The Two for Disney Tour

[KSBelle]

First off let me give you a little pre-trip report---
I made our reservations for this trip on Sept. 8,2006-which was three weeks before our last trip.My only request was for a king bed and I did tell them we were celebrating my birthday. This was a room reservation only as we knew we were going to get AP on the next trip later in Sept. (Are ya still with me here?)
Any comparisons made are with the trip of Sept. 28- Oct. 7. For that trip we stayed at Pop Century with several family members and basically went commando style. (This was to be a more relaxing,romantic trip).
The only other communication I had prior to our trip was with AKL Concierge. I emailed them I week prior to our trip and asked them if they could have a copy of the Mickey Monitor for us at check in. I wanted the coupon to get the Dumbo Lithograph at MGM. I also shamelessly gushed on about how excited I was to be celebrating my birthday with them. (Couldn't hurt,right?) They emailed me back that MGM had plenty of lithographs and just show my AP card and I"d get one. (Remember this for later). So we are all set to go.

Cast of Characters- Me --I had a BD on 1/1 and turned 53. I wore a BD button shamelessly all 6 days of our vacation.
My DH -who goes along because he loves me.

Fast forward to the present.---- Jan 3 we landed in sunny Orlando 20 minutes early (You gotta love Southwest) and headed for the ME. Terminal A right? Wrong!!! Who knew they moved it to the other side. Okay, no problem here we are. I knew leaving home that the info for my return pick up was wrong so I explained to the woman at the counter that a change needed to be made. She put some stuff into the computer and shook her head and called someone and put something else into the computer and shook her head and told me when I got to the resort I (that's capital I )should call and get it fixed. OK-whatever -it's time to get going. ME to AKL made a stop 1st at Pop and then a stop at CS and then on to AKL.
What a beautiful resort. We had visited there and had eaten at Boma but never spent the night. In fact I never really thought I wanted to spend the night. We went to Bell Services and told them we were checking into Concierge (oh, did I forget to mention that). The CM took us straight up to the 6th floor and seated us to check us in. This is one nice amenity. The CM gave me a BD button and I'm thinking this is a nice start. The CM here also called ME for us and got the return bus mess straightened out. Check in was a breeze and after ward we checked out the offerings of snacks in the lounge.This was during the Vitafunio time and we had African Smoothe (my new favorite drink) and Iced tea and some nuts. Then we went to our room. Room 5415 on the Zebra Trail overlooking the Arusha Savanna. This has to be the best room in the place. Not a long walk(it's in the 1st group of rooms). Zebra, Giraffe, Ankole cattle and more wandering right outside. We sat out on the balcony for a long time and even went to Mara and got our food and took it back up to eat on the balcony. So far the relaxing, romantic part was working out real well. But, planner that I am there was still more to see and do. But wait --it's Chai (afternoon tea time in the lounge). We had Egg Nog for me and Iced Tea for DH and a few cookies. Then it's off to MGM. We arrived at MGM about 4:30pm and went to Guest Services. I asked the CM for a Mickey Monitor so I could have a coupon. She said to wait here a minute and about 10 minutes later came back with the Dumbo Lithograph. Hooray!
We walked through a couple of shops and went on the Great Movie Ride. (I got a BD card from them) and went to see the Muppets. And then headed for the Osborne Lights. (The real reason we came to MGM) At that exact moment it stared to rain (or pour). And quite a few of the lights weren't working. We bought ponchos ($7.00 each) and headed out of the park. Back to AKL and Rehema at the Concierge Lounge. We sampled some fine desserts, African Smoothe for me and Casa Beer for DH. This area always had quite a few people in it at any given time. Then back to the room as we had to get up early for the Sunrise Safari.
Stay tuned for day 2-it only gets better!!!!

