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

[2xcited2sleep]

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.

Yes, having a next trip certainly does help ease the anxiety. But the time is going by so SLOWLY!

Will you be writing about your quickie trip? Please? Or just posting photos?

Did you have one of those fancy refurbed rooms at the Contemporary? You must tell me all about it!

If you're in WDW 9/24-10/3, let me know. Would love to meet you!!

 

[cdotla]

Hey Christine - once I get back from my May vacation (the countdown is on now, and I have a million things to do) I may then start a TR. By then I should also have my Photopass CD. I will definitely let you know, but if I do one it won't be until mid to late May.

And I will certainly let you know about the Sept/Oct trip. If I go it will be the weekend of the 26th for EEC, so we will definitely overlap! Are you planning to run?

Oh, and PS - yes, I stayed in one of the refurbed rooms at Contemporary. Actually I think they are all refurbed now. The Poly is still my overall favourite resort, but just evaluating based on rooms alone the Contemporary gets my vote!!! Super, super nice. Poly is a close second, but I am not a fan of any of the other Deluxe rooms. GF way too fussy for me and Yacht and Beach I find a bit bland. (Although don't get me wrong, I *loved* my stay at Yacht...it just wasn't the room decor that was drawing me there!)

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Hey Christine - once I get back from my May vacation (the countdown is on now, and I have a million things to do) I may then start a TR. By then I should also have my Photopass CD. I will definitely let you know, but if I do one it won't be until mid to late May.

And I will certainly let you know about the Sept/Oct trip. If I go it will be the weekend of the 26th for EEC, so we will definitely overlap! Are you planning to run?

OK. Sounds good. Run? I don't think so. How long a run is this one? I will say I'm both scared and somewhat tempted... I am thinking about the princess half marathon but not until 2011. I am not a runner AT ALL. Is there enough time to turn into one between now and Sept?

 

[cdotla]

OK. Sounds good. Run? I don't think so. How long a run is this one? I will say I'm both scared and somewhat tempted... I am thinking about the princess half marathon but not until 2011. I am not a runner AT ALL. Is there enough time to turn into one between now and Sept?

Ha, ha! You will have to re-read my EEC report. I did absolutely no training before the EEC. Mind you it showed!

Honestly there were a large number of walkers at both DIsney races I have done (Minnie 5k in May 2008) and EEC in Sept 2008. Check out the WISH board - lots of people of all levels there. You will have an instant team there.

And yes, even if you want to run, you have LOADS of time to prepare if you start now. It is only a 5k. Followed by a short obsticle course, followed by a scavenger hunt. 85-90% of people walked through the Park for the scavenger hunt, so even if you wanted to run you would only have to do 5k.

Honestly, it is so much fun!!! You will LOVE it! It gives you a completely different WDW experience to enjoy!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Oh no, it is over?! I hate the endings of trips (and trip reports for that matter, haha!).

The pool at AKL is so much fun. We loved the slide. I have not read Twilight yet...I am trying to avoid getting sucked into that but I am getting close to caving in...everyone says it's so good!

Can't wait to see your souvenirs.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Ha, ha! You will have to re-read my EEC report. I did absolutely no training before the EEC. Mind you it showed!

Honestly there were a large number of walkers at both DIsney races I have done (Minnie 5k in May 2008) and EEC in Sept 2008. Check out the WISH board - lots of people of all levels there. You will have an instant team there.

And yes, even if you want to run, you have LOADS of time to prepare if you start now. It is only a 5k. Followed by a short obsticle course, followed by a scavenger hunt. 85-90% of people walked through the Park for the scavenger hunt, so even if you wanted to run you would only have to do 5k.

Honestly, it is so much fun!!! You will LOVE it! It gives you a completely different WDW experience to enjoy!

Hmmm... a run in and of itself might be enough for me. Not sure I'd then want to do an obstacle course. Didn't you get all muddy? I'm such a princess! I am still a bit tempted... getting bitten by the fitness bug. We'll see...

Oh no, it is over?! I hate the endings of trips (and trip reports for that matter, haha!).

The pool at AKL is so much fun. We loved the slide. I have not read Twilight yet...I am trying to avoid getting sucked into that but I am getting close to caving in...everyone says it's so good!

