Could the Dream Turn the Grump into a Believer? Charleston Update 10/13

[LilAnn]

Aw, your niece is so cute! The cakes are so pretty, did they taste good too? I love that she had her own special cake.

Love all the pictures of your room at AKL. I love exploring that hotel when we go to Boma. It's so pretty.

By the way, I read somewhere that you had joined the FB world, so I may need to try to find you the next time I go on. I'm sure we have some mutual Dis friends.

 

[pooh'smate]

You niece is just adorable. We are looking into renting points on our next trip and are having a hard time deciding between Beach Club and AKL. I think your pictures just swayed me over to AKL.

 

[petals]

I loled at your pool view through the trees!

 

[stace208]

Love the pictures of the sweet baby girl! It's so fun having a girl to get stuff for, isn't it??

AKL is so beautiful! We ate at Boma but didn't really take the time to walk around this time because we were trying to go to Fantasmic! that night. I am so excited to stay there in October.

You are right about going deluxe...we stayed at Wilderness Lodge our first time because we wanted bunk beds for the kids. When we started researching for our next trip, I was looking at moderates too. John looked and said right then there was no way we could do anything but deluxe...no arguing from me!! Of course, I would stay anywhere to get to go but if he was offering..

 

[jenseib]

Your Niece is sooo cute. I love that big bow headband too. That is the kind of stuff I liked to put on Claire back when she was folically challenged!

I'm loving your AKL pictures. I think you have helped me make up mind. I must get over to AKL at some point in my trip to just look around. I just have to figure out when I can work it in!

 

[kschafer]

your niece is so cute, can't believe it's been a year already! Nice cake too

Yay for arrival...boo for the rain washing out your Welcome to Disney arch picture

Your room is just beautiful! I love the baskets they put on the walls at AKL!

Can't wait to hear what's next

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Michelle, I am getting all caught up! Glad you liked the aquarium. I agree, it is nice but the price is horrible for just a few hours. I did like watching the beluga whales when we were there and the the whale shark. Those things are huge to be so harmless to humans.

We didn't do the World of Coke when we were there a few years ago but I wish we had. It looks like lots of fun. Tom would have enjoyed that.

Oh, I too fell in love with AKL! Isn't it just beautiful! We stayed at Jambo house as well. Our room was a standard view, but............................

I will keep you wondering what we got!!! Sure hope to get my trip started tomorrow or Saturday at the latest. Dang work keeps getting in my way!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Michelle, I am getting all caught up! Glad you liked the aquarium. I agree, it is nice but the price is horrible for just a few hours. I did like watching the beluga whales when we were there and the the whale shark. Those things are huge to be so harmless to humans.

We didn't do the World of Coke when we were there a few years ago but I wish we had. It looks like lots of fun. Tom would have enjoyed that.

Oh, I too fell in love with AKL! Isn't it just beautiful! We stayed at Jambo house as well. Our room was a standard view, but............................

I will keep you wondering what we got!!! Sure hope to get my trip started tomorrow or Saturday at the latest. Dang work keeps getting in my way!

Oh Erika! Leaving us hanging and me going to a ball tournament over the weekend! No fair! I have to keep watching my phone for your TR to start!!!

 

[UGAFan0829]

Hi, Michelle! I'm just joining in, so I wanted to say hello!

I have to say that I'm sorry that your hubby is a resister!! But I am glad that you were able to convince him to take this trip! I'm loving every minute of it!!

It's very cool to know that your DH is such a big Braves fan!! I loved seeing all the pics from Atlanta. We live about 45 minutes north of the city, but hardly ever go there unless just driving through. In fact, we've never been to the aquarium, or the World of Coke, though we keep saying that we're going to one day. We have to been to a couple Braves games though!!

Anyway...I am really loving your report!! You have a beautiful family...and your sons are very handsome and sound like they are great kids! I can't wait to hear about the rest of the trip!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Aaw love the pics of your little niece Michelle! She is such a cutie!

Wow at 2 months not being enough time to get a cake made! Both the little and big cake looks delish!