 

[KSBelle]

Day 2- 1/4
Got up REAL early to go on the Sunrise Safari. Had Bell Services come up and get our luggage as we are changing resorts today. Went up to the Concierge level and checked in for the Safari and had some juice and coffee. Had one last look at the AKL and Christmas decorations. Met back down in the lobby with our guides and set off on a bus to AK. They take you through the back stage areas and talk about how the animals are housed and security for the animals. We saw the safari vehicle parking lot,too. They take you to the regular area for boarding Kilimanjaro Safaris. You could get on either vehicle with whichever guide you chose and sit where you want. Both vehicles were a mix of adults and children. We sat in the last row of the 1st vehicle and had Steve for our guide. He was awesome. Very knowledgeable. Our safari lasted just over an hour. I can't even begin to describe how special a tour this is. Animals are out on the quiet savanna eating. We had ample time to take pictures and ask questions. This was followed up by a fabulous breakfast buffet in the Tusker House schoolroom. African and American items were served. The chef came out and explained what was in each dish. At this point you could leave whenever you were done. They gave us a fast pass to ride the safari later with a regular group, but we never did. We didn't go on Everest this time but did go to the "Finding Nemo-the Musical. And we enjoyed Nemo very much.
We spent the rest of the day at AK-leaving at about 4:30 pm. Christmas decorations were up here,too. We didn't think it was too crowded, but then again we've been there recently and kind of pick and choose what we want to see.
Our next stop was WL where we were checking in for the rest of our stay. Wonderful Christmas decorations here,too. Check-in here took about 20 minutes in line. Then it was our turn. The CM seemed to be having alot of trouble with all of her check -ins. I'd noticed that she was frequently asking other CM for help. She told us that our ONE request of a king bed had been honored and did we mind a handicapped shower (No- we didn't mind) Our room was 3022. It was close to the elevator and was out in one of the wings overlooking a pond. Good so far. She gushed on and on about what a wonderful room this was. We go right up and open the door and have 2 beds and a bathtub.There must be some mistake!!! We go back down to the desk and wait another 10 minutes or so and explain the situation to the CM. He looks on his computer and says that we were pre-assigned a King bed room and punches some more buttons and states that since our assignment a guest with "Special needs" has checked in and SORRY but you were bumped to a 2 bed room. Now I am really bummed. I am trying real hard not to be upset. DH and I at home sleep in a kind bed for our comfort and now you're going to put us in this small bed? To my credit I didn't get angry with the CM. Just asked if there were any kings anywhere and he said no. Maybe in 2 or 3 days if we wanted to check back - no guarantees. He said for our trouble he was adding a $50.00 food credit to our room card. (I would have rather have had the king bed!). Back up to 3022 and wishing I was back at AKL. There again you get what you pay for.
Change of plan for this night. Since we didn't get to see Osborne Lights last night we go back tonight. And WOW what a show. We stayed there for more than an hour and took lots of video. I wouldn't call it crowded ,either. DH had a beer and I went over to the Prop Shop to see about that Lithograph. (Remember I had been told that all I had to do was show them my AP and they would give me one.) My DH has an AP also and so I figured that I could get one for my sister. After all the promotion was ending in 3 days and maybe they had lots left over. The CM there said that without the coupon she could not give me one. I found this interesting. Sorry Sis, I tried.
At this point as we are walking out of MGM my DH asks me what my ticker is set on now? He's familiar with the DIS and does he have ESP? As you can see no new ticker (yet).
Back to WL and out to the beach for the Electrical Light show on the water.
Another romantic moment I might add.
Coming up next Day 3.

 

[KSBelle]

