1st Trip to WDW and AKL...w/a few pot holes in the road Day 4 Update [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

bertegirl

05-17-2009, 01:57 PM

So I am officially back and ready to begin our post trip report. Thanks to everyone who followed along in my pre-trip. What a trip we had. We learned so much...like I am staying on the monorail next time and never flying again. Anyway I am uploading my 300 plus photos and 200 photopass photos and then I will begin with 1 day at a time. Stay tuned for Berte Family's 1st Ever Walt Disney World Vacation!!!

The cast:http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/DisneyPhotoImage63.jpg
Me (Amber) 33 Stay at home mom and huge lover of anything Disney. I grew up in California and had annual passes to Disneyland.

DH (Jason) 32 Welder, Farmer, Construction Worker, not a Disney lover. He likes vacations where you do nothing. Loves anything Hawkeyes or sports related.

DD (Jenny) 4 Our princess or diva in training. She cried the night we left Walt Disney World and wants to go back already. Jenny can talk to anyone or anything and will. She has the most random conversations with people and objects.

DS (Austin) 1 My little bugsy. Austin was an angel during our trip. He just smiled, slept and checked out the princesses. He is going to be such a flirt.

We stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge from May 9-16 in a Savannah Room and did the Disney Dining Plan.

May 9 Flight
May 10 MGK Crystal Palace & 1900 Park Fare
May 11 Epcot Tutto Italia & DTD Earls Sandwich
May 12 Epcot Biergarten
May 13 AK Flame Tree BBQ
May 14 DHS Ohana
May 15 MGK BBB & CRT
May 16 Flight

longing2Batdisney

05-17-2009, 02:17 PM

subscribing...hope ya'll had a grand time...sorry to hear you were in a nightmare...hope to read your report before I leave in 4 days...;)

bertegirl

05-17-2009, 02:52 PM

Oops 538 photos on my camera that Jason broke...want to hear how. Keep reading???:headache:

chicagoshannon

05-17-2009, 03:41 PM

Welcome home! You sure started your report quickly.

DisMomAmy

05-17-2009, 04:00 PM

Welcome Home!! Can't wait to hear about your trip. popcorn::

Sleeping*Beauty

05-17-2009, 04:12 PM

Sounds like an interesting trip.

IluvXU

05-17-2009, 05:05 PM

1st timers worst nightmare... that makes me nervous!

momofoneplustwinz

05-17-2009, 05:41 PM

So excited to hear all about it!

KathyRN137

05-17-2009, 06:00 PM

Hello! :wave2: Signing on for what looks to be a great report!!

Kathy

souda

05-17-2009, 06:13 PM

Sorry about your nightmare. Looking forward to hearing about it.

wigdoutdismom

05-17-2009, 08:13 PM

I'm here, can't wait to get started!

Mom2ChinaGirls

05-17-2009, 08:41 PM

Welcome back. I look forward to hearing the details.

chimo2u

05-17-2009, 08:48 PM

Anxiously awaiting your TR!! :goodvibes

bertegirl

05-18-2009, 12:20 AM

Thanks everyone for joining in...

We left on Saturday May 9 from Minneapolis airport. Jenny and I waiting for our flight. http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0006.jpgIt was a balmy 60 degrees, when we touched down the weather in Orlando was nearing 90. What a shock to our system. Although I must say the skies were beautiful!!! This was Austins 1st airplane ride and Jennys second. They both did great. http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0011.jpgThe flight was nice and smooth. A warning...I hate flying more than anything.

So we got off the flight and once I realized we needed to ride the monorail over to the other side for Disney Magical Express we did fine. I was so excited to see this sign:http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0012.jpgThe bus ride over was great. We stop first at the Coronado. We were the 1st in our line...what a difference from what we saw on the way home. I feel bad for anyone standing in that line.

We got to the resort around 6:30. We had done the online check in ahead of time. Not the right choice. There was only one person in front of us and it took forever to check in. When we got the map we headed to our room and opened the door. What did we see but a parking lot. Ugh! We had paid for the Savannah view. So I headed back down to the front desk. The young lady that helped me said oh sorry we are sold out. I told her that I had paid for a Savannah view and either I wanted that or the price difference for a parking view. Seriously...not even the pool view. She decided to move us to the back corner of a long very long hallway. We arrived finally and headed down to the Mara to get some supper. I must admit now I did a horrible job taking food photos. I was so busy trying to get the kids fed that I wouldn't think about it until we were done. So after that we decided to go to bed. It was almost 9 by then and we had been on the road since 6 am. Plus we had Crystal Palace ressies at 8 am the next morning. Stay tuned for our 1st day at the parks.

Oh by the way http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0020.jpgthe gift basket we had ordered for the kiddies with the autograph books, etc. Jenny loved it. Austin just wanted to eat everything inside. :rotfl2:

wlwilliams9

05-18-2009, 12:44 AM

Ooh! Great start!! I'm looking forward to reading more! I'm so glad we got to meet at AK, we should have planned that one out a little better though! At least we got to ride EE together! Weeeeeeeee! I think I took about 1000 pics between our 2 cameras and our camera phones! That doesn't even include our 150+ photopass pics! Holy Moly!:rotfl2:

KathyRN137

05-18-2009, 12:53 AM

Soooo..... was that room at the end of the long hallway a Savanna view??

Seems odd... how could they have "sold out" when you reserved it? :confused3

Anyway, glad you arrived safe and sound.

Don't worry about not getting food pix...we understand! With little ones along, we know what the priorities are!

Kathy

bertegirl

05-18-2009, 01:06 AM

Day 1 Officially

Mistake 1:asking the guy at the front desk how to get to the MK on the following morning for our breakfast.
Mistake 2:talking to the valet man
Mistake 3:did we read the first 2???I think that was enough:scared1:
So Mothers Day began at 6:00 am sharp. We don't take long to get ready. So when the front desk man said we had to be at the bus stop between 6:30 and 6:45 I thought no problem. Wrong! I did not factor in that I needed to pack a bag to take to the park. I took way too much. You learn fast!!!

We headed down to the bus stop at 6:35 am. I asked the valet man and he told me to head over to the sign. Did he realize that I meant the bus to the resort and not to the airport. We waited 10 mins and no bus. I was freaking out because the man the night before told me the breakfast bus only runs from 6:30 to 6:45 and then stops until 8. It was almost 7 by this time. SOOO I went and talked to the valet man. He called Mears and then realized I was wanting to go the parks. Duh! So he called another number and they said the buses run every 20 mins. Good to know. We headed down to the correct bus stop and around the corner came the bus to the Magic Kingdom. Yeah! We hopped on and off to the park we went. We got there with plenty of time to spare. I think we were number 10 in line to enter the park for our 8:05 Crystal Palace reservation. Our 1st view http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0032.jpg To anyone who has never gone this early...do it. Main street just has a different feel.

http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0033.jpgWhen we checked in..they told us to wait a minute and they would call our names. They did and we got a great spot right in the middle. I didn't take any food photos, because the characters came our right away and I was busy taking other photos and getting autographs. Jason said the eggs with veggies were awesome. I ate lots of fruit that morning. Jenny had cheese (a staple of her diet) and a Mickey waffle. http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0034.jpghttp://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0035.jpg

We got our 1st dis sighting...Mike, Emily and Wendy!!! What a cutie Emily is and Jenny had an instant new friend.

