The Fatten'em Plan: A Trip Report w/ pics

[Cass]

Hi and welcome to our trip report. December 13-19th ~ we stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge on the Platinum Plan now renamed The Fatten'em Plan, because we were pretty well always eating.

This trip report will consist of tears, cheers, drama & surprises. Wonderful meals, pixie dust and a protein spill in front of Everest. See who was happy it started raining to wash the evidence away

Cast

Cass: Me, Disney lover and planner extraordinaire. I put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into fine tuning our intinerary. I celebrated my 42nd birthday during this trip with an incredible dinner and view.

Noel: My DD, Disney lover, who celebrated her 13th birthday during this trip. Noel had no idea we were going to Disney until I told her at the airport on the morning of departure ~ and even then she did not beleive me.

Louise: My good friend of over 11 years, we met when our DDs were just babies at our neighbourhood play group. Louise has never been to Disney before but is a Disney lover through and through. Mickey is her man.

Megan: Louise's DD, celebrating her 12th birthday during this trip. Megan is the easiest going, non demanding, appreciative child there is. Megan's dream comes true on Day 3 and many tears were shed because it's a small world, after all.

Just a little pretrip before we start in.

Louise left everything up to me and we booked this trip back in July ~ I fine tuned everything over the next few months trying to get 'the plan' exactly right.

On the night of December 11th I went to bed early, peaceful and content in knowing that all I had to do was finish my packing the next day, and then we were off.

Then the phone rang.

Me: 'Hello?'

Louise 'Hi, ummmm... I have a little bit of a situation'

Me: [groggy] 'A situation?'

Louise: 'Yeah, I ummm.... can't seem to find my birth certificate'

Me: [giggles] Good one! ha ha, that's funny but since we booked this trip 6 months ago I know you're just kidding.'

:::: silence ::::

Me: 'You're kidding, right?'

:::: silence ::::

Me: 'Louise?'

Me: 'Louise? tell me you're kidding'

and that was the start of 36 hours of drama.

Yes, Louise had waited six months before looking for her Birth certificate and it was nowhere to be found. We are in Canada and require passports or a BC to cross the border.

I hung up from a panicky Louise and called my ex-hubby & travel agent Rob to get his advice. Rob said he would look after Louise and called her with advice to go straight down to the Ministry of Health when they opened the next morning and beg & plead for an emergency resissue.

So Louise headed downtown Toronto at 9:00am the next morning and they took her application but the soonest she would get her BC was 2 business days later and not in time for our flight in a mere 24 hours.

Louise called Rob with the bad news but he still had another trick up his sleeve being that he is the best travel agent on the planet.

Rob got her an appointment with a lawyer to get a Certificate of Citizenship affidavit, notorized to present at the airport the next morning. He was confident it would work, something like 60/40 in our favour.

I was totally stressed out at work that day, imaging Louise being denied boarding the next morning and what would happen. Would I still take Megan? would Louise come down on a one way flight a few days late when her BC arrived? Should I try to reschedule the whole trip for all of us? should I just cancel? I was absolutely sick over it all and couldn't concentrate on anything.

With a heavy heart and a sinking feeling I waited for Noel to fall asleep that night and then slipped in and out of her room gathering the last items to pack.

Noel knew she had December 13th off school.

She *thought* she was going to a Children's Christmas Party thrown every year by a local radio station. I told her it was at an airport hotel this year.

I also told her that Louise and Megan were going to meet us and after the party we were going to go christmas shopping, have dinner and spend a night at the hotel. She was thrilled to get a day off school and was not suspicious of the bag I packed. She even agreed to wear the Minnie Christmas sweater I bought her at the Disney store.

Day One - December 13th

The alarm went off at 5:00am but I was already awake.. our flight was not until 10:00am but we decided to arrive super early to deal with Customs and Louise's issue. I woke a protesting and grumpy Noel up and had her brush her teeth and get dressed.

I was in the kitchen waiting for her to come down when I heard

*bump*
*bang*
*bang*
*BANG*
*THUD*

My heart about stopped as Noel fell down the stairs right before my eyes, it was in slow motion as she tumbled down, the poor kid. She scared herself but seemed okay, it was a bit of a shock for both of us, but at least we were both wide awake...now! What else could go wrong today?

The airport limo arrived at 6am and I had Noel get in the car as the driver loaded our bag. Then I retrieved the *second* suitcase that I had hiding behing my neighbour's car and had the driver put that in the trunk too.

