lisapooh
HH Pin Crazy Pooh Fan
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2000
- Messages
- 773
Got back last night from AKL where we stayed on the concierge level. My daughter's arrived on Wednesday before me and had a great time for 2 days without Mom. The trip was to celebrate my older daughter's birthday and college graduaion from Florida International University. T
The girls arrived around 7 pm and were given a tour of the hotel and taken to the 6th floor. Room 6204. In the room was a birthday cake with birthday hats as well and a card for the AKL staff. They settled in and headed out to Pleasure Island and the Adventurers Club for the evening.
Thursday the girls went to Epcot and MGM and in the evening back to PI.
Friday the girls stayed at the Lodge and chilled and my oldest practiced her viola. Todd from the concierge staff told me guests were asking if there was a concert in concierge. Priscilla (my youngest best friend) and I arrived around 8:30 after driving up through pouring rain. Yuck. Were greeted by the girls and they were off to PI again taking Priscilla with them.
I went to Boma's to eat. This is not to be missed. The food was wonderful. Lightly spiced but nothin over powering. The girls had eaten there earlier and loved all the vegetarian options they found. You must try the Zebra Dome dessert. Scrumptious
After I came back to the room and watched the animals from my balcony. Cutest Thompson's gazelle slept right outside my window all night. Also a bunch of birds.
Saturday was Sunrise Safari. A wonderful ex[erience. We had plenty of time to see the animals and ask the zookeeper about them. Then on to breakfast which was superb. Stuffed would really discribe all of us after the meal. Plus we recieved fast passes for the regular Safari.
After breakfast I went to Camp Mickey Minnie to see the ASL interpreted Festival of the Lion King. The terps were unbelievable. Not only did the interpret but the were totally in character and really blended into the show. There were 2 terps so each took a part. Only 2 of us were using the terps but we both enjoyed it immensely. The other girl, I assume is a local, as she knew the terps. Hard of hearing as I am.
Another great enjoyment for me was to watch the girl who does the character of the bird that flies. The minute she walked in I knew who it was by her grace and smile. My daughter's friend from elementary school through high school. I have watched this young woman go from a gauky kid in the ballet magnet classes to an outstanding beautiful and graceful ballerina. What a joy.
I know the others who do this part are good too but they appear to be gymnasts not ballerinas. A different style and prescence.
Next I headed for the MK where I was to met the girls. They all had gone to Tony's for breakfast. This is a 4th Gay Day and it was the best. We rode rides and had a great time. Priscilla introduced us to some of her friends that were also there and my oldest, Jamie introduced me to a guy she met at AC who was deaf. The got talking because she can sign too when there are a few signers together they tend to gravitate to each other. Nice guy. We definately had flying fingers going.
For dinner we went to Crystal Palace. Food good and characters coming around to all the tables including ours. Got a big hug from Pooh and Piglet. After dinner we went on Pirates and Big Thunder Mountain. Then we all went back to AKL and grabbed some dessert and went for a swim and to the whirlpool. Then the girls were off to Pleasure Island again. And Mom of course animal watched.
Sunday I got up first and went to renew my PAP and to EPCOT. First things first and I headed for the Pin Station to see what was new. Got the CANCER pin as well as a few new pins. Did a lot of trading and a few real finds. Girls joined me about 2:30 and we went to San Angel to eat. Great food. The chips are addictive.
After lunch the girls headed for MGM and I cruised arouns the World Showcase and shopped. Around 6:30 I decided I better leave and head back to AKL because it looked like it would pour.
Got to the bus stop at about 6:45 and the bus arrived about 7. Went to get on and oops no key for the lift. Driver was very apologetic but could not operate the lift without the key. It's starting to rain and lightening so she called the dispatch and was told that the next bus would arrive in about 20 minutes. Explained the problem (I am in a power wheelchair, there was no cover and it would not be safe for me to sit there until a bus comes) no help from dispatch. Well up drives the WL bus. It's driver hops out and trys his lift key. It works but what about getting me off at AKL. No problem. Take the key and return the next run through EPCOT. Call when you are on the way. They get me on the bus and we head for the AKL as the rain starts to pour. I arrive safely at AKL and head for the concierge.
Got to my room and there is a message from the girls. They are stuck between MGM and EPCOT under the Vista Way Bridge. They had walked over and walking back it started to pour and thunder and lightening. I go out to concierge and they tell me they are talking to the girls and deciding if they need to send security to rescue them because the lightening is hitting close to the bridge.
Since there is nothing I can do I go down to the shop and buy some things we wanted. Get back and the concierge tell me the girls are back, soaked but fine. Already fixed up with hot coffee to warm them and taking showers. Priscilla and Sam decide they aren't going out again but the oldest, Jamie gets dressed and is off to PI again. Pris, Sam and I order from Room Service and the girls go online to email their profs and let them know they will miss class as I am not about to let them drive home that night.
Tuesday we have to leave
Pack up everything and put it in storage and we are off to the MK but not until I head for AK for my PAP lanyard and pin. Get 2, one for me and one for my daughter who's pass was also renewed yesterday. I had 6 offers to trade between AK and MK. No thanks. I bringing them both home and will use one as a trader. MK was fun and then we went back to AKL, loaded the 2 vans and drove back to Miami. Got home around midnight.
We enjoyed Dapper Dans several times and my girls have become friends with them. The girls are working up a female barber shop quartet. WE make it a point to see the Dapper Dans several times each trip.
The concierge at AKL is fantastic. Beau, Todd, Don and all the rest of the staff are wonderful. I look forward to going back. Perhaps just with my DH. FTW will still be our favorite but AKL is second in my book.