Day 3 1/5
Slept in and ate breakfast at Roaring Forks at WL and then headed for EPCOT. Didn't get there until 11 am. Went to Soarin' 1st for a fast pass. I later heard that fast passes were out by noon. Headed over to the Seas with Nemo and friends. Thought the Clam mobile was cute. Had to do Turtle Talk with Crush. The kids sure come up with the darndest questions. Watched the Manatees for awhile and then went into the aquarium. The CM announced that the diver would be feeding the fish in a few minutes. We opted to stay as we had never seen that. The CM came over to me & asked if it was my birthday (Note button in plain site) and I admitted it was a couple of days ago and where are you from (Kansas) and would you like to go up above the aquarium and see the divers preparing the fish food. (WOW,WOW,WOW---YES) She took us up and 3 divers were getting the food ready and she explained that Spaceship Earth would fit in the aquarium with 20 feet around to spare. She talked about how each group of fish, rays and turtles are fed and why. Down below you have no idea of the size of the aquarium. You just don't see near all of it in the viewing area. We then went back down and got to sit close up and watch them being fed. Thanks Sue -it was a Magical Moment.
From there we went over to the World Showcase. It seemed pretty busy. We walked around awhile and then went back to Soarin' A couple in our group said they waited 90 minutes to get on. Back to World Showcase and early supper at Nine Dragons. Our 1st time at this restaurant. It was 5pm and walked right in with no ADR. I had Honey Seseme Chicken and DH had a Shrimp dish and Tsingtao beer. It came with steamed rice and we ordered a side of fried rice. We will go back here again. Watched some street performer and saw the British Invasion for the 1st time. They said they were in their 11th year at EPCOT. Don't know why we hadn't seen them before. Watched Mo'Roccin, too. Enjoyed them all. Stayed for Illuminations and just an opinion but wish they'd get a different firework show. In fact I liked the old one better.

 

[KSBelle]

Day 4 1/6
Went down to the WL Lobby and lo and behold--No more Christmas.
Our oldest son and his wife and our 4 precious grandchildren ages 8,6,5,3 (from Ocala) joined us for the day. We took the boat to MK. Now MK has, by far, the most beautiful Christmas decorations. We were there by opening and got alot done in the morning. By afternoon it was so crowded that we could hardly walk from place to place. At Peter Pan's Flight the fast pass return line stretched clear out to the carousel. We took a rest break about 2 and rode the train around the park 1 1/2 times and then camped out for the parade. (I had brought a throw and it was big enough for the kids to lay/sit on and rest,too.) After the parade we managed to get in a couple more attractions. We had ADR for 5:45 at CP and got there about 20 min early for check in and got in about 5 min. later. We enjoy CP and think the food is real good. However, I do not like the fact that they automatically add 18% to your bill for parties of 8 & more. Our server, ANA, was not attentive to us. She barely greeted us or explained how food and characters worked.Plates stacked up, no drink refills and she made no comment on it being my BD. She knew she was getting her tip regardless. In spite of her, we enjoyed CP. We missed SpectroMagic because the kids had a couple of rides they wanted to re-do. Our 3 & 5 year olds enjoyed TTA with Grandma & Grandpa. We took turns riding with the grandkids on the various rides. Finished off the evening with Wishes. Back to WL and good by.

 

[KSBelle]

Day 5--1/7
Now why is it that when You realize that your days at WDW are numbered you start to panic. This is the day before we are to go home. Thoughts are racing through my head about what hasn't been seen and done.
Back to MK we go to catch a couple of attractions that didn't get done with the family yesterday. After all that day was for the kids and what they wanted to see. (Which was only right). We were there until right after noon and did we ride it all? (check) buy everything we wanted ? (check) had a Dole Whip?(Check,Check).
Off to Downtown Disney. I like to pin trade and so far had not traded with any CM. Time to see the folks at tables set up outside the pin trade store. 4 folks were set up this afternoon and real nice folks they were. One fellow gave me a BD pin and then also traded a pin with me. Went into the big Disney store and looked around while DH sat outside and had a beer.
No more time -had to get back to WL. Guest services printed boarding passes for SW for us. A Group--YEA
We had ADR for Artist Point with friends from the area.This gal is an old HS friend and has worked at WDW since 1984. 2 of us ordered the Buffalo Steak, one had Beef Tenderloin and 1 had something else that escapes me right now. We could substitute the sides with no problem. I also had the Fresh Field Greens with roasted beets,hazlenut gremolata, crater lake blue cheese and blackberry vinaigrette. Salad was wonderful, my steak was ordered medium and came out well done.For dessert we had the Heirloom Apple Tart with caramel sauce and white chocolate ginger ice cream. YUMMY.
One woman came up to the podium when I did and asked about getting in with a party of 7 and was told no openings but the whole time we were there I saw several open tables. ????
Called it a night and went up to pack.

