Magical Trip Day 1 About This Page:

[disfrk2002]

Hello everyone this is my first trip report here goes.....
People going on the trip were DS DD and DD friend (teenagers) My DH and Myself. Left on July 22 and returned???? well I will save that for later. To begin the trip we are all up at 2:00 a.m.(can't sleep too excited) and watch the Disney countdown on the computer go to 0! Then we are off. The trip to the airport and plane ride was uneventful. We ate a breakfast of sandwiches, chips, and drinks that I had packed while waiting for boarding. MUCH CHEAPER THAN AIRPORT FOOD! Arrived on time at Orlando and saw our Tiffany Driver with our name for pick up! Just where they said he would be. My husband had requested a limo and was a bit disappointed to get a van instead. Driver never spoke as he could barely speak English. We heard that Tiffany was the best for getting guests excited about their trip. Oh Well we were thrilled just to be there. It was nice to just go to your resort instead of everyone else on the bus (MEARS)

We were enchanted with AKL the minute we entered the drive way. The detail that Disney adds is amazing. Took care of the Tiffany driver who almost spilled the beans about a huge surprise(will describe later) and entered the lobby. I just can't describe the grandeur of the place. The furniture looked so inviting and was soooo comforitable. The music playing was a treat for the ears. The beautiful decorations and view from the first step in the lobby is unparralled, the smells of the fire were so authentic I will never forget it. It was a feast for the senses. After staying last time at an All Star the check in was so much better. No hour and a half line here. Our room Savannah view Arusha Kudu trail Deluxe room Fifth floor room #5327 was exquisite. I had faxed our request in 3 days before for a non smoking bunk bed room and was granted the request. Also, we were able to get in our room early. We were close to the elevators as well. The room was as others on the boards described. I like it dark so it did not bother me. The first thing we did was open the curtains and what did we see out our balcony? All kinds of animals how awesome!!! Needless to say the kids were all giddy at being at AKL. As we walked down the hallway DH kept pointing out hidden Mickeys. Everywhere your eyes rested the detail was magnificent. We left our bags and tried to not act like midwestern hicks on the way to the bus. Our first destination was MK to trade our Annual Pass Vouchers for tickets. It really does pay to go deluxe as I pointed out to my family where the AS bus lines were and how long they were. AKL first stop!!! No problem at guest relations the CM was very knowledgeable about the procedures and all went well. I did find the flimsy cardboard tickets to be a bit cheap considering you can use this ticket for entry for the next 364 days!! I was in tears as we made DD's friend Close her eyes until we could get a pricture of her face as she saw the castle and main street for the first time in her life. Then we were off and running. Of course autograph books and pens are always the first thing to do on our list. I just lowe my first vew of the MK and Main street. I can hardly believe I am here. We worked 2 years extra jobs and not eating out to be here. It is well worth the sacrifice. We are determined to make magical memories together as our time on earth is so short. My husband had a 21 year old co-worker who was very close to him more like a father/friend killed in a car wreck just weeks before we went. LIfe is so short so we intend to enjoy every second!!! No holding back No Regrets!
Because we were up so early we headed to tommorowland. DH DD DDF walked on SM, DS and I walked on Buzz. Then we noticed that COP was running so walked on that ride as well. We were thrilled with the no wait time!! Ate at cosmic rays (DS favorite place). I took the girls to start their autographing at TTF then did Buzz and decided we had better get some rest. The bus was a long trip to the lodge but we wwere the only ones on it!!! What a day. The kids wanted to swim and DH and I just sauntered around the lodge and grounds enjoying the Disney Magic!! Again AKL has to be one of my favorite resorts. Time to rest for tommorow will bring even more magic.

[luvnwdwgal]

Great report so far! How exciting for you to have stayed at AKL! I can't wait to see MK on our trip this Sept! Looking forward to your next installment! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[Jsbalcio1]

Love the report so far!! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[GoofyMom]

I would have loved to see the look on your DD's friend's face when you got her picture of the first time she saw the castle.

Great trip report so far. Looking forward to tomorrow's magic.

[ProChristo]

You are off to a teriffic start, now don't make us wait too long for more. What a cool thing to take your daughter's buddy along with you! I agree about living each moment to it's fullest, you never know what the next moment will bring.

Amy

[SMG]

Great start on the TR!! Can't wait to read more!

[reinstructor]

I love your report. You sound like you are really enjoying yourselves.

[Kasumi2279]

I love your report so far! I can't wait to hear about the 'big surprise'! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]