Will we stay or will we go? We went! And had the most magical time! Hijacked 5-29-21 with a quick TR from New York City!

[pkondz]

We did end up getting quite the collection of sorcerer cards for the game! I guess we are going to hang onto them now...they may be worth something some day! The artistry is so good!

I've never even seen one!
And... they may be worth a lot... or nothing. You never can tell!

Just watch out for those coconut bombs! They work right well! (I can't imagine anything else a coconut would be good for!)

If you have a coconut, best thing you can do is blow it up.

We never made it on that ride that day. Once it came back up, the ride was 75 minutes to 120 minutes the rest of the day!

Too bad and toooooooo long!

 

[tundra1]

Magic Kingdom, Part 3:
After we finished watching the Goofy Cavalcade that afternoon, it was time to head towards the Haunted Mansion. This has always been one of the favorite rides, so I was very excited! The line was not too bad, listed at 35 minutes. We quickly joined the queue, and it was moving pretty steadily. I enjoy reading all the gravestones in the cemetery, but the line was moving so fast, I could not see all of them this time. We actually got on the ride in about 15 minutes!



I ended up riding with Zack, and the ride broke down while we were on it! It would have been nice to be by the singing ghost heads, but instead we were overlooking the dance scene in the ballroom, which I actually don't mind, but to a 7 year old boy, it was quite painful! I tried to get a nice picture of the "dancing ghosts"... but and it turned out like this:



I wish I knew where the ride camera was located. Ours was not too bad, but I am not sure what is going through our minds at the time it was taken!



When we got off, the line was up to 55 minutes and stretched all the way down to the river, and along the walkway where we had been standing in the first picture. We next headed to Splash Mountain. I love that ride! Again, the line was long, but it kept moving. For those who have only done Fast Pass for this ride, you are missing an amazing queue! It was such fun to see all the props and read all the signs. I am excited for the makeover to make it Princess and the Frog themed. I think the characters in that film will make for a great ride background!

We then headed back out and headed towards Country Bear Jamboree. Big Al and Liver Lips were on the balcony waving to the crowds, and we "chatted" with them for a bit.




We had just missed a show, and the next one was going to be a while, so we skipped it and chose some retail therapy instead, stopping at the Christmas Store! That was such a cute place, and best of all, all 2020 merchandize was marked 70% off! Score! I usually buy ornaments wherever I travel, so it was great to come across this sale! After that it was getting close to dinner time. We decided to head back to Bay Lake Tower, mobile ordering from The Wave Restaurant at the Contemporary Resort as we walked. When you mobile order from a sit down restaurant, they give you a 30 minute window to pick up your order, so it worked out perfectly for us. By the time we exited Magic Kingdom and walked to the resort, our food was ready to go. We brought it to the room and had a delicious meal. I am not a person to take pictures of food, so courtesy of the DFB I borrowed one for you. If you have never eaten there, just let me say one thing... Bacon and Egg Appetizer! It is amazing!

 

[tundra1]

Part 3 (Continued)

After dinner, we headed back to Magic Kingdom for an evening in the park. Aubrie got dressed up like Minnie Mouse, and we wanted to get some pictures outside the Train Station. Of course, there was not a photopass person out there, but a nice family took a few pictures of us with my phone, so I was able to get one of our precious few family photos!



When we got inside the park, the princess cavalcade was going by, and we were able to wave at some of the princesses and Fairy Godmother. The princesses are so happy to see the little kids, and they try really hard to make eye contact with them to help them feel special. The Princess Cavalcade is one of the longer ones, taking around 5 minutes total to pass. For a group of boys, it was just the right amount of interaction, and they were done with standing around and waving for the day!



After that, we walked down Main Street and rode a few more rides with the little ones in Fantasyland. Dumbo, Barnstormer, Winnie and Little Mermaid each had 5-10 minute waits. The line for It's a Small World was tremendous, posted at 75 minutes, and Peter Pan was at 55 minutes, so we decided to hold off on those until our next day there. It was getting dark, and we were excited to see Magic Kingdom after dark. The kids really wanted to ride the carousel, and although the line was long, we decided to tough it out. We were towards the end of the group that got on, and they load every other row of horses, so we had to split up. I got to ride with Ben who was pretending to be on a bucking bronco!



