Oh Come All Ye Faithful... DIS TR Addicts... UPDATE 4/19

[2xcited2sleep]

I think that I will try to do the Wayama Safari in December. I am also considering taking the Undiscovered Futureworld Tour during December.

Oooh... I'm going to have to check both of these out!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Goodness, you were an updating machine today, Christine!

The Yuletide Tour sounds like so much fun -- I want to see a pic of the Christmas themed nametag...

It actually completely boggles my mind the attention to detail that Disney takes in decorating -- I get all twitchy and overwhelmed just putting up my tree and the Nativity sets.

The purple cat story is sooo neat -- I love it!

Lovely photos from your stroll around World Showcase -- you know, I think I will have to have a glass of champagne just for you in June.

 

[TarzansKat]

Excellent update, and well worth the wait, my dear!

It sounds like a fun tour. I see what you mean about expecting a little bit more, but it looks like you got some nice VIP access to the parks, great pictures, as well.

You know it's funny that you mention about them scaling back, because my mother and I wondered during our trip if they had done that this year. It just didn't seem as WOW in certain places, you know?

And I never knew about the purple cat! That is so funny! I wonder if it's in any of my photos.

 

[29apr00]

The Yuletide tour sounds wondeful!! Would love to do that!!

All the pics you took around WS are beautiful! you really capture the theming of the country's.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Goodness, you were an updating machine today, Christine!

The Yuletide Tour sounds like so much fun -- I want to see a pic of the Christmas themed nametag...

It actually completely boggles my mind the attention to detail that Disney takes in decorating -- I get all twitchy and overwhelmed just putting up my tree and the Nativity sets.

The purple cat story is sooo neat -- I love it!

Lovely photos from your stroll around World Showcase -- you know, I think I will have to have a glass of champagne just for you in June.

Thanks, CP! I will be honored if you toast me while walking around World Showcase!

Excellent update, and well worth the wait, my dear!

It sounds like a fun tour. I see what you mean about expecting a little bit more, but it looks like you got some nice VIP access to the parks, great pictures, as well.

You know it's funny that you mention about them scaling back, because my mother and I wondered during our trip if they had done that this year. It just didn't seem as WOW in certain places, you know?

And I never knew about the purple cat! That is so funny! I wonder if it's in any of my photos.

Thanks, TK! Yes, I think that being in World Showcase "alone" before opening was worth the price of the tour all by itself! Did you see the purple cat in any of your photos? It was hidden in an alley this year... get it? Alley cat?

The Yuletide tour sounds wondeful!! Would love to do that!!

All the pics you took around WS are beautiful! you really capture the theming of the country's.

Thanks so much! You should definitely put a visit at holiday-time and the tour on your to-do list!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

When I last left you I was enjoying my last (for a while, anyway) lazy afternoon around World Showcase. My notes are not particularly helpful but as I recall I stayed there just about as long as I could soaking in the atmosphere. Then I headed back to “the Lodge” to enjoy some happy hour, see my friends on the sunset savannah, do a little packing (bah!), and get ready for dinner at Jiko!

On my way back into the Lodge, I stopped in the gift shop. I loved this gift shop b/c it had such different items from the other Disney shops. I hate when you see the same things over and over again. Almost everything in here seemed unique and animal themed. Lots of different t-shirts, rustic/African themed home décor, some drums and other African instruments, etc. I bought some souvenirs (stay tuned), some postcards I needed to fairy god-mail them to some kids I had committed to, and also got some happy hour material to enjoy while packing. If you have to pack, you’d better make it fun, right??

Thought this decoration in the gift shop was cute:

I am embarrassed to say that it took virtually my entire stay to connect the name of my savannah view, “the sunset savannah,” with the time of day the animals were most active. But I finally did make the connection and true to its name, lots of friends were outside for my viewing enjoyment. So, again, if you have to pack up to go home. If you can do it with a view like the following and a nice glass of wine… that’s the way to go.

cont'd in the next post

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Next I decided I’d explore around the resort a little more. It really is so beautiful at night. It’s hard to explain but you really do forget that you are in Disney or anywhere in central Florida for that matter. The grounds, decoration, ambience… it all just transports you somewhere else.

