A Sister & Brother Return! AKL Bound! 8/1 Update pg. 46! AND WE'RE OFF!!

[Nicole786]

I'd go with AKL...IIRC, you were staying there for the December trip before it got cancelled, right? One negative I'd add (I know people who adore AKL, my DB and DSIL own at ALV) is how far it is...everytime I take a bus from AKL after eating at Boma I start worrying about making my flight the next morning...
What about: renting DVC points at BCV or BWV...or staying at the Swolphin?

Well darn girl...you are thinking TOO MUCH!

Try thinking of it at a money stand point. Maybe going to AKL would be better, its cheaper and new but still similar to WL. I think no matter what you surprise him with, David will love you for thinking of him and you will have an awesome time! I also am a pro-split stay person. I like the idea of staying at more than one resort, its like having 2 vacations in one!

If you stay at AKL I hear Boma breakfast is amazing and Boma for dinner is one of my FAV meals in the whole of WDW. And you can get zebra domes at Mara- hello!

GOOD LUCK!

How much difference is there in the cost of going to Beach Club over Animal Kingdom? Since you have already stayed at Wilderness Lodge, I would suggest trying somewhere new.

Normally, I would say go for whatever lets you stay longer, but:
since you are fairly close to Disney World
and can go pretty often,
and since you started out with the whole Beach Club idea,
and since neither of you have ever stayed there,
and because Stormalong Bay would be cool to experience firsthand,
I would choose Beach Club. If you need to knock off a day or two and just stay 2-3 nights instead of four, I think I'd do that.

You guys could buy donuts or something simple to have in the room for breakfast before heading out to the parks or pool, or you could just go somewhere to have a brunch after you're more awake and hungry.

For us, since we're nearly eleven hours away, we go for the most time possible, but I hope there will be a time that we will be able to go more often and stay at all the nicer places for at least the last two nights of the trip. I think if you stay only two nights, it would be fairly easy to just pack most of your stuff and have an overnight type bag to take into Beach Club (or WL or AKL) with you.

So, as indecisive as I am, and since it is a surprise addition anyway - any extra time is going to be cool, I think, at this second in time, that I would go for the Beach Club and knock off a night or two. You will probably love it, but even if you don't, you won't know until you experience it for yourself.

Whatever you choose, when it is over, ask him if he would rather have had the other options, and then you'll know what to do if you ever do it again.

Jill has said several times that she'd like to stay at the Boardwalk Inn several times, and I know that the day will come that I will be able to surprise add that for her. It will probably only be two nights, but I think she'll love it.

Those are my thoughts,for what they are worth. Just take a deep breath, make a decision, and then don't torment yourself over the other options. You guys are going to have a great time, no matter what you do!

Since I dream of staying at the Beach Club it's hard for me to suggest you not do that. However what keeps coming through to me is your breakfast and cocoa traditions, how important are those to you?

Reading your Pros and Cons I vote for your whole stay to be at WL. I wouldn't want to stay at AKL unless I could have the view, that's the whole point of the place.

See how much we're helping? Three choices-three different answers!

WOW! Thank you guys so much for the input!!

Hedy - Points are out, I tried doing that months ago when I first booked the trips and nothing was available!

Kat - I know I'm thinking way too much into this, my brain is gonna explode pretty soon! I've never done a split stay but I just don't know if its worth it this trip

MeMom - Your idea sounds like a great one about the 2 night stay, but maybe not for this trip!! You're right about the fact that we go so often, which is one of the reasons why I don't think its worth it for the split stay. I think i'd rather pick one resort for this trip, call it home, and than try the BC next time if its in the plans!

Stagemom - You make it so hard for me to want to change my plans because I want to stay at the BC too. Maybe I should stop being so picky about things!!

So true MeMom, you all had GREAT but DIFFERENT answers Right now I'm almost at a decision. I'm about 75% sure of the outcome I've selected

 

[MeMom]

Right now I'm almost at a decision. I'm about 75% sure of the outcome I've selected

So cough up 75% of the letters in the answer. I wanna know!