After the carousel, Everyone headed back to the hotel before park close to beat the crowds. The park was still going to be open for over an hour, though, so I was not ready to leave yet! I promised my family I would bring back Dole Whips, and also convinced my daughter she wanted to stay with me, bribing her with a ride on Big Thunder Mountain railroad at night, (which was AWESOME!), even though our ride photo was of some random couple who looked nothing like us!

Next up: Main Street and the Castle at night!

 

[pkondz]

it was time to head towards the Haunted Mansion. This has always been one of the favorite rides, so I was very excited!

The best ride!!

I enjoy reading all the gravestones in the cemetery

We actually got on the ride in about 15 minutes!

Not bad at all!

the ride broke down while we were on it! It would have been nice to be by the singing ghost heads, but instead we were overlooking the dance scene in the ballroom, which I actually don't mind, but to a 7 year old boy, it was quite painful!

oooohhh... I loved when that happened to me. In the same spot. I was thrilled to get more time there. Why was it painful, though? Just... "Can we go? When are we going?" kind of thing?

I tried to get a nice picture of the "dancing ghosts"... but and it turned out like this:

Yup. Need a fast lens with a fast shutter speed and a high ISO.

When we got off, the line was up to 55 minutes and stretched all the way down to the river, and along the walkway where we had been standing in the first picture.

Good timing on your part to have gotten in ahead of that.

I am excited for the makeover to make it Princess and the Frog themed. I think the characters in that film will make for a great ride background!

I think you may be in the minority there. But... I will reserve judgment until I see the finished product.

best of all, all 2020 merchandize was marked 70% off! Score!

Wow! What a great deal!

We decided to head back to Bay Lake Tower, mobile ordering from The Wave Restaurant at the Contemporary Resort as we walked. When you mobile order from a sit down restaurant, they give you a 30 minute window to pick up your order, so it worked out perfectly for us. By the time we exited Magic Kingdom and walked to the resort, our food was ready to go.

Perfect timing.

Bacon and Egg Appetizer! It is amazing!

Whoa! That looks great! <drool>

 

[pkondz]

Awwww!!

The princesses are so happy to see the little kids, and they try really hard to make eye contact with them to help them feel special.

One of the reasons why Disney is so magical.

rode a few more rides with the little ones in Fantasyland. Dumbo, Barnstormer, Winnie and Little Mermaid each had 5-10 minute waits.

The classic "littles" rides.

The line for It's a Small World was tremendous, posted at 75 minutes, and Peter Pan was at 55 minutes, so we decided to hold off on those until our next day there.

I wouldn't stand in line for 5 minutes for IASW, but... shocked it's longer than PP!!

I got to ride with Ben who was pretending to be on a bucking bronco!

I promised my family I would bring back Dole Whips

A worthy endeavour.

and also convinced my daughter she wanted to stay with me, bribing her with a ride on Big Thunder Mountain railroad at night, (which was AWESOME!),

That'd make me stay!!

 

[tundra1]

Finishing up our evening, we mobile ordered our Dole Whips, and took some last pictures of the castle. The CM's at Aloha Isle were pretty nice, putting our dole whips in larger double cups with lids so we could carry them back to Bay Lake Tower. Since we were leaving at closing time, and it was a Friday night, Main Street was pretty crowded, so it was good the rest of the family had left earlier.

Santa Cavalcade at dusk:



This is the view from the balcony of the castle looking down Main Street and over the hub. Yes, there were lots of people! You can see how large the Christmas was in the background!


And further down Main Street at Park Close, around 9:15pm:


Standing stationary enjoying our Dole Whips: One of our only night time photos sans face masks!



Yes, Disney also jumped on the Ugly Sweater Bandwagon!



And the last projection we saw: Disney's Christmas Present to us!



We never saw the green version of the Castle, but I borrowed a photo from the Internet: (Thanks Tom @WDWNT!)


Unfortunately, we had to go before our Dole Whips that we promised to bring back completely melted! We did have a great time, the weather was beautiful, and I did not want the night to end! Next up: Moving Day!

 

[tundra1]

oooohhh... I loved when that happened to me. In the same spot. I was thrilled to get more time there. Why was it painful, though? Just... "Can we go? When are we going?" kind of thing?

