The Murphys Are Live Again!!! Okw ~ Akl ~ Poly ~ 7/27-8/1

[TigrLvsPooh]

The Murphys are LIVE AGAIN
10th Wedding Anniversary at WDW
OKW ~ AKL ~ POLY
July 27 - August 1, 2008

From 1998.....

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Brendan%20and%20Erika/pic010.jpg

To 2008........

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Brendan%20and%20Erika/mebren07.jpg



Welcome everyone to our soon to be LIVE trip report from WDW! :woohoo: For those of you who haven't seen our Pre-Trip Report, here is a link so you can find out more about us, and read about our planning...... http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1890170

DH and I are celebrating 10 years of marriage and 10 years of magical trips to WDW!! :)

I wanted to post this thread a couple of days early because we are actually leaving tomorrow to take the kids down to grandma's house and we'll be away from our computer until Sunday when we arrive at WDW. So over the next couple of days feel free to post any questions you might have... I love to investigate things going on at the resorts and ask lots of questions, so if you have an upcoming trip to OKW, AKL, or the Poly and need some info I am ready and willing to help! :goodvibes

6 days of vacation without the kids seems hard to imagine right now... as a stay-at-home mom I've been with the boys 24/7 since school let out in May. So I'm anxious to have some more grown-up fun! :cool1:

I hope everyone enjoys our report. ;) There will be a LOT of pictures!!! I actually quit doing reports for a couple of years (didn't do any in 2006 or in 2007) but have recently got really into it again. If you haven't read one of our reports before here are some links to check them out! :thumbsup2 And I'll see you all again soon from the WORLD!!! :lovestruc


LIVE from the Beach Club - May 2008
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1806020


05/05/05 Celebration (multi thread)
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=816372
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=816472
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=817874
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=817914
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=8627952
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=820142
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=824776
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=824781
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=827418
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=830117


Poly 2003 (multi thread)
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=364324
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=364336
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=364345
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=364351
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=366607
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=366615
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=366927
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=367005
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=367011
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=367794
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=367796



Fan’s Guide: Walt Disney World
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=606868
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=619598
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=765721
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=875972


Live from the Poly http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=807189
Live from the WL http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=486921
Live from Pop Century http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=486186
Live from POFQ http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=556092
Live from VWL http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=560147
Back from the Swan http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=429176
OKW and YC http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=287721
OKW again! http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=199145
Grand Floridian http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=312893
Poly again! http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=361510
Live from BCV http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=363871
OKW yet again! http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=287734
Just back from CBR http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=163508
CBR trip report http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=163506
Grand Floridian again! http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=113873

[Dina]

Can't wait to read about your trip!!!!!

[Me&3]

I love your wedding photo what a cute start to your TR. I will read this when I get back. Again have a Happy Anniversary :lovestruc

[HockeyMomR]

Looking forward to reading your report!

[Mrs Grumpy]

Can't wait to read more!!! We are celebrating our 10th anniversary this year also but it won't be in WDW :sad1: Instead we will be celebrating our 11th year there instead.

[ADP]

Hi Erika,

Have a great trip! Looking forward to reading more. :)

[mickey2minnie1]

I'm hooked...popcorn::

[Amy&Dan]

Okay Erika, hurry up and get there so we can read all about it!

Amy

P.S. I extended my October trip an extra day, aren't you proud of me?? Again, thank goodness for Southwest!

[PixieDustandEeyore]

Can't wait to read your live TR hope you have loads of fun!!!!!

[GalDisney]

Have a wonderful time! :)

[TigrLvsPooh]

WE ARE HERE!!!!!!!!! :cool1:

We had a smooth flight and made it here on time. We had about a 30-45 minute wait for the ME bus to OKW, but I guess that's to be expected. We shared with SSR, POR, POFQ, and Fort Wilderness, but we were the first stop, so we lucked out with that. ;)

We are in the Old Turtle Pond section in a one bedroom villa on the 3rd floor... overlooking a nice pond area with the golf course right behind that. It's a nice area. We're pretty far from the HH but we are very close to the bus stop.

WeGoShop was just here and delivered our groceries and drinks! She was right on time and brought everything we orderd. She also provided us with a receipt from Walmart... plus a $17 delivery charge and tip. Not a bad deal for us since we don't have a car.

We're just kind of hanging out right now.... we'll be heading to MK tonight for EMHs and dinner at the GF Cafe. :) So far so good! Oh, and we also got our Happy Anniversary buttons at check-in. :lovestruc

[Steamboat Girlie]

Erika,
We are leaving for WDW to celebrate our 15th anniversary two weeks from today. We have two little boys, age 4 and 18 months, that we are leaving with their "Mimi". I have to admit, I was starting to have serious second thoughts about going without the boys. But your trip report is making me feel much better! Thanks for posting.

[TigrLvsPooh]

Well, we are prisoners in our room and starving!!! LOL :laughing: We are having a horrible storm right now, lightning and wind are insane. :eek: So I don't know when we'll get a chance to get out of here... according to weather.com we're past the middle of it, so maybe it's about half over. Our ADR is at 8:30, so we'll try to get there by then. Right now we hear sirens... must be an ambulance or fire truck nearby. :scared1:

[TigrLvsPooh]

Erika,
We are leaving for WDW to celebrate our 15th anniversary two weeks from today. We have two little boys, age 4 and 18 months, that we are leaving with their "Mimi". I have to admit, I was starting to have serious second thoughts about going without the boys. But your trip report is making me feel much better! Thanks for posting.

I miss my boys like crazy right now. :( But I'm going to do some shopping and bring them lots of surprises. :) And I know they are having fun with their "maw" right now. So that helps. We'll still call them every night at tuck-in time... but their faces at the door when we left this morning was hard to take. My babies!!!! :sad1:

[mazdabug]

Bump:goodvibes

[TigrLvsPooh]

While we're waiting for the thunder to quit here are some pictures from our balcony. :) Before the storm hit! ;)

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1198.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1195.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1196.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1199.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1197.jpg

[TigrLvsPooh]

I wanted to get a pic of this really cool bird, but I didn't get a chance before the storm hit... I think it was a black swan. :)

[TigrLvsPooh]

Ok, the storm is over and it's just rain now so we're outta here! :) We're off to the GF Cafe for dinner and then EMH at MK until 2:00 AM!!! WOOHOOO! :cool1:

[HockeyMomR]

Erika,
Glad the storm ended in time for dinner. Have a nice evening :)

[thesupersmartguy]

Hi Erika, nice to see you here on the Dis. I have the Travel Channel show on DVD to watch tonight, it's one of my favorite Disney shows. Hope you are having a great trip, we will be leaving in a week or so for our next WDW adventure (our 2nd this year with a 3rd coming up in December).

Hope everyone is doing well,

Super.

[Debs Hill]

Have a fab trip...............thanks for posting the OKW pictures, I am so home sick!!!! We have never stayed in that area before..........how long to walk to the main pool and HH? What is the quiet pool there like?
Debsx

[TigrLvsPooh]

Good Morning everyone! :)

Last night we had an OK dinner at the GF Cafe. At first we were very disappointed to see they got rid of the Land and Sea entree as well as the Prime Rib... :( but we had a pretty decent NY Strip, so it wasn't all bad. AllEarsNet will need to update the menu so other people aren't disappointed.

After our meal we took the monorail to MK and spent a short amount of time there. Wishes was just getting started, so we caught part of that, then did Buzz Lightyear (5 minute wait) the TTA (walk-on) and Haunted Mansion (walk-on). The park was very dead. I think the rain and strong thunderstorms kept people away. During the second Spectromagic there wasn't a single person lined up to watch in Liberty Square or Frontierland... just a few people on Main St and at the hub.