Can't wait to see your souvenirs.

I know... so sad it is over. DIS TR's are such a blessing to help you string it out as long as possible!

You HAVE to read Twilight. This may be heresy but I did not really care for the movie. But the books...

 

[TarzansKat]

Okay, first off, I totally missed the "alley" cat. I'll have to go through my photos, but I don't think it's in there. Who knows, though.

I love the wreath in that shop. So cool!

And you know, I'm not always a fan of the AKL, but your pictures make it look so beautiful. Sounds like you had a really nice ending to your trip. Jiko is one of the only signatures that I haven't tried, and that filet does look so yummy.

 

[jenjolt]

What great updates C!! I loved seeing all those gorgeous pictures of AKL...I really want to visit over there sometime to see the resort!

Awww...a relaxing pool day what a way to end a great trip to Disney!! That is great!!

I can't wait ot hear more about your final thoughts!!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Okay, first off, I totally missed the "alley" cat. I'll have to go through my photos, but I don't think it's in there. Who knows, though.

I love the wreath in that shop. So cool!

And you know, I'm not always a fan of the AKL, but your pictures make it look so beautiful. Sounds like you had a really nice ending to your trip. Jiko is one of the only signatures that I haven't tried, and that filet does look so yummy.

Ya never know what you'll find in your Disney pictures! I was just reading a TR where someone posted a photo from behind of someone with a LGMH hanging off their backpack and said "if this is you, please say hello." And she did! She was reading the TR!

Oh, I highly recommend Jiko and exploring around the resort!

What great updates C!! I loved seeing all those gorgeous pictures of AKL...I really want to visit over there sometime to see the resort!

Awww...a relaxing pool day what a way to end a great trip to Disney!! That is great!!

I can't wait ot hear more about your final thoughts!!!

Thanks, Jen. As I said to TK, can't recommend spending some time at this resort highly enough. I've heard that in the afternoon they also do a (free) behind the scenes tour of their kitchens. Maybe it's all the Food Network I watch but I think that would be so cool!

 

[brookelizabeth]

What a PERFECT last day! I highly enjoyed all your pictures around WS, they transported me there for a few moments (minus Mickey Mouse Clubhouse in the background and a toddler eating his breakfast to my right...). I really need to explore France...I never have seen some of things you noticed!

I teared up at the Princess Aroura story. That's Disney! I love it!

And, I laughed out loud at the "feeding the birds/lake" comment.

All your AKL pictures make me VERYYYYYY excited to return there in December! And Jiko, so glad to hear it was yummy! It has moved up the list for December...esp since we are staying there...I think Joe would flip over that filet with mac & cheese!

 

[29apr00]

What a great report! You had a wonderful trip despite the weather! Can't wait for you to go again!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

What a PERFECT last day! I highly enjoyed all your pictures around WS, they transported me there for a few moments (minus Mickey Mouse Clubhouse in the background and a toddler eating his breakfast to my right...). I really need to explore France...I never have seen some of things you noticed!

I teared up at the Princess Aroura story. That's Disney! I love it!

And, I laughed out loud at the "feeding the birds/lake" comment.

All your AKL pictures make me VERYYYYYY excited to return there in December! And Jiko, so glad to hear it was yummy! It has moved up the list for December...esp since we are staying there...I think Joe would flip over that filet with mac & cheese!

Thanks! It was a pretty perfect last day. The only aggravating part was that it was finallly "Florida warm" on departure day! But it was still a great trip!

Yes, please explore France, with some champagne in hand. But the cute waiters are all mine!

I got a bit teary at the Princess encounter myself. Totally perfect Disney moment and even if it isn't happening to you it is still awesome.

Seriously. The birds are out of control!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You will love AKL and Jiko!!

What a great report! You had a wonderful trip despite the weather! Can't wait for you to go again!!

Wow! Thanks so much! I can't wait til I go again either! I surprised myself at not letting the weather get me down... I guess it was the magic of Disney and all the new friends I made!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Souvenirs. I bought a few. In my defense it was December and holiday season, so not all of it was for me. You know how Vegas casinos allegedly pump in oxygen to make you feel awake? I swear Disney pumps something in to make you want to buy!

Loved this t-shirt from Everything Pop. Peace, Love & Mickey Mouse, baby! They had a few “new age” type shirts.

