Walt Disney World Spring 2022 - Part III - The Spoiled Life

#SavannaLife

I spent the first three nights of my visit at Port Orleans Riverside -- a moderate resort. The final five nights of my stay, I headed over to club level at the deluxe Animal Kingdom Lodge, which is my favourite. Upon arrival, I received the sparkly black magic band I had pre-ordered. It should be noted that this magic band was discounted, but they no longer provide resort guests with complementary magic bands.

Black sparkly magic band

Club level rooms at the AKL are Savanna View, so you get to see the animals, they all have balconies, and are wonderfully themed and comfortable. The shower toiletries are in a dispenser again, so more environmentally friendly, and there are lots of towels, coffee, and tea provided.

Coffee maker

Table for two

Comfy bed

I didn't use the second bed

Aside from the well-appointed, appropriately decorated rooms, club level guests also get access to the Kilimanjaro Lounge. Staffed by concierges and wait staff, this is the hub of a club stay. You check in at the desk, and are helped by the staff there. Sometimes, they can work miracles: for example, I tried for ages to get a reservations for Space 220, and failed. The desk staff got me in.

Also, you can drop in to the club any time when it's open (usually 7am to 10pm, I think), and get snacks, and beverages. In the morning and evening, snacks includes some hot food, and fairly nice light-bite type options.  I made it my habit to grab some smoked salmon, yogurt, and fruit for breakfast each morning. The evening offerings include hot hors d'oeuvres and frequently tasting spoons as well. They also offered wonderful cheese selections, and other options. The beverages include soft drinks, coffee, tea, waters, and beer, wine, and liqueurs.

Unlimited sparkling water! 😍

There were always free tables

Specialty coffee

The pool at Jambo House (the main AKL building), is lovely, and offers zero entry, as well as a slide. There is a pool bar, towels freely available, and lots of loungers. There are also a few hot tubs scattered about the periphery. The effect is tropical, and inviting.

Of course, the main attraction for the Animal Kingdom Lodge is all the animals. Apart from the in-room viewing from the balcony, there are many outlooks and overlooks to see the animals.

The flamingos are just off to the side of the pool

It was a lovely stay, but all good things must come to an end. And so, I had to check out, and grab an Uber to the airport. Fortunately, I have lounge access from my Amex card, so getting there early isn't an issue. I can relax, and start my flight off right.

Nice sparkling wine

Airport lounge bar

I was booked on Premium Rouge again to come home.  Air Canada has been having its issues lately, but they weren't evident on this flight. I had the traditional extra space, comfy seat, and excellent service I have come to expect. The catering was good, and they even had mimosas. All in all, the perfect end to a great trip.

Next: New Orleans 2022

 

Walt Disney World Spring 2022 - Part II Theme Park Changes

Main Street USA

The first major change, of course, is the need to make park reservations in order to go to the parks. You only have to choose the first, but you can't hop to a second one until after 2 pm. And the second, which I am not a fan of, is that they have done away with free Fastpasses, and you can now pay for Genie+ to allow you to have roughly the same service you used to get for free (now called Lightning Lane). You can also pay for some individual attractions. I paid $15US to skip the line for Avatar Flight of Passage. Was it worth it? Maybe, but you used to have a chance to do it for free.

Galaxy's Edge

Galaxy's Edge is the new (to me) Star Wars area in Disney Studios. It boasts heavy theming, two new Star Wars themed rides, and food and drink based in George Lucas' universe. The Cantina has a dj, instead of the band, which some might consider a missed opportunity, but imagine working there, and hearing that one song over and over! Probably best for cast mental health that that is not the case. All the drinks there are pre-mixed, and Star Wars themed. My favourite was the Fuzzy Tauntaun, which is basically a fuzzy navel, with a foam added that makes your mouth tingle. It's an interesting experience.

Cantina

Fuzzy Tauntaun

Rise of the Resistance is an incredibly elaborate attraction. It's not just a ride, really, it's immersive, and very exciting.  I did it twice, and lined up for close on 2 hours both times. I didn't resent the wait either time. Millenium Falcon: Smuggler's Run is also good although I never lined up for it, since it has a single riders line which I was fortunate enough to have active. The one thing about MF is that it is a little rough, and is probably going to have to join Universal's Simpsons ride as one I should avoid with my neck issues.

Rise of the Resistance

More Rise of the Resistance

Since the last time I was at WDW, the Toy Story land at Disney Studios has also filled out. I haven't done all the rides yet (I have a year, and multiple visits, so I'm not rushing anything), but I did try the Alien Swirling Saucers. It was cute, somewhat like Teacups, but you don't twirl yourself, and there's interesting mechanics on how rockets change which turntable they're on.

Alien Swirling Saucers

The hottest dinner ticket is Space 220. In my next post, I'll talk about how I got a reservation, but for now, it's enough to know I got it. The theming is quite good, and the food is really good, although the portions are a little... not little. I wish I'd brought an extra person to help me eat. I did enjoy the experience, though, and watching the 'tourists' play outside the restaurant was fun.

Viewport in the Space 220 "elevator"

View in Space 220

Attention to detail - Space 220

Hilariously, the theming in the restaurant is sufficiently extensive that you don't really get an idea what's going on back 'on Earth'. This is why I walked out of the restaurant, having taken the elevator back down from 'space', and into a massive, Florida-patented electrical storm and deluge. I thought, fondly, about the poncho that was sitting in my hotel room, as I ducked and ran like blazes to purchase a new one. I was already soaked by the time I got it, but at least I didn't get more soaked.

Remy's Ratatouille Adventure was another new ride I tried this trip. It's similar to Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railroad as far as tech goes. The major differences were that the line was longer, and it broke down for 10 minutes while I was riding it. The queue theming is really good, and the ride technology is interesting, but to me, it lacks the wow of Flight of Passage or Rise of the Resistance.  I wouldn't line up for more than 45 minutes to go on it again. 

Queue theming for Ratatouille

More Ratatouille theming - this means you're close

I saved some attractions for my next trip, so you'll have to stay tuned for my September visit.

Next: Part III - In Which I Am Spoiled