Lodge-hopping... from the Pacific Northwest to an African Savannah: A July 2009 TR!

Last week we returned from our summer Disney fix so it’s time again for another monster trip report!! This one is sure to dwarf my previous reports in sheer size alone considering it was a 9 night/10 day stay at WDW and all our past trips have ranged from 3-5 night stays. I must say it’s a bit daunting, but I took detailed notes and am ready to relive our adventures (and possibly bore you with all the details)!!

The cast includes myself, Holly; the birthday boy, Brett; his parents, Kathy and Danny; and brother, Derek. Here’s one of the few pictures I have of us all from our December 2008 trip:

The planning stages of this trip went through many variations. So let’s start at the beginning… ever since the “Celebrate” theme was released I wanted to plan a trip for Brett’s birthday. We started putting it into action sometime in early April and not long after we settled on dates and made reservations, Brett’s parents invited us to join them on their summer trip to the Wilderness Lodge Villas. It just so happened to be close to the dates we were already looking at, so we talked about it and decided if we budgeted right we could do a super trip. Woohoo for super trips :sohappy:.

We changed our dates slightly to line up with theirs, and then I cancelled our ADRs and made some new ones. Since we were on a budget we decided a value resort was a must (and we should forego signature dining)… no ifs, ands or buts about it. Or at least that’s what Brett thought… I, however, had other plans! I got it into my head that it would be so cool to surprise him with a deluxe resort so we wouldn’t, you know, be slumming when we left the WL :lol:. Once I had my mind set I practically took up a vigil waiting for the AP resort rates to be released. And when they were I snagged a pool view room at the Animal Kingdom Lodge for our four night stay! Oh yeah… and we couldn’t possibly celebrate his birthday without some wine and signature dining so I made reservations for Jiko!

To make a long story even longer, Brett called me at work one day and told me his parents had to make a slight change to their dates, which meant we would either have to do the same or lose some days of “our” trip. I was freaking out (and couldn’t tell him) because I just knew the AP rate would no longer be available… and it wasn’t. So I started calling once or twice a day, every day. I can still recite the confirmation number! I was in luck though, because after three weeks of calling the AP rate magically reappeared!!! I guess I’m sharing all this basically to say sometimes it pays to be persistent. Let me just tell you… keeping this secret nearly killed me, but it was totally worth it!

Okay, so now that we've gotten all of that out of the way… let us finally begin.

 

[HollyBelle]

Next, we headed to Dinoland to visit with Dr. Marsh at the Dino Institute. Now, I must say this ride has never been one of my favorites, but during this latest trip I really started enjoying it more and more.

While I’m not a fan of the carnival-esque Dinorama, it’s not going anywhere so I guess we might as well enjoy it. I do like the kitschy signs all over the roadside treasures store!

Our Everest fastpass times were almost up so we left the prehistoric era and crossed the bridge into Asia. We were about five minutes early, so we hit up the single rider line first. Now, I don’t believe I’ve really mentioned the tour groups yet in my report, but holy smokes they were EVERYWHERE… something to add to the “con” list when considering a July trip for you pro/con listers out there. I’d never experienced anything like this in my previous 16 trips! We had to wait at the front of the single rider line for a little bit, which is no biggie, but as we did we witnessed the poor CM trying to corral and place an insanely massive Brazilian group into the rows. It was chaos, and in no way the CMs fault. Because the group didn’t understand the language or the concept of two to a row they basically mobbed the load area, slowing down the whole process. While the huge groups were just a minor nuisance for us, I can’t imagine what it’s like for the CMs who have to interact with them.

Anyway, we rode EE again and after exiting we immediately got in the fastpass line. It was turning out to be an Everest kind of day. I love the ride, but do miss the yeti in all his glory.

We ended up watching the monkeys for awhile before heading towards Kali River:

The standby wait for Kali was at 70 minutes! Clearly, it was another scorcher of a day. We didn’t contemplate too long before passing it up. It's way too much wait time for just a so-so ride.

 

[angieandtrevor]

Thanks, Angie. I almost feel like I didn't stop writing, considering just after I finished my cruise report I went to WDW and started this report!

You'll have to start planning a trip! You could always find a cruise out of Port Canaveral and add a couple Disney days to it. Have I talked you into it yet?!

Well it is funny that you mentioned that since I was thinking the exact same thing and have been already looking into it. I tried to do it this year for our fall cruise since it leaves from Tampa but we couldn't get our schedules with work to cooperate. Lets keep our fingers crossed that next winter will work out better, especially since Carnival's brand new ship the Dream will be in Port Canaveral.

