1st Trip Home AKV Adding Pictures page 2

Thanks all for the positive messages. I really enjoyed writing the TR and since I'm feeling alive again I will post some pictures this week.

Our DS was 20 months last Christmas when we went and he loved any ride like Dumbo. We rode on the carousel like 8 times in a row. Try to go to all the little parks and water parks within the parks. In MK there was Pooh's playground, Toontown had a playground and Donald's boat, Splash has a little tiny play area while you wait for the older ones to go on the rides. DHS has Honey I Shrunk the kids playground. AK has a little drumming area as a break. Epcot has the fountain and a little water play area. Well, those were all the places that we took breaks in.
Our DS just really enjoyed absorbing the environment around him. Well, he did enjoy eating the Mickey ice creams and the dole whips too!

DS was actually knew Mickey too but when he actually got to see him he realized how big he really was. He was scared for the first few days but enjoyed them after.

Both of our kids love animals therfore really enjoyed staying at AKL and loved AK as well.

This past trip DS loved all the characters but was totally scared of Tinkerbell and the fairies. I think he just was not familiar with those chracters.

You know all the guide books say take a break in the middle of day and the last time we didn't. Well DS is used to a two hour nap every single day at home. Since we bought into DVC and know that we will be returning we decided to actually take it easy most days and go back to the hotel for a little nap. (Very difficult for me because I'm usually so intense and an obsessive planner.

Being that it will be your first trip you will be so excited so I won't even suggest slowing down. Have fun planning!!!:)

Glad you are felling better. Thank you for the tips.
 
Slowly adding pictures to our TR. They start on Page 2 post 29. The four new pictures seem to be a little blurry so I must be doing something wrong. Anyone able to help me out here?
 
joech, enjoyed reliving our trip through your trip report. We were just a little out of sync with our plans. Wish we had been able to run into each other and meet a fellow DISer. We were just around the corner from you in 5269/5271 based on one of your pictures from your room you posted on another thread.

We were at DHS on New Year's Day, MK on 1/2, and Epcot on 1/3. We did the character breakfast at Ohana on 1/3, so we only missed you by a day there. We had a great time even though we did the commando thing this trip so my DS11's friend could experience as much as possible. He had a great time and we hit most of the highlights for him. He even got some autographs with some of the princesses to go with the others he got. He and DS11 were about to fight over Mary Poppins and Aurora.:lovestruc

I already had to promise DW that when we go back this summer we will not be so focused on the rides and will spend lots of time at the resort and exploring the more relaxing and casual areas of the parks.:love: We can't wait to stay in Kidani for the first time, and I am already planning our days so I can get our ADRs lined up when the 90 day window opens in March.:yay:

Glad you had a great trip and I will keep checking in to see what you have to add. I am still trying to get caught up so I can post a TR and pictures myself. After all that time off, there is so much to do. I need another vacation to recover from my vacation I guess. :)
 
Here is the view from our room back towards the lobby.

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It looks you had a great time in your trip. I'm glad you had fun, those pics are the proofs that you enjoyed a lot. :)

Have a nice day. :)
 
Slowly adding pictures to our TR. They start on Page 2 post 29. The four new pictures seem to be a little blurry so I must be doing something wrong. Anyone able to help me out here?

Nice to see your pictures. You have a beautiful family. And your children are adorable! :)

Cute photo on the plane. I like how you got a family photo in front of the castle without crowds in the background.
 
joech, enjoyed reliving our trip through your trip report. We were just a little out of sync with our plans. Wish we had been able to run into each other and meet a fellow DISer. We were just around the corner from you in 5269/5271 based on one of your pictures from your room you posted on another thread.
Wow, we were very close to each other. I'm a complete commando type person but because we knew we would be back again in July I was relaxed. (Well, most of the time, sometimes the commando person just jumped out at me.) We just decided after two days off success we would just focus on going in the morning and then doing whatever. This truly was our best trip yet because we didn't go totally commando.
We were at DHS on New Year's Day, MK on 1/2, and Epcot on 1/3. We did the character breakfast at Ohana on 1/3, so we only missed you by a day there. We had a great time even though we did the commando thing this trip so my DS11's friend could experience as much as possible. He had a great time and we hit most of the highlights for him. He even got some autographs with some of the princesses to go with the others he got. He and DS11 were about to fight over Mary Poppins and Aurora.:lovestruc

