A Peaceful Day At Epcot!

[@cathybottos2653]

"Peak adulting. Where do I even go from here?" Love this. What a content place to be in -- SO over deserved for you right now. Hope your cruise brought you as much joy!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I'm just editing the first day of that trip now and it was SUBLIME. Can't wait for everyone to see it! And THANK YOU. It has been a challenging season and continues to be so YES the contentedness was needed.

[@CyndiAKADisneyqueen]

This will always be my favorite content of yours and I make no apologies for that! This just made me so happy to see my Jen in the parks having a joyful time! Lord knows I need a bit of joy right now!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Thank you, Cyndi!

[@Lady_Peaches]

Definitely agree AKL is a rest day / low park trip. Also can totally get away with standard view with the amount of viewing spots.

[@queenblackfrost]

Chip explaining to Jen that he and Dale are not brothers was everything! 🤣

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

He was hilarious. I never understand how they can be so funny with no words at all . . .it's a talent for sure!

[@spurmarks]

I always suspected they were partners...

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

@ I mean….

[@Lady_Peaches]

I was so shocked, like….. I had assumed they were brothers too.

[@ashlynneeley7302]

We stayed at animal kingdom lodge years ago when my kids were younger and they absolutely loved it. We were lucky enough to have a Savannah view room and when I open the curtains, a giraffe was right outside the window and I’ll never forget the look on my kids faces. Totally worth every penny and one of the best Disney moments.

[@lindsaybreslin7106]

“Make it make sense.” - one of the top five JL life phrases. Love your honest Disney critiquesx

[@DonaldClark-xp3tp]

Thank you for sharing your trip with us. I have never stayed at AKL. However, I visit on every trip to WDW. BOMA is my favorite place for dinner in all of WDW. Although, Le Cellier is a close second.

[@bronniepaterson4694]

Wow! This looks like such an adult way of doing Epcot. Chilling,doing everything at your own pace. Great advice about the restaurant for children with learning disabilities and adults too. I love the meals with meet n greats but I find it so stressful too… Love the animals…..👍🇬🇧❤️🦒

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Because most of the character dining options are frankly just pure chaos and even though the food is subpar it may be worth it because it’s so calm!!

[@heleng4319]

Loved this short series, it was very relaxing to watch, hope you felt rejuvenated after it. Animal Kingdom Lodge is my favourite resort hotel to visit and eat at when we visit. We were there at the beginning of September for 12 days ( from Wales, UK) and one of my favourite moments was sitting on the rockers on one of the lookouts while it was raining looking out at the Savannah after eating at Boma ❤️. Can’t imagine ever being able to afford to stay there but saying that this trip we booked All Star Music (cheap and cheerful) and ending up being moved and upgraded to New Orleans Riverside because of a leak in our bathroom from the bathroom above us! What a beautiful resort that is, somewhere I never thought we’d ever be able to stay, so you never know what could happen when you stay at Disney 😊 xx

[@1abbie4]

Really enjoyed this vlog, such a nice vibe. Thanks Jen! 💖

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it

[@susanfioravanti6331]

Love this! Such a relaxing, do what you want, taking in your surroundings- a good feel video to watch!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

It’s the best way! Thanks, Susan!

[@fabavb]

What a nice pleasant video! Enjoyed every minute of it!!!

[@mjhadley2001]

I lived your review of Animal Kingdom Lodge that I switched our April reservations from Riviera to AKL. We got a Savannah view! I can’t wait to meet your giraffe friends!!

[@tonigibson2473]

Staying at AKL is a huge goal of mine 😭 Someday!❤️ Glad you had the best, most well deserved time ❤️

[@ginafriebel2568]

Thank you so much for this video!! I am missing Disney and love resort only days. I love seeing you so relaxed at Disney

[@packyourpixiedust]

"The animals seem to be having a meeting." Ha ha ha! Love it!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Like seriously it was like a scene from the lion king!

[@packyourpixiedust]

@ it did look that way!

[@janine36]

Simba was clearly having an all-hands meeting 😀

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Right?! They were all in!

[@margaretmurphy6623]

The throwback to Great Hotels.... Golden! That got me through mothering newborn years

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

You never forget the shows that got your threw the baby stage!

[@michelleoneal8157]

I wasn't ready for this one to be over so soon. I really enjoyed coming along and because it was such a relaxed trip that I felt relaxed too. Love it!😊

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I'm so glad because at 30 minutes Iw as worried it was too long! Thank you!

