stopher1's (it was) LIVE "Triple Whammy" Report - THV/AKV/VWL - Jan 11-22 [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

stopher1

01-11-2010, 10:11 PM

So I’m going to attempt to do a LIVE report while we are here, but I’m not promising that I can keep it up each day….but I’ll do my best!

We arrived today for a 10 night “triple whammy” split stay – THV, AKV-Kidani, and VWL. Both the Treehouses and Wilderness Lodge are “first stays” for us - but then Kidani is too, even though AKV is not as we've previously stayed in Jambo House. For many DVC’ers it is certainly not your ideal trip with more than one resort change, and honestly not what we originally wanted to do, but we’re kind of excited about it after a few days of thinking it all through. (Originally we were only going to be in 2 resorts, but due to some scheduling changes with the various folks in our party – and the relatively last minute nature of those changes – this is what we ended up with for the last 2 nights of our trip…but it’s an adventure, right?) :)

Our trip is kind of a “family reunion” of sorts. My family of 5 and my folks are here as well from Oregon. My brother (from Hawaii) was supposed to join us, but due to some very serious issues at work that developed in the past 2 weeks, he had to cancel out. We were all sad initially, but we totally understand the work issue. So 7 instead of 8 – and the kids don’t get to spend time with their uncle…but other than that, we’re good with it.
So far in all of our travels to WDW we have flown (DW does not do well in the car beyond 5 hours, so the 14-15+ hr drive from Indy is not exactly her idea of fun, to say the least). So this morning we headed off to the airport for our 2 hr flight to Orlando. Full but relatively short flight and we are there – gotta love it!

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Our kids always love to “sit up front” on the shuttle over to the terminal…in 8 years of trips, it’s definitely become tradition for them.
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On to Magical Express - with only a 5 minute wait for the bus after checking in (a 2 min process as there was NO line). The bus was half full, and we were stop 2 of 4 (OKW, SSR, POR & Ft. Wilderness). Because we were about half way back, I didn't get my usual & favorite welcoming shot of the WDW sign ... but oh well, I have many of those already.

We loved the carriage, so had to get a picture
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I know that many photos of the Treehouses have been floating around since they opened last June, but I’m going to share some here anyway. Our favorite parts? The faucets in the bathrooms & master tub! Oh wow – I know that we could go out and purchase some like them at our local home improvement store for a pretty penny – and may just do so in the future, but they are so very cool. ALL 7 of us were just marveling at them. It’s the little things today, I guess.

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I’ve read many, many different posts from other people that the décor of the THV’s just isn’t there “thing” – and that’s cool by me. I personally really, really like them. They are such a cool throw-back, retro feel to the woodsy cabins that I grew up vacationing in throughout my youth. AND – the best part, is that my very woodsy wife absolutely loves it is a huge, huge plus (she who wanted to work as a park ranger in Yosemite in her youth). We both are very enthralled with these treehouses.
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We requested a “water view” – and did get one, just not the one we wanted. Oh well. We got a pool view. As the lady at check-in said, “it is filled with water”. I was hoping for a river view to watch the boats pass by, but nothing was available. Oh well. We’re just moments from the boat launch and the path over to the main part of Saratoga… so in the end, it’s all good.
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We experimented with Garden Grocer this trip, and overall it was a good experience. I will use them again. We grilled chicken tonight, had pasta & green salads, fruit and then after dinner some cupcakes in honor of my middle child’s birthday last week (the grands wanted to celebrate with him too!)
The biggest bummer of all actually turned out quite nice though. We forgot to bring a filter for our Brita water pitcher. I was so mad at myself. Both my wife and my stepdad will NOT drink Florida’s tap water. I ordered one case of water and then planned to refill them with the filtered water from our pitcher. Garden Grocer doesn’t carry them, and of course the Artist’s Palette doesn’t either. My oldest and I walked all the way over to Goodings in Crossroads Village – no dice. Oh well – garden grocer will be delivering more water for us! But my son and I had a very enjoyable time together. The walk was invigorating.

After leaving Goodings and heading back towards DTD to go by Guest Relations and get our TIW card. We were both really enjoying how very, very light the crowd was. I’ve been here several times in January in years gone by and always enjoy it… my son has only been here in January once and didn’t remember how light the crowds can be. Let me just say that he is so STOKED. Granted it will be busier over the weekend because of MLK Day, but wow, he can’t wait to see the crowds in the parks while we’re here over the next week and a half. We took the boat back to SSR from DTD, and only he and I were on the boat – and almost every other boat we passed only had one or two people on them.

After dinner we played games and just enjoyed sitting and talking after getting the kids to bed. So far – day 1… very enjoyable. Even with the cooler than normal temperatures. Today was about 53 when we arrived. Not super warm – but about 30 degrees warmer than home. It should be up into the mid-60’s and low ‘70’s in the next few days (at least it was stated as such in the weather report on the news tonight), but we’ll see. We’re not complaining at all. My DW cannot stand Florida’s heat and humidity (so we don’t come during the oppressive summer months), so this is definitely a nice treat/change for her!
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Tomorrow is an MK day – so we’ll hopefully get some good photos there too. I’ll try to post more after that.

itJeff

01-11-2010, 10:33 PM

The treehouses look like a great place to stay with a group. It looks like it's peaceful too.

Can't wait to read the rest of y'all's adventures. :thumbsup2

Wherem I Now

01-11-2010, 10:37 PM

Wow, those THVs look roomy! Thanks for posting the pics. Can't wait for more!

DVC Mike

01-12-2010, 05:44 AM

I love live trip reports with pictures!

Have fun. Maybe our paths will cross this trip?

stopher1

01-12-2010, 06:17 AM

Wow, those THVs look roomy! Thanks for posting the pics. Can't wait for more!

They are that, definitely. They're 3 bedrooms that can sleep 9. Two bedrooms each have a queen, the other bedroom has the bunkbeds, and then the living room has a queen sleeper couch and a single sleeper chair. We have a queen at home, so it's no big deal for us to not have a king-sized bed here like the other DVC 1 & 2 br's have.

So far this morning I'm the only one up. That's usually the way it is at home too - up and attem up before anyone else. I enjoy the peace and quiet. The sun is slowly starting to rise through the trees. It'll probably be another beautiful day here.

We'll be eating a "big" breakfast here in the room before heading over to the MK around 10 or so, maybe 11, not sure. Want the folks to be able to rest this morning and get over their two fun filled travel days (they live in a somewhat remote area of Oregon, several hours from the closest airport - 5 hrs from Portland or 7 hours from Sacramento and Southwest airlines!) - they drove to the airport one day, and then flew east the next - a bit tired today they will be!

Oh my lovely DD just came out from bed, I think it's cuddle time with daddy for a bit before we get our breakfast going. More later.

stopher1

01-12-2010, 06:21 AM

I love live trip reports with pictures!

Have fun. Maybe our paths will cross this trip?

Perhaps... I'd love that.

dianeschlicht

01-12-2010, 06:25 AM

I know I would love the tree houses, but not being an SSR owner, I'm sure I'll never have the pleasure. Thanks for the great pictures though!

FreezinRafiki

01-12-2010, 06:36 AM

They certainly have that Midwest cabin feel. That furniture looks soooo much like the old stuff my family has "up north!'
I'm usually the first one up in the mornings too. Since we do own as SSR, I foresee several nice sunrises through the trees in my future. :thumbsup2

Enjoy your stay!

DisneyDaddy-O

01-12-2010, 07:38 AM

Oh my lovely DD just came out from bed, I think it's cuddle time with daddy for a bit before we get our breakfast going. More later.

That is what it is all about, time with your kids, enjoy it!

I love the Treehouses! They look like a lot of fun, the only complaint I have heard is that the walk to the transportation is a little far, how are you finding it. We are thinking of possibly renting points on a trip and the treehouses look like something we would all enjoy.

Love the pics, keep it up. Glad to hear the weather is warming up, we will be there next week and it looks like good warm days ahead.:thumbsup2

dvc_john

01-12-2010, 07:43 AM

You are in the same unit (7056) that we were in last week. (Checked out Jan 7).
Hope we left it in good shape for you!

glennbo123

01-12-2010, 07:49 AM

Great report....thanks for posting pics in your Live report! You're making me want to stay in a treehouse!

kid-at-heart

01-12-2010, 07:54 AM

Thanks for taking time out of your vacation to post.

dvc4life

01-12-2010, 07:57 AM

Loving your report so far! :thumbsup2 We hope to stay in the THV so our friends can come stay with us and we won't be too crowded. I hope you post more photos of the bedrooms. Would love to see those.

And I love to read live trip reports. They are such fun and it is like we are there with you. We will be arriving down there on the 22nd of January and can't wait to get there. We are staying at SSR again. We really do love it there.

Have fun with your family and can't wait to read about your fun day at MK.

ADP

01-12-2010, 08:01 AM

Noblesville, IN in the house. Great photos!

DisneyFed

01-12-2010, 08:02 AM

IN ON ONE:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:

Hey now, what's wrong with FL tap water:confused3;)

You know, besides the whole sulphur smelling thing?:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

You do get used to it......somewhat:lmao::lmao::lmao:

jessrose18

01-12-2010, 09:25 AM

popcorn::subscribing

BCV23

01-12-2010, 09:37 AM

Thanks for the report! Don't you love those faucets? Have you read of people that didn't like the decor after actually staying there? I can't imagine. We loved it so.

Diane, you could consider a cash stay. We don't own at SSR either but managed a week with developer points in September (one night midtrip was cash on a discount). Anyway, I loved it so much that I booked another week at a bounceback rate of 45% for the end of Feb/March. I can not wait! I don't know how hard it will be to book through DRC/CRO once all the points are sold so grabbed while I could.

Stopher1, have a wonderful trip!

Emma's Dad

01-12-2010, 10:16 AM

Oops! Didn't make the first page :rolleyes: Awesome report!! :thumbsup2:thumbsup2 I just know we are in for more fun as you write this TR! Thanks for taking to time to do this.

DisneyDadC

01-12-2010, 10:55 AM

Good job with the report. As SSR is my home resort I am looking into the tree houses for our Dec trip So your report is great. One Question ,how is the bus route run does it have its own stop or go to SSR,and if so what order? thanks again for your report

Captain_Oblivious

01-12-2010, 12:01 PM

Cool...a live report. The Treehouses certainly look nice to me. Hope you guys are having fun!

DisneyDadC

01-12-2010, 12:24 PM

Hope you guys are enjoying yourselves.I have another quick ? on your report : Do the tree houses have their own food court or snack shack ( for drink refills or light food)? or do you have to walk over to SSR for food.I will be booking in a day or two so just rying to get as much info as I can before making choice. Thanks and enjoy the rest of your stay.:thumbsup2

cj9200

01-12-2010, 12:36 PM

Love the pics, thank you for taking time out on your trip and posting. I have always wanted to stay in the treehouses ever since they were first built. Someday. Hope you have a great time with the family.

twinklebug

01-12-2010, 12:45 PM

I Love the tree houses! Thanks for the live report with pics! It looks like you have a great view of Frog Spit Pond. :goodvibes

BTW - I had never seen the size of the Owner's Locker totes in relation to any furnishings and had it hit home how HUGE those things are... It's almost the size of the stove! :eek: Yup, I might have to get one. :rotfl:

arthur06

01-12-2010, 07:50 PM

Great Photos and TR!

stopher1

01-12-2010, 09:22 PM

I know I would love the tree houses, but not being an SSR owner, I'm sure I'll never have the pleasure. Thanks for the great pictures though!

Oh Diane - you HAVE to try! They truly are awesome.

They certainly have that Midwest cabin feel. That furniture looks soooo much like the old stuff my family has "up north!'
I'm usually the first one up in the mornings too. Since we do own as SSR, I foresee several nice sunrises through the trees in my future. :thumbsup2

Enjoy your stay!

Thanks... yeah, I grew up going to a couple of different cabins in the woods in the Sierra Nevada mountains out in CA - and these are so much better! Those were filled with eclectic furniture, kind of like goodwill finds, etc - mismatched rustic stuff. This stuff is NEW but designed to look that way. I LOVE it!

I love the Treehouses! They look like a lot of fun, the only complaint I have heard is that the walk to the transportation is a little far, how are you finding it. We are thinking of possibly renting points on a trip and the treehouses look like something we would all enjoy.

Love the pics, keep it up. Glad to hear the weather is warming up, we will be there next week and it looks like good warm days ahead.:thumbsup2

It was around 58 today, supposed to be around 60 tomorrow, 69 by Friday and into the mid 70's by the weekend. :)

As far as the transportation goes - our individual unit is only about a 5-7 min walk over to the Carriage House. Not bad at all. But we are overlooking the pool, which is on the eastern edge of the THV's, much closer to the walk path than any of the units out on the western edge by the main driving entrance. THOSE would definitely be way too far away.

Good job with the report. As SSR is my home resort I am looking into the tree houses for our Dec trip So your report is great. One Question ,how is the bus route run does it have its own stop or go to SSR,and if so what order? thanks again for your report

There are the Internal SSR/THV buses that you can catch and then go over to the main SSR routes. There are two stops within the THV's - North & South. The South stop is right next to the walk path over to SSR, not too far from the pool in one direction and the boat dock in the other direction. Since we are nearest that one that's the only one I can speak of. The buses are running through here like every 15 minutes. I have heard so many of them rumbling through. Their first stop is the Grandstand. I'm sorry I can't speak much more about it - because so far, we've opted to walk since it isn't that far.

I Love the tree houses! Thanks for the live report with pics! It looks like you have a great view of Frog Spit Pond. :goodvibes

BTW - I had never seen the size of the Owner's Locker totes in relation to any furnishings and had it hit home how HUGE those things are... It's almost the size of the stove! :eek: Yup, I might have to get one. :rotfl:

Oh yeah twinkle, you'd love them. We have two, and both are filled with all kinds of stuff to make our vacations more like home. Tomorrow morning - waffles in our stored waffle maker. :)

stopher1

01-12-2010, 11:16 PM

The dining table is a great place to play games!
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Day 2 - Tuesday

So we started our day this morning with a hearty breakfast in the room around 9:30 – after giving my folks time to wake up, have their coffee, etc. By the time we were all showered, dressed and ready for the day – it was about 9:15. Not too bad really – though I was up and ready to go before 7. I sure did enjoy the peace and quiet this morning though. While waiting for people to get up, I snapped a few more photos of fascinating parts of this unit. I absolutely LOVE the door knobs/handles – they totally remind me of the talking doorknob in “Alice In Wonderland” –
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and check out the awesome lock on the second bath. This was another thing we all just loved. Very cool, and very rustic.
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Here's a view looking out our front door to our own deck.
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And then looking down the stairs to our own bbq. Every unit has one. They're just charcoal ones, but very, very cool to have.
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I wandered down the stairs this morning and under our unit to explore and check out the pool a bit more up close, rather than just from above. We really are right next to the pool - as walking directly under and then behind it gets you right up to the fence. I wish there were a direct path to it from our little "pod" of treehouses - but alas there is not. You have to walk back around the loop to get to the only entrance gate on the other side of the trees along the roadway.
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It really looks like a nice one, even if it is pretty basic. The spitting frogs in the corner are cute, and the Jacuzzi looks great. So far there’s been a portable sign out saying it’s closed… hopefully tomorrow’s warmer temps will allow us to at least use the Jacuzzi, if nothing else. I'm not sure what the temps were this morning on my exploration, but there was a lot of steam rising off the water of both the pool & the jacuzzi. The bell services guy who delivered our OL's and grocery order told us they keep the pools at 85 degrees. True or not I'm not sure, but the air/water temperature differential this morning was certainly apparent.
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While the adults were getting ready this morning, my DD enjoyed cuddle time with daddy, and then got back into bed (the bottom bunk) and read for a while. She absolutely LOVES that there is a wall light above each bed, with a little switch that she can turn on and off as needed. She's a character that one...
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My boys were enjoying the tv’s. There are 4 of them in these units - one in each bedroom and in the living room. All flat panels, probably 37 or 42 inch screens. Our only real beef with them is that there is only 1 DVD player, in the living room. We brought our portables on the plane, and we have our connector cables so that we can use the portables in the bedrooms…but if we hadn’t, that might just stink, especially for the 13 & 11 yo’s who don’t want to watch Ariel singing about being part of your world one more time while their sister uses the living room tv to watch Ariel’s exploits for the ba-jilenth time. Basically, for those folks who don’t have connector cables with them, or simply don’t bring their own media devices along with them – they’re screwed. Now I know something new to add to our Owner’s Lockers for the next trip – a set of connector cables so that we are certain to have them here.

Wandering around outside I saw numerous squirrels, probably, by far, the most common critter to be found in these parts. I know there are a lot of others, but there were several very close by this morning. The pine trees are just beautiful, as well as so many of the other types of vegetation growing in here.
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Here's a view of our unit from the road. Our little "pod" of units is a trio. Some are a quartet.
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When it was finally time to leave for the MK, we considered taking the internal bus over to SSR, but just ended up walking. No golfers were out this morning while we were going through, but it was an absolutely beautiful morning for golf.
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It’s actually good we walked too, because when we arrived at the Grandstand stop, and waited for our MK bus, the internal bus showed up AS WE WERE PULLING AWAY from the bus stop. We would have had to wait for another 15-20 min or more for the next MK bus. I will say that I am pretty non-plussed about the lack of direct theme park transportation from the treehouses. I do not mind, per se, for the 3 nights that we are staying here dealing with it – but it would be so much better to have direct transportation. Our unit is close enough to make the walk to the Grandstand or the Carriage House easily – but the people staying in the farthest units are pretty much stuck taking the internal buses or hoofing it a very long way. From what I have seen (and heard through the trees), the internal buses are running about every 15 min or so, but then factor in the rest of the SSR stops – and you have a pretty lengthy trip to any one theme park. Having a car would have been the best choice – but again, for 3 nights, it’s not something I’m losing a lot of sleep over. If we were here for a week however, that would definitely be another story.

KAT4DISNEY

01-12-2010, 11:45 PM

Love the pictures and report! Ever since staying at POR (well, not what it was called then!) and seeing the treehouses for the institute from the boat I've wanted to stay there. Maybe someday we'll luck out with a reservation.

stopher1

01-12-2010, 11:51 PM

Day 2 continued

Here's another view inside our treehouse. I'm sitting in the sleeper chair next to the master bedroom door, looking towards door to the 3rd bedroom (with the bunkbeds). The unit has cathedral ceilings, and I just love how they carved out the kitchen space and made it feel like it's own little room through this ingenious use of beams and lighting.
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The Magic Kingdom. My personal favorite park here at WDW, pretty much because it’s most like my favorite Disney park of them all, the one that started it all – Disneyland. Since we planned on making this a relaxing kind of day for the grandparents, and they’ve been to the MK before, it really wasn’t a big deal for us to not be there early. Later in the week when we go to Animal Kingdom and the Studios, we’ll be there earlier since they have never experienced AK, and it’s been so very long since they last experienced the Studios & Epcot. We planned on departing the room by 10. We were off by about a half an hour. No biggie. The walk/wait for the bus/circling SSR/drive to the MK in total was about 45 minutes – so we got to the MK later as well. Again – no biggie.

