The Most MAGICAL Trip Of Them All! "EVERYTHING'S PERFECT!" Oct. 2012 UPDATE 1/11

[marDgreen88]

Omg, Minnie and Daisy are the cutest! Those outfits are just adorable!

Wow, I can't even get over how in love I am with Art of Animation. As you probably know I have some experience with the value resorts and while they all have Disney touches here and there, this one BLOWS them out of the water with just pure Disney EVERYTHING. It's incredible. Even Not even All Star Movies can compare! (They have movies like Herbie and The Mighty Ducks that nobody really cares about, which has always baffled me.) I cannot wait to see it in person! There's a chance that I will be staying here in the near future (fingers crossed!!!!) and I think between this and all the new Little Mermaid stuff in New Fantasyland, I will fall into a Little Mermaid induced coma. So amazing!!! All of the sections just look wonderful.

So cute that the animator gave the picture to Miranda for free!

 

[katt789]

Ah! So glad that you got over to AoA!! It's such an amazing resort, seriously! We stayed there in Sept and were just blown away by everything, it's absolutely amazing and beautiful and so well themed!! I have to agree with the food being super delicious too, it makes me happy that they've got so many other choices than just the regular food. We're staying at Pop in Feb and we'll definitely be popping over to AoA for some food! Hahah!

 

[LifeIsDis]

Daisy and Minnie in their circus costumes are SO cute!

I want to be a tour guide at Disney SO BAD. Some day, some day…

I just stayed in the Little Mermaid rooms at AoA and OH MY GOD IT WAS INCREDIBLE.

LOVE LOVE LOVE your pictures of AoA!!!

The dessert case ♥♥

I wasn’t a fan of Cars either, but I was BLOWN away by this section at the resort. Now I want to go to Cars Land!

I didn’t get to check out the Finding Nemo section really and now I wish I did ):

The life size dingle-hopper is like my favorite thing ever.

The check in desk at Christmastime is awesome. They had wreaths that matched every color of the wall. So like a purple wreath, red wreath, yellow, and so on.

That is SO cool Miranda got the Stitch sketch from Jason! Disney magic <3

 

[Meetmeinmontauk]

I really want to stay at AoA. I'm going to try and convince DBF to stay there on our next trip. He doesn't want to stay at a Value.

We stayed at POR last time & I much prefer the bus system at the POP. We shall see

 

[Disneydude97]

If I could sum up the Art of Animation in one word, it would be...WOW! That looks amazing! I know where I'm gonna stay on my next trip!

BTW, good luck on the College Program, Jess!

 

[RyansMommy1]

Great pictures of art of animation. Took Ryan there in October and he loved it!! Stayed in Cars and it was such a perfect hotel for a first trip experience for him. Sooooo excited that you are going to DCP soon!! CAn't wait to read about all of you adventures there.

 

[cocofifi]

Your AoA pics have me so pumped for my mother/daughter trip in May! Fifi and I are staying in the LM section. Tell your mom she is just the cutest! Great installment!

 

[__disneygirl]

Pete's Silly Sideshow is such an amazing character greeting area! They really spared no detail when it comes to theming over there.

PhilharMagic has the same effect on me! Usually with most shows, once a trip is enough, but I always find myself back there again each trip. It just really gets me.

Oh GOD these pictures just make me miss my Stuck in Disney trip so much. As soon as I see those Halloween decorations I just freak out.

YOU DID NOT TELL ME THAT YOU WENT TO CAST CONNECTIONS. I AM SO JEALOUS. We do kind of the same thing at my store and I get the most ridiculously amazing deals, but of course it is NOT the same as getting WDW merchandise (though we do have some Disney stuff, thank God!). I wanna go there so bad!

I agree, AoA has the best food court ever. I want to live in there. I was seriously in awe of the resort too. I don't even know anymore. Between that and New Fantasyland I just don't know how people can say there is a decline in quality at Disney. If I'm standing frozen with my jaw on the floor, then there is not a decline in quality. I am so excited for the future of Disney, I can't even explain... I know you understand though!

OF COURSE they have an animator just sitting there animating. Why didn't I know this? That is too perfect.

