Universal Adventures of Dreams AND Magic, and an expanding World!

[Caretames1]

Aqua duck picture!! Sorry, had to.

I seen the list of possible excursions on Lisa's TR and WOW how do yo decide?


I looked at SW for flights and right now only nonstop flight leaves late in the afternoon, so I'm gonna wait for a bit. Maybe different times will open as new flight schedules are released.

 

[jenseib]

Sounds like the best of both worlds you get to be with Claire but have enough family there that you can go do some things on your own! 12 nights sounds great! 2 weeks would be my dream vacation but I gotta win the lottery for that

2 weeks is my dream too. Well actually 2 weeks at WDW and then a Fantasy cruise. LOL! That will never happen unless I win some BIG money though. I am actually doing pretty well with the budget though. Of course not going at all would save me a heck of a lot!

I have never used the Dayton airport but I cant imagine that it is that large or difficult to get through. The Columbus Aiport is very easy to navigate. We got in after 1045 pm and had to drive to Dayton. Very well marked, easy to get through, plenty of food and rental car companies.

I am so glad to hear this. I was thinking it was going to be some mad house type of place. The down side is that I think the flight home is going to be a morning flight to. It's not released yet, but going by the previous weeks, I think it's around 10 AM. We'll have to get up early to leave and then figure out who will pick us up at Columbus. I don't know if my sister will be able to with work, but my Aunt might, but she can be wishy washy at times. I then have to drive home that day home because Claire will HAVE to get back to school on Thursday. At least she can sleep on the car ride home.

Aqua duck picture!! Sorry, had to.

I seen the list of possible excursions on Lisa's TR and WOW how do yo decide?


I looked at SW for flights and right now only nonstop flight leaves late in the afternoon, so I'm gonna wait for a bit. Maybe different times will open as new flight schedules are released.

I'm not sure how SW works, and if they add more flights or not. I wish they would release the next set.

 

[jenseib]

Back tracking now to the NEW day 1.



I plan to book the only direct flight out of Columbus on SW. It leaves very early, but we will have a full day at Disney then, which is nice.



I believe we arrive at MCO at 9:30 AM. I expect to be at our resort with in 2 hours. It usually has taken less time, but I like to just be prepared incase it takes longer.

Which resort you ask? Well I was going to wait and think it over...yeah I'm not good with waiting. I decided to pick a resort that Claire has pointed out many times over in my brochures..."Mom can we PLEASE stay here some day?"...."I really love this place, can we try to stay there?"














Does this ring a bell?

Well if you couldn't tell by the pictures....It's Animal Kingdom Lodge!



Claire has pointed this resort out over and over. She wants to see the animals and go in that pool. I had always told her that we could probably swing it for 1 night during a trip....this is going to be that 1 night. We are actually staying in the DVC part, but in Jambo. I just booked a standard room. Now I would love to have a savanah view, but I couldn't justify the price enough.



We did note that we will arrive early. Of course there is no guarentee that our room will be ready before 4.

We will get checked in and then if the room is ready stop off there, if not, we'll do some exploring and Claire will want to swim. We will probably get lunch there at some point. I looked at the selections and they aren't fabulous for Quick Service, but they will do. Actually I didn't mind them, but Claire might not like it so much.



If our room is ready early, we will try and get a little nap in. It will be a long day and it would be best if Claire got at least a 45 minute rest in before we go like wild dogs again.



We should be able to get into the party at 4PM, so the plan right now is to head over there then so we can get as much MK time in as possible.



Now I have never done a party, but have read about them on TR's....that being said, I have a LOT of research to do for myself. I know the parade is a must for us. Also I would like to dress up, so we need to decided on something we both agree on. I also don't want to really spend much money on a costume for myself that may never be worn again.



I do plan to stay at the party till closing if all goes well.

The next day we head off to the port and basically will be a lazy day, meeting up with family. I'll let Claire sleep in if possible.

When we have to leave will depend on when my family arrives at MCO.



I do hope we get to the port area early enough to see the Fantasy though!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I'm soooo excited for you! I have always liked the looks of the Animal Kingdom Lodge and would like to stay there but I'm not sure it's up John's alley.

 

[Wicket's Mom]

So cool that we both will be staying at AKL for our first time! I thought for sure Claire would pick the new princess rooms. Glad to see that she likes to see the animals.

 

[Wicket's Mom]

I have never used the Dayton airport but I cant imagine that it is that large or difficult to get through. The Columbus Aiport is very easy to navigate. We got in after 1045 pm and had to drive to Dayton. Very well marked, easy to get through, plenty of food and rental car companies.

Dayton is small, but not that small, but it is incredibly easy to get through. Usually we don't need to be there much more than an hour before our flight.

 

[jenseib]

I'm soooo excited for you! I have always liked the looks of the Animal Kingdom Lodge and would like to stay there but I'm not sure it's up John's alley.

I'm excited...another resort on my list checked off!

So cool that we both will be staying at AKL for our first time! I thought for sure Claire would pick the new princess rooms. Glad to see that she likes to see the animals.

I don't think Claire even knows about those rooms. I'll introduce those much later.

 

[MEK]

Your cruise plans sound wonderful!

Great pics!!!!!

I enjoyed seeing the pics of Claire with your two older children. Glad you had a great Easter!

 

[brookelizabeth]

AKL!!! I think you guys are going to really enjoy it! It's a great place to relax and explore too!