Yay on being on the road for 7.30 - that's still not bad. If your boys are anything like my brothers they can take their time getting out of bed!!

Oh no on it raining but am glad that did not put a dampner on your arrival. Love, love, love the pics of AKL and your room - can't wait to visit the resort.

Them chairs sure look inviting. Lol at the pics of the animal's backside!

Woohoo on making a breakthrough with Don!! I wonder if you mentioned AKL he may be tempted to return sometime soon

My boys rarely get out of bed before 10 in the summer, with Justin it's usually closer to noon. They don't get in a hurry to get up unless they are super excited about something!

The rain was a bummer and it had put me in a bit of bad mood until we got there. Once I walked through the doors at AKL though the bad mood melted away!

Your niece is adorable!

I understand about getting on the road early....rarely happens at my house either.

Your room looks beautiful as does AKL. I'm hoping to visit AKL when we are there in July. I've never been there!

If you can make time definitely visit AKL, it's lovely!

Your niece is just adorable! I can tell you really enjoy having a little girl in the family to dote on. Her cake was really awesome too!

AKL looks very inviting. I could see how someone could become a deluxe snob staying there. We are staying at a moderate this year for the first time and I have a feeling I might get a little spoiled too.

I'm so glad that Don liked the resort. It's sounding very promising for him. He liked the cruise.... he liked the resort.... this is good!

I LOVE having a little girl in the family. Being the only girl probably means that she's going to be ridiculously spoiled though

I had hesitated to stay deluxe because I know myself and I knew that I ran the risk of becoming a deluxe snob, I hope I can get over it! Have you said where you are staying yet? Did I forget already? I hate getting old

I loved your AK pics. We are staying there before our cruise in September. Can't wait to see more!

You'll love AKL, AND the cruise!!

Great pics of AKL, Michelle. I am getting more and more excited to stay there in two months. I hope that perhaps a little "magic" rubbed off on Don with your stay there.

Your nice is absolutely precious. What a cutie on her first birthday!

And back to Greg Maddux for a minute. He was drafted by the Cubs and played there before going to Atlanta; then he came back to the Cubs after Atlanta and then went to LA and San Diego at the end of his career.

Don would love Wrigley Field. It is a very old park, but it has a great atmosphere. It's one of the few things I like about living in Chicago.

CSR might get a little competition from AKL in your heart, just sayin'........

I think the fact the Wrigley Field is older is part of what really appeals to Don, lots of history there!

Oh my goodness, that niece of yours is so stinkin' adorable!!! Was the cake as tasty as it looked? I'm in charge of ordering a birthday cake for a double celebration on our Christmas trip...
I wonder how much notice I'll need to give them?

Jambo is the one DVC, WDW resort we have not stayed at, we were at Kidani a couple of years ago, so I think I'll call tomorrow and see if we can switch over after the big kids go home at Christmas and we leave the big villa at OKW, Jambo might be just the place for us if they have some availability. I'm pretty sure we are renting a car and I know I want a car if we are staying over there, it's kind of far away from the parks...
OK, I'm rambling!

To answer your question, we leave Friday for Baylor's state baseball tournament. It's not too far away, but far enough that we need to stay away from home and take the dogs to the kennel again.

Isn't she cute?! Personally I think she looks like I did when I was a baby

Better order that cake when you're there in October

Good luck to Baylor! We leave Tuesday for Iowa for Jared's big end of season tournament. Justin is staying home because his state tournament starts on Wednesday.

 

[SoonerGirl]

Your niece is just precious and, wow, that cake looks spectacular!

Even in the rain, that welcome sign is a great view!

AKL is such a pretty resort. And I am afraid you are right...when the deluxe bug bites, it is very tough to go back.

Hoping it made a dent in the armor!!

She's a sweetie for sure!

Yes, I'll take WDW, even in the rain, such a great place to be!

I've afraid you may be right about the deluxe bug. And it definitely bit

All caught up. Great updates and I was so happy to vicariously visit the Coke Museum. Something else I'm going to have to think about adding to my bucketlist.

And your niece is 1 year old now? Wow! Where did that year go? She's so cute.

