Of course there are free cabanas......a fabulous 10 day summer solo trip! August 19-29/23. New PTR link 02/25

[vamassey1]

​

Super cute photo! I love your top.

This looks so good and it's something I have never had.

Next up I headed to my most beloved Epcot attraction! If you guessed Living With The Land, you would be correct!

Love this attraction. Can't wait to see it lighted up for Christmas.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that Soarin Over California is still running for my December trip!

Me too!

It was getting close to my ILL for Guardians but I had a treat I wanted to try first, the Remy Liege waffle from Connections Cafe. This was good but an one and done for me. Maybe it would be better warm?

I wanted to try this too, sounds like I didn't miss much.

Then it went down again!

Oh noooooo!

. I was feeling peckish though and grabbed the Impossible slider from Flavour by Fire. This was really good with the wasabi cream and Asian slaw.

Something else I haven't had but really sounds good.

Love this! Great having the front row.

I adore this ride and it did not disappoint with September being the song both times.

Still not a ride I enjoyed but Danielle and her friends ride it every chance they can.

First up was Shimmering Sips for the beer mimosa, followed by Canada for the cheese soup and pretzel roll. Great all round!

Nice combination.

I was ready for a sweet treat and headed off to Ireland for the awesome chocolate pudding cake which was swimming in the yummy Baileys sauce. Yes, I finished every last bite!

Something else I wanted and didn't get. Danielle said it was the best.

As I was enjoying my cake, there was a young family with the two sweetest little boys. We struck up a conversation and discussed it all...life, motherhood, health and choices that bring you where you are meant to be. Definitely a deep conversation with someone you had just met but honestly I feel I was meant to meet that young family that day. We both had tears in our eyes saying goodbye.

I love the people you meet and connect with in Disney.

I needed some caffeine to keep me going!

Always!!

After the People Mover, I staked out a spot for Happily Ever after to the right of the castle. As always, I loved the show! It just hits all the right notes for me.

I love HEA too! I have the song on my phone and listen to it when I walk.

 

[suse66]

Any time I can help, you just let me know!

That's what friends are for!

Super cute photo! I love your top.

Thank you! I miss having a Disney store where I could always find cute things.

This looks so good and it's something I have never had.

It is delicious!

Love this attraction. Can't wait to see it lighted up for Christmas.

It is SO pretty at night!

Still not a ride I enjoyed but Danielle and her friends ride it every chance they can.

Sorry you didn't enjoy it. It can be a bit intense for sure.

I love the people you meet and connect with in Disney.

Thank you! Disney people are the best people.

I love HEA too! I have the song on my phone and listen to it when I walk.

I listen to it before bed sometimes. I love the lyrics so much!

 

[suse66]

Discovering the secrets of Wilderness Lodge and the ultimate Savannah experience!

This morning I was partaking in a long awaited special event! Did I mention it's free as well? Yes, every morning at 9:00 you can meet a Lodge Ranger by the big fireplace in the main lobby and join the "Wonders of Wilderness Lodge" tour. The tour itself is about an hour and is the perfect experience for all self professed Disney geeks.

I learned all about the details behind the theming of Boulder Ridge Villas, Did you know that the shape of the lobby represents the spokes of connecting rail lines? The furniture groupings are deliberately mismatched as they represent cast off furniture from people moving west along the rail lines. The Boulder Ridge building itself is the railway hotel while the Copper Creek cabins represent the cabins erected for the railway workers.

The main building ties in indigenous ways of knowing with its homage to the four elements of air, water, fire and earth. Look carefully at the flooring the next time you are in the main lobby and you can see how each element is represented and how they all connect. The Lodge is of course modelled on Yellowstone and incorporates many thematic details found there.

I highly, highly recommend that you take time out of your day to experience this at least once. It is one of the best Disney experiences ever. The level of detail in the theming is staggering....every tiny detail has meaning and intent.


This was my last full day at WL so I decided to soak it all in. Of course I headed for the pool where I found another free cabana and settled in with my book, a cold beer and some snacks. I spent a few happy hours enjoying the beautiful sunshine, the refreshing water and conversation with some other DVC members.

Around 2:00 pm I decided to wrap it up. I had a very special event coming up at Animal Kingdom and I needed to get ready. I was heading to Savour the Savannah and was very excited for this event after hearing so many positive things about it.


It was a stunning afternoon and I admired the beautiful landscaping as I walked to the sign in area for the tour.

These little touches always make me smile!

