Trip Report We'll Do As Dreamers Do... *COMPLETED*

Another fall has arrived at Walt Disney World, and so have we! For our 4th annual September trip, we returned to the basics that we fell in love with. A lot of resort hopping, getting a little wet at the water parks, and food (snack credits...so many...help!) It was a wonderful 9 days, and I can't believe I have room in my heart to love Disney even more, each and every time. I hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy writing these. Let the memories begin!

The cast: My husband, J, and I. People call us Mickey & Minnie.

Travel dates: September 3rd - September 11th, staying at All Star Music.

Pre-trip report: http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/weve-fall-in-in-love.913624/

We began with the earliest flight I could possibly find, getting us into the promised land at 8:30 AM. Win! With a speedy check-in at All Star Music, we were off to Animal Kingdom...Lodge!

For the first time ever, we decided to take an entire non-park day to fulfill a bunch of dreams that we've always had on our bucketlist. We did so on our first day because it was the Saturday of a holiday weekend and hoped to avoid the crowds that way.

It definitely felt weird not heading straight to a park to begin the trip, but I really did appreciate the relaxing start. Just us and a quiet, beautiful morning sky at AKL.

Still in awe at how unique of an experience it must be to stay at AKL. It will be done in this lifetime!

On the way to 'breakfast' at The Mara (yup, I'm already talking about food), we passed by this beautiful waterfall area that I didn't notice the last time we were here. I was instantly wowed - the reality of it is that Disney can truly transport me to another place.

The Mara is the perfect stop for breakfast, because the perfect breakfast is...

Zebra Domes! Been absolutely CRAVING these for the past two years, and the time has finally come. It was everything I had hoped it would be.

J points out that I look ridiculous when photographing my food, but I needed to remember this moment.

We sat by the pool and snacked, not truly believing that we were here yet. It always takes a while to sink in, but what is perceived as mere decoration and foliage always mean something a little more to me.

The day had started off cool, but you could already feel that Florida heat doing work. Not fully acclimated yet, we retreated to the great indoors of Jambo House to look around some more.

Next stop...Kidani Village!

 

[LeighM]

Living with the Land is one of my favorite rides. People are missing out!
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I look like a dog sighting squirrels on this ride. My head is flipping from left to right as to not miss a thing.
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I just wanna yell, CAN YOU PLEASE SLOW DOWN?
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Every time I ride this, I think about how much my parents and brother would love it. I hope they will come back to Disney with us someday!

Living with the Land is my favorite ride in EPCOT. We did the Behind the Seeds tour for the first time on our most recent trip a few weeks ago and we loved it!!!!! It also helped that my husband and I were the only two on the tour It felt like we were on a VIP tour lol. If you love the ride, I highly recommend you do the tour.

 

[belledream]

Living with the Land is my favorite ride in EPCOT. We did the Behind the Seeds tour for the first time on our most recent trip a few weeks ago and we loved it!!!!! It also helped that my husband and I were the only two on the tour It felt like we were on a VIP tour lol. If you love the ride, I highly recommend you do the tour.

I have done it, as a kid! Haha yeah, I think I was like 10 when my parents took us on it. I vaguely remember parts of it, but yes, totally agree, should do it again sometime. Maybe I'll take MY parents on the tour to repay them since they love this kind of stuff. One day!

 

[PineapplePrincess]

Thank you for your enthusiasm and vivid descriptions. It really makes me feel like I am there with you, and it's a good reminder to everyone to take in every detail while you're there.

 

[belledream]

Thank you for your enthusiasm and vivid descriptions. It really makes me feel like I am there with you, and it's a good reminder to everyone to take in every detail while you're there.

So happy to hear that! That's the main reason why I write these, so I can relive the days and nights over and over again. Just want everyone to truly enjoy Disney for what it is...not just what it "has".

 

[belledream]

There has been so many new developments to Disney Springs, and they keep on coming (it seems like) every day, in huge waves or numbers. We really had no idea what to expect for our evening here, so we went in with an open book, ready to just see where the wind took us.

Our first stop was at the Coca-Cola Store.

Upon entering, J made his first observation of "Who would buy this kind of junk?" I love his blunt honesty.

As we browsed through the merchandise, trying on silly polar bear hats and just getting our eyes to adapt to the lack of Mickey Mouse around, we then decided to make our way to the rooftop beverage bar, just for the views.