 

[HollyBelle]

I had read about the new character greeting trails that were supposed to be on the Asia walkways. We didn’t expect there to be any new characters, but I will say I was kind of hoping we were wrong… it turned out to just be new locations for Flik and Baloo & Louie. That being said, Flik’s location makes for a GREAT photo op! Right in front of the Tree of Life.

Meeting Flik inspired us to check out the next viewing of It’s Tough to be a Bug! We were in the back of the theatre, so we had a great view of the spiders as they dropped down, which can’t truly be appreciated from the first few rows. You know, It’s Tough to be a Bug probably ranks at the top of the “guaranteed to make a wee one cry” list. I can’t imagine how many parents take their kids into that show thinking “the Bug’s Life characters… this’ll be cute” and come out the other side with a screaming child that has nightmares for the next few days.

We took a little break in the shade outside the Beastly Bazaar before making our way to Camp Minnie Mickey. We arrived as they were ushering people into the 12pm showing of the Festival of the Lion King, so we basically walked right in as the show was getting underway (and they were pretty good seats in the giraffe section, I believe). I absolutely love FOTLK and think it’s the best “stage” show at Disney World. It offers so much from the design of the theater, to the talented cast and the top notch music. And I simply can’t help but get caught up in its colorfulness!

When the show ended it was almost time for our lunch reservations, so we made our way back to the front of the park to check-in at the Rainforest Cafe. Brett and I spotted Brer Rabbit with Brer Bear and headed that direction, but he went in before we could even get over there. We’ve met him before, so it wasn’t a big deal. I’m guessing they come out together for the middle of the day sets for any of you looking to find them in the near future.

We found this little guy hanging out by the AK side entrance to the Rainforest Café:

Our meal at Rainforest was as it always is… good. It makes for a good lunch spot, and Brett and I really do like the pizza. Behold, the Flying Dragon Pizza:

After lunch we took off for the Wilderness Lodge and a little more pool time!

Up next: Hidden Springs and the Magic Kingdom!

 

[PotteryGal]

I totally agree with you about It's Tough to Be a Bug. DS loves the characters and always brings this show up....I think he truly forgot that he sat there with his head buried in DH's lap and his hands over his ears on our first trip to WDW....so yeah, we'll be skipping that one. :lol:

 

[HollyBelle]

Well it is funny that you mentioned that since I was thinking the exact same thing and have been already looking into it. I tried to do it this year for our fall cruise since it leaves from Tampa but we couldn't get our schedules with work to cooperate. Lets keep our fingers crossed that next winter will work out better, especially since Carnival's brand new ship the Dream will be in Port Canaveral.

We're trying to plan another cruise with my parents for either December or next May. They're actually on the Fascination right now! We have our December Disney trip planned... I'd love to be able to attach a cruise to the end of it. Talk about a super vacation :sohappy:.

We've looked at the Dream, but I'd really like to do the Victory out of San Juan because I've already decided I'm more of a port person than sea days person.

I totally agree with you about It's Tough to Be a Bug. DS loves the characters and always brings this show up....I think he truly forgot that he sat there with his head buried in DH's lap and his hands over his ears on our first trip to WDW....so yeah, we'll be skipping that one. :lol:

I know, right? I'd skip it too if I had little ones. There are some other rides/attractions that are more frightening, but the thing with ITTBAB is the surprise factor... they're not gearing themselves up and expecting the fright like they might be when getting on, say, Dinosaur!

 

[mouselvrmom]

Yay! I love riding in front on Expedition Everest. That way I don't get the full sensation of going back in the dark! :lol:

I LOVE Flik's new spot! Will definitely have to check that out!

I guess I'm one of those bad parents. I always make the kids go to ITTBAB. :lol: I think they're finally developing a tolerance for it. :lookaroun Well, maybe not, my oldest won't even wear her glasses in it. :ROFLOL:

 

[angieandtrevor]

We're trying to plan another cruise with my parents for either December or next May. They're actually on the Fascination right now! We have our December Disney trip planned... I'd love to be able to attach a cruise to the end of it. Talk about a super vacation :sohappy:.

We've looked at the Dream, but I'd really like to do the Victory out of San Juan because I've already decided I'm more of a port person than sea days person.

Disney and a cruise, I have to agree that would be a perfect vacation, now I just have to convince my hubby that he will love Disney You are so lucky to live so close to WDW and also many cruise ports.