[@user-ch9if6px6r]

We were flying from UK last week and the girl next to me said the plane was full of ride designers and they were closing Epcot for them one night. They were there for a convention. The Land is her fav ride.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Ahhh that makes sense!

[@lilyellens]

What a blissful little trip!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Yes! Blissful is the perfect word!

[@sarahcooley104]

Yay! Lunch break with Jen today! What a great Epcot morning and peaceful resort time.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

It really was, Sarah!

[@gloriadorau4585]

great video! My family and I were lucky enough to stay at this most beautiful hotel for one week many many years ago. I lived on our balcony too and explored the grounds. One of my favorite Disney Hotels especially for relaxing.

[@kathleenspeegle3517]

Your videos are such a lovely experience. You have such a positive energy and are a delight to watch. In addition, I appreciate your very informative tidbits! Thank you!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Thank you, Kathleen!! What a kind thing to say - very much appreciated.🥰

[@406disneyfan2]

What a beautiful day!!!! It’s so great to have the walls down! What a great vibe!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I’m truly stunned at how it makes getting around so much easier!

[@debramcguirk4333]

This video was lovely, made me smile the whole time. GaryC will be happy to know about George and Stephanie. 😁

[@juliajones2283]

When we fly in from the UK we have more recently flew into Melbourne airport and it’s so much better going to a small airport. Quick and easy and Just a hour & 15 mins drive to our hotel in Lake Buena Vista.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I smaller airport is a lovely idea!

[@cathymichaelson1507]

Thank you!! This was so wonderful. I want to do this…you’re an inspiration. We need this-especially this week.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Honestly it’s soul giving!!!

[@jamiefendley257]

Needed this today 💖

[@TerriR1818]

Thanks for this great video Jen. It feeds my soul as we were going to WDW in January and staying for six nights at AKL and had a savanna room booked. But an opportunity came up to go to Greece in the fall and I could not pass that up as that country is on my bucket list. I know waah waah. 😂 WDW will be definitely in my future and staying at AKL. 💖

[@kirstenbennett7958]

How neat to see the dolphins completing their check ups! We've never caught that before.

[@kirstenbennett7958]

And donettes on your balcony while watching all the animals? Nothing better! Sounds like a perfect afternoon. 💜🍩🦓🦒

[@roxannae3]

What a calm and relaxing video. We stayed at Kidani Village, my home resort, in August before our Disney Fantasy cruise. It was cold and storming and we watched the animals as they stood under the trees during the storm. It was amazingly peaceful, even with the thunder and lightening. Just before the storm, the animals' food truck came around and the cranes and zebras gathered around it. One of the younger zebras actually got on the truck bed and began eating from it. There was a baby zebra that was adorable to watch as it played and frolicked with another young zebra. Of course, there were majestic giraffes, at least three on our Savannah which is separate from the one at Jambo house. We ate dinner at the Mara and went back to our one bedroom villa, with two full baths after dinner. We didn't bother to go anywhere else that night because we had everything we needed right there. It was truly magical.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

It’s true! Everything you need right there!

[@roxannae3]

@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge 🙂

[@xwpfan2]

I will need to ask for row 10 now for Guardians because I did get motion sickness (not prone to it) the first time I rode it, and never attempted to ride it again.

[@bonitak8483]

As a solo traveler I find your videos so calming.,I love that give so much information and are truthful with your reviews. I live in Orlando and sometimes do a solo staycation at my dvc resort Old key west. I stayed at animal kingdom and also enjoyed it.😍

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Thank you so much!!

[@Lisa-zt3oj]

EPCOT is my happy place! Thanks for the lovely vlog!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Of course! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

[@debraswiderski3755]

Doesn't get any better than this. TFS.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

My pleasure! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@andreaduarte5073]

Thanks for sharing Jen.. Awesome as usual..One of these days i'm going to venture on a solo trip. 🙂

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

They are the best!!

[@willstegall2527]

Great video. We are taking my mom to Flower & Garden next year. Animal Kingdom Lodge is on our short list.

[@vickidills6522]

I was at WDW last fall when the same conference bought out Hollywood Studios with an early closure. It was a great way to get in a lot of attractions without crowds.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I got very lucky!