We headed back to our room around 11:30... we were really tired after a long day of traveling. The bus back to OKW was waiting for us, so we hopped right on and came straight here. Old Turtle Pond was the second stop. :)

We are heading out soon to check out the Village Pool (near the Turtle Shack) because it is closer to our building. I'll be sure to take along my camera to report back what it's like. We might also head to the main pool later. ;)

Tonight is Le Cellier! YUM! :goodvibes

[rpbear]

Good Morning Erika,

I am enjoying your live trip report. I have been reading your posts for many years and really enjoy them. Keep them coming.

[TigrLvsPooh]

Checking back in! :) We just spent about 3 hours at the main pool... had breakfast and lunch at Good's To Go. The pool is small but clean. We both liked the slide, it shoots out really fast. ;) We came back to take a short break and now we're heading over to the other pool. According to weather.com it looks like storms are headed this way so we probably won't be gone long. We didn't really take many pictures at the pool... it wasn't anything spectacular, no zero entry, one slide, and a splash area for kids. Oh, and a hot tub and sauna. We did enjoy the Buffett music that was playing and a few cold *beverages* while we relaxed. :thumbsup2

Here are a few pics from the pool....

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1204.jpg

The slide exit...........

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1203.jpg

A pic of us... I had to take it by holding my arm out as far as I could and guess where we were.... so it's not really centered and I look terrible, but oh well! LOL :laughing:

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1206.jpg

[TigrLvsPooh]

Have a fab trip...............thanks for posting the OKW pictures, I am so home sick!!!! We have never stayed in that area before..........how long to walk to the main pool and HH? What is the quiet pool there like?
Debsx

We timed the walk this morning from here (building 35) to the main pool at 9 minutes. To the quiet pool, 2 minutes. (we are only two buildings from the Old Turtle Pond pool (quiet pool) and snack area. Which also has a huge playground, hot tub, arcade, and shuffleboard. The water at the quiet pool was too warm for me, we didn't stay long, and it started raining anyway, so we are back in our room now.

[TigrLvsPooh]

We are back and had a great evening! :) After swimming again and taking another break we headed to MGM for bit just to walk around the new Pixar area and check to see if they had a stuffed WALL-E we could buy for our youngest DS. Surprisingly we didn't see much WALL-E stuff so we took the boat to Epcot. First we stopped off in France for a yummy Grey Goose slushy... yummmm :goodvibes then walked towards Le Cellier for our dinner. We were approached by a very nice CM who saw our anniversary buttons and asked us if we would like to come to a special Illuminations viewing spot later after dinner. We of course said YES and were excited! :thumbsup2

We arrived at Le Cellier about 10 minutes before our ADR time and got a table pretty quickly. They were offering a new special paper menu insert that gave appetizer/entree/dessert all at one set price and it WAS available for the Dining Plan. Super cool!!!! :cloud9: So DH and I both got the cheese soup (which we love and were super excited it was included with the DP without extra cost). For our entrees DH had Prime Rib and I had Salmon. They food was very good and of course the PRETZEL bread was my favorite and what I always look forward to. ;) For dessert we both had the chocolate MOOSE moussee. All in all it was a fine dinner, the atmosphere was quite loud, lots of kids and crying babies, but we have come to expect that with the single table service restaurants. Also our table was very small and crammed right next to two other couples... I felt like we should say HELLO and talk with them we were so close. :laughing: But it was OK. No big deal.

After dinner we headed to our special Illuminations viewing spot which was on a lower level near Yorkshire Fish and Chips. DH and I couldn't remember when we had watched Illuminations up close before... our boys get scared with the fireworks so we usually have to watch from far away. It was cool to see it together, and very romantic. :lovestruc

Getting the bus back to OKW wasn't too bad. We got back around 10:00 PM. We felt very lucky considering many other resorts had HUGE lines. Long enough that they'd probably need 4 buses or more. :scared1:

This is our last night at OKW. Tomorrow we check-in at the AKL on CL. Which should be fun. :) We're going to spend most of the day relaxing at the resort, and taking it easy. Depending on the rain we might head over to AK to ride Everest.

Here are some pics from tonight!!! :)

Here we are in our room getting ready to go out!

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1214.jpg

Here we are enjoying our Grey Goose slushies on the bridge near France. A nice man offered to take our pictures when he noticed us trying to take a pic by hold the camera out! LOL

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1216.jpg

If you want to see all our trip pics I've been uploading them to photobucket, I think you can just go there and type in "ekmurphy12". I think?? :confused: Not quit sure though. ;)

[IlovemythreeC's]

I am loving this so much ~ you are such a beautiful couple. Thanks so much for taking the time to share this with all of us :goodvibes

[TigrLvsPooh]

I am loving this so much ~ you are such a beautiful couple. Thanks so much for taking the time to share this with all of us :goodvibes

Thank you! :goodvibes We are having a great time. :thumbsup2 I do really miss the kids, but it's nice to come down and just relax without running from ride to ride. We're definitely taking the laid back approach to WDW and not stressing out about anything. We've been stopped by almost every CM we've walked past to get a Happy Anniversary wish. :lovestruc Which is really nice... sometimes it's hard to believe how fast 10 years can go. ;)

[thesupersmartguy]

Been enjoying you TR Erika, it's "Holding" me untill our trip next week:)

Have a great trip!

[shellbelle]

Yea!!! I love your live tr's!:dance3:

[Dina]

We stayed in Turtle Pond in 2007, and really loved it. We had such a lovely view from the balcony of the golf course and the fountain. I love OKW! Glad you're having a great time. We've gone without the kids twice, so I know how tough it is, but it's also such a different experience in Disney without the kids. Love all of your pics. I had one of those slushies a few weeks ago, and it was good!!!!

[Amy&Dan]

Oh Erika, I am really enjoying this and so jealous! But happy you guys are having such a great time. We love OKW, I agree the pool isn't spectacular but we love it there, I really enjoyed seeing your pictures. I also think that area you are in sounds nice, both times we have ended up in the HH section but the views are not nearly as nice as what you have. Can't wait to hear about AKL!

And I wonder if that thing you got at Le Cellier (3 course, fixed price) is getting people geared up for the 2009 DDP changes? I miss the appetizer so its nice you got to have that.

Have fun and keep posting!

[Spartangirl]

I'm LOVING your live report and glad to hear that you're having such a great time! Looking forward to hearing about the AKL. :goodvibes

[TigrLvsPooh]

JAMBO! :)

We are live from the AKL and LOVING IT! :cool1:

We checked out at OKW this morning and Bell Services drove us AND our luggage to AKL using a minivan from the resort. Such a nice treat! :thumbsup2 It made switching resorts a breeze and before we knew it we were here at AKL and being taken upstairs to check-in at the concierge desk on the 6th floor. We had a quick and easy check-in and then breakfast in the lounge. Muffins, bagels, fresh fruit, etc, a nice way to start the day. :cloud9: Our room wasn't ready yet so we headed to AK to kill some time... we did Dinosaur, Finding Nemo the Musical, and Expedition Everest. Here are some pics..........

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1226.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1231.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1232.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1233.jpg

[TigrLvsPooh]

We started to get pretty hot so we came back to AKL and walked around the resort checking out the animals and the new construction for the DVC villas. They are really coming along quickly!

A very nice CM in the lobby took our picture....

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1235.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1236.jpg

Around 2:00 PM our room was finally ready.... and a MAGICAL UPGRADE!! :worship:

COMING UP!!!!!!!!!!