As I was walking along one of the paths I came to one of the savannah look-out spots and out of nowhere this voice says to me “they’re not out yet.” Scared the holy crap out of me!!!! My eyes hadn’t quite adjusted to the dark yet but once they did I realized that it was a cast member and that this was one of those spots where you could watch the animals (when they were out) with night vision goggles! I was bummed that the animals weren’t out since the night vision goggles was an item on my list but I hoped I’d be able to come back after dinner. I’ll skip ahead to tell you that I didn’t – dinner ADR was for ~9pm and it was too late when we were done. So that remains on the to-do list. And I’d happily make a special trip back to AKL just to do that.

Some light fixtures about the resort

At this point I decided to head to the Victoria Falls Lounge to have a cocktail and soak in more of the AKL ambience. I’m so mad at myself that I didn’t take any pictures because it is such a neat little area. It’s hard to explain but it’s about a half flight of stairs down from the lobby, overlooking Boma. It’s dark and cozy and I would imagine, had I not been alone, I would have found it to be quite romantic. But that said there were also kids there with their parents so in no way is it an adults only area. It has a pretty long bar and then lots of cozy seating areas. I got a glass of wine and just settled in and people-watched. It was really lovely. I don’t know about you, but I get kind of pensive and a bit sad on the last full night. It was a fantastic trip- despite the weather- and I didn’t want it to end.

Thankfully before I got too melancholy, Heather (Circusgirl) and Eben arrived. We’d had such a nice dinner at Brown Derby earlier in the week I was delighted when we decided to share Jiko too. Turns out we both independently had ADRs there for virtually the same time so we just combined them.

Granted it was almost 9pm but given the hype around this restaurant I was expecting it to be much more crowded than it was. There were lots of empty tables. It is a very pretty restaurant. Unfortunately you’re going to have to take my word for it b/c I didn’t take any pictures of the restaurant, really. There is bar seating over by the kitchen – I think that would be a great place to sit as a solo traveler! I love Food Network so to have a front row seat to the action would be cool. And I hear that sometimes they serve you treats… not that this has anything to do with my desire to sit there.

We were seated and our waiter, whose name I have forgotten, was very attentive. Without any more introduction, I’ll just jump right to the food!

Kalamata Olive Flatbread - With four cheeses and Laura Chenel soft goat cheese $9.00

The flatbread was very good. I would definitely get it again. But next time, I want to try the barbeque chicken flatbread with apples.

For my entrée, I’d known for months that I’d be trying the speciality:

Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon - with Macaroni & Cheese and Red Wine Sauce $39.00

It did not disappoint. So yummy. Perfectly cooked and delicious. I didn’t even miss my usual steak accompaniment of mashed potatoes… and that is saying something! The mac and cheese was yummy as well – not a traditional tasting mac and cheese but still good!

Jiko light fixture- the flash makes it look much brighter in the restaurant than it was. Not sure I understand the theming of these light fixtures… which is why I took the picture. I think maybe the ceiling is painted blue and these are birds like we’re out on the savannah?

Somewhere I had a group photo of us that our waiter took but for the life of me can’t find it. I’ll come back and post it if/when I find it.

So that’s a wrap on my last full day at Disney. I was happy to have ended it with good food and new friends.

cont'd in the next post 

 

[2xcited2sleep]

As long as I’m on a roll, I might as well fill you in on departure day. It is not all that exciting. It was FINALLY warm out! Of course it was, it was departure day. But Magical Express wasn’t picking me up until 2 or 3pm so I had some time. And there was only one place I was heading. The pool!!