 

[Nicole786]

Okay MeMom (and others) here is my decision:

If no discount comes out, switch the stay to POFQ. If a discount comes out, depending on the discount, we are sticking with the original plan! A few changes will be made though, and they will be made tomorrow:

1. Shave off "preferred" from the POP reservation
2. Stay one less day at the BC, so we are now going 4th-12th

I can't wait to see those discounts!! If we're somewhere between "no discount" and "perfect amount of discount" than the other thing I've decided is a full stay standard room at AKL!

What made the decision is two things: One, I looked at my itinerary cards, and I looked at that overview, and honestly things just look so great, and I kept glancing up at the 9th where it said "Arrive at Beach Club" and man, thats so cool.

Two, I went into Davids room and went "What resort would make you go absolutely bananas if you could stay there?" He said he wasn't sure because he hasn't seen many of the resorts, but finally he said "The Beach Club" and he smiled. I needed more, so I said why, and he went "Because its so close to Epcot, it has beaches and cream, its just so cool"

 

[TCKK]

I know I haven't posted much here, but I've been reading. If you're interested in another opinion, I think I'd stay with what you originally planned. You've been so excited about it all along, I think you'd have a great time.

But remember, whatever you do decide, it's gonna be great cause after all it's Disney!

I wish you well with all your choices and decisions.

 

[KatGarcia]

Well at least you have made some kind of decision.

From what I have heard the FL Res & AP reates are coming out around the 22nd or later of June...I too am waiting for the FL Res rates for my hook up so i'm right there with ya!

 

[Nicole786]

I know I haven't posted much here, but I've been reading. If you're interested in another opinion, I think I'd stay with what you originally planned. You've been so excited about it all along, I think you'd have a great time.

But remember, whatever you do decide, it's gonna be great cause after all it's Disney!

I wish you well with all your choices and decisions.

I always appreciate more opinions, especially when they agree with mine!

Well at least you have made some kind of decision.

From what I have heard the FL Res & AP reates are coming out around the 22nd or later of June...I too am waiting for the FL Res rates for my hook up so i'm right there with ya!

My 45 cut off day is the 20th so I'm not sure if I should switch it the 19th to POFQ and risk losing the BC if they come out a few days later, or leave it as it is and if nothing comes out by July switch to POFQ and pay the penalty

 

[Nicole786]

Okay so the countdown is on. We have 23 days until June 20th, my official 45 day mark and here is the plan

If a discount is released, I need to compare the cost between what we have now Pop/BC split, and a full stay at AKL. If staying at the AKL is cheaper, thats the direction we are going to go. I finally made a decision, aren't you proud?? I'll leave it up to the Disney gods!!

If no discount is announced we will be staying at POFQ, I love that place

I'm so excited! We're in the 60s!!!! David wants to get a bunch of mickey heads from Home Depot and make a countdown calendar from 60 days out! He says we can get 30 and then cross them out, and at 30 days out peel them off.

 

[AGPrincess]

Urgh! It IS so hard to decide with Disney resorts because they're all so wonderful. And typical silly brother not making it any easier by giving no opinion and/or contradictory opinions!

Your plan sounds great! No matter what resort Disney fate chooses for you, you guys are going to have a fabulous time!

 

[Nicole786]

Urgh! It IS so hard to decide with Disney resorts because they're all so wonderful. And typical silly brother not making it any easier by giving no opinion and/or contradictory opinions!

Your plan sounds great! No matter what resort Disney fate chooses for you, you guys are going to have a fabulous time!

Tell me about it, its so hard with the resorts, but I know I'll be back to try something new again. Hoping for the Poly this christmas!

 

[Nicole786]

Okay some big news!! I hope you guys don't think i'm too crazy...well, anyway here goes...heres a hint:

If you didnt guess it-- We are now staying at the AKL!! but first let me back track and explain how the disney gods made the choice for me!!

As it turns out, I don't have enough vacation days racked up for what was needed for the original vacation, so I couldn't take off from work for that long. My limit would put me at 8/4-8/11 and than of course the additional 2 days before at universal. So I thought to myself and I asked, was it really worth it to stay at the BC for just 2 days? Yes, staying at POP would have been a lot cheaper, but I knew in my heart I really wanted the AKL.