We had last visited Downtown Disney for a day last year on a non-Disney trip, and the amount of construction was crazy! Still more to come, I see.

We journeyed out to find some grub. Initially, we had planned a reservation at Morimoto's, but decided against it in the interest of time and trying other options we would less likely indulge in at home. So, when we happened upon a little booth called YeSake, we decided to start there.

Because, you know, it's totally different from Morimoto.

Ah well, all's well that ends well, because the Beef Yakiniku was DELISH! Korean BBQ beef, flavorfully-infused, with a touch of pickled ginger. We sat behind the booth in a little corridor and munched on this together, laughing about how silly we must look. Hey, shade and sitting was needed after the day we had!

With one 'meal' under our belt, we moved on to a place I actually recognized...West Side. The hustle and bustle of the place was just beginning.

But across Lake Buena Vista, Saratoga Springs looking lovely and serene as ever.

We have yet to find the time to visit any of the DTD area resorts, but would love to in the future. Uncharted territory that will need to be in the books sometime!

 

[belledream]

Characters in Flight is something we've always been eyeing and actually determining that yes, we are going to do this, and every time we go, it's down due to high winds. I think the desire has slightly been waning, but it does make a pretty landmark for Disney Springs.

We meandered through West Side, but not really bothering to stop anywhere. The wind, atmosphere, and highs of today were engulfing us in a hakuna-matata, just-enjoy-the-moment state of mind.

We then happened upon one of the most wonderful sights we had seen in the World thus far. Nestled somewhere in between The Landing and Town Center was this incredibly beautiful lake. It took my breath away. I did not expect to see something so simple yet simply stunning.

We lingered for quite some time as I let my eyes drink in the beauty of the water...still, yet shimmering in all shades of aqua and blue.

The floating lanterns just filled me up with love. It was a cross of the Poly lobby and Under the Sea and it totally fit.

Earlier while we were at YeSake, I had been wondering what that upscale-looking building across the bridge was. It turned out to be STK Orlando. Lookin' mighty fine.

I was surprised J wasn't getting all up in arms about a new, extravagant steakhouse (in fact, I believe his interest was expressed as 'nahhh').

But my incredulity was abated when we reached Cookes of Dublin and he declared his allegiance to a fried hamburger.

We used that leftover QS credit from our Epcot day to split a Battered Burger & Chips, and a Raspberry Lemon Parfait. The burger was most interesting, and J was over the moon about it. I can mostly only describe it as a crunchy burger. The parfait was sweet and a bit sour (lemon-sour, not old yogurt sour), but it was a good pick-me-up, for while we were sitting outside in the cooling air eating, I was feeling pretty sleepy!

Cookes of Dublin was a great choice for the evening. Even though we took a peek inside Morimoto Asia and saw how cool the interior looked, I much preferred our laid-back, silly venture into fried food haven.

Believe it or not, we were stuffed. After a whole day of water park exertion, that one temaki and half a burger/parfait combo really stretched my stomach to the limits. But would that stop us from eating?

 

[Minnesota disney fan]

Hi OP. Just a note on the Balloon ride in DS. My husband and our adult daughter tried it last year, after wanting to do just that for a while. I am a chicken so stayed on the ground. When my daughter got off, she was shaking and white. It was not windy at all. She wanted to stand by her dad while on the balloon, but you have to stand apart and spaced around the balloon. She got kind of scared being way up there and standing alone. So just be ware that you won't be able to stand by your man, LOL.

 

[belledream]

Hi OP. Just a note on the Balloon ride in DS. My husband and our adult daughter tried it last year, after wanting to do just that for a while. I am a chicken so stayed on the ground. When my daughter got off, she was shaking and white. It was not windy at all. She wanted to stand by her dad while on the balloon, but you have to stand apart and spaced around the balloon. She got kind of scared being way up there and standing alone. So just be ware that you won't be able to stand by your man, LOL.

LOL! Thank you for the heads up. Not afraid of wind or heights, but that does sound kind of awkward, haha! Honestly, the darn thing is closed every time we go, I've just about given up.

 

[Tuvalu]

We then happened upon one of the most wonderful sights we had seen in the World thus far. Nestled somewhere in between The Landing and Town Center was this incredibly beautiful lake. It took my breath away. I did not expect to see something so simple yet simply stunning.

