disneyland trip planning on touringplans.com

I posted a lovely little blog over on TouringPlans.com today. I can't believe my Disneyland trip is less than two weeks away. Check out some planning tips and leave some comments on the article here.

disney's hilton head island resort

I hope I didn't mess with anyone's head by actually posting here. Don't worry, it freaked me out too. But I'm coming back with vengeance and talking about a Disney's Best Kept Secret. No, I don't mean DVC overall. I mean Disney's Hilton Head Island DVC Resort. 

Nestled in the gorgeous spanish moss of Hilton Head Island is Disney's Hilton Head Island DVC Resort. Upon entering it, I must say. This thing does not look that darn impressive. But it is. 

Caveat. I actually didn't stay at the resort. I just roamed it for hours so I won't speak of the rooms. I don't own at this resort and let me tell you booking a points reservation after the 11 month window opens for owners is pretty difficult. But now that I've had a taste I'm definitely going to try harder. Also, if you didn't know what I was talking about with that 11 month window jargon. Check this out.

So I entered the resort and although it was gorgeous I was a little underwhelmed. It is a tad bit of a confusing lay out unless you ask for a map, which later I did and felt a little dumb, so ask if you visit. Another thing to note. This resort is on a mossy bay type area. You'll have to take a shuttle to the beach resort that Disney has for beach access and fun. I heard this was GORGEOUS. But alas, we did not see it. So you walk in and pretty much just see:

If you walk up there, you can get a map and treat yourself to some yummy lemonade water. This is just the entrance and the little pool hall sit down area. You might also be able to spot Shadow the dog that lives on the resort. We didn't, however, and I almost died from sadness as a result.

After cooling off with lemon water/lemonade whatever it was and grabbing a map we headed out on a walk through the resort to find all the goods. The views here are amazing. I felt like a southern belle in the old south!

A quick walk down a gorgeous path brings you to the pool. As soon as we started walking down it and people were riding their bikes by I knew this was a hidden gem. We went in July, a prime month on the island, and the vibe of the resort was friends gathering back each summer. The pool area is well kept, with many chairs and a fun slide. There are also little games for the kids like shuffleboard and a pier out into the mossy bay. 

The gift shop is complete with little treasures and food for your villa. The community hall provided nothing that impressive. There is also a spot to get pool snacky food and lunch by the pool. Leading out to the pier was my favorite sign ever:

Seriously. I teared up when I saw it. 

Okay. So there's the gist of Hilton Head. And as Diego would say in Go Diego Go... "How did Hilton Head do? Let's review!"

Things I <3'd:

• The atmosphere-wow. Like a summer home.
• The pool and spa area. Nice! Though, like all Disney pools, could be larger.
• That darn sign!
• The games, fire pit and moves they have at night.
• Hilton Head Island overall.

Things I :( 

• That you have to take a shuttle to the Beach House. Now, I haven't seen it. But still a tad of an inconvenience right? I'll change my mind after seeing it, or please leave comments if it isn't that bad!
• How hard it is to get a points reservation.
• How expensive it is on cash.

So let's break it down if you wanted to BUY a Hilton Head DVC!

For new members! $80 per point; 160-point minimum purchase.

For existing member add on! $80 per point; 25-point minimum purchase.

How many points do you need? Well here's a point chart I snagged off the fabulous (and seriously the best DVC site not just my silly blog DVCNews.com).

So. How's about them apples for a return post? And more seriously, what do you think about a Hilton Head Island DVC? Would you go out of your way to visit? Do you live in the South like me and enjoy a little getaway with southern charm? Let me know here in a comment, in a tweet to @kidanikatie or find this post on the hipster G+ and +1 it! See you soon then!

loving in disney part III! activities!

Part III of III 

You’ve made it! Part III of the sappiest Disney series I’ve ever done on this blog. In honor of Valentine’s Day next week we have been discussing how to make Disney romantic in three parts. Check out lodging and dining before going on to ready today’s post!

All about… activities!

Yes, those really romantic little things that make you swoon at Disney. 

Disney World

Mini golf! I’ve never done it but can you imagine? This is the quintessential romantic date! Try for an evening round after a romantic dinner on property. Laugh at your girl attempting to put put in the heels she wore to California Grill! This is truly something I’d love to try at Disney World.

A dole whip on the beach. The Poly beach that is! There is nothing I love more than heading to the Poly at night, sitting in a swing on the beach and enjoying my favorite Disney treat. I love it when the night is breezy and you can just enjoy the quiet. Which leads me to my next idea… stay for Wishes on the Poly beach! They pipe in the music and it is truly romantic. Lay in a hammock if you can and catch the show. Swoon.