I had a lovely time lolly gagging (sp?) around with my Twilight book. I thought a couple of people looked at my book and smirked (or maybe it was the sight of me in a bathing suit! ) but nothing was going to bother me. It was sunny, I was in Disney and I was relaxing.

I grabbed a quick lunch at the counter service restaurant and brought it over to my lounge chair on a tray. The ultimate in decadence – eating a cheeseburger on a lounge chair!

I really wish it had been longer trip and/or I had more sunny days because the pool area is beautiful!

Around the pool were even more animal viewing areas, perfectly themed for being pool-side!

Remember I had a thing for roof lines on this trip…

You can see the bar on the right hand side of the picture below. For food options you either had to go over to Mara (~3 min walk) and bring back your own food on a tray or call for room service delivery to the pool. Not quite as convenient as say Hurricane Hannah’s at Beach Club where you can go stand in line barefoot or still in your bathing suit but I thought it was ok. And, in case you were wondering, they do mix a good margarita!

All too soon it was time to go. As I waited for Magical Express I ran around taking final pictures that I’ve already shared when doing a “hotel overview” post.

The ME bus was practically empty (maybe 10 people?) and didn’t stop at any other hotels. Not sure if that is just due to the time of day or what was going on… but I liked it!

Well, I’m sorry to say it, but that concludes my trip. So let’s see. What’s left to tell you about? I’ll be back to share some souvenirs and final thoughts.
Thanks for reading!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Oooh, you are making me regret that I canceled Jiko. That BBQ Chicken Flatbread with apples will be mine someday!

Sounds like you had a lovely last night.

The AKL pool looks like so much fun. I know exactly what you are saying about how the resort makes you forget you are in Florida, that is how I felt about WL.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Oooh, you are making me regret that I canceled Jiko. That BBQ Chicken Flatbread with apples will be mine someday!

Sounds like you had a lovely last night.

The AKL pool looks like so much fun. I know exactly what you are saying about how the resort makes you forget you are in Florida, that is how I felt about WL.

Jiko will still be there. Maybe April 2010? Care to split a chicken flatbread for me? Only on the DIS would we plan a meal more than a year out!

I can't wait to stay at WL!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Jiko will still be there. Maybe April 2010? Care to split a chicken flatbread for me? Only on the DIS would we plan a meal more than a year out!

I can't wait to stay at WL!

You got it! I'd love to split one with you!

WL is so very relaxing.

 

[julezdisney]

Great ending to a great trip, C! LOVE the views.... it really is so pretty there.

 

[Donald is #1]

Your trip report was great and I am sorry to see it end. Thanks so much for posting it.

 

[kschafer]

Sorry to see your trip come to an end Thanks for sharing it all with us

To make you feel better, a quote that made me think of you:
I LOVE COOKING WITH WINE
Sometimes I even put it in the food.

 

[Circusgirl]

I'm as sad as departure day that your TR is over! It has been great fun looking forward to and reading all the installments, and enjoying your pictures.
Thanks for the great journey!

And it makes me less sad that we'll be having a Disney reunion in less than 6 months!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

You got it! I'd love to split one with you!

WL is so very relaxing.

I can't wait!

Great ending to a great trip, C! LOVE the views.... it really is so pretty there.

Thanks Julez!

Your trip report was great and I am sorry to see it end. Thanks so much for posting it.

Wow! Thanks so much! Thank you for reading and indulging me!

Sorry to see your trip come to an end Thanks for sharing it all with us

To make you feel better, a quote that made me think of you:
I LOVE COOKING WITH WINE
Sometimes I even put it in the food.

That so fits.... except for the fact that I can't really cook.

I'm as sad as departure day that your TR is over! It has been great fun looking forward to and reading all the installments, and enjoying your pictures.
Thanks for the great journey!

And it makes me less sad that we'll be having a Disney reunion in less than 6 months!

Hi Heather! I can't wait for our trip in September! We're going to have so much fun!! I hate that I'm going to end up wishing the summer away but I can't help it!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Oh, Christine! All of your pictures make me super excited to stay at AKL! Thank goodness I switched to staying there because otherwise I would be on the phone right now!

