Our First Stay at the Poly - April 2012 PTR!!

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Sounds awesome Dave! We also will be in MK this day. Starting in Tomorrowland and heading around the park again from there.

Thanks Charity! Always happy to be sharing a park day with you!

 

[wakica]

your afternoon/eve plans at AK sounds like lots as you said but a very nice pace. They are all more relaxing things so it sounds like an enjoyable time. I don't think you would even have to worry if you moved them around a bit either.

YAY for a second day at MK that's what i used second days for as well - just fit in the top choices of everyone and do some more quiet things and just soak up the atmosphere

i had a peek at that link you posted and I'm glad you did. i didn't realize they have a butterfly garden available - we LOVE going into those and will deffinitely add that onto our Epcot day DD13 just loves it when they land on her and she loves to take pictures of them.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

your afternoon/eve plans at AK sounds like lots as you said but a very nice pace. They are all more relaxing things so it sounds like an enjoyable time. I don't think you would even have to worry if you moved them around a bit either.

YAY for a second day at MK that's what i used second days for as well - just fit in the top choices of everyone and do some more quiet things and just soak up the atmosphere

i had a peek at that link you posted and I'm glad you did. i didn't realize they have a butterfly garden available - we LOVE going into those and will deffinitely add that onto our Epcot day DD13 just loves it when they land on her and she loves to take pictures of them.

Thanks! We're spending our departure day at AK and we'll take things a lot slower. I'm going to have to ask you about the hidden trail behind the Tree of Life as we are planning on trying it during our second day.

I hear you about the extra stuff at F+G festival including the butterfly garden. Now I'm wishing I had an extra day to spend more time at Epcot

 

[ddluvsdisney]

I just wanted to say that I think resort days are a must!!
The past couple of years we were lucky enough to stay almost 2 wks. so we had 2 or 3 resort days. This year we only have 1 (staying 1 wk) b/c we're going to Uni/IOA for a day. Although I'm happy about this- for the kids b/c they love it, I'm a little nervous about overdoing it. It's not fun being exhausted on vacation.
You'll love the cabana at the Poly b/c the pool gets so packed sometimes you can't find a table. We had a cabana all day at the HRH last year and it was the best!! Waitresses coming and bringing you food and drinks all day long- can't beat that!!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

You'll love the cabana at the Poly b/c the pool gets so packed sometimes you can't find a table. We had a cabana all day at the HRH last year and it was the best!! Waitresses coming and bringing you food and drinks all day long- can't beat that!!

Maybe the grown-ups can take turns squeezing in a nap while the kids go at it in the pool! Then, we'll order some food from Kona. Ahhh, I'm feeling relaxed just thinking about it.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

April 21st

As all of you can attest to, the only bad thing about a Disney vacation is that it has to end. And so here we are talking about our departure day. I tried convincing DW to stay for one more night but since both of us head back to work the following Monday, she felt that we should have at least one full day at home before hitting the work week - which I mostly agree with. To make the most of our last day, I booked our flight for 7:25pm. So here's our plan for our final day.

I would like to try to get to rope drop at AK but we'll see how this goes. We'll check out of Poly and use the DME "airline counter" to check our luggages. I LOVE that they have this service. We'll most likely eat at Captain Cook's then head over to AK for RD.

1. KS: We'll once again ride the safari first thing in the morning.

2. Conservation Station/ Rafiki's Planet Watch: I've read that if you visit here during the first two hours of park operations, there's a good chance that you'll be able to observe a vet procedure/exam with one of the animals. So, we're giving this a shot.

3. The "Hidden" Trail behind the Tree of Life: I'll have to pull out Robo's map out again showing the entrance to this former trail. We've never tried it before, but it looks like you can get up real close to the Tree of Life.

4. Dinosaur Boneyard: We'll do this again if the kids ask for it - I have a feeling they will.

5. Yak and Yeti ADR at 12:30pm: Another first for us.

After that, it's what ever the gang wants to do as a repeat. We'll exit the park around 4:30pm and head to MCO on our rental. We'll also try to grab some dinner at the airport - yes, what a way to end on a high note

And there you have it folks. Our 8 day Plan!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

looks like a great vacation. Like you said too bad they all have to come to an end

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

looks like a great vacation. Like you said too bad they all have to come to an end

Thanks! I'm trying not to think about the last day - although I think 8 days will be more than enough, and maybe I will be ready to come home by then.

 

[wakica]

Oh NO!!! That was your last days plans!!! Now what are we going to talk about for the next month and a half??

I guess You will have to plan some Disney Dinner/Movie nights now???

I looked on google maps AND on our old AK map and I cannot find the spot where we took that family picture. I'll ask DH tonight if he can remember where it was b/c it's definitely not shown on anything.

 

[HalloweenNut]

3. The "Hidden" Trail behind the Tree of Life: I'll have to pull out Robo's map out again showing the entrance to this former trail. We've never tried it before, but it looks like you can get up real close to the Tree of Life.

Looks like a great plan for your last day.

If you do find out more info about the "hidden" trails can you share? Sounds like something that would be cool to see.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Oh NO!!! That was your last days plans!!! Now what are we going to talk about for the next month and a half??

I guess You will have to plan some Disney Dinner/Movie nights now???