 

[Caretames1]

I wish SW had an early flight out of Milwaukee as well, I'd be there! Right now Airtran is showing an 9:20 flight with arrival at MCO at11:48. That might be our flight if nothing changes with the new schedule, if it EVER comes out!!!

We'd hopefully check in and swim and rest too.

I'm sure a meet with some really nice people will be good too!

 

[jenseib]

Your cruise plans sound wonderful!

Great pics!!!!!

I enjoyed seeing the pics of Claire with your two older children. Glad you had a great Easter!

Thanks...it is rare when they will all cooperate and smile together...In fact we had to take several shots because someone was either blinking o looking away.

AKL!!! I think you guys are going to really enjoy it! It's a great place to relax and explore too!

I can't! I'm sure I'll be asking about 50 million questions.

I wish SW had an early flight out of Milwaukee as well, I'd be there! Right now Airtran is showing an 9:20 flight with arrival at MCO at11:48. That might be our flight if nothing changes with the new schedule, if it EVER comes out!!!

We'd hopefully check in and swim and rest too.

I'm sure a meet with some really nice people will be good too!

I have a feeling that our flight home is going to be early..like around 10 AM. But we'll have to take it because I can't prolong the trip any more. Claire will have to go back to school.

I might be following you all around that night since you are all pros with the party scene.

 

[Woth2982]

Yay! You finally get your night at AKL! Sounds like you will make the most of the day there too! I think you will love MNSSHP. It is definitely one of my favorite parties. One of my friends is a DVC member and is contemplating going Columbus day weekend and said I am more than welcome to join.....not sure I can turn that down lol. I am STILL waiting for SW to release their flights for November. Hoping it will bring down the Jet Blue prices. I SHOULD have a free flight or 7 on SW by the time the flights come out if all my stars align and my dad does EXACTLY what I tell him to lol.

 

[stephielela]

You could always use your pirate costumes? Then they could do double duty for the party and the pirate night on the ship?

 

[pinkxray]

for staying at AKL. We rented points last year and it quickly became our favorite resort.

 

[jenseib]

Yay! You finally get your night at AKL! Sounds like you will make the most of the day there too! I think you will love MNSSHP. It is definitely one of my favorite parties. One of my friends is a DVC member and is contemplating going Columbus day weekend and said I am more than welcome to join.....not sure I can turn that down lol. I am STILL waiting for SW to release their flights for November. Hoping it will bring down the Jet Blue prices. I SHOULD have a free flight or 7 on SW by the time the flights come out if all my stars align and my dad does EXACTLY what I tell him to lol.

I wish I had some free flights!
I do hope the price goes down and I can use that credit towards our flights home

You could always use your pirate costumes? Then they could do double duty for the party and the pirate night on the ship?

I have thought about that.

for staying at AKL. We rented points last year and it quickly became our favorite resort.

I can't wait to see it. Did you have a studio? Did you get Savanah view or standard. I am hoping for a great location...but I'll take whatever I get.

 

[Caretames1]

I have a feeling that our flight home is going to be early..like around 10 AM. But we'll have to take it because I can't prolong the trip any more. Claire will have to go back to school.

I might be following you all around that night since you are all pros with the party scene.

John always wants an early go home flight because we still have to drive home 2 & 1/2 hours and we've always had to work the next day.


I know where the 7 Dwarves set up and I know where all the bathrooms are! Maybe if Claire can show Kadence how to be brave for dark rides!

 

[mom2rtk]

YEAH! For staying at AKL! We stayed one night when we drove through on our way home from a beach vacation. We popped in for the Pirate & Princess Party. I love short stays for trying new resorts. I love cheap resorts for longer stays........ so we can stay ........ well......... longer!

And what is this about DCL no longer allowing photography during their shows? Sorry, I know I'm a freak. But cruising just jumped off my "to do" list. I HATE seeing gorgeous shows and not being able to photograph them. One of the things I love about the Disney parks shows is their camera-friendly policy.

 

[jenseib]

John always wants an early go home flight because we still have to drive home 2 & 1/2 hours and we've always had to work the next day.


I know where the 7 Dwarves set up and I know where all the bathrooms are! Maybe if Claire can show Kadence how to be brave for dark rides!

I understand that too. Thats probably the drive we will have too this time around.
I'm wondering if Claire will want to wait for the dwarves....sometimes she will wait and other times she has no desire to wait for characters.

YEAH! For staying at AKL! We stayed one night when we drove through on our way home from a beach vacation. We popped in for the Pirate & Princess Party. I love short stays for trying new resorts. I love cheap resorts for longer stays........ so we can stay ........ well......... longer!

And what is this about DCL no longer allowing photography during their shows? Sorry, I know I'm a freak. But cruising just jumped off my "to do" list. I HATE seeing gorgeous shows and not being able to photograph them. One of the things I love about the Disney parks shows is their camera-friendly policy.

I know...it started a few months ago. It's the screens, it's bothering people....but I think if you can turn off your screen, you should be allowed...right?

 

[reelmom]

I am so jealous! I have wanted to stay at the AKL since our first visit to WDW. We just booked our first cruise for May 2013. We are driving down and staying one night in a hotel before heading to port. I may just have to do the same as you if the prices are right.

 

[jenseib]

I am so jealous! I have wanted to stay at the AKL since our first visit to WDW. We just booked our first cruise for May 2013. We are driving down and staying one night in a hotel before heading to port. I may just have to do the same as you if the prices are right.

I'm pretty excited. A few years back, I would said no, I don't want to stay so far out, but over the years seeing pictures I have come to like it. I hope I can allow myself to relax and enjoy it.