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]

We were happy to return to Sci-Fi Dine-In this year. What a fun place to enjoy some good ol' American fare.

Who doesn't love some dinner and a movie under the stars?

We sat in the front of a car, feeling cozy and relaxed. Not really a place that you'd like would be quiet and peaceful, but it was.

I couldn't get over my fascination of being outdoors-but-indoors.

The little details like hearing the cars putter or the advertisements playing on the screen really made the experience.

This was one of those places that J chose to repeat, which I think, was solely for the Oreo Cookie Milk Shake. We split this, as it seemed way too gluttonous to order two and not finish, cause truth be told, I was still feeling full from that lunch...

To go along with his milk shake, J chose Flame Broiled New York Strip Steak. He pronounced it as okay...again, probably spoiled by yesterday's steak at Cali Grill, but he did love the onion rings and cheesy-horseradish potatoes.

I ended up choosing the House-smoked St. Louis-style Pork Ribs, tender and flavorful. The only thing I didn't like was that there seemed to be a bunch of little bones in it that kept giving me an unwelcomed surprise as I ate. I was a huge fan of the baked beans...always am.

Dessert was the highlight, for me anyways. J chose the Warm Glazed Doughnut, topped with vanilla ice cream along a side of cinnamon apples. Donuts are usually meh to me, but I think the ice cream really helped. This baby was packed with sweetness!

Before arriving, I had fought J for the rights to the House-made Sci-Fi Candy Bar, and won. So I got it and it was pretty delicious. A little softer than I had imagined (I guess I was thinking of a hard candy bar) but the pearls and ganache worked well together, and I love fresh fruit after a gigantic meal, so those strawberries were oh-so welcomed!

I think we reached our breaking point during this meal, which usually happens further in during the trip...it was only Day 2! However, it was worth every slurp and bite.

 

[Epcotfan21]

Yup, you counted right. 5...so far...

My arm would fall off by the 3rd time.

 

[belledream]

It seemed to be getting dark pretty fast as we emerged from dinner. It had been more overcast than sunny for most of the day, so that was to be expected. And sure enough...

...it started to rain. It started out as steady drizzle, that turned into a massive downpour, that sent everyone into nearby shops.

While waiting it out in a shop, we checked for some FPs and couldn't believe our eyes when we saw yet another Toy Story FP. As the weather wasn't looking hot anyways, we decided to go for ride #6 of the night. And yes, the final one. I lost all 6 times, but had a blast each and every time. It's just a ride that makes you smile and feel like a kid again. Even when you're shoes are soaking wet.

The rain continued as we head back to Sunset Boulevard. We began wondering how it would affect the nighttime entertainment. Since Disney was scheduling Fantasmic and Star Wars fireworks at basically the same time, we had easily decided we would forgo F! and watch the new fireworks show. But it wasn't looking good. Sure enough, as we took a break sitting under an awning, we heard the announcement that Fantasmic was cancelled, and watched lots of people walk by us, presumably to exit the park.

They had not made an announcement on the fireworks yet, and we sure were not planning to give up any park time, no sirree! We ended up finding ourselves a Tower of Terror FP. This is what I mean by being opportunistic!

A evening-quickly-turning-nighttime ride on Tower of Terror was just what we needed! I completely appreciate the subtle change of lighting in the lobby...it really enhances the experience.

I LOVE TOWER OF TERROR. The sensation of free-falling, combined with the unpredictability of the ride...makes it one of my favorites in Walt Disney World. Lucky for me, we came out, to find the wait listed at 10 minutes, and we were probably at the top of the tower 10 minutes later!

As we came out, it was pitch black, and raining as ever. We asked the nearest CM what the dealio was. He said, Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular was going to play. We looked at each other with what I can only describe as wild grins.

We donned ponchos and headed towards the stage area...we couldn't believe our luck! We stood in an eerily empty square (seriously so weird. Personal space galore!) and waited. They were teasing us for sure, as showtime came and went, with certain things lighting up and shutting off. Hey, take your time...whatever you need to do to make it work!

