hueypkingfish
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2000
- Messages
- 11
Just back from a wonderful trip to the World.This was our 3rd trip in as many years,making our annual pilgrimmage(along with thousands of other Louisianians) to escape Mardi Gras.I must say this was the most enjoyable trip of the three,based on where we lodged and the lack of large crowds at the Parks.
We arrived at AKL on Friday,2/28,with a reservation for 2 nights with a standard room at a rate of $189.00(thru Mousesavers).I had posted several times on this board about the possibility of getting upgraded to a pool room.I asked nicely upon registering about whether they were crowded.I was told they were,so I did not bother to ask for an upgrade.When I was finished,I asked our cast member where my DD and DS could view the animals.She politely told me that all they had to do was "look out our window."To my amazement,we had been upgraded from a standard room to a Savannah room on the Kudo Trail.UNBELIEVABLE!!!
Needless to say,my kiddos LOVED the AKL--they not only had their bunk beds,but a balcony to see all the animals.What a great resort--all the good things I read on this board about AKL were true--great service,kid friendly,and a wonderful environment.We did not want to leave.However,we had ressies at the Swan for our final 3 nights,as my brother had a seminar there and got us a great rate for $129.00.The Swan was very nice,but I did not find it as kid oriented as AKL.We did enjoy the boat rides to Epcot and MGM and the beds were UNBELIEVABLE.Tip-----Do not lay down on them for a nap during the day because it was too hard to get back up.By far,the most comfortable bed I have EVER slept in.
OK--on to the Parks.We went to MK on Saturday(3/1) and were shocked at the lack of crowds.We were able to walk on to EVERY ride we wanted and finished all in 3 hours.NEVER have been able to do that.AK was Sunday.Unfortunately,we battled rain all day(which was a problem all trip--our luck--a stationary front hung over Central FLA most of our trip).We were able to do the Safari and saw the Tarzan Rocks show for the 1st time(DW never stopped talking about Tarzan--thank Goodness I am not the jealous type--LOL).Also did the Dinosaur ride,the newer rides in DinoLand and finsihed off with the Rapids.Never been so soaked in my life--rainstorm started when we got on the raft and that,along with the water from the ride left us all SOAKED.Good time to leave!!!
Epcot was that evening.We had ressies at the Germany pavillion at 6,so DS and I got to do Test Track for the 1st time ever.Absolutely worth the wait--great ride.MOnday was MGM,which was fantastic.
Once again,crowds were not bad at all.Got to do all the good rides--RNR,TOT(DS's fav),nad Star Tours.Saw Beauty and the BEast show for the 1st time--fantastic production(Gaston cracks me up).Tuesday,we went back to MK and did everything again.Crowds were a little larger,but we still got to do everything in 1/2 day.
On to the dining.First meal was Boma at AKL.By far our worse meal,not because of the service or anything.There just wasn't any food that really was appealing to our kids or my wife and I.I guess we should have looked at the menu beforehand,but the African themed food was not for us.Second meal was dinner the next night at Chef Mickey's--ALWAYS one of our favs.Again,it did not disappoint--got there 15 mins early and were seated immediately.No premeal herding into the picture area(what a relief) and awesome food(do not miss the ribs).
3rd meal was Donald's Breakfastaureous at AK.It was as good as our first experience,and the Krispy Kreme donuts made it that much better.Germany was our 4th meal at Epcot.Wonderful atmosphere--the kids loved the music and danced all night.I loved the beer steins and the food was very good.Tip--do not overeat if you have walking to do afterwards.Great food ,but VERY VERY VERY filling.
5th meal was Prime TIme Cafe at MGM.First time there,although I had heard great things before on this board.Great experience--they really do make it a fun experince,with Auntie making me finish my veggies--she actually fed me,which the kiddos loved.DW had a choc shake,which she said was delicious.I had the fried chicken,which was awesome.6th meal was Rain Forest Cafe at DD.Once again,great atmosphere for the kiddos and awesome food.Last meal was Liberty Tree Tavern at MK.This was an unplanned meal,but turned out to be very good.