After this we headed to the barber shop. We got there and there was no one in line. Yeah for us!!! http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0039.jpg Austin sat still. He loved the toy they gave him. Which I forgot to buy during our trip! http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0041.jpgThey gave Austin a my 1st haircut hat http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0043.jpgToo cute!!!

We headed for the rides then...Dumbo 1st of course, Tea Cups, Cars, Winnie The Pooh, Snow White, Phila Magic. We decided around 1 we were hot and wanted to let Austin take a nap. So we headed back to the resort. Jason and Austin took a nap and Jenny and I hit the pool. The best thing about AKL...hands down. http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0174.jpg

We had a 4:45 reservation at 1900 Park Fare. We took the bus to the Magic Kingdom and hopped on the monorail. http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0060.jpg Our next trip we will be staying here!!! http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0087.jpgThis was by far the best meal we had at WDW. Even hubby loved it and sait he would do it again. Jenny just loved Prince Charming http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0081.jpgAfterwards we went on the monorail again back to the Magic Kingdom...as we were boarding the man asked Jenny is she would like to sit in the front http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0088.jpgA totally cool view.

We did Splash Mountain, Aladdin, Pirates, and a few others. By this time it was almost 9 and Jenny does not like fireworks. I made a huge mistake and got us stuck in the back of the park. We decided to just take a chance and folded up the stroller, Jason grabbed Austin and I told Jenny to hold onto mommy and we pushed our way through the crowd to the front. I can not believe how rude some people can be. Just move over. Next time I will take Mike and Wendy's advice and use the excuse me I am going to be sick trick!!! We made it back to our room around 10:30 and hit the beds.

Tomorrow...photo session at AKL and a day at Epcot.

bertegirl

05-18-2009, 01:12 AM

Soooo..... was that room at the end of the long hallway a Savannah view??

Seems odd... how could they have "sold out" when you reserved it? :confused3

Anyway, glad you arrived safe and sound.

Don't worry about not getting food pix...we understand! With little ones along, we know what the priorities are!

Kathy

I don't know...I think they had bumped a lot of people to better views during the previous week. Or at least thats what someone told me. Yes it was a Savannah view or so they called it. We faced a fence.

OneTreeHillAddict

05-18-2009, 02:06 AM

kadesha

05-18-2009, 08:20 AM

Hi!

I am in shock about your room! I cannot believe that you paid for a Savanna view and they were just going to give you a parking lot view! Do they think people are crazy, like you are just going to be ok with that!! Gosh, makes me mad just reading it! lol!

Your first day at MK seemed like so much fun!! Can't wait to read more!

chicagoshannon

05-18-2009, 09:11 AM

Oh I"d be SO mad about the room!

Sounds like you had a great breakfast at Crystal Palace.

bertegirl

05-18-2009, 11:06 AM

OMG you have got to be kidding me. If they gave your room away after you paid for it you should have been bu ped to a BETTER room. Please tell me you griped about it some more. Last time I paid for a "better" location I was done the same way. So I asked for my money back and they said the room was not a gurantee. Well, in the end I got my room and his you know what got in some trouble for being a jerk. I would not have dealt with a fence view at a premium price. Forget that.

I have to say Austin is so cute in his first Mickey ears! Looks like things are getting good now. Can't wait for the next update! :goodvibes

I will try and get on tonight. My computer is still acting up and I just realized all my WDW photos are on it...so I need to back it up. Ugh!

Hi!

I am in shock about your room! I cannot believe that you paid for a Savanna view and they were just going to give you a parking lot view! Do they think people are crazy, like you are just going to be ok with that!! Gosh, makes me mad just reading it! lol!

Your first day at MK seemed like so much fun!! Can't wait to read more!

We had a great first day and loved the warm weather.

Oh I"d be SO mad about the room!

Sounds like you had a great breakfast at Crystal Palace.

We did and I was!!!

hlrababy

05-18-2009, 11:08 AM

Aww, man!! 2 pages in already....but I am here!! :hug:

longing2Batdisney

05-18-2009, 11:16 AM

So, AKL was my next trip...sounds like I might have to reconsider...the staff does not sound like it has their stuff together... I hope the value we are staying at next week has it together...loved the PORFQ the time we stayed there...

sounds like the MK made it better...love the haircut...just cut Ashton's hair yesterday should've waited for MK...

kgle

05-18-2009, 11:23 AM

Ugh about the room!

I can't wait to hear more about the trip!! So sad we didn't get to hang out more :( We should all plan like a girls only trip sometime so we can all go together!

KathyRN137

05-18-2009, 12:06 PM

Austin sat still. He loved the toy they gave him. http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0041.jpg

Awww! What a magical memory!!

And even more pixiedust: by being offered a ride with the monorail pilot without even asking for it!!

Off to a nerve-wracking start, but a fabulous first day!!

Kathy

OneTreeHillAddict

05-18-2009, 01:04 PM

Uh oh....put those babies on disc right now! Good luck with everything...I'll be back over later tonight. :goodvibes

mickeystoontown

05-18-2009, 01:21 PM

Signing on for more. Trip reports and pictures are what keep me sane until our next WDW vacation.

dlovesdisney

05-18-2009, 01:43 PM

Hi! Loving your trip report. I just subscribed. My family and I are leaving for our first trip to WDW in less than two months. We're staying at AKL too. Can't wait for your next installment!

Thanks!

snoopypharmd

05-18-2009, 01:46 PM

Can't wait to hear more! Stinks about the room ...

bertegirl

05-18-2009, 10:57 PM

Aww, man!! 2 pages in already....but I am here!! :hug:

No problem. By the way I loved the drinks at Ohana!

So, AKL was my next trip...sounds like I might have to reconsider...the staff does not sound like it has their stuff together... I hope the value we are staying at next week has it together...loved the PORFQ the time we stayed there...

sounds like the MK made it better...love the haircut...just cut Ashton's hair yesterday should've waited for MK...

I wanted POFQ, too. But they were sold out. Our 1st choice has been WL. So wish we could have gotten in there. The staff at AKL did leave something to be desired...the house keepers were nice, but we never got any towel animals.

Ugh about the room!

I can't wait to hear more about the trip!! So sad we didn't get to hang out more :( We should all plan like a girls only trip sometime so we can all go together!

Jason told me the same thing...he has no desire to go again for a long time.

Uh oh....put those babies on disc right now! Good luck with everything...I'll be back over later tonight. :goodvibes

I doubt I will get an update tonight. Sorry! I did get my photos backed up, though. I need to check out Apples at the mall this weekend.

Awww! What a magical memory!!

And even more pixiedust: by being offered a ride with the monorail pilot without even asking for it!!

Off to a nerve-wracking start, but a fabulous first day!!

Kathy

Didn't even know you could get on...the guy told us thanks for waiting for the next monorail. We were never in a hurray to get anywhere after the 1st morning.

Signing on for more. Trip reports and pictures are what keep me sane until our next WDW vacation.

Me, too. It may be a long time before I get to go again. I should feel lucky I have been to Disneyland hundreds of times.

Can't wait to hear more! Stinks about the room ...