Noel played her Nintendogs game and I watched traffic flash by as we drove to the airport. The driver asked what terminal we were flying out of, but Noel did not notice what he said.

We arrived at the Terminal at 6:20am and the driver pulled our bags out. I paid him and he told Noel to have a great flight.

Noel: 'Oh, we're not flying anywhere, we're going to a party'

Driver: :: blank stare:: then he gets in his car and drives away

Me: 'Actually Noel, we are flying somewhere today'

Noel: 'yeah, right'

Me: 'no really, we are, we're going to Disney with Louise and Megan

Noel 'you're lying'

Me: :::: hands Noel her Air Canada boarding pass:::: which she examines and says

'you just made this up on your computer to trick me. it's a fake'

We stood there in the chilly morning air outside the Terminal arguing back and forth and finally it started dawning on her that I just might be telling the truth but she was still skeptical.

Noel processing the possibilty we are going to Disney

Once Megan arrived in a matching Disney sweater clutching a large Minnie Mouse ~ Noel started believing me.

Today is also Megan's birthday and I gave her a hug and pinned a Disney Birthday button on her immediately. She has never flown before so she is really excited and also she loves to be with Noel so the two of them were already enjoying themselves as Louise and I sweated in line for check in.


.

 

[Cass]

Terminal II at 6:45am

One sad looking tree was the only decoration in the entire terminal

The Air Canada check in agent was really nice, she looked at the lawyer's letter and said she was going to send us on into Customs to see what would happen.

As we snaked our way through the customs line, we examined the agents and decided which one we wanted. The officer at position 5 had the sweetest face and big doe eyes. We thought she looked the nicest and most understanding so we let people pass so we could wait for her to be available.

As it happened in this season of miracles and good will towards man, she listened to our saga and based on the fact that Louise had the affidavit and the receipt from the ministry of health that the Birth Certificate would be sent out in 2 days, agreed to let Louise into the USA.

Rob the best travel agent in the world ~ saved the day

God Bless this Homeland Security Agent with a heart. I also feel that having 2 girls in minnie mouse sweaters, one with a birthday button helped a lot

Next was security screening and the best laugh of the day as Louise was singled out for the 'extra screening and pat down' Megan giggled as she watched her mother being felt up by a female security officer.

Before we knew it we were on the plane with a bag of Fuzzy Peach gummies

The Birthday Girl enjoying her first flight and the seat back TV's

 

[Cass]

Sitting on the plane we didn't breathe sighs of relief until the door shut and we were taxi-ing out to the runway.

The whole time prior I kept expecting them to change their mind and not let Louise fly. Everytime any security or airline employee looked our way I felt guilty. After take off we finally realized it was over, everything was okay and this trip was a go!

2 1/2 hours later we arrived in Orlando and boarded our first ride, the airport monorail.

Noel, Megan & Louise

I had Happy Limo meet us as I am far too anal to let anyone transport my luggage. Magical Express is not nearly as magical as it should be IMO. A half hour later we arrived at AKL.

The Disney Florist van was delivering some gorgeous Christmas trees when we arrived. Only a DIS'er would take a pic like this.

The bellman-lady said our room was just about ready and to go up to the lounge for a drink first. She took us up and we just enjoyed an empty lounge and the beautiful lobby below.

Concierge Lounge

Balcony off the Concierge Lounge

View from Balcony

Art by the Concierge Elevators

 

[Cass]

View from 5435 on the Zebra Trail - Bunk Bed room with a daybed, it was perfect for us. This room was in very good shape, the carpeting looked very fresh & new. I claimed the double bed and it was so comfy. Noel and Megan took the bunks and Louise had her little Day bed.

Photo take through the animal print sheers.

Towel Gingerbread Man

Christmas Tree & Snowman

Toothbrush holder bunny

I had some gifts waiting in the room - infact that was the delay, they were setting up the little Christmas tree I ordered from FTD which had just arrived.

I had gift bags for each of the girls with Pal Mickey's, autograph books and pens, mickey ponchos and character straws.

The Concierge sent us some birthday surprises too, pooh, eeyore & goofy in safari outfits. Each had a little scroll with our individual names on them wishing us a happy birthday. There was also a little bag with an African beaded pin inside. Megan wore it on her birthday and then handed it off to Noel for hers.

After check in we unpacked, had a little rest and headed to MGM for Megan's birthday dinner at Mama Melroses.