I love your pictures at AKL. Your room looks great. Waiting for more...

Well just add Atlanta to your next trip itinerary when you are in the states!

I know! Crazy that she is a year old already! I'm sure you all remember me posting a billion newborn pictures of her in my last TR!

Your niece is so precious in her little birthday outfit!!! That cake looks delicious, but I am surprised two months was barely enough time to place the order!

Yeah, I can never get my gang moving super early to leave for Florida, either.

Oh, Animal Kingdom Lodge, how I love thee!!! Thanks for the photo tour! I would love to be in one of those rocking chairs right now!

She has the cutest little clothes! I think we've all waited for a girl for so long that everyone tends to go a bit overboard with the bows and sparkle. It's sooooo hard to resist though!

These people just don't seem to realize that sleep is waaaay overrated - especially when Disney is waiting for you

Those rocking chairs were a great place to relax and take a load off. They provided a great view too!

Yeah we've made it to the happy place.
I just love AKL. It is one of those places that no matter how many times I walk in the lobby....I still am amazed.
We are staying at Kidani in January....can't wait!

AKL is just breathtaking isn't it?

Ok, I noticed your ticker on the January trip.....are you attempting the half marathon too or just Eric? I'm not even sure I could run a 5K, let alone a half

But Anita, it is the BEST kind of rambling!!!! So much fun!

We loved the Jambo house DVC studio, really felt spacious... more so than a few others... not sure why? We had our car, I agree it is far, but I think they pay more attention to that fact with the busses...

SOO SOO pretty! And we were able to get a room at the last minute there in Jambo house...

MICHELLE!!! I was just there!!!!! Okay, now I will be SO fabulous! The kids really love AKL. I have to say it is really vying for my favorite resort... The Kidani side is really nice too, Personally I like that kid splash area best! One of the best on property... I completely understand once you do Deluxe it is hard to go back!!! LOL!

Yep, it's good rambling for sure!

AKL is a bit farther away, but that sort of helps the laid back relaxed feel of it, ya know? I think I would like to have a car when staying there though.

My boys loved AKL too, we were all wishing we had a few more days there for sure! We never did have time to check out Kidani though

 

[SoonerGirl]

Aw, your niece is so cute! The cakes are so pretty, did they taste good too? I love that she had her own special cake.

Love all the pictures of your room at AKL. I love exploring that hotel when we go to Boma. It's so pretty.

By the way, I read somewhere that you had joined the FB world, so I may need to try to find you the next time I go on. I'm sure we have some mutual Dis friends.

The cake was really good. It's a good thing too, cause I doubt it was cheap. I like that she had her own little cake to dig into as well!

I did finally join FB! I'll PM you my info

You niece is just adorable. We are looking into renting points on our next trip and are having a hard time deciding between Beach Club and AKL. I think your pictures just swayed me over to AKL.

Well, I'll have some Beach Club pictures coming up that might sway you right back over there

I loled at your pool view through the trees!

It cracked me up too! I guess was a pool view, just not a lot of the pool.....

Love the pictures of the sweet baby girl! It's so fun having a girl to get stuff for, isn't it??

AKL is so beautiful! We ate at Boma but didn't really take the time to walk around this time because we were trying to go to Fantasmic! that night. I am so excited to stay there in October.

You are right about going deluxe...we stayed at Wilderness Lodge our first time because we wanted bunk beds for the kids. When we started researching for our next trip, I was looking at moderates too. John looked and said right then there was no way we could do anything but deluxe...no arguing from me!! Of course, I would stay anywhere to get to go but if he was offering..

I love being able to buy girl stuff - so much fun!

Have you stayed at AKL before or is October your first time? What are your dates? I'm trying to work out an October trip myself.....

Yay John is a deluxe snob too!

Your Niece is sooo cute. I love that big bow headband too. That is the kind of stuff I liked to put on Claire back when she was folically challenged!

I'm loving your AKL pictures. I think you have helped me make up mind. I must get over to AKL at some point in my trip to just look around. I just have to figure out when I can work it in!