Those waters are the "springs" of Disney Springs.

 

[belledream]

Those waters are the "springs" of Disney Springs.

Makes so much sense now! Such a treat for the eyes!

 

[belledream]

Though we were stuffed, it did not stop us from venturing across a bridge and ending up inside Sprinkles. Who can resist an overpriced, name-brand, picture-worthy cupcake on vacation? Not I! What should we choose, what should we choose?

We agreed on vanilla (let's face it - our stomachs were not up to anything crazier!) I asked for the one with the sprinkle on top, thinking it'd be, you know, the iconic sprinkle, but got one covered in a lot of sprinkles.

We ventured over to Town Center to really begin our sightseeing tour of this new place called Disney Springs.

I was very shocked. I felt like I was pulled from the Disney World and placed back into the real world. But a nice real world where everything is pretty. I didn't mind it as much as I thought I would...I classified it more as 'weird'.

We walked along, not really stopping to dive into any of the shops, and instead enjoy the new sights. Even if it was weird, it was all quite pretty. Can I also just mention how disoriented I was? I had no idea where this was in the old Downtown Disney!

New fountains!!! They just kept getting bigger and grander too.

One shop we did spend some quality time in was UNIQLO. We had first discovered the brand on a trip to New York and were intrigued by the quality and value if their clothing, and there was surprisingly no exception here at Disney Springs. And of course, the fact that they had Disney-specific merchandise provided a very compelling reason to spend a lot of time looking around.

Ramen and sushi...two of our favorites.

It was pretty awesome. I knew J was in an odd sort of happy place. I tried to convince him that buying a shirt here would be a worthy souvenir and he considered, but we still stuck to our window-shopping guns and just enjoyed this newfangled extension of visiting Disney Springs.

As we finished walking through Town Center, we happened upon the more familiar territory of the Marketplace. However, Amorette's Patisserie was new and bound to have more of those lovely photogenic treats, so we popped in. These things are too pretty to eat, and that's a good thing since 1) if I ate anything else I would burst and 2) those cakes are a hefty 65 dollars or so!

But I mean, they are quite beautiful and works of art, so I ain't even mad.

 

[belledream]

There's the Downtown Disney I know and love! Oh World of Disney, you are such a delight. When I walk in, I am immediately transported to a whole new world of sparkles, fairytales, and friendly faces.

Princess Belle! She is beautiful, but she is also intelligent and caring. I adore her. I also love all the different castles on the walls.

The dazzling new world I was referencing above. Seriously, my eyes don't know where to look and it almost feels like I never have enough time to capture all the details!

This is what I do when I visit World of Disney.

Also noticed this awesome homage to Be Our Guest behind one of the checkout counters. Such a festive and lively scene - I cannot get enough! From the drink flowing from the mugs to china pattern of the plates...every piece is so iconic.

Even though my angle is off a bit, we laughed at poor Pluto getting a surprise from a crab, and his brother Goofy surfing the waves.

Speaking of Goofy and Pluto, we had seen this Pluto magnet all around the parks and loved it, for me had similar Mickey and Minnie ones. But for some reason, we had yet to see Goofy, so we didn't buy it. However, we did see Goofy at Beach Haus in Blizzard Beach (of all places!) so we bought him there, and knew we'd find Pluto somewhere! Here they are! Interesting how that all works.

As we stepped outside World of Disney, it was clear that night was falling fast. We stopped to look in the LEGO Store as is tradition...

...$349.99 of sore fingers and potential to step on these painful things, but totally worthy of our time and efforts nonetheless!

Back outside, I became obsessed with the creativity and abstractness of this window display. The golden color at night was simply lovely.

It was all just beginning!

 

[belledream]

I assume this is what an adult who loves Disney's home is supposed to look like. Mine, however, looks more like World of Disney. There is something I really like about this though, and may be mildly inspired to rethink my style in the future...

We moved onto to Basin, where the aroma of all things bath and body, bombs, soaps, salts, butter, and the like, live.

I just enjoy the colorful layout.

And Disney themed items!!! But let's be honest, I would never use these...they are too pretty and precious.

