Trip Report "The Best Disney Trip EVER"

Hello, hello everyone!! A warm welcome to everyone reading--I'm so glad you're here!!

WHEN: Tuesday, November 5th - Tuesday, November 12th

WHERE: I think you know us well enough by now!!

WHO: I'm sure you know most of us(don't worry--I'm not going to confuse you all like I did in June;)). In case you don't though, there's me, my nephew J, & my sister E. Besides us usual 3 Musketeers, E's husband/J's dad/my BIL joined us for the fun!! To keep confusion to a minimum for this TR I will refer to him as JSR.
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You could also call us "The Red Family". When E asked J what color MB he wanted he said that he wanted red & that we should all get that color so we could be "The Red Family". I know you can't see E's but trust me, her's was red also.

Looking forward to reliving "The Best Disney Trip EVER" with you all!!

Tuesday, November 5th

The plan was to leave E & JSR's at 7:00. I went to work for 5:30 to get a few last minute things done--also so that I could say to my boss that I was only off for 7 days, not 8. He teases me that "vacations are 7 days not 8". After doing some work & him teasing me a bit I was off on my merry way!! I got to their house only to find out that JSR was still packing!!:jawdrop: E was not thrilled in the least. He must have been close to being done though b/c we were only delayed a few minutes.

Then came the next delay. It was Election Day and E & JSR wanted to due their civic duty. I sat in the car with J & we talked Disney while we waited.
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And, in typical Pittsburgh fashion, it was raining.
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Rush hour traffic + heavy rain = a slow commute to the airport. I don't know what it is with this town but it seems like no one can drive in the rain around here. Trust me, we get more than our fair share of it so you think people would be used to it.
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As we were waiting to check our luggage in the woman behind us noticed our luggage tags & said that she was going to Disney also and was staying at Caribbean Beach. She asked if this was our first time going which prompted JSR to throw in a few digs about us & the frequency of our trips. I think he's just jealous ;)
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The Southwest agent was slower than molasses but after 10 minutes or so it was our turn.
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JSR made fun of me all week b/c of this. I had two suitcases. The small one weighed 20 lbs & this one was 36.5. He kept saying, "How did you manage to bring 56 lbs. of clothes?" As it turned out, due to his last minute packing there were quite a few things that he forgot so I told him at least I didn't have that problem. He also told me not to tell E about what he had forgot b/c he didn't want to hear her say "I told you so".
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E went to park the car while the J's & I proceeded to security. But wait, I couldn't go just yet. For whatever reason the Southwest agent left one of the suitcases behind. After unsuccessfully trying to get his attention for about 5 minutes I finally interrupted him & asked him to please put it on the belt. I was getting nervous that it would somehow get forgotten. He looked at me with a surprised look on his face & said he didn't notice it there. Really??
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On the "monorail" we go!!
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Piglet_the_brave

Well-Known Member
Jumping in to say I’m enjoying your report. Love seeing you have fun with your nephew. I kind of miss my kids being that little, it’s all so magical to them.

Riverside was always our go to resort before joining DVC, and we still go back when we run out of points. Love, love it. And we visit when we don’t stay there, just to see Bob’s show.
 

riverside

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Jumping in to say I’m enjoying your report. Love seeing you have fun with your nephew. I kind of miss my kids being that little, it’s all so magical to them.

Riverside was always our go to resort before joining DVC, and we still go back when we run out of points. Love, love it. And we visit when we don’t stay there, just to see Bob’s show.
Thank you very much!! It is fun with the little ones. I just wish he would get a little braver for some of the rides(esp. b/c he rode them when he was younger).

It's not often that I don't stay at Riverside but when I don't I always make sure to visit. And like you, to see Bob's show!! He is so much fun!!
 

Piglet_the_brave

Well-Known Member
Thank you very much!! It is fun with the little ones. I just wish he would get a little braver for some of the rides(esp. b/c he rode them when he was younger).

