You just lost your job, where are you going next?! DISNEY WORLD - Page 5 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Holy cow that's an awesome photo of the lion! We only got his tail end, as he was out cold during our safari last week. *humpf* LOL! Loving this TR!! Glad you got an extra day and can't wait til you post the next update... leaving us with a cliffhanger is so mean! Keeps us all hanging on the edge of our seats!
So I am posting my update now, because it was already written. But I found out my pictures are back to their too big size, so I can't post today's pictures - sorry! You'll see a few places in today's write up that I actually refer to the picture, so just ignore that for now! Hopefully I can figure out how to resize photos once and for all , so I can post the pictures in the next day or two.
Thanks, everyone, for your nice comments about the report and my pictures.
Tuesday, February 1
I’d actually started packing yesterday morning – before I knew we were staying another night. We’d come down with 3 suitcases, and our carry-ons, and I had basically packed two of the suitcases with dirty clothes, leaving the other bag for toiletries and the remaining clean items. (This was one thing I missed in having a studio rather than a one bedroom, as it meant I didn’t have a washer & dryer )
I sent DH & the kids down to the main building at 9, to walk around and check out all the sites, while I tried calling Member Services. I got through quickly, and explained that I was actually looking for a studio for TONIGHT. There was nothing at VWL, so we knew that meant moving to another property. Nothing at SSR. Nothing at OKW. (This initially surprised me, given the size of both properties, I was sure in February there would be something. But as I thought more about who we’d been seeing in the parks – couples of various ages without kids, families with very young children – I realized studies might be more in demand than larger rooms this time of year). Finally, she said she thought there was ONE or TWO studios available at AKL, but she’d need to call directly to the hotel to check. She put me on hold and I began to think about where I wanted to search next for a one bedroom, and whether we had enough points available to do that. Happily, she found us a studio at Jambo House! We both laughed when she went through the cancellation policy! Seemed pretty unlikely I’d be canceling, given that I was currently at Disney, had no flight until the following day, and had to be checked out from our current hotel in two hours!
I finished packing our last things, and went on to the main building to meet everyone else for breakfast at Whispering Canyon Café. Just a day before, we’d called to see if we could move our reservation from 9:30 to 8 am, as we’d felt that would give more time at DTD before having to get back from DME. Now, we were so glad they hadn’t been able to move it for us!!
The restaurant was just about empty, but there were enough folks there that we managed to get some catsup delivered to the table! DS & DD both ordered the skillet. I was convinced to try their version of Eggs Benedict. It was brisket instead of Canadian Bacon, and the hollandaise sauce had a little chipotle pepper in it for a kick. DH ordered the Western Omelet. Our server assured me he made one of the best lattes around, so I got a latte to start. He was right – it was delicious!! And when the check came, I was surprised to see that did count as my beverage – both the first one, and the one I got “to go” at the end of the meal! (We were using our last TS credits here) The kids, of course, had the bottomless milkshakes, although only DS had enough room to have a refill on that. Breakfast was good, although I don’t know if I’d get the Eggs Benedict again. I guess I’m a purist when it comes to EB, so I wasn’t crazy about the brisket and the hollandaise. Don’t get me wrong – individually all the components were delicious. I just didn’t like it all together, I think because it just didn’t taste like EB. The kids enjoyed every part of their skillet – the biscuits & gravy (I’ll never know how this Yankee mom has ended up with these Southern kids who like that! I just can’t get past the appearance), the bacon, the sausage, the eggs and the Mickey waffles! DH loved his omelet, although it was bigger than he could eat. Our server was so attentive. Just a perfect meal. Not as fun eating at WCC when it’s empty, though, as it was only when a table was seated next to us, that we just about had to force them to say they wanted catsup, that we could share the joy. So not sure I’d book such a late time if we eat there again.
Bellies full, we went to collect our bags and take them to bell services, for transfer to AKL. I should have mentioned how excited the kids were to hear we were moving to AKL. We’ve stayed there before, and both think it’s their favorite Disney property. We dropped suitcases and coats (it was predicted to be in the low 80’s today!) with bell services, and they said they’d have them over to AKL by 2 pm. Then we went out to hop a bus to DTD. I was so glad we weren’t trying to get back to VWL for a 2:30 DME pick-up, as we waited well over half an hour for the DTD bus! Again, I was just really unhappy with the bus service at VWL, and not sure if we’ll stay there again from that point alone. Too bad, as that was really the only flaw I found. But since we never have a car on property, it just began to feel like such a hassle – and time waster – to us.
We finally arrived at DTD and enjoyed knowing that we were walking around with no place to be, enjoying the sun and the warmth, while it was COLD an yucky at home! (Mean, I know )
We did decide we needed some new t-shirts for everyone, so we’d have clean clothes to wear tomorrow! We each found a shirt we liked at World of Disney, as well as some new placemats for the table, and a 2011 scrapbooking kit for DD. Then it was on to the Westside so DD could stop in at Little Mismatched. She scored some great deals there – a cute pair of flip flops for $3, and a set of socks (if you’ve shopped there before, you know they sell socks in packs of three. Not three pair, three socks) for $4.50. She was very pleased with herself. Of course it took almost 45 minutes to get to the point of purchase – so many choices, and DD is a bit of a spendthrift, so she wanted to make sure she had the best deal possible!