We were surprised to see Christmas decorations up still upon our arrival, and to hear the Christmas music loop still playing at this late date. The lights on the castle had already begun to come down, in fact that ugly crane is right there ruining a lot of people’s coveted pictures
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But it was the sight of the tree in Town Square that really threw us all a bit. Garlands, wreaths, and other decorations were all still up.
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Kinda funny really. The last time we were here in January the decorations all were down by around the 8th – so this year it’s a bit later. I’m sure they’ll be gone by the time we go back to the MK next week – but at this rate, who knows?

We caught the tail end of the show in front of the castle, which just made my DD’s morning, and then proceeded into Adventureland. Here’s a view of the moat, pretty much drained.
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The Jungle Cruise was our first destination, as my middle boy really wanted to try to trip up the skipper with the corny jokes and bad puns with some of his own. We were pleased with the wait time. It was posted as 15 minutes, but really ended up only being about 10. Given the relatively light crowds, no FP’s were available today, which perturbed my eldest, but totally pleased me- as while the FP system does have it’s positives, it also has it’s negatives and I personally don’t think the pros outweigh the cons. But that too, is a whole ‘nother story that I don’t need to nor will go into now.
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As soon as they opened up a couple of the roped off areas, the line heading outside the queue buildling quickly disappeared. Just seeing any kind of line sticking outside of the queue building always sends my eldest into a tizzy... he just doesn't think anything is worth it if he has to wait more than 10 minutes - oh the stories I could tell (and actually have many times) of those days gone by growing up at DL, and the multiple-hour long waits as new attractions opened for the very first time over the course of the years. Even still, he is not a very patient kid, and as such if he doesn't have a FP, he just doesn't want to get in line. Thankfully both of his parents remember the good old days when there was no such thing as FP and everyone had to wait or they simply didn't ride. And honestly, what's the point of being there if you aren't going to experience at least some of the attractions? I mean come on, there's only so much shopping and dining you can do in a given day.

I enjoy the Jungle Cruise, I always have. I like the differences between the DL and MK. Both are neat in their own ways. Regardless of the park, I always love the exploration party who'll "get the point in the end" and the " back side of water".
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Proceeding westward through that land, we went over to POTC – a family favorite.

Wow, by then it was already lunch time. Since we were right there anyway, we ate at Pecos Bill’s. It wasn’t great, but it wasn’t bad either. None of us were bowled over with our individual choices, but it satisfied our tummys so we moved on feeling okay with it all.

Splash is down for rehab this month, which is/was a major disappointment to us all, but most especially to my DD. She loves it. It was her first “big” ride last year, and she was so looking forward to going on it again this year. Oh well, she’s just going to have to wait for our trip to Disneyland this summer.
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stopher1

01-13-2010, 12:27 AM

Day 2 continued

After our lunch we wanted to go on BTMRR, but sadly it had broken down – in fact as we were approaching it we saw CM’s evacuating guests from the lift hill on the back side. They said it might be down for an hour or more… but we never made it back over to that side of the park today, so I don’t know how long it actually took, except that we did see it running later on while on the riverboat. Perhaps next week we can ride it.

We enjoyed the Country Bears – though not as much as the guy sitting next to me… he was just a hoot. Every song he tried to get people to clap along with, and just ooh’d, aah’d and reveled in the lyrics – even singing along with several. He clearly loves his Country Bears! My favorite has always been Teddi Beara, but her swing wasn’t swinging – both DW and I thought that was kind of odd – she just hung there, kind of limply.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/2010-0112-00180.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/2010-0112-00184.jpg

Liberty Square was then were we stayed for a while, as we enjoyed my favorite The Haunted Mansion,
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/2010-0112-00189.jpg
followed by a journey around the Rivers of America,
(here's my DW and I on that watery journey)
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/2010-0112-00199.jpg

watching the parade pass by and then another journey, this time through our presidential history in the Hall of Presidents. Like New Orleans Square at DL, Liberty Square is my favorite MK land. The attention to detail and theme is just executed so very, very well.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/2010-0112-00185.jpg

Master Gracey's grave looked freshly filled. I like the little touches here too.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/2010-0112-00194.jpg

The one thing that really, really bugs me though, at the HM, is the very bad show that can be seen while in the queue near the hearse.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/2010-0112-00193.jpg

If you look closely, the back side of the Mansion's facade is not finished, but rather the "show building green" where the attraction actually takes place. Furthermore to the right of it is more of the show building exposed for anyone to see and a very ugly, bright silver metal strip at the top of the building. In my training days back at DL all those years ago - that was definitely called bad show. Anything that breaks up the illusion of the land is bad show, and that's exactly what is happening here. More trees need to be planted there to hide the attraction's show building. WDW's maintenance staff should really get rid of the show building green paint and make it look like it is part of the mansion, rather than the warehouse that it is. Sorry - my own personal rant there, but it really bugs me. My DW, kids and folks all thought I was a bit odd today taking this picture, but I didn't care. None of them noticed it til I pointed it out as many others no doubt haven't noticed either, but it's still there, and ugly and bad show. Anal? Yes, I know... but it's still just plain ugly. Be sure to look for it the next time you're here and see if you like it or think it's ugly too.

I was tickled to be able to get this shot, since I have both of these buildings in my Christmas village from the Disney Parks series back when Dept. 56 and Disney actually worked together. (I also have the DL Firestation).
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/2010-0112-001108.jpg

By now my boys were begging to go to the other side of the park. We didn’t quite appease them yet, as we had to share Mickey’s Philharrmagic with the grandparents – who really liked it. So a stay in Fantasyland was in order, but it really wasn’t all that long. We enjoyed Dumbo
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/2010-0112-001114.jpg

and then the Mad Tea Party before finally heading into Tomorrowland. Growing up my mother, brother and I would all go on the Teacups at DL and just spin like crazy – so as soon as I asked her if she wanted to go on them today, that mischevious sparkle came into her eye and she said, “of course!.” My DW and DD went in one cup, my boys in another and my mother & I in the third. My stepdad gets sick in the teacups, so he stood that one out. We twirled and spun so fast, it was crazy. We were laughing so hard. My boys, who also love to spin, were amazed watching how fast we were spinning. It was fun – the only thing missing about that was not having my brother there to help us spin even faster. It was just hilarious!

In Tomorrowland we enjoyed the Peoplemover, Buzz Lightyear (again the wait time was posted as 10 min but it was really just 5), Carousel of Progress and dinner at Cosmic Ray’s. We’ll do Space Mtn. when we go back next week. By then it was time to figure out where we’d watch the fireworks. We hopped on the last train of the night from Toontown and rode it around to Main Street where we looked in the shops for the next half an hour. We wanted to see Wishes, but at the same time wanted to get on the bus quickly to get back to the resort. So we chose a spot near the Tree and just enjoyed them from there. Not the best viewing location, but it was still quite enjoyable.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/2010-0112-001129.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/2010-0112-001135.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/2010-0112-001130.jpg

Crowded bus ride back. American Idol & ice cream in the room – all in all a very enjoyable day was had by all.

Emma's Dad

01-13-2010, 07:40 AM

Very nice update! I like the rustic look to those units... but I don't think my DW would like it quite the same. Sounds like a nice relaxing visit to MK this day... although that's a bummer that you missed all 3 mountains. I look forward to getting DD on both POTC and HM this year... she's very easily frightened and just the names of the rides have deterred her from riding in the past. Got my fingers crossed this year! :thumbsup2

I like your TR style... to the point, informative, and great pics! I feel like I'm right there with you. Looking forward to the next update :surfweb:

How'd you like AI last night??

christa112

01-13-2010, 07:50 AM

Great pictures. I love that your treehouse over looks the pool. That is awesome. I can't wait to read and see more pics. We are headed down next Friday. We can't wait!!!

stopher1

01-13-2010, 08:04 AM

Sounds like a nice relaxing visit to MK this day... although that's a bummer that you missed all 3 mountains.

How'd you like AI last night??

Yeah, no mountains...but we'll be back over there next week, so it's okay. Just the way it worked out.

AI - as always there are good ones and bad ones. I cringed at many of the bad ones, and enjoyed what I heard of the good ones. I wasn't watching it per se, really just listening, as I was uploading pics and preparing the text of my report so that I could then put it all together later on after everyone else was in bed.

Slow morning this morning. 2 of the 7 are still asnooze... need to get breakfast going and perhaps that will rouse them. :rotfl: Today we're just hanging out here in the TH though til lunch time, and then we'll take the boat over to DTD to explore and enjoy. Gotta get those free samples from Ghirardelli! :) And the kids want to explore Pin Traders once again. I got them a bunch of pins for trading's sake on eBay, but we always get them one special one representing that individual trip. And I like to collect one from each resort we've stayed at. So we'll see what today brings.

stopher1

01-13-2010, 08:05 AM

Great pictures. I love that your treehouse over looks the pool. That is awesome. I can't wait to read and see more pics. We are headed down next Friday. We can't wait!!!

Thanks. I think it's pretty cool too - of course it would be even better if they would actually allow the pool to be open. Perhaps today.

Emma's Dad

01-13-2010, 08:13 AM

Yeah, no mountains...but we'll be back over there next week, so it's okay. Just the way it worked out.

AI - as always there are good ones and bad ones. I cringed at many of the bad ones, and enjoyed what I heard of the good ones. I wasn't watching it per se, really just listening, as I was uploading pics and preparing the text of my report so that I could then put it all together later on after everyone else was in bed.

Slow morning this morning. 2 of the 7 are still asnooze... need to get breakfast going and perhaps that will rouse them. :rotfl: Today we're just hanging out here in the TH though til lunch time, and then we'll take the boat over to DTD to explore and enjoy. Gotta get those free samples from Ghirardelli! :) And the kids want to explore Pin Traders once again. I got them a bunch of pins for trading's sake on eBay, but we always get them one special one representing that individual trip. And I like to collect one from each resort we've stayed at. So we'll see what today brings.

I'm betting the guy that was overseas and got cancer (and beat it) will be in the final 10.

Mmmmmmm... free chocolate... sounds delicious right now. Oh... my DD JUST started getting interested in pin trading. We had bought a lanyard set at WDW last year and she not very interested. This year... as we are preparing for our April trip... she suddenly remembers it and asks if she can get more pins. I had no idea how expensive this could get! But it's way cool how many pins are out there. We got a set of 20 hidden Mickey pins on Ebay for cheap... so it's a good start!

Have fun at DTD today!

DisneyDadC

01-13-2010, 08:39 AM

great TR, I think we all feel like we are right there with you.I think we found a job for you in dec,You can be the offical Tr reporter for the Dis Dads .:)
Keep up the good work your Tr should be just enough Disney fix to tide some of us over untill we can get to our trips.:thumbsup2

DisneyDadC

01-13-2010, 08:49 AM

I'm betting the guy that was overseas and got cancer (and beat it) will be in the final 10.

Mmmmmmm... free chocolate... sounds delicious right now. Oh... my DD JUST started getting interested in pin trading. We had bought a lanyard set at WDW last year and she not very interested. This year... as we are preparing for our April trip... she suddenly remembers it and asks if she can get more pins. I had no idea how expensive this could get! But it's way cool how many pins are out there. We got a set of 20 hidden Mickey pins on Ebay for cheap... so it's a good start!

Have fun at DTD today! Look out once they get going with the pins its over !!!My two Daughters go crazy with those things. I think each one of them have two or three lanyards full,and they dont want the cheap ones lol they want the limited edition ones.Well good luck your your collections.

Oh and Stopher just jump right in that pool,odds are they wont say anything.I see it everytime we are there pool says closed and people go right in anyways.Most of the times we go in Aug so they if they close it is due to a storm,but people still go in. So I wsay go for it!! test out that water temp:rolleyes1

Tinks "SS"

01-13-2010, 09:04 AM

Just love your loev TR with pics! It's great on see the Treehouses. i would love to stay in one some day. Time will tell. Anyways, keep taking lots of pics so we may live vicariously through you!!

katmittens

01-13-2010, 11:30 AM

We just returned from our trip Jan 1-8 and someone told us the decorations were still up in the parks because the weather was too cold at nite for the workers to get the decorations down.
Maybe they will be like us in NE Pa and take them down in March:rotfl2::rotfl2:or for us when the snow melts whichever comes first.

DisneyDaddy-O

01-13-2010, 12:30 PM

Very nice update! This report is making it very difficult to get anything done at work, I can't wait to get there. The weather seems to be warming up, is it still pretty cold at night?

My kids started trading pins 2 years ago and love it. They are going to keep most of there pins at home and only take the ones they think they will trade with them this year. We usually get a pin for the year we are there, I like the idea of buying one for the resort as well. Looks like you guys are having a great time.

Have you seen any construction walls in front of the castle? I have read that they will be up for a while as they rehab the front of the castle.

As for American Idol, I love the blonde guy that thought he sounded like Chris Brown and the Eagles, cracks me up.:rotfl2::rotfl2:

Emma's Dad

01-13-2010, 02:29 PM

great TR, I think we all feel like we are right there with you.I think we found a job for you in dec,You can be the offical Tr reporter for the Dis Dads .:)

You mean you wouldn't want me to do it?? :confused3 :rotfl2::rotfl2:

FreezinRafiki

01-13-2010, 03:55 PM

You mean you wouldn't want me to do it?? :confused3 :rotfl2::rotfl2:

Yeah. It can be the opening post on the DIS Dad's Club XXIV thread! :lmao: I'd heckle you about getting back to writing, but I already saw you did a post today! :thumbsup2

DisneyDadC

01-13-2010, 04:34 PM

You mean you wouldn't want me to do it?? :confused3 :rotfl2::rotfl2:
I am sorry it would be great for you to do it but I did not see you on the offical roster for going :confused3 and well Stopher is doing such a great job :thumbsup2

Chellymouse

01-13-2010, 06:01 PM

Lovin' your TR! Hope the weather warms up for you! Can't wait to read more!
popcorn::

Emma's Dad

01-13-2010, 07:53 PM

I am sorry it would be great for you to do it but I did not see you on the offical roster for going :confused3 and well Stopher is doing such a great job :thumbsup2

Sorry about that... there's an inside joke about my TRs and how long it takes to get them done.

stopher1

01-13-2010, 08:23 PM

I'm working on transfering photos now. Today turned out to be such a great day!

I did call down to the front desk this morning to ask about the pool. Apparently, at least from what they told me the THV pool is closed - not because of the air temperature - but rather because they are having a problem with the heater. She put me on hold for several minutes while she asked someone else. She said it has been closed for nearly a week... so, bummer - we didn't go in. But it turned out to be no big deal, really - even though it definitely was warm enough this afternoon. After I get some more photos ready, I'll post some more.

I will say though, that I am kind of sad leaving the Trees in the morning, as we won't be back this trip. It has been an incredible experience - one that we will definitely want to repeat in the future. I love, love, LOVE the treehouses!

ccigliano

01-13-2010, 08:32 PM

stopher1

01-13-2010, 08:44 PM

Love your trip report. I'm so glad you are posting live so that if we have questions your like a reporter on the spot:thumbsup2. The THV look so awesome and I m going on line to price out the faucets now. I would love to take my two sisters and their families one time as we'd all fit in the villa perfectly. Maybe one year I can convince them all to go at Christmastime but that means I'll need to purchase a resale at SSR for that - but the transportation issue is a hard nut to crack:headache:. So what's up next, Kidani? Can't wait as we are going there soon for the first time.

Yep - tomorrow we move over to Kidani. We'll be in a 2 BR Savannah view room. We leave here bright and early (all packed now and ready to go, save for our necessary toiletries for the a.m. We plan to have Bell Services come by at 8 am to get the luggage, groceries and our 2 OL's - and then we head out for the Studios for the day. It's a Fantasmic! night, but the park closes at 7, so it won't be a late night at all.

Dinner tomorrow will be at the 50's Prime Time Cafe. Haven't eaten there in about 3 or 4 years...we're looking forward to it!

You're right, the transportation here at the Trees is a bit frustrating. Today it was no big deal at all - but park days I can definitely see how it is an issue. Having a car is a big plus for this resort - but it's not 100% necessary. I'll talk about that in my next update...

itJeff

01-13-2010, 08:58 PM

Dinner tomorrow will be at the 50's Prime Time Cafe. Haven't eaten there in about 3 or 4 years...we're looking forward to it!

I'm lovin' all the pics. :thumbsup2

Oooooooo.... We decided to try there in May! Can't wait to hear how it is for you. popcorn::

stopher1

01-13-2010, 09:37 PM

Here are a few more photos of the little details in the Treehouse.

Light fixtures found in the bathrooms, and ceiling fans
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-0015.jpg

Dining area light
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-00113.jpg

Light fixtures in the secondary bath
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-001100.jpg

Master Bath light fixtures
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-0013.jpg

stopher1

01-13-2010, 09:45 PM

Do the tree houses have their own food court or snack shack ( for drink refills or light food)? or do you have to walk over to SSR for food.

Nothing here in the THV's, except for vending machines at the bus stops - everything is over at the main part of SSR.