Characters in Flight at night. Dinner in Downtown Disney, uber romantic right? Before the drinks at Paradiso 37, try out Characters in Flight at nighttime. It runs about $16 per person and is worth it for that little something special. Imagine looking out over Disney World at night high up in the air holding hands. Swoon! Also, apparently I love holding hands. Don’t you?

A resort bar. Yup. Any of them. Just head there after dinner and talk. We don’t do enough of learning about each other and over drinks with nothing else to do is the perfect time. Tell your life story, or a funny story or just gaze into each other’s eyes. My recommendation? Martha’s Vineyard at the Beach Club Resort.

A carriage ride at Port Orleans Riverside. Yes you read that right. A horse and carriage ride down the lit path of Port Orleans! Guys, you will totally steal her heart away with this one. Trust me. It is a bit pricey but splurge a little for your Valentine! If it is chilly, they will wrap you up in an adorable blanket.

Staying late. Sounds super silly right? But my all time favorite romantic thing to do at Disney World is stay as late as you can in a park after it closes. We’re talking security is kicking you out. Preferably in Magic Kingdom or Epcot. Stroll the World Showcase with no one in it, the lights all lit… Sigh. No kidding. Imagine this scene, holding hands with someone special quietly through France and just stopping near the fountain taking in the sites with no one else around. I’m sure you’ll fall in love too.

Disneyland

Room Service. Well, this I’m sure sounds insane. But while we were staying at the Grand Californian we had some of the best room service. Got in our PJ’s, snuggled in bed and just ate while watching TV. As crazy as it sounds, as auditors for public accounting firms this is exactly what we do NOT get to do at home. So it is the perfect romantic vacation activity.

I’m in love with Downtown Disney. And I think it is a perfect romantic activity in Disney World. Whether day or night (preferably night), stroll through the stores holding hands, catch some of the live performers or take in a couple of the bars. It makes for a great evening.

A ride on the Columbia. I loved catching a ride on this gem while at Disneyland for the first time. It was such an awesome way to see the park, a great viewpoint for pictures and amazing for leaning over the edge taking in the sites, the wind in your hair.

Hearthstone Lounge. Uber romantical bar at the Grand Californian. Your favorite drink. A little schmoozy cuddling that makes others around you want to vom. You know the drill. A perfect romantic spot for your Valentine.

World of freaking Color. Done and done!! After dinner at Wine Country Trattoria, head over to your perfect spot and take in my favorite Disney show. I dare you not to grab your Valentine’s hand and tear up during “the Lion King scene”!
 

Let’s go swing dancing. So word on the street is that on Friday and Saturday nights in Disneyland you can swing dance in the Plaza Gardens. Yes, cutsey dancing in Disneyland. IN Disneyland. I’m sure you are dead now ladies, because I am. That’s my winner of adorable and dreamy things you can do with your Valentine at Walt’s original.

So there you have it folks. A three part series on super romantic and loving things you can do with your Valentine in Disney World and Disneyland. Lodging, Dining, Activities. We went through them all. Any activities to add? Any cute romantic tips to touch on? Leave a comment readers!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

loving in disney part II

Dining Part II of III

Welcome to Part II of the Romantical Disney Series! In honor of Valentine’s Day next week.  I’m talking about how to make Disney romantic! Check out part one, lodging, here.

So you’re obvi in the romantic Disney mood and back for more babble. So here goes part II! Dining.

Dining in Disney for the lovies is not that easy. For some reason, kids tend to melt the heck down during meals and more often than not you are stuck next to the three year old that just wanted to play by the pool and then eat a hot dog but his parents made him go to Jiko.

Here me this.

Go at off dining times. Preferably late. After 7 or 8pm. Trust me. I have found this helps your three year old meltdown problem substantially. (Not that I hate three year olds and/or babies. I mean, have you seen Campbell Grace?!)

Now that I have made that clear, let’s talk about some romantic dining options at Disney.

Disney World

First off, California Grill. You were expecting this one right? I’ll accept that. This place, while not my favorite, is darn romantic. Ask for a window seat and be blown away by the views. Enjoy a drink. Savor the meal. Take your time and catch Wishes. We dined here in celebration of my new job and it was very worth it. Check out my review here. I enjoyed taking the time to dress up a bit and have a nice meal in Disney. Save the fret and just get a cab to and from dinner. Trust me on this one. Make it a whole evening.

