Revenge of the Animal Kingdom Duck: A September Pre-Trip Report

[beckyx3]

Welcome to a place where dreams come true
A timeless journey through lands of fantasy
Where only a wish creates things like this to appear
The most magical place on Earth is here!


Hello! And welcome to my Pre-trip report!

I’ve tried multiple times to write trip reports and pre-trip reports but things just always seem to get in the way. Third times a charm, right?

So who are we?


Well I am your ghost host, Becca.

I’m a part time grown up, but a full time lost boy (lost girl?)
This will be my umpteenth time at the world, but my 4th time with my favorite Disney loving guy…


Ricky!

Here he is in front of the Poly waterfall that he loves so much, RIP waterfall.
Ricky is pretty much a full time grown up, but he loves Disney just as much as I do, which is pretty awesome.
He’s also been to WDW more times than he can count!


Up next is our traveling buddies…names and identities of some have been changed to protect the innocent (major overstatement on their innocence, but I haven’t asked them how they would feel about having their pictures out here. I don't know if they'd approve.)


Anne

Anne is one of my oldest friends and she’s a Disney lover too (I make really good choices when it comes to hanging out with people)
Anne would like to visit Agrabah and go on a magic carpet ride with her favorite couple, Aladdin and Jasmine.
Anne’s also been to Disney a lot. Her last visit was in December with her family and they stayed at the Grand Floridian, I was jealous.


Next we have Darth.

This is from Star Wars Weekends last year. Ricky and I aren't Star Wars fans but we really enjoyed it!

Darth is hilarious and pretty much the reason for the title of this pre-trip report. I’ll get into that later. She loves Star Wars more than most people love anything.
She’s been to Disney once before and that was on our Senior Trip (along with Anne)

(EDIT: Steve wanted in on the action, originally I had introduced him under an assumed name and picture, but one morning Anne had shown him the report and he wanted in, so here he is!)


Last, but most certainly not least, we have Steve.

Steve’s been to Disney once before with Anne and they only got to visit Magic Kingdom and Epcot.
He is also the only person I haven’t been to Disney with.
There’s a chance he’ll use the word “magical” every chance he can on the trip.

So our trip is set for September 19-23 as a group
and September 23-27 for Ricky and I

Stay tuned for details and plans!​

 

[beckyx3]

Since the East Coast is a snowy mess...let's talk some plans!

This is pretty much word heavy, so I'll add some pictures that I've taken on previous trips!

From the 19th-23rd we're staying at the Wilderness Lodge Villas. We're really excited about this. This will be my first time staying in a DVC villa. I think Anne may have stayed at one before, but I'm not sure. She and Harry only stayed one night at the Lodge when they visited so he's really excited, he loved being there so it may take a bit to get him to leave! We stayed at Movies on Senior Trip so this is a totally new experience for Darth! It's going to be awesome.

We're paying up front for a studio and we're really hoping for free dining, I wouldn't be surprised if this was the year they decided not to offer it, but fingers crossed!

We know the studio will be a little tight, but we're still young enough where we can pack a TON of people in a hotel room and not care, not that we've ever done it before or anything...

When we say goodbye to our friends, Ricky and I will spend the rest of the week at the Beach Club. It's my absolute favorite resort. He hasn't stayed there so I'm so excited to be able to share it with him. We're hoping for a room only deal for this part of the trip.

The idea is to fly out of here really early Saturday morning, the 19th.
Airfare has been kind of lacking. I'm not sure if it's because of the time of year since I don't usually travel now, but so far it isn't great.

The provisional plan includes:
Saturday:

Hollywood Studios

Sunday:

Epcot

Monday:

Magic Kingdom

Tuesday: Rest day and Halloween Party
(This'll be a first, so I don't have any pictures yet!! So excited!!)

Wednesday:

Animal Kingdom Morning

The rest of the week isn't planned for Ricky and I. I'm more focused on everyone else having a great time! We'll also be there for the beginning of Food and Wine! I know the first weekend is going to be nuts, but we're willing to brave the crowds just to be able to experience it.

So far that's what we have. We're toying with reservations right now, we also have an idea of that but our window opens in like 18 days!! I'll update with that once we get it figured out. And eventually you'll hear the story of the Animal Kingdom Duck. But you'll just have to tune in later for that one!​

 

[beckyx3]

Links for Quick Navigation

Introductions​

Preliminary Plans​

Flight Rant and a Little Good News

A Flower Show Adventure

Dining Reservations!

