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!

 

[belledream]

Awesome report so far! Omg...Cali Grill food I've had that filet and also the fritters. Amazingggg

Mmm so good...we definitely should have done CG last.

 

[belledream]

The band was jazzin' it up, we were full to our hearts content, and the lobby of Grand Floridian felt so inviting, so we settled in.

By settling in, I guess I mean running around and taking pictures.

Chandeliers, domes, I love it all!

I always forget how much shopping there seems to be at GF, and I was one happy girl.

My eyes burst at the details. As we began walking upstairs, I began admiring things like...the carpet....

...the stairwells...paintings, curtains, you name it.

Also, I was wearing a maxi dress so I felt like a princess because J was holding my skirt for me.

When I'm here, I just feel so bright and lively, full of joy!

The lobby in all it's glory.

We found a quiet and deserted deck that overlooked more of the illuminated resort. We had such a fun day visiting these five resorts, but for me, Grand always takes the cake. I would have gladly stayed here all night, as I would have Poly beach, but we were heading back to Contemporary for Wishes, on the 15th floor. Another dream, finally coming true!

 

[DimpledDevil18]

Sounds like a really perfect, relaxing and romantic first day! And you didn't even set foot in a park at all! Following along!

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Cool report so far! I love that you did the sea racers. That is something I've wanted to do for awhile but haven't found the time to fit in. (I actually think I might fall out even though I know I wouldn't.) And your pictures of the California Grill really make me wish I was going there on my next trip, I love it there!

 

[belledream]

Sounds like a really perfect, relaxing and romantic first day! And you didn't even set foot in a park at all! Following along!

Took the words out of my mouth! That's exactly how it felt and I wouldn't mind starting a trip like this next time!

Cool report so far! I love that you did the sea racers. That is something I've wanted to do for awhile but haven't found the time to fit in. (I actually think I might fall out even though I know I wouldn't.) And your pictures of the California Grill really make me wish I was going there on my next trip, I love it there!

Haha I definitely wondered the same, especially when the waves hit, but it was perfectly fine. Recommended!

 

[Kiwiduck]

What a wonderful day and wonderful way to start your holiday!

 

[belledream]

What a wonderful day and wonderful way to start your holiday!

Thank you! It was definitely one of my favorite days. Finishing it off now.

 

[belledream]

We got back to Contemporary a little earlier than anticipated. I guess we wanted to make sure we had a good viewing spot for Wishes! We putted around the shops again and went outside to enjoy the breeze and the most relaxing resort music loop and saw this. Is that Epcot? Pretty sure Epcot is not over there...

Upon closer look, it seemed to be a ferris wheel and I'm pretty sure we saw that same ferris wheel from our room at Cabana Bay when we went to Universal last year. It's just really weird to be reminded that there are other worlds out there when you're in Disney World!

When it was finally time, we went back up to California Grill to settle on the Observation Deck. We got a blurry glimpse of the hustle and bustle still going on below.

We've watched fireworks from the 4th floor before, but this was something else! I particularly liked that the parking lot view was obstructed from up here. Also, the MK bus stops all lit up...it's one of those details that was never a huge deal until you see it like this and suddenly it's an integral part of the Disney magic.

J chatted with some fellow watchers, but I was too transfixed on the view. Even if our Cali Grill dinner had been subpar, it would have still been worth it for this. Obviously, it was anything but subpar!

Soon...very soon. But also, not complaining. It can wait.

And finally, this marathon of a day would finally come to an end with Wishes. We were ecstatic to see that we would be doing this on a Wishes night. We've always ended up catching Hallowishes outside the park. Wishes tugs at my heartstrings.

Star light, star bright,
First star I see tonight.
I wish I may, I wish I might,
Have the wish, I wish tonight.
We'll make a wish and do as dreamers do...
And all our wishes,
Will come true...

Happy tears fell.

 

[belledream]

J and I had a long winded conversation about jaywalking as we took the long walk back to the MK bus stops. It was pretty late, as Wishes was at 10pm, we got back to Music around 11 (having woke up at 3am this morning!?) We had to stop by Intermission Food Court to get our refillable mugs that we only use on the first day and never again! I finally got a pink lid one and filled it with that Minute Maid pomegranate juice because it seemed the "healthiest". J got Cherry Coke. We clearly have different priorities.

We laughed at our adorable babies, Goofy & Pluto, who were probably waiting for us in the room, stuck in suitcases saying "LET US OUT!"

We had gotten a text earlier with our room number, having heard during Check-In that we'd be in Broadway. I had hoped to be in a building a little bit closer but said whatever, as we can handle the walk and it would be nice to stay somewhere new. (All Star Music has been the resort I've probably stayed at most growing up, but I honestly don't think I've been in a Broadway building).

I actually freaked out when we got here. The picture does barely any justice to the actual, understated beauty of this street. The lampposts seemed to illuminate the rows of trees, and the Broadway signs glittered. It was actually like being on a New York street that looked nice! This would become such a treat to come home to every night.

