Who would have thought!? A Boo to YOU! Sept 09 TR! 2 for 1 on 10/24 - GREAT FUN!

[Happydog]

So welcome to the start of my FALL TR… This was a surprise trip for me to be sure! It is still a little fuzzy (how it all came about) but somewhere around Labor Day weekend, my DH started to rethink the train for our December trip (a trip I was happily planning for.) He decided that we would stick to the train, but somehow in the process he noticed that flights to Orlando were going for $118.00 through October… He then started chatting with me about possible “DVC rentals” he was seeing popping up for October and the end of September… And then he said, "hey, do you want to make a quick trip down there?" I literally fell out of my chair. My response? "WHAT?! We were just at WDW for a week at the end of June first of July and we are headed back the week before Christmas!!!" DH's response "Yeah, I know… so? What do you think?" Was he kidding??!! Don’t call me simple! I immediately started crunching the numbers with the AP discount and we were able to put together a nice package with dining for $800.00… Our airfare another $500.00 and so before you know it I was booking a 4 night stay with dining at CBR (our first time staying at a moderate) with a $100.00 rental car, and RT nonstop flights with excellent times. My DH and I did lots of planning and chatting over Labor Day weekend, and low and behold after several calls to Disney and online ADR scouring, we had ourselves a vacation!. BOY was I giddy! And DH was looking forward to it, too! After all, it was the F & W festival. The best reason in my mind to go in the fall, and of course a first for us would be the MNSSHP!!!! THIS I was thrilled about. So generally speaking, without having to pay for park tickets, this gave us a good edge on the cost. We did splurge on the MNSSHP tickets, but these came with a discount for the 29th of September, courtesy of the Annual Passholder’s rate. So that was another benefit.

Now, overall this trip was the farthest thing from my imagination… I really was stunned that DH even thought to consider it… So it was a special fun extended weekend to be sure, and we enjoyed every minute! I had been in the middle of our Christmas trip planning... another DH surprise (read my PTR from June/July)! So it was really a surprise to me too, and going this past week didn't hit me until we were on the plane!!!!

Since we had just been at the World over the 4th of July, I really wanted this trip to include somethings familiar and somethings new… So, consequently I didn’t take photos of every moment of the trip. I took pictures that struck my fancy, and for those memorable moments… I am excited to share my experience with you!

If my PTR and TRs are new to you, WELCOME!! My DH and I are in the education profession, he a teacher and I an administrator. While we have had our share of Disney vacations both before kids and after, this year has turned into our year for DISNEY to be sure! I have quite a bit of background on us in my PTR which I will link HERE .

This trip came about in part b/c of our June/July trip. We initially had a June trip scheduled this past summer. Then my DH found a 2 bedroom villa at OKW over the 4th of July and he asked me if I would be willing to move the trip – keeping in mind I had booked all my ADRs exactly as I wanted them -- he offered to throw in Annual Passes and another vacation to sweeten the deal. I said, "OH you can twist my arm!" So since then I have really been enjoying my time on the DIS, leading up to and including this past summer's trip, and now planning our December vacation, and then taking the detour for this mini trip that we just returned from!!! SOOOOO without further ado, let me take you to our first day, arriving in Orlando on Saturday the 26th, the first night of our four night, five day extravaganza!!

OUR first stop after touch down in Orlando was a car rental pickup and an arrival at CBR. Check in went smoothly, even though I forgot to check in online… I have to say the guest services line for those guests using online check-in seemed to run as long as I did waiting in the regular check-in counter line… I also didn’t get a chance to make any room requests, so I had to hope for the best…. I think the December trip had me so distracted, what with my ADR dates for Dec that Monday before we left! It was hard trying to keep it all straight!

We were in Aruba, building 44. It was a good spot to be sure. Right near the bridge walk over to Old Port Royale. I have taken some photos of CBR, these were taken later in the trip, but since we are chatting about it, I thought I would share the photos and my thoughts with you …


FIRST, the pool area. This was the primary reason we chose CBR vs. CSR... The new room renovations at CSR were very tempting, but the pool at CBR we knew we would get plenty of mileage from...

Next, the resort areas, including the bridge and pathway back over the lake to where Aruba is...

I loved the Carribean color scheme.. very festive!

So the grounds of the resort, the outside of the resort, the atmosphere at the resort, were all really quite lovely. And the POOL, the main pool, FANTASTIC! The pool bar makes a mean mango margarita! The food court was fine, seemed to offer a variety of selections, we didn’t eat much there, but I liked the set up and theme throughout.

