Lovemy3babes
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2006
What a fun weekend you guys had. Happy 30th Brook! 
Tasty Planning Time with ZeBrook! A 2 for 1 PTR - 12/24 - All our bags are packed
- Thread starter brookelizabeth
- Start date
teruterubouzu
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 8, 2007
A belated happy birthday to you! It sounds like you had a fun one, despite the cold.
Kalahari looks fun. The pictures of Henry driving the car are so cute.
Kalahari looks fun. The pictures of Henry driving the car are so cute.
Donald is #1
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 24, 2006
Happy belated birthday! 
It sounds like you had an awesome weekend!
It sounds like you had an awesome weekend!
princess&her4princes
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2008
Sounds like a GREAT birthday Brook!!!! And it's nice to get away from the little ones every once and awhile too, as much as I love my boys, getting away does a Mommy good!!!!
Welcome to your 30's....I'm telling you, they are even better than your 20's! Have fun!!!!
Welcome to your 30's....I'm telling you, they are even better than your 20's! Have fun!!!!
SoonerGirl
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 9, 2006
Happy Belated Birthday, Brook!
It sounds like you had a great one, that was very sweet of Joe to plan all that for you. I know all about milestone birthdays, I just got back from a trip with my girlfriends to celebrate my 40th..........
It sounds like you had a great one, that was very sweet of Joe to plan all that for you.
I know all about milestone birthdays, I just got back from a trip with my girlfriends to celebrate my 40th..........
lazydoxy66
Live, love, and laugh!
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2008
That update was adorable! Kalahari is an amazing place.
Happy Belated Birthday! I'm glad you had a good time!
Happy Belated Birthday! I'm glad you had a good time!
jordanyosh
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 23, 2003
Happy Belated Birthday!!!!
SPA=
and the fact that DH got that for you...
SPA=
and the fact that DH got that for you...
brookelizabeth
Jambo Wildbunch Gang
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2006
I left you in Wisconsin Dells, after jumping on the bed for a short time, then it was off to sleep for everyone.
The next morning everyone woke up fairly early, but not too early (much to my relief!). I believe it was around 8:00 am. This gave us plenty of time to all get ready and finish packing our bags - today we were moving to the Cheapy Motel.
We tossed around the idea of doing room service for breakfast, but then Joe said the words that completely changed my mind, "But, what if they have a buffet?"
Oh honey, I love you. He knows me and my breakfast food! I LOVE IT!
So Mr. Friend, who was all ready and rarin' to go before the rest of us, ran down to the restaurant and reported, YES, THERE IS A BUFFET.
That sealed the deal. No Room Service for this crew! We moseyed down to the lobby where I finally snapped some pictures of it's beauty...
Below this beautiful mural was the hallway to the elevators and the indoor theme park-the ceiling was VERY high in the lobby, just adding to how massive it was!
The pond in the lobby-not a very good picture, but you might be able to tell there are sculptures of various animals in there, some shooting water.
The Sweet Hut. Drool.
From the back of the pond
The Pottery Pizzaz shop (more on this later!)
The back-end of the lobby, hallway to the Waterpark....obviously.
We were seated almost right away at the restaurant and we all opted to do the breakfast buffet. Joe suggested I go first, he would sit with Henry, and I quickly took him up on that offer!
Everything was delish! This was my first plate, and the only one I took a picture of. There was lots of fresh fruit on the buffet as well-much to Henry's delight!
We sat at a table fairly close to the windows that overlooked the waterpark and we could see it was getting busy even though it wasn't hardly 9 am.
After clearing plate after plate of breakfast food, we waddled out and noticed the outdoor waterpark was suddenly bustling with activity! It was closed the day before (Friday), so today was "opening day"!
Note, Mrs. Friend is in LONG sleeves and there is a dude next to her wearing just swim trunks. Midwesterners are craZy. It was NOT hot that day!
One of the kiddy areas
Another kiddy area
The theming was equally as amazing outside
A giant hot tub! I loved the lion statues and waterfalls!
An outside playground
Between the outdoor waterpark and the above playground is a small wooden fence, so the playground is a bit hidden. When we went around to see the playground I instantly knew why the fence was there...the SOUND was unbelivable! If you see in the pics above, you can see cars and trucks on the road to the upper left. That is no ordinary road, that is the INTERSTATE. Cars and trucks are whipping by at 70 mph!
We debated for about 1.8 seconds on if we should do the outdoor waterpark today...then sanity came back to us and we realized it was not THAT warm out (despite the crowds at the outdoor park!)....so back in we went.
We headed back to our room to do the official check-out
Waiting for the elevator
Love these kids!
