AKV CL PTR/TR - taking practically first timers -TR starts on P. 17 (completed)

[Pinkocto]

Beautiful to see it again!

Lots more to come

 

[franandaj]

Thanks I had no idea they had CL rooms on the second floor. Could you see the animals from your balcony? That was a nice area away from all the pool noise.

That was the year that we bought DVC. After staying CL at AKL to do the Sunrise Safari that trip broke the bank! They told us when we booked that there were no "regular" Conceirge rooms available so we booked a one bedroom. Evidently all the suites are at the ends of the buildings. We had an excellent view of the animals.

We could see that flamingo pond, and the Sunrise Savannah from the side of the Master bedroom. And unbeknownst to us (until the Mousekeeper pointed it out), we actually had a two bedroom suite with the other bedroom having a view of the outer parts of the middle savannah at Jambo. Can't remember the name but the one inside the circle.

It was great! But after three nights at $750 per night and another week at the GF (even though it was a garden view room). She came back and started researching DVC. Turns out we spent 25% of our original contract cost on accomodations alone for that one trip!

 

[Pinkocto]

That was definitely a good catalyst for DVC!

I met a couple from England who were celebrating their 50th anniversary and had brought their children and grandchildren along. Trip cost about $24,000.

 

[franandaj]

That was definitely a good catalyst for DVC!

I met a couple from England who were celebrating their 50th anniversary and had brought their children and grandchildren along. Trip cost about $24,000.

That's about what we paid for our SSR contract! And we get at least 1 week plus in a one bedroom until 2042!

 

[MEK]

I didn't DIS all weekend and yours is the first TR I am checking.

OK, an expected start for someone who smokes, but boo to the whole shirt changing thing. I can't wait to see what the matching shirts actually look like since I can't see them now.

Yeah for concierge lounge. I would love that. Yeah for flying on Labor Day with no one else. I am going to try that.

Hope you love your view!

Did you book both rooms with your points?

 

[Pinkocto]

I'm honored Mary Ellen

Here I spend $100 so we can all look cute in a group photo and all they do is complain how hot there were. They are nice, thick, and very soft cotton. I love mine.

This was my second time doing concierge and it is so wonderful. As long as its available I'll definitely use the extra points. Yep, both rooms on points. Another reason I'm so glad I bought more. I had borrowed to do this trip and now there's no problem.

We had a pool view which was nice, but I really missed being on the savannah.

When I booked the trip I had no idea it was Labor Day, totally slipped my mind. I almost pushed it back a day but it worked out perfectly.

 

[Pinkocto]

That's about what we paid for our SSR contract! And we get at least 1 week plus in a one bedroom until 2042!

When you word it like that I'm even more in love with DVC! I was really surprised he told me how much his trip cost.

 

[franandaj]

Here I spend $100 so we can all look cute in a group photo and all they do is complain how hot there were. They are nice, thick, and very soft cotton. I love mine.

I hate to say it, but I probably would have been sweating too! I don't know what is wrong with me (everyone always jokes that it's "the change"), but from March until November, I can't wear anything more "covering" than a tank top or I am sweating up a storm.

I have a hard time finding Disney shirts that I can buy because most of them are T-shirts and I can only wear T-shirts during Winter anytime else and they are just too hot!

 

[Pinkocto]

I hate to say it, but I probably would have been sweating too! I don't know what is wrong with me (everyone always jokes that it's "the change"), but from March until November, I can't wear anything more "covering" than a tank top or I am sweating up a storm.

I have a hard time finding Disney shirts that I can buy because most of them are T-shirts and I can only wear T-shirts during Winter anytime else and they are just too hot!

Oh I'll fully admit it was a scorcher of a day, I just didn't appreciate complaining on the first day of vacation.

 

[susieq76]

We JUST bought DVC this past Saturday and are planning 2 nights for just DH and I CL at AKL in Jan... so I am so into this report!!!! Yay! Keep it coming!

 

[Pinkocto]

We JUST bought DVC this past Saturday and are planning 2 nights for just DH and I CL at AKL in Jan... so I am so into this report!!!! Yay! Keep it coming!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Did you book it already? If not, you can already use your points, just call member services. Which home resort did you choose?

 

[susieq76]

Why, AK, of course

I plan on calling member services as soon as DH advises of which Saturdays he is working... He's taking his time calling me...

 

[Pinkocto]

Why, AK, of course

I plan on calling member services as soon as DH advises of which Saturdays he is working... He's taking his time calling me...

