GREEN APPLE. A November Anniversary TR with too many photos! *update 12/19*

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I'm here! Now to go back and read!

Yay Carey! It will be funny if you see yourself in any of my shots. Were you at MK/EP on Tuesday the 6th or DHS/EP on Wednesday the 7th???

Karen- Only have gotten to your early morning exploring of the resort but I'm loving the trip report so far. I've been to Boma a few times for meals and your pictures of AKL are just absolutely amazing. I love the angles you picked. I'm also jealous of your journaling your trip. I always want to do it but never do, I may have to adopt your early morning journaling. Such a great idea.

Also your pictures of DTD got me very excited. My sister is getting married on the deck of Fulton's which was in one of your pictures. And I've made it pretty clear to everyone that I plan on two pictures at DTD in my bridesmaid dress... one with Lego Woody and the other out front of World of Disney with the skeleton pirate in your picture.

I will be back tomorrow to read up on what I haven't read. Also you look fantastic!!!

I HAVE to journal. I forget if I don't! It's actually a great thing to do when I'm up so early and everyone is sleeping. I think that's what made me start journaling on our very first trip. Savannah & I went with friends and I wake up around 4am and I grabbed some of the touring plan printouts I had and started journaling! I had to number each page b/c they were just loose bits of paper! Turned out great when I got home and read it, realizing I forgot little things. The following trip I brought an actual journal!

I cannot wait to hear about the wedding!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Awww I love the Peoplemover!! (And not just because it's one of the few places in the MK that I've found with comfortable seats!! )

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Just in case you missed it, Savannah decided that my ticker was not right and designed one herself. She says it's prettier.

Where were we? Ah, leaving MK at 10something in the morning! That was a first!

and a difficult one! Did you know it's not easy to leave the park when everyone else is coming in? Apparently all the people with no bag get to come in the same space as the EXIT?? It was pretty hectic trying to get out, made me glad we were leaving!

I'm getting ahead of myself. A few notes first: I have tried to resize all my shots. Photobucket changed and apparently they save them huge and you have to resize EACH.ONE. if you want them smaller. I did that for the last update and these upcoming shots, but I don't think they look much smaller. We're just going to deal with it, K? I'm also apparently going to have to pay for this TR b/c Photobucket is telling me I'm 94% full and have to pay for more space. I knew that was coming at some point b/c I've been using photobucket for quite a few years and if you hadn't noticed, I have a lot of photos! I'll just make the FONT BIGGER to compensate! Yeah, that's what I'll do!

Ok, so, leaving MK. It doesn't LOOK so bad in this picture I took, but that's b/c straight ahead you cannot get in or out. We had to go to the left and go out the exit, where everyone else was coming in. Guess many people don't leave at 10:30 in the morning.

We knew we wanted to head to Epcot and it felt pretty cool to just go wherever we wanted, when we wanted...no plans! So, I was a little disoriented and when we started talking about how to get to there, I suggested a boat to TTC. Well, there were so many people, I didn't really know where the ferry was (I've never taken it) so we decided on a whim to just get on the empty boat to GF and Poly! It was fantastic! There were only 2 other families and we had a nice romantic boat ride to the Grand Floridian and then on to the Polynesian.

We realized on the way as we saw the ferry, that we could have taken that and it would have been easier, but we were winging it!

It was beautiful that morning. I just soaked up the ride, romantic and relaxing!

So, we got off at the Poly, only have a vague idea of what direction the TTC was, and started walking!

It was fun to explore the paths and we joked about getting lost (Stringbean, I told him about you! LOL) and just heading to the beach and swimming over to the TTC. I loved this part of our day. Sometimes you get so caught up at WDW with doing all the stuff you are "supposed to" do, you forget to explore other things! Before we knew it, we found a sign directing us to the TTC. We never did get lost!

I was having some "feminine issues" so we stopped at the bathroom at the TTC and then finally jumped on the monorail to Epcot. Sure it took longer than normal to do that, but we were on vacation...and together!

Pulling up to Epcot, it looked like a lot of people were arriving there as well but we didn't mind. I was slightly worried about Rey b/c he had to stand again on the monorail and he pushes himself too much sometimes with his disc injury.

