Looking forward to reading all about it. First in!!!!
Excited to follow along! My family and our friends were at Jambo House September 16-20! We loved it
Joining In! I followed your last report and I'm happy to see you back! Every time I read Jamie's name I read it as "Hymie" now! I can't wait to hear how the trip went.
Omg.... cannot wait.
I'm here! So excited to read more of this TR! And 3 weeks?! That sounds like HEAVEN!
WOAH! I so envy people that can get up early, take a super long flight, land, and instantly hit the ground running. I cannot wait to read about THREE whole weeks of a Disney vacation. I stay there a week and I am ready to go home!
Holy quick updates Batman! I'm here, but proper responses I'll have to get to later. So excited to hear about this awesome trip!
Thanks for the laugh! Kermit cracked me up. That is just how I feel when I know I am going to Disney. 3 weeks in Disney..... how WONDERFUL. Is that enough time?
Gurl!!!!! I haven't even finished reading your new updates to your last TR and now a new TR?!
When you decided to update, you update!
Not that I'm complaining
Okay. Now I have to go and read you bazillion updates! Be right back!
(But I will )
Long time reader, never poster....but I'm happy you are back to posting. Love you reports!
Joining in! Can't wait to read all about your trip!
Hi Katie
What?! I had no idea!
Like who??
Hmmm....those people look familiar
Pfff. Amateurs!
Jeremy Kyle awful?
Jermey Kyle is TV gold!
But how cool would it be if it was ACTUALLY 8 cats out of 10 cats doing Countdown!
Who wouldn't watch that?!
Also 8 out of 10 cats does Countdown is hilarious!
We didn't get a greeter either. I wonder if they have stopped doing that?
What?! We didn't get that!!
There I am all caught up here! You're other TR is a totally different kettle of fish That is a weird saying isn't it?
Love your TR and can't wait to hear more! We're staying at AKV Kidani for the first time and we leave in a few weeks, so I'm especially enjoying the info and photos from AKL.
I've read both of your other trip reports. So happy to read another.
Great start and the room is beautiful!
YOU'RE BACK - WOOHOO!! I'm so excited to read about your trip - and also super impressed that you can remember the details well enough to write this TR months later!
Ooo I can't wait to hear how you like Universal. We've stayed at almost all the hotels at this point
Woah! That's so cool. I've never seen characters in the hotel.
I loved the firepit we stayed there in December and it was awesome.
Ugh this sounds like Heaven!
This is me with my boyfriend when he's at school studying and I want him to come play with the dog so I can study
I actually really love airplane food. Is that weird?
AKL is the 1st Disney resort we stayed at so it holds such a special place in my heart, but I also got violently sick there (sorry TMI) so I have no desire to go back any time soon.
How cool that Br'er bear was walking around AKL when you arrived! What a nice little spot of magic
The AKL CL lounge looks so nice! All those yummy things you and Jamie had are making me hungry!
Your room is so nice and the view of the savannah is so pretty! And I love the pictures of the animals, especially the giraffes!
Super excited for more updates!
Jambo.
Hi Katie - looking forward to reading along. Isn't staying at a hotel connected to the airport wonderful? No worry about getting up early, traffic, etc. Just get up and mosey on over.
Love AKL - 3 weeks sounds wonderful. We've stayed at Kidani for our trips and just love the relaxation vibe. The club lounge looks nice - fun to hang out and watch the activity below for awhile.
I was walking out of the local mall and this smell lured me back in to the A & F store - this is what my hubby wears now. I love it.
YAY for a new TR!!
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3 weeks in WDW?! Sounds like heaven. Can't wait to read all about your magical adventures!!
Hands down my second favorite hotel on property! Its sooo pretty
Oh boy.. Free dining AND club level?! They're going to have to roll you guys out of there on checkout day.
I WANT ALLL THE PORK SLIDERSS!!
I love staying onsite at Universal! Can't wait to see where you're staying!
Typical lol I feel like this is an every man thing not just Jamie.
That smell brings me right back to high school, but still smells delicious none the less!
Oh, Br'er Bear strolling around AKL? NBD...
Oh my god you're back!!!! I can't believe it! Missed ya sister friend!
Can't wait to read alllllll about your trip!!! AKL looks amazing
Oh my December TR you asked about? Haven't started it yet But I suppose if you can do a TR from last Sept I can try to start my December one! You've inspired me to get mine going
I only have about a zillion pictures I took, I suppose I can muster up a half decent TR
I am definitely not the TR queen that you are!
So glad you're back! Can't wait to read more of this as I'll be at both AKL (though not for three weeks or club level) and universal in just 2 short weeks. Looking forward to reading about what had to be an awesome trip!
Hidden Mickey!!! I'd say that bodes well for the rest of the trip!
Not exactly Disney related... but! I am intrigued that your airline shows the Titanic resting place .. I don't think I've ever seen that before!
BTW we were also in WDW at the same time and the weather was perfect, except for that day where the tropical storm formed over Florida and we had monsoon like rain for one day. I literally swam to FEA with my husband. He had soaking wet sneakers and socks (the worst, right? ) and I looked at him, face deadpan, and was all, "We. Are. Not. Missing. This." as I ran through WS barefoot. Not my proudest moment but I did make it hahaha.
Yay, new TR!! I'm here and following along!
3 whole weeks at Disney World?! I can't even imagine! Although I unfortunately go into withdrawal after one week without my doggies so that won't ever happen for me. But I can live vicariously through you and your amazing stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge!
Great start to your trip!! Can't wait to follow along on another Katie and Hymie adventure! Funny aside, my cousin is also named Jamie and his nickname in high school was Hymie!!
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How'd you get a pic of my husband? Mine does this EXACT same thing on Disney day. How do they not understand the importance of DISNEY DAY!! I can't drag my butt out of bed before 7:30 for work, but Disney day I am up at 5
NEW TRIP REPORT!!!!!
I'm so excited for this! You have the best reports
Great report so far!!
Following, I loved your last report! Can't wait to read about this trip.
KATIEEEEEEEE!!!
I'm so excited that just a few weeks after my return to the DIS (after a LOOOOOOONG break!), you've returned, too! How fabulous!
I had a great time reading (and for the beginning, re-reading!) your newly completed 2015 TR. Your room and view at the Poly were awesome, I loved your adventures at the MNNSHP (especially your interactions with the Pooh gang!), and am so glad you enjoyed your "birthday" dinner at California Grill! What an amazing trip!
I'm excited to hear all about your 2016 adventures! I'm SUPER excited that you stayed at one of my favorite resorts - HOORAY for the Animal Kingdom Lodge!!! I'm glad your 2015 resort visit may have influenced your decision to stay there! (Your love of Boma couldn't have hurt either, right?! )
Congratulations on your new job, welcome back, and I can't wait for the next update!
Ok, now I'm here! I can't wait to read all about this 3-week trip! Three weeks at WDW and at AKL sounds like heaven.
Just finished reading your last report. So excited to read this one!
Joining! Love the report so far and Holy 3 weeks in Disney!! We've done 10 days and I SO want to do 2 weeks, but I think we have to wait until the kid graduate
I'm really enjoying the CL lounge picks as we'll be staying AKL CL (first time CL) in August. DH and I have stayed there before but it will be our 2 DS's first time there. DH and I are also staying at Kidani in 2 weeks so yes, I love AKV/L
This looks amazing! So excited to hear the rest!
I can't wait to read this report. I've loved your last 2!
Me and my partner are actually booked in your recommended seats on the flight there and back haha
Yay I'm glad you're back!
I have finally made an account so I'm not just creeping on everyones TRs now, I figured I had to since me and Karen are staring in this one
Club level sounds so good, I think it's now on my bucket list. I love that the lounge looks over the lobby, I somehow had never noticed that all the times we've stayed there!
Really excited to see what you thought of Keys to the Kingdom, we've been wanting to do that for ages and are going to book it for when we go again in October
Glad you are back! I just finished your updates for the 2015 trip and can't wait to read all about the 2016 trip!
Yay Rachel you made an account!! love it, and yes I met you on my first full Disney day, so you'll be starring in this TR very soon so cool that you're going back in October what are your plans/where are you staying etc.?! Yes you should def do Keys to the Kingdom, by far one of the best Disney experiences I've ever had
I'm so glad I got to meet you!
Wow, tough crowd.
My name is Katie and I’ll be your skipper, your guide, your swim instructor, your ghost host, etc etc etc, but most importantly, your storyteller.
In September 2016 Jamie and I went to Walt Disney World for 3 WHOLE WEEKS.
We stayed at
ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE – JAMBO HOUSE!
In a savannah view room, with club level access!
* Our first time with free dining, so lots of new restaurants! *
* Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! *
* Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival! *
* Universal overnight stay! *
* Keys to the Kingdom tour! *
* Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue! *
* Starlight Safari at AKL! *
* Meeting Dis-ers and Instagrammers! *
WE’RE GOING TO DISNEY!
As much as I enjoy my boyfriend being at a festival where people are routinely stabbed and attacked,
I messaged Jamie on Monday morning bugging him to come home.
…and again at lunchtime…
…and again mid afternoon…
…and again late afternoon…
…and again in the evening…
He eventually finished up his final bromancing and I picked him up from the station at 9pm.
9pm.
When we leave tomorrow lunchtime, and he still has all of his packing to do.
He said he kept hearing about the new Star Wars stuff and was really eager to see it.
Me too, Mr. Exchange man!
I’d emailed earlier in the week asking for an airport view, and this is what they gave us…
To which he scrunched up his face into an ugly crying face and sobbed,
“NO I want to go to DISNEYYYY!”
My steak was a little overcooked, but that's too much information for non-Disney food.
8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (that must sound like a strange show if you’re not familiar!)
IT’S DISNEY DAY!
Here’s a travel morning selfie to show how excited both of us were!
I woke up naturally at 6am
I have never seen it so big.
Jamie said “maybe I should get some new cologne…” so I quickly rushed him out of there, because I’d bought him some Fierce by Abercrombie and Fitch (my favourite smell) to give to him when we got to Disney!
Then we got some breakfast at Frankie and Benny’s.
We both got the New England Breakfast.
Jamie asked,
“We’re there for 3 weeks, right?”
“Yes, why?”
“…I need to buy 21 pairs of socks.”
As soon as we were sat down we were offered some complementary champagne and orange juice, yes please!
My view for the next 8 hours…
Soon after take off we got some complimentary Amarula and I watched Zootopia!
…then I fell asleep for the end of the Jungle Book too, ugh I’m so annoying.
We had some sandwiches, scones, tiffin and a proper-sized cup of tea!
At 2:20pm EST, it was time to land at Orlando International!
We were very efficient getting through immigration, baggage claim and secondary inspection.
It only took us half an hour between landing and getting to the fake-orail.
He slowed right down as we went through the Walt Disney World archway so that everyone could get a photo!
Hymie... We're home...
As we were leaving reception, BR’ER BEAR CASUALLY STROLLED PAST.
Anyone who has followed my previous trip reports will know what a huge Splash Mountain fan I am, so this blew my mind!
Just chilling at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, no big deal.
Mr Smee and King Louis were also came out to mingle with guests!
Needless to say, this was a good first impression.
We went to the elevators, and you have to boop your magic band to get up to level 6, it’s very exclusive!
On arrival at the check in desk we were given sangria, beer and scented hot towels.
They had trouble locating a room that was ready for us, so they offered us a bunk bed room instead.
She actually blew my secret though, because she pointed out the Starlight Safari I’d booked as a surprise! Doh.
We sat at a table in the lounge and had some rice crispy treats.
Jamie spotted a fridge that was loaded with chocolate milk, which he was very excited about.
We were located HERE – second block, second room along:
It seemed like they’d rushed it to get it ready for us though, for example, there was a decorative plate that had come off the wall and was just sat on top of the fridge counter, and there were no chocolates or a note or anything to welcome us like I’ve read there was supposed to be.
But we had a GREAT savannah view!!!
It was a rainy evening, but the animals didn’t seem to mind.
We unpacked, whilst frequently sticking our heads outside to spot some animals!
He was being really goofy asking things like “what type of dog is that?”
We saw these warthogs and heard a beeping noise start, like a car horn.
The guy on the balcony next to us said “they’re beeping for the pigs!”
And his family called back “are they running?!”
And sure enough they started to run across the savannah, probably for food or something, but it was the cutest little-legged run ever
Here are some more pictures of our room.
Once we’d unpacked most of our stuff, I gave Jamie his new Abercrombie smell
The evening food had been put out in the lounge, and OMG, it was SO good!
It's much better than the spread at the Polynesian in my opinion.
“Trofie Cut Pasta with Fufu Cheese Sauce” – which was basically posh mac and cheese!
I got food.
He ate it.
Repeat several times.
Here’s Jamie on the bridge.
Then we found a little outdoor covered seating area with rocking chairs, which I loved!
the quick service restaurant called The Mara.
There were a lot of delicious looking things at The Mara, but the screens were showing the calories!
This was not something I wanted to think about on holiday thanks!
We got our refillable mugs that came with our dining plan.
I got blue and Jamie got red.
And we filled them up with…
WATER.
We had a look in Zawadi marketplace, which might be one of the greatest shops ever I DON’T KNOW.
Sitting here I just felt so content!
We talked about all of the things we were looking forward to doing this trip and I was just so excited and happy!
Here’s Jamie demonstrating how he felt in this moment.
I always say Prosecco is best kept in the sink