[shellbelle]

Can't wait to hear more!:woohoo:

[TigrLvsPooh]

Ok, so we finally get to our room and WOW we are in a one bedroom villa and it is AMAZING!! We have taken 50+ trips to WDW and never had a room this nice... DVC has done a great job here making these villas absolutely beautiful! And we were also greeted with a lovely gift bag for our anniversary with a nice letter and two bottles of cologne... one womens and one for men. Such a nice gesture by the concierge staff! :lovestruc

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1243.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1244.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1247.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1249.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1250.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1251.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1254.jpg

Pics of our anniversary gift bag next...........

[TigrLvsPooh]

And our lovely gift bag......

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1255.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1257.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1259.jpg

[TigrLvsPooh]

Here are a few more pictures of our villa....

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1263.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1265.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1268.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1270.jpg

Tile in the bathroom..........


http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1271.jpg

[shellbelle]

How exciting to be upgraded to a 1 bedroom! :woohoo:

Makes me want to stay at AKL next year!;) It is beautiful!

[jerseygal]

I LOVED YOUR TRIP REPORTS AT BC!!!

Hope you have a WONDERFUL TRIP!!!!!


How does the AKL pool compare to SAB? Would LOVE A COMPARISON.....

Many thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!

The AKL villas look AWESOME!!!!!!!!!:goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes

[HockeyMomR]

Great pics, congratulations on the upgrade. I am glad you two are having such a great trip. We haven't stayed at AKL in a couple of years, but have truly enjoyed our stays there. The 1 bedroom villa is just beautiful!

[TigrLvsPooh]

Thanks everyone! :) We are really enjoying our villa... and we went down to check-out the evening offerings for concierge... I think they have seriously cut back on food since DVC has come... the other two times we were here on club level there was much more food. They don't have the kid buffet area at all tonight, just a couple of things for adults. And beer and wine are self serve. We witnessed some horrid behavior by several kids who were touching food and putting it back, taking bites out of things and throwing it away, playing with the coffee and espresso machines. The parents just watched and did nothing. :sad2: I couldn't believe the mom who let her son actually touch food and put it back, amazing. :eek: I don't understand why they would take away the kids food... before they always had chicken fingers and stuff kids could eat.

[Amy&Dan]

Hi Erika, that villa looks amazing! I think I know where our next add on will be...;)

That is awful those kids did that in the concierge lounge while their parents looked on. Nice.:sad2:

Love the pictures and updates, keep them coming!

[GalDisney]

Sounds like you are having a great time. Your room looks wonderful. Funny, I was at AKL today.Was just poking around sincne I had never been there before. I had lunch at the mara.I was there from 1:00 until after 2:00. Would have been fun to run into you two!

[TigrLvsPooh]

That would have been funny! :) We got back here around 2:00, or a little before, and were just walking around waiting for our room to be ready.

Tonight we ended up staying here at AKL instead of going to Epcot. We enjoyed our villa and walked around the resort. We went down by the pool, to several viewing areas, down to the firepit area, the lobby, the night vision area, etc, etc, just all over the place relaxing and enjoying our evening. Now we're back in the room just hanging out. Ahhhhhh :cloud9:

[TigrLvsPooh]

Good night everyone! :) We'll check back in with you all tomorrow from the POLY!!! :cool1:

[ADP]

Loving the live report Erika. Thanks for the pictures of the room. We love the villas. Can't wait for Kidani Village to come online. If you don't have DVC points there you need them....Addonitus must kick-in! :laughing:

That's awful about the kids in the lounge. Put it behind you and continue to have a fantastic time!

[jwwi]

How fun, what a beautiful room at AKV. I have stayed at OKW, 2bdrm, those rooms are huge. How does the AKV room compare? I love the pictures and the live updates, enjoy your vacation. And Congratulations on your 10th Anniversary.

[johnsonet]

Hi! I'm so happy to see your Live TR!
We loved AKL CL as always and are at Poly right now :cool1:
Your villa looks great and the colognes look gorgeous.
Sorry about your unpleasant experience with kids in the lounge... I have seen at least 2 kids there and one here at Poly club lounge with their hands down their pants :scared1: , in their noses and then right into the goldfish and gummy bears. Their parents have no idea b/c they're not watching their children. Gross - but not much I can do about it. Good luck and have fun. Hopefully I'll see you and say Hi here at the Poly tomorrow :)
Happy Anniversary. You and your husband are really cute :lovestruc

[IlovemythreeC's]

JAMBO! :)

We are live from the AKL and LOVING IT! :cool1:

We checked out at OKW this morning and Bell Services drove us AND our luggage to AKL using a minivan from the resort. Such a nice treat! :thumbsup2 It made switching resorts a breeze and before we knew it we were here at AKL and being taken upstairs to check-in at the concierge desk on the 6th floor. We had a quick and easy check-in and then breakfast in the lounge. Muffins, bagels, fresh fruit, etc, a nice way to start the day. :cloud9: Our room wasn't ready yet so we headed to AK to kill some time... we did Dinosaur, Finding Nemo the Musical, and Expedition Everest. Here are some pics..........

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1226.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1231.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1232.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1233.jpg


I LOVE your expression when you are on dinosaur. You are so pretty! It looks like ya'll are having the most amazing time.

[PolyAddict]

thanks for another great LIVE one!!!!:thumbsup2

[TigrLvsPooh]

How fun, what a beautiful room at AKV. I have stayed at OKW, 2bdrm, those rooms are huge. How does the AKV room compare? I love the pictures and the live updates, enjoy your vacation. And Congratulations on your 10th Anniversary.

OKW is nice but the AKV are in a different class. I feel like I'm in a hotel suite... not a condo. At OKW it always feels like our own apartment, like renting a house, but here I still feel like I'm in a hotel... being able to walk down the hall to the lounge for snack or drinks, or being able to walk around the lobby, walk to the gift shop, you don't get that feeling at OKW. You feel more remote, cut-off from castmembers and other people. Since we're here on a cash reservation we had turn-down service last night and a newspaper waiting for us this morning. DH just went down to the lounge to grab us some breakfast. :) So it definitely feels different than our previous nights at OKW.

Checking in to the POLY today!!! :cool1:

[Disneychix]

Your 1bdrm at AKV was amazing!! You've really sold me on staying there! (WDW should thank you!)

Enjoying your live report! :)

[TigrLvsPooh]

I LOVED YOUR TRIP REPORTS AT BC!!!

Hope you have a WONDERFUL TRIP!!!!!


How does the AKL pool compare to SAB? Would LOVE A COMPARISON.....

Many thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!

The AKL villas look AWESOME!!!!!!!!!:goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes


The best way I could compare the two would be to say the pool here at AKL doesn't have sand, doesn't have a lazy river, and isn't as big. But it does have zero entry, and a slide, and a TON of chairs. I think they have enough lounge chairs for everyone in the whole resort! ;) Which is always an issue at SAB.

[mickeynut1]

I have to agree with others that your 1 bedroom villa at AKL looks AWESOME :cool1: :cool1:. We are seriously considering buying into DVC Kadani Village and seeing yours pics are really telling me to just go for it :laughing:. I'm enjoying your live report :). Can't wait to see the rest of it from the Poly (one of our favorite resorts ;)).

[TigrLvsPooh]

Here are some pics from our balcony last night... it was a double (living room and master bedroom).

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1282.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1260-1.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1262-1.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1261-1.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1276.jpg


And a little treat on our bed last night.......

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1284.jpg

[WDWBetsy]

Love all the pics and reading your report. You two look so happy and relaxed! DH and I will celebrate our 10th anniversary in November - I'm still trying to sneak in a getaway for the two of us for early next year.

Can't wait to read more! :thumbsup2

[princessesrule4]

Thanks for your report and all the great pics!:)

[Steamboat Girlie]

Great photos. Would you mind posting which trail and savannah you are on?
I have never stayed at AKL, but will be staying there in just 10 days. I am trying to gain some perspective of the different savannahs.
Thanks.