There is a group cruise going on the Victory in mid April (Southern Crossers) and there is many of our cruise buddies going so we are also considering that as well (so many decisions). My co-worker and her husband did the Victory in March with their 4 children and they aboslutely loved all the ports but they did say they were all quite tired by the end of the trip. After reading your disney reviews I would think that 6 ports in 7 days would be a breeze for you guys. Leaving from San Juan is also a big perk since it is beautiful there and has great shopping :sohappy:

 

[DormaNesbit]

HollyBelle, as always---what an amazing trip report!!!!! Might I add that Brett looks just like his dad.:wave:

 

[DisneyPrincess5]

Great report and pictures!!
I love the one of Minnie's Daisies!

 

[HollyBelle]

Yay! I love riding in front on Expedition Everest. That way I don't get the full sensation of going back in the dark! :lol:

I LOVE Flik's new spot! Will definitely have to check that out!

I guess I'm one of those bad parents. I always make the kids go to ITTBAB. :lol: I think they're finally developing a tolerance for it. :lookaroun Well, maybe not, my oldest won't even wear her glasses in it. :ROFLOL:

But you know, Jenn, if you're in the front when EE starts moving backwards, you go into the spin with more momentum :sohappy:!

I was really happy to see Flik's location, the background couldn't be more perfect! As for ITTBAB, is it wrong that I find humor in the fact that your oldest is the one who won't put on her glasses?! :lol: She probably holds you responsible for any spider related fears.

Disney and a cruise, I have to agree that would be a perfect vacation, now I just have to convince my hubby that he will love Disney You are so lucky to live so close to WDW and also many cruise ports.

There is a group cruise going on the Victory in mid April (Southern Crossers) and there is many of our cruise buddies going so we are also considering that as well (so many decisions). My co-worker and her husband did the Victory in March with their 4 children and they aboslutely loved all the ports but they did say they were all quite tired by the end of the trip. After reading your disney reviews I would think that 6 ports in 7 days would be a breeze for you guys. Leaving from San Juan is also a big perk since it is beautiful there and has great shopping :sohappy:

You're right, we're very lucky to be so close. We always say we could never move somewhere that wasn't at least within driving distance of the World!

I really want to go to San Juan. It looks so beautiful in all the pictures I've ever seen. Plus starting a cruise in a place like that is kind of like adding another port day. I think I've convinced my mom that 6 ports in 7 nights will be fun. My parents are very active, too, so I think it would be perfect for the four of us. Now we just have to find a good deal!

HollyBelle, as always---what an amazing trip report!!!!! Might I add that Brett looks just like his dad.:wave:

Thanks, Dorma!! This one seems to be taking me forever to get posted.

Great report and pictures!!
I love the one of Minnie's Daisies!

Thanks, DisneyPrincess5. Daisy is one of my favorites so I was so excited to find them!

 

[HollyBelle]

When we got back to the villas, we headed straight for the Hidden Springs pool. There were hardly any people there, which surprised me because it was the middle of the afternoon. So if you’re looking for straight up relaxation, the villas pool is a better choice than Silver Creek Springs. Plus they have the newer loungers over there and they’re so much more comfortable. And I really liked the “geyser” style jets all throughout the pool.

I just realized I don’t have any pictures of our afternoon at Hidden Springs. Shame on me. The following pictures are prettier anyway; I took them early one morning when walking around the property.

After about an hour and a half the afternoon storm clouds rolled in and sent us seeking shelter. I lost track of everyone at this point. All I know is I grabbed a book and headed for the Wilderness Lodge lobby. Something else to add to my growing list of things you just don’t get to do on shorter trips. It was so relaxing to sit there and really take it all in. After about an hour I figured I should head back to the room and start getting ready for dinner. When I got there I noticed the chipmunks had foraged some pretzels I’d bought. And darn if they’re not cute doing it:

Dinner tonight was at Sanaa, and I was totally looking forward to it. Not only because we’d never eaten there before, but also because this would be our first time seeing Kidani!

While I find the “garage” style parking under the building to be a bit odd (mostly because it’s something Disney’s never done before), it is a good use of space. And for those who park there it makes for some nice shade coverage. The other oddity is the fact that the pool area is across from the main entrance. So regardless of where your room is located it looks like you have to cross asphalt to reach the pool, which does take you out of the theming a bit.

That being said… the view of Sunset Savannah more than makes up for it. This is one of my favorite pictures from the whole trip:

And I really like the backdrop that Jambo House provides on the other side of the savannah:

Brett was loving the place, too, which made it even harder for me to contain my excitement for the big reveal to come.