Originally, we’d thought we would use our final QS for lunch at DTD – grabbing something from Earl of Sandwich for the flight home. But now, we’d be here another day. I thought we should use the last QS credits for dinner at Mara. DS began a campaign for dinner at Boma (one of his all-time favorite restaurants), and we soon gave in (OK, so we like it too!). We decided we’d use the QS to get breakfast in the morning before leaving for the airport. Great idea – right? Turns out, not so much, but more on that later…..
We caught the bus to AKL over at the end of DTD closest to Planet Hollywood. We only waited about 5 minutes for the bus, so that was good, as we’d decide the afternoon would be spent at the pool!! The bus driver was leaving for lunch, and another driver was coming on board, but before the first driver left, he gave both kids these snap on pirate wrist bands – pink for DD, and black for DS. They’ve put them aside to wear on our cruise for Pirate Night! A nice bit of extra magic, for sure! DD kept asking if I thought he did that for all the kids – she was so amazed he just gave them something like that.
When we arrived at AKL it was only about 1:30, so we were certain our room would not yet be ready. WRONG!! All set! And extra bonus – it was a savannah view!!! The moment we walked in to the lobby, we were reminded just how much we love AKL. While the lobby at WL is great, it’s almost too big (I know it looks like the old National Park hotels, but still, it’s big). AKL somehow feels more intimate, cozier, to me.
Our room was terrific – here are a few pictures. I almost couldn’t get the kids to change in to swimsuits to go to the pool – they were too busy watching animals on the balcony. I, however, wanted to get to the pool. This may be my last chance for a while to enjoy a beautiful, sunny and warm day!! And I thought I just might be hearing a FAB calling my name…..
Before we left for the pool, I called to make a reservation for Boma. I did ask if there was any way of upgrading a QS credit, and just paying the difference for a TS meal, since we had that one QS left. Nope. Oh well, we’d pay for Boma out of pocket. Reservation set for 6:10, we made our way to the pool. We went down to the pool at Jambo House, but decided we wanted to check out the pool at Kidani Village instead. Kidani was still under construction the last time we’d stayed at AKL, so we wanted to have a look at the whole place. We were somehow under the impression that it was close. It is not. It is certainly walk-able, but took us about 15 or 20 minutes I think. Or it just seemed that long with a 10 year old constantly asking how much longer.
When we got to the Kidani pool, we were glad we’d made the trek. The pool and water area as are great! And there were TWO hot tubs, both working!! The slide was deemed better than WL by the kids. And the water play area was pretty cool – dumping buckets, waterfalls, squirting flowers, etc. The funny thing was DS had a better time over there than DD!! I do enjoy those times when he still seems like a kid, though – most of the time it seems he’s growing up too fast. One of the things I love about taking them to Disney – they can be kids (and so can we!). DH & I found some comfy lounge chairs, and then I made my way over to the bar. A raspberry pina colada sounded like the perfect ticket, and boy was it good!! I spent a lot of time just napping on my chair, and enjoying my drink, but also did get a chance to soak in the hot tub for a while. I also took lots of pictures of the kids in the pool, and kids & DH playing ping pong next to the pool. It was a perfect afternoon, even though we really didn’t do a thing!
Far too soon it was time to head back to the room to get ready for dinner. At some point on the way back to the room, DH & I had the realization that our QS credits may not work after midnight, since our DDP was paid for through today only. I verified that information when we got back to our room. OK, now what? We really wanted to eat at Boma (even though I love Mara), but we also wanted to have breakfast in the morning. We eventually decided we’d stick with dinner at Boma, and then find meals for take-out at Mara that would reheat in the morning for breakfast, even if it wouldn’t necessarily be breakfast food. Back at the hotel, we contacted bell services and got our bags delivered, all safe and sound from the transfer from Wilderness Lodge.
In retrospect, we realized we should have paid OOP for WCC, so we could have used our final TS credit at Boma – given the price difference between the two. Oh well, it’s only money, right?! And Boma is a meal that all four of us really enjoy, although perhaps none as much as DS. First, he loves the control a buffet gives him. Second, he has a very adventurous palate, so he’s willing to try everything, and enjoys doing so. I don’t remember everything we ate, since it’s now 2 weeks ago, but I know DS & DH both had at least two bowls of the sausage & bean soup. I really liked this spinach and cheese dish. Both DS & I loved the flank steak, while DH preferred the pork shoulder. DD loved the chicken nuggets!!! (Didn’t I say she’s really not ready for the adult menu yet?!) And of course, we all LOVED the dessert options! While I did have a zebra dome (and liked it), I thought a couple other things were even better. The coffee tart was YUMMY , and the mango passionfruit thing (kind of a gelatinous consistency?) was also delish. We left there feeling quite full! So it was funny to head from Boma to Mara for more food!
