride more fast pass and more crowds dodging.
My only show complaint is The Tiki Room. I first saw the Tiki room 25 years ago at Disneyland and it was one of my favorite memories I like the songs and birds. The New version is Purely for the little kids that are entertained by the Aladdin cartoons and Lion King (the ones that watch it 4,765 time a week) The Big stuffed Lago and Zazu look silly in comparison to the other birds. We saw some older people walk out after they saw Lago!
Our Dinner was at Liberty Tree Tavern. We got lots of good char. photos and again the food was good. Even this place was quieter then screaming Reef.
We then rode more rides...one ill talk about a little is "Stitch's Great Escape" I personally LIKE Stitch. I can see Disney watering this down EVEN MORE as when the room when dark the little kids got scared and will be traumatized for life. For an adult as you do is sit there, get a watch splashed on you, tickled, and your harness moves when Stitch jumps on you. I really expected more but Oh well the MK is made for Kids we adult have to go to MGM or Epcot I guess for some excitement (Space Mountain still kind of excites)
After Stitch we walked though the castle and over to Toon town. We when to Mickey house and got our photo taken with Mr. Mouse and there was NO LINE, we were amazed! This was at 8:00 pm or so. We then jumped on the Train and were going to ride around the park. The train pulled into Main Street, Just as the train was getting to ready to leave the Music came on and the lights went off. We hopped off the train and ended up with a great spot in front of the station (or behind it as it might be) and watched the Electric Parade.
As soon as it was done we made the dash for the exit and saw the Water electrical Parade on the way to the bus. We finished packing and headed off to sleep.
Day NINE Nov 13th (Sunday)
Said goodbye to our Animal Friends and Left the AKL with many good memories.
Drove back to the Orlando Airport and here is a little trick we learned on the way...If you are coming or going to WDW and you know its going to busy like a holiday, Jersey Week..etc...Don't be a in a rush to get there day one OR a rush to get home. We flew Delta, Delta like many airlines likes to over book, we saw the on the way to Orlando. We were going from Orlando to Atlanta to Philadelphia, Every time I Got to my gate (and I made sure i was a hour early) I asked if the plane was "over booked" . This is a game you can do ALL DAY if you have the time TWO DAYS. Depending on the wait you get $200.00 PER PERSON or 400.00 PER PERSON and they will also put up in a hotel if your new flight does not leave until the next day.
We ended up with 800.00 in vouchers which we used to buy tickets to California when we go to Disneyland In May. If we had the time we could have gotten more. This was only after getting up our seats two times and the wait for the next planes was NOT long and we only got to Philadelphia 3 hours later then we were scheduled.
We had a great time and if any one has any questions we would be more then glad to answer
Brian and Mary Ellen
Day ONE Nov 5th (Saturday)
We flew out of Philadelphia at around 7:30 am (Delta) and had a small layover in Cincinnati. All flights were overbooked and for some people THIS IS A GOOD THING. But we will cover that later on the last day.
We got into the Orlando Airport around 4 pm, got the Alamo rental car and sped off to the Animal Kingdom Lodge. There were ZERO problems.
At the AKL we were met at the car by the Bell Services and taken up to our room 5423, again zero wait and no problems. We went to the Concierge Area and talked to them a little while, had a few glasses of wine and a few bites to eat (food was GOOD). We then proceeded to go to MK to get on the Haunted Mansion before it was closed for rehab.
At the Magic Kingdom it was CROWDED this was at 6 pm. The light parades and Castle stuff was keeping much of the crowd at bay. We quickly went on Haunted Mansion, Small World, Philamagic and Space Mountain. We had a HOOP DE DOO reservation at 9:30, at 8:45 coming down Main Street there were THRONGS of people. It looked like summer time crowds not Nov 5th! We fought though the crowds and made it to the Fort Wilderness Ferry. We got to FW right at 9:30!!