We wrapped things up in the room and I discovered there was no official check-out process...we just dropped an envelope in a box near the elevator and that was it. Easy!
The kids played for a while more on the balcony
Henry and I stayed in the room while everyone else took the bags down to the cars. We hung out on the balcony and instantly made friends with 3 balcony neighbors.
Peter was directly across from us. His favorite movie was Madagascar.
Two young girls below us that were there with their Grandpa.
And a young adorable baby, who's Daddy obviously adored her.
Continued in next post
The next morning everyone woke up fairly early, but not too early (much to my relief!). I believe it was around 8:00 am. This gave us plenty of time to all get ready and finish packing our bags - today we were moving to the Cheapy Motel.
We tossed around the idea of doing room service for breakfast, but then Joe said the words that completely changed my mind, "But, what if they have a buffet?"
Oh honey, I love you. He knows me and my breakfast food! I LOVE IT!
So Mr. Friend, who was all ready and rarin' to go before the rest of us, ran down to the restaurant and reported, YES, THERE IS A BUFFET.
That sealed the deal. No Room Service for this crew! We moseyed down to the lobby where I finally snapped some pictures of it's beauty...
Below this beautiful mural was the hallway to the elevators and the indoor theme park-the ceiling was VERY high in the lobby, just adding to how massive it was!
The pond in the lobby-not a very good picture, but you might be able to tell there are sculptures of various animals in there, some shooting water.
The Sweet Hut. Drool.
From the back of the pond
The Pottery Pizzaz shop (more on this later!)
The back-end of the lobby, hallway to the Waterpark....obviously.
We were seated almost right away at the restaurant and we all opted to do the breakfast buffet. Joe suggested I go first, he would sit with Henry, and I quickly took him up on that offer!
Everything was delish! This was my first plate, and the only one I took a picture of. There was lots of fresh fruit on the buffet as well-much to Henry's delight!
We sat at a table fairly close to the windows that overlooked the waterpark and we could see it was getting busy even though it wasn't hardly 9 am.
After clearing plate after plate of breakfast food, we waddled out and noticed the outdoor waterpark was suddenly bustling with activity! It was closed the day before (Friday), so today was "opening day"!
Note, Mrs. Friend is in LONG sleeves and there is a dude next to her wearing just swim trunks. Midwesterners are craZy. It was NOT hot that day!
One of the kiddy areas
Another kiddy area
The theming was equally as amazing outside
A giant hot tub! I loved the lion statues and waterfalls!
An outside playground
Between the outdoor waterpark and the above playground is a small wooden fence, so the playground is a bit hidden. When we went around to see the playground I instantly knew why the fence was there...the SOUND was unbelivable! If you see in the pics above, you can see cars and trucks on the road to the upper left. That is no ordinary road, that is the INTERSTATE. Cars and trucks are whipping by at 70 mph!
We debated for about 1.8 seconds on if we should do the outdoor waterpark today...then sanity came back to us and we realized it was not THAT warm out (despite the crowds at the outdoor park!)....so back in we went.
We headed back to our room to do the official check-out
Waiting for the elevator
Love these kids!
We wrapped things up in the room and I discovered there was no official check-out process...we just dropped an envelope in a box near the elevator and that was it. Easy!
The kids played for a while more on the balcony
Henry and I stayed in the room while everyone else took the bags down to the cars. We hung out on the balcony and instantly made friends with 3 balcony neighbors.
Peter was directly across from us. His favorite movie was Madagascar.
Two young girls below us that were there with their Grandpa.
And a young adorable baby, who's Daddy obviously adored her.
Continued in next post
brookelizabeth
Jambo Wildbunch Gang
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2006
Continued from previous post
We could see our car from our balcony and it was taking a very long time and our crew was still not out to the cars! I was beginning to wonder if something happened, so I peeked my head out into the hallway and could hear their voices-they hadn't even boarded the elevator yet! Turns out just about everyone and their Uncle was checking out and for some bizzare reason, there is only one elevator. So, they were waiting and waiting. Eventually, they made it and I had Joe take a couple pics of Henry and I from the parking lot:
After our bags were safely way in the cars, I did a one last look around the room and took care of the check-out envelope. I met everyone downstairs and we decided to walk to the indoor theme park to take advantage of the 2 passes that came with our room. Despite us having already checked out, we were welcome to use the waterpark again and any other ammenity until close that night.
The Kalahari sign marks the outdoor entrance to the indoor park. Futher down and not pictured is the movie theater, to our left are guest rooms, and the lobby is behind us.
Up next: I'll give you one guess as to what Henry found (again) at the indoor theme park....