My brother kept laughing that her bow was bigger than her head, I thought it was adorable though!

Yes, if you can work in AKL during your trip, do it! Your camera lens would love you for it

 

[SoonerGirl]

your niece is so cute, can't believe it's been a year already! Nice cake too

Yay for arrival...boo for the rain washing out your Welcome to Disney arch picture

Your room is just beautiful! I love the baskets they put on the walls at AKL!

Can't wait to hear what's next

It's crazy that she's a year old already isn't it?!

Stupid rain!

I loved the room, pictures don't really do it justice.

Michelle, I am getting all caught up! Glad you liked the aquarium. I agree, it is nice but the price is horrible for just a few hours. I did like watching the beluga whales when we were there and the the whale shark. Those things are huge to be so harmless to humans.

We didn't do the World of Coke when we were there a few years ago but I wish we had. It looks like lots of fun. Tom would have enjoyed that.

Oh, I too fell in love with AKL! Isn't it just beautiful! We stayed at Jambo house as well. Our room was a standard view, but............................

I will keep you wondering what we got!!! Sure hope to get my trip started tomorrow or Saturday at the latest. Dang work keeps getting in my way!

The whale sharks were so cool! And the fact that they are just adolescents and still that large is really amazing!

World of Coke was a lot of fun, I'm so glad we went.

You are such a tease!! All these tid bits that you are throwing out there.....you better get that TR started soon!

Oh Erika! Leaving us hanging and me going to a ball tournament over the weekend! No fair! I have to keep watching my phone for your TR to start!!!

I know, she's just trying to torture us, I'm sure of it

Hi, Michelle! I'm just joining in, so I wanted to say hello!

I have to say that I'm sorry that your hubby is a resister!! But I am glad that you were able to convince him to take this trip! I'm loving every minute of it!!

It's very cool to know that your DH is such a big Braves fan!! I loved seeing all the pics from Atlanta. We live about 45 minutes north of the city, but hardly ever go there unless just driving through. In fact, we've never been to the aquarium, or the World of Coke, though we keep saying that we're going to one day. We have to been to a couple Braves games though!!

Anyway...I am really loving your report!! You have a beautiful family...and your sons are very handsome and sound like they are great kids! I can't wait to hear about the rest of the trip!

Hi there! Thanks for joining in!

I'm sorry that he's a resister too!

What's funny about Don being a Braves fan is that he's never lived in Georgia or even anywhere near it! I guess when he was a kid they were one of the few teams that were on TV a lot and he just attached himself to them.

Thanks for the compliment on my boys, they are pretty good kids most of the time

 

[stace208]

Have you stayed at AKL before or is October your first time? What are your dates? I'm trying to work out an October trip myself.....

This will be our first time staying at AKL. We have visited twice but are really excited to stay there. We won't have a car though. This trip is so short that John agreed to fly.

Our dates are Friday 10/21 to Tuesday 10/25. We are after the big bunch of DISers. We are missing Anita and crew by 1 day and MeMom I think by a day or two. Boo!

I hope you can work out a trip!

 

[SoonerGirl]

This will be our first time staying at AKL. We have visited twice but are really excited to stay there. We won't have a car though. This trip is so short that John agreed to fly.

Our dates are Friday 10/21 to Tuesday 10/25. We are after the big bunch of DISers. We are missing Anita and crew by 1 day and MeMom I think by a day or two. Boo!

I hope you can work out a trip!

You'll love AKL, even without a car

I may have something worked out.......

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Absolutely loving your TR! We had the pleasure of staying at AKL for 10 whole days this past December for the the 2st time aver, so I know EXACTLY what you mean by you may not ever be able to stay at a moderate again! It by far had the most relaxing atmosphere of any resort I have stayed at. My DS thought it was the coolest ever and wants to know when we can stay there again!

We are going on the Dream in April, so I can not wait to hear all about that portion of your trip!

 

[cherokeemamma]

Hi Michelle!
Great to find you and your TR! I can't believe it but I have sat here and read the entire 15 pages! Great job...beautiful pictures!

