Trip Report That time I bought a WDW AP even though I live 8091 miles from the parks (completed)!

Hi all, I’m a couple of weeks back from a trip where I spent a few days in Disneyland and Las Vegas followed by two weeks in WDW. I took good trip notes for the first few days but by the time I arrived at WDW I had stopped and so will have to rely on photos to remind me of what I did when, allowing for some discrepancies as my phone and camera seem to exist in different time zones.

Who – Renee from Auckland, New Zealand which Dr Google tells me is 8091 miles away from Orlando.

When – 21st of November until 11th of December.

Where – Park Vue Inn at Disneyland, The Venetian in Las Vegas and Pop Century, French Quarter and the Animal Kingdom Lodge at WDW.

Why – Because I wanted to, what other reason is needed!!

I was more stressed about this holiday than I normally am. I had surgery in July with 6 weeks off work, closely followed by an awful stomach bug and then a cold which hung around for two months and which I only recovered from a week before I left. All this meant that I hadn’t slept well in months, was very stressed and had been especially inactive so was worried about how I would cope with three weeks of solid walking. I was also worried I would get another cold which I often do when I travel. So, will this trip report consist of photos of me sitting in my hotel room nursing sore feet and coughing up phlegm or photos of fun theme park activities? You will have to come along for the ride to find out!!

Here is a photo of the Annual Pass from the title. I realise in this Instagram age that I should have taken a photo of this in front of some iconic structure like Cinderella Castle or Spaceship Earth and not in front of the curtains in the Pop Century value resort but I am still learning!
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Travel
I had the day of my flight off work which was gave me a chance to sleep in and pack at a relaxed pace. I wanted to leave plenty of room for the new Starbucks mugs from each of the parks as well as some Christmas ornaments but I also didn’t want to do any washing while I was away. I hoped I had achieved the perfect balance of packing everything I own while leaving lots of room for souvenirs.

I spent as much of the day as I could playing with my lovely little dog Sookie who had known something was up ever since I dragged the suitcases out. This is a picture of my favourite dog on my favourite friend’s lap!
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As usual I would miss her a lot and was reminded of her every time I saw a “service dog” in the park.

The first Uber I ordered to take me to the airport arrived after only a couple of minutes but parked himself in the middle of the road outside my house and yelled out that he can’t take me to the airport as he’s been banned from there. Umm, maybe don’t accept my ride then and also don’t park in the middle of the street to yell at me so that cars have to swerve around you, honking their horns and giving me the evil eye out their car window as though it was my fault. The next driver got me to the airport OK but was kind of creepy and persistently asked questions like will your husband miss you, where is your husband, are you married, so your boyfriend will miss you then wont he, who are you travelling with etc etc. Thankfully the drive is not that long but thanks for the weird trip to the airport Uber drivers of Auckland.

I relaxed before the flight with some chips and rose, the start of three solid weeks of poor dietary choices!
IMG_6420.JPG


My father is retired airline staff and I was flying on his staff benefits. I had applied and paid for an upgrade to business class but had to wait until I got to the gate to see if I was upgraded or not. I had all my legs and fingers crossed as there is nothing better than a lie-flat seat on a long-haul overnight flight. Sadly, business class was full but I did get a seat in an almost empty premium economy cabin. This is very comfortable relative to economy and which also meant I would get back most of the money I had paid. My row was empty but because the armrests were fixed I couldn’t utilise the space and lie down.
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My appetiser and dessert. The main course was delivered a little while later. (In NZ we call what you call appetizers entrees and what you call entrees are called mains and what you call desserts we call desserts!)
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It was a pretty good flight, lots of leg-room, comfortable seat, great service and food but as per usual I only got at most an hour or two of sleep.

Once at LAX I got through security and picked up my bags quickly and with no issues. I caught the Disneyland Express and headed to the Park Vue Inn. I really hoped they would have an early room for me as I wanted to shower and lay down for a while but they didn’t so I had to freshen up and change in the lobby bathroom and then headed to Disneyland.
 
