Back to Back trips in August-The How Could You's Ride Again!- Final Thoughts 4/14

[RGirl]

Happy New Year!!!!

Yikes! I am so sorry - somehow I completely missed a bunch of updates. I honestly don’t know what happened.

Beautiful Beach Club pictures! Mmmm - France slushies. How fun to do pick-a-pearl. I had hoped to do that on our trip with DD, but we just never really ended up with a lot of Epcot time somehow. K2’s nighttime Epcot and IllumiNations pictures are gorgeous. She is really talented!

Great pictures of AoA. It looks like such a fun place. The breakfast options at Landscapes look amazing! How nice to have so many choices. Wow! The actual waffles look a little sad though…..

Ugh - AKL pictures! My fave! That’s it - we are just going to have to stay there and enjoy it in person!!! Even the gift shop looks amazing. I love all the activities that are available too - seems like this would be a perfect spot to stay and try out my new “relaxed” approach to summer at WDW.

The Mara food looks great, and there are quite a lot of choices. I wish the BW had a good CS option - that is the one thing I don’t like about staying there.

What a fun way to spend the day - the pool, trivia, fun! I love it.

I’m excited to hear about your AKL room!!

 

[Tiggerrn2]

I ended up buying the black dress in this picture for K2 before we left! I don't think I ever told you that. It's so cute!

No, you didn't. I love that dress!!

That's right, folks.....nobody could beat us in trivia games at EITHER resort! We rock!

Yep!! No one can take us on!!

Great pics!

Thanks!

WOW...that's one mega update.

We prefer taking our luggage when we split resorts as well; when the girls and I went in May, we used bell services and they sent our luggage to the wrong resort.
We were worried about that as well, or that we wouldn't have what we needed when we were ready for it.

We've never done the Jambo side...only the Kidani side and we absolutely agree with you...it's a great resort (can't wait to be back there in September).
LOVE Jambo! Although, the pool at Kidani is more fun for the kids-better slide.

I think the gift shop at Jambo House is the best on property.
Me, too!!! I could spend hours in there browsing.

on the trivia win.

THanks!! I love Disney Trivia games!

As usual great TR...and the pix are wonderful... thanks for the BWV pool pix...
You are most welcome!

now girls come on you must get over the CLOWN...our DDL hates clowns but LOVES the Boardwalk villas and everything else that it offers...
Maybe next time. I am running out of new resorts I want to try

Now don't worry, your friend will be on the look out for that BC resort pin!!
Thanks!! I will wish you much luck!!

we are there for 2 wks soon but at SSR...Mr C loves being in the Springs section and close to the golf course...across the road..

I wish something would entice my DH to desire more trips to WDW. I hope our nasty weather doesn't preempt your trip.

Great resort pics! At least you were able to take advantage of the food court and pool despite the fact that your room wasn't ready. I want to explore AKL more when we go there for our dinner at Boma (minus the snake of course)

If you have the opportunity, give yourself a couple of hours to browse around. There is so much art work all around the resort. Be sure to head to the ends of the Zebra and Kudu trails and go out on the staircases to check out the animals.

Wow! Beautiful pictures. I've never set fit at AKL (any part of it!), but it is definitely somewhere I want to at least visit, with my camera!

Definitely a great place for photo ops.

Happy New Year!!!!

Yikes! I am so sorry - somehow I completely missed a bunch of updates. I honestly don’t know what happened.
That's OK. I got a little carried away. Back to work and life after the holidays so it will be slower again.

Beautiful Beach Club pictures! Mmmm - France slushies. How fun to do pick-a-pearl. I had hoped to do that on our trip with DD, but we just never really ended up with a lot of Epcot time somehow. K2’s nighttime Epcot and IllumiNations pictures are gorgeous. She is really talented!
She takes fabulous photos. There is also a Pick a Pearl place on the beach near the Beach/Yacht Club. Not as much fanfare as the CMs offer in Japan, but still the same thing.