I'll try and get on tomorrow. My 1st daycare baby left after 4 hours today and had hand, foot and mouth. Yikes. He won't be back for a week. So I can type while bugsy aka Austin sleeps tomorrow. I did get some more photos uploaded on photobucket. Talk to everyone later...and thanks for reading. :hug:

Halloweenqueen

05-18-2009, 11:43 PM

Joining in, :thumbsup2

BridetobeDisney

05-19-2009, 01:31 AM

Sorry your 3 pages in and I just made it over! I'm just exhausted. LOL

I can't believe they gave you a parking lot view. I would have laughed in their face and told them they are either getting me a savanna view or upgrading me to a club level room. LOL

I'm loving the pictures. You did such a great job capturing everything. I love the haircut pictures.

Oh and Jenny is my new best friend!! I love her. I swear I could sit for hours and just listen to her stories. :goodvibes She's just like me!

I didn't take good food pics either. Tyson was just taking up all my time.

bertegirl

05-19-2009, 11:00 AM

Joining in, :thumbsup2

Thanks for coming over!!!

Sorry your 3 pages in and I just made it over! I'm just exhausted. LOL

I can't believe they gave you a parking lot view. I would have laughed in their face and told them they are either getting me a savanna view or upgrading me to a club level room. LOL

I'm loving the pictures. You did such a great job capturing everything. I love the haircut pictures.

Oh and Jenny is my new best friend!! I love her. I swear I could sit for hours and just listen to her stories. :goodvibes She's just like me!

I didn't take good food pics either. Tyson was just taking up all my time.

Jenny can talk to anyone anywhere. She had a boyfriend on the flight home...he was the exact same age and sat right in front of us. They held hands. Ugh! I was trying to take photos. I totally forgot to do shopping, though. I wanted that bag at DHS so bad!!! We only came home with a couple tshirts and some figures.

MEK

05-19-2009, 11:12 AM

Lovely trip report. Sorry to hear about the AK room. They should have offered to move you next day. But I guess with little ones that might be more trouble than its worth. Looking forward to reading more!

bertegirl

05-19-2009, 01:03 PM

Day 2

So we woke up without an alarm today and headed down stairs for our 8:30 photo session at AKL. We had a nice girl, but she could not get Jenny to smile. Ugh! http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/DisneyPhotoImage1.jpghttp://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/DisneyPhotoImage63.jpg Then we grabbed some breakfast at The Mara. I don't think the CS food is very good here. But that may just be us.

Next off to Epcot. http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0139.jpgWe got on the bus and headed over. It was another beautifully sunny day. We headed straight for the Character Spot. These photos are all on the photopass. Oops! Then we headed around the worlds. I didn't realize the time difference and apparently we were the 1st ones to visit Mulan and Snow white. Jenny wanted to be tink still so....http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0153.jpgThen Jason had to stop and try and get his groove on...http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0150.jpgWe told him to keep his day job.

We had lunch ressies at Tutto Italia. http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0162.jpghttp://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0164.jpghttp://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0165.jpghttp://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0166.jpgI had the pasta with proscutto and peas. It was YUMMY! Jenny had the pasta with white sauce. She didn't like the fruit. The dessert was so good...and I am not a chocolate fan. We decided after lunch we were hot again and tired. So we took the boat back over. Jason and I did test track, amd then Jason did some space ride. We took Jenny on Nemo last and headed back to the resort. Jenny did some more swimming while Austin napped.

When we got back from the pool Josh called and we got moved to the best room possible our new view:http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0206.jpghttp://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0204.jpghttp://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0207.jpg We were room 4515...right next to one of the big viewing windows and a corner room. We could see animals almost 24/7. So worth the wait.

That night we headed to Downtown Disney for supper. We ate at Earls. I wish I would have taken a photo. It is so worth the trip. Then we headed to Goofys:http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0199.jpghttp://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0201.jpgThere is no way you can eat this in one sitting.

Then we went in the pooh store and got Austin a shirt. Jenny found this:http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0198.jpg

By this time it was getting ready to rain and getting late so we headed back to the hotel to get some sleep.

I will try and get the rest done before we leave again on Friday. We are going to Ankeny for a long weekend at my bil and sil. I can't wait...we have the same age kids and we always have so much fun!!!! Did I just say I was excited to pack again???:confused:

By the way I saved receipts to everything so if you want prices for anything just let me know!

momofoneplustwinz

05-19-2009, 01:08 PM

Sounds like the first 2 days were good except for the room on day 1! Can't wait to read more. Have fun coming to my town this weekend, I will frantically be cleaning and packing!:eek::laundy:

bertegirl

05-19-2009, 01:24 PM

I just went to Shutterfly to order prints 600 and it told me it will take 17 hours to upload. Oh my. I am going to make Jenny a scrapbook on line for her birthday, but I want to wait and get the cd from the photopass first. At least I can get started.

We are going to do a Mickey mouse birthday party.

So my cousins just bought a house in Colorado in the foothills near Boulder. Anyone ever go??? We want to take a trip there next year and need some ideas of must do's!!!

KathyRN137

05-19-2009, 01:56 PM

I'm so happy that your second room was so wonderful! Jenny looks so cute with her "Tink-face!" How was Austin with the characters??

They can be a little intimidating when you're that little!

Kathy

bertegirl

05-19-2009, 02:04 PM

I'm so happy that your second room was so wonderful! Jenny looks so cute with her "Tink-face!" How was Austin with the characters??

They can be a little intimidating when you're that little!

Kathy

Austin just wanted to snuggle with them or eat them. Jenny was never afraid either, though! Except of Santa Claus. She just finally got over that fear this past year. I think its the facial hair.

BridetobeDisney

05-19-2009, 02:52 PM

Oh we bought too much! I found the bag but it was so tiny. It was for little girls. I kept looking for a bigger version but never found it. I fell in love with pin collecting though. Brad and I both are addicted.

longing2Batdisney

05-19-2009, 04:51 PM

bertegirl

05-19-2009, 04:57 PM

:cutie:Happy to hear about the second room...that is what I picture a room with a view to look like:thumbsup2...love the pics of your family--ya'll all look great... and I love Jenny's tink face:tinker:

My thoughts, too. Yeah...only problem she wanted to spend $15 every day to get it painted, again!

MEK

05-19-2009, 06:11 PM

Nice update! Love the view from your second room. I had to wait to see your pics until I got home from work. Very nice!

kgle

05-20-2009, 03:15 AM

Wow that view is amazing! I am so glad that it worked out :) I think the portrait session pictures are cute!

mickeystoontown

05-20-2009, 11:22 AM

I agree...the room view was worth the wait. I would like to stay at the AKL but the only way I'd stay there is if I had a savannah view so I guess I'll just keep pinching my pennies.

longing2Batdisney

05-20-2009, 10:54 PM

Thank you for sharing your family's magical venture:flower3:
I have enjoyed seeing it through your eyes:wizard:
but, now it is our turn; we leave dark and early in the morning :drive:

can't wait to enjoy the pixiedust: through a child' eyes...

bertegirl

05-20-2009, 11:39 PM

Sorry we went to Menards tonight...so I didn't get another day posted. We got carpet for the basement. Yeah! Plus Austin got his 1 year shots. Poor thing 3 shots and blood levels drawn. I'll try and get on tomorrow.

hlrababy

05-20-2009, 11:51 PM

No problem. By the way I loved the drinks at Ohana!