Buses were not a problem at all. Only long wait was from AK to MK. All the rest of the waits were less than 20 minutes. Yes it is far from MK but AK is my favorite park anyway. Then EPCOT and MGM.
Can't wait for my next trip to WDW.
The girls arrived around 7 pm and were given a tour of the hotel and taken to the 6th floor. Room 6204. In the room was a birthday cake with birthday hats as well and a card for the AKL staff. They settled in and headed out to Pleasure Island and the Adventurers Club for the evening.
Thursday the girls went to Epcot and MGM and in the evening back to PI.
Friday the girls stayed at the Lodge and chilled and my oldest practiced her viola. Todd from the concierge staff told me guests were asking if there was a concert in concierge. Priscilla (my youngest best friend) and I arrived around 8:30 after driving up through pouring rain. Yuck. Were greeted by the girls and they were off to PI again taking Priscilla with them.
I went to Boma's to eat. This is not to be missed. The food was wonderful. Lightly spiced but nothin over powering. The girls had eaten there earlier and loved all the vegetarian options they found. You must try the Zebra Dome dessert. Scrumptious
After I came back to the room and watched the animals from my balcony. Cutest Thompson's gazelle slept right outside my window all night. Also a bunch of birds.Saturday was Sunrise Safari. A wonderful ex[erience. We had plenty of time to see the animals and ask the zookeeper about them. Then on to breakfast which was superb. Stuffed would really discribe all of us after the meal. Plus we recieved fast passes for the regular Safari.
After breakfast I went to Camp Mickey Minnie to see the ASL interpreted Festival of the Lion King. The terps were unbelievable. Not only did the interpret but the were totally in character and really blended into the show. There were 2 terps so each took a part. Only 2 of us were using the terps but we both enjoyed it immensely. The other girl, I assume is a local, as she knew the terps. Hard of hearing as I am.
Another great enjoyment for me was to watch the girl who does the character of the bird that flies. The minute she walked in I knew who it was by her grace and smile. My daughter's friend from elementary school through high school. I have watched this young woman go from a gauky kid in the ballet magnet classes to an outstanding beautiful and graceful ballerina. What a joy.
I know the others who do this part are good too but they appear to be gymnasts not ballerinas. A different style and prescence.
Next I headed for the MK where I was to met the girls. They all had gone to Tony's for breakfast. This is a 4th Gay Day and it was the best. We rode rides and had a great time. Priscilla introduced us to some of her friends that were also there and my oldest, Jamie introduced me to a guy she met at AC who was deaf. The got talking because she can sign too when there are a few signers together they tend to gravitate to each other. Nice guy. We definately had flying fingers going.
For dinner we went to Crystal Palace. Food good and characters coming around to all the tables including ours. Got a big hug from Pooh and Piglet. After dinner we went on Pirates and Big Thunder Mountain. Then we all went back to AKL and grabbed some dessert and went for a swim and to the whirlpool. Then the girls were off to Pleasure Island again. And Mom of course animal watched.
Sunday I got up first and went to renew my PAP and to EPCOT. First things first and I headed for the Pin Station to see what was new. Got the CANCER pin as well as a few new pins. Did a lot of trading and a few real finds. Girls joined me about 2:30 and we went to San Angel to eat. Great food. The chips are addictive.
After lunch the girls headed for MGM and I cruised arouns the World Showcase and shopped. Around 6:30 I decided I better leave and head back to AKL because it looked like it would pour.
Got to the bus stop at about 6:45 and the bus arrived about 7. Went to get on and oops no key for the lift. Driver was very apologetic but could not operate the lift without the key. It's starting to rain and lightening so she called the dispatch and was told that the next bus would arrive in about 20 minutes. Explained the problem (I am in a power wheelchair, there was no cover and it would not be safe for me to sit there until a bus comes) no help from dispatch. Well up drives the WL bus. It's driver hops out and trys his lift key. It works but what about getting me off at AKL. No problem. Take the key and return the next run through EPCOT. Call when you are on the way. They get me on the bus and we head for the AKL as the rain starts to pour. I arrive safely at AKL and head for the concierge.
Got to my room and there is a message from the girls. They are stuck between MGM and EPCOT under the Vista Way Bridge. They had walked over and walking back it started to pour and thunder and lightening. I go out to concierge and they tell me they are talking to the girls and deciding if they need to send security to rescue them because the lightening is hitting close to the bridge.
Since there is nothing I can do I go down to the shop and buy some things we wanted. Get back and the concierge tell me the girls are back, soaked but fine. Already fixed up with hot coffee to warm them and taking showers. Priscilla and Sam decide they aren't going out again but the oldest, Jamie gets dressed and is off to PI again. Pris, Sam and I order from Room Service and the girls go online to email their profs and let them know they will miss class as I am not about to let them drive home that night.
Tuesday we have to leave
Pack up everything and put it in storage and we are off to the MK but not until I head for AK for my PAP lanyard and pin. Get 2, one for me and one for my daughter who's pass was also renewed yesterday. I had 6 offers to trade between AK and MK. No thanks. I bringing them both home and will use one as a trader. MK was fun and then we went back to AKL, loaded the 2 vans and drove back to Miami. Got home around midnight.
We enjoyed Dapper Dans several times and my girls have become friends with them. The girls are working up a female barber shop quartet. WE make it a point to see the Dapper Dans several times each trip.
The concierge at AKL is fantastic. Beau, Todd, Don and all the rest of the staff are wonderful. I look forward to going back. Perhaps just with my DH. FTW will still be our favorite but AKL is second in my book.
Buses were not a problem at all. Only long wait was from AK to MK. All the rest of the waits were less than 20 minutes. Yes it is far from MK but AK is my favorite park anyway. Then EPCOT and MGM.
Can't wait for my next trip to WDW.