I already had to promise DW that when we go back this summer we will not be so focused on the rides and will spend lots of time at the resort and exploring the more relaxing and casual areas of the parks.:love: We can't wait to stay in Kidani for the first time, and I am already planning our days so I can get our ADRs lined up when the 90 day window opens in March.:yay:

Glad you had a great trip and I will keep checking in to see what you have to add. I am still trying to get caught up so I can post a TR and pictures myself. After all that time off, there is so much to do. I need another vacation to recover from my vacation I guess. :)
 
Nice to see your pictures. You have a beautiful family. And your children are adorable! :)

Cute photo on the plane. I like how you got a family photo in front of the castle without crowds in the background.

Thanks, actually while looking through all the pictures of them I see how cute they are. I think I'm just so busy sometimes that I don't notice that they are so cute and funny.

I learn something from every trip. Last time I didn't really have a good photo of them on the plane and this time I made a point of taking a good one. We also got some great photos in front of the castle last time and I vowed to get a good one on main street.

I also gave both the kids a disposible camera to take their own photos. They are getting developed now and we'll see what they look like. They did use up the camera after a couple of days though. They had great fun taking pictures of everything in site. Next time I will get more then one camera for them to play with. It is a nice break for them to take some pictures and having control of what they take.

I just added a couple of pictures and will update my last day.
 
We felt like we got to see everything that we wanted to and more so decided to sleep in. We really didn't go shopping in DTD at all so decided to do it today. Leaving the lobby we still noticed that the giant Christmas tree was still up. A CM the night before told us that it was the last one still up and it should disappear any day.
Of course went to WPE and ordered, Pasta Alfredo, Spaghetti and meatballs and a Roast beef and cheddar foccacio sandwich. We got the pasta for the kids but it was a little dry and not much flavor. My DD of course says "I like yours better mommy" (She must have figured out that we were going shopping right after lunch)
The spaghettie was very good and so was my sandwich. I originally thought it was a melted sandwich like the one I had last time but I must have ordered the wrong one.
Off to the World of Disney store. The last two times I didn't even get to look through the whole store. This time we didn't really get through the whole store either because it was pretty busy. Bought two bags of things which consisted of:
Tinkerbell and Mickey oven mitts
Scrapbook kit for DD
Cool Princess felt set with stamps on the ends
Buzz Lightyear gun with nerf darts on the end
Little cars

So much more that I just can't think of. I thought we would get a DVC discount but the CM told us that the annual pass discount was what they accepted.

Went back to AKL and change like lightning and went for a swim. Once again it was kind of cold. Kids loved it though and DS got to bring his plastic boat that he bought in the giftshop. Played for about an hour and went back to the room to take a nap.

Went to GF to have dinner for the first time at 1900 Park Fare. We were deated immediately but unfortunately at the table right in front of the door that everyone walked into. It was rather cold and had a draft coming down at us. Usually I'm the one that doesn't like things like that but DH asked the waitress if we could be seated at another table. She said she would check and came back to to tell us that we might have to wait another 10-15 minutes. W said that was okay and went back outside to wait. Well, we waited about less then 30 seconds and the CM said out table was ready. She walked up right in and we sat at a table with a booth which was in perfect view of the restaurant.