Hoop De Doo was fun, you start eating as soon as sit down. Our seat we front row center so that made it kind of extra fun. After the show the buses we waiting and took us right back to the AKL. Once at the hotel we went swimming (it was 1am) it was only a little chilly plus NO SCREAMING kids!! So it was very relaxing!
Day TWO Nov 6th (Sunday)
We slept in until about 11 am. Woke up looked at some animals outside the balcony got dressed and headed out to MGM Studios. Once there we used our fast passes for the Tower, saw some shows and did the same for Rock and Roller coaster. Seems like we were in that corner of the park for ALONG TIME. We had the Fantasmic Dinner package (which we did use the Meal plan) we ate at Mama Melrose. The food was GREAT and the service was GREAT and noise level was not too bad. After we ate we went to see the Muppets and wandered around back there. There was almost NO ONE back there in that side of the park. The street was decorated for Xmas but nothing was on. We then went and got our extra magic wrist bands and proceed to Fantasmic.
After Fantasmic (which was great) we saw a few more shows, rides and some shopping and then headed back to the AFK (we drove this day)
Back at the AKL they surprised us with a birthday cake for my Fiannce and a gave a nice Giraffe as a gift.
Day THREE Nov 7th (Monday)
This day we went to EPCOT, Got there in time for morning EMH and did Test Track, Mission Space, Honey I Shrunk, Figment, Circle Of life, Mickey Pumpkins and Soaring all in the morning (used fast pass on Soaring). Started wine tasting and went to "O' Canada why can thou not afford seats" did more wine tasting and eating. At the Rose and Crown they had beer tasting. This was VERY well done. Beer was COLD and they samples were good!
After the beer tasting had more wine and food and a frozen strawberry Daq. We went to Yakitori House for lunch and used the meal plan. Food was good and restaurant was quiet and clean. We then proceeded to have more wine samples and went to America and tried the Sam Adams Tasting there. I do like Sam Adams BUT the samples were poured BEFORE we even sat down, and it was not cold. The presentation was much better at the rose and crown.
Now after all that sampling and eating we started to get tired. We rode the maelstrom and then headed off to our dinner Reservation at the Coral Reef.
Now some of this right will here might make readers with little kids unhappy and defending them with follow up post. Please keep in mind this is just being
Descriptive!!!
Coral Reef....Food is GREAT....the view is good; the noise is TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE! If you want are looking for a relaxing dinner after a day in EPCOT the Reef is NOT the place to go. The way the room is designed it just makes the sounds bounce all over. On the way in look at all the strollers parked outside that will be the first hint. If you LOVE screaming and love kids the reef is for you!! I will compare this to Shark's Underwater Grill at sea world later on (the way the two restaurants look is almost the same BUT Shark's Underwater Grill is Designed BETTER and is much quieter)
After Screaming Reef we did Spaceship Earth and a few other things and headed back to the hotel. We drove on this day also and parked very close to the entrance.
Day FOUR Nov 8th (Tuesday)
We slept in some, went to Typhoon Lagoon, and had a great time! Went back to AFK and then drove to Downtown Disney, did some shopping and had lunch at the Rain Forest Cafe, then drove back to the AFK and took a nap. Dinner was at Jiko and was very good and the noise was at normal levels. We then went over to the Boardwalk and went to Jellyrolls and had a fun time there as well!
Day FIVE Nov 9th (Wednesday)
Seaworld day, and it was CROWDED there also. Saw all the shows, fed the dolphins, and ate at Shark's Underwater Grill. If you love the Coral Reef you will LOVE Shark's Underwater Grill. The screaming, yelling and shouting kids are there but the way the room is designed its not noticeable! We had supper at Sweet Tomato and Souplantion (just a place no matter where we go we like to eat at).
At night we went back to DT Disney and saw La Noubia! We would HIGHLY recomended it and yes DO COME EARLY!!!
Day SIX Nov 10th (Thursday)
We did the Sunrise Safari, and it was WORTH every penny. Many people on the Safari said it was much better then the Sunset Safari. Breakfast was at the tusker house and was very good! At AK we did all the rides, saw almost all the shows and had lunch at Flame Tree which was also very good! We took the bus back to AFK and took a 4 hour nap. At Night we went to Boma and we were very happy with the food and selection.