The actual rooms were a little disappointing to me, however. The space, the set up of the room, all was fine. What was surprising to me was the somewhat disjointed décor in the rooms… I liked the Nemo themed bedding and the border around the room, but the furniture didn’t match the style of the bedding, and it felt all mismatched. The picture on the wall was more “island” décor vs. pixar style like the bedding. The bathroom was nicely updated, the colors nice, the carpet, the shower curtain and drapery all nice, but just seemed so out of place with the Nemo inspired bedding! The furniture should have been painted a bright color to keep up with the bedding and that art work taken down, OR they should have chosen simpler bedding, without the Nemo! I am not complaining, don’t get me wrong, I just am surprised the great designers of Disney let this one get by… I have seen the pirate rooms, and they just look more put together, if you know what I mean. Still, overall I found CBR a great deal for the price, and we really enjoyed it.

Okay, so that was the interlude about the resort! NOW on to our first day in the World! Starting with …. Animal Kingdom!!!

 

[Happydog]

SO we knew going into this trip we would spend one 1/2 day at AK and another 1/2 day at DHS. With the F & W and MNSSHP, it was easy to spend more time at Epcot and MK since it was a short visit. We decided on AK for our first afternoon in the park. The AK was only open until 5pm that Saturday; due, I think, in part to the Expedition Everest marathon. But we got to the park a little after 1pm, and had about 4 hours there. We didn't do too much, hit our favorites a few times, and also explored some areas we had not been to before. I had hoped to see the flights of wonder show, but it was closed for most of Sept/Oct.

Anyway, It was a HOT humid day our arrival day, and since our room was not ready, we had changed into shorts at the resort pool changing area, and headed off. We had dinner reservations at Sanaa (my DH's request) for 5:35, so we had just planned to stay there through dinner, then return to our resort room to unpack, etc. Once in the park, we were a little out of sorts. Hungry kids I think, and we just wanted to take a break and catch our breath. So DH ran for Kali fastpasses and found the Dawa bar, and I stood in line for ice cream scoops and water. We met up on a path right before you cross over into Africa on the bridge, and the boys enjoyed their icecream and DH and I our drinks.... YAY! Jackie, ala CP, gave me the tip on the Lost on Safari cocktail at the AK... BOY. She was right.... My DH said they poured these very liberally.... I agreed. DH came back with two drinks, and a jalepeno cream cheese-stuffed pretzel. THIS was his favorite moment on day ONE of our trip, because he missed these pretzels over the summer -- they took them off the snack plan -- BUT they have made a return it seems, and DH was very happy... he ate two during our afternoon at AK... Here are some pics....

I hope you noticed the 1/2 empty cocktail sitting on the bench!!

DH with Pretzel #1!!!!

The boys were amazed by this Turtle.... he just sat there, so I still don't get their fascination!!!

Here they are hanging out "under" the waterfall!

We strolled through under the tree of Life and I admired all the animals... we played "eye spy" with the Tree, b/c the animals were fun to identify as we made our leisurely stroll around it's base.

We played in the Boneyard, my DH and I hung out in the shade and relaxed while our two boys ran all over! Then we split, DS4 and I rode Kali again, and DS7 and my DH Everest. They were STUCK on Everest, for 15 minutes, and were escorted OFF the ride and down several flights of stairs... They received unlimited fasspass use for Everest the rest of the day. My DH said "um right. Like I am going to ride this one again anytime soon!!" I got myself a fabulous icecream sandwich -- gotta love these. SO yummy! A trip through Dinoland rounded off our short day at the AK... So having had a fun time, we made our way back to parking and to the AK Kidani village, for dinner at Sanaa!

 

[Diamondintheruff]

The pictures make it seem as if the park was empty.

Haven't tried CBR but it's on my list. Okay almost all of them are on my list to try but CBR is up near the top.

 

[DisMomAmy]

I'm here!! And you're still on page 1!!

Now back to read...

 

[DisMomAmy]

I'm glad you guys enjoyed CBR - the pool was the biggest draw for us too. Sounds like Aruba was a good choice - did you request that area or did you just end up there?? I doubt we'll stay there again (if we stay on property again we'll probably try out something new) but if we do, I'll request Aruba or Jamaica for sure!!

