Practically Perfect at the Poly? **UPDATE 7/28 -- And We're Back!!

[glennbo123]

I'm so glad that it looks like you'll get to experience AKL!

Regarding your view question, that's a tough one. Like MEK said, many people are of the opinion that if you don't have a savanna-view, then what's the point. I'm not one of them (says the guy who had a savanna-view last trip, and another one about a month away)....I'd be content with a pool view and just see animals at the viewing locations. But we splurged last time since it was a short-stay at Kidani, and we splurged again this time since my parents will be joining us. Anyway, I'd hate to tell you that and then have you feel like you missed-out if you just had palm trees and pavement outside your window....so unfortunately, you're going to have to decide how important it is to you. And Club Level, I think it'd be awesome to come back from the parks and have some snacks and a beer waiting for me, but yeah, it's hard to justify the price.

 

[tinacaplan]

You are going to LOVE the Animal Kingdom. It is a beautiful resort and so much for Max to see and do.

I'm a so excited! Everyone who stays there seems to love it!

I'm so glad that it looks like you'll get to experience AKL!

Regarding your view question, that's a tough one. Like MEK said, many people are of the opinion that if you don't have a savanna-view, then what's the point. I'm not one of them (says the guy who had a savanna-view last trip, and another one about a month away)....I'd be content with a pool view and just see animals at the viewing locations. But we splurged last time since it was a short-stay at Kidani, and we splurged again this time since my parents will be joining us. Anyway, I'd hate to tell you that and then have you feel like you missed-out if you just had palm trees and pavement outside your window....so unfortunately, you're going to have to decide how important it is to you. And Club Level, I think it'd be awesome to come back from the parks and have some snacks and a beer waiting for me, but yeah, it's hard to justify the price.

I am thrilled! I've wanted to stay there since I visited the first time back in 2010. I just think its a really special place, in a vast area of really special places, so that's saying something.

I talked to my husband about the savanna view issue and he really wants one, so there you go! I think that for a short visit, not to mention our first, a savanna view will be great. The only reason why I'm even thinking about CL is because its only $150 more than the savanna view. Weird, right?

 

[annmarieda]

I missed a lot. I have been so far behind on all my sub'd threads.

I can't believe your trip is over. And... no TR?

I am sorry that your fall trip is causing you some stress. I see a lot of people have recommended the Swan/Dolfin. I hope that that will work out for you. Personally, I like the Beach Club too... and for F&W

So you are doing a split stay? I think that is sooo cool... and to stay at AKL when you are going to be doing AK is a perfect plan.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Well...following your advice, I looked into the Swan this morning and we can get a good rate there, about half off rack rate at BC, so... seems like a good deal to me. I just really want my mom to not have to walk a ton and the walk from the busses at EPCOT back to WS is really long. Being anywhere in the Boardwalk area would make things much easier and I'm sure, more pleasant for her.

I hope it works out! The Swan really is a beautiful hotel and a GREAT option! You don't get ME, so you have to factor in that additional cost.

As for AKL--YAHOO! Congrats!! I'm in the school of not needing a savannah view while staying there because there are so many areas to view the animals aside from your room. The pool view can be stunning with the lush vegetation all around. The AKL Club Level is very popular as well, it's rated on of the best. Could you swing the exclusive safari too? Might be worth it...

But wait, didn't Max used to not like animals? Or am I confusing him with another DIS-kid???

 

[amandaw]

Hi! I'm sorry I've been MIA but I'm trying to catch up here!

I'm glad you had a great girls' trip! I bet it was so different not having a kid with you.

And that's great that y'all are getting to do a split stay now! I want to stay at AKL one day but Ed vetoes it all the time.

 

[pinkxray]

A split stay with AKL sounds wonderful I'm sure you know how we feel about AKL.

I don't think you really need the savannah view to enjoy the resort, but it certainly adds to it. There is nothing more amazing than chilling out on your balcony with the animals right in front of you.

Are you still considering CL? I would love to try it one day just to do the Sunrise Safari. If the price isn't much more than I would go for it.

 

[that's nice]

Hey Tina...

Just trying to catch up.