Great pictures of AoA. It looks like such a fun place. The breakfast options at Landscapes look amazing! How nice to have so many choices. Wow! The actual waffles look a little sad though…..
I was truly disappointed with my waffles there. Nothing beats a Mickey Waffle. IMHO

Ugh - AKL pictures! My fave! That’s it - we are just going to have to stay there and enjoy it in person!!! Even the gift shop looks amazing. I love all the activities that are available too - seems like this would be a perfect spot to stay and try out my new “relaxed” approach to summer at WDW.
After all this time and all the resorts we have enjoyed, it is still my favorite.

The Mara food looks great, and there are quite a lot of choices. I wish the BW had a good CS option - that is the one thing I don’t like about staying there.
That was what made Beach Club so disappointing as well. No good counter service options. I guess they figure you will spend your time in Epcot or run to the Bakery.

What a fun way to spend the day - the pool, trivia, fun! I love it.

I’m excited to hear about your AKL room!!

Hope to work on an update later this afternoon. But the Christmas decorations need to come down here, too yet.

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Sorry it has taken so long to get back. And I still haven't finished taking down Christmas decorations, but I really wanted to get an update on here.

So we left of heading up to our room (not the one they had reserved for us, but one that still met our requests since we were ready to get settled in).

But first, one other photo I missed somehow. After our trivia win, Pam decided to try her hand at another game. Not as successful-we should stick to trivia!!

Now it is time to move on out!

Welcome Home!

Our light fixture just outside our room.

Looking back towards the door.

The TV stand from the picture before is also a dresser with a couple of large drawers. Then this dresser sits beside the closet. So there was more than enough drawer space.

The safe is tall, but not very wide. And inside the closet is the ironing board and an iron.

The bathroom.

Our only towel critters for our stay.

Our toiletries for our stay were this scent. And can I say, I really miss the old H2O Natural Spring scented items?

Stepping out onto our balcony! Welcome to our view.

AAAaaahhhhhhh. What I would give to be there now.

We were a corner room, so looking to our right was another balcony and we could look into those rooms. Just a tip to really keep your drapes closed when you are in there.
And looking to our left was just a row of rooms. But sitting out there and looking straight out was just a piece of heaven.

After dropping off our bags and changing into some clothes, it was time to head off for the evening. We headed out to grab the car and once again hit that AAA parking area. This was such an awesome little perk!! Thanks Pam!

Going to leave you here for now. Will come back later today to add our Epcot with Magic Bands afternoon/evening!

 

[Tiggerrn2]

We pulled into Epcot and parked near the entrance around 4:10pm and headed into the park. We had fastpass + for that evening, and it would be our first crack at trying them out to see how they'd work out for us.

The great hoisting of the golf ball attempted shot. Sort of was a fail, but we tried.

We headed off to the right. I had a gift idea I needed to take care of in Canada for my brother and sisters as gag gifts for Christmas. Along the way we stopped for something to drink at the Refreshment Port and picked up a soda and a strawberry smoothie. I took care of the gag gifts (some Beaver Butt, a little Piggy Poop, and a few Ferret Farts (soaps that is) along with some Bear Spit lip balm on a paddle).

Then we headed to jolly old England.
We always have to take a photo here in honor of our British family members.

When I was younger, I spent some time in England with my sister and her DH. He was in the Air Force and stationed in Alcanberry (sp?). We spent a couple of summers there and some time in London. So I had to take this photo of Tudor Lane.

It is amazing to me how Disney really got it right. These areas really look like some of the streets/shops I saw.

In honor of Mr. Mark, DD tried on a hat.

There were some really cute shirts in this shop.

Anyone for tea?

We decided to start heading back toward Future World as it was almost time to use our FP+. Not having written them down, I am quite certain we had one for Soarin', one for Test Track and one for ????? Not sure what we used the 3rd one on. Pam?

Along the way, Off Kilter was out and performing.

The park was amazingly uncrowded here today.

We pause for a moment's rest.

If I recall correctly, we took this afternoon as a moment to do some of the oldies.

And I am pretty sure we fit in Figment and Captain EO as well before it was time for our FP+ rides.
And as we passed the Character Spot, there was really no line. DD wanted to get a few autographs but K2 wasn't interested. I think they just waited outside on a bench and people watched.