IBTW - I had never seen the size of the Owner's Locker totes in relation to any furnishings and had it hit home how HUGE those things are... It's almost the size of the stove! :eek: Yup, I might have to get one. :rotfl:

Twinkle I just looked back through this looking to see if there were any other questions I'd missed and saw the photo you were referring to again. While the OL's are big, I must say they aren't that big. What you're seeing there are actually both of my lockers stacked, one on top of the other. I still think you'd like them, but I didn't want you going and getting one thinking they were that tall!! :eek:

stopher1

01-13-2010, 09:47 PM

Here are a couple of photos of the second bedroom

Looking in from the hallway
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0111-0140.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0111-0142-1.jpg

The bedspreads are nice in both the master and second bedrooms - but really cool in the third bedroom on the bunks... I don't have a pic of that yet, but there is an image of the treehouses within the design. Great stuff.

stopher1

01-13-2010, 09:50 PM

And then here's the third bedroom, with the bunk beds
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0111-0139-1.jpg

And a view of the whatnot shelf in the corner
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0111-0138.jpg

All three bedrooms have their own closet, and of course there is the closet out by the front door with the safe, vacuum, pack & play & ironing board/iron

In the hall way, opposite the second bedroom & next to the second bathroom is the w/d closet
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0111-0143.jpg

stopher1

01-13-2010, 10:40 PM

Day 3 - Wednesday

This morning was a SLOW morning all around. My folks, who are usually very early risers, did not appear until close to 9 am. We had a big breakfast (waffles, pancakes, sausages, fruit) in the room. Then while they all worked on getting showered, dressed, etc., I decided to head out for a walk. I took a stroll around the corner and down the path to the right to the boat dock. It was lovely. I loved the signs talking about the wildlife found in and around the wetlands of the THV forest.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-00121.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-00123.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-00128.jpg

Not needed now for any waiting boat passengers, but they certainly will be in a few months
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-00131.jpg

From there I worked my way back to the road, and worked my way around the bend to the South bus stop. I had thought about going over to the Carriage House and Artist’s Palette by bus, but ended up deciding against it. I really didn’t need to go over there, so I didn’t. I decided instead to walk up the road and see how long it might take to get to the road entrance since I wanted a pic of the sign.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-00159.jpg

Walking that road only took me about 10 minutes, at a very casual, leisurely pace. I stopped every so often to watch the squirrels scamper about, and to see if I could see the various birds I heard calling. I waved to the bus driver as he passed, and several mousekeepers. Other than them, it was pretty quiet and seemingly deserted. There were cars in some parking places, but most of the guests staying in the trees were probably out and about. After a good 10 minutes of just hanging out watching the traffic pass by on the road, enjoying seeing some golfers across the street at the golf course, and getting sign pictures, I turned back into the forest and started my walk back to our unit. Just inside the gate is this little beauty
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-00167.jpg

Again – the walk only took me about 10 minutes or so, though I did stop to investigate the disabled units. Those ramps are very, very long!
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-00169.jpg

The first set (two units share one ramp) is very, very close to the road entrance had guests (I only knew since there was a car in the marked space), and the second set is further in. I explored the second set more because mousekeepers were there. I really liked the fact that there is both a ramp and a set of stairs for those guests within a traveling party who don’t need the ramp.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-00174.jpg

We grilled lunch today, and dinner too. Nothing fancy - just hot dogs for one and cheeseburgers for the other but it was terrific. My son wanted to help with lunch.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-00193.jpg

More of the walk back to the unit
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-00175.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-00176.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-00181.jpg

We left for Downtown Disney around 2 via boat. We only waited at the dock about 8 minutes before it arrived. The weather was just beautiful. The temperature warmed up today to probably about 60 or so. (Supposed to be around 68 or 9 tomorrow) and in the mid 70’s Friday).
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-001111.jpg

Our first stop in DTD was the Harley Davidson store. The kids enjoyed climbing on the bikes on display in the windows and my folks enjoyed looking at the clothes.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-001125.jpg

I really liked this sign’s play on words with the location and all…
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-001130.jpg

We then turned our sights on the Marketplace. Christmas decorations are still up at DTD.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-001136.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-001140.jpg

I loved this newest addition inside the Lego store.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-001144.jpg

And I liked seeing the newest Lego products on display as well. I saw them just last week in the new catalog my son received in the mail, and then got to see them in person here... very fun.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-001149.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-001146.jpg

I was tempted to buy some for myself - and my "display shelf" in my office.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/Office/P5300003.jpg

Once again we received the free samples at
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-001159.jpg

Peppermint Bark today. YUMMY. So much so, my mother, after walking out of the store, 10 minutes later had to go back and buy a great big back of it for us to enjoy over the next few days!

The kids got ice cream from the Soda Fountain, my DW got a Mickey Premium bar from the stand across the way, and I was so very, very tempted to get my favorite treat, an Itzakadoozie…but decided against it at that time, since a certain 5 year old I know would most likely not be able to finish her very large single scoop cone. I was correct, so I ended up enjoying half of a cookies & cream cone (not my favorite flavor, but I wasn’t going to throw it away!)

We definitely have our favorite stops at DTD. While we didn’t hit them all today, it’s totally okay since we’ll be back later on next week. One that we did hit though, was
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-001169.jpg

I have been collecting resort specific ornaments for our Christmas tree (in fact, we have an ornament from every family trip we’ve made since DW and I married, not just Disney, but all over the place – Niagara Falls, WDW, DL, Oregon, Michigan, NY, Chicago, etc, etc – always something we look for on our travels)… our tree is definitely more or less a "travelogue" - or as DW puts it, "an ad for a trip around the world!" Sadly the resort specific ornaments are no more. Discontinued. I was so bummed. So now I have to try and create something special and am on a quest to find just the “right” kind of ornament to represent the Trees and transform into our special commemorative ornament. Sure there are a bunch of woodsy type ornaments there – but I wasn’t satisfied with any of them yet…we’ll see. I’ve got 8 more days…

We stopped by our favorite photo spot and got a new pic of the kids.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-001172.jpg

This location has been a tradition since our very first family trip to WDW - it's sure fun to look back through them all and see how the kids have grown. Every single time we’ve gone to FL, even for our non-Disney trips, we still stop by DTD and get a shot there. Even the kids ask when we’ll be getting “the picture” when talking about a trip. We always take several to get just the right one. We’re definitely going back later in the week as none of the ones we got today were “good enough”. There were just too many shadows for DW’s liking!

Right across the way by the newish Hanes shop we got this fun one too.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-001174.jpg

stopher1

01-13-2010, 10:48 PM

We then hopped onto the boat taking us over to the West Side and walked back through that side to the Pleasure Island stop. A view of Congress Park on our way...
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-001188.jpg
This was the building we stayed in for our last visit, in October. We celebrated my birthday here. It was great.

We could have just stayed on the boat and gone directly there – but we really wanted to stop by and see how much the Characters in Flight balloon rides are. I intend to go up in that balloon – if not this trip, then definitely the next one. My mother thinks we need to make it this trip, as she said she’d kind of like to try it out too.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-001184.jpg

Then we were back on the boat and headed back home again. Here's one of my mom and me, just for fun. I'm very happy to be able to spend this time with them. Living 2400 miles apart does make the visits more precious.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-001178.jpg

More grilling tonight, followed by packing up for our big transfer to Kidani Village tomorrow, followed by another game night. Last time it was Blokus, this time Apples to Apples – Junior, so my DD can play too.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-001198.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-001199.jpg

Tomorrow is the Studios. I’m anxious to see how the crowd level is.

christa112

01-14-2010, 05:32 AM

I can't believe Christmas decorations are still up!! I also can't wait for your review of AKV and to see the pics!!! We are down to 8 days until arrival!!! :cool1:

kdzgon

01-14-2010, 06:04 AM

I can't believe Christmas decorations are still up!! I also can't wait for your review of AKV and to see the pics!!! We are down to 8 days until arrival!!! :cool1:

I'm wondering if the weather hasn't contributed to the delay in removing all the holiday decorations. Much of the removal takes place over night and the temperatures have been pretty uncomfortable for the average Floridian - perhaps the cold affects the whole process or maybe they were just sympathetic to the people that would need to be out in the frigid weather for a task that was not absolutely time sensitive?

dianeschlicht

01-14-2010, 06:30 AM

Love the pictures of the treehouse decor! I know I would love staying there, but not owning at SSR, I doubt that will ever be possible.

Muhlenberg

01-14-2010, 06:39 AM

Great pictures! I LOVE pictures of details like light fixtures. :cool2: I'm glad I'm not the only one that does that.:rolleyes1

And Diane...you never know...you could try waitlisting. We're doing a family trip in August with our grown children, and we wanted a Treehouse, but weren't expecting to get one so we booked Kidani 2 BR. I waitlisted at 7 months, and 2 days later it came through! They must have released inventory.:confused3 (It probably helped that we're NOT checking in on a Sunday.)

Emma's Dad

01-14-2010, 07:57 AM

Awesome pictures! I like how you take us around the place with the pictures and then describe what you see and getting your take on stuff. It's nice to have a seasoned traveler's input :thumbsup2

Everyone looks like they're having a blast! Hope the weather warms up enough to get in the pool at least once this trip :thumbsup2

rentayenta

01-14-2010, 02:50 PM

I was sent here by my friend Glenn and I owe him BIG. This is by far one of the best DVC reports I have read. I love your photos. Having just bought at SSR last May, I am elated at the prospect of staying at the THV. :lovestruc I too love everything about them!!! They are SO Walt. :thumbsup2

I am enjoying how leisurely your trip seems. I need to take a lesson from you and enjoy more outside of the parks. :goodvibes

glennbo123

01-14-2010, 03:53 PM

stopher1

01-14-2010, 08:29 PM

We checked in to Kidani tonight after a long day at the Studios. I need to transfer pics, and will hopefully do that in a little bit. The family is up in the room getting settled (kids to bed, etc), and I had to go down to the lobby for a couple of things...so I grabbed the laptop and am now sitting on the observation patio next to the lobby (not sure yet if it has a name), watching a giraffe amble by, and a Roan Antelope chew some grass. When we first got up there, there were about 8 Ankole Cattle lying down outside our room in a little circle. I can't wait for the sun to come up and be able to see more! I love savannah views!

Quickly though - today we made it for rope drop at DHS! WOW! I have NEVER, and I repeat NEVER been able to get my family to any rope drop at all! I was dumbfounded, truly. On my solo trips I've been there no problem - but my DW is NOT an early riser by any means unless there is some major reason for doing so (i.e. catching a plane or something like that). But I basically had them knowing the park hours were shorter than normal and we had to have our stuff ready to roll by 8 for the bus ride to the park. ;) I called Bell Services at 7:30, figuring it would be about a half an hour to get over there with any other check-outs/transfers that might be happening. The guy showed up at 7:42. We were then able to walk out the door by 7:50, and were on the bus over to SSR by 7:54 (it followed us as we walked around the bend to the stop). After waiting at SSR for about 10 mins, our DHS bus showed up and we were at the park's gate by 8:35. Incredible.

As soon as we were through the turnstiles I got each of their tickets and was headed up Hollywood Blvd. to get FP's for Toy Story. I was just 3 people behind the rope. They sauntered over to Guest Services to check out the big pin book they keep there, and apparently my DD scored with a new Ariel pin. As soon as the rope was removed and the little welcoming ceremony done, I was on the way to get our FP's - along with about of 1/3 of who was there. We got 9:55 - 10:55, so it was off to ToT and RNRC until our time came up. As soon as I was out of the FP distribution line - the Standby time was up to 45 min. After we rode - we got more FP's (2:55 - 3:55) - and we returned for the 2nd go around, the Standby line was up to 110 mins. I still don't like the FP system for many reasons, but since it's there, I'm definitely going to use it, especially for things like Toy Story Midway Mania!

I'll get some photos posted soon, I hope.

arthur06

01-14-2010, 09:23 PM

stopher1

01-14-2010, 09:26 PM

So here are just a few more of the Treehouses before I start showing anything from Kidani.

The Master bathroom - with the different tub/shower configuration
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-0011.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0114-0012.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0114-0011.jpg

I remember thinking how strange when I first saw photos before they even opened. I wasn't exactly sure what I'd think when I saw them in person. It's still a bit strange, but certainly because of the octagonal shape, I understand them better. What really concerned me more than anything was the window in the shower/tub area... but no more. They did a terrific job with this! It really is beautiful.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-0014.jpg

Here's some detail on the second bath - I can't remember now if I posted these already or not...but I'm not going back to look - so if I did, here's a second look! :rotfl:
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-001101.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-001102-1.jpg

I just love the rich surfaces and variety of textures used.

Finally, here is the beautiful & unique bedspread from the bunkbeds. We really wanted to take one of these home with us! I love the treehouse image in the center, and really hope to get something like that framed one day. We have a framed piece from 2 of our home resorts now, and that would certainly make a nice addition.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0114-0017.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0114-0018.jpg

stopher1

01-14-2010, 09:28 PM

I love TSM, but I wouldnt wait 110 minutes for it! That is crazy

Me neither, but many people were! I so wish they could add in a Single Rider line like they have for TSMM out at CA Adventure at the DLR. It really does help fill in those gaps, and offers another option for those that want it.

twinklebug

01-14-2010, 09:30 PM

I love TSM, but I wouldnt wait 110 minutes for it! That is crazy

I must be the only person I know who doesn't care for TSM - I think the waiting queue is awesome, but the ride is like a jacked up version of Teacups and ring toss combined. And I like the teacups!

I don't blame anyone for missing that line.

itJeff

01-14-2010, 09:31 PM

Great strategy for the studios. TSM is going to be a big draw for quite a while I imagine. I can't wait to ride it! :thumbsup2

It looks and sounds like y'all are having a great time. I like the idea of taking a picture at the same spot each trip. I wish we had started doing that on our first trip. Oh well, I guess it's not too late to start. :)

You 'da man on keeping up with the Live Report.... and bonus points on all the pictures. :thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2

jundland

01-14-2010, 09:45 PM

Hey Stopher, great report so far and nice pictures too. I must say though I am waiting to see a picture of TEAL.

Keep the great updates coming.

El&Asmom

01-14-2010, 09:47 PM

stopher1

01-14-2010, 09:51 PM

I've really enjoyed your TR. The resort specific ornaments you mentioned being discontinued. Are they the oval shaped ones that are a bone color? I have one from SSR, but wanted to get one from HH this summer when we go. I'll be bummed if they don't have them. Dh and I do the same thing when we travel. We have ornaments from pretty much everywhere we have visited.

Can't wait for your TR from Kidani. We'll be checking in there on Sunday after spending two days at CBR starting tomorrow. I'm glad the weather warmed up for us!
Enjoy the rest of your vacation.

Yep. I missed getting one from SSR last Oct. when we were here, so a few weeks back I called the merchandise line to see about getting one mailed to me. NO dice. I then called Days of Christmas directly, again no dice. This time while on site, I asked in person - discontinued is what 3 different CM's told me. I figured asking 1 would be iffy, 2 more probable, 3 - consistent. Ugh.

Enjoy YOUR stay too! :)

stopher1

01-14-2010, 09:53 PM

Hey Stopher, great report so far and nice pictures too. I must say though I am waiting to see a picture of TEAL.

Keep the great updates coming.

I'll try. We'll be heading up that way again on Saturday afternoon. No promises though.

twinklebug

01-14-2010, 10:05 PM

podsnel

01-14-2010, 10:09 PM

Count me in as another who loves your TR! Thanks so much for sharing your vacation with us! I love your game nights- can't tell you how many rounds of apple to apples jr we have played in our house! Loveit!!:goodvibes

franandaj

01-14-2010, 10:10 PM

stopher1

01-14-2010, 10:15 PM

Day 4 - Thursday

Resort Transfer & Studios Day

I gave a little info above about how we began our day, now here are a few photos to go with it.

While the masses were heading towards Pixar Place for the first rides / FP's of the day at TSMM - I was tickled to see 3 or 4 Green Army Men pop up and throw out commands to the crowds. They were pretty fun.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0114-00123.jpg

The guys went on ToT
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0114-00135.jpg

I just love this kind of attention to detail - this nightlight in "Andy's room" at TSMM was such a kick
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0114-00145.jpg

The Chinese Theatre & The Great Movie Ride
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0114-00149.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0114-00154.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0114-00157.jpg

Our lunchtime destination. Not fabulous, but not bad either. While looking at my order of Fish & Chips when I sat down, I thought 3 pieces of fish would not be enough - I was wrong. I was quite full & satisfied upon finishing my meal and didn't need dessert. Thank goodness we're not using the DDP this trip (we were going to, but opted to go the TIW route instead a couple of weeks ago). I'm happy to not have dessert every meal!
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0114-00158.jpg

While I truly do love the original version, I can't wait for 2011 and ST2.0! (I do hope, though, that somehow, perhaps one of the screens could still show the original - probably a pipedream, but hey, I can dream can't I?
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0114-00166.jpg

At least half of the Streets of America are still covered in the Osborne Lights
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0114-00173.jpg

Once again, Lights, Motors, Action! was quite enjoyable. Indiana Jones was closed today (a great BIG bummer for all 3 kids and the grandparents) - so we enjoyed the cars instead.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0114-00188.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0114-001100.jpg

My DD was excited to be able to meet Russell & Mr. Fredrickson today! She just adores UP. I think it's pretty cool too.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0114-001118.jpg

For dinner tonight we ate at
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0114-001133.jpg

We arrived a bit early for our ADR, so we got to wait in the "living room".
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0114-001136.jpg

It was a lot of fun. We haven't been there as a family in years. I've eaten there once or twice on solo trips, but it's been a while. It was every bit as fun as I remembered. The food was ok - the answers varied around the table, but overall quite enjoyable. I had Dad's Meatloaf that came with mashed potatoes and green beans, but I got corn instead. It was the mashed potatoes that bothered me the most - they were covered in brown gravy, from the pot roast that my wife ordered probably, and I just don't like brown gravy - so that kind of made me downgrade my final answer to ok. My folks really liked the comfort selections on the menu. Our server said we could only order dessert if we ate all our veggies. 6 out of the 7 of us all got "Clean Plate Club" stickers. (My DD didn't finish her meal, simply because it was way too much food for her litle tummy. Her meal included an appetizer, entree and dessert. The chicken soup alone did her in before she ever started in on the actual meal. But the server relented and gave her a sticker anyway since she's so cute, or so she said). We all had dessert - but that will be our only ordered dessert - any other desserts will only be if they are part of the buffet selection at the buffet meals we partake of. We have 5 more table service meals planned while my folks are here, and then 2 more after they leave and we move over to the VWL.

I got "in trouble" from our server by having my elbows on the table, after being told numerous times while she was taking our order not to do so - and so she went and made this little hat for me out of a napkin. It was pretty funny.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0114-001146.jpg

I loved it. It was hysterical. Others in the room were made to stand up and lead their table in singing "I'm a Little Teapot", or were publically "shamed" for their own indiscretion. Finally - my own son got called out as well - so we had to take this duo picture...since after all, we are, like father, like son here!
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0114-001150.jpg

Here's another traditional photo spot for our kids
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0114-001155.jpg

And finally a parting shot
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0114-001158.jpg

Tomorrow will be Animal Kingdom day. Our dining selections are Yak & Yeti, followed by Boma for dinner. The park closes at 5, dinner at 5:45, and it's supposed to be up to about 72 tomorrow... perhaps we'll be able to check out Samawati Springs & Uwanja Camp tomorrow evening... we'll see. Today it was around 65 or more, though for a while it felt even warmer than that. Stay tuned.

stopher1

01-14-2010, 10:18 PM

Hey Christopher, you got me on those totes... I really did believe they were THAT big! :rotfl: Still thinking about getting one though.

This might not be the place for it, but you mentioned with your pics (and it's in your sig) that you were a CM with Disney. What did Disney have you doing?

Sorry about that! :confused3 But I am glad it got cleared up. I'd hate to be the one to get you to sign up only be to be disappointed later on! ;) I really do love ours though.

I worked at Disneyland in high school and college. I was in Fantasyland Foods, working primarily at the old Carnation Plaza Gardens at the tip of Main Street, in the hub, right next to the Castle. It wasn't what I wanted, but that's where they wanted me.

stopher1

01-14-2010, 10:20 PM

Great TR, I'm only a few days behind you! We leave in six days, thanks so much for all the great pics. I'll be in one of those accessible units, so we'll see if we get the one close to the road or the others! We plan to make use of the grills as well.

Now you've made me even more excited about our trip!

Thanks!

