Our First Trip HOME ~ AKV ~ (as new DVC members) Two updates 8/31

[pjstevens]

Our first trip as DVC members.

Ok, I am not that great at this TR stuff, so I'll just get to it. This was our first trip as new DVC owners.

Who: me, (pjstevens) and hubby (dstevens), left the kids and furbabies at home.



When: May 7th - 10th

Why: for my birthday!!

In October, we purchased DVC. In November, we rec’d all our paperwork. Our dd did the College Program in 2007 and was asked to help kick off the ‘What Will You Celebrate?’ in October. We decided our first trip Home would be for my birthday in May. We booked a studio, savanna view at our new home, Animal Kingdom Villas.

May 7th we took an early flight to Orlando. Picked up our rental car and off we went to AKV. We arrived at our new home.







We checked in and were very excited when we were told our room was ready (it was maybe 10 am)!!! So we took our carry on stuff (did not check any bags this trip thankfully) to our room.



















We decided to make a run to Target to get some snacks and drinks. After a brief trip there, we spent some time taking in our resort. The beauty of is all and the animals, so relaxing!

Coming up, lots of photos around the new AKV!!!

[TinkLovinMomma]

Wow your pictures are amazing! I am a new owner at AKV as well and these pictures brought me right back to the tour!! A lot of pictures I have seen do not to the rooms justice! I cant wait to read more

[pjstevens]

Originally Posted by TinkLovinMomma

Wow your pictures are amazing! I am a new owner at AKV as well and these pictures brought me right back to the tour!! A lot of pictures I have seen do not to the rooms justice! I cant wait to read more

Jessica, welcome along. I've been meaning to write this for some time and finally got my last TR completed (our vow renewal on the Disney Wonder) this past week, so time to move on. This was our first time to AKV (we only saw the pics from the 'tour' at SSR. It was so relaxing sitting on our balcony watching the animals. Just so peaceful.

[dstevens]

Notice the paper towels hanging over the toaster? Isn't that a fire hazard? It was an awesome room and awesome weekend trip. Oh i'm sorry Patty, continue on.

[pjstevens]

Around the resort…





This ostrich was being ‘trained’. Notice him eating out of the red bucket.













We then took a dip in the pool (sorry no pics, lol) and later on we went to Downtown Disney. I had seen the ‘hot air balloon’ advertised and kind of wanted to do that, but hated to part with that much money for a few minutes, lol.


(I can’t wait to see Dumbo fly next week in Disneyland!!)


Got to see the traditional Lego ‘monster’



The biggest Mickey Rice Crispy Treat I’d ever seen.


After our visit to DTD it was time to head to the Polynesian for our diner at the Kona Café. We had read some good reviews and since we couldn’t get into Ohana, thought we’d give it a try. We arrived a few minutes early for our ADR and were told we’d be seated shortly. 45 minutes later we were STILL waiting, so this was not a good start. When we finally got seated, it was at a table for two smack next to two other tables, with one seat on the ‘bench, like a booth’ and one chair on the other side. While sitting there, we noticed gnats flying around. Not one or two, but A LOT of gnats! I asked that they take the pineapple away that was in my drink (thinking the fruit was attracting them), but that did not work. I honestly don’t remember what we ordered, but my steak was supposed to be medium and hubby’s steak was to be med-well. His steak was RAW, like really raw, just warmed on the outside. Mine on the other hand was over cooked! I cannot eat over cooked, dried out meat, I get sick! The only highlight was after the dinner I got a birthday cream puff. That was soooo good! At least we ended the evening on a good note.

Up next, back at AKV, there is a surprise in our room????

[dstevens]

Our adventure at Kona Cafe was the reason i started the thread "restaurants to avoid". And boy have there been some good posts concerning other restaurants.

[rivercottage]

wonderful wonderful! oh please do keep posting those pics! I ADORE akl!!!! :-)

[pjstevens]

We arrived back to our room that evening. When we entered, there was a flower box on the counter! I asked Dale “Did you get me flowers?” He tells me ‘no’ lol. Now who sent me flowers? I opened the box and found a dozen tulips! I LOVE TULIPS! Guess I should tell you who sent them to me. A friend we met on our vow renewal cruise in September. She and her kids sent them to me. They will be coming to visit us later this trip!!!