Minnie was in awe of DD flowery pen.

cont. next post.

 

[Tiggerrn2]

continued

Then it was time to use those FPs!!

Test Track was up. Now you all know that I was beyond finished with this ride during the first half of my 2 times in August trip. Those boys had fried me with this ride. But I consented for the girls for a ride (and for the photo op)

The TT photo was taken at 6:44pm. So from there we must have headed to Soarin' and then wherever else we had a FP+ for. My notes are pretty vague for the evening's events. They claim we stayed for Illuminations but I must have been imagining that.

K2's parting shot for the night.

I have receipts that state we ate at Mara for dinner at 9:30 pm. And I have food photos to show for it.

A salmon dinner and pepperoni flatbread for DD and I.

And K2 and Pam had the chicken meal.

DD followed dinner with her favorite Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar. (for which I have no photo-but it would look like this one from last summer)

So that is where we will call it a day!! Next up: Rope Drop!! But where?!

 

[pamelasu1]

But first, one other photo I missed somehow. After our trivia win, Pam decided to try her hand at another game. Not as successful-we should stick to trivia!!

Honestly, I have never been able to hula hoop in my life. But in July, I was a hula hoop champion at a conference I went to in Milwaukee. Haven't been able to replicate it since. Maybe it's the Wisconsin mojo?

 

[pamelasu1]

Stepping out onto our balcony! Welcome to our view.

AAAaaahhhhhhh. What I would give to be there now.

Oh, how I miss this view.....I am so addicted to AKL, now...it will be hard to stay anywhere else. But, wow, the prices have gone up on this resort! Gonna have to charge A LOT on my Disney rewards card to get those points!

 

[pamelasu1]

We headed off to the right. I had a gift idea I needed to take care of in Canada for my brother and sisters as gag gifts for Christmas. Along the way we stopped for something to drink at the Refreshment Port and picked up a soda and a strawberry smoothie. I took care of the gag gifts (some Beaver Butt, a little Piggy Poop, and a few Ferret Farts (soaps that is) along with some Bear Spit lip balm on a paddle).

Then we headed to jolly old England.
We always have to take a photo here in honor of our British family members.

So, K2 and I did not go to Canada with you guys....but I can't remember for the life of me what we did here. I really do need to take notes....

 

[pamelasu1]

continued

The TT photo was taken at 6:44pm. So from there we must have headed to Soarin' and then wherever else we had a FP+ for. My notes are pretty vague for the evening's events. They claim we stayed for Illuminations but I must have been imagining that.

I remember standing near the fountain and discussing Illuminations this night....pretty sure you are right....we left right before the show, I think? Sure can't remember what else we did....I know it wasn't Spaceship Earth, because it was still closed for refurb! Possibly Living With the Land? I have no idea, lol!

 

[wiigirl]

Great pics!

 

[Buzzsgramma]

just a delightful TR and pix to match....yes the lobby of AKL is a breathtaking site for sure...not unlike the WL i can still remember the first time i walked in there...
DH likes to go to WDW and other places but then there's a hook i use called GOLF!!!! so he is happy to be playing a 'round' anywhere!
Yes those resort room places have certainly gone up... that BC pin must be somewhere!!!!!!!!

 

[RGirl]

Hey there! I am relieved to see that you just updated yesterday. I was afraid I was going to be way behind since, once my stay-cation ended, I have not really kept caught up with any TRs, even my own!

What a great AKL room you got! I love the view. I am totally sold on this resort now, I think. I can’t wait to stay there one day!

Awww - Epcot. How I wish I was there right now…..

Cute character pics! The TT pic is awesome.

It looks like Mara has a pretty good variety of food. It’s nice to see a good CS option at a deluxe resort.

 

[Tiggerrn2]

I don't know if it is the Dis or my computer, but something funky is going on here today. I had replies all done in blue and hit post and then the computer said it couldn't display the DisBoards site. I will try again but now it's giving me grief about trying to use a color to type my replies, so I will just put extra space between quotes.