So I called CRO, and spoke with the nicest CM, and he helped me set up everything, and even mentioned putting a "note" on my reservation after I explained how i was surprising my brother--although I don't know what he meant by that TBH. They only have standard view available, but I don't even care! the cheaper the better, i say! Actually whatever gets me closest to the lobby (which reminds me I need to call and request that) I know I made the right choice because I am just so excited about this!! I even thought about it and figured that BC is perfect for the family trip we were trying to take next march for mom's bday! If i can book bounceback this trip, maybe I can get DVC! I know my dad would go bananas over stormalong bay, plus he has this idea in his head that the swan/dolphin are the "premiere" epcot hotels and likes how close they are--wait until we get him to the beach club! I dont even think either of my parents in all the trips they have taken have ever seen the epcot resort area in recent years, exciting!!

Anyway I feel that this was meant to be, and even though my itinerary cards are a work in progress (as is the front page of this pre-tr) I know i made the right decision.

 

[MeMom]

Okay, I've traded in my beach towel for a safari hat. Are we all settled now? I've got to be making my plans for traveling along on this ride, you know!!! Remember that by the time you take this trip, I'm going to be back in school, so I'm going to need your pictures and stories to take me away from the madness!

AKL has an awesome gift shop...you know, for SHOPPING! I love all the carved figures and unique gifts. Maybe you can catch the storyteller by the firepit one evening and/or do the night vision goggles. There are some hidden Mickeys out back you can look for, too. I would like to try to do that this summer, but we'll see. AKL also has zebra domes, which are heavenly bites of sweetness.

I'm glad that you are feeling good about your decision. Now, tear up all the excess planning sheets and go with what you've got. Now that the agonizing is over, have a great time with the planning! You're right about Beach Club - it will still be there for a future trip.

So, what do you need me to send you now - an elephant, a lion, a tribal mask? Does David know your final plans, or is there still an element of surprise in all of this? Let me know, and if I'm not sending anything to you while I'm there, then I'll need to send you the money for Lady Liberty Minnie.

 

[Hedy]

Yay for AKL!

 

[TCKK]

Congrats on the decision. I've never been to AKL so looking forward to lots of pictures from there.

 

[Nicole786]

Okay, I've traded in my beach towel for a safari hat. Are we all settled now? I've got to be making my plans for traveling along on this ride, you know!!! Remember that by the time you take this trip, I'm going to be back in school, so I'm going to need your pictures and stories to take me away from the madness!

AKL has an awesome gift shop...you know, for SHOPPING! I love all the carved figures and unique gifts. Maybe you can catch the storyteller by the firepit one evening and/or do the night vision goggles. There are some hidden Mickeys out back you can look for, too. I would like to try to do that this summer, but we'll see. AKL also has zebra domes, which are heavenly bites of sweetness.

I'm glad that you are feeling good about your decision. Now, tear up all the excess planning sheets and go with what you've got. Now that the agonizing is over, have a great time with the planning! You're right about Beach Club - it will still be there for a future trip.

So, what do you need me to send you now - an elephant, a lion, a tribal mask? Does David know your final plans, or is there still an element of surprise in all of this? Let me know, and if I'm not sending anything to you while I'm there, then I'll need to send you the money for Lady Liberty Minnie.

Haha "Heavenly Bits of Sweetness" you're so funny!! I forgot to mention that there IS still an element of surprise because David still thinks we're Pop Century bound! I'll tell him before we get in the car at Downtown Disney, so i'll let you know about the hat, i'd love to work it in there somewhere, maybe sneak it on his seat, or pull it out after the reveal? We'll talk. I can't believe you'll be in school by then!! I had a dream last night that I was a teacher, maybe it was trying to tell me something? I'm so confused about "what I want to be" and "where I want to go"

Yay for AKL!

Yay!! I am so excited!

Congrats on the decision. I've never been to AKL so looking forward to lots of pictures from there.

I went there once for Boma but didn't really have a good look around...i'll be sure to have plenty of pictures!! From what I have seen it is just so gorgeous!!

 

[MeMom]

Yay for AKL!

She's just braggin' 'cause she won the Where Will Nicole and David Stay? contest.

What's the prize, by the way? The losers wanna know.


You need to start dreaming about another career!!!