It's not often that I don't stay at Riverside but when I don't I always make sure to visit. And like you, to see Bob's show!! He is so much fun!!
I think kids throw themselves at things without thinking or being scared when they’re little. Then start over thinking a bit and spooking themselves. Mine all loved Tower of Terror, then were terrified of it, now love it. And they all love thrill rides now, I have to let them go without me on some of them because I can’t do jerky rides any more (space mountain 😢). Hopefully he’ll grow out of his fears. Although my 14 year old has never quite warmed to Small World, she was terrified of the “scary dolls ride” when she was little.
 

MickeyCB

Well-Known Member
Sorry for not posting much this week. This little thing called "Christmas" is really getting in the way!! I will be back at it soon though.

Speaking of Christmas I thought I would share our Christmas card with all my friends here. Ready for this.....it was all my idea!! R was quite impressed with me!! And no, he hasn't converted me or anything but I did give in & say I would see the new movie with him. I told him I could use a good nap!!;)
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Merry Christmas to all my wdwmagic friends!!
That is ridiculously awesome! Merry Christmas to you and your family too!
 

riverside

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
I think kids throw themselves at things without thinking or being scared when they’re little. Then start over thinking a bit and spooking themselves. Mine all loved Tower of Terror, then were terrified of it, now love it. And they all love thrill rides now, I have to let them go without me on some of them because I can’t do jerky rides any more (space mountain 😢). Hopefully he’ll grow out of his fears. Although my 14 year old has never quite warmed to Small World, she was terrified of the “scary dolls ride” when she was little.
I totally agree. I think we scarred him for awhile when it comes to the coasters. A few years ago we took him on SDMT. He had a look of absolute terror on his face the whole time. He refuses to even try SDD now!! I'm sure he'll turn around in a few years. That's funny about IASW--most kids really love that one!! My nieces & nephews all loved it as little ones & as they get older they don't want to ride it b/c they find it boring.
That is ridiculously awesome! Merry Christmas to you and your family too!
Thank you so much!! I'm already trying to think of a theme for next years card so I can be prepared instead of scrambling through pictures from different trips to find what I need!!
 

riverside

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH

I stopped at Bell Services to inquire about my luggage. When I asked for directions as to where my room was the CM told me it was on that floor so I said I would take the luggage myself. Big mistake.....(remember, I not only had my suitcase but R's too). BTW--I tried tipping her but she refused b/c she said she wasn't allowed to accept tips. Why can they accept them when they bring it to your room then? She still had to dig them out for me. I didn't understand that one.
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I was in room #3393--the third to the last room. Wheeling 2 suitcases was not an easy task esp. b/c mine was super heavy b/c in addition to my clothes & toiletries I had 9 bottles of water in it!! The only thing that would have been worse would have been in the very last room(3395) but that honor belonged to E, JSR & J!! 🤣
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I thought the room was very nice.
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A bit bigger than the rooms at POR but the entry leaves for wasted space IMO. E was ticked b/c there isn't an iron & ironing board in the room(there really isn't anywhere to store it). You know that didn't phase me in the least!!:hilarious: She called for one & they did bring it.
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Yay!! A magnifying mirror & toiletries!!
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I really liked this picture.
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The shower was cool. I love glass doors but can't stand cleaning them so at home I prefer having the curtain so I can throw it out every few months & replace it with a new one!! Seriously, they are a pain to clean!!
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riverside

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH

A blurry closeup of the toiletries. I thought I wouldn't use any of them but possibly the lotion but I tried the mouthwash & really ended up liking it & the vanity kit ended up being a lifesaver for me. More on that later.
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The closet was not very deep. I ended up putting R's suitcase in the left side of this closet so it was out of the way & it was a tight fit. I'm used to only traveling with one so I had to keep reminding myself to take it on departure day. I was afraid I would forget about it!!
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Wow--deluxe resorts get tea also!!
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I'm always amazed when I'm leaving my room for a park at how much garbage is in the waste can. It's pretty much all toiletry stuff but wow it fills up quick!!
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The Disney touches were very few but overall I thought the room was very nice.
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riverside

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH

I went out onto the balcony to check it out.
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It was really cool but I'd be lying if I said the odor didn't bother me a little!!
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I love watching giraffes esp. when they are walking. They're so graceful.
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This little guy was making all kinds of noise.
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Back in the room I checked out the lighting. I liked this.
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Lights on!!
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The room looked pretty.
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I went out to the balcony again to see what was going on.
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riverside

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH

I was going back & forth between getting ready for dinner & taking in my surroundings(& the smell:hilarious:)
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Not being selfish but it's nice to have all this space to yourself!!
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One last glance outside before I left!! I knew it would be dark by the time I got back so I was trying to take in as much of the animals as I could!!
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Oh bother!

