Our 'first draft' itinerary for September

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Our 'first draft' itinerary for September

In September, we'll be taking a five night trip, staying at Animal Kingdom Villas Kidani Village for four nights, and Saratoga Springs for one night. We've put together a loose itinerary complete with ADRs. Let me know what you think!

Our flight arrives in Orlando at 1030AM on day 1, a Saturday. We figure that by the time DME takes us to AKV, our room still won't be ready, so we may head over to Epcot for a little while, with the plan in mind to head back to the resort when we're notified that our room is ready.

When we get the call, we'll head back to AKV and get into our room. We'll take this afternoon and evening to really get to know our new resort, our HOME resort cool . We'll spend the rest of day 1 at the resort, because we have an 800PM ADR at Sanaa.

Sunday morning we'll arrive at MK at opening. Around lunchtime we'll head out of MK, stopping at Guest Services to pick up our MNSSHP for Tuesday night. We'll head back to Kidani Village for relaxation at the pool and maybe lunch at The Mara or the poolside dining service that they offer. MK will be offering PM EMH that night, but we have an 800PM ADR at Jiko, so we probably won't be going back to MK.

Monday morning DAK offers AM EMH, so we'll be there at rope drop. Lunch that day will probaby be at the quick service Yak and Yeti, since it's the only place at DAK we haven't eaten yes. We may take a midday break on this day too, and the evening will be spent at either DtD for (pin) shopping and/or at DHS, which has evening EMH.

On Tuesday we'll check out of AKV early and have Disney move our luggage to SSR, where, at some point on this day, we'll be checking in. We're going to try and take advantage of AM EMH at Epcot, and stay through lunch, since we have a 100PM ADR at Le Chefs de France. After lunch we may take the short walk through the International Gateway and then boat to to DHS for anything we may have missed the day before. If we're in need of a theme park break, we'll boat to The Boardwalk instead. In any case we'll need to get back to SSR r in plenty of time to get ready for MNSSHP.

Wednesday is our departure day so we'll have to deal with checking out of SSR and setting up DME. But our flight is late in the day, around 625PM, which means we won't have to be on the DME bus from SSR till about 330. That gives us the morning and a bit of the afternoon at DHS. In fact, we have a noon ADR at 50's Prime Time.

So this is our itinerary for now. We think that it's relaxing enough that we won't spend the whole trip running around, but packed with enough excitement to satisfy us.

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Sounds like a good time. We'll be there in September as well (19th-26th).

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We're often early arrivers and while our room typically isn't ready when we get there, it often is within an hour or so, so you might find that you get the call right as you're getting over to Epcot or when you've been there a while. Of course there's no reason you have to go check in right then, just a consideration.

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LifeIsForLiving wrote:
Sounds like a good time. We'll be there in September as well (19th-26th).


We'll miss you by a few days.

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cdub wrote:
We're often early arrivers and while our room typically isn't ready when we get there, it often is within an hour or so, so you might find that you get the call right as you're getting over to Epcot or when you've been there a while. Of course there's no reason you have to go check in right then, just a consideration.


I usually find that too. Unless we get the call as soon as we've arrived, we'll head back as soon as we do get it. On that day, we're more excited about Kidani Village than we are about Epcot. laugh

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Looks great! I hope you'll post your thoughts about Kidani when you get back. There's still not too much out there about the best sections to request!

Also, pool-side dining service?!? Tell me more!

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Imagineer wrote:
cdub wrote:
We're often early arrivers and while our room typically isn't ready when we get there, it often is within an hour or so, so you might find that you get the call right as you're getting over to Epcot or when you've been there a while. Of course there's no reason you have to go check in right then, just a consideration.


I usually find that too. Unless we get the call as soon as we've arrived, we'll head back as soon as we do get it. On that day, we're more excited about Kidani Village than we are about Epcot. laugh

But of course! You've been to Epcot lots of times, but it's your first time visiting your new home.

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Annie wrote:
Looks great! I hope you'll post your thoughts about Kidani when you get back. There's still not too much out there about the best sections to request!

Also, pool-side dining service?!? Tell me more!



Annie, here's a link to a review by someone who's used the service:

http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/05/kidani_village_part_5.html



From what I understand, it's just like 'room service', except they bring your food to your poolside table instead of to your room. When you place your order they give you a big number and you place it on the table. Then when it's ready, they bring your order to your table.

There is also a quick service bar menu where you order right at the Maji bar and get your food immediately. Here is the menu for that:

http://allears.net/menu/menu_maji.htm

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Fantastic itinerary, Andrew!! I look forward to your review and feedback.

Also, love the private dining option at the pool. I wonder if this will become standard at Deluxe/Villa resorts...

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bali wrote:
Fantastic itinerary, Andrew!! I look forward to your review and feedback.

Also, love the private dining option at the pool. I wonder if this will become standard at Deluxe/Villa resorts...



Not the cheapest lunch option at the resort, by any means, but worth a try. I wonder if the Tables in Wonderland discount applies....

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Imagineer wrote:
bali wrote:
Fantastic itinerary, Andrew!! I look forward to your review and feedback.

Also, love the private dining option at the pool. I wonder if this will become standard at Deluxe/Villa resorts...

Not the cheapest lunch option at the resort, by any means, but worth a try. I wonder if the Tables in Wonderland discount applies....



That's a good question. Does it apply to regular room service? Methinks no, but can't be sure. (If it does, I've been missing out on some discounts!)

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be sure to play toy story before you leave on wed! you can go by there before you eat!

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greebil wrote:
be sure to play toy story before you leave on wed! you can go by there before you eat!


We will! I'll try to beat my high score from last time. Which, if I remember correctly, shouldn't be all that hard to do...except for me. laugh

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Sounds like fun! I can't wait to see what you have to say about the food! You are going to a couple places I haven't gone to!

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Sounds like a great first day--lots of relaxation at the resort. Have you been to MNSSHP? Are you dressing up?

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I actually really enjoy the Y&Y quick service. It takes like normal Chinese take-out, which is a perfect quick meal in the parks if you ask me. Good choice!

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Did you manage to use up all your points that were only good for this year?

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Brad wrote:
Did you manage to use up all your points that were only good for this year?


No, and we actually banked about 40 points from our 2008 use year, which we'll be able to use with our 2009 use year points that we get on Dec. 1.

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Imagineer wrote:
Brad wrote:
Did you manage to use up all your points that were only good for this year?

No, and we actually banked about 40 points from our 2008 use year, which we'll be able to use with our 2009 use year points that we get on Dec. 1.



That's great! How many trips next year? (Any to Disneyland?)

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bali wrote:
Imagineer wrote:
Brad wrote:
Did you manage to use up all your points that were only good for this year?

No, and we actually banked about 40 points from our 2008 use year, which we'll be able to use with our 2009 use year points that we get on Dec. 1.

That's great! How many trips next year? (Any to Disneyland?)



Not sure yet B. There has been much discussion in our household latley regarding 2010 vacation plans. We're talking about a Disney Cruise, a "Grand Gathering" with family and friends at WDW, and we're also talking about another trip to Italy. I have to do Italy every few years or I feel out of whack! silly


To be sure, whatever our trip plans are, there'll be a healthy dose of shorter WDW visits mixed in as well.

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Your plans sound great! I have never stayed at AKL but I would love to one day. I think my kids would like it there.

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UnbalancedLibra wrote:
Your plans sound great! I have never stayed at AKL but I would love to one day. I think my kids would like it there.

I would have LOVED AKL as a kid.

@Imagineer, Where do you stay in Italy?

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cdub wrote:

@Imagineer, Where do you stay in Italy?


I usually stay with family who live in the Region of Campania, Province of Caserta. Nearest big city is Naples.

Or I stay with friends who live in the region of Lazio, Province of Rome. Nearest big city is obviously Rome.

There are obvious advantages to having family and friends in Italy (free lodging). The downside is that in all my time spent in Italy, I've never been north of Rome!

Our next trip will probably keep us south of Rome yet again, as Joy is currently obsessed with the Amalfi Coast. She's soaking up everything she can about the area, and I'm relating my experiences there to her as well. She's never been and I have, but of course I'd jump at the chance to go again and with her. The area is close enough to family that we can stay for free, but we're finding some great guest houses right on the Coast with great views. The affordable price makes them hard to pass up; even with the weak American dollar vs. the Euro.

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That sounds amazing, Andrew. "Guest house" meaning you have it to yourself? <3 <3

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Imagineer wrote:
cdub wrote:

@Imagineer, Where do you stay in Italy?


I usually stay with family who live in the Region of Campania, Province of Caserta. Nearest big city is Naples.

Or I stay with friends who live in the region of Lazio, Province of Rome. Nearest big city is obviously Rome.

There are obvious advantages to having family and friends in Italy (free lodging). The downside is that in all my time spent in Italy, I've never been north of Rome!

Our next trip will probably keep us south of Rome yet again, as Joy is currently obsessed with the Amalfi Coast. She's soaking up everything she can about the area, and I'm relating my experiences there to her as well. She's never been and I have, but of course I'd jump at the chance to go again and with her. The area is close enough to family that we can stay for free, but we're finding some great guest houses right on the Coast with great views. The affordable price makes them hard to pass up; even with the weak American dollar vs. the Euro.

How long of a trip are you thinking? We've been intrigued with a long-ish European trip and a villa on the coast sounds just about perfect.

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Brad wrote:
Imagineer wrote:
cdub wrote:

@Imagineer, Where do you stay in Italy?

I usually stay with family who live in the Region of Campania, Province of Caserta. Nearest big city is Naples.

Or I stay with friends who live in the region of Lazio, Province of Rome. Nearest big city is obviously Rome.

There are obvious advantages to having family and friends in Italy (free lodging). The downside is that in all my time spent in Italy, I've never been north of Rome!

Our next trip will probably keep us south of Rome yet again, as Joy is currently obsessed with the Amalfi Coast. She's soaking up everything she can about the area, and I'm relating my experiences there to her as well. She's never been and I have, but of course I'd jump at the chance to go again and with her. The area is close enough to family that we can stay for free, but we're finding some great guest houses right on the Coast with great views. The affordable price makes them hard to pass up; even with the weak American dollar vs. the Euro.

How long of a trip are you thinking? We've been intrigued with a long-ish European trip and a villa on the coast sounds just about perfect.



I think two weeks should do the trick. We're thinking of spending a week on the Amalfi Coast and then a couple nights in Naples then the rest of the time in Rome.

Have you been to Italy before Brad?

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bali wrote:
That sounds amazing, Andrew. "Guest house" meaning you have it to yourself? <3 <3


There are some like that. They are houses or apartments that you rent for a set amount of time. It would really be like living in your own residence (no housekeeping, etc).

The others we looked at are more like Bed and Breakfasts.

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Imagineer wrote:
Brad wrote:
Imagineer wrote:
cdub wrote:

@Imagineer, Where do you stay in Italy?

I usually stay with family who live in the Region of Campania, Province of Caserta. Nearest big city is Naples.

Or I stay with friends who live in the region of Lazio, Province of Rome. Nearest big city is obviously Rome.

There are obvious advantages to having family and friends in Italy (free lodging). The downside is that in all my time spent in Italy, I've never been north of Rome!

Our next trip will probably keep us south of Rome yet again, as Joy is currently obsessed with the Amalfi Coast. She's soaking up everything she can about the area, and I'm relating my experiences there to her as well. She's never been and I have, but of course I'd jump at the chance to go again and with her. The area is close enough to family that we can stay for free, but we're finding some great guest houses right on the Coast with great views. The affordable price makes them hard to pass up; even with the weak American dollar vs. the Euro.

How long of a trip are you thinking? We've been intrigued with a long-ish European trip and a villa on the coast sounds just about perfect.



I think two weeks should do the trick. We're thinking of spending a week on the Amalfi Coast and then a couple nights in Naples then the rest of the time in Rome.

Have you been to Italy before Brad?

I never have. Netherlands, Great Britain and Germany. Nothing on the Mediterranean. I would love to check out the coast. All those Italian villas in the movies look so idyllic. awesome

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My wife's been all over the world. Off the top of her head; France, England, Switzerland, Romania, Korea, Japan, Netherlands Antilles (Dutch West Indies), other Caribbean islands, Hawaii. I've hardly left the country; I have a lot of catching up to do. I've been on one cruise with shore time in Cancun, and drove through Mexico briefly one other time. Been all over this fine country, but have not ventured abroad.

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Imagineer wrote:


I think two weeks should do the trick. We're thinking of spending a week on the Amalfi Coast and then a couple nights in Naples then the rest of the time in Rome.

Sounds just about perfect. Do you take a lot of day trips in Italy, or stick close to home?

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Yeah, Imagineer has the hook-up in Italy. I'm excited to pick his brain!