Exactly! I loved it and was really enjoying the scene, while poor Zack was saying "How long are these people going to dance? Aren't they done yet? I want to see something else! Can we go! I need to go to the bathroom, can you tell someone we have to get out of here?"

 

[tundra1]

Yup. Need a fast lens with a fast shutter speed and a high ISO.

Yes, my generic I-Phone missed out on that feature!

 

[pkondz]

The CM's at Aloha Isle were pretty nice, putting our dole whips in larger double cups with lids so we could carry them back to Bay Lake Tower.

Oh! That is nice. I didn't even know they had larger cups.

Now that is a cool shot!

Standing stationary enjoying our Dole Whips: One of our only night time photos sans face masks!

Nice to see smiling faces.

Yes, Disney also jumped on the Ugly Sweater Bandwagon!

Exactly! I loved it and was really enjoying the scene, while poor Zack was saying "How long are these people going to dance? Aren't they done yet? I want to see something else! Can we go! I need to go to the bathroom, can you tell someone we have to get out of here?"

"Okay! Get out and walk... through a terrifying haunted house! No? Then pipe down!"

Yes, my generic I-Phone missed out on that feature!

I've never really looked into it, but I'm thinking you can change the settings on the phone? But... no one (including me) knows how.

 

[CruellaNY]

I am finally getting back here and catching up! So nice to go back to the holidays at Disney through your report!

we saw Santa Stitch was on the Tomorrowland stage, so we stopped for some selfies with him

We missed him both trips during the holidays; how cute is he????

I don't think anyone except for me knew who the Swiss Family Robinson even was, but it was still fun to climb through the treehouse and see the Magic Kingdom from up high!

LOL, probably true. I did have Ricky watch the movie when he was around 7 or 8 so he'd know about the treehouse and he remembers it but Chris never watched it so has no idea. He still used to enjoy going up in the treehouse though!

 

[tundra1]

When I left off, we had just completed a 13 hour Magic Kingdom day, taking full advantage of the walking path to/from Bay Lake Tower.
On Saturday, we woke up to sunshine! Today was the day we were going to move from Bay Lake Tower to Animal Kingdom Lodge, and essentially enjoy a resort day. We started the day with a 9am reservation at Chef Mickey's. Because our trip was prior to the characters returning to this restaurant, the price was only $25 per adult, and $18 per child. Charlie and Aubrie were free. The meal was served family style, and the food was amazing! We had a wonderful table in the corner by the windows that looked outside, and our server was perfect! I wish I could remember her name, but she was in her 50's and really took good care of all of us! The Mickey waffles were back to being the Carbon's Golden Malted Waffle mix recipe, and they were melt in our mouth delicious! (They were so memorable that I ended up ordering Mickey waffle makers from Amazon, and 6 packages of the Carbon's Golden Malted Waffle mix (3 pumpkin and 3 regular) during their black Friday sale. Put together, I had a couple of much appreciated Christmas gifts for Hannah and Alyssa a month later!) In addition to the waffles, the smoked salmon, the frittata, the hash brown casserole, and all the meats, fruits, and pastries were also pretty incredible! It was a great start to our day!
After breakfast, we sent my husband, son and all the kids to play outside, while Hannah, Alyssa and I finished packing up the villa. We called Guest Services, and they put all our suitcases and leftover kitchen items on a luggage cart, and took care of transporting it to Animal Kingdom Lodge-Kidani Village for the next half of our stay. We loved being at Bay Lake Tower, and I would not hesitate to stay there again. The kids thought the pool slide was great at BLT (we never made it to the Contemporary Resort pool), and the beach was nice. There were plenty of places to explore along the grounds, and the CM's were very helpful and welcoming.

Once we were checked out, we walked over to Magic Kingdom and hopped on a bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge. It was starting to get hot and humid, and everyone decided they wanted to spend the afternoon swimming. When we arrived, our room was not yet ready, and we checked out the Kidani Village pool, but it was pretty crowded. The CM in the lobby suggested we try the Jambo House pool, so we headed over there. When I looked at the map, it seemed as though Jambo House was just around the corner from Kidani, but the walk was a bit farther than I had thought, and it is not scenic at all...unless you like to look at cars parked in the Kidani parking garage, or cars parked in the Jambo lots, or busses going by while the hot sun (that our Wisconsin skin was totally not used to) was beating down on us... But, half a mile later, we were there and greeted by this beautiful lobby and Christmas tree! That was worth the walk alone!