DS & I both love the falafel pita at Mara, so we got that, assuming it would be just as good reheated in the morning. DH ordered a chicken ceasar salad, with dressing on the side. DD got the cheese flatbread. For our desserts, I got a couple of Mickey rice crispies, but DD & DH decided they were both feeling out of sorts, given they hadn’t yet had a Mickey bar on this trip, and the trip was soon ending. So after just having had all that food at Boma, they still managed to each enjoy a Mickey bar. Blah!! My stomach hurt watching that!! We got bottled drinks as well, and tada! No DDP credits remaining!! (Someone at the front desk had told me that he sees people with 10 or 12 TS credits leftover when they do the Deluxe DP!! Seems like that would only be a mistake you’d make once)
We took our food upstairs to our room, and then the kids and I made our way back outside. We were going to do the night vision viewing!!! Now, I wasn’t sure what the world would look like through night vision binoculars, but it wasn’t like this. Everything was green, which I more or less expected, but it was so bright! Just like daytime, but a different color!! Sadly, there was only one animal out – some kind of deer – and he was FAR away. So we didn’t get to see much in the way of animals. But it was fun to look through the night vision viewers. The kids enjoyed it as well, and think we should get these for home! Sure, I’m sure they don’t cost much….NOT!!
Back in the room, the kids went back out on the balcony for a while to see if there was more action on our end of the savannah. No such luck. We hit the hay early tonight, as our DME pickup was at 7 am, and we didn’t want to miss the bus!
I won’t really write a report on the trip home – it was completely uneventful. We were actually surprised how empty the airport was, after all the weather delays of the day before. There was only one person (that we know of) who got put on our flight standby after a cancelled flight the day before. In fact, the flight attendants remarked how surprised they were to see only 40 passengers on our flight! When we arrived back at BWI, it was clear we could have probably flown back the night before – the weather had once again missed the DC area and gone north. But we were glad we’d stayed the extra day in order to enjoy a poolside afternoon, and prolong that return to the harsh light of reality!
So now, we’re just counting down to our Back to Back (double dip CC on the first leg) Dream Cruise in August!!! And, as long as I find a new job before I run out of severance pay, we are hoping to surprise the kids with another Christmas at Disney World. We are booked at the Treehouses. Not bad – 3 Disney-related trips for 2011!!
Tomorrow I will try to remember to come back with some summarizing thoughts! Thanks for reading along!
Now, that's a perfect last day! Great that the weather cooperated to give you a real pool day. Looking forward to seeing the photos, even if you have to post them in thumbnail.
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How need to get an unexpected/unplanned extra day at WDW! 
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Pixie Dust
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Keeps us all hanging on the edge of our seats! 
Melanie
, so I can post the pictures in the next day or two.
) 
(This initially surprised me, given the size of both properties, I was sure in February there would be something. But as I thought more about who we’d been seeing in the parks – couples of various ages without kids, families with very young children – I realized studies might be more in demand than larger rooms this time of year). Finally, she said she thought there was ONE or TWO studios available at AKL, but she’d need to call directly to the hotel to check. She put me on hold and I began to think about where I wanted to search next for a one bedroom, and whether we had enough points available to do that. Happily, she found us a studio at Jambo House! 
Too bad, as that was really the only flaw I found. But since we never have a car on property, it just began to feel like such a hassle – and time waster – to us. 
)
Turns out, not so much, but more on that later…..
A nice bit of extra magic, for sure! DD kept asking if I thought he did that for all the kids – she was so amazed he just gave them something like that.
And Boma is a meal that all four of us really enjoy, although perhaps none as much as DS. First, he loves the control a buffet gives him. Second, he has a very adventurous palate, so he’s willing to try everything, and enjoys doing so. I don’t remember everything we ate, since it’s now 2 weeks ago, but I know DS & DH both had at least two bowls of the sausage & bean soup. 
I really liked this spinach and cheese dish. Both DS & I loved the flank steak, while DH preferred the pork shoulder. DD loved the chicken nuggets!!! (Didn’t I say she’s really not ready for the adult menu yet?!) And of course, we all LOVED the dessert options! While I did have a zebra dome (and liked it), I thought a couple other things were even better. The coffee tart was YUMMY 
, and the mango passionfruit thing (kind of a gelatinous consistency?) was also delish. We left there feeling quite full! So it was funny to head from Boma to Mara for more food!
Blah!! My stomach hurt watching that!! We got bottled drinks as well, and tada! No DDP credits remaining!! (Someone at the front desk had told me that he sees people with 10 or 12 TS credits leftover when they do the Deluxe DP!! 
Just like daytime, but a different color!! Sadly, there was only one animal out – some kind of deer – and he was FAR away. So we didn’t get to see much in the way of animals. But it was fun to look through the night vision viewers. The kids enjoyed it as well, and think we should get these for home! Sure, I’m sure they don’t cost much….NOT!!
we are hoping to surprise the kids with another Christmas at Disney World. We are booked at the Treehouses. Not bad – 3 Disney-related trips for 2011!! 
Sammi
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