I hope you enjoy your stay too! I love AKV - but really wanted to stay longer in the trees. Oh well, there will be more stays in the future as the THV's are now my DW's 2nd favorite.

kdzgon

01-15-2010, 04:59 AM

Yep. I missed getting one from SSR last Oct. when we were here, so a few weeks back I called the merchandise line to see about getting one mailed to me. NO dice. I then called Days of Christmas directly, again no dice. This time while on site, I asked in person - discontinued is what 3 different CM's told me. I figured asking 1 would be iffy, 2 more probable, 3 - consistent. Ugh.

Enjoy YOUR stay too! :)

If you are having no success on site, you might want to try the outlet store. I seem to recall seeing some there a couple of weeks ago, though I do not remember which resorts.

christa112

01-15-2010, 05:39 AM

Yet another great report. Love the pics!!! Especially the Up characters. I cant wait to see them. I love the cane with the tennis balls on them!!!!

stopher1

01-15-2010, 07:35 AM

I'm wondering if the weather hasn't contributed to the delay in removing all the holiday decorations. Much of the removal takes place over night and the temperatures have been pretty uncomfortable for the average Floridian - perhaps the cold affects the whole process or maybe they were just sympathetic to the people that would need to be out in the frigid weather for a task that was not absolutely time sensitive?

I'm sure that's a lot of it. It was pretty chilly the first night we were here, and that was certainly warmer than the worst of it last week. The workers here certainly aren't used to it.

Great pictures! I LOVE pictures of details like light fixtures. :cool2: I'm glad I'm not the only one that does that.:rolleyes1

Yes, I am a detail guy. Sometimes it drives my DW crazy, but hey, I don't care. That's just who I am. I've got tons of pics of little details. I've already started amassing more here in Kidani, too.

Awesome pictures! I like how you take us around the place with the pictures and then describe what you see and getting your take on stuff. It's nice to have a seasoned traveler's input :thumbsup2

Everyone looks like they're having a blast! Hope the weather warms up enough to get in the pool at least once this trip :thumbsup2

I need a better camera, but thanks.

The weather is definitely warming up. Thankfully not spring or summer warm, but warm. We'll be in the pool sometime soon no doubt.

I was sent here by my friend Glenn and I owe him BIG. This is by far one of the best DVC reports I have read. I love your photos. Having just bought at SSR last May, I am elated at the prospect of staying at the THV. :lovestruc I too love everything about them!!! They are SO Walt. :thumbsup2

I am enjoying how leisurely your trip seems. I need to take a lesson from you and enjoy more outside of the parks. :goodvibes

Well thank you. I do tend to get overly chatty when it comes to talking about my experiences at WDW & DL, and my overall love of most all things Disney. Sometimes it drives my DW nuts, so this is a great outlet...I can share with others who don't get as bothered by it as she does! :rotfl:

We tried really hard to plan out a trip that was a healthy mix of both - go go and relax relax. Today is AK day, but I'm pretty sure there will be more relaxing as well. Even this morning we've been slower in getting ready... of course knowing that there's just a 5 min bus ride to AK helps too!

Emma's Dad

01-15-2010, 07:51 AM

So here are just a few more of the Treehouses before I start showing anything from Kidani.

The Master bathroom - with the different tub/shower configuration
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-0011.jpg

Maybe I'm not looking at the pictures correctly, but it seems that if one would take a shower there would be water all over the place :confused3 You'd need several towels just to clean up all the water....

While the masses were heading towards Pixar Place for the first rides / FP's of the day at TSMM - I was tickled to see 3 or 4 Green Army Men pop up and throw out commands to the crowds. They were pretty fun.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0114-00123.jpg

Those army men are one of my favorite characters at DHS. Although it would be a pain in the rear end during the hot summer days, I would love to be a CM and play the part as one of these guys :thumbsup2

I got "in trouble" from our server by having my elbows on the table, after being told numerous times while she was taking our order not to do so - and so she went and made this little hat for me out of a napkin. It was pretty funny.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0114-001146.jpg

HAHA! Yeah... you're a Disney dad alright. I bet you got in trouble on purpose!! :lmao::lmao: We have not been to this restaurant yet... but I think we are going to out it on the list this year. Sorry to hear about your potatoes!

Here's another traditional photo spot for our kids
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0114-001155.jpg

Ahhhh... in my TR you said this was a tradition... now there's proof :cool1: Love the rabbit ears... does DD know about them yet?

FreezinRafiki

01-15-2010, 08:19 AM

The Master bathroom - with the different tub/shower configuration
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0113-0011.jpg

What a coincidence, I keep a package of muffins by my shower in case I get hungry too! :rotfl2:

5forDiz

01-15-2010, 09:35 AM

bobbiwoz

01-15-2010, 10:16 AM

Thanks for the terrific report and pictures!
Bobbi:goodvibes

rentayenta

01-15-2010, 12:12 PM

I am making a print-screen of this right now....:laughing:

;)

Can't wait to see the AKV photos. We stayed there last May.

christa112

01-15-2010, 03:40 PM

Christopher--What was your waitress' name at Prime Time? She seemed really fun!!!

Christa

stopher1

01-15-2010, 09:14 PM

Maybe I'm not looking at the pictures correctly, but it seems that if one would take a shower there would be water all over the place :confused3 You'd need several towels just to clean up all the water....

Ahhhh... in my TR you said this was a tradition... now there's proof :cool1: Love the rabbit ears... does DD know about them yet?

Yeah, you're missing the shower door that is standing ajar

Nope, not yet

What a coincidence, I keep a package of muffins by my shower in case I get hungry too! :rotfl2:

Barry those would be my wife's "bath bombs" from Basin for use in the whirlpool tub

Christopher--What was your waitress' name at Prime Time? She seemed really fun!!!

Christa

Jennifer - yeah, she was pretty good alright

stopher1

01-15-2010, 10:23 PM

Great trip report Christopher :thumbsup2 looking forward to your AKV photos too. What a great time to travel with crowds so low !! Sounds fabulous :cool1:

Just wondering what your thoughts are on what you found to be most comfortable for your group of 7 - THV or AKV ? Our family is trying to decide between our home OKW or AKV for a 2 br villa or THV for trip late August, eldest DD19 will have 2 friends along; we'll be 7 altogether & I thought THV might be best for 3rd br because friends could take one & 2 DDs could take other, DS would have sofa bed or maybe AKV better for 3rd bathroom ! 2br at OKW would be for huge living area which, from what I hear is larger than THVs (?), and a lock-off would give the girls their own balcony off 2nd bedroom.
Decisions, decisions !! tia for any insights you may have and looking forward to your next TR installment :goodvibes

Oh my golly we were just talking about this today. In the treehouses we each had a bedroom (all 3 kids shared the bunk room with my eldest on the air mattress) and then the adults had complete use of the living/dining/kitchen area for the rest of the evening. LOVED that. Here in Kidani the kids are in the living room. DW & I hung out with my folks in their room for a while after the kids went to bed, but that might get old pretty quickly. I'm not sure yet. I DO love the 3rd bathroom here in Kidani though! I was able to tell the kids that the master bathroom is mom & dad's and not for them, unless they asked to use the whirlpool tub, or really needed the toilet with the other 2 being occupied... I'm loving that. I'm kind of torn now - as I really loved the trees. I really love AKV too, but both for very different reasons. I'll definitely know more by the end of our stay.

stopher1

01-15-2010, 10:44 PM

So as I've said, we checked in to Kidani yesterday - last night to be exact after a day at the Studios. We are in rooms 7726/7728. A 2BR lock-off savannah view. We are about 1/3 of the way up the hall from the lobby, on the north side, and on the 2nd floor (in reality the 3rd floor since the parking garage is the first level).
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0114-001165.jpg

Here are the neighbors we met this morning upon waking up
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0115-0012.jpg
a nice small herd of Ankole Cattle

The in-room furniture is not really any different than over in Jambo House, but I'll share a few photos anyway. Here's the sleeper chair in the living room
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0115-00136.jpg

The dining table (excuse the clutter)
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0114-001178.jpg

The back of the dining room chairs - notice the giraffe hoof table legs, too.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0115-00115.jpg

Our balcony & the balcony chairs - the 2nd BR (studio portion) of the room has its' own balcony beyond the partition wall. The kids love peeking their heads around it to talk with their grandparents!
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0115-00114.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0115-00112.jpg

The master bath - I absolutely LOVE the wall tiles/mural running along the wall with the tub & shower...it's pretty cool how the main Lion King imagery is over the tub, and then additional animals proceeding towards that scene are found in the shower as well... and the shower - my golly, it's ginormous! Not that we would, but the whole family can stand in there at the same time. That master bathroom is huge baby! Jambo House's master baths are nice, but not this nice.
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Sammie

01-15-2010, 11:05 PM

I know I would love the tree houses, but not being an SSR owner, I'm sure I'll never have the pleasure. Thanks for the great pictures though!

Depends on when you want to go, I have been offered them a couple of times at 7 months.

stopher1

01-16-2010, 06:40 AM

The second bathroom - IMO this is an awesome addition to the 1BR unit!
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The lobby at Kidani Village - nowhere near as impressive, or massive, as Jambo House, but still quite nice. It's really not wide enough for the amount of waiting area furniture, and for the amount of rooms at KV, I can imagine it gets pretty crowded at times
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Johari Treasures is a nice little shop - and I mean little. I like that they have this shop, but honestly it's too small, - and it definitely gets very crowded easily. This is one of the two locations at KV I've seen where you can refill you mug if you have one. I wasn't super impressed with the individual options at the reill station myself when I looked at it (we don't have mugs this trip). Coke products yes, but when given the option, I'll take Cherry over regular everytime and that's not available. I also prefer unsweetened tea, and the only option down there was sweetened tea. Just like having regular and diet - they ought to have both sweetened and unsweetened, since you can always ADD sugar or sweetener but you can't take it out!
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Like the rest of the resort, the theming inside Johari Traders is very, very nice.
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FreezinRafiki

01-16-2010, 06:47 AM

Yeah, you're missing the shower door that is standing ajar

A jar of what? Strawberry Jam to put on the muffins?
:rotfl2::rotfl2:

I'm Loving the AKV pics. We've got one night in a standard-view studio booked in March - just to burn up some unused DVC points. I'm hoping when we check in, they'll be like "oh, we have some unused Savannah view rooms. Let me upgrade you." I can hope, right.

Captain_Oblivious

01-16-2010, 08:15 AM

I'm amazed you can do all of this reporting while you're there. I'd be passed out on the bed by now!

Thanks for the pictures of the DVC resorts. I'm not a member, so I'll probably never see the inside of them. It's fun living vicariously, though!

glennbo123

01-16-2010, 09:40 AM

Thanks for taking me home for a little while. I won't be back until June.

dvczerfs

01-16-2010, 12:36 PM

stopher, i dont know how i missed this. great trip report!! love the pics of the tree house. looks like you guys are having a great time!!!:thumbsup2

dapoteete

01-16-2010, 03:28 PM

subscribing

rentayenta

01-16-2010, 04:48 PM

Thanks for the AKV pics! :thumbsup2

creativeamanda

01-16-2010, 07:11 PM

Disney Commando

01-16-2010, 08:05 PM

Great Pics, you have a awesome room! Glad to see you are having a good time. I'm jealous where did you find the meet and greet from Up? Can't believe you have been there for 6 days already, Since you were wearing a t-shirt I guess it warmed up a bit. Great job on the report and keep havin' fun:thumbsup2

stopher1

01-16-2010, 09:22 PM

So, I'm over from my solo TR, and what are you doing--trying to convince me to buy DVC?!?! Really, we've been looking at SSR because I love the DTD area, but want to have no debt before we buy.

But you are totally tempting me!

Sorry Amanda! It took us 10 years before we finally decided to buy. But once we did, it was awesome, and we've enjoyed it tremendously on both coasts. My folks are asking all kinds of questions now, and seem to be considering it themselves.

Great Pics, you have a awesome room! Glad to see you are having a good time. I'm jealous where did you find the meet and greet from Up? Can't believe you have been there for 6 days already, Since you were wearing a t-shirt I guess it warmed up a bit. Great job on the report and keep havin' fun:thumbsup2

The UP characters are inside the Animation building at the Studios.

Yes it has warmed up. It was about 74 yesterday, around that or a bit higher today, but windy. A thunderstorm has moved in now, and I'm enjoying the sound of the rain out on the savannah trying to work on this thing a bit more.

stopher1

01-16-2010, 09:41 PM

Day 5 – Friday

This was the day for Animal Kingdom. Having transferred over to AKV, and knowing how short the bus ride is, we didn’t rush to be out the door. We walked out the door after 9 and still were over to the park with no worries. Again we decided to split and send one person (me) to Everest for FP’s, while the rest sauntered up along the western side of Discovery Island through Harambe to Kilamanjaro Safaris. I walked up behind them as they were just getting to the entrance of KS… if I hadn’t stopped to take a few photos along the way I would have beat them there for sure.
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This week, we have seen, is definitely “Brazil week” – as there has been a very large population of Brazilians everywhere we’ve gone. Animal Kingdom was no different. It’s been kind of fun hearing the Portugese spoken all over the place. Another trip we made in 2008 was one where we were here for a major “United Kingdom week” with all kinds of people here from that part of the world. It’s nice to see that so many other people from around the world enjoy coming to WDW as much as Americans do.

Animal Kingdom has just a handful of very cool attractions that we all (or almost all) love – 3 to be exact, and a couple of cool shows that we enjoy – but other than that, this is truly the least favorite park for my family. Sure the overall interpretation of both Africa and Asia hit a home run, but there are just so many things about it that just simply, stink, IMO. First I absolutely hate the way it is laid out and second I cannot stand Dinoland (a total waste of theme park real estate IMO).. Granted Discovery Island does serve as a kind of hub like they have in DL and the MK, but honestly, whoever it was that came up with the final layout with the various “dead-end” spokes radiating out from that hub with absolutely no other way to connect them was just dumb in my mind. Sorry, but have some way to join them together please. It did help when they built EE that they added the connector bridge from Dinoland to Asia - but there really should be another one going from the main walkway to Camp Minnie-Mickey, Dinoland, etc. I hate having to go almost up to the Tree of Life only to turn walk a short bit and then walk down a new dead-end path into a “land”. OK, rant over…and perhaps it’s just me…

The Safari is definitely one of those favorites for us. Every time we come and go to AK we have to ride the Safari. Seeing the animals up close is a neat experience certainly. And it’s fun to try to see the various separators between the various animal areas keeping the predators away from their natural prey.

My eldest got some amazing pics of the various animals we saw...here are just a few. Keep in mind the driver doesn't stop and my son was just clicking. Some are better than others of course. This is just a sampling.

We've never seen a hippo out of the water - this time there were 2 out on the land apparently sunning themselves
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We love seeing the impressive site of the Nile Crocodiles
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The elephants were so cool, several appeared to be posing
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The White Rhino was right there near the vehicle. There were so many oohs & aahs as we passed by
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After the safari we walked up the Pangani trail for the first time in years. My DW totally did not even remember having gone up that trail before, but we have. The gorillas were cool, at least the ones we saw awake. There were 4 in one enclosure that were all asleep, as they had just eaten. Apparently they have to sleep after eating in order to digest their food. This one hadn't just eaten, and was definitely posing for me. I wish I had zoomed in.
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kdzgon

01-16-2010, 10:10 PM

.... Sure the overall interpretation of both Africa and Asia hit a home run, but there are just so many things about it that just simply, stink, IMO. First I absolutely hate the way it is laid out and second I cannot stand Dinoland (a total waste of theme park real estate IMO).. Granted Discovery Island does serve as a kind of hub like they have in DL and the MK, but honestly, whoever it was that came up with the final layout with the various “dead-end” spokes radiating out from that hub with absolutely no other way to connect them was just dumb in my mind. Sorry, but have some way to join them together please. It did help when they built EE that they added the connector bridge from Dinoland to Asia - but there really should be another one going from the main walkway to Camp Minnie-Mickey, Dinoland, etc. I hate having to go almost up to the Tree of Life only to turn walk a short bit and then walk down a new dead-end path into a “land”. OK, rant over…and perhaps it’s just me…

....

It's definitely NOT just you - we feel exactly the same way. We are not thrill ride fans either so that is not even a draw for us. The walking is more than a leisurely stroll, for sure.

KAT4DISNEY

01-16-2010, 10:17 PM

Agreed on the layout of AK. In addition we hate the narrow walkways as well. I've heard the whole story of themeing and being like you were there but I don't really enjoying paying my way in to get crushed by the mobs trying to get around. :headache: I'm always getting hit by packs and people when we go there.

stopher1

01-16-2010, 10:18 PM

Day 5 - Friday continued

It was then time to head over to EE for our FP time.
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The boys got my mother to go on it! I was very excited about that. She doesn’t really do coasters very often. As a kid she would do Space Mountain with my brother & I very begrudgingly. She does like the Matterhorn, but not really SM or BTMRR. So the fact that she went on EE (and liked it) was monumental. As such, here is our “we all rode it” shot.
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By using the Parent Switch, we also were able to have the boys and their grandpa on it twice with the same FP's, so that was really cool. Here I captured the train that my DW, boys and stepdad were on.
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Lunch was at our favorite AK restaurant, Yak & Yeti. For us they so far have a perfect score, 4 for 4. We’ll be back, and hopefully it will then be 5 for 5. If you haven’t been, I highly recommend it. It really is yummy. Sorry, no food porn though, just a shot of the entrance way.
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We then enjoyed Flights of Wonder, which is just next door. This is one of the shows that my family loves. Those birds are really cool, and having it right next door is always a great way to sit down and relax after a big meal. I don’t plan it that way, really, but it’s just worked out each time. :)
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Kali River Rapids was next.
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Sure it might not have been the hottest day we’ve experienced in Florida, but it was warm enough to go on and get wet. Drenched in fact. Again my mother was a sport (she doesn’t like getting her hair messed up), but even she had a good time. My DD on the other hand wasn’t as much of a sport as her grandmother was…but we had a change of clothes in the backpack for her, so once she was out of her wet things, she was back to her happy little self and it was all good.

By this point in the day (around 2), our party basically split in half. My boys and their grandpa went back to the resort, while the girls and I stayed in the park for a little longer. Even with the shorter operating day, we just never seem to stay in AK all day long. We really didn’t have anything that we wanted to do, except walk by the back side of the Tree of Life (along the exit path for Tough to be a Bug) to explore the carvings up close. They really are amazing. These photos just don’t do them justice at all. If you haven’t gone down that little path – be sure to check it out next time around. There are so many beautiful animals to see in that tree.
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Finally my DD decided she’d like to see Festival of the Lion King, so that’s where we headed. Other than getting some frozen treats (no Itzakadoozie for me just yet) – that was the last thing we did inside AK. We always enjoy that show, but I will say that the flying bird sequence is just too darn long for my liking. I think they could shorten that part and lengthen the fire dancer part and I’d be a happy guy.

BOMA was on the agenda for dinner on Friday, and once again, it did not disappoint. We absolutely love Boma. Again, no food porn, sorry – but if you’ve never had a Zebra Dome – you just don’t know what you are missing!
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If you haven't yet been to BOMA - Flavors of Africa, it's one of the 3 table service restaurants at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. It's located in Jambo House, and is a wonderful buffet. They serve breakfast and dinner. We'll be going there for breakfast on Tuesday, the day my folks leave for home.