AWww, I am so glad you liked them!!!!:thumbsup2

wlwilliams9

05-21-2009, 12:01 AM

More, more, more....I want more!!!:rotfl:

momofoneplustwinz

05-21-2009, 12:11 AM

How is it going with the daycare?

bertegirl

05-21-2009, 12:24 AM

More, more, more....I want more!!!:rotfl:

Me, too! I also want to nap, clean my house, finish unpacking. (Ha,ha) I will try and get on tomorrow.

How is it going with the daycare?

I have 2 fulltime, 1 pregnant mommy and an interview this week with 2 more. That would be plenty. I actually don't have any until Tue. My 1st boy got hand, foot, mouth. Ugh!

chicagoshannon

05-21-2009, 09:51 AM

I'm not completely done unpacking yet either.

Hand foot mouth disease. YUCK!

bertegirl

05-21-2009, 12:59 PM

Ok 1st off I am so mad! I had my entire Day 3 done and I closed the tab, ugh! So here we go again...

Day 3 is where our schedule took a major turn from our original plans. We had loved Epcot so much the night before we wanted to go back. So instead of staying at out hotel the entire day and relaxing we decided to do a park, again. I called bright and early and checked to see what ADR's were available for Epcot. We hadn't originally planned on eating anything other than CS today. To our amazement they had an early Biergarten. Yippie!

So we lazely got ready to go down and eat at Mara. I tried the Mickey Waffles and they were ok. Was it just us or was everything here cold? Anyway afterwards Jenny and I decided to do the Arts & Crafts which was pottery. We got to paint items and then they glazed them in the heat for you. I made a plate and Jenny a mug. I need to upload photos of them still. Bad mommy! Afterwards we all decided to hit the pool http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0181.jpghttp://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0185.jpg We took the kids up to nap. I took this as my opportunity to head back to the pool and lay out and sip on a green magarita. It was very good. I tried the mojito there, too. Which is normally my favorite, but it wasn't very good. Then we got ready to head to Epcot. Jason took Jenny downstairs and let her do the afternoon activity which was making a bookmark. This is a great resort if you want to participate in all the activities.

By 4:00 we were on our way to Epcot. We had packed the ponchos just in case and boy were we glad we did. It was literally pouring by the time the bus pulled into the parking lot. Luckily the Maclaren Dbl stroller comes with a rain shield that attaches to the stroller and the kids never got a drop off rain on them.

Jenny wanted to do some rides...so we headed for Donalds boat ride and Malestrom. http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0213.jpghttp://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0212.jpghttp://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0211.jpgIn case you notice...Jenny does wear the polka dot dress a lot on this trip, even though I packed 8 outfits. I had to do laundry 3 times to keep it clean.

Next we headed to Germany. I took some photos the day before when it was nice and sunny:http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0154.jpghttp://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0155.jpghttp://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0156.jpg We got to our reservation a little early, but they got us right in. We had the nicest little waitress who loved that we were Berte and Ziesman. Both of our families are from Germany. Jason ordered the beer sampler and I had a glass of Reisling. I didn't take food photos, because there was too much going on, but if you love German food than go and try it out. Jenny loved this ressie because she got to do the chicken dance http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0220.jpg and Polka with her daddy http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0222.jpg

Afterwards we decided to walk the rest of the way around Epcot even though it was raining. I wanted to see it all! I could spend a few more days here next time and still not see everything. This is the park that made me decide to do park hoppers next time and eat more meals here!!!popcorn::

When we go back to AKL they were doing a parade in the lobby with the kids. Of course Jenny had to join in...she loves being the center of attention. http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0231.jpghttp://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0230.jpg

We decided to hit the bed early tonight since we had our big dis meet the next day...Would anyone show up? Would it rain? Stayed tuned for Day 4

bertegirl

05-21-2009, 01:08 PM

So we just got amazing news that my BIL will be retiring from The Army in Nov. He has 21 years in and has spent most of the last 10 years in Germany, Iraq, Afghan, and Korea. He will remain in Iraq until this fall, but we are so excited to know he will soon be home for good. This has put a little wrench in our plans and we will most likely be taking our next vacation to Clarksville Tennessee where he lives. Thats ok I always wanted to go to Dollywood and Jenny will go anywhere to see Uncle Peter. The bads news is my niece no longer lives there as her and her mom moved to Florida. Hopefully she can come up while we are there, too! I was just so excited I had to share the news.

chicagoshannon

05-21-2009, 01:10 PM

Great update. AKL sounds like so much fun for the kids. Sorry it rained on you. I think we were at our condo during that storm. ;)

Can't wait to hear about the dis meet. I was sad that we couldn't go.

wlwilliams9

05-21-2009, 01:18 PM

We were at Epcot that evening too! I'm surprised we didn't run into you or maybe we did and just didn't realize it! We've eaten at the Biergarten before and loved it! We were at Totto for dinner that night! Epcot is one of our favorite parks too, especially the World Showcase at night when all of the torches are lit!

Kae

05-21-2009, 02:06 PM

I agree AKL has so much to do for the kids. And every trip we come back from I wish we would have spent more time at Epcot.

Kae

robinb

05-21-2009, 02:23 PM

I wanted POFQ, too. But they were sold out. Our 1st choice has been WL. So wish we could have gotten in there. The staff at AKL did leave something to be desired...the house keepers were nice, but we never got any towel animals.Hi there! I started reading your trip report and I was wondering exactly what you didn't like about the AKL CMs? Was it the original room mix-up? It seemed like they were out of their way to make things better and gave you a room with a great view. Perhaps something else happens in the "furture" :confused3 FWIW, I have stayed at WDW many, many times at all levels of resorts and I have only had towel animals 2-3 times times.

Carry on! Your kids are adorable!

bertegirl

05-21-2009, 04:24 PM

Hi there! I started reading your trip report and I was wondering exactly what you didn't like about the AKL CMs? Was it the original room mix-up? It seemed like they were out of their way to make things better and gave you a room with a great view. Perhaps something else happens in the "furture" :confused3 FWIW, I have stayed at WDW many, many times at all levels of resorts and I have only had towel animals 2-3 times times.

Carry on! Your kids are adorable!

We never had anyone say hi, offer us any advice and I even said we were 1st timers. If anything they seemed upset when you interupted their conversations with each other at the front desk. That was our 3rd room...3 moves in 1 week is a lot with 2 little ones. We also had to call a second time to get our room cleaned up many days and this was a pain since we wanted to put Austin down for a nap. The people at Mara are far far from friendly. They didn't want to explain the meal plan. Like I said this was a learning experience for us since we had never been. We really didn't care about towel animals, either. We just made a personal decision not to stay there again.

We were at GF and Poly and not even staying there we had more interaction with CM's. One gave Jenny a pin, another a coloring book and crayons, 2 offered us dining advice and advice on getting around the parks. They seemed to like their jobs at those hotels which made us want to come again!

crocko

05-21-2009, 04:50 PM

Just found your thread....enjoying it so far, will be waiting to read the rest

(will be staying at AKL in September)

KathyRN137

05-23-2009, 12:52 AM

In case you notice...Jenny does wear the polka dot dress a lot on this trip, even though I packed 8 outfits. I had to do laundry 3 times to keep it clean.