We could see our car from our balcony and it was taking a very long time and our crew was still not out to the cars! I was beginning to wonder if something happened, so I peeked my head out into the hallway and could hear their voices-they hadn't even boarded the elevator yet! Turns out just about everyone and their Uncle was checking out and for some bizzare reason, there is only one elevator. So, they were waiting and waiting. Eventually, they made it and I had Joe take a couple pics of Henry and I from the parking lot:
After our bags were safely way in the cars, I did a one last look around the room and took care of the check-out envelope. I met everyone downstairs and we decided to walk to the indoor theme park to take advantage of the 2 passes that came with our room. Despite us having already checked out, we were welcome to use the waterpark again and any other ammenity until close that night.
The Kalahari sign marks the outdoor entrance to the indoor park. Futher down and not pictured is the movie theater, to our left are guest rooms, and the lobby is behind us.
Up next: I'll give you one guess as to what Henry found (again) at the indoor theme park....
brookelizabeth
Jambo Wildbunch Gang
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2006
Thank you! It really was a nice treat.
What a nice birthday treat from your husband!
I'm sure Henry had a blast. I'm glad he could have that special time with Grammy and Poppa.
I hope you can finish out your birthday weekend with a beautiful, relaxing Sunday with your two favorite guys!
Did I tell the story on here of Henry and and his Poppa? I can't recall if I did...but, on Friday during the day, while Joe and I were at work, Henry also spent that time with his Grammy (she had the day off work). Poppa came home around 3:30 while Henry was napping, but as soon as he woke up, he was ALL about his Poppa! Joe and I came for a quick visit after work before we headed onto the road and when Joe reached down to pick him up off Poppa's lap, all he got was a "No!" and then Poppa got a big hug. It was adorable!
When we picked him up on Saturday evening he was talking a mile a minute and giving many many hugs and kisses to his Grammy and Poppa. He truly did have a great weekend! I'm sure it was a treat for him as well.
He is a wonderful husband! I was kinda shocked that he organized it all, and thought of each thing he knew I would like!
Sounds like you had a great time!! Id love a mini vacation break right about now. DD has to have her second foot surgery in a week and I will be going non stop for weeks to come
Glad to hear you had fun and glad you have your cutie pie Henry back in your arms
Oh-you DO need a mini-getaway!!!
What a fun weekend you guys had. Happy 30th Brook!
Thank you!!
We did-I was happy it was raining, since we needed it so badly. And thankful for the skyways!
Happy belated birthday!
It sounds like you had an awesome weekend!
It sounds like you had a fabulous time!
Thank you!!
Sounds like a GREAT birthday Brook!!!! And it's nice to get away from the little ones every once and awhile too, as much as I love my boys, getting away does a Mommy good!!!!
Welcome to your 30's....I'm telling you, they are even better than your 20's! Have fun!!!!
That is what everyone has been telling me-the 30s are GREAT. So, I'm diving in!
So far I've just felt icky for the past few days (I'm off work today), but otherwise they have been good!Happy Belated Birthday, Brook!
It sounds like you had a great one, that was very sweet of Joe to plan all that for you.
Thanks!!! I think I recall you mentioning a birthday trip...what was it again? How was it? I hope you had a blast!
Thank you! We did have a great time!
The Kalahari is crazy...Joe and I couldn't get over the amount of things to do!
I apologize for being two days late, but
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!!
I am glad to hear that the weekend was fantastic, filled with shopping and a fun spa day! Kudos to Joe, he did it right!
Yes he did!! He told me he had been planning for months! Maybe someday I'll let him plan a Disney trip.
But probably not!
Happy Belated Birthday!!!!
SPA=
You are exactly right! He has told me a dozen times I can do the spa, but I just haven't bothered making an appointment, or parting with that money. The fact that HE set it all up was an extra treat!
That is hilarious! I didn't make it all the way through "Enough", but a good ways in.
The first time Joe and I ever stayed in a hotel together (aside from our honeymoon) was just a couple months after I realized we were pregnant. We stayed up REALLY late watching MythBusters!!! We are such geeks!
Flossbolna
Sea days are just so relaxing!
- Joined
- Sep 8, 2006
Wonderful update! I love the look of this huge hot tub with the lions! I love water parks and I think I would have been crazy enough to try out the out door one at least for a bit!
Ok, here is my guess as to what Henry finds: a car!
Hope you are feeling better soon! Here everyone seems to have a summer cold as well.
Ok, here is my guess as to what Henry finds: a car!
Hope you are feeling better soon! Here everyone seems to have a summer cold as well.
brookelizabeth
Jambo Wildbunch Gang
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2006
I almost forgot this was a PTR.