Day SEVEN Nov 11th (Friday)
We did the Disney Vacation Club Open house and took the plunge for the next 49 years. We got the Saratoga Springs Resort love the location and it seems like a great place!!!
The DVC van dropped us off at MK where we rode some rides and did some shopping until the heat beat us down. Back to AFK and then to Ragian Road for supper. Service was GREAT, good was GREAT, noise level was well under that of screaming reef.
At 9:00 we made our way over to the Wilderness Lodge and took our Wishes Cruise, Our driver was very good, did a lap around Bay Lake, saw old Discovery Island, River County, and saw the night time water parade. Then took the water bride over to the Seven Seas Lagoon and did a lap around that as well. The driver put us dead center of the Castle were where viewed wishes. It is WELL worth it, No crowds, no rush and very relaxing.
Back at AFK again they gave us a surprise gift, his and hers cologne for our anniversary.
Day EIGHT Nov 12th (Saturday)
Again Slept in went over to Saratoga Springs to take care of some paperwork, Came back to AKL and when swimming, At 2:30 we went to MK again as we walked on to Main Street the Parade Began (perfect timing). We did more ride more fast pass and more crowds dodging.
My only show complaint is The Tiki Room. I first saw the Tiki room 25 years ago at Disneyland and it was one of my favorite memories I like the songs and birds. The New version is Purely for the little kids that are entertained by the Aladdin cartoons and Lion King (the ones that watch it 4,765 time a week) The Big stuffed Lago and Zazu look silly in comparison to the other birds. We saw some older people walk out after they saw Lago!
Our Dinner was at Liberty Tree Tavern. We got lots of good char. photos and again the food was good. Even this place was quieter then screaming Reef.
We then rode more rides...one ill talk about a little is "Stitch's Great Escape" I personally LIKE Stitch. I can see Disney watering this down EVEN MORE as when the room when dark the little kids got scared and will be traumatized for life. For an adult as you do is sit there, get a watch splashed on you, tickled, and your harness moves when Stitch jumps on you. I really expected more but Oh well the MK is made for Kids we adult have to go to MGM or Epcot I guess for some excitement (Space Mountain still kind of excites)
After Stitch we walked though the castle and over to Toon town. We when to Mickey house and got our photo taken with Mr. Mouse and there was NO LINE, we were amazed! This was at 8:00 pm or so. We then jumped on the Train and were going to ride around the park. The train pulled into Main Street, Just as the train was getting to ready to leave the Music came on and the lights went off. We hopped off the train and ended up with a great spot in front of the station (or behind it as it might be) and watched the Electric Parade.
As soon as it was done we made the dash for the exit and saw the Water electrical Parade on the way to the bus. We finished packing and headed off to sleep.
Day NINE Nov 13th (Sunday)
Said goodbye to our Animal Friends and Left the AKL with many good memories.
Drove back to the Orlando Airport and here is a little trick we learned on the way...If you are coming or going to WDW and you know its going to busy like a holiday, Jersey Week..etc...Don't be a in a rush to get there day one OR a rush to get home. We flew Delta, Delta like many airlines likes to over book, we saw the on the way to Orlando. We were going from Orlando to Atlanta to Philadelphia, Every time I Got to my gate (and I made sure i was a hour early) I asked if the plane was "over booked" . This is a game you can do ALL DAY if you have the time TWO DAYS. Depending on the wait you get $200.00 PER PERSON or 400.00 PER PERSON and they will also put up in a hotel if your new flight does not leave until the next day.
We ended up with 800.00 in vouchers which we used to buy tickets to California when we go to Disneyland In May. If we had the time we could have gotten more. This was only after getting up our seats two times and the wait for the next planes was NOT long and we only got to Philadelphia 3 hours later then we were scheduled.
We had a great time and if any one has any questions we would be more then glad to answer
Brian and Mary Ellen