The sun was coming out and I was warming up!

We headed directly to the festival center, do not pass go, do not collect 200$...well, I did stop to take pictures, but you knew that!

Rey actually walked ahead of me when I was taking pics, I lost him for a bit. He did that a couple times and it annoyed me slightly, mostly b/c he had my PHONE and ID and PARK TICKET! We met right back up in the Festival Center and spent some time in there looking at everything.

Time to buy and load up our festival gift card! We had decided previously that we would put our cash for F&W on a card so it was easier to deal with. We figured if we had any left we would use it on souvenirs for the kids. The CM's LOVED Rey. They asked how much we wanted to put on and he said "I don't care, whatever she wants!"...they gushed and told me he was a keeper and then gushed on him even more when I said "$300" and he didn't even blink an eye. It was cute, although we had budgeted for this trip and this money, so it's not like he was just blindly letting me choose, but I let them think he was b/c he IS a keeper.

It had a rubberband on it, which was really handy to put on our wrist...until one of the CM's at the Greece booth took it off and threw it away??? I had no idea it had happened until a little later and I guess Rey didn't want to question him? I swear, he's too nice sometimes.

Took a pic of the new TT car on our way out to World Showcase! Savannah & I cannot wait to ride it in February, it's one of our favorite rides!

We love the side path to get out to WS. There's never anyone on it and it has a great view.

Ah, we had arrived at WS...but we weren't really hungry! Still full from breakfast, we decided to get some drinks!

We got the Dragon Berry Colada and Cherry Limeaid drinks and shared them. Both were FANTASTIC! The cherry lime was really tart and the dragon berry was sweet. I would have liked more alcohol in them though...didn't taste any.

As we were enjoying our drinks, I noticed a short line for Duffy the Bear.

(continued in the next post, it won't let me post anymore images)

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

(Continued)
Backstory!: Savannah thinks Duffy is creepy. She's blown it up into this crazy drama about how he's scary and we always tease her about him. I think she thinks it's strange that he just appeared out of nowhere? Regardless, it's sometimes fun. Here are two shots from our trip in January. The first is Savannah & Leslee trying to DRAG Rey to get his picture with Duffy. The second is when she spotted the stuffed animals in a store and Rey was "comforting" her! LOL.

So, when we saw Duffy coming out and the short line, we decided to get a picture taken so we could send it to Savannah. I had the CM take one with my phone so we could text it to her. She was properly horrified!

The CM's here didn't think Rey was so amazing...they told him to hug Duffy (after I did) and he said "I don't DO hugs"...apparently he was "Grumpy" for not hugging Duffy! I'm sure they would have forgiven him if they knew that it was just DUFFY he didn't hug, he was fine with Piglet and the gang!

After Duffy, we still weren't very hungry, I was determined to try something though! We were right at Terra, the vegan booth, and I just HAD to try something, hungry or not! I'm a vegetarian, so having a vegan booth was a real treat!

I got the trickin' Chicken. It was good, great spices. BUT...I didn't love it. Probably b/c I wasn't hungry!

We kept walking, but were walking towards Canada and past booths and I was starting to not feel very well (feminine issues). We had planned on taking a break, but this was pretty early in Rey's mind, I think, so he seemed slightly annoyed when I said I needed to go back to the resort for a bit. He got over it quickly, but kept saying things like "I know you won't feel up to coming back". I think he was trying to prepare himself, but it just annoyed me. I just needed some Midol and to lay in the sun for a bit...and that's just what I did! Going back to the resort turned out to be a fantastic choice, we both agreed!

Up next: Savanna view and poolside drinks! A Gorgeous afternoon!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

I love that you went to the World and only rode three rides... that feels so liberating... just getting to soak in the atmosphere...

Your photos really are gorgeous...

Ahhh... Food and Wine Festival... totally on my Disney Bucket List...Did Rey love that the CMs thought he was a "keeper" I would definitely want to keep the rubberband on it... extra way to keep track of it...

Ahhh Duffy.... most people do think he's cute but I could see Savannah being creeped out... He did just kind of pop up...(from Japan I think) ... his Disney tie in is a little weak... (I think you could make a horror movie starring Duffy...