We were running short on time so we went straight to the restaurant just made it with 5 minutes to spare before our ADR. I'll do a separate dining report but I'll tell you we loved our food here. I had the Penne alla Vodka and it was absolutely delicious, service was very good too.

Now I told you this is Louise's first trip to Disney and she is not aware of what is going on around the parks. Louise is a smoker and around 6:30pm she went out for a smoke, there is a designated area just outside of Mama Melrose's. Just as she lit her lighter, at the exact same second the Osborne Lights came on all around her.

She was so excited when she came back in the restaurant, after dinner we had a quick walk through the Osborne lights on the way to Fantasmic.

We headed over to Oscar's filling station with our certificate for Fantasmic admission through the platinum plan.

The CM looked atthe voucher with his flashlight like I had just handed him something from outer space. I think he thought we were trying to get away with something but he let us in anyway Over and over again I had the feeling not many CM's were familiar with the Platinum Plan and had no idea what it included.

Fantasmic was great and Megan was just blown away by it all, afterwards our bodies started to shut down and we needed sleep, we caught the AKL bus and then had a drink & dessert in the lounge before bed.

I had the pleasure of meeting SuperDuperBounce and his wife, the kids were in the room watching TV. We had a nice visit and it was great to meet someone from the DIS in real life.

Day One could not have gone better

Next up, Day two and someone has a protein spill after riding Expedition Everest.

Thanks for reading!

 

[lexmelinda]

Great start, Cass! What a great trip....deluxe concierge, platinum plan, Christmas, birthdays, gifts.....WOW! And what a great surprise for Noel....why don't kids BELIEVE their parents anymore??? Can't wait to hear more!

 

[wishinonastar2goback]

Nice trip report. Looking forward to hearing more.
When we went in October 2005, we were on the deluxe plan and had the same experience, throughout the trip, of CM's not really knowing what to do with us.

 

[TiggerAllie]

Excellent start! Can't wait to hear more!

 

[amy2girls]

great start

 

[teentoddlermom]

I remember reading your TR from Universal/Disney a few years ago and loved it. Glad to see you back and hope you had a great trip. I read another recent TR from someone on the Platinum Plan, and I think they had some CM unfamiliarity issues too.
Great start to your TR. Love the pictures too!

 

[Ellester]

Awesome start! It seems many kids express disbelief when they are surprised with a Disney trip. Makes you feel like they think you lie to them all the time! Sounds like a wonderful introduction to the World for your friends. Can't wait to read the rest!

 

[DisneyObsession]

I did it again!!!

I started another great TR and now I'm hooked!!! What a great surprise for your DD! I would love to pull something like that off with my grown kids, but don't know how I would ever do it!

Can't wait to hear about Day 2!

 

[pigletforever]

I was wondering how your trip went. Looks like you wren't as far down the hall as we were. Seeing your pictures makes me ready to back NOW!!!! I may have to convince DH for a small trip before our next big trip in Jan of 08. Can't wait to hear the rest of it.

Cathy

 

[Bashful in TN]

Good start. Settling in for a great read.

 

[Blaynexox]

Great start!! I cant wait to read more! Your a great mom .. i would love my parents to have suprised me like that as a kid!!

 

[disneytraveler]

Oh Cass! What a wonderful start to your vacation! I thought it so funny that your DD still did not beleive she was going to Disney even at the airport.
I cant wait for the next day.

 

[Bee]

 

[Minniespal]

Excellent start Cass ~ Can't wait to read more.

 

[Cass]

Hi again and thanks to those who are reading

I forgot to mention the offerings at the concierge lounge, when we arrived around 3pm there were cookies, scones, trail mix, cashews, crackers, gummies, soft drinks, tea, coffee, milk, chocolate milk, juices, lemonade, iced tea, sparkling and still water.

Later when we returned after Fantasmic there was desserts and liquors. The desserts were cookies, truffles, little tarts, chocolate covered stawberries etc... all very nice. The liquors were baileys, drambuie, grand marnier etc... plus all the soft drinks.

So we were in bed by 10:30pm and I'm sure asleep by 10:32 we were just so exhausted after our long day and we had to be up early for the Sunrise Safari.

Day 2

Our wake up call comes at 6:00am and we all stagger out of bed and get dressed. Some of us were harder to wake than others, especially the Birthday Girl, Noel.

We are supposed to meet in the lounge between 6:30-7am. The lounge was quiet when we arrived, I think we were the first ones up there.

There was coffee, tea and juices and they were just starting to bring out the muffins, pastries & fruit. I warned everyone not to eat too much as we were having breakfast after the safari but they pretty well all ignored me and dug into the offerings.

