Could this be our last trip to the World for awhile...Final Plans 9/11

[KatMark]

Hi Kathy all caught up !!! You know I arrive on Sept 25th, maybe we can meet , we are doing Planet Hollywood for supper that night n, I do belkieve , don'y have my motes with me and have been so busy planning Williamsburg this week !!! We had a really hard time getting ressie's that would work for us , which is why I went with PH, I think we are planning on seeing Piano Bob that night but again I have yo check it out . I sure hope Mark finds something soon or maybe just retire and collect the good old SS. If you did move to Florida , he could work at Dumbo , part time !!!!!!

Rosie, let me know when you know your firm plans. Right now we have a dinner planned for Thursday night at Epcot.

 

[KatMark]

Well, unfortunately, Mark's former company is not budging on the severance. We have decided to accept what they offered, as pitiful as it is, and not pursue an age discrimination. They could withdraw the offer if we do and if we lose (which it is 50/50 to go either way), we'd be no better off.

So we will take the money and Mark will start looking for a job after our trip.

So I can relax now (this has been stressing me out) and look forward to our trip and I might even add back in a signature restaurant.

So let's share those plans.

You already know the dates and the where we are staying.

As a recap, we arrive on Friday, September 19. We land in Orlando around 2:15 in the afternoon. I was able to get a pretty decent car rental price for our entire 16 days, so we will pick up our rental car (although I'll still be looking for a cheaper rate) and stop at a grocery store and get some things to have in the room (cereals, snacks, water, etc.). Then we will drive to Animal Kingdom Lodge and check in. By this time our room should be available:

Once we arrive in our room, the first thing I'll do is run to our balcony and see if we can see any of these:





We will probably then unpack and then hit Mara for some dinner as we probably won't have eaten since breakfast. After dinner, I am sure Mark will want to go here:


(ignore the dates on the picture...these were from our first stay at AKL)



I may or may not go to the pool with him. I may be sitting on my balcony watching these guys



or soaking in the awesome tub in the one bedroom villa that we have rented.

As of now, we have no plans to hit a park on our arrival day.

Up next, do we go to a park on our first full day at the World?

 

[WDWaddictt]

quote[Up next, do we go to a park on our first full day at the World?]quote

I am going to say Yes and I am going to guess Epcot.

I am glad your settlement is over, sorry it's not what you expected or deserve. It's pretty crappy what these companies can get away with. At least now you can put it behind you and look forward to the future.

Your arrival day looks nice and relaxing!

 

[spiritsim]

you know we will be there same time as you...we arrive sept23 and stay until oct 5 AoA the first night and CSR the rest in the BC. Somewhere maybe we can run into each other.....lol

 

[annmarieda]

I am here!

I know I have probably already whined enough about it... but I have to one more time. How sad is it that I will just again barely miss you??? We arrive on 10/1.

Your first day plans sound great! I love your resorts you are staying at!!

 

[ddstratton]

Sounds like a perfectly lovely first day! Just relaxing and enjoying the surroundings. I could go for a bit of that right about now...

 

[Chicago Mo]

Lovin the plans!!!!

can't wait to see all your pictures!!! I do believe Epcot will be your first day. your going to need a slushie!!!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Kathy, I'm sorry that the severance issue wasn't worked out to where it benefited Mark more. I think that ya'll made a wise decision in just accepting what they offered. Otherwise, it could have been a long drawn out process and you'd always wonder if it were worth it. At least this way, you can move on.

As far as the trip goes, I love your first day plans. Just relax and get settled in. I hope that you get to look out and see those pretty giraffes just waiting on you.

 

[oopsiDAISY]

WONDERFUL arrival day plans. Resting, relaxing, taking in the sights and sounds of AKL, soak in the tub, animal watching...

 

[jedijill]

on finally getting the severance worked out. I wish it was more but the peace of mind of being able to move on is worth it.

You first day looks great! I like nothing better than to sit out on the balcony watching the giraffes.

Jill in CO

 

[MonsterWDWmom]

AKL looks awesome, like you I could easily enjoy myself just watching animals from my own balcony!

Your first day seems very relaxed, that is the opposite of what my first day usually is! I think I will have to take some tips from you

 

[pas130]

Glad the severance issue is settled. Mark deserves much more I am sure, but I agree that I wouldn't have wanted to take the chance of having nothing PLUS having it resolved and the stress of it done is worth so much more I LOVE AKL/AKV!!!! DH said no to a change there as he really wants to try OKW, it's all good!!!

 

[annie170]

I'm so sorry that the severance deal was insulting, but at least you can put it behind you. Moving forward is always a good feeling.

What gorgeous views you'll have at AKL! I'm looking forward to reading more about your plans.

 

[Woth2982]

I am finally here and all caught up!

So sorry to hear about the severance. I believe better things are on the horizon for Mark. Just have to keep positive!

I also love AKL. I do not love how far away it feels from everything, but it is so pretty it is almost worth it! I agree with requesting a quiet view pool at BWV. I don't think I'd like that creepy clown staring in my window all night long.

Your arrival day plans sound very relaxing. Id definitely soak in that tub for a while if I were you. Having some "me" time sounds like a great way to start the trip!

 

[DWGal210]

An awesome first day!! Love it. Hope you do see those giraffes as you sit on your balcony!

 

[PrncessA]

I'm here! Now I need to go back and catch up!

Edited to add: All caught up!!

I am glad that you guys decided to keep the trip on!! So excited to hear all the details!

I have only saw pictures of the creepy clown pool, but I'm with you on not wanting to look at it out of my window!! What were they thinking?

Sorry that Mark's severance package was less than hoped and deserved, but having the issue over and done with I am sure is a weight off of both of your shoulders!

 

[MEK]

I am sorry that the severance issue did not work out closer to your expectations. That basically STINKS, but so glad you are ready to move on! I am sure this has got to be very difficult for Mark. I wish him the absolute best with the job search. I am a big believer in the old adage that things happen for a reason.

So jealous of the 1 BR! Total luxury. We only have that luxury when we invite people to travel with us, so it might be a while before we get a 2BR again. Can you believe I never used that wonderful tub when I was there in October.

What a perfect first day!

 

[Poolrat]

Oh Kathy your arrival day looks like heaven. I am so afraid to try a 1 bedroom because I feel I will be spoiled and can never go back to a studio.

I am glad the severance issue is behind you. It does STINK that companies just don't recognize longevity and loyalty anymore. I am glad it is not hanging over your heads anymore.

Whether resort or park I am sure you will make the most of your night.

 

[JPFamilyMom]

sorry about the severance nonsense

Loving your arrival day plans, sounds like a nice relaxing day

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Subbing in over here. Loving the plans. AKL is still one of my top choices. And I would love a Boardwalk stay-maybe for Mom's only trip in 2015.

Sitting on the balcony, watching the animals roam the savannah!!

Heading back over to the girls trip now. Catching up after the 1st of 2 trips to Philadelphia to bring my DD to her summer dance intensive.