Next up - our Saturday adventures, and more pics from around Kidani Village

dvczerfs

01-16-2010, 11:04 PM

:thumbsup2

stopher1

01-17-2010, 07:11 AM

Day 6 – Saturday

Saturday was another relaxing day – sort of. We weren’t in a hurry to get up in the morning and had another nice in-room hearty breakfast. My folks are loving it. While they do enjoy restaurants, and have enjoyed the selections we’ve been to so far, they definitely are home-bodies and prefer eating in. So it has worked well for us having as many in-room meals as we have. Eggs, bacon, coffee cake & fruit. And my kids are loving eating at the counter bar, too. We don’t have one of those in our kitchen at home, so it is a fun novelty for them.

After breakfast and getting ready for the day, the one scheduled thing we had to do was to go over to Jambo House for a PhotoPortrait session. We only see my folks every 16-18 months, so each time we are together we get a group portrait taken somewhere – usually Target or Sears or somewhere like that. This time Animal Kingdom Lodge. The session lasted about an hour and the lady took 70 shots. We got them all on a CD right then and there, and a bonus of 8 prints too. I knew we were paying for the CD, but didn’t realize we would be getting prints too. That was cool. There were 3 different packages to choose from, and we were able to get a package that was easily and evenly divided (2 5x7”s and 4 sets of 2 4x6”s). Plus I can make a copy of the CD for them after we get home and then we can just go over to our favorite store and print whatever size and quantity we want, which is what I love. We are also getting a Photopass CD of our various in-park adventures, for the same reason. They advertise the PhotoPortrait as being unique from and not combinable with the regular PhotoPass CDs, but the lady was nice and gave me the card that she used as well as the CD so that I could then add to our regular PhotoPass order later, and add whatever fun graphics I want to them from home. I thought that was pretty cool. So now I can add the 2010 logos, or whatever other kind of manipulation I want when I get home and have both versions. :)

This was also the day that we had planned on going boating. But the weather report had been predicting thunder storms, not just rain. There were clouds in the sky, but nothing ominous yet at that time of the morning. We originally planned on going back to the room for lunch and then heading out again in the mid afternoon, followed by a visit to the Boardwalk, where we’d find something to eat and enjoy the evening entertainment. BUT, we decided to change that plan and head out for our boat ride right after the photo shoot. So we hopped a Magic Kingdom bus and were on our way. I wanted to give them the best boating I could while there, so I definitely chose the Bay Lake / Seven Seas Lagoon option.

We boarded the monorail for the quick trip over to the Contemporary – and then decided we’d get some lunch first. The temps were in the mid-70’s, but there was a breeze blowing, so it didn’t feel as warm as it was. We enjoyed the Contempo Café and then were off to the marina.

It was a lovely hour spent on the water. At least, the adults and my DD thought so. My boys were so excited wanting to drive the boat for a little while as I’ve let them do on previous boating outings, but for the size of our group, the only boat available were the pontoons (for up to 10 people). On the pontoons, no one under 18 may do so. And anyone under 12 must wear the PFD the entire time – from stepping onto the dock, until later stepping off the dock again after your ride is over. Both things kind of marred the experience for the boys, and they wore frowns for a good portion of the trip. OH well, you can’t please everyone all the time, now can you?

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Approaching the water bridge over to the Seven Seas Lagoon
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We found this sign inside the boat to be pretty hysterical and ridiculous
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Of course people will try to avoid drowning... wow

The Grand Floridian - we honeymooned there
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The Wilderness Lodge
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The old Discovery Island - sad to see how it is now. My DW and I have fond memories of making the trip over to the island and exploring it during our honeymoon.
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Bay Lake Tower
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We then were headed back to our resort – but uh oh – the monorail was down. There was one sitting in the station at the CR that had been there with the doors shut “ready to go” for more than 12 minutes. Another, on the express side also just sitting there.
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Just a couple of moments after we’d arrived at the station they announced that it was not functional at the time, and anyone could wait for an undetermined time, or take a boat or walk to the MK to find alternate transportation to whatever their destination might be. We decided to walk – especially since I wanted to personally experience what one of the “hyped” selling points for BLT is like (“you can walk to the Magic Kingdom!”).
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OK – so here’s my personal opinion on that little selling point… it’s nice, but no big deal. And as I timed it – it took no longer than our walks between Kindani & Jambo House – and the walks between our Treehouse and the Carriage House over at SSR. I’ve read so many disparaging posts on many different threads about how long the walk is from Kidani, and how long the walk is from the THVs – yet how glorious and wonderful it is to be able to leave BLT and walk to the MK… but you know what…. I’ve made each of those walks in this single trip (several multiple times) – and NONE of them are bad at all. Perhaps if you had your arms full of a sleeping child or luggage, yes – but good grief – we all walk more in the parks than ever on those little pathways. Ok, rant over.

We returned to our room as the sprinkles began, but quickly subsided. Rest time. My DD, DW & stepdad each took a nap. My boys went down to the Community Hall for some video game action, and my mother & I walked back over to Jambo House because she wanted to get a couple of things previously seen in Zawadi (one was a birthday gift for my DW and she wanted to ship it directly to my office to hide until that time arrives).
Dinner was in the room after all. Spaghetti, sausages, salad and a wonderful bread we found at the Mara.

Then since the rain hadn’t come yet, we all traipsed down to the pool. This was my second trip down there as my middle boy and I went down there the night prior as well. We had a great time and really enjoyed it – although the slide closed at 7 and my boys and I only got one trip down it each. Oh well, perhaps tonight we’ll get there sooner.
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Back in the room it was once again game time. This time it was just the guys though, as we played “Conquest of the Empire” and the girls weren’t all that interested. The rains came then. And the thunder & lightning, and it lasted through much of the night.
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I’m thankful it has passed now though as we head over to Epcot today. Only going to do the World Showcase side, so we’re not leaving for a few hours yet. As they are slowing staring to rouse and get up, I’m sitting out on the balcony enjoying the cool morning air, watching the storks, cattle and giraffes grazing and exploring. It’s a somewhat cloudy sky, but the sun is peeking through. Supposed to be 75 today – it’s looking to be a beautiful day.

dvczerfs

01-17-2010, 08:17 AM

nice pics stopher, we ate at the contempo cafe alot when we stayed there last may.they have good food, not the same old burgers. boys looked like they had fun on the boats. i like your striped shirt with the mm, i have the same one.:lmao:when we stayed at the contemp. we walked evey so often but took the mono. back from the mk, its the first stop and it was faster to take the monorail. thats a good hike after walking around a park.

Wherem I Now

01-17-2010, 08:36 AM

Enjoying the pictures, although I think that you may have cheated a bit with some of those AK pics. Looks like you took pictures of some postcards. :rotfl:

They're great!

DVC Mike

01-17-2010, 01:23 PM

Enjoy the rest of your trip!

stopher1

01-17-2010, 09:09 PM

Enjoying the pictures, although I think that you may have cheated a bit with some of those AK pics. Looks like you took pictures of some postcards. :rotfl:

They're great!

Nope, all from my own camera - directly of whatever you're looking at, not of postcards. So far this trip, I believe we're up to about 900-1000 pics taken, with 4 more full days to go

stopher1

01-17-2010, 09:09 PM

Enjoy the rest of your trip!

Thanks Mike.

mcrabeck

01-18-2010, 12:43 PM

All caught up- Great trip report and pictures- Thanks for sharing!

Emma's Dad

01-18-2010, 01:37 PM

Another great update! The boat ride sure looks like fun! Might have to check into doing this some time :thumbsup2

Chellymouse

01-18-2010, 06:20 PM

Sounds like you're having a wonderful trip! Can't wait to read more! popcorn::

Ciciwoowoo

01-18-2010, 06:45 PM

I am enjoying your trip report. I especially love that your family enjoys playing games together and is really enjoying the resorts, rather than running from one park to another. That is my favorite part of vacation too!

helenk

01-18-2010, 09:11 PM

stopher1

01-18-2010, 10:53 PM

Day 7 – Sunday

The view from our room, looking south towards where the lobby overlook is.
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Epcot Day – day 1 of 2 actually. Given the size of Epcot, and my stepdad’s knees – we decided it might be better to break it down into the 2 different sections and enjoy them on different days. In the planning process, those days ended up being back to back. Since our 2 different dining options were both in World Showcase, and we didn’t want to do them both the same day (can you say overload?!?), we decided one for lunch one day and one for dinner the other. Sunday would be lunch at Restaurant Marrakesh in Morocco – Monday would be dinner at Akershus in Norway.

Our day began leisurely once more with a nice casual in-room breakfast, basically everyone for themselves. Cereals, muffins, fruit - nothing fancy or too heavy since lunch would be. Although my boys went down to the Community Hall for some PS2 and Wii time, the rest of us didn’t leave the room until about 10:30ish, arriving at Epcot a little before 11.

Celebrate Today - and "What Will You Celebrate?" banners, signs and literature are still alive and well all around the World
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Before heading over to World Showcase, we did stop in to sample the beverages from around the world. Some were good, some were clearly NOT. Especially the Beverly. Yuck. But I had to try it, on a challenge from a buddy. I've been in there before several times, but for whatever reason, have never tried the Beverly. I do, however, like the watermelon flavored soda from China. :thumbsup2
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With a 12:15 ADR, we had enough time to a) get back to World Showcase, and b) enjoy Canada before doing anything else.
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I’m still not overly thrilled with the O Canada film update, but both of the folks thought it was about time…so I guess they were happy with it. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy Martin Short in many different films, but just not this one. And I really don’t care for lots of the relatively current references that will be very dated in a few years from now. Afterall, the original film lasted for almost a quarter of a century before it was updated… how long will this current version be around?

After the film ended, my panicky folks thought we needed to rush over to make lunch, so no time for any pictures with the PhotoPass guys in the UK or over on the bridge near France. I haven’t seen them hustle that much the entire time we’ve been here. Heaven forbid we be late for an ADR – at lunchtime, just an little more than an hour after WS even opened for the day. There certainly weren’t hordes of people around that lagoon yet… but we hadn’t been late for an ADR yet, so why start with this one, right? (Or course we’ve only been to 3 ADR’s so far with 2 more to go after Morocco, but who’d want to sully a perfect record – not them!)

We’ve eaten in Marrakesh once before and really, really liked it. My DW is of middle eastern descent, well half (her dad’s side) – and many parts of North Africa share some of those same types of food and cultural aspects – especially there along the Mediterranean coast as part of Morocco is… so it quickly became one of her favorites. For this trip, we tried to select table service options that would be a) new to the folks, something they’ve never experienced before; b) be diverse and different than most of what they are used to regularly nor would they seek out on their own; and c) be fun. Marrakesh definitely meets all three of those qualities. The only one of our ADR’s that doesn’t meet those qualities is Akershus, but that was a special request made by my mother to return there, since she was born in Norway… so even though the experience has changed since she last ate there with the addition of the princess part – she still wanted to include a visit there. So we honored that request.

If you haven’t been to Marrakesh before, let me just encourage you to at least try it once. You might just find that you like it a lot. It’s located physically at the very back of the Morocco pavilion, in the medina, or ‘old city’ part – behind the shopping bazaar area. I’ve always loved that part of the pavilion, as it truly makes me feel like I am in Casablanca (which is also one of my favorite movies…I always think I’m going to see Rick’s as I turn one of those corners! :) ) As you approach it, you’ll see a beautiful palace above the walls.
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Like most of the pavilion, the interior of the restaurant is decorated with beautiful tile work. There is a central area where the musicians play their instruments, and the belly dancer entertains. We were seated right near the floor, which was great. We all enjoyed the entertainment greatly. The last time we ate there we were way up in the back corner, and my DD, who was only about 2 at the time, kept saying she couldn’t see the “pretty lady” – this time she had a direct view of here from her chair at the table. She was really excited to see her too – but when invited to go out onto the floor and dance with the dancer, she suddenly became quite shy and wouldn’t go. It didn’t matter that 3 other girls went out there, my DD just wouldn’t do it. Oh well, unique photo op abandoned. I was hoping she’d go. It would have delighted her maternal grandfather to see something like that, but alas, it wasn’t to be.
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On the shop door of the little shop along the walkway around the lagoon - I enjoy seeing our little friend's image in various places
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After our very delicious lunch, we backtracked and enjoyed France. As always, Impressions de France impressed me.
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I absolutely love, love, love the score for that film. Perhaps it’s just me, or perhaps because of my classical piano training as a youth – took 12 years of lessons, winning several competitions and such along the way – but it is just a highlight of any day at Epcot for me to watch Impressions. I have it on CD and MP3 and could just listen to it over and over again.

We proceeded around the lagoon stopping along the way here and there in each nation from that point forward. We always must get a Kaki Gori in Japan. We love those! Again, if you haven’t tried one, they are quite choice. My DW would have preferred a Funnel Cake over in the US pavilion, but we can get one of those when we go back to the Magic Kingdom. We can’t get Kaki Gori but in Japan.
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The Voices of Liberty and the American Adventure were both quite enjoyable, as they always are.
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I was impressed with the new (at least new to me) costumes that the VOL singers were wearing.
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I wasn't naughty - no flash was used for this one and the others I took during the show... our camera has a "candle" setting, to capture low to no light photos, which is why some of the pics I've posted look less than crisp.
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And this time a lady was the one speaking to the crowd and leading the group. That’s cool – just different to me. Every other time I’ve seen them it was a man. No biggie, just something noticeably different. I have 2 of their CD’s, and really truly enjoy them – but of course, live and in person is much better than pre-recorded any day! My DW then proceeded to go back to hear them again later on while the rest of us proceeded eastward to Italy and Germany.

stopher1

01-18-2010, 10:58 PM

I have not stayed at BLT but my sister and I stayed at the CR last year and let me say that walking from the MK at night after Wishes was a great perk. No standing in line for the bus or the monorail. Out the gates and over to the resort....priceless.

Neither have I yet - perhaps someday. I agree it probably would be nice, as we found was the case when staying at the Boardwalk a couple of years ago walking two and from the Studios.

stopher1

01-19-2010, 06:34 AM

Sunday morning I took a walk around Kidani. Here are a few more photos of what I saw. I started off down at the awesome pool / water play area - Samawati Springs & Uwanja Camp

Here I'm inside, looking back at the building, with the pool bar in the top right corner of the pic, and an animal viewing area in the upper left
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Not far from the first pic, now over by hot tub #1 looking towards the pool itself
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Having walked around to one side of the pool, the hot tub is now in the upper left of this pic
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0118-00111.jpg

And then looking right towards the slide coming in under the bridge
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I was down there just after sunrise, so the water play area was not yet turned on. I got some pics of it, but since they were "dry" - they aren't quite as exciting. I did walk back down there with the kids a couple hours later, after we ate breakfast. That's what these pics are from - which is why they have a bit more sunlight in the background

This water barrel has all kinds of various "leaks", causing water to drop & stream down in various places. Additionally, there are pipes and a water chute coming out from it, that all send water down on people standing below and around it
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Branching out both to the left and right of the water barrel there are more fun things to explore and get you get. There's a dry climbing/sliding area right next to wet, with that neat soft squishy kind of playground floor as well. You'll also find squirting flowers, snakes and water cannons in Uwanja Camp

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Leaving the water play area you climb some stairs and find hot tub #2 and the Survival of the Fittest fitness center. It's quite nice.
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From the fitness center, looking back down at the water play area
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There are 2 restroom facilities at the pool area - one by the fitness center, and then another down on the far end of the complex by the pool bar

From the pool, I set out to explore the sports court area and the bbq area. There is a large, marshy grassland area in between the two. It makes for a nice look, but at the same time, it's pretty wide open and IMO kind of boring too, since there isn't much vegetation there but the grasses. Adding in at least a few trees like out on the animal savannahs might have made it a bit more complete, to my mind anyway.

All of the other outdoor recreational amenities are grouped together on the road as you approach the resort. There is a walk path leading you down from the resort. BBQ area - three charcoal grills and 3 picnic tables, half-court+ basketball court, two tennis courts and two shuffleboard courts as well. As you look at the vegetation, you'll notice a lot of different plants that were ruined by Jack Frost's extended visit last week and the week prior. Many, many plants throughout our stay have been slowly ripped out. Several cast members explained that the vegetation became more of a concern than getting the Christmas decorations down. The entrie WDW complex lost a LOT of plants that simply could not survive the cold.

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Most of the equipment can be borrowed from the Community Hall, but I did find the basketballs right there on the fence
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From there, I turned right and walked down the road a little way to get the sign pic
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dvczerfs

01-19-2010, 09:40 AM

nice pics stopher!!! we havnt gone over to akv to check it out. in december, we have a day planned to go hotel hoppin. looks like the suns is out!!!

twinklebug

01-19-2010, 09:40 AM

sisaaliyah

01-19-2010, 12:42 PM

Great TR! I notice you own at VGC too, and am wondering about 7 mo. availability there for a studio.

rentayenta

01-19-2010, 03:18 PM

:thumbsup2 Loving it!!!

Disney Commando

01-19-2010, 03:31 PM

Checking out your pics from Kidani Village, either you were the 1st one up, or hardly anyone was there.

DisneyDadC

01-19-2010, 03:33 PM

Checking out your pics from Kidani Village, either you were the 1st one up, or hardly anyone was there.

I said the same exact thing not one person in the pictures. I would love to be there with little crowd like that

stopher1

01-19-2010, 08:48 PM

All the dead vegetation is just so sad and makes it hard to think that's Florida we're looking at. I'm glad Disney focused on working on saving & repairing the plants over removing the lights. Keeping holiday lights up late only upsets a small portion of folk who like to get the holidays over and behind them. The plants effect everyone.

We were at Kidani last July when the gardens were still new & I was looking forward to them being grown in a bit this trip. It looks like we'll be lucky if we see new plantings again (which I prefer over brown/dead ;)) Oh well, Disney "magic" is in the people who make it happen, and Disney's horticulture crews are amongst the best. :wizard:

--------------
Thank you again for all the pics and Trip Report Christopher! Your attention to detail describing the areas is perfect. I feel like I'm back there walking along with you and your kids through the descriptions.

I never have had the opportunity to work for Disney - the way things look right now that opp probably won't show up until I'm retired, but my eldest son and sister did. If it weren't for the low pay I think they'd both still be there. :laughing: Disney does a great job in choosing/teaching their CMs good public relations and service. Its true to say that once a Disney CM, always a Disney CM at heart and it shows in your Trip Report.

:wizard:

Yeah, I am happier to see the vegetation being taken care of too! The lights & decorations up this long don't really bother me, they just surprised me. I'm just not used to it being this "late" to still be up. I hear you though about the growth factor of the vegetation at Kidani - my boys and I went over there to tour it in late May and I was really hoping to see some good growth by this particular trip, and we have - but sadly many varieties were completely dead, and others were really in shock. Oh well. You can't help the weather.