[mkycrzy1971]

We are back and had a great evening! :) After swimming again and taking another break we headed to MGM for bit just to walk around the new Pixar area and check to see if they had a stuffed WALL-E we could buy for our youngest DS. Surprisingly we didn't see much WALL-E stuff so we took the boat to Epcot. First we stopped off in France for a yummy Grey Goose slushy... yummmm :goodvibes then walked towards Le Cellier for our dinner. We were approached by a very nice CM who saw our anniversary buttons and asked us if we would like to come to a special Illuminations viewing spot later after dinner. We of course said YES and were excited! :thumbsup2

We arrived at Le Cellier about 10 minutes before our ADR time and got a table pretty quickly. They were offering a new special paper menu insert that gave appetizer/entree/dessert all at one set price and it WAS available for the Dining Plan. Super cool!!!! :cloud9: So DH and I both got the cheese soup (which we love and were super excited it was included with the DP without extra cost). For our entrees DH had Prime Rib and I had Salmon. They food was very good and of course the PRETZEL bread was my favorite and what I always look forward to. ;) For dessert we both had the chocolate MOOSE moussee. All in all it was a fine dinner, the atmosphere was quite loud, lots of kids and crying babies, but we have come to expect that with the single table service restaurants. Also our table was very small and crammed right next to two other couples... I felt like we should say HELLO and talk with them we were so close. :laughing: But it was OK. No big deal.

After dinner we headed to our special Illuminations viewing spot which was on a lower level near Yorkshire Fish and Chips. DH and I couldn't remember when we had watched Illuminations up close before... our boys get scared with the fireworks so we usually have to watch from far away. It was cool to see it together, and very romantic. :lovestruc

Getting the bus back to OKW wasn't too bad. We got back around 10:00 PM. We felt very lucky considering many other resorts had HUGE lines. Long enough that they'd probably need 4 buses or more. :scared1:

This is our last night at OKW. Tomorrow we check-in at the AKL on CL. Which should be fun. :) We're going to spend most of the day relaxing at the resort, and taking it easy. Depending on the rain we might head over to AK to ride Everest.

Here are some pics from tonight!!! :)

Here we are in our room getting ready to go out!

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1214.jpg

Here we are enjoying our Grey Goose slushies on the bridge near France. A nice man offered to take our pictures when he noticed us trying to take a pic by hold the camera out! LOL

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1216.jpg

If you want to see all our trip pics I've been uploading them to photobucket, I think you can just go there and type in "ekmurphy12". I think?? :confused: Not quit sure though. ;)


Hello fellow Hoosier! Just a quick question for you regarding your LeCellier experience...is the new set price menu something they will be offering from now on, or was it just something that was more of a "special"?? We will be dining at LeCellier in Sept for the first time and I cannot wait to try the Cheese Soup :woohoo: Maybe I will not have to pay out of pocket for it afterall!

[TigrLvsPooh]

Great photos. Would you mind posting which trail and savannah you are on?
I have never stayed at AKL, but will be staying there in just 10 days. I am trying to gain some perspective of the different savannahs.
Thanks.

We were on Kudu Trail on the Arusha Savannah side. On the 5th floor, room 5313. :)

[TigrLvsPooh]

Hello fellow Hoosier! Just a quick question for you regarding your LeCellier experience...is the new set price menu something they will be offering from now on, or was it just something that was more of a "special"?? We will be dining at LeCellier in Sept for the first time and I cannot wait to try the Cheese Soup :woohoo: Maybe I will not have to pay out of pocket for it afterall!

The server said it was a brand new menu, and it was printed on paper in a tri-fold type of presentation that seemed to be substantial enough to last quite a long time. I wouldn't guess it's going away anytime soon, but I'm not sure. You have three choices of appetizer... soup, salad, and one other one I can't remember, then 4 entree choices, prime rib, salmon, mushroom ravioli, and I think chicken, then 3 dessert choices, sherbert, creme brulee, and chocolate "moose". $36.99 or one table service credit. :)

[TigrLvsPooh]

ALOHA!!!! :goodvibes

We are here at the Poly and having a great time! :thumbsup2 We checked out of AKL this morning and took a taxi around 10:00 AM. At the front desk we were magically surprised with a complimentary upgrade to CONCIERGE! :cool1: DH and I couldn't believe it, what are the chances of getting upgraded twice in a row?? Awesome!!!! :cloud9:

We were taken over to the Hawaii building where we got our packet of info and went upstairs to the lounge to have breakfast (again) :laughing: Our room wasn't ready so we took the boat to MK.

Here are some pics we took this afternoon while waiting for our room to be ready :)

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1297.jpg

Our Hawaii building :)

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1300.jpg

Boat from Poly to MK ;)

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1304.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1309.jpg

Also I got to meet fellow DISer johnsonet down in the lounge!!! Which was great, and she is such a nice person. She was telling us about her stay at AKL and Poly, and then she's on to GF and BC. She's staying in more resorts than even we are! :laughing:

[TigrLvsPooh]

After going to MK (boy was it HOTTTT today) we headed back to Poly to see if our room might be ready. We finally got it at 3:00 PM, we're on the 3rd floor overlooking the quiet pool. :) Here are pics........

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1331.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1335.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1339.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1343.jpg

[rpbear]

Congratulations on another magical upgrade. I leave in the morning at 7:45 for the world. Your trip reports have helped the days pass faster. Thank you! :)

[TigrLvsPooh]

Views from our balcony..........

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1336.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1341.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1342.jpg

[rpbear]

Hi Erika,

Did you notice any wait times for the rides while you were at MK? I am just wondering how busy the parks are this week.

Thanks,
Lucy

[TigrLvsPooh]

The concierge lounge......

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1318.jpg

The Contemporary villas........

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1315.jpg

[TigrLvsPooh]

Hi Erika,

Did you notice any wait times for the rides while you were at MK? I am just wondering how busy the parks are this week.

Thanks,
Lucy

We were at MK from about 11:30 AM until about 1:30. Splash was 70 minutes, POTC was 10 minutes, Pooh was 30 minutes, the only thing we rode was POTC. We got fast passes for Splash but gave them away because we were so hot and it started thundering really bad. The humidity was crazy today. The rain hit right around the time we got back to the monorail. When we got back to the Poly the pool was closed and it was storming pretty bad, so we just hung out in the GCH then back to our room to relax. :)

[TigrLvsPooh]

Here's a funny one! :lmao:

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1330.jpg

[GalDisney]

Congrats on the upgrade! You sure are receiving the Disney magic :)

[TigrLvsPooh]

Tonight we are heading to Epcot first, then MGM for EMHs til 1:00 AM. If we make it that late. ;) Tomorrow is our last full day :( we'll hit Epcot in the morning to do Soarin', TT, and MS, then swim in the afternoon. Then finish off the trip with Wishes. :lovestruc And maybe a trip to DTD afterwards if I can get DH to shop with me! :goodvibes

[accountingbabe08]

great report. Have a great time!!:thumbsup2

[TigrLvsPooh]

Back to the room again. ;) We went to Epcot tonight, after snacking in the lounge on some yummy chicken legs and fried rice, but didn't last long. Wait times for Soarin and Test Track were 70 and 80 minutes. No thanks. :laughing: I bought out the Japanese toy store of Pokemon toys and then we just walked around and came back. Now we're heading down to swim .... the pool is open 24 hours a day. Planning to watch Wishes! :)

[TigrLvsPooh]

We went down to swim for a bit then watched Wishes from the beach. :lovestruc A perfect end to a perfect day. :)

Someone had asked about bounceback, yes it is still being offered. :) Through December 13th.