Next we headed to Germany..... We had the nicest little waitress who loved that we were Berte and Ziesman. Both of our families are from Germany.

LOL, she's just at that age! My DD had "clothing jags" like that, too. One favorite that got washed over and over! :rolleyes:

My DBIL is from Germany and his last name is very, very similar to your (maiden?) name!! We're taking my DNiece along next time and she really wants us to eat at Biergarten. (She's learning how to speak German and wants to talk with the CMs there!)

I'm a bit apprehensive because we usually don't eat German food. I'm sure my DH and my DNiece will be fine, but does the buffet have foods for pickier eaters?? Just wondering...

Glad you had some relaxing pool time. I've learned that we need to schedule more of that! ;)

Kathy

3princesses+aprince

05-23-2009, 10:44 AM

Great so far, you're doing better than me. I need to go finish my first day! Wasn't Disney world So So great. It was such a bummer to come home and get back to everyday normal things. I just got back a few days ago, so i'm still in real bummer mode. I just wish we were still there:cloud9:

racefanof88

05-23-2009, 08:03 PM

Love the report so far :thumbsup2. It sounds like your trip was great. We had a few, well several, kinks in our trip, but it was still Disney and we are going back in September :banana:.

leamom2princesses

05-24-2009, 05:31 PM

I'm in! We made it back safely. I can officially say I was rained on every day of our trip. I don't want to see or use a poncho for a very long time. It was still Disney though and much better than working.

Great start to your trip report. We live about an hour from Clarksville. It's a pretty nice town. Looking forward to the rest of your report. :goodvibes

MaryAz

05-25-2009, 01:19 PM

Hiya
Great start. Glad you got the room changed. Pool looks really nice. Sorry the cm's were not that helpful at AKL. looks like you all are having fun so far.

MEK

05-25-2009, 02:13 PM

Ok 1st off I am so mad! I had my entire Day 3 done and I closed the tab, ugh! So here we go again...

]http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0211.jpgIn case you notice...Jenny does wear the polka dot dress a lot on this trip, even though I packed 8 outfits. I had to do laundry 3 times to keep it clean.

http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0220.jpghttp://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0231.jpghttp://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0230.jpg

[/FONT][/SIZE]

That little polka dot dress certainly gets around! :laughing:But it's so cute and your daughter is adorable. What's another load of laundry?

Nice update!

bertegirl

05-25-2009, 11:33 PM

LOL, she's just at that age! My DD had "clothing jags" like that, too. One favorite that got washed over and over! :rolleyes:

My DBIL is from Germany and his last name is very, very similar to your (maiden?) name!! We're taking my DNiece along next time and she really wants us to eat at Biergarten. (She's learning how to speak German and wants to talk with the CMs there!)

I'm a bit apprehensive because we usually don't eat German food. I'm sure my DH and my DNiece will be fine, but does the buffet have foods for pickier eaters?? Just wondering...

Glad you had some relaxing pool time. I've learned that we need to schedule more of that! ;)

Kathy

They did have macaroni and cheese. Plus apple dessert that was so good. Lots of odds and ends. I think you could find something. Ziesman is not the original spelling, it was changed when my ggrandpa came to America. It use to be Ziesemann or something close. My gma is a Zeutlau...just as German.

I am back from my long weekend away. And very disappointed after watching Jon and Kate Plus 8. We have never missed an episode. Ugh...I now get to explain divorce to my almost 5 year old.

Anyway...hopefully tomorrow I can upload our next day. I have so much reading to do!!!:surfweb:

racefanof88

05-26-2009, 01:27 PM

They did have macaroni and cheese. Plus apple dessert that was so good. Lots of odds and ends. I think you could find something. Ziesman is not the original spelling, it was changed when my ggrandpa came to America. It use to be Ziesemann or something close. My gma is a Zeutlau...just as German.

I am back from my long weekend away. And very disappointed after watching Jon and Kate Plus 8. We have never missed an episode. Ugh...I now get to explain divorce to my almost 5 year old.

Anyway...hopefully tomorrow I can upload our next day. I have so much reading to do!!!:surfweb:

I hope your weekend was good. I am looking forward to more pics and report. I was bad this trip and didn't write anything down, I am having to go by memory and pictures......lol.

KathyRN137

05-26-2009, 01:48 PM

They did have macaroni and cheese. Plus apple dessert that was so good. Lots of odds and ends. I think you could find something...

Well, that's good to know! Thanks!

We may find ourselves doing the "Chicken Dance" in November!! :laughing:

Kathy

MagicShell

05-26-2009, 02:40 PM

I just found your report. I am all caught up and ready for more.

bertegirl

05-26-2009, 07:27 PM

I will get on tonight and do an update after my kiddos go to bed. I put one of the kids to nap in our room so no computer during the day. I didn't write anything down either, but my brain remembers too much. The good, the bad, the ugly. Supper is calling me...or is that Austin I hear???

bertegirl

05-26-2009, 11:13 PM

So once again my computer crashed in the middle of an upload. Ugh!

Day 4 Animal Kingdom

Can I just start by asking whose idea it was to meet here???just kidding, but if you came to the meet you know why I ask.

Upon leaving the AKL that morning we opened the doors and ran into a line. For the bus I asked myself? You have got to be kididng me. The bus stop is actually a short distance away from the AKL. I asked the lady in front of me and she said it was the line for the AK only. Oh, great...everyone else had the smae idea as us. Go to AK on EMH.

It took almost an hour to see this sign:http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0245.jpgAnd that is a long time from our hotel. The trip home was less than 10 minutes.

I started second guessing my clothing choice as soon as we got off the bus. It was already 90 degrees and white might not be the best color after all. (Think sweat) Yikes! We headed straight for this beautiful sighthttp://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0246.jpgand then made a bee line for breakfast at the pizza place. I had breakfast pizza and it was pretty good. I can't remember what Jason even had. He was so hot he barely ate anything, though. We headed out and Jenny caught the sights of Lilo and Stitch. Luckily there were only about 4 people in line.

By this time we made our way back to wear the dis meet was happening: the safari. When we got there we were very early and we noticed the sign said 90 minute wait...so I went ahead and grabbed us a fastpass just to be safe. Then we went to Raffikis train ride. We never actually got off the train we just rode it there and back. We still had some time to kill before the meet so we headed to EE and got another set of fastpasses.

When we came back this time we saw Brandi and Kara waiting for us. They had decided against the safari ride since it was still burning hot and the line was still at 90 mins. We waited around and then took some group shots:http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0257.jpghttp://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0258.jpgand then the future disershttp://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0264.jpgas you can tell Austin was just so excited to meet everyone http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0262.jpg

bertegirl

05-26-2009, 11:27 PM

Well I learned a lesson so I saved part way through this time...

Day 4 continued. After the meet Jason and I and the kids headed for the safari ride http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0278.jpghttp://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0277.jpghttp://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0276.jpgThis was an awesome ride and we saw tons of animals...so don't listen when they say go in the morning. We went at noon. Then we headed for EE or did we???