The Story of the Animal Kingdom Duck

WE HAVE FLIGHTS

The Worldwind That is Free Dining

Update!

Life and Disney Update!

By Air, By Land, and By Sea!​

 

[sailored]

Following along! My husband and I (avid DLR people) will be visiting the world for the first time September 15-22 2015 and staying at AKL CL.

 

[DisneyHoover]

Joining in! Two great resorts -- sounds awesome already! Are you renting points to stay at the DVC villa or staying directly through Disney?

 

[chillitsanne]

I'm dying to know more

 

[beckyx3]

Following along! My husband and I (avid DLR people) will be visiting the world for the first time September 15-22 2015 and staying at AKL CL.

Thanks for stopping in! I've never been to Disneyland before! I'm dying to go though. I think you will really enjoy WDW. Just go in with an open mind when it comes to FP+. I grew up with the old FP system but I actually have very positive views of FP+

Joining in! Two great resorts -- sounds awesome already! Are you renting points to stay at the DVC villa or staying directly through Disney?

Thank you for joining! Yes we are so excited about the resorts!! We decided to book directly with Disney. Since we're splitting it 5 ways it was pretty affordable. Ricky and I stayed at the Lodge during our last stay and Harry was begging to go back because he loved it so much!

I'm dying to know more

Hello stranger I've never met in my entire life! A. You need a profile pic. B. I hope you really enjoyed your cupcake, mine was awesome. and C. Feel free to jump in if you want!

 

[beckyx3]

FLIGHT RANT and a little good news.

So Anne can definitely attest to my craziness over flights. For some reason I thought they were released later than they actually were and we missed the early Southwest flight out of Philly for the day we come in. A 6:30 am flight actually sold out of Wanna Get Away fares . I was completely in shock! Ricky and I book trips during the craziest times (Memorial Day last year!) and we've gotten great flights only 3 or 4 months out. So I ventured out of my comfort zone and looked at some other airlines which I wouldn't normally do. Everything was so expensive. I found a great US Airways deal though and I was so happy that my luck was changing. But since we have plenty of time I thought, we don't need to book right now, no need to rush everyone. LOL JK. The price already went up twice since I've seen it! Sigh. I guess we'll just have to wait it out.

In other news, since we're staying DVC not on points, Disney sent me this nifty little pamphlet in the mail today. It's all about how we should experience the magic of becoming DVC members (which I would do in a heart beat but it really is so expensive). The good news though was that it came with a unique code on it to call and listen to a spiel about DVC and then be sent a $25 Disney Gift Card! And I have until August to do it! Sure Disney, I will absolutely let you try and sell me happy memories for free money

Just needed to get my stress out over flights. We've been so lucky in the past, but I guess a $25 gift card makes up for it.

So this is turning out to be the year of Disney. A week ago Ricky and I went to the Flower Show (where we ran into Anne and her mom!) and the theme was Disney and Pixar movies. I'll post a mini report about it in a few days. And I'll get that story about the Animal Kingdom duck up soon. Nothing like creating a little cliff hanger!
(P.S I hope some of your snow is melting away like it is here !)​

 

[sailored]

I'm so sorry about the flight situation. Hopefully some cheap flights became available soon!

 

[beckyx3]

I'm so sorry about the flight situation. Hopefully some cheap flights became available soon!

Thank you!! Here's to hoping! I think we'll be fine. We still have a lot of time.

 

[twinsouvenirs]

I totally understand! I made a similar miscalculation about the popularity of our preschool's summer camp. They had one slot left this am....but we have twins. thank goodness I know the director

 

[beckyx3]

Sorry for the delay! The real world can get in the way of Disney time, so how about an update!?

I promised 2 things, but unfortunately I can only give you one. It'll be a little light on pictures, but it's Disney!

Probably about 3 weeks ago now, Ricky and I headed into Philly for the Flower Show. The theme was based on Disney & Pixar movies. So we couldn't miss it!

We headed out around 1 and took the speed line in to the city. Any time we go in to Center City we have to stop at Reading Terminal Market. If you're ever in Philly, you have to take a trip to Reading Terminal. There's so much great food, that it's pretty hard to figure out what to get.

I stopped at Becks for some cajun food and Ricky went to the longest cheesesteak line known to man. Reading Terminal doesn't necessarily have the best cheesesteaks, but it was alright.

