Mickey'sGirl
08-31-2011, 09:49 PM
What the hey? Let’s just go to Disneyworld – August 14-24, 2011
Awesome cast of characters:
Me (Jennifer )
Brian (My partner in crime for 38 of my 42 years – CanadianWDWFan)
Harry (Just turned 13, is growing like a weed and is ALWAYS hungry)
Euan (7 years old and loves all things Disney, especially Mickey)
My final thoughts.
I definitely feel that a longer stay is the only way for us to go. We need the come and go leisure that comes with a longer stay.
We missed staying at DVC. This was our first resort stay (other than a few days at the Contemporary last year) since purchasing DVC, and we felt a difference. We missed the kitchen … and there is a different vibe to a DVC resort … not as much anxious “OH I gotta do this now” about it.
The Animal Kingdom Lodge is beautiful, and the staff working there are among the best we’ve ever experienced; always polite and helpful and courteous without effort. They were just fabulous. That said, after the initial “OOHs and AAHs” of looking out on a savannah, I kind of wish we had just stayed at the French Quarter. Even though I don’t mention it in my daily reports, we did spend time each day; morning and night, visiting with the animals off of our balcony. Incredible to see them so close and appear to be so happy and healthy.
There is only one pool for all the guests at Jambo House and it was hot and very busy no matter when we visited it. This is a huge hotel, and at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, I was sure that we were actually commuting to and from Nairobi each day.
The minimal planning really really worked for us. We had made 6 ADRs for 10 nights, and ended up cancelling some of them too (I still haven’t made it to the Grand Floridian Café for my lobster burger! L ) . We were more than full and fed for far less than it would have cost us for even just the QS Dining Plan … and that includes our Ice Cream budget and the $250 spent at Brown Derby!!
The amount of food we saw being thrown out during our stay was horrifying; I am talking about full meals that hadn’t even been touched as well as many many many desert foods. It is my opinion that just because you have a “credit” doesn’t mean you should take it if you don’t intend on eating it.
The things people take into the parks astounds me! You are going for the day people, not a week! I’ve done the parks with a young baby and a little kid. I know you need stuff … but, WOW! One day going into Epcot, the family in front of me had two children aged about 5 and 3, a double stroller and 2 backpacks, a diaper bag, a purse and a stroller bag. It took security about 10 minutes to check it all out … because even if it isn’t a purse, it is still a bag folks! The security lady thanked me when I arrived with just my small over the shoulder purse. I was through the gates before that other family was even zipped up again!
Take the time to see the attractions. One Man’s Dream, The AFI exhibit, the movies and programs at the different Epcot Pavilions, Take the train around the park. These are fabulous activities.
Let the kids take the lead sometimes. Letting them in on the decision making gives them a sense of control, and makes for a much saner park experience … especially during busy times with extreme heat and humidity.
Rain is just rain, and everyone else looks just as soggy as we do. The wet look is always “in”. J
Take the time to sit on a bench. I had some great conversations with complete strangers. It was such a pleasure!
Thank you and a smile goes a long way. As does I’m sorry or excuse me. I really enjoyed my holiday.
Swimming always makes things better. As do :bar: :bar: .
I miss the Disney “shorts” in the room. We had them at the Contemporary last year, but not a thing this year. L
Driving is the way for us to go if we can. We spent about $400 TOTAL in gas driving our Malibu from Toronto to Orlando and back. We spent about $105 for one night in each direction coming and going on hotels, spent a day and a half on the road. It works for us, and I love that I have my car as well.
West Virginia has awesome roads.
Enjoying time with friends at the World is very special, and we are very fortunate to have made so many friends here on INTERCOT.
We’re getting ready to book our DVC stay at the Boardwalk for next summer, and we are all pretty excited about it. So the magic is still alive and well!
Awesome cast of characters:
Me (Jennifer )
Brian (My partner in crime for 38 of my 42 years – CanadianWDWFan)
Harry (Just turned 13, is growing like a weed and is ALWAYS hungry)
Euan (7 years old and loves all things Disney, especially Mickey)
My final thoughts.
I definitely feel that a longer stay is the only way for us to go. We need the come and go leisure that comes with a longer stay.
We missed staying at DVC. This was our first resort stay (other than a few days at the Contemporary last year) since purchasing DVC, and we felt a difference. We missed the kitchen … and there is a different vibe to a DVC resort … not as much anxious “OH I gotta do this now” about it.
The Animal Kingdom Lodge is beautiful, and the staff working there are among the best we’ve ever experienced; always polite and helpful and courteous without effort. They were just fabulous. That said, after the initial “OOHs and AAHs” of looking out on a savannah, I kind of wish we had just stayed at the French Quarter. Even though I don’t mention it in my daily reports, we did spend time each day; morning and night, visiting with the animals off of our balcony. Incredible to see them so close and appear to be so happy and healthy.
There is only one pool for all the guests at Jambo House and it was hot and very busy no matter when we visited it. This is a huge hotel, and at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, I was sure that we were actually commuting to and from Nairobi each day.
The minimal planning really really worked for us. We had made 6 ADRs for 10 nights, and ended up cancelling some of them too (I still haven’t made it to the Grand Floridian Café for my lobster burger! L ) . We were more than full and fed for far less than it would have cost us for even just the QS Dining Plan … and that includes our Ice Cream budget and the $250 spent at Brown Derby!!
The amount of food we saw being thrown out during our stay was horrifying; I am talking about full meals that hadn’t even been touched as well as many many many desert foods. It is my opinion that just because you have a “credit” doesn’t mean you should take it if you don’t intend on eating it.
The things people take into the parks astounds me! You are going for the day people, not a week! I’ve done the parks with a young baby and a little kid. I know you need stuff … but, WOW! One day going into Epcot, the family in front of me had two children aged about 5 and 3, a double stroller and 2 backpacks, a diaper bag, a purse and a stroller bag. It took security about 10 minutes to check it all out … because even if it isn’t a purse, it is still a bag folks! The security lady thanked me when I arrived with just my small over the shoulder purse. I was through the gates before that other family was even zipped up again!
Take the time to see the attractions. One Man’s Dream, The AFI exhibit, the movies and programs at the different Epcot Pavilions, Take the train around the park. These are fabulous activities.
Let the kids take the lead sometimes. Letting them in on the decision making gives them a sense of control, and makes for a much saner park experience … especially during busy times with extreme heat and humidity.
Rain is just rain, and everyone else looks just as soggy as we do. The wet look is always “in”. J
Take the time to sit on a bench. I had some great conversations with complete strangers. It was such a pleasure!
Thank you and a smile goes a long way. As does I’m sorry or excuse me. I really enjoyed my holiday.
Swimming always makes things better. As do :bar: :bar: .
I miss the Disney “shorts” in the room. We had them at the Contemporary last year, but not a thing this year. L
Driving is the way for us to go if we can. We spent about $400 TOTAL in gas driving our Malibu from Toronto to Orlando and back. We spent about $105 for one night in each direction coming and going on hotels, spent a day and a half on the road. It works for us, and I love that I have my car as well.
West Virginia has awesome roads.
Enjoying time with friends at the World is very special, and we are very fortunate to have made so many friends here on INTERCOT.
We’re getting ready to book our DVC stay at the Boardwalk for next summer, and we are all pretty excited about it. So the magic is still alive and well!