The Uzima Pool at Jambo was the complete opposite from Kidani. It was larger in size, and there were only a dozen guests there and just as many CM's who were constantly cleaning the life jackets, wiping down the handrails, wiping down chairs after being used, and restocking the towels. Our group of 9 practically doubled the attendance numbers! The pool chairs were well spaced and the paths around the pool overlooked the savanna. We saw giraffes and flamingos, turtles, and some pretty cool birds.

We changed into our suits in the locker room next to the pool, and settled in a set of pool chairs in the shade. The kids swam for an hour, and then we had lunch from the Uzima Springs Pool Bar. They had a small but tasty selection of salads, sandwiches, smoothies, lemonades, and specialty drinks. If you are there, try the Blueberry Lemonade (alcoholic). So good, so refreshing, and the perfect beverage to sip on a hot afternoon by the pool!

After lunch, we got our "room ready" text. Alyssa, Hannah, Charlie, Aubrie and I headed back to Kidani to drop off a few things and put the little ones down for a nap, and check on our luggage from BLT (which had not yet arrived). We left Kevin, William, Zack and Ben at the pool to play for a little while more, and gave them instructions for the AKL shuttle, so they would not have to walk back. Lesson learned!

Our room was just off the first set of elevators from the lobby, on the 4th floor. It was really nice not to walk all the way down the halls to the rooms at the far end. Our room did not have a crib or a pack and play, but we called guest services and they had one at our door in about 5 minutes.





I took a few photos, said Hi to the Giraffes
(I really like giraffes, and looking at my pictures after we got back, I had 62 pictures of giraffes by the end of our trip... No, I don't think there is anything wrong with that at all! I mean, the giraffes were my primary reason for selecting this resort, right? And our room was directly facing one of their feeding stations...so of course, I had to get a photo or two...) But I digress...

We then left Hannah and the little ones to rest/nap, and Alyssa and I called an Uber and headed to Publix to get food/supplies for the next 4 days. We had a lot of bulk items left over from our Walmart order, but needed to stock up on perishables, bread, and beverages. Our Uber driver was from Columbia, South America. Somehow she figured out that Alyssa was fluent in Spanish, and they spent the entire ride chatting. I enjoyed looking out the window and realizing that there is life in Orlando outside the Disney bubble. We had only been immersed for 4 days by then, but I was already in complete Mickey mode! Once we got to the store, I was surprised that they had a fairly good and inexpensive WDW souvenir section, so I bought a few obligatory photo frames, picture albums and refrigerator magnets.

After shopping, we made our way back to resort, and got there just after our luggage had been delivered, and the kids were back from the pool, and enjoying the balcony which stretched the entire width of the villa.

I had originally planned to go to Disney Springs this evening, but everyone was tired, so we got settled in the villa, mobile ordered from Sanaa (butter chicken potjie-YUM, bread service - Double YUM!) and then sat on our balcony watching the sunset.



I decided to go explore the resort, and convinced my daughter she wanted nothing more than to join me, so we walked around, listened to the CM on the observation deck talk about the animals who come out at night, walked down to the Samawati Springs Pool and stopped by the Maji Pool Bar, where we had a Bourbon Breeze and a Cucumber & Mint Vojito, and then found some seats by the overlook and enjoyed our tasty beverages while listening to the sounds of nature. That is my idea of a vacation!

Next up: We finally make it to Animal Kingdom!

 

[pkondz]

Today was the day we were going to move from Bay Lake Tower to Animal Kingdom Lodge

Very nice. I've never stayed there, and don't know if I ever will. But... that view... and it's such a gorgeous resort.

Because our trip was prior to the characters returning to this restaurant, the price was only $25 per adult, and $18 per child.

Oh! I didn't know it was open without the characters. And also...

The meal was served family style,

...and also I was wondering how it could be open. Now I know.
Did you prefer the family style to the buffet? What were the pros/cons?

We had a wonderful table in the corner by the windows that looked outside,

Oh! I didn't even know there were any. I've only eaten there once and that was a long time ago.

The Mickey waffles were back to being the Carbon's Golden Malted Waffle mix recipe, and they were melt in our mouth delicious!

