S3: E3 Breakfast with a Giraffe

    When I was younger my mom asked me every single year if I wanted to go to Disney World. Every single time I said no. Shocking, right?? I have never liked rollercoasters and I thought that's all it was, so why would I want to go? Little did I know, it is SO MUCH MORE than rollercoasters! The first time I finally went was when I was a sophomore in high school as part of the color guard with the band. Of course my mom came along as a chaperone (and she claims she had more fun than I did) but at least we finally got to go together.

    Now flash forward to one year ago, when I got to make HER dream Disney trip come true. 

    Any time I have gone to Disney I can usually only stay at the cheaper resorts... All-Star Movies, All-Star Music, Art of Animation, and then branching out to Port Orleans Riverside. Of course I would love to stay at a Deluxe resort, but that was always way out of my reach. Last summer, I was just looking at availability for a possible trip and throwing in dates when Animal Kingdom Lodge came up with a decent Cast Member discount that was surprisingly better than the other resorts! Next thing you know, I booked it! It seemed so surreal - I NEVER imaged we would be able to stay there. Not soon after that though we found out my Disney Store was closing and I would no longer be a Cast Member, BUT since I booked the resort beforehand I could thankfully keep the magic for it! The dream was becoming a reality!

    My mom, myself, and my best friend, Kellie, were there from September 26th - 30th, just before the 50th Anniversary. The parks were magical as always and luckily not too crowded. The weather was perfect and masks were only required indoors and on transportation. The resort itself was absolutely breathtaking. We ate our breakfast outside near the pool, walked all around to see the animals, and there is nothing like waking up and looking out your balcony to see the animals waking up, too. We had a perfect corner room with a Savanah view and the sunrise across the way. In the lobby there was a fireplace we would sit around, as well as a bar called Victoria Falls Lounge where I got a fun themed drink called Mt. Kilimarita! My mom spent as much time at the resort just taking it all in while Kellie and I enjoyed long park days. But honestly, you could just make a trip out of being at the resort the whole time. The last night was spent in the pool cooling off after a hot couple of days, but a little soak in the hot tub with the sounds of squawking flamingos nearby was top notch.

    There is so much more I could say, but instead I will share with visuals. Below are some pictures from the resort, hidden Mickeys, and the animals we saw from our room!

    A whole year has passed and I am still in disbelief this all happened. Even though I am no longer a Cast Member, I was more than happy to still be able to make magic. Disney magic is real. This trip was absolutely amazing and unforgettable. After all my mom has done for me throughout my life, it was the least I could do for her. We didn't get to eat breakfast with a giraffe or sit at the pool with a lion like she had hoped for, but we still enjoyed the view. 

-mvm-