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Kiwiduck

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
I'm a little late to the party, but.... Vegas AND Disney World?! It's like a dream come true! I'm a big fan of The Wynn in Vegas, but that room at The Venetian looks pretty wonderful. Really enjoying your report - your photos are great! Currently drooling over your cheeseburger pod pic... yum.
Thank you and glad to have you onboard. I like your profile pic, I'd like to make it to Shanghai one day as well.
 

Kiwiduck

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Make it happen - you are closer to it than I am!!!!

(I think - I really do not know what part of NZ you are from!!)

Max
I live in Auckland which is 12 hours and 6 minutes from Shanghai, 10 hours and 50 minutes from Tokyo, 11 hours and 10 minutes from Hong Kong, 12 hours and 5 minutes from Los Angeles and around 22 hours from Orlando. So, the closest park to me is in Tokyo! However, Disneyland was where I was taken as a child and I like travelling in the US so I gravitate to the US parks when thinking of Disney. The asian parks are definitely on my to do list though.
 

amjt660

Premium Member
I live in Auckland which is 12 hours and 6 minutes from Shanghai, 10 hours and 50 minutes from Tokyo, 11 hours and 10 minutes from Hong Kong, 12 hours and 5 minutes from Los Angeles and around 22 hours from Orlando. So, the closest park to me is in Tokyo! However, Disneyland was where I was taken as a child and I like travelling in the US so I gravitate to the US parks when thinking of Disney. The asian parks are definitely on my to do list though.
It’s cool that you live in Auland because I honestly could only name it and Christ’s Church as cities I know in New Zealand

It is awesome that you know the flight time down to the minute to get to Disney!!

Max
 

Kiwiduck

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Thursday 30th of November

Today I was checking out of Pop Century and into Port Orleans French Quarter. Pop Century was OK for me, I had a couple of transportation experiences which made me wary and I had awful WiFi reception for the entire time meaning I had to use my data plan, which cost me $5 a day in roaming charges. On the upside, I loved the brand new room and found the landscaping and the large icons on the buildings to be charming, the food court was pretty good and the walk to buses and food wasn’t too bad, even though I wasn’t in a central building.

After I slept in and had a small breakfast and some coffee I called bell services to collect my bags and have them delivered to French Quarter. My plan was to Uber to the Boardwalk Resort, have some Ample Hills ice cream, check out the Epcot resorts and walk to Epcot.

The gingerbread versions of the Boardwalk were very cute.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/23gGY8A]IMG_0052 3 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

Sadly, Ample Hills wasn’t open yet, throwing a spanner in the works of my ice cream eating plans but I enjoyed my trip round the resorts anyway.

My beautiful Yacht Club, how I wish I could afford to stay in you every trip!!!

[url=https://flic.kr/p/21AAw7N]IMG_0056 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

Beach Club had a beautiful carousel display made out of gingerbread or chocolate. I loved Stitch, I find him so cute and lovable whenever I see him even though I didn’t actually enjoy his movie at all.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/GdHekw]IMG_0066 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

More carousel pictures.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/24mwWpz]IMG_0068 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

[url=https://flic.kr/p/EGsK58]IMG_0071 2 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

I looked for New Zealand on the Yacht Club globe but the closest I could find was the Southerne Unknowne land.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/23gHbs5]IMG_0081 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

I love the Christmas village display at Yacht Club, it is my favourite Christmas display of any of the resorts.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/21AAPA5]IMG_0083 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

[url=https://flic.kr/p/GdHAxm]IMG_0084 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

There are so many cool details like the little man snow blowing his yard.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/24hBvRS]IMG_0086 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

[url=https://flic.kr/p/21AAWY1]IMG_0087 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

[url=https://flic.kr/p/24hBBUU]IMG_0089 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

This new lounge area was beautiful, I loved the shade of blue.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/24hBFkG]IMG_0091 2 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

After finishing my tour of these resorts I headed towards Epcot.
 

amjt660

Premium Member
Great pictures of the Yacht and Beach
That lounge does look great - it was under construction during our last trip.

(and as a mechanical engineer I love that you substituted "spanner" for "wrench"!!)


Max
 

Kiwiduck

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Great pictures of the Yacht and Beach
That lounge does look great - it was under construction during our last trip.