Good news! I had seen several posts about the waffles not being good any more. (Or as good.)
So Carbon's is the original mix, then, yes?

They were so memorable that I ended up ordering Mickey waffle makers from Amazon, and 6 packages of the Carbon's Golden Malted Waffle mix (3 pumpkin and 3 regular

In addition to the waffles, the smoked salmon, the frittata, the hash brown casserole, and all the meats, fruits, and pastries were also pretty incredible! It was a great start to our day!

Yum!!

When I looked at the map, it seemed as though Jambo House was just around the corner from Kidani, but the walk was a bit farther than I had thought, and it is not scenic at all...unless you like to look at cars parked in the Kidani parking garage, or cars parked in the Jambo lots, or busses going by while the hot sun (that our Wisconsin skin was totally not used to) was beating down on us...

I've not walked it, but I've driven it. And yes, it's not exactly close.

Beautiful!

Wow! That's really something! I love the illusion of the pool and pond being together.

If you are there, try the Blueberry Lemonade (alcoholic). So good, so refreshing, and the perfect beverage to sip on a hot afternoon by the pool!

Noted!

Our room was just off the first set of elevators from the lobby, on the 4th floor.

Pretty room, too.

I really like giraffes, and looking at my pictures after we got back, I had 62 pictures of giraffes by the end of our trip...

Our Uber driver was from Columbia, South America. Somehow she figured out that Alyssa was fluent in Spanish, and they spent the entire ride chatting.

Very nice.

I enjoyed looking out the window and realizing that there is life in Orlando outside the Disney bubble.

Wait. What? There is???

I was already in complete Mickey mode! Once we got to the store, I was surprised that they had a fairly good and inexpensive WDW souvenir section, so I bought a few obligatory photo frames, picture albums and refrigerator magnets.

Did you try to use your MagicBand to make the purchase?

I had originally planned to go to Disney Springs this evening, but everyone was tired, so we got settled in the villa, mobile ordered from Sanaa (butter chicken potjie-YUM, bread service - Double YUM!) and then sat on our balcony watching the sunset.

Sounds perfect.

found some seats by the overlook and enjoyed our tasty beverages while listening to the sounds of nature. That is my idea of a vacation!

It sounds so relaxing! It's a wonder you didn't drift off to sleep!

 

[tundra1]

.and also I was wondering how it could be open. Now I know.
Did you prefer the family style to the buffet? What were the pros/cons?

We loved the Family Style option. Everyone got to taste a variety of things, and if we really liked an item (like the smoked salmon or the hashbrown casserole), they brought us more! The fruit tray had a variety of different items, but the kids really wanted just the strawberries, so our waitress brought them a bowl of strawberries... happiest kids ever!

Oh! I didn't even know there were any. I've only eaten there once and that was a long time ago.

So when you look at pictures of Chef Mickey's restaurant on line, you only see the seating area that is in the middle of the concourse. We were off to the side, under the monorail platform, sitting along windows that looked towards Magic Kingdom and the grounds on the west side of the resort. With the tables socially distanced, we felt like we were in our own little dining room!

So Carbon's is the original mix, then, yes?

Yes! Don't they look tasty? The lighter one is regular, the darker one is pumpkin.

Did you try to use your MagicBand to make the purchase?

 

[pkondz]

We loved the Family Style option. Everyone got to taste a variety of things, and if we really liked an item (like the smoked salmon or the hashbrown casserole), they brought us more! The fruit tray had a variety of different items, but the kids really wanted just the strawberries, so our waitress brought them a bowl of strawberries... happiest kids ever!

Sounds pretty darn good to me!

So when you look at pictures of Chef Mickey's restaurant on line, you only see the seating area that is in the middle of the concourse. We were off to the side, under the monorail platform, sitting along windows that looked towards Magic Kingdom and the grounds on the west side of the resort. With the tables socially distanced, we felt like we were in our own little dining room!

Your own little dining room... with a view of MK? Hello!
And, yeah... I had no idea that area existed.

Yes! Don't they look tasty? The lighter one is regular, the darker one is pumpkin.

Not a fan of pumpkin, but... the others sure look good.