A Christmas themed wine stopper for other wine enthusiasts.

Some tea for my tea loving cousin and uncle.

From France, some drawer satchets… I think I’m going to have to get some for myself this year. They smell so yummy!

You can see under all of these photos the green bamboo placemats I got from Japan! Love them!!

I think I already mentioned that at the mega-mousemeet I got the page a day trivia calendar by Lou Mongello. I’m really enjoying a Disney factoid every day!

I got a Daruma (wish) doll in Japan. Next trip I want the cash cat from China!

You may recall that I have a thing for the big cozy Norwegian sweaters. Well, the day I went they didn’t have too many out b/c the stars of some fishing show were there. But in addition to loving the sweaters, I love how it smells in there. And so I bought the perfume. And I love when I put it on in the morning and think of Epcot!

I also got this jade necklace from China:

It feels like I must have gotten more but I can’t think of it, if I bought it.

Coming next: some final thoughts… and the start of a PTR

 

[Lady Lallie]

Pardon me...? Some stars from some fishing show! I think you are referring to Deadliest Catch. Hmm...how can I put this? French Waiters = C's , Deadliest Catch Men = LL's .



Okay...on to the souvenirs! I love the Mickey shirt, it is so cute. I also love your Jade necklace. I will have to show my Mom those, she adores Jade.

 

[Circusgirl]

Nice selection of goodies, Christine! It is wonderful to have those things like the perfume that you can wear often for an olfactory trip back to the World.
The t-shirt is adorable. I love the motto of "Better Existence through Laughter"! That's my kind of philosophy. I never saw that design in my shopping. I like it when the shops have different stock in different locations. I worry that they will homogenize everything in an attempt to control costs.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Pardon me...? Some stars from some fishing show! I think you are referring to Deadliest Catch. Hmm...how can I put this? French Waiters = C's , Deadliest Catch Men = LL's .



Okay...on to the souvenirs! I love the Mickey shirt, it is so cute. I also love your Jade necklace. I will have to show my Mom those, she adores Jade.

Well, Pardon me! Had I realized who they were, I would have treated them with appropriate reverance. I'm going to have to check that show out. The line to meet them was HUGE!!!

Isn't the shirt cute? I like it a lot. The China pavilion has lots of nice things tucked away - you have to take your time exploring!

Nice selection of goodies, Christine! It is wonderful to have those things like the perfume that you can wear often for an olfactory trip back to the World.
The t-shirt is adorable. I love the motto of "Better Existence through Laughter"! That's my kind of philosophy. I never saw that design in my shopping. I like it when the shops have different stock in different locations. I worry that they will homogenize everything in an attempt to control costs.

Thanks Heather! I feel the same way about the stores. That's why I loved the AKL store so much. And why I am so excited about the new Tren-D boutique in Downtown Disney. Although I suspect I am neither young enough, thin enough, or trendy enough to wear any of its offerings. But I'm young at heart if that counts for anything!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I loved this trip. But have you ever been on a Disney trip you didn’t love? A man I used to work with took his family a few summers back. Yes, summer, so you know what the weather was like. They stayed offsite. And didn’t plan. At all. Not a bit. Well, he came back saying it was the worst trip of his life. I feel so badly for people like that. Not that everyone has to be psycho like me and have a plan 6 months out. But some basic planning can make such a difference! It’s too complicated a place to just wing it!

But I digress. I loved this trip. It was different than any other Disney trip for a few reasons:

Christmastime. Magical. WDW is magical by itself but the holiday decorations just add another layer to it. The castle lights, the Main St decorations, the Epcot Lights of Winter, the special editions of Wishes and Illuminations, fake snow on Main Street and DHS, Osborne Lights, the perfectly themed trees at each park and in each lobby, the AKL tree is worth singular mention, the Candlelight Processional, the various storytellers around World Showcase. It’s all perfect. And even though the weather of this trip was TOO Christmas-like, I loved it!

Mousefest. I’d heard a lot about it over the years. And I’ll admit when I first heard about it, I thought to myself that I’d never be that big of a geek. I also thought I’d never be so nerdy as to be on an online bulletin board talking about Disney all day. .
I’m so glad I went. It is so amazing to be in WDW with hundreds of other Disney nerds. Our people, so to speak. Everywhere I went, the yellow mousefest lanyards were like a beacon; a sign that we were friends, even though we hadn’t yet met.