 

[hollisterluva92]

I can't even believe it! I think you might actually be there already! I completely understand about the packing thing - I have so much stuff!! I want to order more bows too - we have to keep an eye out! Tweet me if she ever opens up and you notice it! Yes, I'm sure we will! I am taking Advanced Hospitality Management and Corporate Communications!

I am here!!! I checked in today and I'm moved into my apartment! I got a 3-bedroom at Patterson and I LOVE it!!!! I'll make sure to keep an eye out for when ordering opens again! You'll have to let me know how you like your classes! I'm thinking of taking one this summer! How much longer are you here? I start training on Sunday!

-Art of Animation just looks SO perfect! I stayed at Pop Century last night before I checked in today, and I almost went over and looked at AOA, but I was exhausted!
-When I tried following you on twitter it said I was blocked? My username is pink1234star92
-I am going to be BROKE for a while! Now that I get my cm discount, I have so many things I wanna buy!

 

[Pluto0809]

Love all the pictures of AOA! We are staying there next January. I was wondering about the distance of the LM rooms from the food court as I've read it's pretty far. Since you've stayed both CBR and have seen AOA, how would you compair the walk? Mom and I stayed in Jamaica building 42 this past November and didn't find the walk to Centertown bad at all.

 

[pirateprincess1976]

LOVE the pics from AOA! I can't wait to check it out. Staying at Pop the first week in February and dying to walk over the bridge and check out AOA and their food court. It looks amazing. One day I will stay there

 

[sue_88]

wow, that was fun to see so much of the art of animation resort. I love Pop century and am not sure if I would choose aoa over pop but it does look wonderful! and you posted lots of areas that I had not seen before! The food from the food court does look great. I want your moms pesto pasta I think. Yum.

 

[WEDWDW]

Awesome update Disney College Program Cast Member!

That really gets me too when the children reach out for the 3D effects at PhilharMagic!

It is one of my 2 favorite "kid moments" at WDW-the other is when arriving on the WDW Railroad to the Frontierland Station,hearing the children yell "Woody!" and "Jessie!" when they look down and see them at the Splash Mountain exit and then seeing Woody and Jessie look up at them and wave back.

I LOVE the report on AoA!

Wow!How awesome that your friend got a REAL animation sketch!-That's like going to the "Animation Academy on steroids"!


I am SO glad that the "Bridge to Nowhere"(aka Generation Gap Bridge) finaly goes somewhere!

I was able to be there on Opening Day and be among the first to walk across the bridge from Pop Century-so exciting!

 

[JessicaFaye508]

Art of Animation looks absolutely AMAZING!

It is!!

Omg, Minnie and Daisy are the cutest! Those outfits are just adorable!

Wow, I can't even get over how in love I am with Art of Animation. As you probably know I have some experience with the value resorts and while they all have Disney touches here and there, this one BLOWS them out of the water with just pure Disney EVERYTHING. It's incredible. Even Not even All Star Movies can compare! (They have movies like Herbie and The Mighty Ducks that nobody really cares about, which has always baffled me.) I cannot wait to see it in person! There's a chance that I will be staying here in the near future (fingers crossed!!!!) and I think between this and all the new Little Mermaid stuff in New Fantasyland, I will fall into a Little Mermaid induced coma. So amazing!!! All of the sections just look wonderful.

So cute that the animator gave the picture to Miranda for free!

I agree!

Oh I know, seriously! I COMPLETELY agree with everything you just said! I hope you get to stay there soon! And OMG I know, I agree. Ariel is back at the top of my favorite princess list. I'm just loving her so much lately!!

I know, that was SUPER nice!

Ah! So glad that you got over to AoA!! It's such an amazing resort, seriously! We stayed there in Sept and were just blown away by everything, it's absolutely amazing and beautiful and so well themed!! I have to agree with the food being super delicious too, it makes me happy that they've got so many other choices than just the regular food. We're staying at Pop in Feb and we'll definitely be popping over to AoA for some food! Hahah!

Me too! It really is. I'm glad you got to stay there! I am hoping to stay there during my DCP when I have some friends visit so I'm really looking forward to it! And I love the convenience from Pop to AoA - I'll probably be staying there at some point also and I'll be popping over to AoA as well!

Daisy and Minnie in their circus costumes are SO cute!

I want to be a tour guide at Disney SO BAD. Some day, some day…

I just stayed in the Little Mermaid rooms at AoA and OH MY GOD IT WAS INCREDIBLE.