Any other questions feel free to ask! :thumbsup2

[mistydoodles]

Hi Erika. I just found your trip report ( and now it is almost over ) and I love it. Happy Anniversary. My husband and I are celebrating our 10th Anniversary as well. It was July 13th but I can't stand the heat so we are going to WDW in November instead.

I have really enjoyed all your pictures, especially of the resorts. Thank you for sharing.

I hope you have a wonderful last full day!!! Have fun. :goodvibes

Melissa

[Amy&Dan]

Wow, two upgrades in one trip! Couldn't happen to nicer dis folks! Enjoy the Poly.

[Debs Hill]

Loving your trip report.............and you are SO lucky with 2 up-grades, that's brilliant!!!
Did you say that there was a Japanese toy store in EPCOT that sold Pokemon!?!!! I have a POkemon mad 8 year old who is desparate to know!!!ha!
Debsx

[TigrLvsPooh]

Loving your trip report.............and you are SO lucky with 2 up-grades, that's brilliant!!!
Did you say that there was a Japanese toy store in EPCOT that sold Pokemon!?!!! I have a POkemon mad 8 year old who is desparate to know!!!ha!
Debsx

YES! They have Pokemon figures, cards, and stuffed Pokemon as well. :) Everytime we come we spend more money there than anywhere else! :lmao: They also sell YuGiOh stuff, and the new Bakugon toys as well.

[Debs Hill]

Oh my goodness!!! My son will be in absolute heaven!!! Is that within the main Japanese department store, or is a separate shop? Was thinking of taking him to eat at Teppon Endo and then a trip to see the Pokemon if he's good! ha! ha !
Debsxxx

[TigrLvsPooh]

It's the main store, right under the restaurant. :) ENJOY! And bring LOTS of money. :lmao: The stuffed are $11.50 and the figures are $5.50 each. ;) For cards they have the small packs or the big ones too. And some other Pokemon things like a Pikachu kite, different pillows with the characters on them, candy, pokedex books, board games, etc. :goodvibes

[CruisingCamper]

Congrats on your upgrades!! Do you think it's b/c it's your anniversary or b/c you've been to WDW so many times!! Wow!!

I really hope it's b/c it's your anniversary, maybe we'll get one in Sept, we'll be there for our Annniversary then.:)

Have a Great time and I've enjoyed your reports!!

[TigrLvsPooh]

Well, it's been a rainy afternoon here at WDW. We were able to get a couple of hours at MGM this morning (rode Rock n Roller Coaster, Great Movie Ride, and Prince Caspian) but we got out of the park right before the hard rain came. We decided to come back to the Poly and have lunch at Kona... soooooo good!!! :thumbsup2 I always say it's the best restaurant on property... the food is always fantastic! :goodvibes

This afternoon we've just been hanging out in our room waiting for the rain to quit. It doesn't look like it will so we're heading to DTD to see a movie and do some shopping. Here are a few pics from today..........

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1345.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1350.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1351.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1364.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1367.jpg

[jwwi]

Congratulations on your two upgrades. It seems like you are having a relaxing vacation, sorry about the rain though. Have fun.

[arielfan]

I have a question do you know if the tv's at OKW have channel 96 the disney cartoons?? We are staying there in December and my daughter loves that channel! Thank you in advance.:happytv:

[TigrLvsPooh]

Hello DIS friends! :) I'm sorry I vanished on you guys, our laptop died and we just got home today. We had a GREAT vacation and I've got more to report and more pictures to post in just a little bit. If you have more questions fire away!!! :thumbsup2

[Eeyore's My Favorite]

Erika - loved your TR. DH & I are headed to AKL in September to celebrate our 23rd anniversary so loved seeing the pictures of the rooms & getting other information about the resort. Can't wait to hear how the rest of your trip went. Congrats on all the magical upgrades!:cutie:

[TigrLvsPooh]

Ok... so when I last left you guys we were in our room on our last day just hanging out and waiting for the rain to stop. It finally did so we hopped the boat to MK for our last night in WDW! :cloud9:

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1379.jpg

[TigrLvsPooh]

I have a question do you know if the tv's at OKW have channel 96 the disney cartoons?? We are staying there in December and my daughter loves that channel! Thank you in advance.:happytv:

Hi there! :)

Sorry I don't remember if they had that channel or not. We didn't really pay attention to the kid stations this trip. ;) But I assume OKW has the same channels that the other resorts have. They definitely have the Disney Channel, and the channel that tells about the Top Must See Attractions, and another channel for DVC, and one for planning your next trip. Also company clips. Sorry I wasn't more help.

[mistydoodles]

Can't wait. I am looking forward to the rest of your report. :goodvibes

[TigrLvsPooh]

We got to MK around 6:00 PM and were able to hit a few attractions... Mickey's Philharmagic, It's a Small World, Big Thunder Mountain RR, and the Tiki Room. :) And I finally got my DOLE WHIP! Yummmmm! :cloud9: We did some shopping on Main Street, caught part of Spectromagic, and then took the boat back to the Poly just in time to grab some dessert in the lounge and watch Wishes from the beach one last time. :sad1: :) I wish I knew how to post a video here... I have a really awesome one from that night on the beach with Wishes. :thumbsup2 Maybe if someone knows they can tell me how to post it.

The next morning we slept in late, had breakfast in the lounge, and then had about an hour to kill before taking ME to the airport. So we walked around the resort and took the boat to MK and back, just a nice relaxing time and a beautiful sunny day. :) We checked out right at 11:00 and got on the bus around 11:30. It was sad to leave, but we missed our kids and we felt ready to go home. I have to say it was one of the best vacations DH and I have ever had... so many magical memories and special moments. I can't wait to see our photopass pictures and do the scrapbook! :)

My final thoughts on our trip.........

First of all, now that I'm back home and I've had a chance to digest everything, I am in SHOCK we were able to get 2 upgrades! That never happens. :) Being upgraded to the one bedroom villa at AKL was amazing, we definintely want to go back and take the kids... they would love that villa so much, and they already love AKL, so it would be an awesome trip! :) We actually liked it so much we called to check availability for our October trip (we are currently booked at the CR with the bounceback promotion) but they didn't have availability. Oh well, maybe next time. ;) I think the key to the upgrade was the fact that we told CRO it was our anniversary when we booked, and also we were only there one night which really increases your chance of an upgrade.

Our upgrade at the Poly to concierge was also amazing. We have been so lucky to experience these amazing perks and luxuries over the years even though we are on a limited budget. With free upgrades, and AP rates we've had the pleasure of trying quite a few... I'd have to say that out of the ones we have tried (GF, BWI, WL, AKL, Poly) the Poly had the best food offerings and the best lounge out of any concierge we've seen on property. The only negative I can think of is that there are so many CM's working there at one time we really didn't get a chance to get to know any of them or really talk to them... they were always very busy at the desks on the 1st floor taking care of guests. But they went out of their way to say ALOHA every time we walked through the sliding glass doors. :)

WDW in the summer is always a bit rough for me. The rain every afternoon is a bummer, and the crowds (especially the TOUR GROUPS) can really get on your nerves. :sad2: We saw a lot of rude behavior by some of these groups and avoided them as much as we could. I almost wish Disney would just block off a certain group of dates for these groups so people could plan trips around them if they wanted to avoid them. :rolleyes1

Thanks to everyone who joined us in spirit on our anniversary trip to WDW, and I hope you all have magical trips of your own and look forward to hearing your reports! :thumbsup2

Now back to the REAL WORLD... at least for a few months! ;)

[TigrLvsPooh]

The Hawaii building on our last day:

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1386.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1387.jpg



Out on the lookout point, right off the Poly beach, overlooking MK:

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1391.jpg

[TigrLvsPooh]

And I grabbed a couple more pictures from the Poly concierge lounge:

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1431.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1432.jpg

[dvc at last !]