 

[HollyBelle]

Sanaa is located downstairs under the main lobby and ground level with the savannah. The design and ambience blew me away; I really loved the decor.

Best seat in the house:

Even though we weren’t seated right by the windows we had a great circular booth in the back and the view of the restaurant was nice:

Our server gave us a nice rundown of the menu and was very attentive. We ordered the bread service to start and the chutney’s and raita’s that came with it were really good. Kathy, Danny and Derek all ordered some variation of the “slow-cooked” options, which they liked and Brett had the tandoori lamb chops, which were really tender and delicious:

I decided on the Dum Biryani, which is a veggie/rice mixture wrapped in bread dough:

Now, I wasn’t a big fan of the Dum Biryani. I don’t think there was anything wrong with the dish that could have been changed to make it better, so I just chocked it up to trying something that wasn’t to my liking. I maybe ate a third of it. And just stole some lamb off Brett’s plate! Why am I sharing all this? Well, when the server came back to clear the table, he noticed I hadn’t eaten most of it and asked if I was done and when I said “yes” he asked if everything was okay with it, and I again said “yes,” because there really wasn’t anything wrong with the food. It’s not their fault I wasn’t fond of it. When he came back with the check he handed it to us and said “I went ahead and took the Dum Biryani off the bill since you didn’t like it.” HUH? I was a little shocked because stuff like that usually only happens when people cause a fuss and complain. I actually felt bad, but was very appreciative so we added the price of the meal to his tip as a thank you.

So all in all, I loved Sanaa and would recommend it even though I wasn’t crazy about what I ordered. Everything else at the table was very good and you just can’t beat the ambience and service.

 

[HollyBelle]

We finished dinner around 8:30 and made our way to the Magic Kingdom for a little nighttime fun! First stop was Tomorrowland and at the top of the agenda was Space Ranger Spin!

After blasting away Zurg, Kathy, Brett and I got in line for the Astro-Orbiter. Isn’t it amazing how some rides are totally different at night? This is definitely one of them. We could see bits and pieces of Wishes while standing in the line, which wasn’t moving. When the fireworks were over and the elevator returned it was overflowing with people. I guess they let them stand at the top and watch, which really surprises me. Anyhoo… after descending from atop Rocket Tower Plaza, we took a little spin on the teacups, which was walk-on.

At that point, I think Kathy and Danny headed back to the room, while Derek, Brett and I crossed the park to Splash Mountain. Unfortunately, Splash Mountain was down... So of course, BTMRR had a crazy massive line because it was the only operating Mountain at the park that night. Oh well, we’d be back. Over in Adventureland, we walked right on the Jungle Cruise and got stuck with a very, very boring group of folks. I really feel for those skippers when they get such a dull load of passengers; it totally changes the ride. I wonder how often it actually happens, though. Anyway, if I were the skipper I would have been glad to be rid of us.

After the cruise I skipped to Aloha Isle to get my first dole whip of the trip. I don’t know if the CM was just being nice or if they have to get rid of what’s in the machines towards the end of the night, but she filled up a kid size cup with my pineapple vanilla swirl. It was sooooo good! The guys went to ride Pirates and I headed off to catch the parade as it came to the end of its route in Frontierland. There was hardly anyone back there!

So from my vantage point, looking somewhat through the trees, I could see the floats and characters as they made their way into backstage. And while they continued to do the motions, you could see a lot of them had lost some of their exuberance. Who wouldn’t? After all this was the second parade of the night. The best was when Smee and Peter Pan crossed over the “threshold.” I saw them high five one another and then look back at the characters still on the course, making motions as if to say, “na-na-na-boo-boo!” At one point Smee even put his thumb to his nose and wiggled his four fingers up in the air at them. It was a riot to see!

There’s nothing like ending a night in the middle of the Magic Kingdom with a super size dole whip and an unobstructed view of SpectroMagic… bliss.


Next: EPCOT!! Woohoo!

 

[mouselvrmom]

Yay, more cute chipmunk pictures! :lol:

 

[Pluto Princess]

Cant wait for the rest!! I just love your trip reports HollyBelle! :sohappy:

 

[Disneyfalcon]

It's so fun reading your report!! You take pictures of so many fun details. I can't wait for more!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Holly! I'm here! I didn't miss it! :wave: I actually thought of you a couple times a couple weeks ago wondering when your next report would come out. The summer has flown by for me. I swear life is dragging me around by the ankles these days. Anywhoo, glad to be part of the adventure with y'all. Aren't super-trips the best? We can't bear to do anything less than 9 nights anymore.