And yes, I agree with you, you can stop being a Disney CM, but the training you received really never goes away. It's funny, because back in the day when I was working at DL, I was taught how to line a jumbo trash can, and I still do it to this day. One time my sons asked me why I did it that way, and sadly, I couldn't remember WHY I did it that way...:confused3...until only recently when some former CM friends and I were reminsicing about the "good old days" and that particular item came up in the conversation - boy did the light bulb go on then!!! :)

Great TR! I notice you own at VGC too, and am wondering about 7 mo. availability there for a studio.

We do. Love it there too! Can't speak to the availability issue yet, but being the smallest DVC, it'll get harder and harder after all of the work at DCA is completed. I think once World of Color opens in the spring it will start to get harder, honestly, but that's just MO.

Checking out your pics from Kidani Village, either you were the 1st one up, or hardly anyone was there.

Definitely up earlier than anyone wanting to go to the pool! Those pool & sports courts shots were taken around 7 am while out on a walk while the family still slept. The pool & hot tub themselves are available at 6 am, but the slide and water play area don't open until 10 am.

Hunclemarco

01-19-2010, 11:48 PM

I love your TR :thumbsup2 I also love your balance throughout the trip....
Parks vs Resort time
Dining out vs. using Resort Room Kitchen
Love the board games you've been playing with the family.
I also like the detail you see throughout the trip... I look for/notice that too.:goodvibes

stopher1

01-20-2010, 07:18 AM

Monday morning walk continued... I said Sunday morning previously, but I was mistaken as it was actually Monday morning, or Day 2 for Epcot. We were planning to leave the resort around 11 to head over to Epcot and enjoy what we could of Future World.

Picking up where I left off regarding my walk about Sunday morning - we last saw the Kidani Village sign. From there I began to walk back towards the resort building through the parking lot. I love the camp-like look of the exterior lighting - hung on wooden poles, with wires strung between them hanging additional lights between the poles. Those between post wires then swoop downward a bit. Altogether they make it feel like the area had been quickly set up as some kind of an outpost camp in the wild or somesuch outpost. They definitely reminded me of M*A*S*H - kinda strange I know, but that's what I thought of when examining them. These are throughout the parking lot area.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0118-001115.jpg

At one point then as you walk closer to the lobby entrance, the sidewalk splits into a kind of Y, with the left path taking you uphill towards the bus transportation station, and the right path keeping you at ground level taking you then, further up the walk, underneath the Porte Cochere / drop-off & pick-up area into the parking garage. Even though this picture shows the garage entrance from the upper path, I walked the lower path as I wanted to look more at the garage (I had previously uploaded this pic, so I'm using it instead of uploading the one from the lower path). Some type of work was going on both different times, and this cherry picker was in both pics.
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One of the biggest beefs I have with Kidani Village, is the lack of finish work given to the "seen" walls of the parking garage. It IS a parking garage, and as such, does not need a lot of ornamentation. BUT, the parking garage is front and center as the bus is driving up the hill to the bus stops - and you can clearly see in to the ugly grey block wall at the back. With all of the beauty and attention to detail lavished on the design and execution of this resort - it just absolutlely boggles my mind that they couldn't apply some paint to the back walls - or any "seen" walls, those that are visible from the outside, to at least make it fit in better.

These nice roll-down shades have been added recently (I'd read about them online a couple of months ago), and are definitely a nice change/improvement to the view of the parking garage from my first visit to Kidani last May. Unfortunately they alone don't do the trick. You can still see the ugly block from the bus. What really got me though, was when I continued to walk into the parking garage and found this elevator lobby area.
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Ok - so this is the nicest elevator in a parking garage ever, probably...but why did they stop? Running that textured wall throughout is not necessary, but come on, get out the sprayer and add some paint. I know - it's probably just me. It is a parking garage - I get that. It's a functional space that serves it's intended purpose well - but this is afterall, part of Walt Disney World. Many, many times over Disney does more than necessary with standard functional spaces. I'm not asking that the myriad of pipes be covered - just throw on some paint on those walls that can be seen from the front exterior of the resort.
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Ok, enough about the garage. I then took that garage level elevator back upstairs to the lobby area, and explored a bit more there. I went to the stairs at the back of the lobby and went down to look at Sanaa once more. Sanaa is the table service restaurant, with windows overlooking the savannah. At times diners will have wonderful views of the giraffes, zebras and other animals roaming freely. Note our little friend in the second photo.
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Here's one looking into the dining area.
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And then looking back from the restaurant lobby area past the stairs to the doorway out to the savannah level overlook & campfire ring.
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Looking back at Kidani from by the campfire ring
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This one shows Sanaa underneath, with an overlook above it
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I then proceeded to go back upstairs. As you stand at the top of the stairs in the lobby, looking towards the entrance doors & the Porte Cochere, the registration/bell services/concierge desk is to your right, Johari Treasures is to your left - both directions with a hallway branching out to get to the guest rooms. Our room was to the right, or the north side. I went down the left, or south side into the Library. The name doesn't apply, as the room is not one with books, but rather a quiet space to relax. It has a beautiful fireplace
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0118-001134.jpg
various couches, chairs, and tables

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0118-001131.jpg
and a nice exterior overlook of the savannah as well
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0118-001140.jpg
I sat in there one night working on this thread. It was quite relaxing.

Just beyond the Library on the south wing is the Community Hall. My boys absolutely loved it. They've enjoyed the CH's at the Boardwalk, Old Key West and Saratoga Springs too - but they liked this one the best. This is where you get your outdoor recreational equipment, but also board games, dvd's, etc. There are coloring and other activity stations, as well as foosball and a pool table. The boys were stoked to not only find the PS2 station (or 3, I'm not sure), but also a separate area with a Wii (what we have at home) - and my daughter was stoked that they let her take an Ariel coloring page home with her.
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Finally back to the room for a hearty breakfast of pancakes, bacon, muffins and fruit - followed by more game time before heading out to Epcot once more.
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Coming up - back to Epcot, followed by good-bye to the grandparents (headed home to Oregon on Tuesday) and a move over to the VWL.

DisneyDaddy-O

01-20-2010, 09:57 AM

Wow, this is some trip. It looks like you guys are really having a great time. It's nice to see you really enjoying the resorts. Thanks for all the work put into this and the pics are great, really gets me excited for our trip!

Great Job!!:thumbsup2

rentayenta

01-20-2010, 11:53 AM

I am vowing to enjoy more down time at the resort when we visit Disney. :thumbsup2

Captain_Oblivious

01-20-2010, 12:38 PM

Really enjoying all the pictures. Looks like a great time!

DenLo

01-20-2010, 01:08 PM

Thanks for all of the photos. It's great to see all the little details in addition to the regular room photos. I have never seen a photo of a work out room before. I didn't even realize Kidani had a separate fitness center from Jambo House.

Good to see a family enjoying the villa and playing board games. Thanks for the trip report.

dvczerfs

01-20-2010, 02:34 PM

:thumbsup2 nice pics stopher!!! i cant wait to check out akv.

christa112

01-20-2010, 03:45 PM

More awesome pics. I am not sure if my kids are even going to want to go to the parks. LOL

We only have 2 more days and we will be there!!! :cool1:

Chellymouse

01-20-2010, 05:13 PM

Awesome pics! We have thought about trying AKV but are hesitant. (too many long bus rides from back in the All Star days) How is it staying down there as far as closeness (or not so much) to the parks? The resort is beautiful! Hope the grandparents had a safe journey home!

DisneyDadC

01-20-2010, 05:34 PM

stopher1

01-20-2010, 05:49 PM

More awesome pics. I am not sure if my kids are even going to want to go to the parks. LOL

We only have 2 more days and we will be there!!! :cool1:

I hear ya! My boys both, separately, told their mom and I that the next time around, they'd be happy with more resort days and less park days. It's taken a couple of years for us, but it sure looks like commando park visiting is over.

Awesome pics! We have thought about trying AKV but are hesitant. (too many long bus rides from back in the All Star days) How is it staying down there as far as closeness (or not so much) to the parks? The resort is beautiful! Hope the grandparents had a safe journey home!

I was hesitant too when we first bought AKV, but honestly it's not bad. In reality - the MK resorts are far from AK and DTD. The DTD resorts are far from AK and the MK. 6 of one, half a dozen of the other. The AK bus naturally is the shortest, clocking in at less about 3-5 min, including the stop at Jambo House. MK took about 17. The trip from SSR over to the Studios last week took about 16. Everything at WDW is close to some things, and far from others when you think about it.

stopher1

01-20-2010, 09:39 PM

ok I know we commented on this before but serious Stopher did you see any othe humans during this trip? I mean there is nobody in your photos other then the people you are with.Did you put up caution signs so people would not walk through? scare them off? what ?

Oh wow - there are definitely people here, I just didn't really think about it, and was more focused on getting shots of the surroundings, and kept trying to avoid getting them in there. :lmao: Sunday in Epcot was quite crowded. When we finished World Showcase and were headed back to the resort, the boys asked to see if we couldn't go on Test Track... the Stand-by Line was 70 minutes, and the Single Rider Line was 35. There were definitely people there. Sure, maybe not summer crowded, but enough to make my crowd-wary folks cringe at times. (I know - why would crowd-wary people head to WDW? For the grandchildren, of course!) ;)

stopher1

01-20-2010, 10:06 PM

Day 7 - Sunday, continued

Not too many more pics in this one, as the camera battery was just about dead by the time we hit China...

Norway was up next. We went on Maelstrom and were sure to watch the film afterwards. My mother was excited (since she is native Norwegian) – but after we got back to the resort, she said “they definitely need to update the film – it’s too dated. So much has happened since the late ‘80’s – especially with the Olympics in Lillehammer!” I totally agree with her. But if Canada is any indication, I guess we have a few more years before they’ll get around to updating Norway, huh? Norway’s only up to 22 years old… Canada was about 25 before it was updated.

We quickly went through the shops (that she really wanted to browse in) since we would be spending more time in Norway on Monday.

Mexico was more crowded than normal, simply because the Cantina is currently closed for rehab, and surrounded by temporary walls. The walk way was extremely tight. Everyone was tired, so we skipped the pavilion altogether. As we were about to round the bend, the boys asked if we could run by Test Track for a quick spin. I told them to ask their grandparents since they were the ones most tired… of course they got the answer they wanted! But sadly, upon arrival at TT, the Standby line was 70 minutes, and the Single Rider line 35. No ride on TT that evening. We’d definitely try for it the next day.

A lovely view on the way out to the bus
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We went back to the resort, and traipsed down to the pool. Swimming and hot tub time were definitely in order. Another good day.

stopher1

01-20-2010, 10:58 PM

Day 8 – Monday

Monday was another Epcot day, and the last full day to spend with the grandparents. I’ve already detailed my walk-about the resort in the early hours while the family was sleeping in a bit, followed by my return to the room with a hearty breakfast and more game time… so off to Epcot we went.

Let me just say here that it’s really hard to try and balance the desires of everyone in your family – and then when you add other members of the extended family and try to blend their desires in as well – especially some who shall remain nameless – but are somewhat older, VERY set in their ways, and quite vocal about what they do and don’t like…namely large crowds in the don’t column. With all that said – Monday was the most difficult day for us on this entire trip. It was a day full of contrasts and overall confusion. Mainly because there were certain people in the group who said one thing, then turned around and wanted to do another. Let’s just say DW and I were quite flummoxed and frustrated by the time we got back on the bus to go back to the resort. But hey – 1 day out of 8 together is not a terrible percentage.

Despite the grandchildren explaining the 2 really cool attractions they wanted to share with their grandparents; despite the repeated explanations and demonstrations throughout the week of how the Fastpass system works; despite the fact that the same 2 previously mentioned attractions are the most popular at Epcot… the folks decreed they did not want to leave the resort until 11 or 11:30. Thus the game time prior to leaving. While playing the games was quite enjoyable, and the boys had a ball doing so – by the time we got to Epcot and I ran to the Land with only a glimmer of hope only to see that all of the Soarin’ FP’s were gone for the day…and a Stand-by Line at that time with a wait of 110 mins… then to run over to Test Track to get into a very large line for FP’s – with the time clock advancing more than 20 mins while I stood there waiting for my turn…only to secure FP’s beginning a mere 15 mins prior to our dinner reservation at 5:15… those same boys who were happy to play games with their grandparents were now silently quite mad at those same grandparents for not being able to get on Soarin’ (especially since the grandparents would not wait in any line for more than 30 mins). One son was at that point ready to go back to the resort – instead he just sulked for the next several hours. So – as you can imagine, it was a bit frustrating trying to keep the peace between the generations that afternoon. Thankfully the grandparents picked up on what was going on, and tried to “make it all better” by treating to some snacks & frozen treats. It definitely worked for the younger son, but not Mr. Sulky, though he did finally come around when it was time to actually ride Test Track.
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I noticed a couple of these cute signs that day near damaged vegetation
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One thing that my folks did want to do, however, which we agreed to do was to go back to see the UK Pavilion since we’d rushed right by it to get to our lunch reservation in Morocco the previous day. So we traipsed back there… only to watch as they wove in and out of each shop in less than 5 minutes, stood to listen to the Fab Five guys, the British Invasion, for 5 more and then turn to us and say, “Now what? Where next?”

Kinda crazy if you ask me!
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Time was not on our side as our TT FP return time was approaching, not enough time to do a whole lot, so up into Spaceship Earth we went. My DW has not been on it since prior to the rehab/update… so she quite loudly was announcing how boring it was, to which my DD then started saying the same thing. They both changed their tune afterward thinking it was much better than before. Me – I like it. Always have. I definitely preferred it when Walter Cronkite was the narrator, but it’s still a fine little people eating attraction.
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Actually it was quite funny how very long the line was when we arrived at Epcot, something like 45 min – but anyone who places an attraction like that right at the front door is going to get some people to go on it right away, no doubt. By the later afternoon when we went on it, the line was about a 5 min wait. Then over to TT to wait for our FP time to arrive. While waiting we explored the exit shop & car showroom, since we knew we wouldn't have time after the ride itself.
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My boys have been working on their sister for the past several months to get her try new things this trip. Test Track was definitely one of them. When we approached the briefing room she was still a bit apprehensive. We thought & hoped that they would put us 6 and 1 (which would have been really cool for the photo at the end), but nope, they made us break down into 3 and 4. DUMB. So the kids went together in one vehicle and the adults in the other. Since the kids went first, and we ended up being 3 cars behind them we weren’t sure how DD would do. Turned out well – she absolutely LOVED it. Thought it was the best thing since sliced bread.

By then though we raced on over to Norway for our dinner reservation. We were late, and they made us wait because of it. Oh well, a perfect record of not being late was finally broken.

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This was the one ADR meal that my mother just absolutely wanted to do. She had been waiting for it so expectantly and with much anticipation. The inside of the Akershus castle is just as beautiful and lovely as we had both remembered.
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As a family, we last ate there before my DD was born. My mother and I last ate there together about 18 years ago. We really really liked it – back then. This time was not as good. The buffet remains similar to what is used to be, but the rest of it was just disappointing. There were really only a couple of Norwegian entrees on the menu, the rest were just basic fare easily obtained almost anywhere else. Even the desserts were dumbed down. We were very bummed, to say the least. It was nice, however, to enjoy the traditional Norwegian entree - one that my grandmother used to make around the holidays, my mother made, and I make. The Kjettkaker. My kids love them, and so that's what they ordered as well. My wife likes them too, but she decided to be different and ordered pot roast. Pot Roast, in a Norwegian restaurant. Ok. Whatever. She did try the meat cakes that I ordered and actually said something that I liked very much... she said that mine are much better than Akershus' ! That made my evening! :thumbsup2

BUT, my DD was absolutely, positively beside herself with glee, as her hands-down favorite princess is Ariel… and she was there – with legs! She was literally jumping up and down with excitement when she saw Ariel in the distance – and then when she came to our table, I thought my DD was going to burst. It was so fun to watch. That moment definitely made up for the rest of the experience – even my mother said so.
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We then did some shopping in the Puffin’s Roost, took another traditional pic
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thoroughly enjoyed the Vikings display inside the Stave Church
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and then headed back to the bus to go back to the resort. This was the grandparents final night with us, but also our final night in AKV. We would be moving over to the VWL on Tuesday. Here are just a couple of quick pics from the Lodge. I’ll get to more of that experience next… let's just say - I'm loving it.

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I love the elevator doors. Beautiful.
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rentayenta

01-21-2010, 09:38 AM

:goodvibes I am sorry you had such a frustrating day and can totally see how that could happen- been there, done that!

Flummoxed :thumbsup2 Great word!

ccigliano

01-21-2010, 07:35 PM

preedymtnwest

01-21-2010, 07:41 PM

First, let me say how much I am enjoying your report! It's wonderful - thank you for sharing!:flower3:

I understood the whole frustrating day thing - but keep thinking, in 101 days, you'll have your own special entrance from GC into DCA just a few feet away from the ORIGINAL Soarin'! They can take off on their own and go anytime 'cause they can WALK there! That's one of the things I'm most looking forward to when we stay at VGC in 24 days (but who's counting) - being able to be first in line at Soarin'!:thumbsup2

Thanks again - enjoy the rest of your trip!

stopher1

01-22-2010, 09:36 AM

Too bad about Soarin:sad1:. That's my favorite so I know how your son felt. But tell him not to worry since I'm sure now that you are DVC you'll be back again real soon so whatever you miss you can pick up the next time. But now that you are without those that shall remain nameless perhaps you can get back to Epcot early in the day and pick up those Soarin fast passes:thumbsup2. So far - which resort did you like the best? Just curious.

Oh yeah - Soarin' is definitely one of our favorites - it has been since it first opened up at DCA in Anaheim back in 2001. At that time we lived just 10 min from DL, so we would go over and ride it often. We're not so close anymore - so when we miss it, we miss it. But, we'll be back, so it's not a total disaster. And being DVC on both coasts, with family to visit in CA annually - it's not a major problem. Bummer, yes... devastating, no.

Since we first joined DVC 3 years ago, we've now stayed at 6 of the FL resorts, with AKV being twice - once in Jambo and once in Kidani...so for that matter, then I guess SSR twice as well, once in Congress Park and once in the Treehouses - and I've stayed in the Villas at the Grand Cal as well (the family has not yet). I like them all for very different reasons - but I think of this particular trip - my favorite theme execution was the Wilderness Lodge. If there could be rooms the size of Kidani at VWL - I'd be thrilled. BUT, I really liked the peace, quiet and solitude of the Treehouses - and you just can't beat having that third bedroom so the kids are not taking up the living room all night! It's a tough decision really the more I think about it.

First, let me say how much I am enjoying your report! It's wonderful - thank you for sharing!:flower3:

I understood the whole frustrating day thing - but keep thinking, in 101 days, you'll have your own special entrance from GC into DCA just a few feet away from the ORIGINAL Soarin'! They can take off on their own and go anytime 'cause they can WALK there! That's one of the things I'm most looking forward to when we stay at VGC in 24 days (but who's counting) - being able to be first in line at Soarin'!:thumbsup2

Thanks again - enjoy the rest of your trip!