Well-Known Member
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH

I stopped at Bell Services to inquire about my luggage. When I asked for directions as to where my room was the CM told me it was on that floor so I said I would take the luggage myself. Big mistake.....(remember, I not only had my suitcase but R's too). BTW--I tried tipping her but she refused b/c she said she wasn't allowed to accept tips. Why can they accept them when they bring it to your room then? She still had to dig them out for me. I didn't understand that one.
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I was in room #3393--the third to the last room. Wheeling 2 suitcases was not an easy task esp. b/c mine was super heavy b/c in addition to my clothes & toiletries I had 9 bottles of water in it!! The only thing that would have been worse would have been in the very last room(3395) but that honor belonged to E, JSR & J!! 🤣
View attachment 435264

I thought the room was very nice.
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A bit bigger than the rooms at POR but the entry leaves for wasted space IMO. E was ticked b/c there isn't an iron & ironing board in the room(there really isn't anywhere to store it). You know that didn't phase me in the least!!:hilarious: She called for one & they did bring it.
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Yay!! A magnifying mirror & toiletries!!
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I really liked this picture.
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The shower was cool. I love glass doors but can't stand cleaning them so at home I prefer having the curtain so I can throw it out every few months & replace it with a new one!! Seriously, they are a pain to clean!!
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Interesting to see some of the rooms still have the baths. I assumed they had all been changed to showers in the refurbishment as that what we had in our room this year.
 

riverside

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH

BTW--while I was with R at POR E, JSR & J had hopped a bus to AKL. They took J to the pool which he was really excited about.

Originally, our dinner reservation was for 'Ohana that evening. We had made that reservation long before we decided to switch to AKL. After we made the switch I thought about how this would work. Bus to MK or Epcot & monorail to the Poly or Minnie Van then repeat to get back home. Plus, I would be really rushed going from POR to AKL. I found a reservation for Jiko & asked E if she would be ok with us cancelling 'Ohana & going there instead. This way we could enjoy AKL more & we wouldn't be running around like crazy. As much as JSR doesn't like repeats he really likes 'Ohana so I felt bad cancelling it. E & I both like it there also but we had ate there earlier this year & we were excited to try something new. Let me tell you, BEST DECISION EVER!! I(we all) may have found a new favorite Disney restaurant!!
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We had a 6:00 reservation & were seated right on time.
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J was very good with wiping his hands with the warm towel.
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I love a good glass of wine...or two(I'm sure you've noticed:joyfull:) but I'm not good with pairings. To me it's whatever I'm in the mood for at that moment but it's usually pinot grigio. I was excited to try something here since they had quite the collection of African wines but I was clueless as to what to get. As I was looking over the menu something jumped out at me & it was b/c I recalled very good reviews from @lostpro9het & @imahistorygeek. My mind was made up--Red Jasper it was!! E & I both thought it was excellent!!
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We all enjoyed the bread. It was great!!
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We got a mushroom flatbread to start--it was so good!!
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JSR got the Botswana style Beef Short Rib. He thoroughly enjoyed it.
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E got the Sustainable Vulcan-spiced Fish. She loved it & said it was her best meal of the trip!
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riverside