DD and DS by this time love the idea of getting their own food. We thought the food was okay but expected more variety. We had Cinderella, the prince, Lady Tremaine, and the two step-sisters. Lady Tremaine and the two step-sisters who so funny. We enjoyed the character interaction but decided that we enjoyed the Castle more.
After dinner my DD wanted to finish taking her pictures in front of the tree with her two last princess outfits on. She gets pictures with her Jasmine and Ariel outfit on. DS wants to take pictures too. He ends up taking pictures with his dear bear bear that went missing. (I think he went to enjoy the pool and the New Year's festivities)
We actually lost him on New Year's Day. It was traumatic. DD was just as upset if not more then her DB. I knew we lost him in the gift shop once we got back to the room. I ran back downstairs but nothing. I even filled out a lost form at the front desk. Well, I search that night for the local stores that carry Ty bears. It is a little brown bear that his favorite uncle/best friend bought for him. We actually have two but the other one stayed home to take care of the house while we were gone. We had already lost bear #3 last winter. Anyways, we found stores that were supposed to carry him. I even called one of the stores which was located in one of the hotels across from DTD. She said she had them and we drove their in the morning and of course nothing. Nothing that even looked like a bear. The nice CM manager that worked across the hall in the disney store suggested we try the Mall of Millenia. We had twenty minutes before he thought they were closing. We got their with ten minutes to spare and DH parks while I run in. I notice a ton of people in the mall and stop at the first store. They tell me the only place that might have them is Hallmark. I get there and I see the same bear in pink and blue and check the whole section but no brown bear. They did have a slightly larger bear that was a lighter brown but the same soft fur. (Only $4.99 too, very cheap considering bear bear cost $10.) I buy him anyways in hopes that he'll like it. Get back to the car and the kids are both still sleeping. The Hallmark lady suggest another mall which we travel to. It was like the ghost town of malls and I again run around crazy. The only store that would have carried them it now closed. Get back to the car and the kids are up. DS is holding the new bear bear and DD asked me if she gets one too. (Go figure eh!)

We decide to go back to WDW. It took us only about 30 minutes to get to both malls. Well it takes us like forever and over an hour in traffic to get back. We are thankful that we stay on property and don't have to deal with the traffice jams on a daily basis.The whole ordeal lasted from 4 to 7.

Off to bed because I need to go to work in the morning and getting the kids up this week has been a nightmare for me.
Be back in a couple of days with more pictures and our last days update.

By the way, DH says that he has been reading our TR and is telling me that I have some errors. I hit him and say I wonder why!!! I was writing the TR at the end of day when everyone was happily dreaming including him. My the time I finished each days report my eyes were heavy (like they are now) and I knew I could fall asleep typing if I didn't go to bed.

Hope everyone has a great weekend! We have changed from below freezing to a warm plus 10 tommorrow Almost beach weather considering we felt like we were living in igloos a few weeks ago :beach:
 
Thanks for sharing this TR and your pictures with us! I really want to see WDW at Christmas one year!!!
 
Great TR:) not sure if I could remember what we do on vacation without writing it down which I don't do because we are on vacation:rotfl: Thanks for sharing
 
joech, when are you going in July? We will be there June 28-July 6.

We are booked for Kidani from July 12-24. Yes we are crazy for going in July and melting from the hot sun and heat. It will just be our excuse to go swimming all the time.
 
Well, I just realized that I never updated our last day of the trip.

Well we were all packed up the night before and put everything in the car. We got up early to go to EMM at MK. We walked through the lobby and it was just beautiful even with the Christmas tree gone. I've course DS asked to watch tv like he did every other time we passed through the lobby.

We got to MK and it was not very busy at all. DD saw Mary Poppins and we took a picture with her. DD and DS asked for their autograph books which we packed up in the suitcases. It did make me happy that they enjoyed having their autograph books so much. On the way down mainstreet the kids also wanted to watch the dancing and singing. We decided just to do whatever the kids wanted to do and go at a slow pace. Went to Buzz and went through the line twice because we just walked on. Onto the TommorrowLand Speedway. Also went twice and the kids just love this everytime as if it is their first time. The kids and DH went on the teacups. (I would throw up all over the place after about five seconds on the ride) The three of them just laughed the whole time on the ride. We were going to go on the Branstormer rollercoaster but DS refused. DD said she didn't have to go if DS didn't want to go. We walked into the tent and saw a five minute wait for meeting the Princesses. We were the last group in the room with only Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella. For some reason no other groups came in after us and we were all along in the room. We went to Sleeping Beauty first and then onto Cinderella. DS smiled so big again that you couldn't see his eyes. He did this for most of the trip and everyone seemed to laugh. When we moved onto Cinderella for a picture Sleeping Beauty thought it was so funny and cute. She told Cinderella that she just had to see DS's smile. Well I asked if we could get a picture with both of them. I'll post once we get our photopass CD.