(and as a mechanical engineer I love that you substituted "spanner" for "wrench"!!)


Max
I have to admit that I wouldn't know the difference between a spanner and an wrench if my life depended on it! I just went with the common saying.
 

Kiwiduck

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
I entered Epcot through the international gateway and planned to just wander around checking out the sights of the world showcase before checking in for my lunch reservation at Restaurant Marrakesh.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/24hEz6w]United Kingdom by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

I like this hidden mickey in the UK.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/23gHxhb]Hidden Mickey by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

I thought Restaurant Marrakesh was just stunning with the high ceilings, tile work and beautiful light fittings. It was very evocative of what I imagine Morocco to be like (mind you, I’ve never been there so I could be talking out my *#$!).

[url=https://flic.kr/p/24mxoTX]Restaurant Marrakesh by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

There was a belly dancer performing at the start of my meal but she finished her show quickly and didn’t reappear.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/24hBMpA]Restaurant Marrakesh by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

The food wasn’t as good as the surroundings; the lamb, couscous and vegetables were all a bit bland and mushy and the iced mint tea was insipid. I would happily eat here again though, I would just try something different.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/21ABik3]Restaurant Marrakesh by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

I think Morocco is perhaps the most beautiful of the pavilions.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/EGtswg]Restaurant Marrakesh by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

This is a lovely scene except for the piece of trash a piece of trash lovingly left on the bench.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/23gHQAu]Morocco by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

[url=https://flic.kr/p/GdMc2q]Morocco by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

[url=https://flic.kr/p/22ZfXzk]Morocco by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

After lunch I headed to Future World. I checked out Mouse Gears and found this very weird looking Mickey Mouse.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/24hEDJE]Weird Mickey by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

I rode Spaceship Earth and Living with the Land.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/24hEGro]Spaceship Earth by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

[url=https://flic.kr/p/22ZiJUV]Spaceship Earth by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

I had strawberry shortcake at Sunshine Seasons.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/24hENy3]Sunshine Seasons by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

Then I headed back to the World Showcase for a highly anticipated fastpass.
 

Kiwiduck

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
I was headed towards the Norway pavilion and passed this lovely scene.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/EJpiYF]IMG_0135 3 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

Norway was looking good.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/EGwAsa]IMG_0137 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

[url=https://flic.kr/p/22ZiN7r]IMG_0141 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

It was my first ride and I liked it, very cute with good animatronics.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/21AEPVW]IMG_0140 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

I am in the 2nd to back row. Check out the wee girl behind me. She does not look like she is having fun!

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After this I headed towards the buses to head to my new resort.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/23gMHtW]IMG_0153 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

The CM checking me in talked to me for a while about a holiday he took to NZ when he was younger. Turns out he had been to a park very close to my house. We also sorted out my no housekeeping certificate. I loved getting money for opting out of housekeeping, I prefer to do this anyway and getting paid for it was a double bonus.

The room seemed a bit dingy and old: the furniture was a bit beat up, the carpet was worn, there were no USB ports, the bed was uncomfortable and there was constant noise from the air conditioner unit on the roof of the building. It was a step down from the
pop century room so you might think that I would be disappointed in French Quarter, but you would be wrong. The resort was beautiful, charming and peaceful and I loved it. I can’t wait to stay there again.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/22ZiZBv]IMG_0154 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

My favourite thing about the room was this picture.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/21AEZG9]IMG_0155 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

I didn’t take any photos but I took a boat to Disney Springs, however as soon as I got there I realised I was too exhausted to deal with the crowds and walking around so I just got on another boat and headed back to the hotel. I did pick up a couple of treats at Amorettes though which I ate over the next couple of days.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/EGwK5F]IMG_6580 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

[url=https://flic.kr/p/23gMNny]IMG_6581 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]
 

Kiwiduck

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Friday 1st of December

Today I was heading to Hollywood Studios but I spent the morning taking a leisurely look around the resort checking out all the beautiful details. This was the view from outside my door. It was shaping up to be a beautiful day and I loved the tree with the mossy stuff hanging from the branches.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/EMW1Dv]IMG_0158 2 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

Horse shot.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/GjipNY]IMG_0160 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

Squirrel shot.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/235M5CZ]IMG_0162 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

We don’t have squirrels in my country and I get very excited whenever I see one, just like a certain dog.

