Tough Times...but we are booked!

[SimmerBaggins]

My best friend is a die-hard Disney fan and frequents this board -- she somehow convinced me to begin a thread about our trip this summer! This is the pre-trip story of the Brown family's July 2009 vacation to WDW...here's to hoping I can make a thread worthy of someone's passing interest!

Just a little background -- yes, I'm a huge LOTR fan (since 4th grade, and that's a LONG time ago), and a huge fan of WDW (of course)...what a way to truly forget about the office, huh? Just became "over the hill" last year (ugh), married, and have one utterly fantastic daughter (what's with the DH, DS, DD?? Don't understand that) who is about to turn 12. So, the magic is not like it used to be the first time we went to WDW, but she still loves to go -- just likes different things. We're bringing our granddaughter (by marriage) with us this time -- she'll be 7, and it'll be her first time! She is so excited...!

Last time we went, we bought into DVC, Animal Kingdom Lodge -- we booked a savanna view for July. Wanted the full thing with concierge, but it wasn't available.

Oh, and we'll be meeting my utterly Disney-fied best friend this trip -- did I mention she managed to get her husband's job moved to Florida so she could get season passes?

That's all for now -- my daughter is begging me to help her with her Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories game, so I gotta go...be back soon!!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Okay, so far, we are going:
Date: 15 July
Resort: AKL
Room: Savanna (just got the confirmation yesterday!)

We've looked at the pictures online of the resort, and they look great -- the fire outside looks really intriguing -- does anyone know what goes on out there? (toasting of marshmallows?)

Because we are arriving via airplane (decent rates out of TX) in the afternoon, I don't want to do what we did the first time and get so excited we waste a day ticket for a half a day...instead, I plan (notice I say, I plan...heh) to get everyone over to Downtown Disney that afternoon after we are settled in our room. We can do some shopping, eating, etc.

Only thing is: I only remember fancy restaurants and then an ice cream place to eat at over there. Does anyone know of a decent place to eat there that isn't sit-down service?

I figure I can ask these questions, and then maybe research them if no one answers...! But so far, I only have the first day figured out. What I'd really also like to know is what goes on day-to-day for the kiddos at AKL -- that first day is a gimmee, really.

Warmest regards,

 

[michellem1118]

Only thing is: I only remember fancy restaurants and then an ice cream place to eat at over there. Does anyone know of a decent place to eat there that isn't sit-down service?

Hey! We're also staying savanna view @ AKV in July - but a bit later than you. We'll be checking in on our first anniversary!

The DH/DS/DD are abbreviations - DH means darling husband, DS darling son, DD darling daughter, etc.

As for places to eat at DTD - there's Earl of Sandwich, which apparently has really good sandwiches (I'll be eating there for the first time in March, so I can report back then ) or Wolfgang Puck Express, which has pizzas and stuff. There's also a McDonald's there. I think that's it for non-sit-down meals, but my memory might be failing me at the moment.

I can't wait to read more about your trip!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

That sandwich place sounds great -- we struggle to eat the right kind of stuff when we're on vacation, so anything that's close to healthy is a bonus!

I have heard that couples and families really like AKL! We'll be there for a week, and I can't wait to wake up every day and find out who's outside our windows!

Oh, and I found out that they tell stories every evening around the campfire, which sounds nice and relaxing...ahhh!

Have you heard about Boma's? That restaurant there is supposed to be the bomb...and they are opening a couple of more places in the second portion of AKL, too, I think in May. We definitely want to try Boma's -- just need to figure out which day is the best for us.

Someone had also told me that if you have a reservation somewhere off of AKL, you should leave by bus 1.5 hours beforehand...had you heard that? Seems to be some controversy as to the efficiency of the buses, there. I would think with the other wing finishing for DVC, though, that Disney couldn't afford to not be spot-on with the buses...too many people!!

Thanks for responding --!

 

[jmskinner]

I can't believe you started your PTR and didn't tell me. I'm the crazy friend totally addicted to WDW.

I was going to suggest Earl of Sandwich, but michellem1118 beat me to it. You will like it. I haven't tried the Puck Express, but need to sometime.