Getting back on boat with that....let's do the Resort Dance.
A jig.
PREMIER season.
Really?
Dare we?
Will anything be available?
We want AKV-Kidani, our home, but were willing to take anything.
The first phone call I made to Member Services was on April 1. If you know about DVC, you might know that you can start booking at 11 months at your "home" resort. So that means I could have started calling in January to AKV. I was 4 months late! Would ANYTHING be available at AKV? Anything at all???
After my call, the email to the family went something like this:
That means we would be moving once and homeless for a night.
NOT exactly my ideal.
Persistence pays off, doesn't it?
By April 7 I had us solidly booked for the ENTIRE stay-even NYE, in a 2 bedroom Standard View in Jambo House.
Standard View, more points than I wanted to spend, but hey, we aren't homeless!
Er....
Wait a sec....Standard View at Jambo is the same as Standard View at Kidani....hmmm...
If I'm spending that many points, I want the new place, the third bathroom, more room, and that splash park for Henry!
Back to Member Services to do more Resort Dancing.
After much more dancing, and a very patient MS CM, we were booked for everyday, 2 bedroom Standard at Kidani ---- except 2 days.
December 28-29 and December 31-January 1, we got Jambo House for those 2 days and we waitlisted at Kidani.
A few weeks later, December 28-29 came through.
On May 20, I called Member Services again. The very kind CM explained (again) that I don't have to call, anything that becomes available goes first to the Wait List, then to their computers....hmmm...should I trust it??
In addition, this CM also noted that we were in a lock-off 2 bedroom, so she waitlisted us for the entire stay in a dedicated, in case that happened to come through first. I hadn't thought of that!
Score!
She also calmed some nerves saying that once the 7 month starts opening, people that are booked at Kidani will move resorts--so I have a very, very good chance of getting that last night.
And, as of 18 seconds ago, as per DVCMember.com, we are still waiting for December 31-January 1 at Kidani.
Sigh.
I don't know if I trust the wait list, despite one coming through already.... I've just heard too many stories of members calling and suddenly "your wait list just became available!" So, I've been calling about once a week or so to see if that New Year's has come through.
After we get that all squared away I still start to make requests. My FIL has a bit of a bad back, so I'm going to request to be near the Lobby. Being that I've never stayed in a 2-bedroom, I don't think I care if it's a Lock-Off or Dedicated-anyone have any opinions/advice about that? And, if anyone reading this has already stayed at Kidani-do you have any further suggestions for requests? I believe our Standard room could be anything from parking lot/dumpster to Savannah. So, I'll tack Savannah view onto that request as well.
Meanwhile, the Resort Dance continues. You all will hear me rejoicing from Minnesota when that last night does come through!
Oh, and do you think it's a bad sign when the CM laughs on the phone when she sees your dates? I swear I heard her whisper "sucker" under her breath...
Just kidding...well...she did laugh.
Up next: Ahhhhhh, AKV
Getting back on boat with that....let's do the Resort Dance.
A jig.
PREMIER season.
Really?
Dare we?
Will anything be available?
We want AKV-Kidani, our home, but were willing to take anything.
The first phone call I made to Member Services was on April 1. If you know about DVC, you might know that you can start booking at 11 months at your "home" resort. So that means I could have started calling in January to AKV. I was 4 months late! Would ANYTHING be available at AKV? Anything at all???
After my call, the email to the family went something like this:
That means we would be moving once and homeless for a night.
NOT exactly my ideal.
Persistence pays off, doesn't it?
By April 7 I had us solidly booked for the ENTIRE stay-even NYE, in a 2 bedroom Standard View in Jambo House.
Standard View, more points than I wanted to spend, but hey, we aren't homeless!
Er....
Wait a sec....Standard View at Jambo is the same as Standard View at Kidani....hmmm...
If I'm spending that many points, I want the new place, the third bathroom, more room, and that splash park for Henry!
Back to Member Services to do more Resort Dancing.
After much more dancing, and a very patient MS CM, we were booked for everyday, 2 bedroom Standard at Kidani ---- except 2 days.
December 28-29 and December 31-January 1, we got Jambo House for those 2 days and we waitlisted at Kidani.
A few weeks later, December 28-29 came through.
On May 20, I called Member Services again. The very kind CM explained (again) that I don't have to call, anything that becomes available goes first to the Wait List, then to their computers....hmmm...should I trust it??
In addition, this CM also noted that we were in a lock-off 2 bedroom, so she waitlisted us for the entire stay in a dedicated, in case that happened to come through first. I hadn't thought of that!
Score!
She also calmed some nerves saying that once the 7 month starts opening, people that are booked at Kidani will move resorts--so I have a very, very good chance of getting that last night.