I guess that's about it.This was our best trip ever,due in large part to the great lodging(AKL especially) and the smaller crowds.If anybody has any questions,I will be happy to answer.Thanks again for all the tips on this board--It si a VALUABLE sourve of information.
We arrived at AKL on Friday,2/28,with a reservation for 2 nights with a standard room at a rate of $189.00(thru Mousesavers).I had posted several times on this board about the possibility of getting upgraded to a pool room.I asked nicely upon registering about whether they were crowded.I was told they were,so I did not bother to ask for an upgrade.When I was finished,I asked our cast member where my DD and DS could view the animals.She politely told me that all they had to do was "look out our window."To my amazement,we had been upgraded from a standard room to a Savannah room on the Kudo Trail.UNBELIEVABLE!!!
Needless to say,my kiddos LOVED the AKL--they not only had their bunk beds,but a balcony to see all the animals.What a great resort--all the good things I read on this board about AKL were true--great service,kid friendly,and a wonderful environment.We did not want to leave.However,we had ressies at the Swan for our final 3 nights,as my brother had a seminar there and got us a great rate for $129.00.The Swan was very nice,but I did not find it as kid oriented as AKL.We did enjoy the boat rides to Epcot and MGM and the beds were UNBELIEVABLE.Tip-----Do not lay down on them for a nap during the day because it was too hard to get back up.By far,the most comfortable bed I have EVER slept in.
OK--on to the Parks.We went to MK on Saturday(3/1) and were shocked at the lack of crowds.We were able to walk on to EVERY ride we wanted and finished all in 3 hours.NEVER have been able to do that.AK was Sunday.Unfortunately,we battled rain all day(which was a problem all trip--our luck--a stationary front hung over Central FLA most of our trip).We were able to do the Safari and saw the Tarzan Rocks show for the 1st time(DW never stopped talking about Tarzan--thank Goodness I am not the jealous type--LOL).Also did the Dinosaur ride,the newer rides in DinoLand and finsihed off with the Rapids.Never been so soaked in my life--rainstorm started when we got on the raft and that,along with the water from the ride left us all SOAKED.Good time to leave!!!
Epcot was that evening.We had ressies at the Germany pavillion at 6,so DS and I got to do Test Track for the 1st time ever.Absolutely worth the wait--great ride.MOnday was MGM,which was fantastic.
Once again,crowds were not bad at all.Got to do all the good rides--RNR,TOT(DS's fav),nad Star Tours.Saw Beauty and the BEast show for the 1st time--fantastic production(Gaston cracks me up).Tuesday,we went back to MK and did everything again.Crowds were a little larger,but we still got to do everything in 1/2 day.
On to the dining.First meal was Boma at AKL.By far our worse meal,not because of the service or anything.There just wasn't any food that really was appealing to our kids or my wife and I.I guess we should have looked at the menu beforehand,but the African themed food was not for us.Second meal was dinner the next night at Chef Mickey's--ALWAYS one of our favs.Again,it did not disappoint--got there 15 mins early and were seated immediately.No premeal herding into the picture area(what a relief) and awesome food(do not miss the ribs).
3rd meal was Donald's Breakfastaureous at AK.It was as good as our first experience,and the Krispy Kreme donuts made it that much better.Germany was our 4th meal at Epcot.Wonderful atmosphere--the kids loved the music and danced all night.I loved the beer steins and the food was very good.Tip--do not overeat if you have walking to do afterwards.Great food ,but VERY VERY VERY filling.
5th meal was Prime TIme Cafe at MGM.First time there,although I had heard great things before on this board.Great experience--they really do make it a fun experince,with Auntie making me finish my veggies--she actually fed me,which the kiddos loved.DW had a choc shake,which she said was delicious.I had the fried chicken,which was awesome.6th meal was Rain Forest Cafe at DD.Once again,great atmosphere for the kiddos and awesome food.Last meal was Liberty Tree Tavern at MK.This was an unplanned meal,but turned out to be very good.
I guess that's about it.This was our best trip ever,due in large part to the great lodging(AKL especially) and the smaller crowds.If anybody has any questions,I will be happy to answer.Thanks again for all the tips on this board--It si a VALUABLE sourve of information.