LOVE LOVE LOVE your pictures of AoA!!!

The dessert case ♥♥

I wasn’t a fan of Cars either, but I was BLOWN away by this section at the resort. Now I want to go to Cars Land!

I didn’t get to check out the Finding Nemo section really and now I wish I did ):

The life size dingle-hopper is like my favorite thing ever.

The check in desk at Christmastime is awesome. They had wreaths that matched every color of the wall. So like a purple wreath, red wreath, yellow, and so on.

That is SO cool Miranda got the Stitch sketch from Jason! Disney magic <3

I agree! And me too. SO BAD.
YOU'RE SO LUCKY!! Thank you!
Aww I guess you'll have to go back!
AHH OMG I wish I could've seen it! How cool!
Yeah that was super magical!

I really want to stay at AoA. I'm going to try and convince DBF to stay there on our next trip. He doesn't want to stay at a Value.

We stayed at POR last time & I much prefer the bus system at the POP. We shall see

So do I! I hope you get to! Just show him my pictures!

Yeah if you were going to stay at a moderate with a similar bus system, Port Orleans French Quarter is great. It's all in one area. I hate those spread out bus systems so much!!

If I could sum up the Art of Animation in one word, it would be...WOW! That looks amazing! I know where I'm gonna stay on my next trip!

BTW, good luck on the College Program, Jess!

Seriously though!

Thank you!

Great pictures of art of animation. Took Ryan there in October and he loved it!! Stayed in Cars and it was such a perfect hotel for a first trip experience for him. Sooooo excited that you are going to DCP soon!! CAn't wait to read about all of you adventures there.

Aww that's ADORABLE! I bet he was in his glory! Thank you so much!

Your AoA pics have me so pumped for my mother/daughter trip in May! Fifi and I are staying in the LM section. Tell your mom she is just the cutest! Great installment!

You guys are going to have an AMAZING time!! I will! Thank you!

Pete's Silly Sideshow is such an amazing character greeting area! They really spared no detail when it comes to theming over there.

I agree! It's AWESOME! I just love how Disney has taken every new thing lately and really made it spectacular. The details blow my mind!​

PhilharMagic has the same effect on me! Usually with most shows, once a trip is enough, but I always find myself back there again each trip. It just really gets me.

We are the same person.​

Oh GOD these pictures just make me miss my Stuck in Disney trip so much. As soon as I see those Halloween decorations I just freak out.

Aww I would be the same way!​

YOU DID NOT TELL ME THAT YOU WENT TO CAST CONNECTIONS. I AM SO JEALOUS. We do kind of the same thing at my store and I get the most ridiculously amazing deals, but of course it is NOT the same as getting WDW merchandise (though we do have some Disney stuff, thank God!). I wanna go there so bad!

Well make sure you plan a little bit of "free" time when you come to visit me and I will see what we can do.... ​

I agree, AoA has the best food court ever. I want to live in there. I was seriously in awe of the resort too. I don't even know anymore. Between that and New Fantasyland I just don't know how people can say there is a decline in quality at Disney. If I'm standing frozen with my jaw on the floor, then there is not a decline in quality. I am so excited for the future of Disney, I can't even explain... I know you understand though!

They have DELICIOUS food. Omg. And I know... seriously. EVERYTHING NEW THING IS PERFECT. A decline in quality my butt. If people don't appreciate Disney, they should just leave. MORE FOR ME!​

OF COURSE they have an animator just sitting there animating. Why didn't I know this? That is too perfect.

I KNOW. Like why are we even surprised though? So brilliant.

I am here!!! I checked in today and I'm moved into my apartment! I got a 3-bedroom at Patterson and I LOVE it!!!! I'll make sure to keep an eye out for when ordering opens again! You'll have to let me know how you like your classes! I'm thinking of taking one this summer! How much longer are you here? I start training on Sunday!

-Art of Animation just looks SO perfect! I stayed at Pop Century last night before I checked in today, and I almost went over and looked at AOA, but I was exhausted!
-When I tried following you on twitter it said I was blocked? My username is pink1234star92
-I am going to be BROKE for a while! Now that I get my cm discount, I have so many things I wanna buy!