This was them two days later when the opened up some.



Up next, MY BIRTHDAY!!!

[SunnieRN]

Gorgeous flowers!! What a nice surprise!!

I'm so sorry to hear your dinner at Kona was so bad. And ewww to the gnats flying around!!

Your granddaughter is adorable, if that is her in the picture in your signature. Wont it be loads of fun to bring her to WDW and AKV!!??

Looking forward to more pictures. Our first trip "home" will be next month.

[mymainmouse]

Great beginning to your report. AKVs look really nice. Your flowers were so pretty.
I am sorry you had a bad experience at Kona. We ate there for lunch one time. It was okay. I don't think it is anywhere I would go again. On our trip next month we are going to Ohana. Have you ever eaten there before? I hope it is good.
Glad you are writing again.

[dstevens]

Originally Posted by mymainmouse

Great beginning to your report. AKVs look really nice. Your flowers were so pretty.
I am sorry you had a bad experience at Kona. We ate there for lunch one time. It was okay. I don't think it is anywhere I would go again. On our trip next month we are going to Ohana. Have you ever eaten there before? I hope it is good.
Glad you are writing again.

Kelly,

We've eaten at Ohana a couple times and really do like it. Never a problem (but I've heard of others not having a good experience) with our meals and we've tried to get in again but it is always booked up. So excited for your trip next month. Want to hear about your trip and see pics.

[mymainmouse]

Originally Posted by dstevens

Kelly,

We've eaten at Ohana a couple times and really do like it. Never a problem (but I've heard of others not having a good experience) with our meals and we've tried to get in again but it is always booked up. So excited for your trip next month. Want to hear about your trip and see pics.

I am glad you guys like Ohana. I have been talking it up to my family.
I can't wait to hear about your trip to Disneyland.

[pjstevens]

Well, it’s My Birthday!!!! What a great place to wake up on your birthday! Wish it could be every day. Got some cards from the kids and hubby. This trip was my birthday present!!! My plans for the day are Epcot (only have to pay for hubby) and a lovely lunch at Le Cellier.

A lovely shot from our balcony.



We enjoyed our breakfast on our balcony watching the animals. Then it was time to head to the park! Hubby had to get in one line to go buy his ticket, where as I had to get in another line to get my FREE ticket!!!



If you haven’t been to Epcot during the Flower and Garden Festival, you really need to go!







After get a few photos we went to the ‘golf ball’. We have not done this in so long; I honestly didn’t remember what it was like at all. I kept hearing all about it so we had to try it. You ride through ‘time’ and in the end you are in the Jetsons era. You get ‘transported’ into photos there.





It was then time to go to the Land to ride Soarin (or get fastpasses). We always take a photo of where our dd worked when she did the College Program.



We then went and did The Seas with Nemo and Friends. Then it was time for Test Track!! We waited in line for this one, but at least it was inside and cool. After riding Test Track we were going to head over to the World Showcase.

We saw this for the first time… This was an area with lots of little Fairy houses and flowers. It was really hot in that section and I think it had to do with the ‘mulching’ they used, really absorbed the heat. It was pretty though.







But then, we saw this enormous butterfly!!!





It was beautiful. There were so many pretty butterflies.



Next up, heading to lunch at Le Cellier and the World Showcase!!!

[jsrj21]

Great pictures!!!

I just got back on Sunday 8/23 from Caribbean Beach. Was there for a week and I have to tell you, I am really considering the DVC. My wife and I are not time-share people per se but this seems as if it will pay for itself in several years worth of trips. I spoke to a DVC rep on property but I couldn't convince my wife to attend the walk through and lecture. We've already spent more than what it would cost since we've been there 8 times; and my son (13) says he doesn't want to go anywhere else for vacation. Anyhow, I am glad to speak to someone that just bought it and took their first trip.

Once again, great job and pictures!

Jose Serrano
Norwalk, CT.

[reyasmommy]

Just found your TR and love the pictures!

Sorry you had such a horrible experience at KONA.. ((note to self: Don't go there)) I hope that was the only bad experience you encountered on your trip.

The AKL looks amazing! I hope to stay there one day. Unfortunately we're staying off site during our upcoming trip, which I'm nervous about but looking forward to all the space we'll have at our hotel.

I look foward to reading more!