The tour was one of the most incredible experiences I have ever done. You are escorted back stage to a private safari vehicle. We had a group of 11 plus our two guides who were so knowledgeable. Think of it as Kilamanjaro Safari on steroids. We were able to ask any questions as we stopped at each animal area and went off route to get more of an up close look at each habitat.

This was in the hippo area. It's hard to see in th picture but there were two hippos hanging out in the water.


I can never get over the gorgeous landscaping and views.

Prepared to be spammed with giraffe pictures now! We stopped in the giraffe area and met one of the giraffe keepers. We were able to ask any questions we wanted and were given the backstory and names of each giraffe at DAK. I was fascinated by this experience and sat there in awe as giraffes walked by less than six feet away from me.






I love these Ankole cattle as well. They are magestic creatures.

I adored the zebras as well and we got to see the newest baby running and frolicking on the grass. It was pretty special!

We were heading up to the boma area now for drinks and a light meal.

*continued in next post*​

 

[suse66]

The food was arranged buffet style on tables in the middle. As I have anaphylactic nut allergies, my food was prepared separately in tiffin containers. In the first tiffin, I had a selection of olives, fresh pita, delicious hummous and charcuterie.

There was a bar set up with African wines (a white, a rose and a red) and African beer. Soft drinks, water, coffee and tea were also available. I went for the rose which was a dry rose with a crisp finish. It was so good and I may have had more than one.



This was followed by the second tiffin with an awesome curried chicken salad wrap, tandoori shrimp and a refreshing fruit salad.

Of course there were desserts as well. I went for the deconstructed smores (graham cracker base, chocolate mousse and marshmellow topping. This was rich and decadent. I also tried the brownie pop ( brownie cake with a chocolate ganache overlay). Yes, I was definitely in a happy sugar coma! A few fresh strawberries rounded it out nicely.

The view from the boma was phenomenal!

Having finished all my delectable treats, I took my glass of wine and meandered down the path to look at the elephants. Could this day be any better?

I was feeling blissed out by this beautiful experience!

Sadly all good things come to an end and it was time to get back on our vehicle and resume our safari tour. We were treated to the beautiful male lion stretched out on the rocks and roaring magnificently.


I am so glad I had the opportunity to experience Savour the Savannah. It is definitely a splurge at $179 per person but worth it. Originally I had planned on dinner at Geyser Point but I couldn't even consider eating another bite. So I relaxed in the room for a while, then ended the night watching Happily Ever After from the water's edge and enjoyed a drink at the bar before heading off to bed. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day!
​

 

[Wood Nymph]

We've done the Wilderness Lodge resort tour, and it was incredible. We learned about the resort but also some history on the railroads and western migration. It is well worth the time and effort it takes for the one hour tour.

I've heard lots of good things about Savour the Savannah. It looks like you had great weather for it. And your dress is cute, too.

 

[disneyAndi14]

I knew you would love the Savor Savanna tour! One of my absolute favorite Disney experiences!
The WL tour sounds amazing. I wish Donna and would have done this when we stayed here in April!
On my list now and a reason to stay at WL again, haha you don’t need a reason to stay at this beautiful resort!

 

[pkondz]

every morning at 9:00 you can meet a Lodge Ranger by the big fireplace in the main lobby and join the "Wonders of Wilderness Lodge" tour.

I've heard of this, but haven't had the pleasure.

Did you know that the shape of the lobby represents the spokes of connecting rail lines?

Did not know that.

The furniture groupings are deliberately mismatched as they represent cast off furniture from people moving west along the rail lines.

Nor that! I like that.

The main building ties in indigenous ways of knowing with its homage to the four elements of air, water, fire and earth. Look carefully at the flooring the next time you are in the main lobby and you can see how each element is represented and how they all connect. The Lodge is of course modelled on Yellowstone and incorporates many thematic details found there.

These I did know.

This was my last full day at WL so I decided to soak it all in.

I spent a few happy hours enjoying the beautiful sunshine, the refreshing water and conversation with some other DVC members.

ahhhhhhhh.....

I'm envious reading this as I am here in sub-zero temperatures surrounded by snow.

I was heading to Savour the Savannah and was very excited for this event after hearing so many positive things about it.

Think of it as Kilamanjaro Safari on steroids.

That's a really good description.

Prepared to be spammed with giraffe pictures now!

I adored the zebras as well and we got to see the newest baby running and frolicking on the grass. It was pretty special!

Fun!

As I have anaphylactic nut allergies, my food was prepared separately in tiffin containers. In the first tiffin, I had a selection of olives, fresh pita, delicious hummous and charcuterie.

I like how they served you your food in tiffins. Perfect!
And it sounds really good, too!