I thought it sounded quiet as we approached and then someone told us the ride had broken down. Ugh! What now? The nice CM told us we could use our fastpass anytime that day. So we decided to run for the hills. Well actually our hotel room and get cooled off and come back at 5 since it was EMH after all. Jennys AK outfit...http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0248.jpg

We headed back around 4:30 after everyone and I mean everyone napped. The place seemed like a ghost town after the mornings events. We went straight to EE http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0300.jpgand we both rode. When we came off we ran into Mike, Emily and Wendy. Emily invited me to ride again with her. Which was a great thing, the 1st time I rode in the front seat and it is just not as much fun as the back. Afterwards we headed to the Dino area and let Jenny ride the Dino ride http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0304.jpghttp://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0306.jpgand play in the boneyard. Jason said that place was a nightmare, though as no one was watching their kids. Yikes! We did the dino one more time and then headed for some supper.

We decided on Flame Tree BBQ and wow. I had the BBQ sandwich and Jason actually had a cold sand. The baked beans were yummy and Jason said the coleslaw was good. I think Jenny had a hot dog. She was gushing over her minnie pin that a cm in line had given her to make her smile. She was a little worn out by then. We decided to call it a night after supper.

Up next our trip to DHS. Was there a High School Musical casting call for Jenny in the works???

wlwilliams9

05-27-2009, 12:34 AM

I can't believe it took you an hour to get to AK from AKL! It only took us 15 min from the Poly!! I agree that our DIS meet could have been a little better and cooler in a different park!!:lmao:

Awwww! You have to send me that picture of Jenny and Emily! Emily was looking at your posts earlier and said, "Wook Momma, Dat's my best friend Yenny!" She loved playing with Jenny! I believe they are the future DISers!!:rotfl:

Can't wait to see more!

racefanof88

05-27-2009, 04:05 AM

I'm so jealous, ya'll acutally had sunshine. I know it was hot though because Saturday and Sunday was pretty hot for us too. The picture of Jenny and Emily is so cute and Austin is doing my favorite thing,.........sleeping :cloud9:.

MagicShell

05-27-2009, 12:20 PM

It sounds HOT! I enjoyed looking at your pictures.

chicagoshannon

05-27-2009, 12:43 PM

I'm sorry I missed the meet but kind of glad because that heat was AWFUL! I've decided that if it's 80 or above that AK is a bad idea!

Love Jenny's outfit!

william4192

05-27-2009, 01:16 PM

Good report so far.

mickeystoontown

05-27-2009, 03:41 PM

An hour to get to Animal Kingdom? Yikes!

bertegirl

05-27-2009, 10:50 PM

AmyBWV99

05-28-2009, 04:57 PM

We aren't in a cornfield but nice to see another Hawkeye!

bertegirl

05-28-2009, 10:56 PM

Hey this girl is a Cyclone...but thanks for stopping by!

By the way Austin took his first steps today and of course no camcorder. By the time I got it he wouldn't walk anymore. I was kind of hoping he would stay my baby for awhile longer.

Jenny has dance recital on Saturday. So I probably won't get an update until later on. I will try and post a dance photo, though!

racefanof88

05-28-2009, 11:15 PM

It is always so sweet when they take their first steps. It is a little sad though.

Looking forward to the dance recital pictures. And more updates.

KathyRN137

05-28-2009, 11:18 PM

http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0262.jpg

I loved this picture!!

And I do know that wistful feeling you get when your baby starts to walk... :lovestruc

Kathy

MEK

05-29-2009, 06:28 AM

bertegirl

05-29-2009, 02:46 PM

I leave in about 10 days, so I am going to reread your AK before I leave in an attempt to prepare myself for the heat! :rotfl: That's the only bad thing about June - no time for the body to get used to the heat before arriving! I was sweating just reading your report! :laughing:

I will take the heat we had over the rain they had the following week anyday. It was hot, but never humid while we were there. So nice!!!

OneTreeHillAddict

05-29-2009, 03:12 PM

My gosh I missed a lot while we were away! You go fast! I love DD's polka dot dress and the cute shirt with Mickey on front. That's so pretty!

Did you guys ever have the fried shrimp at AKL CS? I had some credits left over on my last day so we went there for lunch. It was so good. Better than a lot of TS places!

AmyBWV99

05-29-2009, 03:34 PM

Hey this girl is a Cyclone...but thanks for stopping by!

We have both in our families!

longing2Batdisney

05-30-2009, 01:33 PM

OK I'm back!! need to find where I left off. Will take a while starting to upload my pics and laundry will try to catch up in between.

Isthatyoutiger

05-30-2009, 02:21 PM

I finally got caught up with your review.

My wife and I stayed at AKL in 2003 and we loved it.

Your reviews are great thanks for writing them. :worship:

:surfweb:

bertegirl

05-30-2009, 08:06 PM

bertegirl

05-30-2009, 08:08 PM

And one more:
http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0001.jpg

wlwilliams9

05-30-2009, 10:09 PM

How sweet! Emily starts dance at the end of the month! I can't wait! She loves to dance and I think she'll love to be in a class with other kiddos her age learing to dance and socialize!

BridetobeDisney

05-30-2009, 10:10 PM

Aww She looks gorgeous!

racefanof88

05-30-2009, 11:05 PM

What sweet pictures. She looks so pretty in her costume.

bertegirl

05-30-2009, 11:43 PM

How sweet! Emily starts dance at the end of the month! I can't wait! She loves to dance and I think she'll love to be in a class with other kiddos her age learing to dance and socialize!

I bet she will love it. This is Jenny's second year. She got to start tap this year, last year it was just ballet. We even do summer dance camp.

Aww She looks gorgeous!

Thanks! She had so much fun!

What sweet pictures. She looks so pretty in her costume.

Thanks...I so need to go to bed. We have been doing dance since noon today and that makes for a long day!

By the way...the carpet man started in the basement yesterday and only has the steps left and we will have a carpeted basement. No more cement floors! Yeah...the daycare is moving downstairs!!!:banana:

OneTreeHillAddict

05-31-2009, 12:38 AM

What a gorgeous costume! She looks so pretty. :goodvibes

I started my May trip report. When ya get a chance go take a look. K?

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2190891

Lifelong_Dreamer

05-31-2009, 11:24 AM

I'm back and all caught up!

Great start to the report!

What a headache that room situation must have been. I would have been steaming mad!

bertegirl

06-03-2009, 11:40 PM

I am so behind. I got done with dance and today was Jenny's last day at school. BUT>>>my garage sale is this weekend. I spend every last minute working on that. Of course it is suppose to rain this weekend. I have to take Jenny back to the eye dr. tomorrow. We will see...guessing glasses are in her future. Hopefully I can do an update on Sunday when things calm down. We had a provider quit in town, so everyone needs daycare help, again. Ugh! I can only take so many. Calgon take me away!

longing2Batdisney

06-04-2009, 12:25 AM

Emily looks sweet in her dance costume...will catch up with you next week...
how many kids are you looking to take on...I have three (almost three year olds) including my own...I have one girl who has a two year old and pregnant who wants to talk to me after Ashton's surgery--don't know if I want more...three tots are a handful...trying to convert to preschool mode after the surgery--I purchased some workbooks before I left for Disney--we already do learning games and songs going to try to do half hour to an hour of real sit down time w/workbooks--LOL!
good luck w/your garage sale this weekend and the eye doctor...

bertegirl

06-05-2009, 10:14 AM

For anyone in my group...I ordered the cd this morning. I had a problem with the code, since we bought so early and they had to extend it out. Hopefully it will be here soon!