AKL? I am jealous! We want to stay there someday. I was going to rent some DVC points so we could stay there at the end of our trip in Nov. but then our friends decided to extend their trip and I wasn't going to leave them at POFQ while we moved to AKL. Someday though!

Oh, and I would splurge for the savanna view, but that's just me (and it's not my $ either!!!! )

 

[tinacaplan]

We walked off of Spaceship Earth and still had some time before our ADR at La Hacienda, which I believe was for around 7:30.

Max had one thing on his mind. It was big and it was red and it is one of his favorite things at EPCOT because he’s a pre-schooler (his designation, not mine) and pre-schoolers like all sorts of weird things that you, as a parent, would never predict (see: Max’s love of Spaceship Earth). So, we set off for Innoventions and Max’s firetruck.

Look at how seriously he takes the whole thing:

He was very into the fire safety game that they run there. Isn’t this smoke cool?

This being our first visit to EPCOT this trip, we had to do at least one ride on Nemo.

Love this shot:

Oh...Nemo...I sigh heavily. The first ten times that I went through this attraction, I thought it was pretty cool. Loved Peach at the end and all that. But, sooner or later, the reality set in that this ride just doesn’t do much. Sure, the Clamobiles are cool and the music is good. But, you’re basically being driven through a movie. Am I alone in thinking that this attraction could have been so much more?

A t-shirt I would buy if I wore t-shirts, which I pretty much do not.

But I did get some of my favorite pictures of the trip on our way out:

We still had some time before our ADR, but not enough to do much, so we just ambled our way over to World Showcase. Have I ever mentioned that this is one of my favorite places to be, anywhere? I take a fair amount of guff for this from many of the more worldly travellers who ask me: why not just visit the real countries? Well, yes...that would be nice. It would have been very nice if I had taken advantage of cheaper travel/study abroad opportunities when I was younger, but I didn’t. And last time I checked (and I have) a trip to Paris or Italy for all the three of us would be pretty pricey. As an example, I checked out the ABD trip to France, just for funsies Price tag? $15,000. Yep. I know I wouldn’t have to do it that way and could do it for far less, but its still a pretty pricey proposition no matter how you look at it.

So for now, I’m quite satisfied to take my strolls through Worldshowcase, thank you very much.

One little parenting strategy that worked really well with Max this time has to do with the purchase of souvenirs. You may recall that one of the biggest struggles in July had been Max’s constant desire to purchase every last thing he laid his eyes on, and given Disney’s propensity for placing gift shops every five feet or so, the battle sometimes seemed endless.

Sometime before we left in February, Max decided that he really, really, REALLY wanted a monorail playset. Sure. I explained to Max that those are pretty expensive and that if he were to get one, it would be his only real souvenir for the whole, entire trip. I worked with him before the trip to get him to understand that just because you see something in a store and think its cool, that doesn’t mean you’re going to be able to purchase it at that moment. You might have to wait for a big event such as a birthday or Christmas. In this case, I convinced him that we’d wait until the last day to decide what he wanted. And wouldn’t you know? Worked like a charm! He had a good time checking out all sorts of possibilities.

We’ll see what he ended up with, but there was not single toy-related meltdown the entire trip! Parenting sucess!

After playing with the puppets, we decided to make our way over to Germany so that Max could check out his favorite toy train.

We didn’t get anything here...YET!

Finally, it was time for our dinner at La Hacienda. I had really been looking forward to this, as so many of you have really loved your meals here since it opened. Plus, I was in desperate need of another WS restaurant to add into the Via Napoli rotation.

You walk into a foyer with some beautiful lights.

We were quickly escorted to our table in the lovely dining room.

Our server, whose name now escapes me (I am looking forward to our longer trip in July, if for no other reason than I’ll have more time to take better TR notes), was just lovely. She was just the right amount of attentive, refilled drinks without us having to ask, and always seemed to be right there when we needed her, but wasn’t intrusive in the slightest.

We got a basket of yummy chips and salsas and munched away, as we perused the menu. I hope I am not too much of a disappointment, but I did not order a margarita. My stomach wasn’t feeling one hundred percent, so I decided to stick to Diet Coke. I made up for it in April, though.