Ahhh I hope you're having an amazing time!! Yes, let me know! I left Disney on the 4th and I will be back soon!

Seriously I know! Aww how fun! Yeah.. I understand, I would've been tired too! Weird.. I'll check that out! And hahaha SAME HERE. It's alright.. it's all about the experience!

Love all the pictures of AOA! We are staying there next January. I was wondering about the distance of the LM rooms from the food court as I've read it's pretty far. Since you've stayed both CBR and have seen AOA, how would you compair the walk? Mom and I stayed in Jamaica building 42 this past November and didn't find the walk to Centertown bad at all.

Thank you so much! I hope you have an amazing time! Omg compared to CBR the walk is nothing!! It really doesn't take more than 3-5 minutes. Don't worry! Everything is in a real close vicinity!

LOVE the pics from AOA! I can't wait to check it out. Staying at Pop the first week in February and dying to walk over the bridge and check out AOA and their food court. It looks amazing. One day I will stay there

Thank you so much! Ahh have a wonderful trip!

wow, that was fun to see so much of the art of animation resort. I love Pop century and am not sure if I would choose aoa over pop but it does look wonderful! and you posted lots of areas that I had not seen before! The food from the food court does look great. I want your moms pesto pasta I think. Yum.

I'm glad you enjoyed looking at pictures! Even if you stay at Pop, you should definitely take a little walk over to AoA and look around and try the food court! And yeah I want that pasta too - I'll have to go back and get it!

Awesome update Disney College Program Cast Member!

Why thank you!​

That really gets me too when the children reach out for the 3D effects at PhilharMagic!

I'm glad you understand!​

It is one of my 2 favorite "kid moments" at WDW-the other is when arriving on the WDW Railroad to the Frontierland Station,hearing the children yell "Woody!" and "Jessie!" when they look down and see them at the Splash Mountain exit and then seeing Woody and Jessie look up at them and wave back.

I know it's so cute!​

I LOVE the report on AoA!

Wow!How awesome that your friend got a REAL animation sketch!-That's like going to the "Animation Academy on steroids"!

Thank you! And haha yes it is!​

I am SO glad that the "Bridge to Nowhere"(aka Generation Gap Bridge) finaly goes somewhere!

SAME! It's about time!​

I was able to be there on Opening Day and be among the first to walk across the bridge from Pop Century-so exciting!

YOU'RE SO LUCKY! That's a beautiful pin!​

 

[JessicaFaye508]

Chapter 16: Rose & Crown and Magic Kingdom Extra Magic Hours!
October 7th, 2012

After absolutely falling in love with Art of Animation, it was time to depart and go visit Miranda's apartment! She lives in Patterson - one of the DCP apartment complexes!

She showed us the pool first, which is really nice! There is also a nice gym there! I definitely want to live in Patterson during my program. It's BEAUTIFUL!

We went up to Miranda's room and it was on the 2nd floor! She lived with 6 people so there were 3 rooms connected to the common room. It is really nice! The bedrooms are kind of tight but they're manageable.

We met Miranda's roommate, Savannah. She was from the west coast so Disneyland is her home park.

She was a Kilimanjaro Safaris guide. She told us that during her training, the first thing that they are taught is that if someone falls into the crocodile pit, the safari driver is supposed to drive away really fast for two reasons: 1) The guests should not be exposed to that horrible sight and 2) Someone else would end up jumping in after them and there is NO way out. It's absolutely horrific but that's what they have to do.

So moral of the story: NEVER LEAVE YOUR RIDE VEHICLE. EVER.

Also, there is a HUGE moat around the lions so they can't get out. Good to know. That's why they don't eat the other animals. Now I understand.

We left there around 5:45 pm and headed over to dinner. We parked at the Beach Club and then walked to Epcot!

Epcot was hoppin' that night! We went to Rose & Crown at 6:05 pm for dinner! It was my first time there!

We got our buzzer and had a little bit of a wait. So we walked around and looked through the gift shops. There were a bunch of pictures that defined different names. I found mine and I think it's a pretty accurate description! It's so cute!

Our buzzer went off and we were seated in the room right next to the pub. That was a real party!!