Wish me luck with the garage sale. Luckily they at least took the rain out of the forecast for today. I have a lot to sell!

I have 2 daycare interviews next week...which will give me my 8. 2 are school age, though. So they are easy! I am loving the new job so far. I will do an update tomorrow sometime!

bertegirl

06-05-2009, 10:16 AM

By the way we bought another 3 months. They will re check Jenny in September. Right now she needs glasses, but they want to see if her brain will develop anymore without them. Keeping our fingers crossed!

chicagoshannon

06-05-2009, 10:21 AM

What a great costume for her recital! I'm hoping to start Madeline in ballet this fall. She loves dancing!

leamom2princesses

06-05-2009, 11:44 AM

Good luck on your sale and keeping our fingers crossed that Jenny won't need glasses.

mickeystoontown

06-05-2009, 01:36 PM

Awwww what sweet pictures. I wish my daughter had been "girly" and taken dancing. If it was pink or had a bow on it, it was a no-go. We had to sweat through Summer softball games.

Enjoying the report.

racefanof88

06-06-2009, 12:30 AM

My fingers are crossed x. And good luck with the yard sale. Sale lots of stuff so you will have extra Disney money. Wow the daycare is taking off, you will make even more Disney money :thumbsup2.

wlwilliams9

06-06-2009, 12:57 AM

Good luck with the garage sale! I hope you make enough money to stay at the Poly for 2 weeks!!!:thumbsup2

bertegirl

06-06-2009, 03:01 PM

We made $750 on the garage sale. I am going to hold it again on Thursday and Friday do (1/2 off). Since it rained all day today. Hopefully I get rid of the double jogging stroller, rose petal cottage and gas stove. I am so tired! What a weekend. We have a birthday party at 2 for nephew and then maybe I can get caught up tomorrow and do some dising!

I wish we could spend it on another disney trip. We just got the bill for Austins tubes....$2500.00. Ugh!

racefanof88

06-06-2009, 04:40 PM

longing2Batdisney

06-06-2009, 04:54 PM

BridetobeDisney

06-08-2009, 03:25 PM

Hey girl! I hope you're having a good day. :hug:

bertegirl

06-15-2009, 12:11 PM

I know...I never get on the dis anymore. There just isn't enough time in each day. I think things will calm down this week and just maybe I will be able to finish my trip report. I am trying to get the cds off in the mail today while the kids are nappping. We shall see how that goes.

racefanof88

06-18-2009, 11:13 PM

I can't wait for an update. I guess the daycare it going good? I can imagine once the kiddos all go home all you want to do is get a hot shower and go to bed.

bertegirl

06-26-2009, 04:22 PM

longing2Batdisney

06-26-2009, 04:39 PM

So sorry to hear about Austin!:grouphug:many prayers being sent your way.

If you go to photobucket and keyword search Walt Disney World I bet you find what you are looking for. Good Luck!!!:wizard:
:flower3:

racefanof88

06-27-2009, 12:14 AM

You know he is in my prayers.

Disneyvirg

06-27-2009, 12:46 AM

Just a quick note. We are in between dance recitals. Here is Jenny on her big day: http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/bertegirl/IMG_0019.jpg

She did so great this afternoon. I will try and get on tomorrow.

Jenny's costume is so pretty. My daughter's was hot pink. It was cute, but Jenny's is PRETTY!

I just stumbled across your TR tonight. I have a couple pages left but need to hit the hay for an early start tomorrow. Just wanted to say hi from another cornfield in Iowa. :)

The town we live near is a German town, too. My husband's family is all of German heritage. Then there's me - a mutt. Part Italian, part Scottish, Part French Canadian...

We're in western IA...how about you?

Disneyvirg

06-27-2009, 12:47 AM

englishrose47

06-27-2009, 11:16 AM

So Austin has had pneumonia. Its been a long week at our house. We go back tonight to see if he needs admitted for the weekend. Ugh!

I know I need to get back on and do an update when things calm down again!

Amber so sorry about Austin!!:hug:

I forgot to tell you my cd arrived save and sound ABIG THANKYOU!!:flower3:

First time trips are always a learning experience !! Even if you have planned very carefully!! My solo trips are great teaching tools for my Family trips !I scope out new attractions , hidden gems etc !! Each time try new restaurants and counter services !!We didn't get the Hopper our first trip but we have it this time !!:banana: By the way I loved te Biergarten too!!!

bertegirl

06-28-2009, 10:12 PM

Jenny's costume is so pretty. My daughter's was hot pink. It was cute, but Jenny's is PRETTY!

I just stumbled across your TR tonight. I have a couple pages left but need to hit the hay for an early start tomorrow. Just wanted to say hi from another cornfield in Iowa. :)

The town we live near is a German town, too. My husband's family is all of German heritage. Then there's me - a mutt. Part Italian, part Scottish, Part French Canadian...

We're in western IA...how about you?

Too funny...NW Iowa...Algona to be exact. There are tons and I mean tons of Bertes here.

bertegirl

06-28-2009, 10:19 PM

So Austin is on the mend! Yeah. We have had Zythromax, Iv Antibotics and now Omnicef. His poor butt is so red. We have prescription diaper cream.

So I have 50 pages in my shutterfly book for Jennys birthday present. Its so sad looking at the photos. I can't believe how much that vacation changed us. It will be available for viewing if anyone goes online to shutterfly. I have 5 pages left to finish.

Then I can get back to my disboards. I need to find out how everyones trips turned out. :surfweb:

So onto the NEWS. I am training for the Des Moines 1/2 marathon. 13.1 miles in October. After that my hubby agrees to try for a 3rd. I will be in the best shape of any pregnancy attempt thus far. And the big news...he agreed we can go back to Walt Disney World in 2011 for our 10 year anniversary. Although he wants to do Sea World as well this time. So the planning shall begin. I am thinking we will drive and bring along my niece as a helper since we may have 3 by then;) Beyond that no ideas...Jenny wants to stay at the Beach Club (is that the one???) with the water slide, etc. I don't care since we are driving. I am just beside myself that he will go back so soon. I know 2 years is soon for us, though!!!

wigdoutdismom

06-28-2009, 10:53 PM

Just found this! I need to get caught up!

bertegirl

06-28-2009, 10:57 PM

Just found this! I need to get caught up!