Just found your TR and read every page --- Loved it !

Happy Anniversary !

We will be at WDW - OKW in October and it will be our anniversary, too !

:cool1:

[TigrLvsPooh]

Just found your TR and read every page --- Loved it !

Happy Anniversary !

We will be at WDW - OKW in October and it will be our anniversary, too !

:cool1:

Have a great time at WDW and OKW! :) October is my favorite time of year to go... have a wonderful anniversary trip!!!

[jeremysdisneymom]

Wow, I cannot believe I stumbled across the Murphy's trip report. DS loves your show on Disney. :love: We will have to read some of your trip reports when I get home. We are going in November to stay at CR MK View. It will be our first time staying on property and we are doing deluxe dining. I loved reading this report. I really want to stay at AKL and the Poly sometime.

Seeing that you go to Disney a lot, do you mind me asking--Do you ever go anywhere else on vacation? I could go to Disney every year but DH is throwing a fit. So, I have DC planned for 2009 but am hoping he loves the Christmas decor at Thanksgiving and will make that it an annual family trip.

What is your favorite resort? What is some of your favorite restaurants? We have booked a lot of character dining since DS is 6. I know he will soon grow out of that and who knows when DH will let us come back.

Well, I know I have already asked too many questions.

Erika (how cool--I only know one other person who spells it this way!)

[TigrLvsPooh]

Wow, I cannot believe I stumbled across the Murphy's trip report. DS loves your show on Disney. :love: We will have to read some of your trip reports when I get home. We are going in November to stay at CR MK View. It will be our first time staying on property and we are doing deluxe dining. I loved reading this report. I really want to stay at AKL and the Poly sometime.

Seeing that you go to Disney a lot, do you mind me asking--Do you ever go anywhere else on vacation? I could go to Disney every year but DH is throwing a fit. So, I have DC planned for 2009 but am hoping he loves the Christmas decor at Thanksgiving and will make that it an annual family trip.

What is your favorite resort? What is some of your favorite restaurants? We have booked a lot of character dining since DS is 6. I know he will soon grow out of that and who knows when DH will let us come back.

Well, I know I have already asked too many questions.

Erika (how cool--I only know one other person who spells it this way!)

Hey there! :) Thanks for your nice message! ;)


Sure, we go other places. DH and I have done Vegas 4 times, stayed at the Bellagio, Paris, Treasure Island, and the Mirage. We've taken the kids to several different Six Flags parks, and Hershey Park in PA. We've done Universal in Orando and in CA. We go to Chicago for mini vacations quite often, it's close by. We go to Boston about once a year to visit family, so the kids have seen all the sights there as well, games at Fenway Park, etc. We've been to Texas, did the Fort Worth Zoo, been to Colorado, Boulder, Aspen, Denver... Phoenix, Arizona, North and South Carolina, Asheville, Myrtle Beach, the Smokey Mountains, went to Toronto last summer.... well, you get the picture. :laughing: We've been a lot of places, we just choose to go back to WDW so often because it's our favorite. :cloud9: Lots of our friends don't understand... I'm sure they think we're crazy for going over and over, but it seems like everytime we go somewhere else we wish we were back in Disney. :lovestruc

My favorite resort... that's a tough question. I use to always say it was a three way tie between the Poly, GF, and YC. But lately it's more Poly and BC with AKL coming in as a close second. I think they are all great... and we love to split our stay between a couple of different resorts because it feels like having more than one vacation. ;) We'll be trying the CR with MK view in October, so that might become my new favorite, you never know! :goodvibes

Favorite restaurants... I love the Kona Cafe, I've never had a bad meal there. Also Narcoosee's... the best surf and turf! Their steaks are the best! We also love Teppan Edo in Japan, and Nine Dragons in China. Also Crystal Palace and Ohana are the kids' favorites. And Sci-fi for lunch. There aren't many restaurants we steer clear of... over the years they've all their good and bad moments.

Feel free to ask any questions! :)

[WDW4us2006]

Hello, Erika! I have enjoyed reading your trip reports...nothing like living vicariously through a fellow Disneyphile!

A question for you: Like you, we LOVE the Beach Club, and having stayed there twice, can't quite imagine staying some place else. However, I am feeling the "itch" to branch out a bit, and was thinking of the Poly for our trip next year. But I am so nervous to switch resorts!! I love having so much "action" around the BC, and the choices for dining, the theme, the Boardwalk view, listening to the Friendship boats, etc....I could go on and on. :love:

As a child, we stayed in the Contemporary shortly after it opened, and everytime we pass through on the monorail, or I take a ride through the monorail resorts, I feel so nostalgic! It makes me want to stay in one. They just seem so "Walt Disney World" and "magical" to me. Anyway, I guess I am just asking a fellow BC lover to compare the two for me....we would probably get a lagoon or MK view (are they the same?) as a view is actually kind of important to me, silly as it sounds!

We don't get to Disney too often, but when we do, I want to do it right. Why does there have to be so many choices?!!:confused3 Thanks so much for your help, and I'll look forward to your report in the fall!!:goodvibes

[jeremysdisneymom]

Erika:

Well, DS and I started reading your trip reports last night. He was soooo excited that the lady from the fan show was on Mommy's Dis. :cool1: We got through the May report at the BC. I would love to do a pirate party with DS. He is doing the Pirate Cruise from the GF on Thanksgiving Day.

I noticed on one of your posts that you mentioned driving through Cincy to visit family in KY. We live about 1/2 hour from the east side of Cincy but I grew up in eastern/central KY--small world!!!!

Well, I guess we will start another report tonight! This is a lot of fun!

Erika

[TigrLvsPooh]

Hello, Erika! I have enjoyed reading your trip reports...nothing like living vicariously through a fellow Disneyphile!

A question for you: Like you, we LOVE the Beach Club, and having stayed there twice, can't quite imagine staying some place else. However, I am feeling the "itch" to branch out a bit, and was thinking of the Poly for our trip next year. But I am so nervous to switch resorts!! I love having so much "action" around the BC, and the choices for dining, the theme, the Boardwalk view, listening to the Friendship boats, etc....I could go on and on. :love:

As a child, we stayed in the Contemporary shortly after it opened, and everytime we pass through on the monorail, or I take a ride through the monorail resorts, I feel so nostalgic! It makes me want to stay in one. They just seem so "Walt Disney World" and "magical" to me. Anyway, I guess I am just asking a fellow BC lover to compare the two for me....we would probably get a lagoon or MK view (are they the same?) as a view is actually kind of important to me, silly as it sounds!

We don't get to Disney too often, but when we do, I want to do it right. Why does there have to be so many choices?!!:confused3 Thanks so much for your help, and I'll look forward to your report in the fall!!:goodvibes


I know what you mean... the Epcot area is so great... it's very hard to compare it to the MK resorts. But there is just something about being close to the castle... seeing it from your room, or from the pool, or while you're having dinner, just being there feels magical... it feels like Disney! :cloud9: We only took the monorail once, when we went to Epcot from Poly, every time we went to MK we always took the boat. I absolutely LOVE the boat ride from Poly to MK... in fact we love it so much we took the ride round trip on our last morning before heading to the airport. :lovestruc

You'd be surprised how much there is to do at the Poly. And how quickly you can get to the Epcot area via monorail. I really think you should give it a try. It's a much different feel from being at the BC. You might find you like it just as much! ;)

[TigrLvsPooh]

Erika:

Well, DS and I started reading your trip reports last night. He was soooo excited that the lady from the fan show was on Mommy's Dis. :cool1: We got through the May report at the BC. I would love to do a pirate party with DS. He is doing the Pirate Cruise from the GF on Thanksgiving Day.