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Beautiful Sassagoula River. Such a lovely, peaceful, calming atmosphere.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/235MbX2]IMG_0163 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

[url=https://flic.kr/p/23neBxA]IMG_0164 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

This was my building; I was behind the red door which is almost out of shot.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/EMWh6H]IMG_0165 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

I’ve been dreaming about seeing these cuties in person for years.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/EMWrEx]IMG_0169 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

[url=https://flic.kr/p/21Ge2qW]IMG_0170 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

[url=https://flic.kr/p/24o6DFJ]IMG_0172 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

I love how each building is a little different in colour, balcony and roof design.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/EMWzeR]IMG_0174 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

[url=https://flic.kr/p/24s6Gue]IMG_0175 2 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

[url=https://flic.kr/p/24s6RhV]IMG_0177 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

[url=https://flic.kr/p/24o6RQU]IMG_0178 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]


These people had done a wonderful job with their window but they must have had to take the tragical depressed not long after as the decorations were soon gone.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/24s6Lei]IMG_0176 by Dis Sookie, on Flickr[/URL]

After my exploration and getting myself covered in icing sugar trying to eat beignets I took the bus to Hollywood Studios.
 

NZDisneyFan

Member
Your photos are great. I’m in Wellington and in the planning stages for a trip next July (we have a wedding in Toronto to attend) and looking forward to you AKL part of the trip report since we will spend two nights there after 10 nights at a moderate resort (hopefully Coronado). I’ve been contemplating a AP as well to get room discounts and the food and shopping discounts. We will have to wait and see what deals are out for our dates and do the maths. We were only planning on 8 park days as we will have our daughter with us who will be turning 2 on the trip and now we will need to take it easier than when we went last time without children.
 

Kiwiduck

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Beautiful pictures of th resort on what looked like a gorgeous morning
Well done

Max

It was beautiful, I was blessed with great weather for most of my trip, it was sunny and hot without being too hot. Then at the end there were a couple of days that were so cold I could hardly believe I was in the same place!

Your photos are great. I’m in Wellington and in the planning stages for a trip next July (we have a wedding in Toronto to attend) and looking forward to you AKL part of the trip report since we will spend two nights there after 10 nights at a moderate resort (hopefully Coronado). I’ve been contemplating a AP as well to get room discounts and the food and shopping discounts. We will have to wait and see what deals are out for our dates and do the maths. We were only planning on 8 park days as we will have our daughter with us who will be turning 2 on the trip and now we will need to take it easier than when we went last time without children.
Your trip sounds great, Canada and WDW sounds like a great combo. Spoiler alert, I wasn't that impressed by AKL. I was conscious while I was there that my room was no bigger or better than my moderate room but I was paying US$200 more a night for it. I might have felt differently if I had a savannah view though, and most people seem to really like it. There were also a lot of activities in the resort like drum circles and crafts etc that little kids were enjoying. I booked my rooms through an American agency called magical vacations. They had good discounts and were easy to deal with.
 

NZDisneyFan

Member
Your trip sounds great, Canada and WDW sounds like a great combo. Spoiler alert, I wasn't that impressed by AKL. I was conscious while I was there that my room was no bigger or better than my moderate room but I was paying US$200 more a night for it. I might have felt differently if I had a savannah view though, and most people seem to really like it. There were also a lot of activities in the resort like drum circles and crafts etc that little kids were enjoying. I booked my rooms through an American agency called magical vacations. They had good discounts and were easy to deal with.


Our plan is for the savannah view and at the moment we are looking at renting DVC points for that part of our stay unless we can get a good deal but I doubt it since we are going to be there in July and it’s super busy then. We are really going just for the animals out the room window.

My plan was to do it all online through the Disney website because we did that last time and it worked out ok for us then (we got free dining last time so that helped but this time I’m expecting it to cost a lot more).
 

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