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I love that you went to the World and only rode three rides... that feels so liberating... just getting to soak in the atmosphere...

Your photos really are gorgeous...

Ahhh... Food and Wine Festival... totally on my Disney Bucket List...Did Rey love that the CMs thought he was a "keeper" I would definitely want to keep the rubberband on it... extra way to keep track of it...

Ahhh Duffy.... most people do think he's cute but I could see Savannah being creeped out... He did just kind of pop up...(from Japan I think) ... his Disney tie in is a little weak... (I think you could make a horror movie starring Duffy...

Definitely liberating! It was so nice to just enjoy Food & Wine! We had been there once before during F&W and even in January when there was no F&W, I didn't feel like I got to experience World Showcase b/c Savannah was bored with it and just wanted to RIDE stuff! So, it was nice to just have our adult time and try whatever we wanted, mosey around F&W! Perfect adult trip!

 

[disneychic2]

I've never been to the Poly, so it was nice to see the pics from there. It looks amazing. Love the story of Duffy the bear! I think he's creepy too. Totally not necessary either.

It's nice to have a ptr going at the same time as a tr. You can't be too sad about your trip being over when you have another one planned! Good for you.

It's been years since we've been to F&W, so I'm really looking forward to hearing more about it and seeing your pics. Isn't it nice to be able to hop from place to place. I've never understood why people don't want to hop? I guess it's a lot easier with just two people.

Now I'll be "hopping" over to your ptr!

 

[Tink-erin-belle]

Your pictures in MK are making me miss WDW so much!!! I know I have said this a hundred times, but Christmastime is my absolute favorite time to go to WDW. I love how so many of your shots make it look like you have the whole park to yourselves. Another perk of going in November! I guess the rain didn’t hurt either I’m a little in shock that you rode all 3 rides before 10 – and that was it for the rides! Well, I guess this TR is really showing that you don’t have to do the rides to have an amazing time in WDW! I’m excited to hear more about F&W!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I've never been to the Poly, so it was nice to see the pics from there. It looks amazing. Love the story of Duffy the bear! I think he's creepy too. Totally not necessary either.

It's nice to have a ptr going at the same time as a tr. You can't be too sad about your trip being over when you have another one planned! Good for you.

It's been years since we've been to F&W, so I'm really looking forward to hearing more about it and seeing your pics. Isn't it nice to be able to hop from place to place. I've never understood why people don't want to hop? I guess it's a lot easier with just two people.

Now I'll be "hopping" over to your ptr!

I always question the hopper when I add up the price, but we always get one. It just makes it feel more flexible, I guess? Sometimes the traveling from one park to another takes some time, but it's also some downtime and rest, so it seems to work out for us.

Your pictures in MK are making me miss WDW so much!!! I know I have said this a hundred times, but Christmastime is my absolute favorite time to go to WDW. I love how so many of your shots make it look like you have the whole park to yourselves. Another perk of going in November! I guess the rain didn’t hurt either I’m a little in shock that you rode all 3 rides before 10 – and that was it for the rides! Well, I guess this TR is really showing that you don’t have to do the rides to have an amazing time in WDW! I’m excited to hear more about F&W!

Yep! Well, there wasn't much Rey would have been able to do, but he's really not into the rides, he wanted to show me that we could have fun without doing a ton of them, and I think he convinced me! Now Savannah will try to convince me the other way!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

So, I have some time this afternoon for an update and I doubt I'll have any for the rest of the week with my work schedule! LOTS of petsitting!

We headed out of Epcot to the bus stop, which was deserted. Cool! Or not. We found AKL stop and waited. and waited. and waited. More people arrived and we waited. Rey was pretty grumbly, but I was just uncomfortable, my feet hurt and I needed to get back to my midol!

The bus finally arrived, but then, naturally, it went to Kidani first before dropping us off. Ah well, a fluke, I figured! Mid-day buses at least require no standing!

When we got back to the resort, I was already feeling better after sitting a bit, so we decided to do some shopping in the gift shop. I knew there were a few things there that I could not get elsewhere and I ended up carrying a pretty big bag of souvenirs back up to the room! (I'll post pics of those items at the end of the TR!)