 

[tubachick]

Loving it so far.

Sorry your room at WL didn't turn out like you planned.

 

[KSBelle]

LAST DAY- Don't you just hate it!!! Day 6 1/8
ME was for 2pm -so what to do?
We took the boat to Ft. Wilderness and ate breakfast at Trail's End Buffet. Now we always eat one breakfast here and food is good. This restaurant had our best server of the entire trip (Ken).He was personable and so friendly and the unofficial weatherman for the place. Good Job.
Then back to AK for one last ride on the safari, and one last trek through Pangani Forest Trail and Maharajah Jungle Trek. Did I mention that the Tigers are my husbands favorite?
It's noon-we gotta get going---back to MK for the picture frame I decided I couldn't live without and could only be found in the castle. Oh -surprise-the holiday decorations are gone now. And the park still looks beautiful! And for one last Dole Whip,of course. Back to WL with 5 minutes to spare before ME showed up.

A couple of last minute observations---
Remember how I wore the BD button at all times--maybe 1 in 4 CM commented on it. But that's ok!!
Towel animals- did we get any -NOPE- there were 2 already made up and in a drawer in our room at WL but they never came out. (We saw them while putting stuff away)
Bus drivers- probable only 1/2 gave their name and 1/3 never spoke at all- not name, not safety reminders, nothing. Last time we had several do trivia on the way back to resorts at night.
We saw a few children having meltdowns but with the heat and humidity it could be expected. It's the parents who needed to take ten and relax. And the man at MGM who went ballistic at the CM should be ashamed of himself.( He did end up with a free meal-IMO he didn't deserve it!!)

That's all -Hope maybe some of the info can help someone. I'd be happy to answer any questions if I can.
Oh, honey-- I do have a plan and ticker will be up soon!

Thanks to all for reading!

 

[prairiegirl]

Day 2- 1/4
My DH has an AP also and so I figured that I could get one for my sister. After all the promotion was ending in 3 days and maybe they had lots left over.

The CM there said that without the coupon she could not give me one. I found this interesting. Sorry Sis, I tried. .

So close only to be crushed moments later! Thanks for trying!

 

[prairiegirl]

For that trip we stayed at Pop Century with several family members and basically went commando style. (This was to be a more relaxing,romantic trip).

I didn't commando anything!!! I am great fellow WDW traveler!

But I am glad this was a more romantic trip, of course I thought my 3 yr old was quite entertaining!

 

[prairiegirl]

Back to World Showcase and early supper at Nine Dragons. Our 1st time at this restaurant. It was 5pm and walked right in with no ADR. I had Honey Seseme Chicken and DH had a Shrimp dish and Tsingtao beer. It came with steamed rice and we ordered a side of fried rice. We will go back here again.

And to think you used to think I was strange for liking Chinese food! Can I go next time, too?

 

[prairiegirl]

Day 5--1/7
had a Dole Whip?(Check,Check) .

What is life without a Dole Whip, I ask?

 

[prairiegirl]

And for one last Dole Whip,of course.

OK, 2 Dole Whips?

 

[prairiegirl]

Day 5--1/7

Off to Downtown Disney. I like to pin trade and so far had not traded with any CM. Time to see the folks at tables set up outside the pin trade store. 4 folks were set up this afternoon and real nice folks they were. One fellow gave me a BD pin and then also traded a pin with me. Went into the big Disney store and looked around while DH sat outside and had a beer.

Can't wait to see your new pins and I am thinking this must be like the Food & Beer Fest! Order me up one Cherry Wheat, please and make it a tall one.

 

[prairiegirl]

Wow, I am over 20+ posts. Thanks, sis!

 

[prairiegirl]

Hope you had a Happy Birthday in the most magical place on earth. I know I did.

 

[prairiegirl]

Oh, honey-- I do have a plan and ticker will be up soon!

OK, the suspense is killing me!


But, I did hope you would come up and see the 2 most beautiful national parks in the world, soon!

 

[prairiegirl]

Oh, and I forgot to ask, why no Everest?

 

[Gregory]

Thanks for the trip report.