Looks like AK was fun too - sorry about the EE incident! Bummer!!

Can't wait for more!!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I'm so excited that your started your TR!

I love it when you get all these Disney trips when you aren't really "planning" too. Makes them even better.

Too funny about your DH and DS getting stuck on Expedition Everest! I secretly want to get stuck on a ride and be escorted off of it. I'm sure it is not as fun when it's actually happening but it sounds like fun right now.

 

[Happydog]

The pictures make it seem as if the park was empty.

Haven't tried CBR but it's on my list. Okay almost all of them are on my list to try but CBR is up near the top.

Ha! Well, not exactly, but that little area was. A very nice path, quiet and an easy spot to stop and catch our breath. It was what we needed since getting up so early, and go go going from airport to airport to car rental, to resort, to the park! It was a busy morning. We had all eaten before hand, so we didn't need lunch (dinner was at 5:35 anyhow). That spot was perfect. The park wasn't too crowded, I think maybe because it closed so early? Not sure. But we enjoyed it!

I really liked CBR. Thought it was nice, laid back, pool amazing.

 

[IluvXU]

I am in... and not too late!

CBR pool looks fantastic...

 

[Happydog]

I'm here!! And you're still on page 1!!

Now back to read...

I'm glad you guys enjoyed CBR - the pool was the biggest draw for us too. Sounds like Aruba was a good choice - did you request that area or did you just end up there?? I doubt we'll stay there again (if we stay on property again we'll probably try out something new) but if we do, I'll request Aruba or Jamaica for sure!!

Looks like AK was fun too - sorry about the EE incident! Bummer!!

Can't wait for more!!

You gave me some great advice about location, so it was just a hunch when we asked for Aruba -- there was Aruba and Martinique I think? That were right over the bridge, and both easily accessible... not a terribly long walk.. the areas on the same side of Port Royale were "upgraded" rooms with $25.00 more a night... we didn't see the need for this on such a short trip... I did ask when we checked in, so we were lucky. I would stay somewhere new, next time, too! It is fun to try them out!

EE was unexpected, they sat up there in the heat for 10 minutes easily, my DH said it was an interesting experience, especially the other passengers were funny to listen to.... We did enjoy our time at AK, it was more leisurely than ever, because we knew going in we didn't have too much time, so we just wanted to let the kids have fun. After getting "lost" it was easy to sit and let them run around at the bone yard!!!

 

[Happydog]

I'm so excited that your started your TR!

I love it when you get all these Disney trips when you aren't really "planning" too. Makes them even better.

Too funny about your DH and DS getting stuck on Expedition Everest! I secretly want to get stuck on a ride and be escorted off of it. I'm sure it is not as fun when it's actually happening but it sounds like fun right now.

Thanks!! Yes! IT does make them FUN. This one was a real whirlwind, but that made it just that much more exciting!

Yeah, DS and DH were on the ride for a bit, at the big incline, if you can believe it -- in the hot sun -- which was a drag, but DH said it was funny for a little while!!! He was really amused by the girls behind them -- they were on the phone calling their friends, saying they were "stuck" on Everest... they apparently had to clarify, b/c they then said, "Oh no, no, no girlfriend. WE are not in LINE, we done already made it through the line, we are STUCK on the ride -- like up on the mountain of the ride stuck!"

The funny thing is that the next day, at the MK, we got stuck again on BTMRR -- not as long, but we were teasing our DS7 that he was jinxing us this trip! Yes, everyone laughed afterwards! Stuck up on Everest! Who would have thought!!! 7 flights of stairs down apparently!!!

 

[Happydog]

I am in... and not too late!

CBR pool looks fantastic...

Hi there!!!! So glad you found me! It really really was! They loved it, especially the kid area -- I bet your three would go non stop -- it was so easy with them b/c you could just relax and watch, without worrying about them! The other slides were really fun, too!

 

[Mickey_Mom]

Stuck on EE ?!? Yikes. Your boys are still dang cute... love the slide pics.

I was considering CBR for our keep-your-fingers-crossed Dec 2010 trip. (It might just be Ariana, Demetri and I.) Would you think it is a great resort to spend time at... or more so a place to sleep while you spend more time in the parks?