It was a BEAUTIFUL day! I threw on my suit and we headed to the pool! There was really no one there and there are some really neat areas that aren't really right next to the pool, here's the spot we chose (I took this the next morning) We sat right near that first umbrella...actually Rey sat UNDER it and I sat in the sun next to it! It was nice and felt private, but we could hear them playing pool games, so it was still "festive", if that makes sense.

My amazing husband disappeared to the pool bar and came back with the mango margarita that I had loved so much from Sanaa! YUMMY!!!!

Rey got a beer and the bartender said she was putting more on ice for him. I thought that was a cute way to get him to come back for more...which he did!

If you had told me that the resort would be so fabulous, I probably wouldn't have believed you. In fact, we had joked when saving for the trip, that if we didn't have money for park tickets (room was already rented w/points and non-refundable) that we could still have a great time just at the resort and I laughed at that prospect...but I was convinced by this point that I could spend a whole week at AKL and not barely miss the parks!!! I know, blasphemy coming from me especially!

Rey went back and got me TWO more margaritas over the course of however long we were there! I lost track of time laying in the sun, just soaking it up. I wish I could bottle that feeling. Sigh...

After what I think was a couple hours, we headed up to the room only to find more resort amazingness! All the animals were active and we sat on the balcony for another hour or so with our drinks, just watching them and enjoying. The giraffe was out and around because they came to empty and refill the watering hole, and there was this little deer at one point (I'm sorry, he was actually a Nyala or Impala, not sure which) running around like crazy, the other animals were looking at him like he was nuts!

See the deer guy? (kicking myself again for forgetting that zoom!)

I cannot convey how much I loved this. Ok, ok, I know we had a few drinks, but we were talking about buying DVC as we sat there. It's not like being at a zoo, it's like being in THEIR WORLD, like a fly on the wall or something. It's so beautiful, relaxing, and serene. I could have sat there all night.

Oh! I also took a picture of the carpet to show Savannah that it's still DISNEY at AKL.

We did sit there for quite a while before we decided to get ready for our evening at Epcot! In any case, I'm convinced now and I get what people are talking about when they say they like "downtime" at the resorts. It's just not the same at the Values (which I love!) just a different feeling and a different kind of vacation. Enough rambling about that, I sound like a salesman!

We got ready and headed out for our evening. I decided to wear my dress again! I had only worn it for a couple hours, so why not?!! Of course, I also decided I could wear my flip-flops, but that might have been the margaritas talking!

We always took the long way to the farther elevators so we could walk along the lobby. So beautiful.

And we were off to Epcot! Someone at the bus stop offered to take our pic and then we were off!

Next update...an evening at Epcot's Food & Wine! Ready to see FOOD?!?!

 

[-Hope-]

Relaxing at the resort with the hubby, sipping margaritas in the sun... sounds like perfection to me!

 

[Daisy_74]

Just got in!

Loving your Tr

your picture are amazing

 

[DsnyMama]

Ohhh your afternoon at AKL looks wonderful, wonderful, wonderful - I can't wait! I hope we have nice weather so we can soak up the sun! Though no margaritas for me

 

[Disney9.9.10]

Hi Just caught up on your report. You take amazingly gorgeous photos!! We stayed at AKL last year, and I felt the same way you did - it is so beautiful and relaxing. I look forward to reading more!

 

[DrMomof3]

What a perfect way to spend an afternoon! Hanging at the pool with cold drinks and awesome animals.

Amanda

 

[Caretames1]

First of all, Gorgeous Pictures!! I need to get to AKL, it's really just leaving me in awe.

We were in. MK on the 6th! I loved that it rained. It kept the people away, and we did ride Peter Pan with its 5 min.... NO wait line!!

I've eagle eyed the photos and I don't see us. LOL

It actually stayed pretty decent all day.


Spoiler..... We did get into FL soon after you left!!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Thanks everyone! Sorry I'm so delayed in my responses and an update, I'm SLAMMED with work right now but I found a moment this morning...

Relaxing at the resort with the hubby, sipping margaritas in the sun... sounds like perfection to me!

It was PERFECT! Every time I think about it or look at the pictures, it takes me right back and I wish we could always stay there!

Just got in!