Sleepy girls at 6:45am (notice our DIS Lanyards )

The concierge gave us name tag stickers to wear and something funny happened. The first two said read Cass & Noel, which was fine but the next two read "SuAnne & Hayley" SuAnne is a DIS member and Hayley is her DD, we have travelled and stayed together at AKL before. For some reason their names were on our reservation for the sunrise safari I felt like they were along in spirit.

After sorting out the nametags we were told to gather downstairs at the Sunset Overlook, just off the lobby. This is a beautiful little lounge area with all kinds of African artifacts & art.

Finally it was time to go, we went through a security bag check before getting on our bus and we were all given mickey ponchos as it was overcast and calling for rain.

On the drive over, our guide provided commentary on the conservation and breeding programs at DAK. We entered backstage and saw the Giraffe, Elephant, Rhino & Hippo buildings as well as the area where all the trees and vegetation is grown.

We exited the bus and had a short walk into Harambe village to the Kilamanjaro Safari ride entrance and boarded our safari vehicle.

 

[Cass]

It was a really a beautiful morning, a little bit cool and cloudy with the sun breaking through.

The Sunrise Safari follows the same route as the Kilamanjaro Safari ride but there is no story line & sound effects. It is also quite slow, about a 45 minute ride instead of the usually 15 minutes. The vehicle stops and you can take photos and ask questions all the way along. Our guide was the best, this was Noel and my 3rd time doing this and we both agreed this guide was special.

Safari pics

Megan was in awe and Louise thought the safari was amazing and worth getting up early for. At the end of the safari we walked over to the Tusker House School room and had wonderful breakfast which included coffee, teas, hot chocolate, juices, eggs done several ways, bacon, sausage links and patties, biscuits & gravy, salmon, potatoes, waffles, pancakes, cheeses & cold cuts, hot cinnamon rolls, croissants, bagels, poundcake & muffins.

We had a nice relaxing breakfast and then it was time to start our day at Animal Kingdom Park.

 

[Cass]

Well, since it was Noel's birthday she decided we had to do Dinosaur first, this has been her favourite ride since she was 7 years old and tall enough to ride it!

Included with the Sunrise Safari were fast passes to come back and ride Kilamanjaro Safari the regular way - Noel picked a nice family of 4 and gave them our fast passes as a little gift

On the way over to Dinoland USA we made a few stops. The first was Tough to be a Bug and then we met some characters.

I wasn't sure if Noel was past the age of wanting autographs, but her and Megan were so into it, they had a great time collecting them.

Louise got into it too

The girls did Primevil Whirl while Louise and I enjoyed a nice bench and a cold drink. This is where I encounted the first of many many issues with the Platinum Plan card. The CM would look at the card in wonderment and then stare at the computer screen and tell me I didn't have snacks included.

'Yes, yes I do' I would insist, ' I do have snacks' then they would call another CM and then another and they would all stare at the card and at the screen.

Finally I said just charge it to the room and I will figure it out later. This happened everywhere and all the time, no locations recognized that snacks were included. So every day or so I would get the concierge staff to reverse the charges and debit the snacks.

Primevil Hurl

Time was passing too quickly, it was already noon and we had only done a few things. I was worried that Expedition Everest would be busy so we sent the girls running ahead to get fast passes while we waited in Dinoland.

When they came back Noel had a big smile and was very excited. It seems a CM names James noticed her Birthday Button and asked her if it was really her birthday today. She confirmed that it really was and he gave her this gift.

A "No Strings Attached' certificate for 4 people for any attraction.

Noel was busting her butt to use it right away so we used it on Dinosaur even though it was only a 15 minute wait

Louise was not thrilled with Dinosaur, she doesn't like dark rides where she can't see where she's going. She was more than happy to sit out the next time when the girls went on it again on their own.

We headed for EE and Louise was looking forward to it although a little nervous. We had to wait a few moments to use our fast passes so we looked around the gift shop.

Finally it was time to ride, Noel and I LOVED it! Megan was okay with it but Louise came off with knees of jello and shaky hands. She insisted she needed to sit down and I thought she was joking until I saw her face. We left the ride just as the skies opened up and it began to pour rain, the next thing we knew Louise was barfing on the sidewalk and the hard rain was washing it away.

It was now I discovered that there were only 3 ponchos - one was missing, turns out Noel left it at the Tusker house on the floor so guess who sacrificed, who took one for the team, who got soaked?