Talk about a fun week on the “job!”
Recently I was invited along with approximately 40 other travel agents to attend an Agent Education Program at Walt Disney World from February 7 – 11, 2017. Although I feel as if I am exceptionally knowledgeable of Disney and the products and services they provide I have only been in the “travel industry” for two months now. I was so excited to learn from the Disney professionals and experience some new offerings first hand.
Tuesday, February 7th
After an early flight out of New Orleans I landed in Orlando around 10:30 AM. I had preregistered with Disney’s Magical Express in order to take advantage of the complimentary motorcoach transportation and luggage delivery service between the Orlando International Airport and my Walt Disney World Resort. It’s such an easy process, and I was quickly on my way to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Check-in at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge went smoothly and thankfully my room was ready early! Disney magic right there! This was my first stay in Jambo House. Last year I stayed in a Savanna View one bedroom villa in Kidani Village so I was kinda nervous as to what a “standard view” room would be. I was pleasantly surprised! It was a great room and the view, although partially blocked by a tree, overlooked the pool area.
I had originally planned to take a short nap BUT I was at WALT DISNEY WORLD and the excitement took over! I decided instead to take a stroll around the resort, unpack my suitcase, and head on over to EPCOT!
The weather was perfect and guess what?!?! No lines at bag-check! Score! There was also a separate line at the entrance for Annual Passholders, which I found to be a nice touch. However, it wasn’t necessary as the crowds were so low.
I arrived at EPCOT around 3:00 PM and had approximately two hours until my first meeting…. Hmmmmm, what to do?!?!? I think I can find something to do…. Spaceship Earth, The Seas with Nemo and Friends, and Soarin’. Still had an hour to spare…. What else can I do…. Orange Slush at Les Vins des Chefs de France. Score again!
The park was so empty (well, as empty as Disney gets, anyway) and I STILL had 30 minutes to spare so I walked around World Showcase and just enjoyed some Disney people-watching. I ran into several others who looked like they were waiting on our group to meet up so I introduced myself and chatted for a bit.
After getting acquainted with our trainers and fellow travel agents dinner was served in a private dining room in the American Adventure Pavilion upstairs above the theater. The second story windows overlooked the World Showcase Lagoon and directly across the water was Spaceship Earth. Gorgeous view!
We then made our way to the Italy Isola West Plaza for a private Illuminations: Reflections of Earth Dessert Party. I have twice previously attended a Wishes! Dessert Party in the Magic Kingdom. It’s so nice to have a private spot to watch the fireworks, and the delicious desserts are a treat as well! (There’s no picture of the desserts because, well, I was too busy eating them.)
EPCOT had Extra Magic Hours tonight, but I was simply too tired to stay. We walked backstage and found a private motorcoach waiting to take us back to our resort. I’m sure I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. Long but fun day!
Wednesday, February 8th
More food? I am still full from last night, but we had a full breakfast buffet waiting on us at the Boardwalk Inn conference center. (Can I just say that these were the BEST cheddar grits that I have ever eaten!?! You may now carry on.) After several hours of training we toured the Boardwalk Inn and Villas. I have not spent much time on the Boardwalk so I was excited to explore a bit.
Our full day continued with lunch at the Landscape of Flavors, which is the quick service restaurant option located at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. We also spent time touring each themed area and inspected the standard rooms as well as the Family Suites. I now know firsthand why this is such a popular Value Resort! I highly recommend it for families!
The resort tours continued at Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows. We practiced our hula dancing in the lobby of the Great Ceremonial House and ate Dole Whips. Whatg a memorable Disney experience. We concluded our day’s training with a visit to both the Beach and Yacht Clubs.
I made it to the Magic Kingdom just in time for Once Upon a Time and Wishes! As a single traveler it was super easy to just weave in and out of the crowds on Main Street. I decided to head to Frontierland and try out the new menu at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe. The beef nachos (with some help from the “fixens bar”) were so good!
At this point it was around 8:30 PM and the Magic Kingdom had Extra Magic Hours until 10:00 PM. Now, understand this, when I say an attraction is a “walk on” you gotta know what that means. I literally just WALKED ON these attractions with absolutely no wait time except the time it took to walk through the queue: Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, and it’s a small world. All of that within an hour and a half!
Two days down, three more to go! I’ll pick up with Part Two soon! Thanks for reading!
A Disney Life for Me 
Nice post! It was a fun week & I enjoyed meeting you!
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You too, Tony! Stay turned for Part 2! 🙂
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