Mousefest makes for a busy trip. There are a LOT of events planned. As a singleton, I really liked having the balance of social meets and solo time. The perfect blend, in my book!

I am so sorry that Mousefest is on hiatus this year although I completely understand and respect the reasons. I cannot begin to imagine the work that goes into planning this event and then to think that people do this in their “free time” is unimaginable. I do hope that it comes back, however, because it is such a special event.

Most of all I loved the special/exclusive events of the Toy Story Mania party and the WDW Today 500th episode. Always fun to feel like you are getting a unique Disney experience. I also loved the photography meets. I cannot wait to return to Animal Kingdom w/ my camera in hand!

I had the opportunity to meet Disney celebrities, other Disney geeks/friends I’d been talking to online and meet new friends on this trip. It was special and memorable in so many ways. The Disney community really is a special one.

Trip Firsts:

Toy Story Mania – what a great ride! I can’t wait to go back and improve my score! Although I was horribly spoiled by the special party and know I am not going to enjoy waiting in a line to play.

Seeing the holiday decorations- I can’t say anything else other than you should make it a point to visit at this time of year. It is beautiful. And magical. And perfect.

Animal Kingdom Lodge – like another world. You’d be hard pressed to remember you’re in WDW.

Food porn! I finally got over my fear – at least partially. Now I’m a picture taking fool!

Jiko- it lived up to the hype and more. Can’t wait to go back.

Chefs de France – the French menu for lunch – the onion soup, croque monsieur and crème brulee were excellent. The waiter flirting with me was icing on the cake.

Pop Century- have to say I didn’t love it. But I am a snob. And a singleton traveling alone without kids to entertain (or to have to pay for). I totally get the appeal to the family and expect (ok hope) I will be back someday with a family in tow. Oh and shout out to the frozen cokes!

Yuletide Fantasy Tour- as I said the tour wasn’t quite what I’d expected in terms of content, but I’d still recommend it. Someday I’d like to do all the backstage tours. If only there was a way to get paid to do that. Do you think the guide books need any writers?

So that’s it. The trip is over. Has been over. Thank goodness for the DIS and trip reports to let me drag it out this long. And now, in 5 “short” months I will be back in the happy place. For a number of special events. I will see fellow DIS’ers: Heather (Circusgirl), Lynn & Chuck (nuts4wdw & Constablemickey), Paula (Iluvcrush) and Jen (JenJolt). There are quite a few other DIS’ers who I know will be down at the same time and I hope to get to meet but don’t want to jinx it by listing it here. I’ll be attending a special dinner at the Adventurer’s Club (yes, it’s closed. I know people. ). I’ll be staying at the Beach Club. . It’s the first week of Food & Wine. Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. Can it get any better? Well tune in and find out! I’ll let you know when the PTR has begun.

Until then, thanks for reading!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Well, Pardon me! Had I realized who they were, I would have treated them with appropriate reverance. I'm going to have to check that show out. The line to meet them was HUGE!!!

Isn't the shirt cute? I like it a lot. The China pavilion has lots of nice things tucked away - you have to take your time exploring!

I'm glad you have seen the error of your ways. Sig, the Captain of the Northwestern has done several appearances in Disney over the last year. I am secretly hoping that I will see him on my trip. Sigh. I love those men. I keep telling Marc he needs to go work on a boat.

My Mom really wants to explore the WS countries so I am sure I will do a lot of browsing and shopping there.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I'm glad you have seen the error of your ways. Sig, the Captain of the Northwestern has done several appearances in Disney over the last year. I am secretly hoping that I will see him on my trip. Sigh. I love those men. I keep telling Marc he needs to go work on a boat.

My Mom really wants to explore the WS countries so I am sure I will do a lot of browsing and shopping there.

My goodness! Sig sounds like quite a guy. I am off to find him on my Tivo right now!

There is NOTHING better than browsing World Showcase in my book. Wish I was doing it with you!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I love your final thoughts. I completely agree with you on Pop. It's a nice place but I know that Pop will be in my future with kiddos in tow. So for now I'd rather try other places.