I noticed on one of your posts that you mentioned driving through Cincy to visit family in KY. We live about 1/2 hour from the east side of Cincy but I grew up in eastern/central KY--small world!!!!

Well, I guess we will start another report tonight! This is a lot of fun!

Erika


My parents were both born and raised in KY. (around Richmond and Berea) My Dad went to EKU for undergrad... then they moved here to Indiana right before I was born. My Dad has been a professor at Purdue Univ. for over 40 years. When my parents divorced about 15 years ago my Mom moved back to Berea... so we go down several times a year to see her. I always take I-74 to Cincy, then hop on I-75 South in Florence (y'all) ... it just seems faster than going through Louisville. :)

[CruisingCamper]

Hey there! :) Thanks for your nice message! ;)


Sure, we go other places. DH and I have done Vegas 4 times, stayed at the Bellagio, Paris, Treasure Island, and the Mirage. We've taken the kids to several different Six Flags parks, and Hershey Park in PA. We've done Universal in Orando and in CA. We go to Chicago for mini vacations quite often, it's close by. We go to Boston about once a year to visit family, so the kids have seen all the sights there as well, games at Fenway Park, etc. We've been to Texas, did the Fort Worth Zoo, been to Colorado, Boulder, Aspen, Denver... Phoenix, Arizona, North and South Carolina, Asheville, Myrtle Beach, the Smokey Mountains, went to Toronto last summer.... well, you get the picture. :laughing: We've been a lot of places, we just choose to go back to WDW so often because it's our favorite. :cloud9: Lots of our friends don't understand... I'm sure they think we're crazy for going over and over, but it seems like everytime we go somewhere else we wish we were back in Disney. :lovestruc

My favorite resort... that's a tough question. I use to always say it was a three way tie between the Poly, GF, and YC. But lately it's more Poly and BC with AKL coming in as a close second. I think they are all great... and we love to split our stay between a couple of different resorts because it feels like having more than one vacation. ;) We'll be trying the CR with MK view in October, so that might become my new favorite, you never know! :goodvibes

Favorite restaurants... I love the Kona Cafe, I've never had a bad meal there. Also Narcoosee's... the best surf and turf! Their steaks are the best! We also love Teppan Edo in Japan, and Nine Dragons in China. Also Crystal Palace and Ohana are the kids' favorites. And Sci-fi for lunch. There aren't many restaurants we steer clear of... over the years they've all their good and bad moments.

Feel free to ask any questions! :)

The show on the Travel Channel, does it still come on? Or is there someplace where we can see it now?

[Huskerfamilyof5]

We are going to WDW in Dec. 08 staying at BCV. Have you ever stayed at the villas? We are going with in-laws and 3 DD ages 12, 8, and 3. We have 2 rooms, studio for in-laws and a 1 bedroom for us. Never stayed there before, how did you like it and how was it getting to Epcot? Thanks, I would love to see your program on Disney. Could you tell me how to find it? princess:

[johnsonet]

Hey there! :) Thanks for your nice message! ;)


Sure, we go other places. DH and I have done Vegas 4 times, stayed at the Bellagio, Paris, Treasure Island, and the Mirage. We've taken the kids to several different Six Flags parks, and Hershey Park in PA. We've done Universal in Orando and in CA. We go to Chicago for mini vacations quite often, it's close by. We go to Boston about once a year to visit family, so the kids have seen all the sights there as well, games at Fenway Park, etc. We've been to Texas, did the Fort Worth Zoo, been to Colorado, Boulder, Aspen, Denver... Phoenix, Arizona, North and South Carolina, Asheville, Myrtle Beach, the Smokey Mountains, went to Toronto last summer.... well, you get the picture. :laughing: We've been a lot of places, we just choose to go back to WDW so often because it's our favorite. :cloud9: Lots of our friends don't understand... I'm sure they think we're crazy for going over and over, but it seems like everytime we go somewhere else we wish we were back in Disney. :lovestruc

My favorite resort... that's a tough question. I use to always say it was a three way tie between the Poly, GF, and YC. But lately it's more Poly and BC with AKL coming in as a close second. I think they are all great... and we love to split our stay between a couple of different resorts because it feels like having more than one vacation. ;) We'll be trying the CR with MK view in October, so that might become my new favorite, you never know! :goodvibes

Favorite restaurants... I love the Kona Cafe, I've never had a bad meal there. Also Narcoosee's... the best surf and turf! Their steaks are the best! We also love Teppan Edo in Japan, and Nine Dragons in China. Also Crystal Palace and Ohana are the kids' favorites. And Sci-fi for lunch. There aren't many restaurants we steer clear of... over the years they've all their good and bad moments.

Feel free to ask any questions! :)

Hi there!
It was so nice to get to meet you and your husband at the Polynesian!
Hope your last day was a ton of fun! I know you were happy to get home to your little boys...
My daughter and I finally got to go on Toy Story Mania the other day and it was AWESOME :banana: Your family is going to have a blast on that on your next trip :thumbsup2 So sweet that you waited for them!

I totally understand about trying new places but always returning to Disney. It's fun, magical, SAFE and comfortable - it's HOME :cloud9:

As a big fan of AKL I am so happy to hear it's now one of your favorites :woohoo:

Take care :wave2:

[TigrLvsPooh]

The show on the Travel Channel, does it still come on? Or is there someplace where we can see it now?

It's on Discovery HD Theater every once in a while. You can check this link from time to time to see if it is scheduled:

http://dhd.discovery.com/tv-schedules/special.html?paid=66.14198.109105.0.0

They only show one month in advance.

Another DISer said she saw it on the Travel Channel about 2 weeks ago. If you have TiVo or Directv you might be able to do a search! :)

[TigrLvsPooh]

We are going to WDW in Dec. 08 staying at BCV. Have you ever stayed at the villas? We are going with in-laws and 3 DD ages 12, 8, and 3. We have 2 rooms, studio for in-laws and a 1 bedroom for us. Never stayed there before, how did you like it and how was it getting to Epcot? Thanks, I would love to see your program on Disney. Could you tell me how to find it? princess:

We have only stayed at BCV one time. It was in a studio. :) Getting to Epcot was very easy... they have a path that goes around the outside of the BC and brings you right out near the International Gateway. You'll have access to SAB, which is awesome, and you'll also have the villa pool as well. The only negative to BCV is that they have very long hallways, so you might have quite a trek to your room from the BC bus stop. But if you have a car the parking lot is very close by, which is nice. :) You'll also have boat transportation to the Studios, again it might be a longer walk if you've got a villa at the end of a long hallway, but that's really the only negative I can think of. Are you on a cash reservation or using points? If you are staying on points remember that you won't get daily maid service unless you pay extra, but if you are on a cash reservation you'll have it every day just like you would at the BC resort. Let me know if you have any other questions! :)

[TigrLvsPooh]

Hi there!
It was so nice to get to meet you and your husband at the Polynesian!
Hope your last day was a ton of fun! I know you were happy to get home to your little boys...
My daughter and I finally got to go on Toy Story Mania the other day and it was AWESOME :banana: Your family is going to have a blast on that on your next trip :thumbsup2 So sweet that you waited for them!