I guess we underestimated how much work had to go into pulling it off on a night like this, because they were unable to do the projections onto the theater, and the soundtrack sounded a little faint and fuzzy.

But the fireworks still shone brightly, and it was more than I could have asked for at this point. I felt grateful to just be there, in an empty park, with my favorite person who always looks at the bright side of things. It inspires me to do the same.

We returned home wet, exhausted, and probably a little smelly, but found this waiting for us on our bed. It was a gift to celebrate our anniversary, from the CMs at All Star Music. We were confused at first, then surprised, and truly touched by the gesture. They didn't have to do that - we've certainly never encountered this in all our celebrations at WDW - but they did and it was so sweet!

We put our wet shoes on the AC vent (hoping they would dry overnight), took a hot shower, and went to sleep. We had a big day ahead of us, as always!

 

[belledream]

My arm would fall off by the 3rd time.

Oh yes, we felt the burn...!

 

[DonnaOnTheRocks]

Just caught up, great trip so far! I'm with you about Star Wars.. I've seen bits and pieces over the years, but have no desire to sit and watch the movies, maybe some day. Also fully agree about Tower of Terror, it's hands-down my Favorite ride in WDW. Looking forward to more food reviews!

 

[MotherofaPrincessLover]

It always amazes me how much you guys do on your trips. There would be much complaining from my husband if I tried to do that much in one day. Maybe one day he will be as on the go as I like to be while at Disney.

 

[belledream]

Just caught up, great trip so far! I'm with you about Star Wars.. I've seen bits and pieces over the years, but have no desire to sit and watch the movies, maybe some day. Also fully agree about Tower of Terror, it's hands-down my Favorite ride in WDW. Looking forward to more food reviews!

Glad I'm not the only one out there! I hear you have to watch it with the mindset of 'this movie was good for the time' as opposed to what we're used to seeing now. But even though, I just wasn't captivated! Much more to come! Can't believe I've only gotten through the 2nd day so far.

It always amazes me how much you guys do on your trips. There would be much complaining from my husband if I tried to do that much in one day. Maybe one day he will be as on the go as I like to be while at Disney.

Haha! People (in real life) always ask me how J likes 'deals' with me at Disney, but the truth is, I had never given it a second thought! He is just like me in his love and enthusiasm, which, for a newbie is I guess unheard of? We're two peas in a pod, really.

 

[Minnesota disney fan]

Belledream, just catching up with your HS day. I agree totally with you about HS. I don't understand the statement that "HS is just a half day park without much to do"???? Seriously, it is my husbands and my favorite park, after MK, of course, blasphemy!!! We always find a lot to do. Hubby and I do Toy Story Mania as much as we can, and I Always lose!!! We love the green army soldiers too, and it's fun to watch them interact with the little ones
SciFi Dinner theatre is one of our absolute favorites. It, also, gets a lot of bad reviews and I don't really know why? We are not gourmets(sp?) and like basic food, so...... I love the atmosphere in the drive in threatre and get a lot of laughs out of the old sci fi movies. Honestly, I can't believe I actually was afraid of some of them as a kid! (telling my age)
The muppets never get old either and love their gags which sometimes go over the kids heads. I have a confession to make,,,.....ta da; I have never taken the time to look in the shops that line the Main street. Horror. But I state that I will absolutely do that this time.
My all time favorite is also TOT - just love the atmosphere, suspense, and just plain fun. If Disney overlays it with guardians of the galaxy I will seriously revolt! Who is GOG anyway????
I guess I am using the "love" word too much too, but honestly I could have written this report, as we feel the same about so much, esp at HS. It's good to know others like HS and sci fi and are not afraid to say it. Let's Unite!!!!

 

[WildcatDen]

Love the pics. Sounds and looks great so far!