All of the cast members had AWESOME English accents. That's the #1 reason to come here, folks! (and I mean the food is great, too)

Miranda and I both ordered the Fish and Chips for dinner. They were REALLY good. I'm not a big fried food person and I'm pretty particular about my fish, but this one was perfect. Also, the serving sizes at this place were totally proportioned! Thank God, too, because I always end up overeating because I am given too much food!

My Mom got the Cottage Pie which she LOVED. Our waiter said that his Mom has been making it his entire life, and she always used the same recipe as Disney without even knowing! That's too funny.

For dessert I got the Sticky Toffee Pudding. I had seen so many food pictures so it was NECESSARY that I tried it. I really wanted to know what it tasted like!

It was absolutely DELICIOUS. Oh my God. There was butterscotch on it and it was warm and soft and perfect! Mom and I split but but I could've easily eaten one by myself. (once again - great portion sizes!)

After dinner we went to MouseGear! One of the metal pieces from Mom's Dooney fell off about an hour after she got it, so we went to exchange it for a new one. The process took a while because the CM's went in the back to get all of the purses in that style so Mom could pick out the perfect pattern. (they all lay differently)

It all worked out and she got her new purse! The cast members were very helpful and we appreciated their assistance!

We left and took a picture in front of my fountain:

Then we were headed out of the park! In the World Showcase I saw one of the Food & Wine decorations and there's a hidden mickey in the champagne bubbles!

Miranda drove us back to Caribbean Beach, I freshened up, got changed, and reorganized my pins. Mom decided to stay back and relax in the room and Miranda and I went to Magic Kingdom for extra magic hours!!

We parked at the TTC, took the monorail over, and arrived at Magic Kingdom!

Our first stop was to meet up with Alicia! (Leasha_Loves_Disney) She got me a shirt on Epcot's 30th anniversary! I paid her for it and got my new shirt with Figment on it!

They had a huge group with them - Alicia, Andy, Sam, Sam's 2 friends, Keirsten, Primo, and Ryan! They just got off of Haunted Mansion and were headed to Splash Mountain! We said our quick hellos and goodbyes, then Miranda and I went on Haunted Mansion. LET THE MAGIC KINGDOM RIDEATHON BEGIN!

Our next stop was Storybook Circus! We took a few moments to stare at the Beast's Castle in awe. It was all lit up and so beautiful! I was so excited when I got this picture - it came out really nice!

We made our way into the Storybook Circus gift shop. It was Miranda's first time seeing it! She had been so busy since it opened that she hadn't made her way over there yet! She was so excited!

We went to meet Daisy and Minnie because Miranda LOVES them. I went to this meet and greet two times in one day and I wasn't even mad. IT'S SO FUN! It was a great way to kick off our girls' night!

There was an EXTREMELY attractive character attendant chatting with us while we waited in line. I almost felt guilty just speaking to him.

Daisy was our first character!

Then Minnie!

Continued in Next Post​

 

[JessicaFaye508]

Chapter 17: "What are you? Drunk on Dole Whip!?"
October 7th, 2012

Then we went over to Tomorrowland and rode the PeopleMover! Yay, yay! My favorite.

We stopped in Mickey's Star Traders and looked around. Buzz had a 5 minute wait so that was the next stop!

We were going to go on Space Mountain but there was a 60 minute wait. No way.

Then we had a craving for DOLE WHIPS! So we hiked over to Adventureland and got our golden drinks of deliciousness. I had two dole whips in one trip which was such a FABULOUS decision.

We both got floats - I got pineapple/vanilla and Miranda got all pineapple.

Our Dole Whips combined with tiredness made us CRAZY. I was acting really silly so Miranda was like "What are you!? Drunk on Dole Whip!?!" YES. YES I WAS ACTUALLY.

Disney frumpiness was in full swing at that moment. My tiredness was hitting me but I was drunk on Dole Whips and we were having a blast!

We went on the Magic Carpets next, completely on a whim. There was no line! We were absolutely delirious on that ride. I was in control of the carpet and I kept making it go up and down really fast. CARPET BOUNCING. LOL.

We almost got spit on by the camel, too! That guy was out to get me. I swear, he attacked me like 3 or 4 times on this trip.

Since we were in Adventureland, we had to ride Pirates! We LITERALLY walked right on. I was obsessing over the Disney water smell, as per usual. (are any of you surprised at this point?)