Next up on the list? The San Angel Inn. Okay, so I wouldn’t rate the food as the best, but have you seen this place? Swoon city. Dark, relatively quiet, seat by the water when there aren’t drunk crew members singing in the boats going by. You get the idea. After a romantic dinner, hide out in a corner table in La Cava cuddling and enjoying a drink before Illuminations. Sounds like an oh-so-perfect evening to me.

Tutto Italia (on the patio outside). Again, the food was good here, not the best, but good. But when we sat outside while we ate and drank wine watching Epcot go by? Romantic!  I love Italy. Runner up here is a Via Napoli lunch date. This place is bright and fun and loving and I just like it. Split a pizza and an afternoon glass of wine and enjoy watching them cook the food right in front of you.

Wine has been a pattern here..

Last but not least. The winner. My favorite restaurant on Disney World property. The romantical of romantical places. Love it. Jiko.

I just fell in love. Just now.

Jiko is at the Animal Kingdom Lodge-Jambo House and is across from Boma downstairs. It is pricey and you should enjoy wine pairings if you go there. Also, expect this to be a three hour extravaganza. Yes my dears, it is a extravaganza. The place is uber romantic and the food and wine are WONDERFUL. The service, in my experience, has always been excellent and the uniqueness of the place is amazing. I’m semi afraid of fancy food but have always found something to eat at Jiko. After dinner? Grab a drink at Victoria Falls and just enjoy the Lodge. I will seriously pay someone to take me on this date right now. Will you be my Valentine?

Disneyland

Did I ever tell you I’m in love with Disneyland eateries. I’m also in love with the word eatery. Regardless, there are a bunch of options here for Disneyland sweethearts to get their lovey on.

Blue Bayou. Die. This place screams “hold my hand over the table!” It is dark, it is quiet and it sits nestled against the waters of the OH-SO-BETTER Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland. I love walking in here, I just swoon. It is gorgeous. Take your time to enjoy the drinks and the food and watch the ride boats go by. Dinner discussion? How good the gumbo is. Because it is fab.

Café Orleans. Die X 2. It is lunch time in Disneyland, so take your Valentine to Café Orleans and eat outside on the patio on that 75 and sunny Disneyland day. Seriously? Just split the pommes frites. And if you are as lucky as me, you’ll catch the little band that plays near the patio in the afternoon. Disneyland fans, what is their name?

Wine Country Trattoria. We ate here outside on a gorgeous night as the sun set before World of Color. Seriously just kill me now because it was that fantastic. The food was great, the service was great, the atmosphere was great and we walked right into a perfect spot for my all time favorite Disney thing, World of Color of course. So try it out. Eat outside if you can.

Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen. So this is in Downtown Disney, does that still count? Well it is my blog afterall. Again, I’m obsessed with patios or something. Or the fact that it’s 75 and sunny with a breeze every day in Disneyland, but we ate here outside watching the passersby in Disneyland and it was to die for. I love the whole Downtown Disney area of Disneyland. But we will get to that in part III people!

Napa Rose. The romanticals of all the romanticals. I’ve actually never eaten here. We had reservations one night but I cancelled them to see World of Color again because I am OBSESSED WITH WORLD OF COLOR. Point being. I’m dying to try this out and perhaps you should on Valentine’s Day with your Valentine if you are going to be in Disneyland then. Will you tell me about it?

So that concludes Part II of the Loving Disney series! Do you have some places for romantic dining in Disneyland or Disney World to suggest? Leave a comment and let us all know!

loving in disney part I

With Valentine’s Day approaching I thought that it would be the perfect time to talk about an oh-so-lovey-dovey topic! How to make a Disney vacation romantic!

I’ve actually not been one to vacation to Disney as a family yet. My niece’s first trip will be 2012, so I think things will change after that, but up until now Disney has been a couple’s getaway. A perfect spot for romance.

Screaming kids, melting ice cream and theme park rides = romantic right?

Bear with me.

Disney can be and IS in fact quite the romantic vacation destination.  So let’s start a three part serious on the topic split up into lodging, dining and activities! Here are some of my suggestions and then I hope you chip in yours.

Lodging Part I of III

Disney World

There are so many Disney World hotels that I can and would place in the romantic category that I had trouble picking just one. So I didn’t. Because it is my blog and I don’t have to. 