 

[Steppesister]

LOVED reading about your MK day but especially the MK evening. How fun!! I"ve not gotten to ride BRMRR in a LONG, LONG time, but it's a great experience for sure. Isn't AK beautiful?! I absolutely LOVE it there! I did the same thing with my daughter during our stay there in 2016- we ordered up a cocktail, sat by the pool and just strolled around. PerFECTION!!! : You got some lovely photos of the resort but I especially love that one of the pool! I really would love to stay there again someday!

 

[tundra1]

Sunday, November 15th: Animal Kingdom!

We woke up this morning bright and early. The hours for Animal Kingdom had been extended from 9a-5p to 7a-7p. This was going to be my only chance to see Animal Kingdom at night! I was so excited!
I started my day on our balcony... oh Hello there!
We were ready to head to the park by 6:45 am, walked to the bus stop, hopped on the next bus that pulled up, and five minutes later were at Animal Kingdom!


The tree was gorgeous, with ornaments representing Africa, Asia, Pandora and Dinoland. I was hoping to get a family photo, but no photo pass photographers were there yet. The CM’s who were working were so happy to see us though, and lined up along the walkway saying Hello!
We first headed to Africa, wanting to ride Kilimanjaro Safari before it got too hot. Stroller parking is pretty far away from this attraction, but once we got in line, it was essentially a walk-on. Each row is separated by plexiglass, and I was in the middle of our row, so taking pictures was challenging. But we had a great safari! Many animals were out and about, and it was such fun to see them! Our driver was an older lady from the Bronx, and she was hilarious! She made sure to point out what every group of animals were called...

What’s a group of Black Rhinos called?
Why yes, they're called a “Crash”.


Oh look, it is a “Bloat” of Hippos!


And then we passed a pack of painted dogs.

Rounding the corner, we passed @BuzzRelly’s Baobab tree

Which welcomed us to the savanna. We first passed a “flamboyance” of flamingos:


followed by a tower of

Giraffes! Can you believe it???
Science lesson over, I promise!

 

[tundra1]

LOVED reading about your MK day but especially the MK evening. How fun!! I"ve not gotten to ride BRMRR in a LONG, LONG time, but it's a great experience for sure. Isn't AK beautiful?! I absolutely LOVE it there! I did the same thing with my daughter during our stay there in 2016- we ordered up a cocktail, sat by the pool and just strolled around. PerFECTION!!! : You got some lovely photos of the resort but I especially love that one of the pool! I really would love to stay there again someday!

Thanks! Any time I get to spend with my daughter is special, but that evening was so nice! and the resort is so beautiful!

 

[pkondz]

I started my day on our balcony... oh Hello there!

What a way to wake up in the morning! Wow!

The tree was gorgeous, with ornaments representing Africa, Asia, Pandora and Dinoland.

Love that. And don't think I noticed that when I was there at that time of year.

The CM’s who were working were so happy to see us though, and lined up along the walkway saying Hello!

I love when they do that. And didn't know that happened at AK.

I was in the middle of our row, so taking pictures was challenging.

You did pretty good, considering your vantage point.

But we had a great safari! Many animals were out and about, and it was such fun to see them!

Good!

Our driver was an older lady from the Bronx, and she was hilarious!

I can only imagine!

And then we passed a pack of painted dogs.

Missed opportunity! "passed a pack of painted pups"

Rounding the corner, we passed @BuzzRelly’s Baobab tree

Science lesson over, I promise!

So, just how much of a geek am I that I knew all those???

 

[Steppesister]

We woke up this morning bright and early. The hours for Animal Kingdom had been extended from 9a-5p to 7a-7p. This was going to be my only chance to see Animal Kingdom at night! I was so excited!

OH SWEEET!!! I got the 8-5 hours and was sad, sad, SAD I couldn't see Pandora at night. Ah well, first world problems.

I started my day on our balcony... oh Hello there!

OH hello! Isn't that the BEST?!

But we had a great safari! Many animals were out and about, and it was such fun to see them! Our driver was an older lady from the Bronx, and she was hilarious!

I love early morning Safaris and yes, the drivers can make all the difference in the world.

 

[tundra1]

Missed opportunity! "passed a pack of painted pups"
Yes Master!


So, just how much of a geek am I that I knew all those???
[/QUOTE]
You are a Goofy Geek of Gritty Greatness!