Shame on him, you've got planning to do!

 

[papertraveller]

Hi Pam,

I'm enjoying your trip report -- you arrived at WDW just as we were heading home!

Looking forward to meeting you onboard the Fantasy in March!

 

[MEK]

Love your pictures and the T-shirts! The pictures are all turning out so nicely and the lodge is just so lovely.

 

[Pinkocto]

Hi Pam,

I'm enjoying your trip report -- you arrived at WDW just as we were heading home!

Looking forward to meeting you onboard the Fantasy in March!

Welcome! thanks so much.

I hope you had a fabulous trip

I can't wait for the cruise! Can I ask what you decided the travel insurance?

 

[Pinkocto]

Love your pictures and the T-shirts! The pictures are all turning out so nicely and the lodge is just so lovely.

Thank you so much lots more to come, I kept trying to figure out the right settings.

I agree, Disney really did a spectacular job.

 

[dvc at last !]

I am so interested also ---
We are staying at for the first time at AKV -Jambo - CL in about 2 weeks. We received an invitation to the Sundown Mingle.
Did you go to that ?
If so - what is it all about ?

Thanks.

 

[Pinkocto]

Back up to the CL and we got some more snacks. Somehow I missed taking pictures, not sure what happened. R & M said they were just too hot and needed to change before we headed out. Did they bring clothes in their carry-ons? Of course they didn’t. They were planning to wait until their luggage was delivered… I couldn’t get through to them that official check-in was not until 4pm. As we were enjoying our snacks I got the text that my room was ready so we headed over to check it out. It was absolutely the perfect location, first room closest to the elevators.

The freezer is actually tall enough to put in some water bottles. It was nice to take them to the park so when they melted we had cold water with us.

Everyone settled in to relax and wait for R & M’s room to be ready.

While we waited both of our suitcases arrived so we unpacked and then relaxed a little more. We waited until 2:00 and headed out. Thankfully we did because M didn’t get the text until around 3:30.

I think even the bus area is lovely.

We got to HS at 2:30 and after R had a rather lengthy smoke break even though he had just had one at the resort we headed straight to Toy Story Mania. I walked right past the FP machines since I was sure they were closed and saw the stand by line was 60 minutes. I was a bit sad because I really wanted them to experience it, and R said ‘why don’t we get FPs?’ There were actually 3 machines open that I hadn’t seen so I raced into line. The CM said that there were only 10-15 left so even if you were in line you might not get any. Well of course I hoped I would but the lady in front of me just kept putting ticket after ticket in and sucked the machine dry. I couldn’t help but be upset.

After giving up on TSM we headed to the Backlot Tour. We had about a ten minute wait and encountered a lot more people then I expected. Since it was actually Labor Day it made sense there were crowds, but I still didn’t want them there.

These were some props from Pirates of the Caribbean. I absolutely love those movies so was just fascinated.

While in line to get to the props warehouse I commented that after we were done we could go and get ice cream. Someone overheard me and told his wife that they needed to follow us; any excuse for ice cream was a good one. We were at Disney, that’s the only excuse we needed. That was strangely not the last time I’d see him.

I think those hats are for the Tumble Monkeys in Festival of the Lion King.

We happened to be in the first part of the tram so were not on the area that shakes. M remembered very clearly how frightened she was on her last trip, and her parents played right into it saying they were in danger and what not. They were so bad. Thankfully she was not scarred after this journey.

I really wanted to get to this show but it never happened on this trip.

I’m sorry for the reflection on this one, but I really liked seeing where the actor’s head would fit. Made the costume much less scary. Of course I can’t see it in the movie and am always terrified, but this makes it a little better.

It was a very nice first ride of the trip.

 

[Pinkocto]

I am so interested also ---
We are staying at for the first time at AKV -Jambo - CL in about 2 weeks. We received an invitation to the Sundown Mingle.
Did you go to that ?
If so - what is it all about ?

Thanks.

It's basically a meet and greet for DVCers staying at AKV, both Jambo House and Kidani. They have drinks and appetizers, I think it's from 4-5 and only done 2 times a week. Only a limited amount of people can attend because it's done in a small area. I think they also give a small gift as well. You don't have to stay the whole time if you don't want to.

We didn't go since the CL has more than enough drinks and snacks. I guess I wasn't in the socializing mood either. It sounded like a nice event though.

Congratulations on your upcoming trip!