 

[belledream]

Belledream, just catching up with your HS day. I agree totally with you about HS. I don't understand the statement that "HS is just a half day park without much to do"???? Seriously, it is my husbands and my favorite park, after MK, of course, blasphemy!!! We always find a lot to do. Hubby and I do Toy Story Mania as much as we can, and I Always lose!!! We love the green army soldiers too, and it's fun to watch them interact with the little ones
SciFi Dinner theatre is one of our absolute favorites. It, also, gets a lot of bad reviews and I don't really know why? We are not gourmets(sp?) and like basic food, so...... I love the atmosphere in the drive in threatre and get a lot of laughs out of the old sci fi movies. Honestly, I can't believe I actually was afraid of some of them as a kid! (telling my age)
The muppets never get old either and love their gags which sometimes go over the kids heads. I have a confession to make,,,.....ta da; I have never taken the time to look in the shops that line the Main street. Horror. But I state that I will absolutely do that this time.
My all time favorite is also TOT - just love the atmosphere, suspense, and just plain fun. If Disney overlays it with guardians of the galaxy I will seriously revolt! Who is GOG anyway????
I guess I am using the "love" word too much too, but honestly I could have written this report, as we feel the same about so much, esp at HS. It's good to know others like HS and sci fi and are not afraid to say it. Let's Unite!!!!

I just love your passion! HS definitely isn't my favorite of the four, but at the same time, I could never ever skip it. I'm just glad that people like you and me find joy in it. I laughed at your GOG comment...I seriously don't even know what that is LOL. UNITE!

Love the pics. Sounds and looks great so far!

Yay, thank you! Some of the pics are terrible quality, but you get the point. Much more to come!

 

[belledream]

The shoes were still damp, in case you were curious. Regardless, it was rise and shine for an 8am morning at Animal Kingdom!

It's probably my favorite park for AM EMH. Not necessarily to get on rides though. Just to have an extra hour in the morning to take in the sights and smells (non animal ones).

Walking through the Oasis always gives me a sense of serenity. The waterfall sounds, birds chirping, and seeing familiar touches here and there.

Today was Labor Day, so we hoped most of the crowds would be at Magic Kingdom or somewhere else. So far, so good.

The Tree of Life gives me life! We would take multiple opportunities throughout the day to play I Spy later on.

We found it funny how the Starbucks was named Creature Comforts. Clever marketing there!

*Hears Circle of Life*

We crossed the bridge and journeyed into Africa. I love the details of the buildings here.

And I have long been a fan of the gourds hanging from this tree.

First up on this long day would be our morning ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Who knows what we might see?

 

[belledream]

The open-aired-ness of this ride is my favorite thing about it. I love that it's freeflowing, potentially herky-jerky, and plows right through water. It makes me feel really adventurous! People who say Animal Kingdom is nothing but a zoo DO NOT know what they are missing.

As our vehicle set off, we got a great glimpse of this rhino as we passed around the bend.

We also saw some hippos and pelicans at the watering hole, but the camera did not cooperate at all.

Yup, I'm on a safari ride and I'm taking pictures of waterfalls because I'm obsessed.

PAY ATTENTION!

Entering the Savanna for the first time is always a treat. It's a wow moment for sure!

We got a rare look at the Painted Dogs...sorry again about the picture.

And there's Rafiki!

There were elephants galore this morning! Some younger ones which I'm pretty sure were the same babies I've been seeing over the years. How adorable is that?

Makes me wants to eat shrimp...

We were coming up to everybody's favorite part...the lions! We did see lions, hence, why they are getting their own post.

 

[belledream]

Mmm...food!

That's what this Lion was thinking, at least.

Thanks to an ostrich blocking the road, we got to linger around the lions for quite some time!

J read that they blast the AC on the rocks, that's why the lions like to stay there.

Those ostriches I was talking about. They got super close!

In other news...

...we would be back for more later!

 

[Zipadeelady]

What a great post on AK! Blurry or not those are some of the best animal pictures I've seen from the safari. Good job!