I remember standing near the fountain and discussing Illuminations this night....pretty sure you are right....we left right before the show, I think? Sure can't remember what else we did....I know it wasn't Spaceship Earth, because it was still closed for refurb! Possibly Living With the Land? I have no idea, lol!

I think K2 wanted to go to shop in China and I needed to go to Canada for the gifts. We didn't have enough time to do both because we had FP+ in Future World to get to, so we split up.

Great pics!

Thanks.

just a delightful TR and pix to match....yes the lobby of AKL is a breathtaking site for sure...not unlike the WL i can still remember the first time i walked in there...
DH likes to go to WDW and other places but then there's a hook i use called GOLF!!!! so he is happy to be playing a 'round' anywhere!
Yes those resort room places have certainly gone up... that BC pin must be somewhere!!!!!!!!

AKL is beautiful. I remember the first year we went there in 2004. We had tried to get into WL, but couldn't get anything. You were shocked we chose AKL instead. I have never regretted it. We had a savannah view and the kids were in love with it.

I wish you much luck in finding that elusive pin!!! Searching for that will give you something to do while Mr. C is golfing!

Hey there! I am relieved to see that you just updated yesterday. I was afraid I was going to be way behind since, once my stay-cation ended, I have not really kept caught up with any TRs, even my own!



I know how you feel. I work 12 hour shifts, so by then end of my stretch I am always behind and have to play catch up.


What a great AKL room you got! I love the view. I am totally sold on this resort now, I think. I cant wait to stay there one day!


It is an awesome resort. It is especially great when you want a more laid back vacation. I have found when I stay in the thick of the action, I don't slow down and relax or enjoy the resort like I do there.
Awww - Epcot. How I wish I was there right now&..

Cute character pics! The TT pic is awesome.

It looks like Mara has a pretty good variety of food. Its nice to see a good CS option at a deluxe resort.

Mara is hands-down my favorite counter service food place.

But first, one other photo I missed somehow. After our trivia win, Pam decided to try her hand at another game. Not as successful-we should stick to trivia!!

Honestly, I have never been able to hula hoop in my life. But in July, I was a hula hoop champion at a conference I went to in Milwaukee. Haven't been able to replicate it since. Maybe it's the Wisconsin mojo?

Suuuuuuuurrrrrrrre it is!

Oh, how I miss this view.....I am so addicted to AKL, now...it will be hard to stay anywhere else. But, wow, the prices have gone up on this resort! Gonna have to charge A LOT on my Disney rewards card to get those points!

2015!!! Just keep saying that to yourself!! 2015, 2015, 2015!!!!!

 

[KatMark]

Linda, forgive me for taking so long to get back here.

I love your room. Who am I kidding? I LOVE AKL! Nice view of the pool. And thanks for the hint on the rooms and being careful.

Your pictures at Epcot are great. I love all of the silly themed t-shirts (we saw one or two of those when we were there in August).


Cute pictures with the characters.

I promise to do a better job of staying caught up.

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Linda, forgive me for taking so long to get back here.


No worries. I think you've had your hands full.

I love your room. Who am I kidding? I LOVE AKL! Nice view of the pool. And thanks for the hint on the rooms and being careful.


You are welcome!!



Your pictures at Epcot are great. I love all of the silly themed t-shirts (we saw one or two of those when we were there in August).


I almost bought myself the red Mickey phone booth one!



Cute pictures with the characters.

Thanks. I only wish they would have let us get a photo with all of them together.



I promise to do a better job of staying caught up.

 

[Tiggerrn2]

This morning was a Rope Drop day!!! We were headed for the running of the bulls (errrr TSM madness). No breakfast for us at the hotel this morning.

I was up earlier than the others (as is my usual habit while in Disney), so while they were getting up and ready, I headed off to take some early morning photos around the savannahs. I love watching the sunrise at AKL over the Savannah.

I walked to the end of the Kudu trail and headed out onto a stairwell for some photos.

Look who was lying down on the job!!

The animals were all gathering around the pens at the ends of the trails.

The giraffes were looking over the fence at whatever was going on on the other side.

I headed back inside and noticed the sign for the laundry room. So for the sake of information sharing, I went on in for some photos.