Ok, stop rubbing it in about the AKL. I am so excited all of you are coming. Plus I'll learn more about AKL through this so when I finally get to stay there, I'll be ready.

Ok, so Boma is one you want to eat at. We have eaten there and it wasn't one of our favorites (I know, there must be something wrong with us ), so if you want to plan it on one of those days we won't be there, or we can always just split up and do our own thing some time.

Ok, waiting for your next update!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Since everyone loves to use acronyms for all things WDW (LOL), I'll call this my PLTTD (title). These are the items to do PRIOR to going to WDW -- later, I'll work on the LTTD@WDW.

1. Get on waiting list for concierge (already talked to my DH about this, hopefully he did)
2. See about getting my DGD (grand) a WDW ticket (best place, hopper like ours? The rest of us have left-over hopper days)
3. Get prep-stuff for the kids. This I read about a long time ago & have done -- love it. I go to the online Dis store, go to the mall, etc., and buy little Disney gifts for my DD (and now DGD) -- usually on sale. Then, each morning when we get up at WDW, I lay one item out for them to have (they don't know I've pre-bought them). Thus, I've saved some $$, they already feel like they have something new before the day begins, and the magic begins...! I've already bought each of them t-shirts I got on sale online -- $4-7 each!!
4. I know, I'm a cheapy.
5. Check on the status of luggage. Plan who takes what piece, etc.
6. Go online and start planning the "goals" for each park (what we simply don't want to forget to do!). Maybe do those maps??
7. Go online and figure out when the magic hours are, and which ones we want to go to (or avoid!).
8. Get the dining plan ($$).
9. Figure out where to eat.

That's it, so far -- might change some in the future! Melissa, I'm sure you'll help me with the dining stuff!

 

[jmskinner]

Hey girl. Online trying to figure out how Jacob is to do a Diorama for school, but the email for your post came up. I have my priorities stratight, don't I?

FYI, the hours for our trip won't come out until April. They come out about the same time you can start to make ADR's. By the way, no one will flame you for not using the abbreviations.

Before I forget, both times we have went, TL (Typhoon Lagoon) had EMH in the evening on Saturday. If I remember right, it started at 7:00pm, about 8:00pm they would close the Crush N Gusher and turn off the wave pool (I'm sure it is difficult to keep a watchful eye on people when it is dark), but then the rest of the park was still open and you could just about walk on to all the slides. Can't remember, do you have the water park option?

I hope you get the Concierge, that would be so cool.

That is cool that you already have stuff for the kiddos, start buying for yourself also. Ok, guess I need to get back to the science project.

 

[longneckthree]

Hi.

Wow you get to stay at AKL!
Can't wait to here about it!

Have you heard about Boma's? That restaurant there is supposed to be the bomb...and they are opening a couple of more places in the second portion of AKL, too, I think in May. We definitely want to try Boma's -- just need to figure out which day is the best for us.

I LOVE Boma!
They have lots of diferent food to try but they also have classics like mac & cheese.
If you do go try the Zeba domes, they are a small desert and are to DIE for!

 

[disneydusted]

Hi SimmerBaggins!
I am a LOTR fan too! since high school!! (been a while!)
Thinking about your little surprise gifts for your granddaughter... she might like to trade pins, you can get some great deals on eBay. Glow sticks are fun too, nice for the nights in the parks.
An activity we did a few years ago was the Kidcot Stations in Epcot. It made going to all of the countries exciting....finding the stations, interacting with the CMs.
We have eaten at Boma too and really enjoyed it. There were unusual foods to try.

 

[jewels1916]

Ooo...another Texan! Subbing in! Looks like it's going to be a great ptr!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Oh....! Thanks for posting!! I appreciate all the comments. I dug up some pics (food porn!!!?? LOL) on Boma's food -- wow! Those zebra domes look awesome.

And, you are so right -- my daughter likes to get pins, so I KNOW my DGD will want them, too -- I never would have thought of Ebay! My DD is funny, though -- she wants to keep all her pins, and not trade them -- her little lanyards are overloaded, and I don't know if she'll wear them like she has in the past. She's growing up so fast.