Protip: Do not, I repeat DO NOT ever get a cheesesteak anywhere outside of the Delaware Valley unless it's a little mom and pop shop owned by a transplant. What makes the cheesesteak is the roll. Amoroso's is the roll of choice but you can't be picky. Unfortunately, Ricky's cheesesteak was on a not great roll so it wasn't as great as a Philly cheesesteak can be.
**Ricky did not like my assertion about Amoroso's. He said "Liscios or sarcones all day", all 3 are good choices**

After food you have t get dessert. I got a peanut butter moon pie and Ricky got a cookie from 4th Street like he always does.

Anyway! The weather was really crappy that day. It was pretty much raining ice all day long so travel kind of sucked. We walked from the market to the convention center. They're right next to each other, but it was so cold and slippery that the walk was tough.

We got into the convention center and walked up to the show. We went the the big marquee and decided to start there and we ran into Anne and her mom! Small world! Pun totally intended.

Let's get to some of the Disney inspired displays!

First we came to...I actually don't remember! I think it was Tarzan! But back behind the treehouse was more beautiful palms and plant life. Ricky thought it was Swiss Robinson, not this time!

Next up was Mary Poppins. They had a beautiful English garden. I didn't get a picture of the whole thing but I loved the tulips.

Especially these!! I first saw the black tulips in a hotel lobby last summer in New Orleans and I absolutely fell in love with them. They were gorgeous.

The Peter Pan display was my favorite. I loved the sign. I think it would be cute in a backyard garden. I also really liked that this display had different things scattered around that were related to Peter Pan, like Peter's hat or Hook's hat.

Next we have Winnie the Pooh. I loved the balloons and the yellow flowers used as honey!

Fish are friends, not food!
The Nemo one was cool because it had boats hanging from the ceiling!

There were also Prince of Persia, Pirates, Maleficient, and a few more that we didn't get pictures of.

Then we came across a patio display:

How awesome, right?! Who wouldn't want a sorcerer's hat in their backyard?

I'm not sure how I felt about this one. I LOVED the teapot/teacup fountain. It was so adorable. But the rest of the Alice in Wonderland display was kind of creepy. There were 2 mannequins dressed up like Alice and the Mad Hatter and they were a little scary.

One of the cool things they had were dog houses created in famous images. Snoopy had one, but this was my absolute favorite:

I would love to have this to feed my dog, how cute is it?!

There were some displays that were based off princesses that were great, there was also a Cinderella wedding display and an Aladdin display that was so cool. Each place setting had their own magic lamp. It was so creative. And of course there was a Frozen display, but we didn't hang around it.

Then we came across an elaborate one and I wish I had more pictures!!

The Nightmare display was incredible. There was a whole holiday forest. Zero's house. This really awesome black light display where you look through. I just wish I had more pictures. It was this whole walk through scene and I loved it.

Oh hey! How'd he get in there??
I'm a huge Phillies fan, I love baseball. I've been going to games since I was 3. I know they're going to be pretty bad this year, but I'm just so excited to get back to CBP.

After we went through the main area, we walked around to see what else we could find. A few of the stuff cost extra. I wish I would've known that there was a tea though! I love going to tea. Ricky said he might take me to the one at the Grand Floridian, I don't think he'll like it though. But we shall see!

We walked towards the beer garden. They had some good selections and some local cider that I wish I would've bought, but we didn't grab anything.

As we were getting ready to leave we spotted a familiar face, Baymax!

Neither of us have seen the movie. I'm way more interested than Ricky is. I LOVE that Disney owns Marvel now and I'm a huge Marvel Cinematic/Television Universe fan. So Superheroes are a-okay with me!

I was so excited, I had to give him a hug.

The guys at the booth where he was gave me a funny look.

Oh well!

After we saw Baymax, we decided it was time to head home.

So that was it! That was our big old adventure to the Flower Show

And on to planning: Our ADR date is rapidly approaching! I think Monday is the day. I'll post our reservations. And I really do still owe you the story of the Animal Kingdom Duck. But what's a good story without a little suspense, amiright?​

 

[beckyx3]

I totally understand! I made a similar miscalculation about the popularity of our preschool's summer camp. They had one slot left this am....but we have twins. thank goodness I know the director

I always get a little bit of anxiety with that kind of thing. I worry that I'll either book to early and miss a great rate or I'll wait and we'll miss out on good times! I guess it's like my mom always says, it will always work out for the best. But in your case it's awesome to know someone in charge ​

 

[TheLittleKatie]

I'm here!! Staying at both the Wilderness Lodge Villas and the Beach Club sounds amazing!!
I know exactly what you mean about flights, it is SO annoying when the prices go up. We tend to just book as soon as we find them, because we are less annoyed if the price goes down, than if we don't book at the price goes up.. (if that makes sense!)