Was so happy to see this Mickey topiary fountain here and looking just how I remembered it. There's this adorable photo of my baby brother and I here when we were young. And last year, we were able to spend a day at Downtown Disney together with my dad, and we recreated the photo. So thankful for that moment, since we hadn't been to Disney as a family in a long time.

Arribas Brothers was our next stop. I told J, do not touch anything.

The sun had set over Lake Buena Vista and all was blissful as we sat under the sparkling trees, listening to the trendy, slightly futuristic music loop of Disney classics. The one that really stuck out to me was Colors of the Wind. As it played, I stared at the waning sunset and illuminated tree above me, and just cherished the moment.

After some time, we walked into the Marketplace Co-Op to see some unique displays and merch.

Not just one shop, but multiple, and it really feels almost more like a museum rather than a bunch of shops.

So you know that that means...

...more eye candy coming right up!

 

[belledream]

We first popped into Disney TAG, where you can find travel accessories and gear in everyone's favorite styles...DISNEY! This is what I mean by feeling like we were in a museum. Luggage, tags, and all sorts of travel items were displayed in an airplane. How cool is that?!

Over in WonderGround Gallery were tons of adorable paintings that if I opened the door for one, I'd end up with all of them, I just settled for pictures.

So nice to see Up represented. Dug is the cutest ever and reminds me of my beautiful Golden.

I must be feeling sentimental, with the story of love, life, and letting go in Up, and then the sheer amount of love I have in my heart for both Lilo and Stitch, who were our MNSSHP costume inspirations.

And Mulan! How lovely is this painting?

Cherry Tree Lane had everything a Disney-obsessed lady needs! This Dooney & Burke is one of my favorites yet! Boy did I have fun browsing the impeccably-kept stands of jewelry, hats, and bags.

But I must be getting old because I enjoyed myself way more in Disney Centerpiece, all things uniquely Disney for the house and home. Clothes and accessories don't excite me as much as plates and wall hangings anymore?!

That was an amazing venture into the Co-Op! First time I think we've spent quality time looking at everything that is offered there. Back outside to total nightfall now, but a look at those sparkling trees I love so much:

And inside Tren-D, as always, there was a lot to see, both on the racks and off.

Could we dress like this every day?

Shopping at Disney is fun.

 

[belledream]

Another store we all know and love...Once Upon a Toy!

The moment I walk in, I am filled with some kind of dynamic energy that makes me feel like a kid again. The machine moving pieces and toys above our heads, the blast from the past of 'oh yeah, I remember these toys!'

Outside, I dared J to run through this area and see if he got wet. He declined.

One of the reasons we were excited to come to Disney Springs this year was to make a visit to Goofy's Candy Co.

Our baby Goofy always tells us to visit his candy company and support him and his best employee, little brother Pluto.

Best part about this sign: No "Goofy" odors.

J always asks him why he can't get free candy and Goofy says, "It comes off my books!"

Such a smart boy. We rewarded him by buying a bag of Sour Gummi Worms. As we left, J and I both looked at each other and came to synchronized realizations that we are letting our love for our Pook a looz babies make us spend actual money.

But no worries, it's Disney Days of Christmas!!!

Again, paying attention to window displays at Disney is highly worth it.

Time to pay a visit? I think so!

 

[belledream]

Bringing back wonderful memories of our wedding and how much we are loved by our family and friends...since you know, we own a good amount of this stuff.

I dream of a seeing the holidays at Disney again sometime...

I also dream that I own all of these and can bake like that!

Again with the sophisticated Disney...how do I achieve???

At this point, we were officially beat. J remembered there was a bus stop at Marketplace, so we were relieved we wouldn't have to walk all the way back to Town Center and West Side area. But it appears he was mistaken because there was no bus stop, and we DID walk all the way back!

It was more than alright though, as I passed this window display and literally stopped in my tracks. Oh the tales of whimsicality and imagination this portrays! I love it so so much, and glad we caught it at night.

Back past some impressive LEGO displays...we'd be riding this again tomorrow! We often find ourselves in meaningless discussions like, 'Do you think the inside is hollow or filled? Filled with what?'

We strolled through Town Center, which had transformed during night as well.

I guess I can say I like it now. I see why it's appealing to many guests. Not everyone wants to only see and buy items emblazoned with Mickey Mouses and they may need a break every once in a while. If there's anything in it for me, the architecture is certainly easy on the eyes, and it makes for a pleasant stroll.