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH

J got a cheese pizza.
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I had the West African Koki Corn.
Before...
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After!! Unbelievably good!!
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We were all pretty full but wanted to try a dessert. We decided to split the Malva Pudding.
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The waitress brought a dessert out for J but I don't remember what it was. He looks like he enjoyed it though!!
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This was excellent!! It kind of looks like a birds nest.
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J also had fruit & yogurt.
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JSR wanted a good cup of coffee so he got the press pot. I had a cup & it was very good.
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More TIW savings!!
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Farewell Jiko!!
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I am so happy we made the switch to Jiko. Not only for the convenience of being right there but for the food. Everything there was great!! The service, the food, the wine were all outstanding!! I am really looking forward to eating there again!!
 

riverside

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Room and bathroom look very nice and spacious, thanks for the pictures! ;)

I'm so with you about the wild animals' smell, when we visit AK, I pass by the wild hogs area as fast as I can, haha! 🏃‍♀️ 🐗
You're welcome! It was spacious & very nice.

I guess if you work with them you probably get used to it but I would have to think it would take awhile. It is pretty strong!!
 

Oh bother!

Well-Known Member
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH

J got a cheese pizza.
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I had the West African Koki Corn.
Before...
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After!! Unbelievably good!!
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We were all pretty full but wanted to try a dessert. We decided to split the Malva Pudding.
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The waitress brought a dessert out for J but I don't remember what it was. He looks like he enjoyed it though!!
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This was excellent!! It kind of looks like a birds nest.
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J also had fruit & yogurt.
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JSR wanted a good cup of coffee so he got the press pot. I had a cup & it was very good.
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More TIW savings!!
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Farewell Jiko!!
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I am so happy we made the switch to Jiko. Not only for the convenience of being right there but for the food. Everything there was great!! The service, the food, the wine were all outstanding!! I am really looking forward to eating there again!!
We love Jiko. We switched it for tiffins this trip but will definitely be sticking with Jiko in future.
it makes for such a lovely relaxed evening in the resort as well
 

riverside

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
We love Jiko. We switched it for tiffins this trip but will definitely be sticking with Jiko in future.
it makes for such a lovely relaxed evening in the resort as well
I ate at Tiffins once & I wasn't a huge fan. It definitely made for a relaxed evening & that was perfect. As I near the end
of a trip I start wearing down so I enjoy taking it a bit slower.
 

lostpro9het

Well-Known Member
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH

BTW--while I was with R at POR E, JSR & J had hopped a bus to AKL. They took J to the pool which he was really excited about.

Originally, our dinner reservation was for 'Ohana that evening. We had made that reservation long before we decided to switch to AKL. After we made the switch I thought about how this would work. Bus to MK or Epcot & monorail to the Poly or Minnie Van then repeat to get back home. Plus, I would be really rushed going from POR to AKL. I found a reservation for Jiko & asked E if she would be ok with us cancelling 'Ohana & going there instead. This way we could enjoy AKL more & we wouldn't be running around like crazy. As much as JSR doesn't like repeats he really likes 'Ohana so I felt bad cancelling it. E & I both like it there also but we had ate there earlier this year & we were excited to try something new. Let me tell you, BEST DECISION EVER!! I(we all) may have found a new favorite Disney restaurant!!
View attachment 435300

We had a 6:00 reservation & were seated right on time.
View attachment 435301

J was very good with wiping his hands with the warm towel.
View attachment 435302

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I love a good glass of wine...or two(I'm sure you've noticed:joyfull:) but I'm not good with pairings. To me it's whatever I'm in the mood for at that moment but it's usually pinot grigio. I was excited to try something here since they had quite the collection of African wines but I was clueless as to what to get. As I was looking over the menu something jumped out at me & it was b/c I recalled very good reviews from @lostpro9het & @imahistorygeek. My mind was made up--Red Jasper it was!! E & I both thought it was excellent!!
View attachment 435305

We all enjoyed the bread. It was great!!
View attachment 435306

We got a mushroom flatbread to start--it was so good!!
View attachment 435307

JSR got the Botswana style Beef Short Rib. He thoroughly enjoyed it.
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E got the Sustainable Vulcan-spiced Fish. She loved it & said it was her best meal of the trip!
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Welcome to the Big Kids club! And, yeah, Tiffins doesn’t come close to being on Jiko’s level.
 

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