Oh yeah - again as I said - 1 day out of 8 together is a really good percentage. It could have been much worse! :rotfl: In reality, the folks were just ready to go home, and weren't quite as into it by that day than they had been earlier in the week. And yes - we'll be doing Soaring once again soon. I love that walk into the park and bam! - you're there! I know the kids will like that as well. Though there are some work related scheduling changes on the horizon, so that 101 days of my ticker might just end being 300 days or so... bummer. :sad2: I need to get it figured out fast, so I can rearrange and hopefully get the days we need.

stopher1

01-22-2010, 09:50 AM

Day 9 – Tuesday

This was the day to say good bye to my folks. The kids have had a wonderful time with their grandparents and have dreaded this day, mainly because we aren’t sure when the next visit might be - definitely one of the negatives of living so far apart from each other. There are no nights when the grands offer to come over and watch the kids for us while DW and I go out on a date night, or anything like that. Our eldest is now our built in sitter, but there were many years when those precious date nights were so few and very far between. To all those of you with grands (of either generation) living near by – enjoy it! I grew up living just a mile away from my maternal grandparents, and just about an hour and half away from my paternal grandparents. We saw them both OFTEN. My kids, unfortunately, go months and months between visits. Which is part of why this trip has been so special – not only are we all together, but we’ve been doing something incredibly fun – staying in incredibly beautiful accommodations as well. Even with the prior day’s frustrations playing out at Epcot, it truly has been a good time – and we are blessed to have been able to invite them along. Growing up taking family vacations with my grandparents, I’ve always wanted to be able to do something like that with my own kids…but it never was possible, until this year…so this trip in particular, more than any other, has truly been special in many, many ways.

We began our day Tuesday bright and early – getting up and ready for an 8:30 BOMA breakfast ADR. So not only did the grands need to get ready to head out to the airport that morning, but they also had to be ready to leave Kidani by a few minutes after 8! They weren’t overly thrilled about that, but they were definitely good sports about it – and riding the bus over instead of walking helped too, since they knew they’d be walking a lot in the airports later on throughout the day.
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The food certainly helped put them into great spirits, and our server was terrific, very attentive and very much “there”. Any little thing that seemed like we needed something or wanted something – and she was at the table ready to retrieve it for us. My stepdad was quite impressed. And my mother just loved her accent, regaling me with a story about a customer of hers in their little town who is from South Africa and has the same accent as the server did.

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We lingered over breakfast a bit, and enjoyed looking in Zawadi Marketplace once more. My mother was amazed at the fact that my DD, who took her Papa Frank by the hand just marched into the store, was able to get him to “go shopping”! He hates it – but for this cute little 5 year old, it was perfectly ok. After a few more peeks at this and that, it was time to start the walk back to Kidani Village.
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The bags were packed and ready to go. DME would pick them up at 11:25 – and this was also our own transfer day over to the Villas at the Wilderness Lodge, so we had to be out of the room by 11 ourselves. By 10:30 we were just sitting there, watching the non-existent animals down on the savannah...since they do roam freely, you don't always have animals to look at from your balcony!
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So I called Bell Services and everyone traipsed down to the lobby to wait. Once the bus pulled up, my DD began to cry – she simply didn’t want them to leave. But we were able to get that over with soon with a reminder about going to the pool as they gave hugs all around and then boarded, and we waved our good-byes.
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My kids and I were going to enjoy the pool for an hour or so after they left, since this was our last morning at Kidani and there’s no pool hopping allowed. Samawati Springs and Uwanja Camp are definitely worth visiting during the day time when the slide and water play area is actually turned ON. While we were there it was from 10am-7pm only. Perhaps it’s longer in the summertime, I don’t know, but we’d only been able to do the slide one time each on the one evening we got down to the pool shortly before 7. It was well worth it! All three of us that tried it loved it. My middle son and I both agreed we still like the Keister Coaster a bit better – but Kidani’s slide is awesome.
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After a great time enjoying the pool, we loaded up our two bags, backpack and canvas bag filled with the swim clothes and headed off to the Studios for lunch and a few things we’d missed the first time around last week. We are an American Idol family (the grands are definitely NOT), and DW really wanted to experience the show at the park. (My boys and I experienced it previously during our Star Wars Weekends trip last May). She really thought it was cool. She was so tempted to go and audition during our pre-park opening wait back on Day 4 when we did the Studios with my folks, but knew that they would not enjoy the experience if they had to go – so she didn’t…but she sure wanted to!
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Another ride on Star Tours was requested by my DD, and we wanted to do the Tram “Tour” the first time around, but the wait was posted as 45 min, so we opted out of it then. We haven’t been on it since our first family trip to WDW when the boys were both little. While I really like Lights, Motors, Action – I do miss Residential Street. What’s left of that “tour” really is kind of stinky and just plain boring IMO. I remember my first visit to the Studios back in 1991 – and really enjoyed it then… now, not much. The only good parts to us were Catastrophe Canyon (have always enjoyed that part), seeing the few Star Wars vehicles and Walt's old corporate Gulfstream in their supposed boneyard. Other than that – it was a waste of time. The last few vestiges of the tour should be removed and a new attraction built back there, if you were to ask me – especially since the park no longer is any kind of a “working” studio anymore.
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The Indiana Jones Stuntshow is a favorite of my kids, too.
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It was closed the day we were there with my folks, but thankfully open today. We enjoyed it, but it was shorter than normal – for some unknown reason. The Times Guide listed the show as 30 min long. During the transition period from the rolling ball sequence to the Egyptian marketplace sequence, one of the “directors” did say to another one that the Nazi airplane scene would not happen for some technical reason, but never explained it further. And then sure enough, the show ended after the Jeep turning over catching on fire scene. “Thanks for coming out and enjoying the show today” – simple as that. No further explanation as to why that entire scene (and the favorite scene for all 3 kids) was cut. Kind of strange… Now I’m wanting to get home to look at the map or Times Guide from our May visit to the Studios to see how long it used to be…I’m thinking 45 min.

By this time it was pretty much 6pm, and time to head over to the Wilderness Lodge to get settled in and have some dinner.

j+m10999

01-22-2010, 10:04 AM

Great report, I love your pictures! Thanks for posting!

dvczerfs

01-22-2010, 10:48 AM

:thumbsup2

Emma's Dad

01-22-2010, 11:04 AM

Oh... you're tugging at my heart string there... I know what it's like having grands far away... and seeing them go is never easy... especially for the little ones. Goo job deflecting some of that with the pool :thumbsup2

We have yet to try the AI Experience show... but it's on the list to do this year. Sorry to hear about the stuntshow...wonder what was up with that? And I agree... the backlot tour could definitely be replaced.

Great update! Sad to see the end of the trip is coming quickly.....

glennbo123

01-22-2010, 11:10 AM

Great job! Thanks for pumping this report out "live"!

stopher1

01-22-2010, 11:37 AM

Great job! Thanks for pumping this report out "live"!

It was live - mostly, until I got behind by a day, then 2 and finally until now. Our trip has ended, and I am now back home once more. :sad2:

But it was fun to compile and share while we were there.

Big Kid

01-22-2010, 11:42 AM

Wonderful trip report, Stopher. As a new DVC member, I was very interested in your photos from around the resorts. Survival of the Fittest looks enormous and state of the art (to me anyway since I don't go to the gym)--I think we'll enjoy Boma even more knowing that we could theoretically work off any extra calories the next morning.

glennbo123

01-22-2010, 11:42 AM

It was live - mostly, until I got behind by a day, then 2 and finally until now. Our trip has ended, and I am not back home once more. :sad2:

But it was fun to compile and share while we were there.

Oh, I guess I didn't keep up with that. Well, I forgive you!

twinklebug

01-22-2010, 11:51 AM

It was live - mostly, until I got behind by a day, then 2 and finally until now. Our trip has ended, and I am not back home once more. :sad2:

Don't let the post-disney blues take over Christopher! Just do what DVCmike does - like the walls of your office with 100s of Disney photos you've taken :rotfl:

One thing I've learned about vacation logging - you have to keep up with it as you go along. Years ago I was into making Photo Albums for our trips. Forward to today: I'm backlogged by years and have currently hit the wall progress wise as I can't figure out how to get 100s of photos & videos off my new phone card without reformatting it and loosing them all :rolleyes1

stopher1

01-22-2010, 12:00 PM

Don't let the post-disney blues take over Christopher! Just do what DVCmike does - like the walls of your office with 100s of Disney photos you've taken :rotfl:

One thing I've learned about vacation logging - you have to keep up with it as you go along. Years ago I was into making Photo Albums for our trips. Forward to today: I'm backlogged by years and have currently hit the wall progress wise as I can't figure out how to get 100s of photos & videos off my new phone card without reformatting it and loosing them all :rolleyes1

No post Disney blues here... I know I'll be back. And I have lots to remind me of this trip as well as many other trips. We took over 2300 pics this trip alone. I like to take a LOT and then whittle away later. You just never know what you might capture, and if you only take one and them move on, you might not get that special moment! So it's work, but a good kind of work. Each night when we're back in the room I go back through the day's pics and pare it down eliminating all of the obvious goofs, blurry shots, etc. It's not an easy task - but thankfully the plane ride allows more time to do so before getting home and turning them all over to my DW who then compiles online albums to share with some family & friends. By the time I was done paring down, we ended up with 2,117 shots. All before the scrapbook project begins. We have one for each trip so far going back to 2002, though we do have some books with multiple trips in them. (That's not even to mention the BOXES of stuff & pics that COULD go into books from the years we lived 10 mins from DL, and the years I worked there). And the video - wow, we have so many DVD's of our various Disney trips, and I still need to transfer footage from our Oct. SSR stay (Sea World trip) let alone this last trip that just ended.

I did like Mike's photos on the walls situation - but I don't think I'll steal that one, as I already have other Disney art on my office walls, as well as a bookshelf full of trinkets, souvenirs and toys to look at and manipulate whenever I get bored. (My kids love coming to dad's office for that shelf!) We do have all of our pics on the computer though as our screen saver - both at home and in my office - and probably 90% of the shots that show up are Disney related.

katmittens

01-22-2010, 10:20 PM

Day 8 – Monday

Monday was another Epcot day, and the last full day to spend with the grandparents. I’ve already detailed my walk-about the resort in the early hours while the family was sleeping in a bit, followed by my return to the room with a hearty breakfast and more game time… so off to Epcot we went.

Let me just say here that it’s really hard to try and balance the desires of everyone in your family – and then when you add other members of the extended family and try to blend their desires in as well – especially some who shall remain nameless – but are somewhat older, VERY set in their ways, and quite vocal about what they do and don’t like…namely large crowds in the don’t column. With all that said – Monday was the most difficult day for us on this entire trip. It was a day full of contrasts and overall confusion. Mainly because there were certain people in the group who said one thing, then turned around and wanted to do another. Let’s just say DW and I were quite flummoxed and frustrated by the time we got back on the bus to go back to the resort. But hey – 1 day out of 8 together is not a terrible percentage.

Despite the grandchildren explaining the 2 really cool attractions they wanted to share with their grandparents; despite the repeated explanations and demonstrations throughout the week of how the Fastpass system works; despite the fact that the same 2 previously mentioned attractions are the most popular at Epcot… the folks decreed they did not want to leave the resort until 11 or 11:30. Thus the game time prior to leaving. While playing the games was quite enjoyable, and the boys had a ball doing so – by the time we got to Epcot and I ran to the Land with only a glimmer of hope only to see that all of the Soarin’ FP’s were gone for the day…and a Stand-by Line at that time with a wait of 110 mins… then to run over to Test Track to get into a very large line for FP’s – with the time clock advancing more than 20 mins while I stood there waiting for my turn…only to secure FP’s beginning a mere 15 mins prior to our dinner reservation at 5:15… those same boys who were happy to play games with their grandparents were now silently quite mad at those same grandparents for not being able to get on Soarin’ (especially since the grandparents would not wait in any line for more than 30 mins). One son was at that point ready to go back to the resort – instead he just sulked for the next several hours. So – as you can imagine, it was a bit frustrating trying to keep the peace between the generations that afternoon. Thankfully the grandparents picked up on what was going on, and tried to “make it all better” by treating to some snacks & frozen treats. It definitely worked for the younger son, but not Mr. Sulky, though he did finally come around when it was time to actually ride Test Track.
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I noticed a couple of these cute signs that day near damaged vegetation
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One thing that my folks did want to do, however, which we agreed to do was to go back to see the UK Pavilion since we’d rushed right by it to get to our lunch reservation in Morocco the previous day. So we traipsed back there… only to watch as they wove in and out of each shop in less than 5 minutes, stood to listen to the Fab Five guys for 5 more and then turn to us and say, “Now what? Where next?”

Kinda crazy if you ask me!
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Time was not on our side as our TT FP return time was approaching, not enough time to do a whole lot, so up into Spaceship Earth we went. My DW has not been on it since prior to the rehab/update… so she quite loudly was announcing how boring it was, to which my DD then started saying the same thing. They both changed their tune afterward thinking it was much better than before. Me – I like it. Always have. I definitely preferred it when Walter Cronkite was the narrator, but it’s still a fine little people eating attraction.
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Actually it was quite funny how very long the line was when we arrived at Epcot, something like 45 min – but anyone who places an attraction like that right at the front door is going to get some people to go on it right away, no doubt. By the later afternoon when we went on it, the line was about a 5 min wait. Then over to TT to wait for our FP time to arrive. While waiting we explored the exit shop & car showroom, since we knew we wouldn't have time after the ride itself.
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My boys have been working on their sister for the past several months to get her try new things this trip. Test Track was definitely one of them. When we approached the briefing room she was still a bit apprehensive. We thought & hoped that they would put us 6 and 1 (which would have been really cool for the photo at the end), but nope, they made us break down into 3 and 4. DUMB. So the kids went together in one vehicle and the adults in the other. Since the kids went first, and we ended up being 3 cars behind them we weren’t sure how DD would do. Turned out well – she absolutely LOVED it. Thought it was the best thing since sliced bread.

By then though we raced on over to Norway for our dinner reservation. We were late, and they made us wait because of it. Oh well, a perfect record of not being late was finally broken.

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This was the one ADR meal that my mother just absolutely wanted to do. She had been waiting for it so expectantly and with much anticipation. The inside of the Akershus castle is just as beautiful and lovely as we had both remembered.
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As a family, we last ate there before my DD was born. My mother and I last ate there together about 18 years ago. We really really liked it – back then. This time was not as good. The buffet remains similar to what is used to be, but the rest of it was just disappointing. There were really only a couple of Norwegian entrees on the menu, the rest were just basic fare easily obtained almost anywhere else. Even the desserts were dumbed down. We were very bummed, to say the least. It was nice, however, to enjoy the traditional Norwegian entree - one that my grandmother used to make around the holidays, my mother made, and I make. The Kjettkaker. My kids love them, and so that's what they ordered as well. My wife likes them too, but she decided to be different and ordered pot roast. Pot Roast, in a Norwegian restaurant. Ok. Whatever. She did try the meat cakes that I ordered and actually said something that I liked very much... she said that mine are much better than Akershus' ! That made my evening! :thumbsup2

BUT, my DD was absolutely, positively beside herself with glee, as her hands-down favorite princess is Ariel… and she was there – with legs! She was literally jumping up and down with excitement when she saw Ariel in the distance – and then when she came to our table, I thought my DD was going to burst. It was so fun to watch. That moment definitely made up for the rest of the experience – even my mother said so.
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We then did some shopping in the Puffin’s Roost, took another traditional pic
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thoroughly enjoyed the Vikings display inside the Stave Church
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and then headed back to the bus to go back to the resort. This was the grandparents final night with us, but also our final night in AKV. We would be moving over to the VWL on Tuesday. Here are just a couple of quick pics from the Lodge. I’ll get to more of that experience next… let's just say - I'm loving it.

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I love the elevator doors. Beautiful.
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I loved seeing these pictures. We just returned from VWL. We stayed in room 5553. We were almost at the end of the hall. What a long hall. Great pictures.

stopher1

01-23-2010, 10:27 AM

We have now returned home once more. Our wonderful trip has ended, but I got behind in my report - so indulge, me as I'll still be posting a few more - even though the report is no longer "Live".

stopher1

01-23-2010, 10:55 AM

Day 8 - Tuesday, continued

After spending the afternoon at the Studios, it was now time to go over to the Wilderness Lodge to check in. Staying in 3 different resorts on this trip was not the original intent, but long story short - due to some people changes in who would and wouldn't be along for the trip, we made some reservation changes, lost our last couple of nights at Kidani and were fortunate to keep our originally desired trip length by getting in at the Lodge. We were all pretty excited about staying there, as it was be a first time experience for us. DW and I have talked about it numerous times through the years but it just never happened - til now. And with this stay, we know we definitely want to go back to the Lodge in the future.

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I really like the theme of this particular resort. And while the theming at AKV is superb, I personally think that the theme execution at the Lodge is the absolute best at WDW. But then perhaps that's also because I grew up vacationing in the Sierra Nevada mountains (Mammoth Lakes, Lake Tahoe & Yosemite) and love the rustic, big timber stylings and mountainy feel to it all. Perhaps you feel differently - and that's ok. We're each entitled to our own likes and dislikes.

Our first evening in the Lodge really was just about dinner and relaxing. We picked up some sandwiches and pizza at Roaring Fork and took it all up to the room. Other than my middle son and I wandering the resort for a little while, the family pretty much just wanted to relax in the room and watch American Idol. No biggie to me. After being in various places all day, it did sound nice.

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A few from the room...
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I really liked these lamps in the master bath area
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and these tiles in the shower
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and above the sink in the master bath area
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This artwork above the bed was cool, highlighting Yosemite, Yellowstone and the Lodge :)
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The attention to detail that Disney gives is wonderful. Loved these chairs and the carpeting
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And the mirror frame
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Even the elevator floors were detailed and cool
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As my son and I wandered around, I will just say, that what Casey says on the promotional DVC dvd... "this place just says cozy" is so very true!