[@FiveHungryTravelers]

Oh yay- I have a trip coming up and specifically planned to go to the parks that are having holiday parties later in the day in hopes that they’d be empty in the morning. This looks glorious! 😊 Also- to work around the iffy food at Garden Grill I find breakfast is preferable. It’s just eggs and potatoes and such but more dependable, in my opinion.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

This is maybe the 3rd time I've timed it this way and it's always worked out beautifully especially first thing.

[@annellis8412]

I think you could make comfy clothesy a thing! I kind of love it and will probably be using it soon. I'm retiring at the end of this school year and can't wait to do a solo trip to Disney next fall. I want to do days like you're doing!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

They are the absolute best. No agenda, no real plan, just kind of wandering around and letting things happen….and woohoo! Congrats on your upcoming retirement!!

[@jcbnyc2009]

George is awesome!!!

[@loricaruthers223]

We were there on the same day as you! Wish we would’ve ran into you! My grandkids got on the Encanto show stage around 11! Empty Epcot was Awesome

[@loricaruthers223]

We also met Blessing by the AK lodge pool by the okapi! Small world.

[@lizwright8613]

Yay, what a fun trip! Jen, would you consider doing an Atlanta "staycation" sometime, to show those of us from elsewhere what you'd recommend when visiting?

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

If I ever left my suburb that would be an excellent idea! Seriously Scott and I have talked about staying downtown for a night and doing just this so hopefully soon!

[@juliajones2283]

I think if you have paid a lot to stay at this beautiful hotel, it’s good to have some quality time watching the animals and enjoying the hotel in general. As you say it’s a more relaxing / quieter trip for you. Xx

[@debbieschmidt1661]

We stayed at AKL on the concierges floor. You must at some point stay there. The food was great, the employees so welcoming, sitting up there was prefect, the VIEW

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I would LOVE that! Maybe someday!

[@jo1956]

I love guardians ride also. Rode it twice when they had extended hours when we were at Disney and I bought lightening lane and got VQ and got Conga twice! I think I’ve only got September song once. Also love just hanging out at AK when staying there. It is also one of our DVC resorts as we bought there when my son was young (now 24)! He still loves to go there. I was actually there with my son and husband while you were looking at the giraffes and zebra that same night and you happened to come up to me and told me the giraffes names and said it is better to see them with your camera. I didn’t even realize it was you until after you left (brain fog) and was like omg I watch her on KZbin! So nice to see part of that video.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Oh that’s so fun! I remember you!

[@sallypriest4363]

Loved it! Like you, I’m sad it’s over! I like the name George for a giraffe, but Stephanie, not so much. Gracie would be easier to remember and sounds better …. to me. Thanks for taking us alomg❣️

[@thaiswinmill2153]

You have convinced me to add this to my sooner than later dvc list! We just purchased in September and will be taking our first trip in January at our home resort: riviera

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

That's one of our homes, too! Welcome to the neighborhood!

[@kaylaandmarkalan]

I need a merch collab with Jen Lefforge and George and Stephanie. 😂

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Have their people call my people.

[@carlalively3296]

It's fun that you could find out your new best friends' names. Fun video.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Right? I mean how awkward otherwise.😆

[@packyourpixiedust]

How cool about the dolphin check!

[@SandRBudgetJourney]

Hi jen ❤ I found you from Adams videos 😊 I'm binge watching from the UK ❤😂

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

So glad you found me!

[@angelagoos2206]

That’s crazy how empty it was! I haven’t been since just before Covid.

[@SarahCooper17]

Amazing photo on Spaceship Earth 😂😂😂

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I was laughing so hard I was crying and I was all by myself which made it all the more absurd 🤣🤣🤣

[@rhillyermiles]

You'd think that they'd have a laminated list of the animals and their names in your room. Like at a nature park with their classification info, where they're from, what you might see out your balcony.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Yes that would be so cool!

[@Benasboysandgirl]

Loved this! Must do it one day. I’m loving the giraffe names. Would you believe my husband’s uncle George is married to aunt Stephanie?

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I love that!🤣🥰🥰🥰

[@MrSheals2U]

I’m still thinking about all those donuts you ate! 😂😂😂 So happy you had a good time and I want to try the flatbread next time we stay at AKL - Ciao for now! ❤

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I mean it was over three days! I’ve done worse for sure.