Went onto Minnie's house and Mickey's house. I felt bad that DD didn't ride on the roller coaster so I took DS into the little playground beside Donald's boat while DH and DD went on the rollercoaster.

Went for a ride on Cinderella's horse and a blue horse of course. On the way to Cosmic Rays DD wanted to wake up Tinkerbell again. This time she rang the bell and the CM dusted her and DS with pixie dust. They both thought it was so cool to have Tinkerbell's pixie dust on them.

Sat to see Sunny Eclipes again while we had lunch. Went on Peter Pan with our fastpasses. We actually couldn't believe it but went on It's a Small World for the first time this trip. Once DS heard the music he actually said. "Piggy Bank mommy, same, Piggy Bank" He looked at me in amazement because it played the same music as his piggy bank did when you put money into it. Next time we will have to do this ride more than once.

Decided to go get a Dole whip and stopped at the little kitchen store between Fantasyland and the Haunted Mansion. We saw a cute little Tinkerbell and Mickey oven mitts. We bought those for the house and got a set for their bestfriend/favorite uncle Werwy. (Jerry) Went and split a Dole Whip with DH and DD got a swirl orange ice cream. Yummy! It tasted exactly like a creamsicle.

Went back to AK to play in the playground. The kids were happy about going back to say good-bye. We played for a good hour and DD wanted to go do the craft table. She did some animal stencils and colored them. We will need to stay around more next time and enjoy the activities.

I called from AKL and lost and found had the jacket I described. When we got there it was the same jacket but not hers. The CM actually told me to take it anyways. I refused because some other little girl lost her jacket and may look for it too.

Got to the airport and ate in the foodcourt before boarding.

The coolest thing happened after the plane took off. The pilot told us that the fireworks show started and we could see it out the window. The kids thought it was the coolest thing to see. Our flight was for 8:00 until 1:00 and I thought they would just sleep. DS just couldn't get comfortable and kept on wanting to take his seatbelt off. DD slept a little and was only comfortable with her feet hangin in the aisle. So I'm sure you can tell that I didn't have a great flight home. Got home and put the kids to bed by 2:30. We all slept in and DD had to go to school that day.

Now I will try to catch up and post some pictures in the next week.
 
We are booked for Kidani from July 12-24. Yes we are crazy for going in July and melting from the hot sun and heat. It will just be our excuse to go swimming all the time.

We normally go around the end of July, first part of August. It is between three of our birthdays so it makes it easy to celebrate. The heat and humidity can be bad at times, but not unbearable if you are prepared. We usually go in the parks early, then head back to our room for a break in the heat of the day. Make sure you take breaks and drink LOTS of water, enjoy that pool, :beach: maybe take a nap, and then take advantage of the cooler (well, relatively anyway) evenings. You will find out since you were just there that it won't be as important to try and do everything, just to have fun and enjoy the experience more than the events/attractions.
 
Great Trip Report!!! Your kids are adorable!!! Aren't you glad to have bought AKV!!!!
 
Honestly, I can say that the our family is in love with AKL. We thought we would like it seeing all the pictures on the internet. But after our first stay in April 2007 we knew that if we were to ever buy into DVC it would AKL. We are very excited to see Kidani and the pool play area. The drawing make it look like a place the kids could go to every single day and have tons of fun.

We are not too sure about going in the summer but always go in the morning and leave at around lunch anyways. This last trip we were not in the parks very much at night. I think we will try to go back at night during our next trip.

I've uploaded some new pictures so I will go now and add them.
 
I just added some pictures on pages two on. It is funny that I forgot some parts of our trip already. For anyone that has considered doing a trip report it is totally worth it. I would not have remembered some of the small and cute things that the kids did if I didn't write this. However, it is time consuming and labor intensive to change the picture sizes in order to upload. I will always write a trip report from now on just so the kids can see and read the things that they did.
 

















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