First up, my heart and soul, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. The dark interiors, the gorgeous lobby where you can sit and people watch and enjoy a drink, the quiet remote destination. Love. This resort is truly a lover’s paradise. And I’m not biased. Well I am.. but.. I’d choose The Animal Kingdom Lodge at Jambo House for a perfect romantic weekend getaway. Savanna view to wake up to in the morning and spending time at one of my favorite bars on Disney World property, Victoria Falls, at night. Call me crazy, but I truly feel like there is nothing more romantic than sitting at a cozy bar, laughing and people watching over a couple drinks, sometimes holding hands for just a moment. Sigh. Oh, I’m a little sappy because of Valentine’s Day huh?

Next up? Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. (Apparently my idea of romance is rustic from these last two suggestions) But hear me out. The lobby of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. A chilly February night. Finding one of the private cozy fireplaces on the second floor with the comfy couches. And just cuddling up, watching the world go by. Ladies = sigh. Guys = vom. The Wilderness Lodge grounds day, and especially at night, are perfect for a hand in hand stroll. Not staying here? Take the boat over and then just explore. Sometimes the best times for romance in Disney are down times and this is a perfect example.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts. I shocked you didn’t I? You thought these would be all deluxe. No sir. There is something about these sister resorts that make me want to fall in love. The grounds are gorgeous for a walk and the bar at Riverside is too quaint on a non-Yeehaw Bob night. There is also an activity you can do at Riverside that will make a girl all yours, so gentlemen, listen up during Part III of this series for the tip on Friday! 

The Polynesian. This was almost a “duh”. Romantic tiki torch lit paths, the beach at night, a boat ride to the Magic Kingdom. This has it all but with a hefty price tag. Here me now, readers, this is my LAST pick on the romantic scale. For what it’s worth. Save your money and experience the romance else ware. And use the money saved for a romantic activity! (part III people, part III)

Last but not least, the Boardwalk Resort. If nothing but for the location. Bars, restaurants and a romantic lit up boardwalk steps away from your room. I’ve often thought of staying here, my balcony over the boardwalk, waking up in the morning and taking a cup of coffee outside watching the world wake up. Sigh. 

Disneyland

Time for a three hour rant about how Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel is the best Disney hotel, the most romantic and most fantastical Disney resort EVER.

Not really.

But I could do one! And that is all that matters.  I love this hotel. Love it. It is like Wilderness Lodge on steroids and then X 100. The rooms are perfect, the views incredible, the location fantastic and the pool. THE POOL.

Picture this. You and your love by the pool on a perfect 80 and sunny southern California day. The pool chairs are plush and cushion-y and comfy. Swoon. A waiter walks by bringing you your favorite drink, he knows it by now, and something to snack on. Yes people, welcome to Disneyland. 

Die.

I haven’t stayed at any of the other hotels on Disneyland property so perhaps some of you can vouch for them. But it above it all, the Grand Californian is my pick for romantic Disneyland lodging.

So what do you think? Where do you stay for a little romance in Disney? Leave a comment and let us know!

wild africa price tag

So I’m not sure if you’ve noticed from my oh-so-whiny twitter stream but I’ve been working mad hours  lately, busy season in public accounting, and I’ve been saving and plotting and planning for the minute this internship ends to get away. Where you ask? Silly reader. Disney World.

By the way, I totally wanted to right “Silly reader, Trix are for kids” and I KNOW you thought it too. Admit it.

Regardless, so here I am working like 70 hour weeks (not exaggerating this time) and saving and scheming for a Disney World getaway.

Kidani Village, savanna view, in March. Can someone grab me my coffee and kindle? Because it is time to sit on my balcony as the sun rises watching the animals and reading a smut novel. 

And I decided I wanted a certain day of luxury on this trip. Heck, I’m banking time and a half for overtime right now. Why not have a treat? So I had my eye set on the brand new Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Let me just insert here that you may have noticed but I love everything Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The park, the lodge and villas, the tours. This seemed made for me.

So after I booked a Jiko dinner for that night (insert girlie squeal) I called up Disney Tours and got myself two slots for a Wild Africa Trek that morning. The convo went a little bit like this:

KK: “Hi, two for the Wild Africa Trek on March 10.”

Samantha: “Oh great we have to slots for the first tour of the day! You’re going to love this!”