And, as of 18 seconds ago, as per DVCMember.com, we are still waiting for December 31-January 1 at Kidani.
Sigh.
I don't know if I trust the wait list, despite one coming through already.... I've just heard too many stories of members calling and suddenly "your wait list just became available!" So, I've been calling about once a week or so to see if that New Year's has come through.
After we get that all squared away I still start to make requests. My FIL has a bit of a bad back, so I'm going to request to be near the Lobby. Being that I've never stayed in a 2-bedroom, I don't think I care if it's a Lock-Off or Dedicated-anyone have any opinions/advice about that? And, if anyone reading this has already stayed at Kidani-do you have any further suggestions for requests? I believe our Standard room could be anything from parking lot/dumpster to Savannah. So, I'll tack Savannah view onto that request as well.
Meanwhile, the Resort Dance continues. You all will hear me rejoicing from Minnesota when that last night does come through!
Oh, and do you think it's a bad sign when the CM laughs on the phone when she sees your dates? I swear I heard her whisper "sucker" under her breath...
Just kidding...well...she did laugh.
Up next: Ahhhhhh, AKV
brookelizabeth
Jambo Wildbunch Gang
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2006
Wonderful update! I love the look of this huge hot tub with the lions! I love water parks and I think I would have been crazy enough to try out the out door one at least for a bit!
Ok, here is my guess as to what Henry finds: a car!
Hope you are feeling better soon! Here everyone seems to have a summer cold as well.
Isn't that hot tub great?? I would love to see something similar at AKL.
Part of me did want to try the outdoor park-just to try it, who knows when we'll be back! But, Mrs. Friend mentioned "the kids"...so that put a quick damper on my plans. The kids would have been shaking cold and I would have felt terribly guilty...
You have been paying attention!!
Lady Lallie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2008
First off I need to WOOOO HOOOOO because I can see your pictures at work! Yayayayaya!!! 
I am so very excited!
It sounds like you had a great trip to the Dells, so much fun!
I am sorry you are still waiting on the resort, I hope it all works out. I am assuming other resorts wouldn't be available for that time either??
I am so very excited!It sounds like you had a great trip to the Dells, so much fun!
I am sorry you are still waiting on the resort, I hope it all works out. I am assuming other resorts wouldn't be available for that time either??
troobabiee7
The core of man's spirit comes from new experience
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2008
Hey Brook! What a great trip, the resort looks gorgeous!
Good luck with the resort situation, I'm sure that last night will come through. I'll have my fingers crossed!
I started a new PTR, by the way. There were so many changes that I just started over The link's in my signature if you're interested!
Good luck with the resort situation, I'm sure that last night will come through. I'll have my fingers crossed!
I started a new PTR, by the way. There were so many changes that I just started over
The link's in my signature if you're interested!
brookelizabeth
Jambo Wildbunch Gang
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2006
First off I need to WOOOO HOOOOO because I can see your pictures at work! Yayayayaya!!!
It sounds like you had a great trip to the Dells, so much fun!
I am sorry you are still waiting on the resort, I hope it all works out. I am assuming other resorts wouldn't be available for that time either??
That is because I DITCHED photobucket and joined you on SmugMug!!!! I LOVE it! Oh my goodness. The pages actually load, no ads, it's so easy and smooth. I have my pics arranged in "All Thumbs" style, so I just click on the picture I want to add so it makes it large scale, then copy and paste straight into the DIS. Simple. Love it! Plus no one will have that weird issue that they can't see the pics!!! Thank you for suggesting it on your PTR.
The Dells was a blast. My favorite part is still coming up too!
I haven't bothered to look at other resorts yet for the stay...our 7 month window where we can switch to another resort, opened back on May 26, so I was hoping that my NYE at Kidani would come through, since it's our first choice. However, if we go toooooo much longer, I will just call and see what is open (if anything), I really don't want to make my entire family move for one night!
Hey Brook! What a great trip, the resort looks gorgeous!
Good luck with the resort situation, I'm sure that last night will come through. I'll have my fingers crossed!
I started a new PTR, by the way. There were so many changes that I just started over
You are too funny about your PTRs! No wonder your other one disappeared off my list! I'm headed over to check out...Universal now, eh?
moparop
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2007
That breakfast looks delish! Good call on the buffet. I have to admit, it's my favorite way to do breakfast.
I'll keep my fingers crossed that AKL will come through. Have you made any more calls just to check, even though you are on the wait list? The suspence would be killing me!
I'll keep my fingers crossed that AKL will come through. Have you made any more calls just to check, even though you are on the wait list? The suspence would be killing me!
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