One thing I wanted to throw out there: when we went before, my DD always wanted autographs from the characters, and we spent our first trip mostly doing that. We've since "grown out" of that, and now that we have our DGD going (who's 7), we have a feeling she'll want to get autographs. Any suggestions for trying to satisfy both parties? My DD won't want to wait in lines for characters, and I don't want to disappoint my DGD. Oy.

*yay* for TX!

Oh, Melissa -- I don't have the water parks on our tickets. I don't think we'll do that this time...maybe next? Disappointing to have to wait until APRIL!! LOL I have a picture of the lobby of AKL on my desk at work...sigh.

 

[longneckthree]

One thing I wanted to throw out there: when we went before, my DD always wanted autographs from the characters, and we spent our first trip mostly doing that. We've since "grown out" of that, and now that we have our DGD going (who's 7), we have a feeling she'll want to get autographs. Any suggestions for trying to satisfy both parties? My DD won't want to wait in lines for characters, and I don't want to disappoint my DGD. Oy.

We waited for characters but only if the line was pretty short.I sugest wait in line for a few of her favorite chareters but don't do them all.

 

[jmskinner]

Not a problem about the water parks. I just couldn't remember if you had the option. Ok, so this is good, we are narrowing things down.

Don'ts:
Water Parks

Do's:
Character Greetings (DGD)
Boma We will probably skip this, but I know you will love it. Maybe we just went on a bad day or something. I know part of it was the menu showed chicken nuggets for Jacob, the waiter even said there were some, but there they had wings. The Zebra Domes were good though. Actually we enjoyed all the desserts. Kara did because they had liquor in them.

By the way, I just read a TR with video from 1900 Park Faire with the Mad Hatter and it looked like a lot of fun. He is part of their Supercalifragilistic Breakfast. They also have Cinderella's Gala Feast.

Do you think Jordan will like this:
Kim Possible Adventure

Jacob doesn't care for meeting the characters either. He liked meeting Darth Vader at SWW (Star Wars Weekends), but we couldn't get him to take pics with any of the other SW characters.

We need more dining options.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Oh, man -- that Kim Possible thing is COOL! I won't tell Jordan about it; she'll love to do it, and the surprise of it will be really neat. Heck, I'll enjoy doing it, too!!

Do you know if they are still doing the little Mickey communicator thing? We still have our Mickey, who speaks during various times in the parks -- we'll want to bring him back, especially if they're still doing that.

I've been reading some of the DVC posts about AKVillas -- the housekeeping aspect sounds really bad (people are finding the rooms aren't as clean as they should be -- think about it -- they only clean the rooms on average about once a week, or after people check out, versus the daily clean-up for regular rooms). A lot of complaints about how Animal Kingdom Lodge CMs don't know much about DVC, don't know what comes along with the membership, etc. It's kind of bummed me out a little, and I don't really want to tell the DH - he thinks all this pre-planning stuff is spoiling the thrill of it, anyway.

(sigh)

Although I'd like to post our schedule on this thread, it appears it's been closed! So, I guess I have to do another....

 

[jmskinner]

Yes, I believe Mickey still works in the parks. I'm sure I saw him for sale the other day.

Ok, we will have to try the Kim Possible thing then. I bet the DGD will enjoy it also.

Hey, AKV are new, so hopefully by the time you get there all the kinks will be gone. I've read posts like that about every resort and have yet to be dissatisfied.

Tell the DH we won't have every moment of everyday pre-planned. Even though my DH thinks I do that, I never have. Just like to figure out which park on which day etc. It helps with the ADR's also. You have the park hopper option ticket right?

 

[jmskinner]

So girl. Have you done anymore planning? Need to order your maps off of the WDW website, if you haven't done so.

I signed us up for the Kim Possible passholder event so I will let you know how it is.

 

[jmskinner]

Hey girl. Kim Possible Adventure was a blast. You guys will love it. We had in missions in France, United Kingdom, and China.

Ok, so are we planning to eat at WCC and 50's Primetime so far. How about the Italian at World Showcase. My DH would like to eat Chinese, but if you guys don't want to, we can do that during our September trip.

Funny, I actually don't know what you have done and what you haven't. Just another month and we can start really planning.