We had stumbled upon this contraption earlier and had no idea what it was nor how to operate it, but after seeing a few people do it, J gave it a try...working that crank and turning the corkscrew so that water poured out. Huh.

Wowwee, what (another) day! As we walked back down the streets of Broadway, we recounted how much new fun we had today. From sliding down some ski slopes to being engulfed in tropical waves to the unique boutiques and general wonderment of this new place, we had one of the most wonderful days ever. It was truly fun to experience all of this together, with perfect weather and limitless opportunities. Feelin' really lucky.

 

[belledream]

Can it be? Are we really on the sunset side of our fallvacation at Walt Disney World? You know what that means then...we have to make every minute count. And so we shall! It's 7:45 AM and I'm walking right down the middle of Main Street, U.S.A.!

It was one of those blue mornings, not gray or foggy. Translation: it was more beautiful than ever!

It was a peaceful morning.

I've come to realize that I love looking at places from afar on this trip. Usually always focused on the closeups, but there's something so gratifying about seeing them from a distance now.

Of course, they are still magnificent up close and deserve the utmost attention. Arched windows...my heart!

This fountain makes my wishes come true!

Castle Couture...the absolute perfect name for this shop.

All together now...

Cherishing these moments and the untouched beauty of Fantasyland.

But soon, we were off. Second star to the right, and straight on til morning!

Ready? Here we goooo!

 

[belledream]

After our journey into Neverland, I decided I wanted to peek inside Princess Fairytale Hall, for I realized, I've never actually seen the main queue because we had always visited via FP. It seems right down my alley of interests, doesn't it? So how come it's never been done before? That would have to change.

Sorry for the pictures, for real. I was in a haste of excitement and was paying more attention to actually being there that I didn't notice these turned out so badly. However, I think you get the point. It's quite regal.

I thoroughly enjoyed looking at the portraits of each princess.

Definitely worth it to come back and get better pictures next time.

I loved all the lighting fixtures, the curtains and drapery, and the detail in the ceiling.

In short, it was all fit for a princess.

We walked by Winnie the Pooh where I admired the fence made of poohsticks.

Annnd we crawled into Pooh's house for ours and your viewing pleasures. Reminds me of the cardboard toy Pooh house I used to practically live in during my childhood.

J classifies the Speedway as a ride he will not ride unless there is literally a 0 minute wait, so it was pretty much now or never.

Hey, I like it just fine. The morning air helps with the congestion...and it's fun to shake my fist at J in anger when the ride isn't particularly smooth.

Driving together of course. Because driving sucks.

 

[belledream]

More views along our the way...

Oh to be young, wild, and freely joyriding at...5 mph.

And as usual, we embarked on our Tomorrowland morning rituals...heading to Buzz first.

Eerily empty.

This picture is randomly slated in my files and I have no idea where/what angle I took it from? Blue Ride? I like it though!

Ahh, there's that Florida sun!

J is insistent on calling this a lamp. No, it is not a lamp. It is a tree!!!

Space Mountain mornings...my favorite!

This sight never gets old. I just feel so giddy. Running away now!

The sound of rickety tracks quickening with the pace of my heart.

We are one, Space Mountain.

 

[belledream]

I just want to take a moment and make an appreciation post about Main Street.

The Cinderella Castle may be the focal point of the Magic Kingdom...

...but there is so much unheralded beauty surrounding you from beginning to end of Main Street, U.S.A.

The unique and corresponding pumpkin carving designs sitting atop each of the shops.

The way everything is framed and laid out so that it's more than a street. It is a street with limitless possibilities for food, shopping, or mere exploration, as we are doing now.

Foliage, enhanced even more thanks to Fall at WDW. But even without it, it would be quite lovely.

Notice the different attributes to each structure...each has it's own individual personality and flair. From bottom to top.

And it's not just about what you see and what's being catered to you. There's a whole 'nother life and a whole 'nother story right on the second floor!

And lastly, the music. It can make you want to get up and dance, subconsciously swing arms with the person you're locked hands with, feel totally okay eating that ginormous cupcake for breakfast, and wonder why your cheeks hurt so hard from grinning.

There's beauty everywhere here. It's a happy place!