 

[Happydog]

So as I mentioned in the previous post, we were very leisurely touring the AK. We rode Kali, with our FPs, and DH went to get FP's for Everest.. (where he and DS got stuck!) We saw a little of the parade, Meandered around the Tree of Life, watched the monkeys, rode the Triceratops, played in the Bone Yard, snacked on pretzels and icecream, and walked the paths outside the Dinosaur ride... I forget what they are called, but DS's really liked that. We did ride Dinosaur. I think we are done with that ride. It is too loud and jerky for my kids. But otherwise we just took our time. The kids soaked themselves at the fountain in Asia... I took off their shirts and wrung them out and put them back on they were that wet!! We rode Kali a second time, and then we spent time on the Tiger walk. We didn't do the shows b/c we had just seen them and we only had a few hours... We were happy with our time there. We left the park at about 5:10, or so, and headed over to the AKL -- Kidani village specifically, so we could go to Sanaa. My DH really really loves this restaurant. So do I. So did the kids, again. The food is great, if you like indian flavored/inspired food.. really excellent. Their bread appetizer is fabulous! For kids, they have a nice grilled chicken with mashed potatoes -- a nice option compared to other standard offerings... and the views of the animals both inside the restaurant and out in the viewing area are great. I wrote up more about Sanaa on my TR, so feel free to check that out if you are considering Sanaa!!! We headed to the restaurant had dinner and a bottle of wine. DS4 was falling asleep, we were all pretty tired, so instead of my initial plan to head to the MK for Spectro, we decided to head back to the resort (we still hadn't been to our room mind you) so we made it back there... on my way OUT of Kidani, I took these photos for GUESS who....??!!

Actually I was really struck by how beautiful they were, and I thought LL would enjoy them too!!

I am very very glad we changed our plans. maybe 15 minutes after we had walked into our room at CBR, the skies opened up and poured rain. Try that on for timing!!! So glad we held off! I think the Expedition Everest Marathon must have been a little soggy!

The kids went to bed pretty quickly after we got back to the room -- they had been up really early, and we had a Character breakfast at CMIckey's the next morning at 8am, so I wanted to make sure we were all rested!

I walked over to Port Royale to fill our mugs, checking out the food court and gift store, and after a little conversation and TV, we called it a night and a successful start to our mini fall trip.

 

[shannn]

Woo Hoo!

Just subbing, now going back to read

 

[shannn]

LOVE this picture. Your boys are so stinkin' cute and they look like they're having such a good time.

It sounds like such a lovely leisurely day at AK. That's one of the things that I think is cool about going often -- you are able to be leisurely. We tend to tour commando because we go every 3 years!! (trying to convince my DH that we need to go more!)

 

[wigdoutdismom]

I'm here! I'm here!

 

[eandesmom]

I have to say...no one looks disgruntled or cranky in the least!

I love the pool shots it makes me want to stay there. The E's would love that pool. A mango margarita wouldn't hurt either

WHY can't there be options for a family of 6 at the mods (beside FW of course)! gggrrrrr.

That is just wild about being stuck on EE, definitely a buzz kill, I probably wouldn't want to go on it again either. Your DH cracks me up about the pretzel...I think mine feels the same way about they Y&Y egg rolls!

I may have to try that drink next time. It will depend on TK's review of my missed Yak Attack!

But then again I want CP's drink from the BD. Oh wait, we aren't going to the BD.

Boy that's a lot of talk about drinks. I sound like a lush. After effects from a gourmet club girls trip followed by a concert I guess.

It sounds like a LOVELY first day! And a fortuitous choice to head back to the resort.

 

[Lady Lallie]

I love the light fixtures, just beautiful!

Sometimes you just gotta change up your plans depending on how you are feeling!

 

[Diamondintheruff]

I'm amazed you kidlets held out so long. Mine would have been puddles of their former happy selves. I thought they would have more gusto as they got older but apparently they take after Dh and not me. I still have hopes for DD8. I think she may turn into my commando touring partner.

It's always great to have your second thoughts validated like that. If there hadn't been a rain storm you might have always wondered what if we had gone. Now you can be confident you made the right decision.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Just have to comment on the missing teeth! One of my favorite things about teaching second grade are the kiddos with missing teeth. Just so darn cute!
The boys look so comfortable in the parks, that's the best thing about going so often.

It looks like you all had a wonderful day one! I'm thinking that the cream cheese jalepeno pretzel sounds tasty! Are they very spicy?

Were they up at the top when they got stuck on EE? The part where the tracks are broken???

One more thing, I went to bed too early last night....can't believe I didn't make it until page 2....