I looked on google maps AND on our old AK map and I cannot find the spot where we took that family picture. I'll ask DH tonight if he can remember where it was b/c it's definitely not shown on anything.

I have nooooo idea how I'm going to spend the next 46 days with my PTR! And definitely not creative or coordinated enough to orgnanize Disney nights! I've been thinking about the location of the picture I asked you about, and I'm wondering if that's along the path that goes by Finding Nemo Musical Theater towards EE/Africa.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Looks like a great plan for your last day.

If you do find out more info about the "hidden" trails can you share? Sounds like something that would be cool to see.

Thanks!

I've looked more into the trails. I guess the one I was thinking of is not quite hidden but a lot of people just don't know about it. I certainly didn't. Apparently you can access the trail from behind It's Tough to be a Bug. Here's a posting on a thread and a youtube video that walks through the trail. Looks awesome!

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43156359&postcount=16
http://youtu.be/VPqbGJrvnms

There is another "hidden" trail that I've read about but has been slowly being phased out as Disney has been systematically placing vegetation to obscure the path. I'm not so much interested in this one.

 

[HalloweenNut]

Thanks!

I've looked more into the trails. I guess the one I was thinking of is not quite hidden but a lot of people just don't know about it. I certainly didn't. Apparently you can access the trail from behind It's Tough to be a Bug. Here's a posting on a thread and a youtube video that walks through the trail. Looks awesome!

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43156359&postcount=16
http://youtu.be/VPqbGJrvnms

There is another "hidden" trail that I've read about but has been slowly being phased out as Disney has been systematically placing vegetation to obscure the path. I'm not so much interested in this one.

WOW!! That does look awesome! Thanks. We'll definitely be doing that. It's great you can get so close to the Tree of Life. It will make for some good photo ops for sure.

 

[wakica]

I have nooooo idea how I'm going to spend the next 46 days with my PTR! And definitely not creative or coordinated enough to orgnanize Disney nights! I've been thinking about the location of the picture I asked you about, and I'm wondering if that's along the path that goes by Finding Nemo Musical Theater towards EE/Africa.

I think it's between Asia and Africa. It's a path by LOTS of trees and I'm pretty sure its in the area where DeVine shows up.

I will keep looking and trying to find out where i found the info on this little walkway.

 

[wakica]

ok, it's just past Flights of Wonder - just before you get to Africa. Theres a small trail off to the left (water side). it'll curve a bit through the trees and opens into a viewing area where you can view the backside of the Tree of Life.


here's the pic to show the viewing area. It's very bright as you can see so youd want to go early or late if you want a photo without harsh sun and shadows.

ps, this photo is from several years ago so i hope it's still there.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

ok, it's just past Flights of Wonder - just before you get to Africa. Theres a small trail off to the left (water side). it'll curve a bit through the trees and opens into a viewing area where you can view the backside of the Tree of Life.


here's the pic to show the viewing area. It's very bright as you can see so youd want to go early or late if you want a photo without harsh sun and shadows.

ps, this photo is from several years ago so i hope it's still there.

Thank you

We'll definitely have to check that path out as well! This is what I love about AK. There are so many nooks and trails that we have yet to have tried.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

So now that I've completed posting my itinerary and touring plans, I thought I'd share some of my favorite Disney related videos that I watch whenever I need a dose of Disney!

1. MK Rope Drop Opening Ceremony: There are many to choose from on youtube. Here's one of the better ones. Always gives me the goosebumps when I see that train rolling in!
http://youtu.be/v6XLldDu93s

2. Family Vacation Videos from bosox01: They have two, and I love them both. Smiles all around. I know these are one of the favorites on the boards And I love how the second one includes a lot of the friendly CMs.

http://youtu.be/OQHfvKIqr1s
http://youtu.be/DpiQ-D_kaxY

3. Wolf Dance Videos: I'm pretty sure most of you have already seen them. They've become somewhat classics.

http://youtu.be/vLOJ9HMkgAE
http://youtu.be/ZXqGRdbQkNI

4. "Sariah Gallego Joins the Dark Side": I know this is at Disneyland. But I just love it being the Star Wars Geek that I am. And I don't know why this doesn't happen more often!!

http://youtu.be/d5mK7dzyUkM

5. Wishes: I try not to watch these too often - don't want to diminish or spoil it when I'm actually there in person. But even on video, it looks great.

http://youtu.be/HBosIGDVBkU

 

[HalloweenNut]

Thanks for the videos - really GREAT!! Love the 2 family ones from bosox01. I'll show them to our daughter but have to explain about the chances of getting picked as Family of the day and riding in the teacups with Alice are slim to none!! She was already talking about getting to ride the rides with characters just like in the planning DVD!

 

[wakica]

your welcome. i hope you find it
I will have to check out your videos. Thanks for sharing them.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Thanks for the videos - really GREAT!! Love the 2 family ones from bosox01. I'll show them to our daughter but have to explain about the chances of getting picked as Family of the day and riding in the teacups with Alice are slim to none!! She was already talking about getting to ride the rides with characters just like in the planning DVD!

I think the chances of getting to ride the teacups with Alice and whit rabbit is a bit better. I know there have been threads talking about strategies so you may want to search for it. Also, Goofy used to go on the first ride of the day for the Barnstormer - will be interested to see if they resume this when the new Goofini ride opens.