This was one of the nicest laundry rooms I have ever been in on site. (and the air conditioning was working in there as well-unlike at BC or POP)

I headed back out down the halls and wandered out where I could see Kidani across the savannah from Jambo.

And then it was time to head back to gather our things and head off to the park. We once again were driving over. And this AAA parking space was SWEET!!! We parked the car and walked up from the left hand side of the gate (while everyone else walked up from the right-busses, cars, etc.). There is one bag check person standing at a table on the left side, but we were one group of people with 1 person ahead of us compared to the masses walking through the bag check on the other side. So we were inside in an instant. We stood to the left of the turnstiles next to the Breakfast entrance (just as I had done with the boys) but they didn't switch the sign over this time. We were towards the front of the turnstiles, though so it really didn't matter, and we were headed with the masses to TSM in no time. They do not hold you up to watch a show any more, so there is no bunching back up once inside the turnstiles.

We made the immediate trek to ride TSM and then came out and pulled FP using our room cards. (We did have FP+ for later in the day as well). Our FP return time was already for after 11am.

From there, we headed over to hit up TOT. I don't think we discussed well what our pose should be.......

There was a minimal line, so we turned right around and rode again!!

This was supposed to be the "bored look", but K2 being K2 decided to do her own pose (though I am not quite sure what look she was going for).

After our drops x2, we decided it was time to grab a bite to eat. What better way to settle a dropped stomach than to fill it up with sweet treats, right?! Off to Starring Rolls!!

So many good things to choose from!! What will it be?

The little snack boxes actually contain a great healthier option for kids-cheese stick, grapes, juice and I forget what else was in it, but it was quite a neat little snack box.

We ended up with a lovely fruit tart, a large cream cheese danish, a seasonal cupcake (being a strawberry one) and some water.

(I do not know why photos taken and uploaded to Snapfish from my cell phone show up so much smaller here than those take with my camera-nor do I know how to fix it. Anyone? )

We had some time to kill before it was time for our FP use. What shall we do?

 

[KatMark]

I love getting up before Mark and going to take pictures of whatever resort we are staying at, especially AK.

I love the photo of the giraffe laying down on the job.

Nice...getting on TSM and then snapping up another FP besides the one you already had.

The pictures on TOT had me

I'll have the Treasure Chest, please. That would fill my tummy really good right now.

 

[Tiggerrn2]

continued from previous post.

Let's head off to Tattoine!!

Please keep an eye on your children.

After a cruise around the dump shop (I don't think we purchased anything in here), we headed off for a little stroll. It was HOT out in that park with all that pavement. I went in search of a certain little umbrella.

DD thought this was a fun place to pose!!

Where are all the people? This side of the park was practically perfectly empty.

Anyone for a little "Splash" in a fountain?

Time to head back to get our trigger pulling on!!

We skipped merrily along with Scooter!

I am quite certain the date shown on the UPC code is relevant somehow, but haven't yet figured it out.

This is an homage to the "Short" that started the "Toy Story".

We're up!!!

The one and only time I have been anything more than a Beaver!!

Hidden Mickey.

By 11:15am there were still FPs available.

We headed off from here to see who was greeting at the Art of Animation.

To be continued......

 

[Tiggerrn2]

I love getting up before Mark and going to take pictures of whatever resort we are staying at, especially AK.

I could take photos here all day long!!

I love the photo of the giraffe laying down on the job.

Wasn't he/she cute? I'd never seen them lie down like that before.

Nice...getting on TSM and then snapping up another FP besides the one you already had.

Yeah, I think this was that illegal double dipping thing I read about here on the boards. It was so worth it to be a little bit naughty for this ride, though. I just can't get enough and want so badly to better my score!

The pictures on TOT had me

I know, K2 was never compliant with our pose choices. Such a rebel!

I'll have the Treasure Chest, please. That would fill my tummy really good right now.

Any of these treats look especially good right now.

 

[KatMark]

I LOVE the Star Tours ride, but it doesn't love me.

I don't think I've even ever gotten the racoon on TSM!

That umbrella is a great spot for getting fun pictures.

Can't wait to see who you meet at Animation.