Thanks for joining. I have been so busy since we got back that I need to finish up. I need to start Day 5!!!

longing2Batdisney

06-28-2009, 11:21 PM

So Austin is on the mend! Yeah. We have had Zythromax, Iv Antibotics and now Omnicef. His poor butt is so red. We have prescription diaper cream.

so glad to hear he is doing better; poor sweetheart I hope he is not sore for long:flower3:
So I have 50 pages in my shutterfly book for Jennys birthday present. Its so sad looking at the photos. I can't believe how much that vacation changed us. It will be available for viewing if anyone goes online to shutterfly. I have 5 pages left to finish.

glad Jenny's book is coming together:cutie:

Then I can get back to my disboards. I need to find out how everyones trips turned out. :surfweb:

So onto the NEWS. I am training for the Des Moines 1/2 marathon. 13.1 miles in October. After that my hubby agrees to try for a 3rd. I will be in the best shape of any pregnancy attempt thus far. And the big news...he agreed we can go back to Walt Disney World in 2011 for our 10 year anniversary. Although he wants to do Sea World as well this time. So the planning shall begin. I am thinking we will drive and bring along my niece as a helper since we may have 3 by then;) Beyond that no ideas...Jenny wants to stay at the Beach Club (is that the one???) with the water slide, etc. I don't care since we are driving. I am just beside myself that he will go back so soon. I know 2 years is soon for us, though!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!! on all the news...
good for you on marathon:thumbsup2...have fun & relax for #3 / and good luck pixiedust:...
and I'm soooo happy for ya'll that ya'll are going back to Disney in 2011; we were not suppose to go back until 2013 or 14 and Danny agreed to next year... seems like everyone I've been following scored a sooner than later return trip:banana:...

Disneyvirg

06-28-2009, 11:46 PM

Too funny...NW Iowa...Algona to be exact. There are tons and I mean tons of Bertes here.

We're near Manning. Algona's way up there!

So Austin is on the mend! Yeah. We have had Zythromax, Iv Antibotics and now Omnicef. His poor butt is so red. We have prescription diaper cream.

So I have 50 pages in my shutterfly book for Jennys birthday present. Its so sad looking at the photos. I can't believe how much that vacation changed us. It will be available for viewing if anyone goes online to shutterfly. I have 5 pages left to finish.

Then I can get back to my disboards. I need to find out how everyones trips turned out. :surfweb:

So onto the NEWS. I am training for the Des Moines 1/2 marathon. 13.1 miles in October. After that my hubby agrees to try for a 3rd. I will be in the best shape of any pregnancy attempt thus far. And the big news...he agreed we can go back to Walt Disney World in 2011 for our 10 year anniversary. Although he wants to do Sea World as well this time. So the planning shall begin. I am thinking we will drive and bring along my niece as a helper since we may have 3 by then;) Beyond that no ideas...Jenny wants to stay at the Beach Club (is that the one???) with the water slide, etc. I don't care since we are driving. I am just beside myself that he will go back so soon. I know 2 years is soon for us, though!!!

If the Rx doesn't work for Austin's tush...here's what a dermatologist in DSM told us to do with Kate. She has super sensitive skin and was constantly getting diaper rashes. He told us to use Bacitracin when there is broken skin. Can use as much as you need and as often as needed. He then told us to use Zinc Oxide the rest of the time. Don't worry about wiping it off between diaper changes. Both can be purchased at Walgreens - super cheap! And she never had problems with diaper rash after trying that!

And - KUDOS to you for training for the 1/2 marathon. Are you already in running shape? I really wanted to train and get myself able to run the 5K portion of the Dam to Dam - until I found out it was the same weekend as Lily's dance recital. Have you run any shorter races like a 5K? What's your program? I really need to find motivation - and I think signing up for a race like that is an excellent way to do it! Good luck! :thumbsup2

bertegirl

06-28-2009, 11:49 PM

And - KUDOS to you for training for the 1/2 marathon. Are you already in running shape? I really wanted to train and get myself able to run the 5K portion of the Dam to Dam - until I found out it was the same weekend as Lily's dance recital. Have you run any shorter races like a 5K? What's your program? I really need to find motivation - and I think signing up for a race like that is an excellent way to do it! Good luck! :thumbsup2

I can run 3 miles pretty easily, but thats as far as I push myself. I am using Hal Higdons training for this event. My bf is doing it, too. She just finished the Hy-Vee Tri-athalon today. So she is my motivation! I actually wanted to do Dam to Dam at first!

mickeystoontown

06-29-2009, 12:54 PM

Congrats on the good news! Now you can start planning another trip!

BridetobeDisney

06-29-2009, 03:15 PM

Wow, all this awesome news! Good luck with the marathon. You'll do great!

Yay for a third baby!! It will be fun to go back to Disney with 3. I'm so glad you get to go back! I can't wait for more updates!!:goodvibes

englishrose47

06-30-2009, 02:02 AM

2011 Gives you time to really plan!! Just think of all the different scenerios you can plan and replan and replan!!:lmao:

bertegirl

07-01-2009, 12:34 AM

ladybugmom

07-02-2009, 12:23 AM

Amber I don't know how I missed your TR! Glad I found it and am all caught up!! Great news about the marathon, trying for #3, and going back to WDW!!! How exciting!! Can't wait to hear more about your trip!!

AmyBWV99

07-02-2009, 11:22 AM

Good luck on your race half marathons are said to be 1/2 the milage but twice the fun and I agree!

englishrose47

07-02-2009, 01:47 PM

Walked 3 miles and then ran 3 miles tonight. No daycare kiddos on Friday, so my goal is to finish up my trip report...so come back this weekend for an update.

Happy 4th of July everyone! I am so thankful for my bil in Iraq and all he and his fellow soldiers do for us each day!

I second that about our armed forces !!:worship: I am in a coupon train and I send my expired coupons to our military families overseas as they can use them 6 months after expiration !! If anyone has a friend/family overseas in the military let me know if they would be interested !! It isn't much but I feel good helping our service families !!

sugar1967

07-06-2009, 01:44 PM

We never had anyone say hi, offer us any advice and I even said we were 1st timers. If anything they seemed upset when you interupted their conversations with each other at the front desk. That was our 3rd room...3 moves in 1 week is a lot with 2 little ones. We also had to call a second time to get our room cleaned up many days and this was a pain since we wanted to put Austin down for a nap. The people at Mara are far far from friendly. They didn't want to explain the meal plan. Like I said this was a learning experience for us since we had never been. We really didn't care about towel animals, either. We just made a personal decision not to stay there again.

We were at GF and Poly and not even staying there we had more interaction with CM's. One gave Jenny a pin, another a coloring book and crayons, 2 offered us dining advice and advice on getting around the parks. They seemed to like their jobs at those hotels which made us want to come again!

Just catching up after weeks of not being on the DIS (I missed it!! but work took over). Anyway just wanted to say that we stayed at AKL in April and were left with some of the same impressions as you. The front desk staff was less than helpful at check in (we too were newbies). We did get our Savannah view room that we paid for but the bathroom wasn't even cleaned and wet towels from the previous people who stayed there were still hanging on the back of the the bathroom doors! Took FOREVER to get someone to come and clean the bathroom which meant we had to go out and find another bathroom for the kids to use (there was no way I was using ours until it was cleaned!) and finding directions to a bathroom was like a maze. I guess we were just thinking that as a Deluxe resort and the amount that we paid to stay here, we would get amazing service. Honestly, we could have saved ourselves a bundle and probably gotten better service at a value or moderate resort. We also didn't get any towel animals except for the birthday cake one my daughter got on her birthday day. We even had made cute mousekeeping envelopes and everything and nope, nothing in return. The kids were disappointed after seeing some of the towel animals that people have posted on here that they get (OneTreeHill - you get the best ones!) Anyway, rant over, but like you we will not be staying at AKL again. I will try somewhere else next time. But... we were in Disney so all was good!