Love the pictures from the flower show, I hope to have a garden with Disney arrangements one day

ADR day soon, yay!

 

[beckyx3]

I'm here!! Staying at both the Wilderness Lodge Villas and the Beach Club sounds amazing!!
I know exactly what you mean about flights, it is SO annoying when the prices go up. We tend to just book as soon as we find them, because we are less annoyed if the price goes down, than if we don't book at the price goes up.. (if that makes sense!)

Love the pictures from the flower show, I hope to have a garden with Disney arrangements one day

ADR day soon, yay!

Glad to see you here! Yes booking flights is the worst! We have such a bad habit of waiting. Your plan is way better. I can't wait to get our ADRs done and share them!! So excited!!​

 

[beckyx3]

Looks like it's time for an update!

So Monday was our 180 day mark for dining reservations. I was up at 7:15 (because let's be honest, I'm too lazy for 6). I was rocking and rolling and I got our first ADR....and then the website crashed Let's just hope this isn't a sign of things to come!

I texted Ricky and he was up and on the phone by the time I got to work since he didn't have to work until 1. What a swell guy He got every reservation we wanted except for after Wednesday. Since we technically have 2 different reservations, we had to wait until Friday to make our extra reservations, which we only had to make 1 because we were able to make it for wednesday. Now...on to what you've been waiting for...the food!!

(I've added pictures, some are mine, some are not, just to make the report a little more exciting!!)

So I'll preface this by saying that we're really really really hoping for Free Dining. If we don't get it, plans will probably change, but this is the core for now!

Saturday, September 19 @ 5:10

(not my picture)

So I've done 50's before when I was kid. It's been a long time since I've done it so I'm excited. I'm pretty sure Ricky hasn't done it and he's a little nervous. He isn't necessarily thrilled about the aspect of being yelled at by your waitress, but Harry is absolutely going to love this. He'll play right along with this. It's going to be great.

What I'm really looking forward to: Peanut Butter & Jelly Milkshake

Sunday, September 20 @ 5:40

Can you make out the sign? We're heading to the Coral Reef! I think most of us love seafood with the exception of one person. But I've never been here before! There will be lots of Full House and Boy Meets World references made here. Seriously looking forward to this meal. Epcot is definitely my favorite so this night will be fun.

What I'm really looking forward to:

Monday, September 21 @ 6:35

Ohana is mine and Ricky's favorite meal. All you can eat wonderful, delicious food? I'm in! Anne, Darth, and Harry haven't been here so I'm really excited to spread the love. Unfortunately, since I had this planned as our groups full Magic Kingdom day, I had to get whatever reservation I could. 6:35 is a little late considering the park is only open until 9. I hope the hours change or we can get an earlier reservation, but either way, it's going to be delish.

What I'm really looking forward to: All of it!! You just can't go wrong here.

Tuesday, September 22 @ 10am

(not my picture)

This will be another new one for me. I love breakfast, it's my favorite meal, so a breakfast buffet is a must. Especially since we will be relaxing all day before the halloween party! It's going to be a good way for us to see characters and all you can eat Mickey waffles.

What I'm really looking forward to: Breakfast buffet! Most important, and best, meal of the day!

Wednesday, September 23 @ 5:55

(not my picture)

Yet another new experience! After our friends leave and we check in to the Beach Club, we wanted to give ourselves an extra special meal. It was between Yachtsman, Le Cellier, and California Grill. California Grill was a little too expensive and we've read that Le Cellier hasn't been as great as it used to be, so Yachtsman it is!

What I'm really looking forward to: STEAK. I'm a meat eater all the way.

Saturday, September 26 @ 6:15

HOOPDEEDOO! Ricky hasn't been to Hoop Dee Doo! I've been with my family and I just remember falling in love with the show, and all you care for sangria and beer? That's got our names all over it. We decided to go with the tier 1 seating because how often do you get to do HDDR?

What I'm really looking forward to: Ricky's first HDDR! I love Fort Wilderness so this is exciting!

So many great meals. Fingers crossed for Free Dining!