Mark and I both ended up with the same thing:

Puerco en Salsa de Mole Negro - Roasted pork tender loin with mole negro sauce, served with esquites (roasted corn), sweet potato mash, beans and vegetables

And it was fantastic. The flavor was rich, the corn was delicious, as were the sweet potato mash, beans, and vegetables. I really loved scooping it up in the soft tortillas you get with your meal.

Max got the chicken fingers and I thought those looked pretty good, too:

It should be noted, in case you can’t tell from the picture, that the dinner included Spanish rice and fruit, which was a nice change of pace.

We did order dessert, which I failed to take any pictures of.

Mark had the Crema de Chocolate "Abuelita" - Chocolate custard served with crunchy bunuelo strips and caramel syrup $7.95. This was delicious, nice and chocolately.

While I had the Empanada de Manzana - puff pastry filled with sauteed caramel apples and vanilla bean ice cream with Kahlua sauce, also really good.

All in all, we enjoyed our meal at La Hacienda enough for me to return in April and again in July. Its a great restaurant with some really yummy fresh-tasting food (I think my biggest complaint at numerous Disney dining establishments involves their heavy-handed use of salt).

We were all tired and so decided to head back to the Poly...but our night wasn’t over. Not quite yet.

 

[KatMark]

Great update, Tina. Love the photo of Max with his dad leaving Nemo (I think they tried to keep that attraction "kid friendly" as there is not that much at Epcot ride wise that is.

Glad you enjoyed your meal at La Hacienda. Unfortunately, neither Mark or I eat Mexican food, but it is nice to see the photos of the different options anyway.

 

[natebenma]

Thanks for sharing your walk from the Poly to the TTA. I have never done this, but I loved your pictures. Very pretty!

I'm with Max! SSE is a toally cool attraction.

The "Where's the Fire Exhibit" brings back a funny memory for me. We met friends at EPCOT during one of our trip. My son's friend Parker and his grandpa went with Nate and Mark, Ben and I headed to lunch. When we met back up, Nate told us that grandpa, who was watching the boys, fell asleep on one of the beds in the exhibit.

I don't think I have seen a bad review of La Hacienda. I'll have to check it out one of these days.

The split stay sounds really fun! Can't wait to hear more about AKL and where you will ultimately end up. I have read very good things about the club level there.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I agree about Nemo. I do think it's cool, but there just could be something else. The fish projection scene is fun though!

Adorable picture of Max leaving The Seas! That's great that he was more understanding of "just one souvenir" this time! Can't wait to see what he chose!

I'm glad you guys enjoyed your meal at La Hacienda!

 

[tinacaplan]

Great update, Tina. Love the photo of Max with his dad leaving Nemo (I think they tried to keep that attraction "kid friendly" as there is not that much at Epcot ride wise that is.

Glad you enjoyed your meal at La Hacienda. Unfortunately, neither Mark or I eat Mexican food, but it is nice to see the photos of the different options anyway.

Thanks, Kathy! I love that picture, too! It was just a lovely moment.

Thanks for sharing your walk from the Poly to the TTA. I have never done this, but I loved your pictures. Very pretty!

I'm with Max! SSE is a toally cool attraction.

The "Where's the Fire Exhibit" brings back a funny memory for me. We met friends at EPCOT during one of our trip. My son's friend Parker and his grandpa went with Nate and Mark, Ben and I headed to lunch. When we met back up, Nate told us that grandpa, who was watching the boys, fell asleep on one of the beds in the exhibit.

I don't think I have seen a bad review of La Hacienda. I'll have to check it out one of these days.

The split stay sounds really fun! Can't wait to hear more about AKL and where you will ultimately end up. I have read very good things about the club level there.

Hillarious about the beds!

La Hacienda is really good. A solid option at WS, for sure.

I'm really looking forward to checking out AK and this seems as good a time as any to do it. I love the feeling that I'll be getting a vacation within my vacation.

I agree about Nemo. I do think it's cool, but there just could be something else. The fish projection scene is fun though!