Loving your Tr

your picture are amazing

Thank you!!!

Ohhh your afternoon at AKL looks wonderful, wonderful, wonderful - I can't wait! I hope we have nice weather so we can soak up the sun! Though no margaritas for me

I hope you have great weather too! Just a couple days now for you! You could always get a virgin margarita!

Hi Just caught up on your report. You take amazingly gorgeous photos!! We stayed at AKL last year, and I felt the same way you did - it is so beautiful and relaxing. I look forward to reading more!

Thank you! Don't you just LOVE it?!?! I'm having a hard time considering any other resorts for future trips b/c I loved it so much.

What a perfect way to spend an afternoon! Hanging at the pool with cold drinks and awesome animals.

Amanda

It was so great, I just wish we had more days! Next time!

First of all, Gorgeous Pictures!! I need to get to AKL, it's really just leaving me in awe.

We were in. MK on the 6th! I loved that it rained. It kept the people away, and we did ride Peter Pan with its 5 min.... NO wait line!!

I've eagle eyed the photos and I don't see us. LOL

It actually stayed pretty decent all day.


Spoiler..... We did get into FL soon after you left!!

Ha! I cannot believe we were in the park together! It's really worth a trip over there, just to check it out.

Ok, I'm going to get working on another update, hopefully I can post it before I need to leave for my mid-day petsits!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Shew! Crazy holiday work for me! I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving!!!

Can I just say that the buses are MUCH more pleasant when you've had a few drinks by the pool?!?! Yep, we were nice and relaxed headed back to Epcot that evening! We arrived and had to grab a PP picture, naturally!

After a quick shot of Spaceship Earth, we headed straight back to World Showcase! Yep, the front of Epcot got completely ignored by us this trip, Savannah & I will have to make up for that on our trip!

I made a B-line for Greece, I had seen pictures of the grilled cheese and HAD to try it!

OH.MY.AMAZING.GOODNESS! This was so good. I have no idea why I didn't get more other than just wanting to try other things. It had HONEY and pistachios on it! YUM! I will admit that I had heard a lot of complaints about the brown paper food containers this year and I do have to agree that they seem a bit "cheap" but for me, it's a PHOTO-aesthetics issue.

Rey was pretty hungry, so he decided to get an actual "real size" meal before we tried other things. He wanted Fish & Chips, so that's exactly where we headed.

We sat on the curb while he ate (he enjoyed it!) and he watched Mary Poppins from afar. He says next time he'll get his picture with her. Don't ask...he likes Mary Poppins. It's probably the corset.

The "crowds" were awesome! There were people, but it was not busy at all at this point. No idea what time it was, but the sun had not set yet.

When Rey had finished, we headed towards France. I had wanted to "re-take" a picture we had taken in January. I have lost some weight and thought it would be fun to compare, Rey has also cut his hair. BUT...the shot I have was taken with the crazy wide lens b/c I had to pick and choose which PP pics to buy and I liked the other 2 shots I bought better than this one. So this was just taken with the crazy wide lens and the CM didn't really know how to use it.

This was the shot of us in January 2012, just 10 1/2 months previous.

Anyway, it didn't turn out to be the comparison I wanted, but whatever! Can't win 'em all.

Off to get a slushie! I LIVE for the Grey goose slushies in France! Rey got in line to get something from the france booth and pointed out that they had CHERRY slushies, just for the festival! UH, YES PLEASE!!
Rey's meat thing, sorry...I never do pay much attention to the meat dishes!

and my slushie!!!!!! I took a pic with my phone as well and sent it to my BFF, Hope. She loves them as well!

CHEERS!

I'll have to stop there! Running out of time!

Up next...I think I lose my photo-abilities with the more alcohol I consume! Go figure!

 

[Disney9.9.10]

Caught up! Even though the picture didn't turn out to be the comparison you wanted, you can definitely tell that you lost weight. Good for you!

 

[MissPrice]

Karen you are a great trip report writer!! I'm loving the almost daily updates. I know I've said it before, but I can't wait to stay at AKL!!
Your photos just make it seem soo spectacular. That Greek cheese looks super yummy. Hahah, I like how you can't keep track of the "meat stuff". Cute.

-Amanda