My next semester for school starts tomorrow, fortunately I'm only in 1 class so I'll have time for updates and CRAFTS! I'm a procrastinator so they might not get started until the summer. I bought a real pair of Toms to paint since my Toy Story shoes were on fake Walmart shoes. So that's exciting! I've got some things up my sleeves for my travel company too. We also have to find flights and wait for MNSSHP tickets to become available! So much to do, but luckily we still have so much time.

So that's all for now. Time to go relish my last hours of freedom until my next class starts ​

 

[TheLittleKatie]

I was rocking and rolling and I got our first ADR....and then the website crashed

So typical!! It works just fine for the other 364 days of the year, but the one day you actually need it to work, it doesn't! How have they not fixed their website bugs yet! It's real frustrating.

There will be lots of Full House and Boy Meets World references made here.

PLEASE include some of the Full House quotes in your TR Big fan over here!!

It was between Yachtsman, Le Cellier, and California Grill. California Grill was a little too expensive and we've read that Le Cellier hasn't been as great as it used to be, so Yachtsman it is!

I think all of your ADRs look great!! And this was a good call, I much prefer the Yachtsman to Le Cellier. To me, Le Cellier feels quite dark and crowded - Not as in particularly busy, but rather that all of the tables and chairs were really close together. The Yachtsman was top notch when we went in September

HOOPDEEDOO!

Oh, cool! Neither of us have ever done Hoop de Doo, but it's something I'm interested in doing in the future! I'm looking forward to hearing what you thought of it

 

[beckyx3]

So typical!! It works just fine for the other 364 days of the year, but the one day you actually need it to work, it doesn't! How have they not fixed their website bugs yet! It's real frustrating.



PLEASE include some of the Full House quotes in your TR Big fan over here!!



I think all of your ADRs look great!! And this was a good call, I much prefer the Yachtsman to Le Cellier. To me, Le Cellier feels quite dark and crowded - Not as in particularly busy, but rather that all of the tables and chairs were really close together. The Yachtsman was top notch when we went in September



Oh, cool! Neither of us have ever done Hoop de Doo, but it's something I'm interested in doing in the future! I'm looking forward to hearing what you thought of it

So frustrating! And absolutely with the Full House! Ricky and our other guy friend who is coming with us already talked about standing in the lobby of the Grand Floridian acting it out. They'll do it too, I'll have to get it on video. And I'm really glad to hear you like Yachtsman better. We keep reading about Le Cellier getting too expensive and it not being as good as it used to be so I'm glad someone validated our choice. And HoopDeeDoo! I haven't done it since I was a kid but I'm excited for all you can drink sangria and such a fun show. Thanks for the replies

 

[beckyx3]

The Story of the Animal Kingdom Duck.

So here it is. I know you’ve been on the edge of your seats waiting to hear this.

Lets set the scene.

It was April 2008. A group of high school seniors went to Disney for their Senior Trip. Anne, Darth and I toured together with some other friends. One day we were in Animal Kingdom. We decided to get some lunch at Flame Tree.

We got our scrumptious lunch and headed out to find a seat.

So we all gathered in the back seating area. Ready to chow down on some BBQ. When all of a sudden this CRAZY duck flew down towards us. Swooping past us and scaring the BEJEEZUS out of us, mostly Darth.

Now she can be a very loud person and her reaction was to scream and flail about. The guy at the table behind us heard the commotion and started FREAKING out as well. Imagine this big dude having a mini panic attack. I have no idea if he saw the duck or just heard us and got confused but it was hilarious. He laughed it off with us in the end.

The perpetrator himself.

When they say don’t feed the birds, don’t feed the birds so they don’t become crazy swooping maniacs.

That was 7 YEARS AGO. Almost to the day actually since someone sent me a Timehop the other day of me modeling my fierce face our first night at All Star Movies. It was an embarrassing picture, but a really great memory.

Here's an extra glamour shot from that trip:

We look like babies. Please note that I am, in fact, carrying a High School Musical backpack. I actually used it for school that year. There is no end to my nerdness. Anne had one too if I'm not mistaken. But We really do essentially look the same as we did then. Just a smidge older. We also dress a little better and don't carry around HSM backpacks.

So that's it! I'm sure someone else could've told the story better, but you have me instead. Lucky you!

And don't be afraid to post a comment. I don't bite, I swear!

Until next time!​

 

[chillitsanne]

1. Prime time cafe has really good fried chicken
2. I am suuupppperrrrr excited for Check Mickey's

3. Is that an actual picture of the duck?! Classic

4. I had an "I love Troy" backpack