The AKL gift shop is one of my favorite ones on property for the very reasons you mentioned -- they have such neat and unique stuff there.

I read somewhere that the colors and design of Jiko are supposed to mimic the savannah.

That filet mignon looks sensational! I don't think I will show Charles because then he would make me redo our ADRs.

I cannot wait to try out the pool and pool bar!

I am so sad that your TR is almost over! You need to go again soon (maybe sooner than September).

 

[cdotla]

Hey Christine - I missed a couple posts but I am all caught up now!

Certainly sounds like an awesome solo Christmas trip to me! Can't wait for your final thoughts!

BTW - where did you go for that non-Disney trip? Every year we *always* go to Florida (and WDW) the first 2 weeks of May. However, this year we are going with about 12 others to a carribbean all-inclusive to celebrate my parents' 40th anniversary. I know I should be feeling lucky to be going anywhere, but all I am thinking is "I want to do Disney!" LOL!

Also, in case I missed it, when are you going next???

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Oh, Christine! All of your pictures make me super excited to stay at AKL! Thank goodness I switched to staying there because otherwise I would be on the phone right now!

Well then it's a good thing you already switched! You're going to love AKL. I am so looking forward to your trip.

The AKL gift shop is one of my favorite ones on property for the very reasons you mentioned -- they have such neat and unique stuff there.

Isn't it cool? I'm already planning an afternoon on my next trip of shopping in the store, cocktail at Victoria Falls lounge, night vision goggles and Jiko!

I read somewhere that the colors and design of Jiko are supposed to mimic the savannah.

You're right; I just read the same thing. In addition apparently the lighting in the restaurant changes as the night goes on to mimic the African sunset.

That filet mignon looks sensational! I don't think I will show Charles because then he would make me redo our ADRs.

I won't tell if you won't.

I am so sad that your TR is almost over! You need to go again soon (maybe sooner than September).

I am sad too. I would love to go sooner. Would really like to see flower and garden. Hmmm... wonder how much a quick weekend jaunt would cost...

Hey Christine - I missed a couple posts but I am all caught up now!

Certainly sounds like an awesome solo Christmas trip to me! Can't wait for your final thoughts!

BTW - where did you go for that non-Disney trip? Every year we *always* go to Florida (and WDW) the first 2 weeks of May. However, this year we are going with about 12 others to a carribbean all-inclusive to celebrate my parents' 40th anniversary. I know I should be feeling lucky to be going anywhere, but all I am thinking is "I want to do Disney!" LOL!

Also, in case I missed it, when are you going next???

Thanks! It was definitely an awesome trip. Almost didn't even feel solo b/c with Mousefest you get to meet and talk with so many people. It was the best of both worlds.

I went to the Turks & Caicos islands which are technically in the British West Indies. About a 3.5 hr flight from Boston. It is gorgeous there. HIGHLY recommend it!

I don't know if I officially ever said it but I booked bounceback on the December trip for the end of September through 10/3 staying at Beach Club again. That is the first week of Food & Wine!!

You just took a quick trip recently, right? How was it? I have to check your siggie for a TR.

 

[cdotla]

I don't know if I officially ever said it but I booked bounceback on the December trip for the end of September through 10/3 staying at Beach Club again. That is the first week of Food & Wine!!

You just took a quick trip recently, right? How was it? I have to check your siggie for a TR.

Yay...it's always nice to have a new Disney trip to plan before you come back from your last one!

Yes, I just got back from a quick trip last month. It was great...my first time at the Contemporary. Loved it!!! I was with DD5, and being the only resort that you can walk from your Hotel to the MK definitely has it's plusses!

We will definitely be back next May (2010). This May we are doing a non-Disney group vacation with family. I may also be taking a quick trip in September to either WDW for EEC/Food & Wine again or to Disneyland. No guarantees though.