I can hardly believe how big your kids are...and so handsome! However, mine are growing up just as quickly...makes me a bit sad. My son, Justin will be 17 this month and he graduates HS next May! I have been told it is a hard year for moms. My DD is almost 13! We are planning our first Disney cruise (well, first any cruise) in Feb. to celebrate. We are doing a 7 day Eastern Caribbean, on the Magic. We are super excited!
I have to ask you what type of DSLR do you use? I have a Nikon D50 (it's old) and I really want an upgrade.
So glad you had a great visit in Atlanta...I live about an hour east. So, the next time you are in town (or driving through) we will have to do a DisMeet! I went to the Aquarium for the first time early this year. I really enjoyed it but totally agree...it is very expensive.
I am so excited that you are now a Disney Destination Specialist...were you already a TA or is this a totally new adventure? I would love to hear all about that.
Looking forward to the rest of your report.

TTFN
Darlene

 

[wigdoutdismom]

You'll love AKL, even without a car

I may have something worked out.......

This will be our first time staying at AKL. We have visited twice but are really excited to stay there. We won't have a car though. This trip is so short that John agreed to fly.

Our dates are Friday 10/21 to Tuesday 10/25. We are after the big bunch of DISers. We are missing Anita and crew by 1 day and MeMom I think by a day or two. Boo!

I hope you can work out a trip!

Stacy, you will survive without a car. I just really like having one... After our stay at Kidani a couple of years ago I just said never again... Remember the steps contest?

 

[SoonerGirl]

Absolutely loving your TR! We had the pleasure of staying at AKL for 10 whole days this past December for the the 2st time aver, so I know EXACTLY what you mean by you may not ever be able to stay at a moderate again! It by far had the most relaxing atmosphere of any resort I have stayed at. My DS thought it was the coolest ever and wants to know when we can stay there again!

We are going on the Dream in April, so I can not wait to hear all about that portion of your trip!

Hi there and welcome!! Thanks for posting!

Wow, 10 days at AKL, sounds heavenly It did feel so laid back and there were tons of places to just sit, relax and enjoy the scenery.

The Dream was awesome, I'm ready to go back now!

Hi Michelle!
Great to find you and your TR! I can't believe it but I have sat here and read the entire 15 pages! Great job...beautiful pictures!

I can hardly believe how big your kids are...and so handsome! However, mine are growing up just as quickly...makes me a bit sad. My son, Justin will be 17 this month and he graduates HS next May! I have been told it is a hard year for moms. My DD is almost 13! We are planning our first Disney cruise (well, first any cruise) in Feb. to celebrate. We are doing a 7 day Eastern Caribbean, on the Magic. We are super excited!
I have to ask you what type of DSLR do you use? I have a Nikon D50 (it's old) and I really want an upgrade.
So glad you had a great visit in Atlanta...I live about an hour east. So, the next time you are in town (or driving through) we will have to do a DisMeet! I went to the Aquarium for the first time early this year. I really enjoyed it but totally agree...it is very expensive.
I am so excited that you are now a Disney Destination Specialist...were you already a TA or is this a totally new adventure? I would love to hear all about that.
Looking forward to the rest of your report.

TTFN
Darlene

Hey Darlene!

Your Justin is graduating this next year? How does that happen so quickly? Before we know it our kids will be off to college and then we are going to have to figure out if we actually have lives without them

Nope, I wasn't a TA before, my degree is in accounting, so this is a whole new adventure for me. I'm liking it so far, the only part I don't like is trying to drum up business, I'm just not that great at selling myself. I'm great at the details and the organizational part of things, but I was never a marketer, so that part is challenging!

Stacy, you will survive without a car. I just really like having one... After our stay at Kidani a couple of years ago I just said never again... Remember the steps contest?

Yes! I remember the steps - that was nuts!

**************************

Anyone notice anything new in my signature...........

 

[kschafer]

Anyone notice anything new in my signature...........

3 words...I hate you! OK, I'm really just insanely jealous!! One of these days I'm going to be able to do one of these trips with all the fine girls I suspect you are joining!