In my job, I am a data processor, assessment professional, mother, social worker, policewoman, and nurse, and then after all that, I am about 23% teacher. Our system, at least, has changed drastically in the past several years. I used to do really fun units with crafts and food and everything, but those units sit neatly packed away in Rubbermaid tubs now. Now, we teach skills, skills, skills that are only directed to what is on THE TEST. You know about the test - in whatever state you're in, be it TCAP, FCAT, or whatever - it is the sole basis for your school being identified to the general public as a good school or a poor school or anything in between.

I could go on, but I won't bore you. I just advise you to dream about being something other than a teacher. Maybe if you wanted to teacher in a pre-school, that wouldn't be so ridiculous, but I'd think twice or ten times about being a school teacher. Holidays and summers are nice, I admit, for those who don't have to work extra jobs. It is a perk, no doubt, especially for working moms with little ones at home.

I can't believe that you are forcing me to go shopping at AKL as a part of your secret plan! I guess I can sacrifice for the sake of David's happiness. It will take some effort for me to take time out of my busy shopping schedule to go...
Oh wait, shopping?
Shopping.
Shopping!!!!
I can do that!!!
And I'm pretty darn good at it, too!

 

[SwansLoveDisney]

AKL is so much fun!

 

[KatGarcia]

I'm glad you made a choice and are happy about it! I think AKL is beautiful and you will have an awesome time!

 

[stagemomx3]

Alright I've mourned the loss of pictures from Beach Club and am now ready to anticipate great photos from AKL.

 

[pooksma]

Well I am very pleased to see your final decision.
DS has said he'd like to go to AKL next summer. It would mean only a week long stay but I think it'd be so worth it. Maybe we'll switch the meet to our Boma night now

 

[Nicole786]

She's just braggin' 'cause she won the Where Will Nicole and David Stay? contest.

What's the prize, by the way? The losers wanna know.


You need to start dreaming about another career!!!

In my job, I am a data processor, assessment professional, mother, social worker, policewoman, and nurse, and then after all that, I am about 23% teacher. Our system, at least, has changed drastically in the past several years. I used to do really fun units with crafts and food and everything, but those units sit neatly packed away in Rubbermaid tubs now. Now, we teach skills, skills, skills that are only directed to what is on THE TEST. You know about the test - in whatever state you're in, be it TCAP, FCAT, or whatever - it is the sole basis for your school being identified to the general public as a good school or a poor school or anything in between.

I could go on, but I won't bore you. I just advise you to dream about being something other than a teacher. Maybe if you wanted to teacher in a pre-school, that wouldn't be so ridiculous, but I'd think twice or ten times about being a school teacher. Holidays and summers are nice, I admit, for those who don't have to work extra jobs. It is a perk, no doubt, especially for working moms with little ones at home.

I can't believe that you are forcing me to go shopping at AKL as a part of your secret plan! I guess I can sacrifice for the sake of David's happiness. It will take some effort for me to take time out of my busy shopping schedule to go...
Oh wait, shopping?
Shopping.
Shopping!!!!
I can do that!!!
And I'm pretty darn good at it, too!

Don't got the AKL unless you'll already be there of course!! But how could you say no to shopping and zebra domes?? lol!

I guess i'm just at that age where I'm trying to figure myself out, my entire life I always thought i'd want to work in nyc and carry a briefcase, and be that person -- and now I'm just not sure!

AKL is so much fun!

I cant wait!! I still have your TR bookmarked so i need to go back to it now!! By the way, a co worker of mine said that he was at disney for halloween, and he was at the adventurers club one night and told me he saw these people dressed up as clue characters, ive been meaning to ask you if you went there one night of your trip i dont remember!

I'm glad you made a choice and are happy about it! I think AKL is beautiful and you will have an awesome time!

Hooray!!!

Alright I've mourned the loss of pictures from Beach Club and am now ready to anticipate great photos from AKL.

Yay, thanks for sticking with me!

Well I am very pleased to see your final decision.
DS has said he'd like to go to AKL next summer. It would mean only a week long stay but I think it'd be so worth it. Maybe we'll switch the meet to our Boma night now

I actually switched our Boma ressies for later that evening, didn't you guys have a late reservation??? I wanted to go to AK that night which closes at 8, and David and I were gonna have a big lunch at Beaches & Cream that day so I moved it to 8:30, will you be there??