I totally understand about trying new places but always returning to Disney. It's fun, magical, SAFE and comfortable - it's HOME :cloud9:

As a big fan of AKL I am so happy to hear it's now one of your favorites :woohoo:

Take care :wave2:

It was GREAT to meet you too!!! :) Did you post a trip report? I'm dying to hear how things went at the GF and BC! I think you set a new record for having the COOLEST resort hopping vacation EVER! ;) I want to hear all about it. :cloud9:

[Huskerfamilyof5]

Thanks so much for the response. We are on a cash reservation, hoping to become DVC members while we are there, as we live in a state where we can't get membership information or purchase. Loved your trip report, will look for your show. How did your DS like his gifts? That is usually the first question from my children when I am gone on business. When is your next trip? :cloud9:

[johnsonet]

It was GREAT to meet you too!!! :) Did you post a trip report? I'm dying to hear how things went at the GF and BC! I think you set a new record for having the COOLEST resort hopping vacation EVER! ;) I want to hear all about it. :cloud9:


Hi!
You know what, we didn't end up going to the BC. Once we got to the GF we didn't want to move again and were able to extend our stay :thumbsup2 I had been looking forward to checking out the new rooms at BC (I had water view club booked and knew from a DISer who is a CM there that these had all been redone) but we just didn't want to leave the GF or the MK resorts area. But - maybe NEXT TIME :cool1:

Yes, we really had a great split stay: AKL CL, Polynesian LV CL and GF RPC :wizard: Amazing!

Glad you guys had a good trip and Happy Anniversary again :lovestruc Looking forward to your next trip report!!

I'm planning another trip right now... for one of my best friend's 39th birthday :banana:

[TigrLvsPooh]

Thanks so much for the response. We are on a cash reservation, hoping to become DVC members while we are there, as we live in a state where we can't get membership information or purchase. Loved your trip report, will look for your show. How did your DS like his gifts? That is usually the first question from my children when I am gone on business. When is your next trip? :cloud9:

The first thing the boys said to us (after a big hug of course) was "What did you bring us??" :lmao: Our oldest DS was thrilled with his Pokemon stuff ... we got him some stuffed and also some figures. Then our youngest DS got a toy monorail, a Finding Nemo ball, and a big stuffed Pooh. :) They are already making a list of all the things they want to get when we go back in October! :laughing: (we'll be at the CR 10/22-10/27)

[TigrLvsPooh]

Hi!
You know what, we didn't end up going to the BC. Once we got to the GF we didn't want to move again and were able to extend our stay :thumbsup2 I had been looking forward to checking out the new rooms at BC (I had water view club booked and knew from a DISer who is a CM there that these had all been redone) but we just didn't want to leave the GF or the MK resorts area. But - maybe NEXT TIME :cool1:

Yes, we really had a great split stay: AKL CL, Polynesian LV CL and GF RPC :wizard: Amazing!

Glad you guys had a good trip and Happy Anniversary again :lovestruc Looking forward to your next trip report!!

I'm planning another trip right now... for one of my best friend's 39th birthday :banana:

What was your room like at the GF? I've only stayed in the RPC one time, and our room was right over Gasparilla's. Did you post a GF report or pics anywhere??? :)

[leeann32]

We are back and had a great evening! :) After swimming again and taking another break we headed to MGM for bit just to walk around the new Pixar area and check to see if they had a stuffed WALL-E we could buy for our youngest DS. Surprisingly we didn't see much WALL-E stuff so we took the boat to Epcot. First we stopped off in France for a yummy Grey Goose slushy... yummmm :goodvibes then walked towards Le Cellier for our dinner. We were approached by a very nice CM who saw our anniversary buttons and asked us if we would like to come to a special Illuminations viewing spot later after dinner. We of course said YES and were excited! :thumbsup2

We arrived at Le Cellier about 10 minutes before our ADR time and got a table pretty quickly. They were offering a new special paper menu insert that gave appetizer/entree/dessert all at one set price and it WAS available for the Dining Plan. Super cool!!!! :cloud9: So DH and I both got the cheese soup (which we love and were super excited it was included with the DP without extra cost). For our entrees DH had Prime Rib and I had Salmon. They food was very good and of course the PRETZEL bread was my favorite and what I always look forward to. ;) For dessert we both had the chocolate MOOSE moussee. All in all it was a fine dinner, the atmosphere was quite loud, lots of kids and crying babies, but we have come to expect that with the single table service restaurants. Also our table was very small and crammed right next to two other couples... I felt like we should say HELLO and talk with them we were so close. :laughing: But it was OK. No big deal.

After dinner we headed to our special Illuminations viewing spot which was on a lower level near Yorkshire Fish and Chips. DH and I couldn't remember when we had watched Illuminations up close before... our boys get scared with the fireworks so we usually have to watch from far away. It was cool to see it together, and very romantic. :lovestruc

Getting the bus back to OKW wasn't too bad. We got back around 10:00 PM. We felt very lucky considering many other resorts had HUGE lines. Long enough that they'd probably need 4 buses or more. :scared1:

This is our last night at OKW. Tomorrow we check-in at the AKL on CL. Which should be fun. :) We're going to spend most of the day relaxing at the resort, and taking it easy. Depending on the rain we might head over to AK to ride Everest.

Here are some pics from tonight!!! :)

Here we are in our room getting ready to go out!

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1214.jpg

Here we are enjoying our Grey Goose slushies on the bridge near France. A nice man offered to take our pictures when he noticed us trying to take a pic by hold the camera out! LOL

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/ekmurphy12/Disney%20World%20July%202008/IMG_1216.jpg

If you want to see all our trip pics I've been uploading them to photobucket, I think you can just go there and type in "ekmurphy12". I think?? :confused: Not quit sure though. ;)

Hey Erika!
I have to start out with saying I love watching you guys on "Disney's Ultimate Fan"
I just wanted to know what kind of bag you are carrying in these pics? I'm looking for one for our 1st Disney trip this Sept. I don't want one too big, big enough to hold our tickets, room keys, $$ and a few other things. :)
LeeAnn

[TigrLvsPooh]

It is the perfect bag! :) :lmao: :goodvibes I looked for something like it for YEARS and finally found this one at Macy's about a year ago. It's made by The Sak... and it's woven in a crochet/knit type material. I think if you google "sak mini handbag" it should bring it up. I highly recommend it... it is durable, comfortable, lightweight, and a perfect size. :)

[Me&3]

Hi glad you had such a great time I really enjoyed your TR:thumbsup2 . We just got back yesterday we were there since 7/25. Love your pics. Happy Anniv. many more to you and DH:hug: .

[johnsonet]

What was your room like at the GF? I've only stayed in the RPC one time, and our room was right over Gasparilla's. Did you post a GF report or pics anywhere??? :)

Hi!
We had 2 different rooms at GF and they were both very nice. We preferred second room - I asked to be on a room on the 3d, 4th or 5th floors, on the atrium. From those rooms you can hear the piano and orchestra in the afternoon/evenings and you're also just steps from the lounge...

The other/first room was lovely and had killer views of the Castle and Wishes but was inconvenient to the lounge and pretty isolated. Sames as yours - over Gasparillas.

I did post pics on the GF thread live at the time but here are a few favorites:

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f157/johnsonet/DSC03726.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f157/johnsonet/DSC03731.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f157/johnsonet/DSC03839.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f157/johnsonet/DSC03799-1.jpg

[TigrLvsPooh]

Was that a standard club level or deluxe? Thanks for the pics! :)

[johnsonet]

They were both Deluxe. The first one had a jacuzzi. Both had King beds.

[Me&3]

What is the name of the show you are on?:confused3

[TigrLvsPooh]

It's called Fan's Guide: Walt Disney World and it originally aired on the Travel Channel in 2004. Lately it has been airing on Discovery HD Theater. Although I got a PM from another DISer who said it was on the Travel Channel about 2 weeks ago. So it's still on there occasionally.

You can keep an eye on this link for airdates: http://dhd.discovery.com/tv-schedules/special.html?paid=66.14198.109105.0.0

Also here: http://television.aol.com/show/fans-guide-walt-disney-world/379206/main

And here: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0406299/

Also here: http://www.bartlett-sloan.net/tv/agenda.php3?modeagenda=soon

Hope that helps! :)