When my family went, we brought my grandma along. With three kids under eight in a place like Disney, I guess my parents thought they needed some backup (either that or someone to watch us so they could relax!). I thought she was the bomb diggity because she didn’t have any casual clothes. Wore her pearls and matching suit sets right there by the pool. Too cool for words.
Those were very fond memories, but this time I went to Disney without the fam, as part of the African-American Mom Blogger Mixer.
For two and a half days, we were ushered all up, down and around Disney, all 47-square-miles. It is truly a city unto itself. There is so much to talk about, so I will break it up into three days (I think).
Day one will be a quick picture rundown – what I saw, what we did and how I was sooo impressed with everything.
Day two will be all about Princess Tiana – I’m telling you, this is the smartest thing Disney has ever done. I’m all about Princess Tiana these days. Can’t.get.enough!
Day three will be about the deals – how YOU (yes, you!) can take your family to Disney and not blow all your savings. I was skeptical, but I’ve learned that it can be done!
So on to the first Disney post – the overview.
I know pictures are better than words, so I’ll try to do a little of both….
The entrance to the Animal Kingdom Lodge, one of Disney's eight deluxe resorts, with rooms starting at $240/night. I have never seen anything like it. Giraffes and gazelles hang out in the wildlife preserve surrounding the resort, so if you step out onto your balcony, you'll get a better view of the animals than you would at your local zoo!
My room. I loved the feel of this resort. It wasn't overwhelmingly "Disney" with the bright primary colors and loud cartoon-ish music. (There's nothing wrong with that, by the way.) It seemed like a resort for cool folks. Simple yet sophisticated.
Sitting in one of the audition rooms. You like my shirt? Yeah, I thought you might 😉 They pick three park guests to perform in a truly authentic American Idol competition. I was surprised at the vocal ability of the performers - who knew they could get down like that? The winner gets a "golden ticket" which puts them at the front of the audition line at one of the American Idol tryouts. Sweet!
View from the California Grill, where we had dinner on day one. See Cinderella's castle to the far left? Yeah, I liked that view, too! Since I had my kids, most of my meals are eaten within four minutes so to be able to sit and linger over a meal for almost two hours was HEAVENLY!
The stage at the American Idol Live Experience. As soon as I pulled out my video camera, they announced that video recording is prohibited. Drat.
On the bus getting the rundown from Laura Spencer, our hostess and social media manager for Disney. She is so fierce! She was one of the original moms on Disney's Moms Panel, which is a HUGE deal. More on that later...
My drinks at the California Grill. While we were in one of the private rooms (VIP, y'all!), I could tell this was a nice place. The food was unbelievable and the staff was ready to cater to our every need, which was strange for me but something I definitely got used to!
What a fun-filled, packed trip!
It sounds like you all had an incredible time. And how cool to be sitting there where they tape idol audition (and yes, cute shirt!)
When we went to Disney over the summer we stayed at the Coronado Springs resort and visited the Magic Kingdom park, which Chase loved because of the parade and also “It’s A Small World” ride. So fun!!! I definitely want to check out Animal Kingdom Lodge at some point – he’ll love seeing the animals.
Great idea to break down the post into segments. Im definitely looking forward to the Princess Tiana post (wooohooo!!!) and of course how to do Disney on a budget…. cuz boy do i know first-hand just how pricey it can get!