[@FLOWERSANDSUNSHINE22]

Jen, I'm happy for you AND jealous (not going to lie) that I'm not with you as a tag-along! EPCOT looked "dead". I agree with you on not having any construction walls up is so wonderful! I had a trip booked for September 2024 and had to cancel due to health reasons but I want to go back early November, 2025. I let my AP's expire after Covid so that's a bummer but, hey..we'll manage. I nearly spit out my ice tea on my laptop screen...... "the animals must be in a meeting"....🤣 Thanks for taking us along. AK is a beautiful resort for sure. My heart rests with Yacht Club, Boardwalk, The Dolphin and GF. We have stayed at Wilderness Lodge, Poly, POR and CBR as well but we really like the convenience of anchoring EPCOT. Now that I have Grand children, we will probably anchor MK. Looking forward to seeing where you are going on your next trip! Hugs from MA! 🙂

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Scott honestly doesn’t love AKL because he feels like it’s too isolated and much prefers the Epcot area too.

[@FLOWERSANDSUNSHINE22]

@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge 👍

[@Indigolden]

I love how you made no political commentary, but low-key said everything through your mug shopping. 😉

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

#resist 💙

[@Indigolden]

@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge 💙💙💙

[@jeannette992]

Such a great day! Breakfast at Garden Grill was good but I agree wouldn’t do lunch or dinner there.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Honestly it's just really far too expensive to have such mediocre food.

[@matilda2631]

Jen, you’re such an inspiration! I never get a good song on Guardians, I always get the one song that I don’t recognize, lol. I hope I get to meet you at WDW one of these day. Always love your videos, hugs from a fellow “Boy Mom” (and GiGi to 2 grandprincesses!) and lover of Disney World in Austin, Tx. 😊🎈

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I would love that!

[@matilda2631]

@ 😊

[@sheldonsmom119]

Garden Grill breakfast, to me, is better than the lunch or dinner options.

[@jackshea4470]

I usually do laundry before I leave. I hate traveling with dirty clothes

[@ellencole9766]

Not a DVC member, so would have to pay the shot…but I’d save a lot of money by never leaving the room!! AKL Savanna View has been on my bucket list since it opened. Those animals are the REAL magic! ❤

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Honestly it’s ridiculously priced but it’s the least expensive Deluxe resort and by far the most magical for me!

[@ellencole9766]

@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge It’s totally magical!

[@k.ashleynorton6553]

I’m just going to do this until I’m tired of it then do something else. ❤❤

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

It’s the best way really 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@kathleenmary1000]

wow. Did you pay for a full day ticket??!! Closing at 5 is really not ok unless the day ticket price is adjusted for the four hours you were denied in the park. Yikes. Always a fun video, thanks for sharing!!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I have an annual pass

[@Cullenore]

I’m home sick and missing out on all sorts of events I had planned, so this was sure the salve I needed ❤. I always enjoy the way you do WDW. I’ve never been, but if I ever do make it there I’ll go about things the way you do. Raised my kids going to Disneyland and always full speed ahead. That was fine then, but this gal is in a different season now and needs to watch the giraffes while sipping her grapefruit beer ❤. By the way, thank you for defaulting to female when choosing a “place-holder” gender for the one giraffe. One of my biggest pet peeves is how folks always assume male at any animal they encounter. Eye roll. Love you. Love your vlogs.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

UGH missing out on fun things for illness is THE WORST. I'm glad I could bring something fun to you! Hang in there!

[@yolandaperez4793]

Jen, when do they take the decorations down at EPCOT? I am hoping to take my daughter Jan 2nd.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

They will be up at least until then probably much longer - they’re typically up until after marathon weekend

[@yolandaperez4793]

@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge We are talking Christmas, right?

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

@ yes

[@yolandaperez4793]

@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Awesome! Thank you so much. Someone told me they take them down right away but I trust you more. :)

[@HeatherWinterHomes]

You are making a STRONG CASE for value for money on a half-park day!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I mean truly because wait times were so low I easily got done all you could in a full day and I only stayed until 2:30pm and didn't get there until 9:30am.

[@jillp1762]

Slightly obsessed????😂

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I mean…when I need to know something I need to know RIGHT NOW!😝

[@spiritualweatherman]

The fact that you would have spent less dining at Space 220 instead.🤯🤯🤯

[@roxannae3]

Oh yeah. That was a powerful but subtle nod to Michelle Obama. I am proud to say, my sentiment, exactly!

[@pixiegrrly69]

I've never been to WDW but Epcot was empty😮😮😮💙💙💙fun vlog so needed it😢😢

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

right?? Honestly it was the quietest I've ever seen it. I got VERY lucky!