This was followed by the second tiffin with an awesome curried chicken salad wrap, tandoori shrimp and a refreshing fruit salad.

This too. Yum!

Of course there were desserts as well. I went for the deconstructed smores (graham cracker base, chocolate mousse and marshmellow topping. This was rich and decadent. I also tried the brownie pop ( brownie cake with a chocolate ganache overlay). Yes, I was definitely in a happy sugar coma!

I was feeling blissed out by this beautiful experience!

You look very, very happy!

Savour the Savannah. It is definitely a splurge at $179 per person but worth it.

100% agree!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

You really did end you Disney trip in style. What a fantastic day!

 

[suse66]

We've done the Wilderness Lodge resort tour, and it was incredible. We learned about the resort but also some history on the railroads and western migration. It is well worth the time and effort it takes for the one hour tour.

It is such a rich and interesting tour. I would happily do it again one day.

I've heard lots of good things about Savour the Savannah. It looks like you had great weather for it. And your dress is cute, too.

It was such a great experience! I think you would really enjoy it.

My dress is from BoxLunch...it's a Jungle Book print. It was so cool and comfortable for the heat and had pockets!

I knew you would love the Savor Savanna tour! One of my absolute favorite Disney experiences!

I am so glad you recommended that I do the tour. It was so amazing!

On my list now and a reason to stay at WL again, haha you don’t need a reason to stay at this beautiful resort!

You will love it!

I've heard of this, but haven't had the pleasure.

I highly recommend you do the tour one day.

I'm envious reading this as I am here in sub-zero temperatures surrounded by snow.

Tell me you live in Winnipeg without saying you live in Winnipeg.

You really did end you Disney trip in style. What a fantastic day!

I was just wrapping up the Boulder Ridge part of my stay. I still had 5 more lovely days and 4 nights at Old Key West to enjoy!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

I was just wrapping up the Boulder Ridge part of my stay. I still had 5 more lovely days and 4 nights at Old Key West to enjoy!

Yay!!! More trip reporting to enjoy

 

[rdkeim]

I'm mostly a lurker but I must say your day sounded pretty perfect! WL is my fav resort - the tour sounds awesome. Nice you had some relaxing time followed by the savannah tour. Your description makes it sound wonderful and worth the cost! Thanks for sharing.

 

[pkondz]

I highly recommend you do the tour one day.

Maybe some day.

Tell me you live in Winnipeg without saying you live in Winnipeg.

 

[amazingact21]

every morning at 9:00 you can meet a Lodge Ranger by the big fireplace in the main lobby and join the "Wonders of Wilderness Lodge" tour.

I didn't know about this! I'll definitely have to check it out one day. I'd love to hear more about the WL.

Look carefully at the flooring the next time you are in the main lobby and you can see how each element is represented and how they all connect.

Oh, now I'm curious to walk back into the lobby!

The tour was one of the most incredible experiences I have ever done.

It sounds like an amazing experience.

Having finished all my delectable treats, I took my glass of wine and meandered down the path to look at the elephants.

Well, this sounds like perfection.

 

[vamassey1]

This morning I was partaking in a long awaited special event! Did I mention it's free as well? Yes, every morning at 9:00 you can meet a Lodge Ranger by the big fireplace in the main lobby and join the "Wonders of Wilderness Lodge" tour. The tour itself is about an hour and is the perfect experience for all self professed Disney geeks.

I would love to do this but since we'll have a 6 year old with little patience it will have to wait.

I highly, highly recommend that you take time out of your day to experience this at least once. It is one of the best Disney experiences ever. The level of detail in the theming is staggering....every tiny detail has meaning and intent.

I love learning about all the little details. I will be looking closely for some of the things you mentioned.

I am so glad I had the opportunity to experience Savour the Savannah.

This does sound fabulous. I think it would be good for a Dennis and I only trip.

So I relaxed in the room for a while, then ended the night watching Happily Ever After from the water's edge and enjoyed a drink at the bar before heading off to bed. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day!

Perfect ending for the perfect day.

 

[suse66]

Yay!!! More trip reporting to enjoy

That's the advantage of doing a splir stay...it's like two trips in one.

I'm mostly a lurker but I must say your day sounded pretty perfect! WL is my fav resort - the tour sounds awesome. Nice you had some relaxing time followed by the savannah tour. Your description makes it sound wonderful and worth the cost! Thanks for sharing.

Thank you for joining in and commenting! I adore WL as well, there really is nowhere else quite like it.I hope you do "Savour the Savannah" one day. It really is amazing.

Maybe some day.

Fingers crossed!

I didn't know about this! I'll definitely have to check it out one day. I'd love to hear more about the WL.