You are soooo right about ITTBAB. Remember I mentioned Chandler isn't a fan of the dark? Yep. My boys are 11 & 13 and they both dislike that show. :hammer:

As always, you & Brett are adorable. His family all seem like lotsa fun. How awesome is that to be part of a Disney family! Can't wait for more of the report!

Oh! Are y'all gonna do the marathon for 2010??? We'll be at WDW those dates (but not running). I'd love to cheer y'all on! :sohappy:

 

[HollyBelle]

Yay, more cute chipmunk pictures! :lol:

I love the munks!

Cant wait for the rest!! I just love your trip reports HollyBelle! :sohappy:

Thank you, Pluto Princess!!

It's so fun reading your report!! You take pictures of so many fun details. I can't wait for more!

Thanks, Tammy. You're back... or rather, in a new place. I hope you had a great trip.

Holly! I'm here! I didn't miss it! :wave: I actually thought of you a couple times a couple weeks ago wondering when your next report would come out. The summer has flown by for me. I swear life is dragging me around by the ankles these days. Anywhoo, glad to be part of the adventure with y'all. Aren't super-trips the best? We can't bear to do anything less than 9 nights anymore.

You are soooo right about ITTBAB. Remember I mentioned Chandler isn't a fan of the dark? Yep. My boys are 11 & 13 and they both dislike that show. :hammer:

As always, you & Brett are adorable. His family all seem like lotsa fun. How awesome is that to be part of a Disney family! Can't wait for more of the report!

Oh! Are y'all gonna do the marathon for 2010??? We'll be at WDW those dates (but not running). I'd love to cheer y'all on! :sohappy:

Hi Kelly. :wave: You are so right about super trips... I've decided anytime Brett and I go with his parents we're going to try to add a few days of "us" time onto the end of the trips. This way we can make it a super trip with a little less super expense! Did your July 4th trip ever pan out?! I was looking for your TR, as well :lol:.

As for January, unfortunately we won't be there. It would have been so fun to meet up and say hello, you know, in the non cyber world. We couldn't commit to the Half before registration filled and we just don't have it in us to train for the full again so soon. We are hoping to be back for 2011. Are you still considering the Princess Half?!

 

[HollyBelle]

Day 5: Epcot/Downtown Disney

Up and at ‘em early again and we were off to the Contemporary for a little breakfast at one of my new favorites, The Wave. Hopefully, the empty dining room was more a sign of the early hour than the restaurant’s popularity. I’d hate to lose another good breakfast spot now that we’ve found it.

Here we have the spinach and feta scrambled eggs with breakfast potatoes. I LOVE these eggs. It’s nice to get something a little different from the everyday buffet scrambled eggs:

Epcot was on the agenda for the morning. Considering we were only there for a short while the first day, I was so ready to go back. In my opinion, you can never get enough Epcot. Who am I kidding? I can never get enough of any of the parks. We had driven over to the Contemporary for breakfast and Brett and I offered to drive to Epcot so the car would be there for later, while the rest of his family went via monorail. So, which do you think was faster? Car? Or Monorail? Leaving at the exact same time, we beat them there by about 5 minutes. Just enough time to spy Daisy Duck, or as I sometimes affectionately refer to her as, Pinky Duck. I mean, seriously, she is the epitome of all things pink and girly and I love her for it!

We started off the day at the Character Spot. A “first thing in the morning” must if you don’t want to wait forever.

 

[HollyBelle]

We got fastpasses for Soarin and then went to see Figment. Why? I don’t really know. Unlike Brett, who as a kid adored Figment, I don’t really get it because I didn’t grow up with the guy. Along with Horizons, Figment is one of Brett's Epcot loves that he's sad I never experienced for myself.

Before leaving for the trip, Brett and I had read that Marie had been seen in the a.m. at the exit of the Character Spot lately, so we swung by there before meeting back up with the fam at the Seas. Not only did we find Marie, but we also found the Queen of Hearts who demanded respect:

And of course, it was off with my head:

Umm… anyone else see “her” wrists?! I'm actually rather shocked, because I know they're supposed to be covered by those gloves. And it's not like they're just barely visible.

After we took a ride through the Seas with Nemo we headed on over to Turtle Talk with Crush. It’s such a cute show, but rarely do we make time for it; I’m not quite sure why that is. After Turtle Talk we spent a little time with Anchor and Chum. Bruce is too much of a celebrity to actually hang out with us. The paparazzi were all over him.

Bruce’s scrapbook: