"So what do you want to do next?" An April '10 TR...final thoughts 8/2 p. 63

[wdwgirl03]

Awww, the end of a TR! But YAY for you---you'll be there in less than a week!

That's too funny about the girls putting out their posters on the plane. I guess they needed to have their loved ones with them, even during their flight. LOL

Yup, I always hate the end of a TR...it's almost as bad as the end of the trip itself! I love doing TRs to relive all the fun we had so I'm glad I'll have another one to do soon.

I guess they needed their boys to comfort them on the way home.

Wow! I had a lot to catch up on!

Your D&B wristlet is cute! Sounds kind of like me & VB--I never really wanted one until I saw everyone's on the DIS!

Sounds like you had a nice little bonus time at Epcot...last days are always so heartbreaking. Your "goodbye" pictures were so sad...

But at least you will be there so so super soon, now!

Thanks for sharing your trip with us! I've learned a lot! And I can't wait for the souvenir update!

haha, the DIS seems to do that a lot! I think I first found out about crocs on here and now I have a couple pairs of those. LOL.

It was nice to have some extra park time even if we didn't really do any rides.

6 days!

Somehow I missed the post about your last day! I saw all these comments about luggage and I didn't remember reading anything about luggage - I had to go back and find it!

The last day always stinks, it's just so sad to be going home. One of these days I want to try a really long trip, like 2 weeks and see if that helps the not wanting to leave feeling - somehow I doubt it will make a difference...

Thanks for posting those pics of the Chinese zodiac animals. I wanted to take a picture of all of them, but only found 11 - the rabbit was the one I missed!

I would love to do a longer trip too. I have a feeling it would almost be WORSE leaving after so long!

No problem, glad I had the pic of the one you missed!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Now it's time to say goodbye...to all my company...

Thought I'd modify those lyrics because they seemed fitting.

Well, almost 4 months and 63 pages later, it's about time to wrap this report up. I'm sure Dad will share some final thoughts as well but here are mine:

Weather/crowds
This was our first trip in a few years that happened over spring break. Even though it is considered "peak season" the crowds were very manageable. We had no problem doing everything we wanted to and then some. Not to mention we had AMAZING weather. All the more reason to keep going over spring break! Having been over both winter and spring break, March/April is definitely a great time to go. I love going around the holidays but the crowds are a little bit more insane then.

The Resort
This was our second time staying at AKL but our first at Kidani Village. It definitely did not disappoint! The theming is great and nothing really compares to being able to look out over the savannah and watch the animals. All of the Cast Members were great, right from check-in when we got our birthday buttons to talking with Robert out on the observation deck to check-out when they told us they hope we come back soon.

Trip highlights
This was my first trip to Disney World with just my dad. It was really cool that it was just the two of us. We got to do so much and we loved having a party of two and sometimes getting to skip to the front of the line. I think one of the best days was our Animal Kingdom day when we were there from open until mid-afternoon. We spent a lot of time exploring all the animal trails and then of course did the Backstage Safari Tour. SO glad we got to do that. We both had a great time and enjoyed seeing what goes on behind the scenes.

It's funny how this was my 16th trip yet we still had so many new experiences. I already mentioned the resort and the tour but we also got to try a couple new attractions. I loved seeing the Flights of Wonder show and learning how to draw Disney characters at the Animation Academy! Not to mention there were all the "new" characters I got to meet including Aladdin, Mary Poppins, and Mulan. And then our mini resort tours at the Grand Floridian and Old Key West. I think this is why I will never get tired of going to Disney World. There is always something new to discover!

Other highlights include our dinner at Tony's and exploring all the parks looking for the hidden secrets from the Hidden Magic book (had to mention that one more time!).

So overall it was another great trip. Thanks dad for taking me!


And to close this thing out, all of my super awesome souvenirs! I already showed you my University of Michigan Mickey t-shirt and D&B wristlet but here are the other things I bought. I thought I took pictures but I guess I never uploaded them...guess I'll use internet pics instead. Notice how it's all completely pointless stuff.

PINS! Because I have accumulated quite the collection over the years I am trying to limit myself to pins that have some meaning:
Tinkerbell F&GF pin (AP exclusive!)

Princess Tiana since I love that movie!

I try to get one for each year we visit.

Disney Visa pin

Vinylmation!!

Monorail green

Astro Orbiter. It figures that we got one for my sisters and one of them got Astro Orbiter too! Oh the joys of these little guys...LOL.

And I guess that's about it! Thank you to everyone who stuck with me through my TR and read along. It's been fun! And don't forget to join me and my sisters in all our adventures for the next TR!

PTR link is HERE

See ya real soon!

 

[MHTeacher]

Enjoyed your trip report and your final thoughts, Sarah!

I think spring break can be manageable, too. For those of us who've been several times, I think we can figure out how to manage most crowds, don't you?

Glad you still managed to find some "new" attractions---the Animation Academy is great!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Thanks for sharing your trip with us Sarah, I really enjoyed it!

It's so wonderful that after so many trip you still find new things to experience, I don't think I'll ever get tired of going either.

I got that same Tink pin - I love it

 

[dismagiclover]

Great wrap up! Love all of those souvenirs! Can't wait to hear about your upcoming trip!

 

[DisneyCrafter]

I am about to read Hidden Magic again and take notes this time. Thank you so much for introducing me to that book! I can't wait to find some things that the book talks about! I love that each time you go to Disney it is filled with new experiences but also the old favorites too that bring the nostalgia out in us and is the reason why we always go back to Disney. It's good to know that after 16 times you still found new things to try! I'm only going on trip number 5 but there is still so much left to discover!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Great final thoughts! I love that about Disney - always something new!! Thank you for sharing your trip with us, I look forward to the next one....FIVE DAYS FOR YOU!!!

 

[Angies1274]

Great final thoughts! I definitely agree about Spring Break! We have always found the crowds to be manageable and the weather to be beautiful!

Love all your souvenirs! Especially the Princess Tiana Pin. We just watched that movie again the other day...love it!

Thanks for sharing your trip! I really enjoyed reading about it! I can't wait to read about your upcoming trip as well!

 

[Cat0727]

Thanks for sharing your trip with us, Sarah. I loved your final thoughts Can't wait to read your next TR!

 

[Mickey_Mom]

Great wrap up Sarah! I'm looking forward to continuing on with your next TR!

 

[meeko_33785]

Nice wrap-up. Sounds like it was a great trip.

I'm glad there were still Tiana pins around for you.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Enjoyed your trip report and your final thoughts, Sarah!

I think spring break can be manageable, too. For those of us who've been several times, I think we can figure out how to manage most crowds, don't you?

Glad you still managed to find some "new" attractions---the Animation Academy is great!

I definitely agreee. Spring break might be a little overwhelming for a first timer but once you've done it and kind of know how the crowds are it is not bad at all. Plus it helps when everyone's spring breaks are kind of spread out...Christmas is not like that!

It's always fun to discover something new to us!

Thanks for sharing your trip with us Sarah, I really enjoyed it!

It's so wonderful that after so many trip you still find new things to experience, I don't think I'll ever get tired of going either.

I got that same Tink pin - I love it

You are welcome...glad you enjoyed it!

Awesome you got the pin too. It is one of my favorites.

Great wrap up! Love all of those souvenirs! Can't wait to hear about your upcoming trip!

Thanks for reading! Glad you'll be joining in on the next one too.

I am about to read Hidden Magic again and take notes this time. Thank you so much for introducing me to that book! I can't wait to find some things that the book talks about! I love that each time you go to Disney it is filled with new experiences but also the old favorites too that bring the nostalgia out in us and is the reason why we always go back to Disney. It's good to know that after 16 times you still found new things to try! I'm only going on trip number 5 but there is still so much left to discover!

Aww, you're welcome! I'm glad you got the book. It really was fun to go around the parks and just take some time to take in all those little details.

Great final thoughts! I love that about Disney - always something new!! Thank you for sharing your trip with us, I look forward to the next one....FIVE DAYS FOR YOU!!!

Thanks for reading Brook! 4 days now!

Great final thoughts! I definitely agree about Spring Break! We have always found the crowds to be manageable and the weather to be beautiful!

Love all your souvenirs! Especially the Princess Tiana Pin. We just watched that movie again the other day...love it!

Thanks for sharing your trip! I really enjoyed reading about it! I can't wait to read about your upcoming trip as well!

Over the years we have generally had really great luck with weather. A few sudden showers here and there but nothing major, knock on wood. But spring break is always great!

I can't wait to start the next TR. It'll be fun.

Thanks for sharing your trip with us, Sarah. I loved your final thoughts Can't wait to read your next TR!

Thank you Cat!

Great wrap up Sarah! I'm looking forward to continuing on with your next TR!

Yay, glad you'll be joining in again on the next TR Tracy.

Nice wrap-up. Sounds like it was a great trip.

I'm glad there were still Tiana pins around for you.

We certainly did have a great time, but don't we always?

I was very glad to get my Tiana pin. Now I just need to meet her.

 

[jenbear123]

Great end to the trip. Nice pins too! I'll see you on over on your PTR

 

[MickeyisBeast]

Love the final thoughts, Sarah
The monorail green Vinylmation is too cute!

 

[danielle79]

Loved all you pics! Showed my daughters many of them, we are planning a trip in Feb 2011, it will be a first fo my two younger daughters! I really hope they experience some Disney magic like the girl with Alice in the teacups! We stayed at AKL in 2003 and loved all the animals right outside the balcony! Thanks for all your great pics!

 

[RachelNinja]

Catching up!

When vacations end, it can be a mix of good and bad. I comfort myself and say, "When I'm at home, I can finally walk around barefoot" and "I can take a shower in my own shower." That first time of doing everything after returning home is the best! Haha, then the 2nd time makes me want to be back on vacation.

I lvoe that D&B has a bunch of different prints. That means not everyone will have the same one, and it fits so many diff tastes! I love the sketch print too, but I know that if I were to buy something, I'd stick with the black and the diff colored Mickey heads. Haha, I'm too safe that way.

Haha the way you said, "Well, I think it is about time I finally wrap this thing up...almost 4 months later. LOL! So here we go, our real last day" makes it seem as if it's a bad thing that trip reports can go on forever ... and ever ... and ever ... hahahahhaha.

I love how people who fly get to go to the parks in the morning of their departure date. Our departure dates have always been to get up at like, 5am or so to finish packing up everything and start driving! Haha, my dad usually drives straight through from Florida to NY going home.

I loved seeing that Mickey gnome hanging out among the flowers!

Awww, I love that little rocking chair with the bigger ones at Kidani!

Haha, the flight stuff was funny. That means you got to fly with Justin Bieber and Taylor Lautner! OoOooO ... my students would be jealous.

It's funny that you were able to do so much and didn't think the crowds were that bad. Haha, I guess that's the benefit of EMH! I'd love having that! Hmm ... next trip?

Ooo, how did you get the Disney Visa pin? That's cute!

Phew, it's a good thing that you're going on another trip because I'd be upset that your TR is over! Although I do like that this was a unique trip report because it was just you and your dad!

Heading to your PTR!

 

[jwwi]

What a fun TR, it sure seemed like you and your Dad had a great time. I love the D&B bag. You picked a really fun one too. Loved all your final shots at Epcot and your resort. I agree with your opinion on going to FL in Spring. So much better that WI at that time of year.

You should try to get to POR with your sisters, go at night and go to the Bar. Bob the piano player plays there most nights, check the POR site. He is so much fun, I can't encourage you enough to go. You can always take a bus back to DTD to get back to SSR. POR is very pretty during the day too. If you are there for dinner order the made to order pasta in the food court area. It is a very large portion, so plan on sharing.

Can you tell I like to eat at Disney?

Did you go to VB birthday party last night at Bayshore? I bought a frills lunch bag, it is so cute. They haven't called me to tell me I won any gifts, they were giving away some great things. But boy was it crazy busy when the "20% off one item" started at 6pm. The line for checkout wrapped around the store.

Have fun next week...............

 

[MommyMcQueen]

GREAT trip report Sarah! It was great reading about all you did and I learned so much from reading about your trip! Thanks for all the great tips and things to look for!

Your final thoughts were wonderful - I'm glad you were able to spend some special time with your dad! I recently took a trip with my mom and know how meaningful it can be - one of those things you'll always be glad you took the time to do together!

You're probably busy packing right now since you leave again in like 3 days! Hope you have a great trip with your sisters!

Karen

 

[wdwgirl03]

Great end to the trip. Nice pins too! I'll see you on over on your PTR

Thanks!! See ya on the PTR, soon-to-be TR!

Love the final thoughts, Sarah
The monorail green Vinylmation is too cute!

Thanks Sara. I was very excited to get the monorail vinylmation.

Loved all you pics! Showed my daughters many of them, we are planning a trip in Feb 2011, it will be a first fo my two younger daughters! I really hope they experience some Disney magic like the girl with Alice in the teacups! We stayed at AKL in 2003 and loved all the animals right outside the balcony! Thanks for all your great pics!

Aww, glad you enjoyed my pictures! How fun that you are planning a trip for Feb.! It is a great time to go...not too busy and decent weather. Enjoy your trip planning!

Catching up!

When vacations end, it can be a mix of good and bad. I comfort myself and say, "When I'm at home, I can finally walk around barefoot" and "I can take a shower in my own shower." That first time of doing everything after returning home is the best! Haha, then the 2nd time makes me want to be back on vacation.