This tour is right up your alley, Alicia! You would love it!

Well, this sounds like perfection.

It absolutely was. Just thinking back to that day fills me with warm, happy memories.

I love learning about all the little details. I will be looking closely for some of the things you mentioned.

On your next couples trip, you and Denis should totally do this. I bet Danielle would love it as well.

This does sound fabulous. I think it would be good for a Dennis and I only trip.

For sure! It is a spurge but definitely money well spent.

Perfect ending for the perfect day.

It really couldn't have been better.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Well, I'm completely exhausted reading about your 3 park day. Maybe I'm just getting old because I can remember doing 4 park days when I lived down in Sarasota. Now, the thought makes my feet, legs, and back hurt. But I'm glad you got your Guardians ride. And your Wilderness Lodge/Tour day sounds absolutely delightful. I have yet to try any of the tours. It sounds like something I need to start looking into.

 

[suse66]

Well, I'm completely exhausted reading about your 3 park day. Maybe I'm just getting old because I can remember doing 4 park days when I lived down in Sarasota. Now, the thought makes my feet, legs, and back hurt. But I'm glad you got your Guardians ride. And your Wilderness Lodge/Tour day sounds absolutely delightful. I have yet to try any of the tours. It sounds like something I need to start looking into.

and thanks for joining in!

I build lots of rest into a multiple park day so it's not too bad. My feet were definitely feeling it by the end of the night though! I highly recommend checking out the tours. It's nice to add something new to the mix as a frequent park goer.

 

[Nicnicnic.nic]

Following and enjoying vicariously. Thank you!

 

[suse66]

Following and enjoying vicariously. Thank you!

Glad to have you here!

 

[suse66]

*I’ve had so much trouble adding text to this post so let’s hope the third time is the charm!*

Off for fun in the Kingdom!

I packed up my things and called Bell Services for a transfer to Old Key West, my home for the next four nights! I strolled through the beautiful grounds for one last cruise across Bay Lake to MK. Arriving at the park, I had one goal in mind, the quintessential balloon shot on Main Street!

My next plans involved the People Mover followed by Carousel of Progress as I plotted out my day. It was a party day and crowds were very light so the only plan I had made was an ILL for Tron. First though I was feeling snackish so went for a Mickey pretzel. Definitely smaller and more expensive than I remembered but still good!


As I was scrolling MDE, I noticed wait times for Jungle Cruise were low.I knew I wanted to ride it as I was wearing my Jungle Cruise dress from Her Universe. I also snagged an ADR at Skippers Canteen.

Now I will admit to having a love/hate relationship with Skippers. Today however, was an excellent experience. I was seated in the S.E.A. room upon request, I had an amazing server and the food was delicious!

My server was able to have the chef modify both the salad and my dessert to accommodate my anaphylactic nut allergy. The salad was fresh and crisp with perfectly grilled juicy chicken. My dessert was the key lime panna cotta which was so light and refreshing. My only hiccup was that I had originally ordered the white Sangria which I did not care for at all. It was overly sweet and warm. My server noticed I was not drinking it and asked what I would prefer. I went for a glass of Sauvignon Blanc instead and he removed the sangria from my bill. I was sure to leave a generous tip for such an outstanding experience. ​

After lunch I headed off to Storybook Circus for a meet with two gal pals.

Minnie and I discussed the importance of bows.

Daisy told my fortune and assured me it was a good one!​

Now it was finally time for Tron! I really enjoyed the theming and the overall ride experience. I just don’t like how short it is. I wouldn’t be happy waiting in a long VQ for a 90 second ride. Unfortunately my ride pictures never materialized. I had quite a few lost photos this trip.

I was ready to head out of the park now but first made time for a set by my beloved Dapper Dan’s. They never disappoint! ​

I had received my room ready text and was happy to see both requests were met. I had an upper floor studio in building 39 in my favourite Old Turtle Pond Road area. I relaxed in the room for a bit while waiting for my luggage to arrive. Once I got everything settled, I got ready for the evening ahead. I was heading to Cirque de Soleil “Drawn to Life” which was a fabulous experience! I was in awe of the sheer physicality and magnificence of the performance. No pictures or videos are allowed but I will say I highly recommend you go see it. It is very well done.

After the show I strolled around Disney Springs for a while. I stopped in at Ghiradellis for ice cream and originally thought the cashier said $6.95. No friends, it was $16.95!!! For a hot fudge sundae! Most expensive ice cream ever!

I ended the night at the pin shop, purchasing a few new DVC pins. Then I headed off on a lovely evening cruise on the Sassalouga back to my resort. ​