KK: *dies of excitement*

Samantha: “Okay that will be $1 million dollars, your cat Benson, your niece’s toy chest and the rights to your home please.” ($189 per person)

KK: “I’m sorry, what?” *dies of disappointment*

Samantha: “I realize this may seem expensive but in April it will actually cost $2 million dollars, both cats Benson and Gus, your niece’s toy chest, the rights to your home AND first born. So you are actually saving $1 million dollars, Gus and your first born. It is a very good deal.” ($249, savings of $60 per person)

KK: *faints and hangs up phone*

Listen readers, there is luxury and ridiculous. I did NOT book this tour and I don’t know if I will in the future. $400 for 3 hours for two people? This seems insane. But then I got to thinking…

What happens on this tour that they felt like they could get away charging this price? Do I get to bring home a baby giraffe or something? Or has Disney just lost their minds?

So let’s start a debate of Disney pricing. (Also, let’s stay nice to each other.)

To put into perspective the cost of this tour, it is 3 hours for $189 or soon to be $249.

The Backstage Magic tour is 7 hours and $224.

So what do you think? Does anyone have a review? Is it worth it? Is Disney just insane? Who is still going to do the Wild Africa Trek and who’s thrown the idea in the trash? Leave a comment and let me know!

perfect days, parkless nights

I'm sure that when you think about heading down to Disney World or even Disneyland, for that matter, you immediatly start planning your days in the parks. I know it all too well. Commando in the morning, lunch and swim at the hotel, back in the parks for more insanity and the respective nighttime spectacular. I've got it. I know where your head's at.

But let me throw you a little idea. How about a day on Disney property not spent in the parks. You are probably thinking I'm the insane one now, but bear with me. This can truly be a wonderful idea. I'm not sure exactly when Disney became a run ragged un-vacation in people's minds. I'm almost positive that I've heard a parent tell their small child, "you will walk until your feet bleed!"

Yikes.

In my eyes, Disney can be, and is for me, the ultimate vacation. You are on property with not only amazing parks, but amazing other things to do as well! DVC members especially can appreciate this idea. I mean hey, we have like 50 more years of this place. Why wear it out?

So today I'm going to talk about a perfect day spent OUT of the parks, and then I want you to comment on your perfect out of park day too! Can it be done? Here we go.

To set the scene I'm staying at Kidani Village of course and it's a warm April day. (Hey, when I set the scene I REALLY set the scene.) If you'd like it can also be my birthday, April 21st, don't forget it! I have no alarm clock this morning because I don't have to be at a park before sun up.Shocking isn't it? When I finally awake I head over to the kitchen (I'm staying in one of the amazing one bedroom villas, obvi) and I make myself my favorite cappuchino (the maker is in my Owner's Locker, no joke) and a bagel and head out to the balcony where I enjoy breakfast and watch the animals as the sun shines on the savanna.

Love.

Afterwards I think I'll head down to the pool with a good juicy "I probably shouldn't be reading this smut" book on my Kindle. (Apprently I own a Kindle now) I lay out in the warm sun,on the most comfy pool chairs they have at Animal Kingdom Villas loving life. After I've exhausted myself with that luxury, it is time to start the day and I head back to the villa to wash up and get ready. My caveat here is that I pretty much always have a car on property so I'll be using that to putz around today. Your "out of park day" may be affected by Disney transportation.

I'm starving from all the hard work laying around reading in the sunshine, so I drive on over to the Poly for lunch at Kona Cafe. After that I head down to grab a dole whip and enjoy it on the beach in the breeze.

This is already the perfect day!

After the Poly I'm going to try something I never have on Disney property! Mini golf. What a cute little date afternoon. Anyone out there want to play an uber cute game of mini golf with me? And after that I'm heading down to Downtown Disney to do some shopping for all kinds of gifts for Campbell my niece. Let's be honest.

An exhausting afternoon of put-put and shopping, I think it is time to enjoy dinner at one of my new favorites Fulton's Crab House. I just tried this place a couple weeks ago with some girls from my firm while we were in Orlando for training and let me just say it was delish! Expensive. But hey. That is what my work's per diem was for. Tonight at Fulton's I'm requesting a window seat and enjoying the view.

After Fulton's it is time to head over to the boardwalk where I want to take some pictures of the scene at night. Shhh, I'm parking at the Beach Club, because I just love walking through those grounds at night and seeing the Boardwalk from across the water. I'm swooning right now. After perusing the Boardwalk and taking some pictures I want to enjoy some drinks with amazing company in one of my favorite bars in the area, Martha's Vinyard. Cheers to an amazing day and night.

So tell me reader, leave a comment to your amazing day outside of the parks at Disney. Don't be afraid to dream!