Adorable picture of Max leaving The Seas! That's great that he was more understanding of "just one souvenir" this time! Can't wait to see what he chose!

I'm glad you guys enjoyed your meal at La Hacienda!

Thanks! And yes, La Hacienda was really good. I have to say that we really lucked out with our meals on this trip. We didn't have one that was bad, which was a marked contrast with trips we've taken previously.

 

[Moira222]

I also wanted to share that, as of an hour ago, we're booked for July at...

I know...SHOCKER! I can't wait to be back there!

YAY!! and skipping ahead how awesome for a split stay with AKL!

Oh...gosh...I just read that last sentence again...at least a year??? A yearly trip is excessive to many...

LOL not to a true DISer!!!

I see that you're considering Swan, and that sounds like a good solution. The other thought is that you give them pricing breakdown for various resorts - sharing a room, solo rooms, etc. and in the end say "mom & I will be at XXX the rooms are $ - it would be great if we were in the same resort but if not we can meet up with you at the park." (yes I can be a bit evil)

LOVE seeing you photos. I learned the benefit to going w/o a stroller is that the child tires out at the same rate as the parents -- so they are not running laps around you at 10pm when you are dog tired

looking forward to more TR & PTR together in one!!! (love the La Hacienda photos -that is our first ADR in June. cant' wait!)

 

[MEK]

Great update!

You dinner looks great! Yum!

So many cute pictures of Max and I am glad you coaching worked and there were no souvie meltdowns.

I agree that Nemo could have been a whole lot more.

 

[annmarieda]

darn you! Now I have ANOTHER restaurant to add to my wish list.

Funny how as kids get older they sometimes (not always...not even when they are 20) become more logical and you are able to reason with them. Glad it turned out like that for you and Max in regards to the souvenirs.

 

[glennbo123]

I'm glad you enjoyed your meal at La Hacienda. It looked good! Mmmm, pork tenderloin.

 

[Jake & Crew]

Just wanted to say: you stole our vacation!

We are doing a split at BCV & AKL this August. This is our 3rd DVC trip and every one we have done has been split. We really enjoy experiencing two different resorts on our trip ~ it is like 2 vacations in one!

We like starting with the resort closest to some of the parks as we are really getting our park fix when we first get to WDW. Our last trip was BWV & AKL and we did almost all of our Epcot & DHS in the first part of the trip. We do MK in both parts. I noticed you are not doing the DP but if for those that want to do some DP the split stay is nice since you can do it at one resort and not the other if you wish (just have to use all credits by midnight the day you move). We are priced out of the DP with two Disney adults in our party on this trip.

Disney moves everything for you so it really is no hassle. Think you will LOVE your double vacation.

BTW, definitely a savannah view ~ it is so incredible to sit on your balcony and watch the animals. Like your own private zoo, Max will love it and so will you!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

So, we set off for Innoventions and Max’s firetruck.

Look at how seriously he takes the whole thing:

I love that pic of him! Henry too still loves this firetruck. It's cute, we can't get through Epcot without a visit!

Congrats on the parenting success! Henry still hasn't quite grasped that yet. I think I better start working on it with him more though...

I really enjoyed La Hacienda as well during my solo trip, we will likely return in February, Joe has been waiting to try it. My stomach is growling looking at your meals!

 

[tinacaplan]

YAY!! and skipping ahead how awesome for a split stay with AKL!
LOL not to a true DISer!!!

So true!

I see that you're considering Swan, and that sounds like a good solution. The other thought is that you give them pricing breakdown for various resorts - sharing a room, solo rooms, etc. and in the end say "mom & I will be at XXX the rooms are $ - it would be great if we were in the same resort but if not we can meet up with you at the park." (yes I can be a bit evil)

The Swan was in the running, but I'm not sure it is anymore. People were not happy about the cancellation policy there. I would completely take your advice were it not for the fact that my GM convinced my mom that the Beach Club was just ridiculously expensive. Which it is. But... for this particular trip I just think it would have been worth it. We'll see how it shakes out and what's offered for discounts (if anything) for the fall. Otherwise, we'll be at CSR which is just fine, really...but once you go to deluxe, its hard to go back.