Beautiful carvings gracing the lobby of the Villas
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This cool artwork is framed in a neat, rustic, twig/branch/bark frame
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This curio was pretty curious iteself, covered with twigs and sticks
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In the Carolwood Pacific room sits two cars from the Carolwood Pacific itself, the train that Walt ran in his backyard back in the 50's. I love it!
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Great gametables in the CP room. They reminded me of a great old table that used to stand in my DW's grandmother's home years ago. My boys enjoyed them later on in our visit
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The rockers and multiple fireplaces are just so very cozy!!
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ccigliano

01-23-2010, 01:22 PM

The WL is my favorite:cloud9: and so after staying there several times as an OKW owner and then not getting an early December reservation at 7 months with the waitlist, I sold OKW and purchased even more points at the VWL. I can't imagine not being at the WL for Christmastime although I'm not brave enough to go Christmas week, I try to go right after Thanksgiving or early December and it it oh so cozy and warm:santa:. Just walking into the lobby changes my mood to peaceful and relaxed and I can just feel the pressures of work melt away. Maybe one year I can convince my sisters and their families to join us and we can stay from Christmas through New Years:yay:. Thank you for sharing your vacation with us as it brightened my day to come home and read more posts about resorts I have and have not yet stayed at and sharing the magic of the World with me. Thanks so much for taking that time out of your vacation;).

dvczerfs

01-23-2010, 05:41 PM

:thumbsup2

KathyRN137

01-24-2010, 07:17 PM

I'm all caught up on your TR...love the fact that you were able to enjoy the best of what three different DVC resorts can offer! :goodvibes

Kathy

stopher1

01-24-2010, 10:29 PM

I'm gonna finish this thing if it kills me! There's only a couple more days and some follow-up, I promise

Day 10 – Wednesday

Our trip is getting closer to it’s conclusion – but once again we were headed to my favorite WDW park – the Magic Kingdom. I always love beginning and/or ending a trip at the MK. There’s just something about it, I guess, mainly because it was modeled after Walt’s original Magic Kingdom – the one that I grew up with, Disneyland. I love BOTH parks – they are both special and unique, even though they share many similarities. For those of you who only know the Magic Kingdom… you do have special place there at WDW – but I would definitely encourage you to take that trip west and explore and enjoy The Happiest Place on Earth for yourself. Don’t get caught up in the size difference of the castles, or the walkways, or, or, or… they truly offer wonderful, magical experiences…but Disneyland is the only one that Walt actually walked in, ate in, slept in. There’s just such a special feeling I get around those Magic Kingdoms… and someday I hope to be able to stand in the Magic Kingdoms in Tokyo, Paris & Hong Kong as well…but for now, I’m happy with Anaheim & Orlando.

We had a quick breakfast in the room, and then proceeded downstairs to catch the boat over to the MK. The walk down to the dock from our room was beautiful, to say the least
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I love having transportation options at WDW. Whenever possible I’ll choose the boat or monorail anytime over a bus. You can catch a bus in cities all across the country – but how often can you take a boat to your destination or a monorail? Many areas do utilize boat transportation – but most do not. I love riding the boats while at WDW.
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The journey was quick, and soon enough we were standing in that very crowded bag check line. Then we were inside the gates, and passing through the train tunnel and out into Town Square. Two things really stood out – 1) as usual, characters were all over the place, but surprisingly my DD did not even care to stop and see any of them; and 2) no more Christmas decorations! The Christmas Tree was now gone, and the garlands, swags and other holiday décor were gone. It was nice to be able to see Main Street for what it is today.

Gone also was the awful crane from behind the castle. That was a nice sight as well. Although lights do still remain on the castle (at least on that day while we were there they were still partially up).
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First stop? The roller coasters! My middle son took all of our tickets and went up the road into Tomorrowland to get us FP’s for Space Mountain, while the rest of us headed for ToonTown so my DD could try out Goofy’s Barnstomer. He joined back up with the group just as we passed the Teacups...
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This would be her first ride – and she was a bit nervous. Since our last visit to the MK the week prior, her brothers had been talking it up incessantly, getting her pumped and excited about the possibility of riding something new. And since she had done Test Track a couple of days before – they definitely had her in the “I can do that” column! She was excited but nervous.

My DD and DS11 rode up in the front seat, followed by my eldest and then me, each in our own rows. When the train pulled back into the station and we got off, I wasn’t sure why she was upset – but it turned out she was upset thinking that we had to leave to do something else – she wanted TO GO ON IT AGAIN! We were all stoked by that, so right back into line we got. And with a stated 5 min wait time, it was no big deal! She loved it and wanted to do it again! This time, however, we didn’t let her get back into line, as it was now time to go and try another ride – the “fast train” as she called it – Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
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We hopped the train that had just pulled in, and rode it around to Frontierland. There we were able to get on BTMRR with the stated wait time of 10 min, that only took 5 – and once again – SHE LOVED IT! The grin on her face was practically ear to ear. She insisted on sitting with Daddy who would, as she said, “keep her safe” from anything bad on the ride – and afterwards, turned to me and said, “I love it, and want to go again! Thanks for taking me on this one daddy!” My baby has joined the rest of the family now at being able to go on stuff! Yay. There are only a few things left that she won’t go on – but by our next visit to WDW – even those will be diminished, I’m pretty sure.
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Back on the train we hopped to ride back over to Toontown and quickly walk over to make our Space Mountain FP return time – we had to hurry, because we had a lunch ADR at Liberty Tree Tavern to get back to. I know it seems crazy going back and forth around the park like this – but it was actually quite fun…and with minimal wait times, it wasn’t so bad at all.
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DD was brave this trip, but not quite brave enough for a roller coaster in the dark, and we didn’t force her. So we got a parent switch ticket, and then while the boys and my DW went inside SM, DD and I began the stroll over to check in for our luncheon. Crossing the bridge from Tomorrowland I saw that the moat was now completely empty (last week it was mostly empty).
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We stopped in front of the Castle for a brief while to enjoy part of the show that had just began – I really enjoyed seeing the new generation of Characters with the articulating mouths! Those were really quite cool. It was really neat to see Donald, Mickey, Minnie & Goofy’s mouths move with everything they said! I hadn’t read about that online – so I was happily surprised. Very, very cool stuff!
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Next up – lunch with Minnie, Pluto, Chip & Dale – Chip just cracked us up!

arthur06

01-24-2010, 10:35 PM

Just out of curiosity, why do they empty the moat? and how often do they do it?

Great Pics!

mikeandkarla

01-24-2010, 11:13 PM

Thanks for the trip report. i have really enjoyed your pictures and posts.

dvczerfs

01-25-2010, 07:15 AM

:thumbsup2 nice pics stopher!! looks dif. w/ no water.

stopher1

01-25-2010, 07:50 AM

Just out of curiosity, why do they empty the moat? and how often do they do it?

Great Pics!

Apparently the castle will be having an extended rehab, for about 3 months or so, so I guess they needed it dry. From what I'd read prior to our trip the rehab walls would start going up in late January. It appears we just missed it.

Emma's Dad

01-26-2010, 08:45 AM

Finkelly

01-26-2010, 12:34 PM

stopher1

01-26-2010, 01:32 PM

Christopher....thanks so much for this TR. I have really enjoyed it and learned alot! We are staying at SSR and then THV in 10 days. I have a couple of questions if you have time:

I printed the map of both resorts. I know you thought it was just quicker to walk to the grandstand than to wait for an internal bus. I see all the bus stops listed but the one at the Grandstand. It may have been added since the map was created. I think I read that you grabbed a bus to the MK right there. Was that one of the first pick ups? I think I may request a treehouse within walking distance of the Grandstand. Just want to make sure. Also, I know you said you could hear the buses. Was it just a background noise or were the sounds rather loud. Just wondering if I should request a villa away from the internal bus route.

Lastly, I saw you grilling. Did you get charcoal from the store or do they provide it.

Thanks so much. You looked like you had a great time. Time to start counting down until the next one!

Thanks.

In hindsight, the whole question of walking to the Grandstand vs. taking the internal bus is really 6 of 1 or half a dozen of the other. At the time, while on property, we didn't mind walking at all, especially since the internal bus - while frequent, was still about 20-30 min in between buses. The internal bus drops you off at The Springs stop, which is also the last stop on the park bus loop. So there you would then wait for a park bus. The Grandstand bus stop is the first stop on the park bus loop, so once on board we waited and then looped around through all the stops before heading out to the MK. In total, the time alotment was probably the same - but in the heat of the moment, we felt it was a better deal.

As far as the charcoal goes, yes, we did grill, 3 different meals. One of the 13 lb bags was sufficient for all 3 meals. I got ours right along with our Garden Grocer order. It was the simple "match light" kind that really only took a couple of matches to get it going on multiple sides. They do sell bags over in Artist's Palette, but they were smaller sized bags. If you're only grilling once, that should be sufficient. Since we'd ordered ours though, I really didn't look to see what type they sold, I just saw that they did sell it there.

Regarding hearing the buses from our treehouse, it was really just a background kind of noise. Being right next to the pool, we were also right next to the road's Y turn-around - where the road splits and then rconnects with itself in the opposite direction...so we heard them coming and going. It wasn't a big deal at all - in fact by the 2nd day we barely noticed, only occasionally would someone say, "there goes a bus". It wasn't bad at all. And the next time we stay in the trees, I'm going to request a location similar to what we had this time around, as I really ended up liking it. I wasn't so sure at first, thinking I really wanted a river view, but was quite happy with our "water view" of the pool. It was very close to all 4 things - the bus stop, the water launch, the pool and the walkway to the Grandstand.

stopher1

01-26-2010, 01:34 PM

Woohoo!! DD made it to the big coaster!! :woohoo::woohoo: That is such a precious moment! I still remember the first time my DD finally got over her fear of the coasters... going from fright to excited! So cool.

Oh yeah! She was thrilled beyond measure. Now to just get beyond the darkness thing, and she'll be on Space Mtn too! But I'm not rushing it. We were just thrilled that she tried several new things this trip - and liked them all. She can't wait to get out to DL later this year to be able to ride Big Thunder again... and her favorite, Splash Mtn, which of course was closed at WDW this time around.

toniosmom

01-26-2010, 09:30 PM

Oh yeah! She was thrilled beyond measure. Now to just get beyond the darkness thing, and she'll be on Space Mtn too! But I'm not rushing it. We were just thrilled that she tried several new things this trip - and liked them all. She can't wait to get out to DL later this year to be able to ride Big Thunder again... and her favorite, Splash Mtn, which of course was closed at WDW this time around.

I showed your DD's photos to my DS5 so that he can see that he is old enough and "big" enough to go on rides like Test Track and Splash Mountain. He had told me he was afraid of them, but I think seeing her photos intrigued him. Note: I'm not forcing him to go on rides that he is afraid of. This past year, he told me he was not going to go on certain rides and then as soon as he saw them, he was begging to go on. It was actually his idea to go into the Haunted Mansion! I anticipate him doing the same thing during our next trip in March.

Thanks for your great trip report and photos!

MomsGoneGoofy

01-28-2010, 05:06 PM

I so wish they could add in a Single Rider line like they have for TSMM out at CA Adventure at the DLR. It really does help fill in those gaps, and offers another option for those that want it.

I could be wrong, and it wouldn't be a first, but I think they did have a single rider line when it first opened. But it was changed to the fast pass line.

Great trip report and the pictures are beautiful! Thanks for taking the time to post them.

JoQuo711

01-29-2010, 11:24 AM

Just wanted to let you know how awesome your trip report has been. Your attention to detail is great, I'm loving it. By the way, did you notice you caught Mickey with his eyes closed?... :lmao:

We stopped in front of the Castle for a brief while to enjoy part of the show that had just began – I really enjoyed seeing the new generation of Characters with the articulating mouths! Those were really quite cool. It was really neat to see Donald, Mickey, Minnie & Goofy’s mouths move with everything they said! I hadn’t read about that online – so I was happily surprised. Very, very cool stuff!
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0120-00162.jpg

stopher1

01-29-2010, 11:47 AM

Just wanted to let you know how awesome your trip report has been. Your attention to detail is great, I'm loving it. By the way, did you notice you caught Mickey with his eyes closed?... :lmao:

Thanks. I did see that after I posted it the pic online. Pretty fancy stuff. I definitely liked these faces better for the show perspective - instead of the older style where they talk & sing, but their expressions were always the same. This just felt more authentic.

creativeamanda

02-01-2010, 05:38 AM

Thank you so much for your trip report--I have enjoyed it, especially your resort pictures. I probably will never stay at a Deluxe resort, but it's nice to see them in pictures.

You went through a lot to do this live--beautiful and thanks a million! :)

5by5

02-01-2010, 08:01 AM

Wow! What an awesome TR. Now I'm more excited about our trip this Summer! :cool1: Looks like we'll have to plan a stay at the THV soon.

stopher1

02-04-2010, 10:02 PM

Day 10 – Wednesday continued (almost done…really, I am)

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0120-00166.jpg

This is by far my favorite land in the Magic Kingdom. And as such, we had decided quite a while back that we really wanted to eat once again at the Liberty Tree Tavern.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0120-00173.jpg

Last year as we were planning out this trip, we were quite excited about it, since the character meals had been taken away, and our boys were going to be studying American History in depth this year – we really wanted to take the opportunity to at least let them experience a wee bit of revolutionary war culture – even if Disneyfied.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0120-00170.jpg

The architectural theming alone was enough for us, as well as the servers’ costumes, the various rooms of the restaurant and atmospheric set dressing that Disney is so good at.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0120-00183.jpg

We had fond memories of the experience from eating there on our honeymoon all those years ago, and wanted them to be able to experience it as well. (We honestly haven’t eaten there in nearly 16 year! Can you imagine that?) Then. It. All. Changed. … Crystal Palace was going to be down for rehab while we were at WDW – and the character meal would be returning to LTT! Ugh. We pondered and agonized over that realization, but in the end, decided to just go with it anyway. It turned out just fine, even if not quite the meal experience we wanted.

As we remembered, the restaurant is beautiful. The beaded glass windows, fireplaces and furnishings were definitely top notch. The food was very good. We had no complaints whatsoever about the food itself – but – we were quite disappointed at the end of the meal. Basically, it’s served family style. And they brought out enough food for probably 10 people, not five. There was just way too much. We asked a supervisor who came around to our table to inquire about our experience what would happen to all that food, and if we could just take a little of the meat and rolls with us – so we could enjoy them back in our villa for dinner (we weren’t staying in the MK all day, just another hour or so). No, sorry, she said – it all goes into the trash. Now I fully understand, having worked in food service myself for many years that prepared foods go into the trash after people leave the table, but that was just plain ridiculous. They served us turkey, ham & roast beef – in addition to mashed potatoes, green beans, mac & cheese, salad and rolls. There was enough meat on that platter alone that would have easily fed a family of 5 for 2 more meals… plus all of the beans, potatoes, cheesy pasta and salad that we didn’t eat. (This particular day was just a couple of days or so after the earthquake in Haiti, so that kind of waste was just so top of mind). I would be much, much happier if they would have brought out much less to begin with – and then add more as we asked for it – instead of just bringing dishes brimming with food and then throwing so much of it away. Honestly if it had all been dumped onto the table and then measured, my family of 5 probably only ate about 1/3 of what was served – and the rest had to go into the garbage. Just not good inventory management in my book.

Minnie, Chip, Dale & Pluto were our character visitors.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0120-001120.jpg

Seeing Pluto write almost up to his nose always cracks my DD up
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http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0120-001115.jpg

As always, Minnie was just sugary sweet, and I got a nice new pose with her (I’ve done this going all the way back to our honeymoon).
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0120-001113.jpg

Dale & Pluto were ok, but Chip was just plain hysterical. We loved seeing Chip. At one point, as we were beginning our dessert, there he was again at the table next to us (his 2nd time around the restaurant while we were there), except he was “hiding” from the people by climbing the stairs up to the restroom and then throwing pieces of rolls at them!
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0120-001128.jpg

We were cracking up. Then, his handler came and scolded him to have him come back down, and he got so embarrassed – not because of what he was doing, but because he’d made such a mess on the floor! He quickly grabbed the broom and mop from a nearby custodian, and started to sweep up his mess.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0120-001133.jpg

Minnie then came over and got into the act, directing where he needed to sweep next.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0120-001136.jpg

His antics were such, such fun. In the end we HAD to get a family pic with Chip.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0120-001139.jpg

After our very filling meal, we decided to head on over into Fantasyland and see some of that, since we really didn’t do much while we were there with my folks the week prior. It’s a Small World
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0120-001148.jpg

(my favorite room in IASW)
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0120-001152.jpg

and Dumbo were my DD’s primary requests – followed by a return twirl on the Teacups.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0120-001160.jpg

By this point it was around 2, and we knew we wanted to get back over to the Lodge by 3 or 4 ish, so we went into to Tomorrowland one final time. I still hadn’t been able to ride Space Mtn, and really wanted to. I still had my child switch pass from earlier in the day, and so my middle son and I headed over there, while the rest just hung out and rested for a little while. I was not all that impressed with the new interactive games and such that I observed on the other side of the line (regular stand-by side), but perhaps if I were waiting in the I would have been. I can’t say. But as we kept walking forward, I kept seeing gaps between groups, as many of them didn’t want to stop whatever it was they were playing while waiting, and thus making the line longer than it really needed to be. Sure interactive stuff can be cool, but not if people get more caught up in the activity and don’t pay attention and keep the line moving forward!

We then headed out of Tomorrowland, stopping for one last Photopass pic with the castle in the background and then worked our way down Main Street. We were still ahead of the afternoon parade, and were hoping to get out before it started. But alas, no, we didn’t. We were just coming to the Emporium when the “pre-parade” began. My DD suddenly wanted to watch, and so we were in a conundrum. The boys clearly did NOT want to watch the parade (we’d already seen it the week prior), but the girl did. The boys clearly wanted to get back over to the resort to check out the resort more, and swim. So did DD, but she loves characters. So DW made the call and told the boys and I to head back to the resort, and the girls would stay and watch the parade. I wasn’t sure what to do – so we stuck around for the pre-parade part, and saw Kermit and Miss Piggy as they were touting volunteerism and the whole, Give a Day, Get a Disney Day promotion – and then before the regular parade began, the boys and I left.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0120-001166.jpg

That was pretty much the end of our theme park touring for this trip. There’s still some more that I might get around to posting regarding our resort stays, impressions and pictures, but I’m pretty much done with this novella now. Thanks for joining me on this wild and crazy TR that began and stayed very much LIVE while on-site up until nearly the end. Unfortunately I did get behind somewhat with daily reporting, but hey – I was on vacation, and that was ok. I can’t wait to be back at WDW in just about 5 weeks!

Some notable firsts for us this trip I will mention:

1st stay in a Treehouse! WOW, can't wait to do that again
1st stay in a 2 BR villa - very nice
1st stay at the Wilderness Lodge - WOW, can't wait for that again

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0120-001225.jpg

1st time eating at the Whispering Canyon Cafe (LOVED IT)

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/2010-0121-001.jpg

1st time traveling to WDW with my folks as a family - and with for them with their grandchildren (had lots of fun)
1st use of Garden Grocer - that was cool, we'll do that again
1st time users of TIW - that worked out really well, I liked it, and we'll do it again
My DD's first ride on Test Track, Barnstormer & Big Thunder Mountain (very, very cool stuff!)
1st time in Restaurant Akershus with Princess aspect (let down - no need to do that again - would much prefer they go back to the original format of just being a Norwegian restaurant)

Here are a couple of final pics from our last morning at the WL - the next day - parting shots, if you will. It is such a great resort, and has honestly quickly moved up to the top for us. We'll definitely be back to the Lodge.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/2010-0121-00159.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0120-001213.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/WDW%20Jan%2010/2010-0121-00134.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/stopher1_photos/2010-0121-00132.jpg

Now to just get our next family trip back to WDW in 2011 figured out...