I lvoe that D&B has a bunch of different prints. That means not everyone will have the same one, and it fits so many diff tastes! I love the sketch print too, but I know that if I were to buy something, I'd stick with the black and the diff colored Mickey heads. Haha, I'm too safe that way.

Haha the way you said, "Well, I think it is about time I finally wrap this thing up...almost 4 months later. LOL! So here we go, our real last day" makes it seem as if it's a bad thing that trip reports can go on forever ... and ever ... and ever ... hahahahhaha.

I love how people who fly get to go to the parks in the morning of their departure date. Our departure dates have always been to get up at like, 5am or so to finish packing up everything and start driving! Haha, my dad usually drives straight through from Florida to NY going home.

I loved seeing that Mickey gnome hanging out among the flowers!

Awww, I love that little rocking chair with the bigger ones at Kidani!

Haha, the flight stuff was funny. That means you got to fly with Justin Bieber and Taylor Lautner! OoOooO ... my students would be jealous.

It's funny that you were able to do so much and didn't think the crowds were that bad. Haha, I guess that's the benefit of EMH! I'd love having that! Hmm ... next trip?

Ooo, how did you get the Disney Visa pin? That's cute!

Phew, it's a good thing that you're going on another trip because I'd be upset that your TR is over! Although I do like that this was a unique trip report because it was just you and your dad!

Heading to your PTR!

I agree, it is nice to come home and sleep in my own bed. This trip it stunk though because I had to go back to school the next day. Boo. Ohh well.

I ALMOST ended up with that black one. It is very cute too. This is bad that Disney now has D&B purses because I never cared for them before but well, the Disney ones are too cute. Self control...

Nah, it is not bad. If it weren't for our upcoming trip I'd probably still be going with this one!

Normally we don't get to the parks the day we leave. Our flights are usually around 11ish so we get home earlier. I think in April though the prices were cheaper or they didn't have an early one on Southwest. When we come back next Saturday though it is SUPER early so we will be leaving around 6 am!

The Disney Visa pin came from the Pin Traders store. I think they have it all over...all you need to do is present your Visa card to prove you are a cardholder. I had tried buying it online but for some odd reason they made you buy a minimum of two pins. Umm...I really don't need two pins!

What a fun TR, it sure seemed like you and your Dad had a great time. I love the D&B bag. You picked a really fun one too. Loved all your final shots at Epcot and your resort. I agree with your opinion on going to FL in Spring. So much better that WI at that time of year.

You should try to get to POR with your sisters, go at night and go to the Bar. Bob the piano player plays there most nights, check the POR site. He is so much fun, I can't encourage you enough to go. You can always take a bus back to DTD to get back to SSR. POR is very pretty during the day too. If you are there for dinner order the made to order pasta in the food court area. It is a very large portion, so plan on sharing.

Can you tell I like to eat at Disney?

Did you go to VB birthday party last night at Bayshore? I bought a frills lunch bag, it is so cute. They haven't called me to tell me I won any gifts, they were giving away some great things. But boy was it crazy busy when the "20% off one item" started at 6pm. The line for checkout wrapped around the store.

Have fun next week...............

We had a great time as usual. And it was so nice having that extra day to do the parks. It made it seem like we did that much more! Luckily coming back to WI in the spring isn't as bad as coming back in the winter when there's snow.

Ooh, that sounds fun! I would really like to get over to POR since I enjoy seeing all the different resorts and POR is one we've never been to. Pasta sounds great. I love me some pasta.

I was at the VB store earlier in the day and it was insanely busy then too.

 

[wdwgirl03]

GREAT trip report Sarah! It was great reading about all you did and I learned so much from reading about your trip! Thanks for all the great tips and things to look for!

Your final thoughts were wonderful - I'm glad you were able to spend some special time with your dad! I recently took a trip with my mom and know how meaningful it can be - one of those things you'll always be glad you took the time to do together!

You're probably busy packing right now since you leave again in like 3 days! Hope you have a great trip with your sisters!

Karen

Thank you Karen! I'm glad you enjoyed it and that it was somewhat helpful for you. I am so excited for your TR when you guys get back. I can't wait to hear what you guys have to say about it. You must be down to just a couple weeks now!

Lately all of our trips have been just a couple people because of everyone's school/work schedules. It's always kind of a bummer leaving some people at home but Dad and I had an awesome time.

haha, I am such a procrastinator when it comes to packing. I probably won't start until Saturday afternoon.