LOVE seeing you photos. I learned the benefit to going w/o a stroller is that the child tires out at the same rate as the parents -- so they are not running laps around you at 10pm when you are dog tired

looking forward to more TR & PTR together in one!!! (love the La Hacienda photos -that is our first ADR in June. cant' wait!)

Thank you! You are going to enjoy La Hacienda. The food really is fabulous. I've eaten there twice now and thought it was great both times and we had wonderful serves both nights, too.

Great update!

You dinner looks great! Yum!

So many cute pictures of Max and I am glad you coaching worked and there were no souvie meltdowns.

I agree that Nemo could have been a whole lot more.

Thanks! I was pretty proud of my parenting skills with that one. It is a rare feeling with a four year old, so I'll take it.

darn you! Now I have ANOTHER restaurant to add to my wish list.

Funny how as kids get older they sometimes (not always...not even when they are 20) become more logical and you are able to reason with them. Glad it turned out like that for you and Max in regards to the souvenirs.

La Hacienda really is great. I think its great that Max gets the logic behind figuring out what he really wants before he buys. Such a massive change from last July. And I suspect this July will be even better.

I'm glad you enjoyed your meal at La Hacienda. It looked good! Mmmm, pork tenderloin.

The pork was excellent!

Just wanted to say: you stole our vacation!

We are doing a split at BCV & AKL this August. This is our 3rd DVC trip and every one we have done has been split. We really enjoy experiencing two different resorts on our trip ~ it is like 2 vacations in one!

We like starting with the resort closest to some of the parks as we are really getting our park fix when we first get to WDW. Our last trip was BWV & AKL and we did almost all of our Epcot & DHS in the first part of the trip. We do MK in both parts. I noticed you are not doing the DP but if for those that want to do some DP the split stay is nice since you can do it at one resort and not the other if you wish (just have to use all credits by midnight the day you move). We are priced out of the DP with two Disney adults in our party on this trip.

Disney moves everything for you so it really is no hassle. Think you will LOVE your double vacation.

BTW, definitely a savannah view ~ it is so incredible to sit on your balcony and watch the animals. Like your own private zoo, Max will love it and so will you!!

And I'm so glad to hear that you think the order works well. I figure we'll do our most jam packed park days at the beginning, while we're at BC. As for the dining plan, I have a TiW card and that's working out well so far.

And you're right...I really think it will be like a double vacation!

I love that pic of him! Henry too still loves this firetruck. It's cute, we can't get through Epcot without a visit!

Congrats on the parenting success! Henry still hasn't quite grasped that yet. I think I better start working on it with him more though...

I really enjoyed La Hacienda as well during my solo trip, we will likely return in February, Joe has been waiting to try it. My stomach is growling looking at your meals!

Ah...yes...the firetruck I wouldn't even know about were it not for your TRs.

I have no idea what made Max grasp that concept. I talked to him about for quite awhile before the trip. Actually, asking for things when we're in a store is something he's gotten a zillion times better at in the last six months or so. For awhile there it was meltdown central.

La Hacienda is great. I can't recommend it highly enough...and wait until you hear about my meal there in April....

 

[tinacaplan]

Well...finally summer AP discounts came out and they were a bit underwhelming to say that least. That said, I did re-book us and we are officially doing the split stay! So we'll be at the BC from July 19-23 and at AKL from July 23-26. I think it sounds perfect! I was able to save a few bucks switching from the GP discount at BC to AP and I saved a bunch at AKL...with one caveat.


I booked a pool view room. Those rooms are being discounted much more heavily than the savanna view rooms (which I think they're only doing 5% on) and CL rooms were out completely. I quickly asked my husband if we should save the money (and it was over $500...so nothing to sniff at) or go for the view and he went with saving the money. Which is fine for us. Truthfully, while the animals are a huge part of it, I'm so into the whole vibe of that resort that I don't think I'll mind. Plus, if I'm understanding the map correctly, a pool view puts us in a pretty central location, so that's another big bonus. Overall, I saved a few hundred bucks from my original booking.

Now to just count down the days...and tweak dining reservations!