A June Joyride...*****COMPLETED!!! 7/9***** About This Page:

[mattnkatsmum]

What fantastic plans, Danielle. I'm just fed up that I'm going to miss you by a couple of days.

And I can't wait to hear what you think about the AKL. It will be a completely different experience after so many stays at the Grand Floridian.

[greentie]

Sounds like a suitably relaxing trip. I'm really looking forward to hearing what you thought about AKL when you get back.

[RobDVC]

Hope you're able to get some decent ADRs!

[Colexis Mom]

Glad you were able to work it all out Danielle!!

[KandJluvdisney]

this trip was meant to be for sure
hope you enjoy the akl
hurry back with more

[Nala]

With everything falling into place, (after a bit of juggling on your part) I agree that this trip was meant to be. How great that you were able to score an AP rate for the AKL!

I can't wait to find out how you spring it on the kiddos that you are making a trip to WDW. And while I know the GF has your heart (much like the BC has mine), I hope you enjoy the majestic beauty and awesome wonder of this amazing resort. I really hope that it touches a little place, deep in your heart, like it did mine.

Loking forward to more!

[bsblady01]

more please

[DarthMommy]

Just catching up on your PTR...sounds amazing!! I can't wait to hear what you think of the AKL. I've toured the lobby and the grounds, but have never stayed there!! I hope you guys have a fabulous time!

[DyanKJ130]

Great update, Danielle! I'm so glad that all of the pieces are falling into place! I'm willing to guess that you get most, if not all, of your ADRs. We made an impromptu trip not too long ago and only had difficulty with getting one place! Can't wait to hear more

[disneydani]

Originally Posted by WHMom

And as for my influence in encouraging you to take this trip, let it be known that I only use my powers for good!

Don't worry, I KNOW I will pay back the favor!

Originally Posted by mcc0313

This trip was meant to happen Dani

Gotta love karma!

Originally Posted by Eeyoresmom

Quick question - Does you're husband know of all the Passporters that will be haning around the resort yet?

Ahh...that would be a resounding NO! My DH has his own special affection for PP as he calls us all "whackjobs". Luckily, in my defense, it just happened that this trip falls during the time when some very cool and fun PP will be enjoying WDW, too! In actuality, my DH has previously met Karen/mattnkatsmum and Nala and he has pronounced them as "okay" which is definitely a few steps above whackjob!

Originally Posted by mattnkatsmum

What fantastic plans, Danielle. I'm just fed up that I'm going to miss you by a couple of days.

I am so bummed to miss you by a mere few days....I think you arrive on my 16th wedding anniversary. Well, I suppose, we will just have to try to cross paths on our next trip!

Originally Posted by Nala

I hope you enjoy the majestic beauty and awesome wonder of this amazing resort. I really hope that it touches a little place, deep in your heart, like it did mine.

Thanks, Nala. I think it will...my interest in the AKL has been growing, albeit slowly but I really am getting excited about trying it on for size!

danielle

[PrincessSharon]

Danielle, I am so excited to get to meet you! And don't worry about it if Paul considers me a whackjob. Most of the people who know me do.

[MGW]

Can't wait to read all about your trip!

[BelmontBelle]

How exciting, I'm so happy that it all fell into place for you!

[disneydani]

The next order of business was to secure some sort of ADRs. Even though we were about two and a half weeks out, I was pretty confident I would find success….it wasn’t as if I was looking for Le Cellier or CRT! I wanted to get some input from the kids without spoiling the surprise. I casually asked them to pick one must-do restaurant on our next trip….of course, they both answer, in unison, JIKO! Now, doesn’t that work perfectly since, number one, we are staying at the AKL and secondly, it is an awesome restaurant! Since they both gave me the same #1, I asked them for a second choice. It makes me laugh that my children are such foodies but I love their choices as you’ll see below.


ADRs….

*June 7th: Spoodles 5pm followed by evening in Epcot. This was Andrew’s choice; he fondly remembers a few of our meals here. We haven’t been to Spoodles in awhile but I am happy to hear continued positive reviews of the food here.

*June 8th: Citricos 5:30pm followed by evening in MK. Izzy’s choice was a toss up between Citricos and Narcoossees but since I was ultimately deciding, I chose Citricos. I love the food and the atmosphere and they have some of the nicest Chefs I have ever met!

*June 9th: Jiko 5:30pm followed by evening in AK. This was the no brainer. My kids rate Jiko as their favorite restaurant and I have to agree it is way up there on my list, too.

*June 10th: Boma for breakfast, enjoy the resort, and then adios. We have only eaten at Boma once prior and it was for dinner. Again, I credit all the wonderful PP reviews of breakfast here so we are giving it a try.

We will not be using the DDP but will happily apply our DDE discount to our sit down meals. The remaining breakfast and lunches will be counter service and I imagine we will be pretty flexible about where we eat. One must-try is Columbia Harbor House…we have read so many wonderful reviews of it (thanks for the most recent, Larry). Also, I do need to start calling each of the restaurants to go over Izzy’s allergies but I have that process down to a science. This step is really optional as Disney does such a great job and all her allergies are already noted. However, I really love to take a moment and chat with the Chef personally especially in reference to desserts…that is one of the tougher things to replace.


In terms of the immediate present….I need to get packing! Those who know me know that I am the shipping queen and I have that down to a science, too! I imagine, with all these airlines adding baggage charges, more people will opt to do so. For $30 or so, I will send quite a large suitcase and I love not having to deal with baggage on our travel day. The only downside is in order to keep shipping costs low; I need to send everything out a week in advance. While it is a bit hectic now, I will be thankful Friday when the packing is over and done with! After that, I can turn my focus to the carry on which is essentially my portable pharmacy. Perhaps, there may be just a tinge of added stress as I try to do this all without the knowledge of my kids. Actually, Izzy would be none the wiser. Andrew, on the other hand, is way too savvy and will definitely pick up on the slightest clues.

The excitement is really starting to settle in as we close in on the 9 day mark!

danielle

[RobDVC]

Love your ADR choices. How cool that both kids chose Jiko as their #1 place.