We had an entire boat to ourselves. It was actually kinda scary! I told Miranda about the POTC ghost, George. She had never heard about him before! We were going to call him but we were all alone in our boat so we were too scared. Maybe next time!

Then we went on Big Thunder Mountain! The way they redid it is SO nice! It's so new and fresh and I like it a lot! I hadn't been on that ride probably since the surprise frump trip in August 2011!

Miranda knew the CM working the trains! We requested the front row and it was so fun! That ride is better at night - hands down.

We were going to ride Splash Mountain but they were draining it! So we went back over to Space Mountain. The line wasn't bad anymore but I was like half sleeping through the entire thing.

Our ride photo is probably one of the FRUMPIEST things I have ever seen. We were both crazy and exhausted. I had my eyes closed for a good majority of the ride because I was so tired... but riding Space Mountain with your eyes closed is SO COOL. I literally had no idea where I was going at all. It adds a new twist!

PHOTO SHOOT.

After Space Mountain we headed to Main Street to start heading out of the park. There was music playing and the castle lights were flashing along with the song. It was so pretty!

Good night, castle!

We went in the shops down Main Street. I had to stop at the Confectionery and get peanut butter/chocolate fudge for my friend Haley. We went back in the Emporium to get Mickey Rice Krispies for friends at home, too!

We left after that and headed out of the park. Miranda drove me back to Caribbean Beach. We left Magic Kingdom at 2:20 am and got to Caribbean at 3:00 am. GOOD NIGHT.

Continued in Next Post​

 

[MickeyLover20]

I love your TR's!!! I think I have read them all, although I started reading your TR from your trip to Hilton Head but now I can't find it. Could you post a link for me, I was enjoying it but didn't have time to finish. I can't believe you are going to get to live and work at Disney...you are so lucky!

Shawna

 

[disneyparami]

Hi Jess I'm a long time lurker in all of your awesome trip reports! I have finally convinced my husband that it is time to go to Disney world after going to Disneyland for the past few years. I have no idea where to start planning though I'm hoping you can give me a couple of recommendations on where to stay from an easy transportation perspective. I have been considering either Port Orleans Riverside or the Polynesian. I think we will mainly be going to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. We don't want to rent a car so we'll be using Disney transportation. Thanks for any help you can give me!

 

[JessicaFaye508]

I love your TR's!!! I think I have read them all, although I started reading your TR from your trip to Hilton Head but now I can't find it. Could you post a link for me, I was enjoying it but didn't have time to finish. I can't believe you are going to get to live and work at Disney...you are so lucky!

Shawna

Aww thank you so much! I'm so glad you have been following along for so long - that means so much to me!

Here's the link to the Hilton Head trip report:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2981812

Me neither! Thank you so much!

Hi Jess I'm a long time lurker in all of your awesome trip reports! I have finally convinced my husband that it is time to go to Disney world after going to Disneyland for the past few years. I have no idea where to start planning though I'm hoping you can give me a couple of recommendations on where to stay from an easy transportation perspective. I have been considering either Port Orleans Riverside or the Polynesian. I think we will mainly be going to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. We don't want to rent a car so we'll be using Disney transportation. Thanks for any help you can give me!

Aww thank you so much!

Oh my goodness, how exciting!! I would love to help you plan. Are you looking to stay at a deluxe resort or a moderate? Because if you can stay deluxe, I would recommend one of the Epcot Resorts (Beach Club, Yacht Club, or Boardwalk) or one of the monorail resorts. (Contemporary, Polynesian, or Grand Floridian)

If you stay at an Epcot resort, you can walk to both Hollywood and Epcot from your resort. And they are located near the very center of WDW so you aren't far from anything!

If you stay at a Magic Kingdom resort, you can take a monorail to get to Magic Kingdom and Epcot! (from the Contemporary you can walk to Magic Kingdom)

If you want to go a moderate level, I would recommend either Port Orleans French Quarter or Coronado Springs. POFQ is a very nice sized resort and it isn't spread out at all. There is one bus stop for the entire thing and the main building is within walking distance from any room! Coronado Springs, on the other hand, is BEAUTIFUL and in relation to the parks, it is close to everything. It is spread out as a resort, though, so that is its downfall.

I hope that helps! If you have any more questions about resorts or dining, private message me and I would love to help you out! ​

 

[mike the canuck]

following along