 

[belledream]

What a great post on AK! Blurry or not those are some of the best animal pictures I've seen from the safari. Good job!

Baha, I try! Thanks for the support. J is trying to convince me to invest in a better camera but I'm like...but that costs us a few nights in Disney!

 

[belledream]

AK was still waking up...there were barely any people around...all sounded quiet...

We enjoyed it as we strolled towards Asia.

Walking here got me excited for our first real encounter of Animal Kingdom at night. I can't wait to see everything all lit up, feeling like a busy night market street.

Expedition Everest had virtually no wait, so we went three times in a row!

This just makes me hear the rumble of the tracks and the 'caw caw!'

This ride offers some spectacular views!

Peep Pandora in the distance...

So. Much. Fun.

I consider Space Mountain my favorite rollercoaster in WDW, but Expedition Everest makes me question that sometimes. Space Mountain has that nostalgia factor, but Everest has bigger drops...and going upwards and backwards is sensational. Argh, stop trying to make me make a decision!

Also love the waterfall that you see towards the end of the ride.

It wasn't even 9:30 yet.

 

[Minnesota disney fan]

Once again, you did a great report on AK, also our favorite to do morning EMH, in fact the only park we go to early! We, also, love to wander around the park. I just get immersed in the atmosphere, and especially love the architecture in the village before EE ride. For some odd reason, I always look to the 2nd floors of buildings at WDW and marvel at the little details that are present. I can't believe the pictures you got of the lions!!!! We always, always, get a lion butt picture. He is never laying face first; guess it's his comment on being on display all the time??? The whole park is a blast for us too, and is definitely not a "zoo".

 

[belledream]

There's always one. One ride that will be closed during your trip and you actually feel like you're going to get choked up about it. For me, it was DINOSAUR. My beloved DINOSAUR. I miss the turbulence...the fear that strikes my heart. Until we meet again...

Our visit to Dinoland, U.S.A. was short, and limited to Primeval Whirl.

So crowded.

I can see why my parents didn't share our enthusiasm about this ride when we were kids. It kinda hurt!

We had our fun though, and when we returned to the load/unload station, there was still nobody in line. The CM asked us if we wanted to go again. We looked at each other, feeling comfortable sitting down already, and said sure.

A quick stop in Chester and Hester's Dinosaur Treasures...there's a lot going on in here!

Thought this little detail was cute.

Other than that, we said so long to Dinoland and circled back to Discovery Island.

Meeting some new friends along the way!

 

[belledream]

Once again, you did a great report on AK, also our favorite to do morning EMH, in fact the only park we go to early! We, also, love to wander around the park. I just get immersed in the atmosphere, and especially love the architecture in the village before EE ride. For some odd reason, I always look to the 2nd floors of buildings at WDW and marvel at the little details that are present. I can't believe the pictures you got of the lions!!!! We always, always, get a lion butt picture. He is never laying face first; guess it's his comment on being on display all the time??? The whole park is a blast for us too, and is definitely not a "zoo".

Twins again! I LOVE shop window displays! That was my favorite thing at Disney Springs (muuuch later on). The lions were super active, we got really lucky!

 

[belledream]

We headed back to Africa for one of my favorite things about Animal Kingdom...the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail! I just enjoy wandering leisurely around this place. Plus, the gorillas are always so entertaining.

First stop, we saw some Okapi...these cuties!

I've always enjoyed this exhibit. I find it really aesthetically pleasing!

The aviary is also pretty cool. I love all the different fountains in here.

So lush...my eyes!!!

All the fish just want to be friends with this hippo!

Meerkats are some of the cutest creatures out there...they always give off the sense that they're up to something.

But we all come here for the gorillas! Boy, did we get our fill. If I remember correctly, there was one father, two mothers, and two sisters.

I think this was the big-little sister duo.

We've all been there with our annoying siblings!

As you can imagine, they were putting on quite the show. We would be here for a while!