I think it's the street that makes it special. Looking like an actual road as opposed to the pavement you see everywhere else really pulled me into the whole experience.

Of course, our baby Goofy was making a mess of things.

Home sweet home!

I always tell J, "Don't do anything yet! I need to take pictures before it never looks like this again!"

This is my home, and it is a happy one.

They're happy too. They get their own bed!

It was pretty much midnight, and I was so beat that I showered and got in bed and didn't move for the rest of the night. J, however, tuned in to his trusty Disney cartoon channel and giggled away. For how long, I don't know. I was out.

 

[Minnesota disney fan]

Love your trip report! It's great. I absolutely love the attention you pay to all the details, ie: carpets, floors, railings, trees. To me, that is all a big part of the trip. When we were younger we rushed to all the attractions with the kids, never taking the time to soak it all in. That was a wonderful experience with the kids, who are now grown with children of their own
Now we are older, and we take the time to look at the amazing architecture everywhere we go. The things you miss when rushing are amazing. We still love the attractions, but cherish our time together just enjoying the Disney magic.
Can't wait for more of your trip report! (ps: I hate cucumbers too!)

 

[belledream]

Love your trip report! It's great. I absolutely love the attention you pay to all the details, ie: carpets, floors, railings, trees. To me, that is all a big part of the trip. When we were younger we rushed to all the attractions with the kids, never taking the time to soak it all in. That was a wonderful experience with the kids, who are now grown with children of their own
Now we are older, and we take the time to look at the amazing architecture everywhere we go. The things you miss when rushing are amazing. We still love the attractions, but cherish our time together just enjoying the Disney magic.
Can't wait for more of your trip report! (ps: I hate cucumbers too!)

This is exactly how I felt about this trip. The best/favorite things aren't about the rides and shows anymore...it's just being together in a place that is all different kinds of beautiful!!

 

[Zipadeelady]

What a phenomenal first day!! Some day I want to be just like you!!! I joke about being jealous on here from time to time but I have to be honest and say I'm truly jealous of your day. So happy for you, as silly as that sounds.

 

[Zipadeelady]

View attachment 163774
My first merchandise picture of the trip were these teacup-inspired teacups with the saucers stuck to them. Impractical, or ingenious?

Before my trip someone posted a picture of those cups. I Just had to get one!!

I'm going to say ingenious. Perfect when I'm cuddled up on my couch with a cup of tea and reading trip reports.

 

[belledream]

What a phenomenal first day!! Some day I want to be just like you!!! I joke about being jealous on here from time to time but I have to be honest and say I'm truly jealous of your day. So happy for you, as silly as that sounds.

Aww! That's flattering, but we're just two crazy kids trying to be kids for as long as we can. everyone has their own ways of indulging in that Disney fun!

Before my trip someone posted a picture of those cups. I Just had to get one!!
View attachment 164497
I'm going to say ingenious. Perfect when I'm cuddled up on my couch with a cup of tea and reading trip reports.

And I love it! Great color choice too.

 

[prfctlyximprct]

I LOVE YOUR REPORT. It truly is all in the details! Looks like you set the bar high for all your other dinners yet to come, Cali Grill on the first night! YUM! I have Cali booked for my first time this trip, and your review has me super excited!

I feel the same way about all the "little things." It really is the little things that matter most when looking back on your vacation memories.

 

[belledream]

I LOVE YOUR REPORT. It truly is all in the details! Looks like you set the bar high for all your other dinners yet to come, Cali Grill on the first night! YUM! I have Cali booked for my first time this trip, and your review has me super excited!

I feel the same way about all the "little things." It really is the little things that matter most when looking back on your vacation memories.

Thank you!!! The little details are what Disney does best...I miss that everywhere else.

And yup, Cali Grill definitely raised the bar...I wish I could've had multiple entrees. hope you have an excellent meal and trip!

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Before my trip someone posted a picture of those cups. I Just had to get one!!
View attachment 164497
I'm going to say ingenious. Perfect when I'm cuddled up on my couch with a cup of tea and reading trip reports.

I have the green one too. I bought green because that is the cup I usually try to ride in at WDW.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

We stayed in Broadway too, I liked the theme of the area but we rarely went down "Broadway" because it was quicker to take a different route to and from our room. I liked the Goofy detail as well.

 

[Zipadeelady]

I have the green one too. I bought green because that is the cup I usually try to ride in at WDW.

I bought the green one because my daughter said the green ones go the fastest.

 

[belledream]

We stayed in Broadway too, I liked the theme of the area but we rarely went down "Broadway" because it was quicker to take a different route to and from our room. I liked the Goofy detail as well.

It was so cute! I had to pass by the little fountain in the courtyard every morning and night. One of my first Disney pictures was in front of that fountain when I was 5! ahh the memories.