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

[schmass]

Hi Kathy, I remember you from the CSR thread a few years ago (okay, maybe more than a few - I think we last stayed there in 2009!).

We LOVE the Boardwalk, scary clown pool and all. And we're staying at AKV for the first time in September.

My aunt and uncle have a place on Marco Island - we are still trying to make it down there to visit them. I hear it's wonderful!

 

[KatMark]

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.

You'll have to wait to find out.

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.

Our feelings exactly. We just want to move on and see what lies ahead.

Your arrival day looks nice and relaxing!

I think this will be perfect for Mark after the summer of baseball he has done (he has 24 games in the next four days ).

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

Trish, that's where I got confused. I thought your TR said that you were going in October. So you are there the later part of our trip at Disney and then at Marco. I hope we run into you (by the way...LOVE the CSR...have stayed there 10 times).

I am here!

Ann found me.

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.

I know....it breaks my heart. One of these days we are going to be there at the same time. Now that Mark is no longer with his company, we might be able to do different times of the year in the future without having to worry about a trade show.

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

Thanks; I'm very happy with our resort choices.

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

Thanks, Darla. I love relaxing at the AKL...it is so beautiful there.

Lovin the plans!!!!

Thanks Mo.

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

I always need a slushie, but you'll have to wait to find out.

 

[KatMark]

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.

Lisa, as disappointing as it is, Mark just wants to move on. He wants to cut all ties and just forget about the place.

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.

I've fit in quite a bit of relaxing on this trip as you'll see in future updates. Those giraffes will just make me beam from ear to ear.

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

Thanks, Connie. I think so too. I do love that tub at AKL.

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.

Thank you for the hug, Jill. Yes, peace of mind is what he needs now.

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

Jill in CO

There is no more elegant, beautiful animal to watch in my opinion.

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

I can't think of a more peaceful scenario.

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

As we get older, we like those relaxing days. Trust me, there are days that we will also go nonstop.

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!!!

Thanks, Jeanette. He deserves much more than that company did for years. But as far as we are concerned, it is in the past and we are moving on to better things. As much as we love AKL/Kidani, we LOVE OKW just as much. Your hubby will love it.

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.

Yes it is!

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

Coming up very shortly.

I am finally here and all caught up!

thanks for being here, Katie!

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

Yes; positive is the best medicine.

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.

I kind of like being away from everything, but then we always have a car, so it doesn't bother us. Yes, that creepy clown out my window or while I'm sitting on the balcony...NO THANK YOU!

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!

I think that is probably what will happen. After a long day of travel, getting the car, shopping, etc., Mark can swim and I'll take a bath.

 

[KatMark]

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

Thank you, Katie. If I don't see giraffes, they better be moving my room.

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

Sara is here.

Edited to add: All caught up!!

You didn't have much to catch up on...just started.

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

No way were we missing it.

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?

I don't know what they were thinking. I think someone was in the spiked kool-aid again.

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!

It really is. I slept better last night than I have in weeks (although that could be the meds I was taking since I am battling a summer cold).

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.

I am too; we've been looking at the Disney job site.

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.

I went back and forth on which resort to get the one bedroom at, but the tub at AKL was the deciding factor! Seriously? You didn't use the tub? Mary Ellen, you MUST do so on your next trip and stay there.

What a perfect first day!

Thank you.

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.

Thanks, Pat. And I hear you on the 1 bedroom. We had a studio in March and, although it was nice, I sure missed that bathroom.

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.

I totally agree. Even my company doesn't show the loyalty like they once used to.

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

I am sure we will.

sorry about the severance nonsense

Thanks.

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

I think so too. We arrive in time to go to a park, but we have to get groceries, get our AP's adjusted and eat. So I think staying at the resort is the best plan.

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.

AKL and OKW are our favorites, and the Boardwalk has creeped right up to #2. You would love the Boardwalk; I hope you can do it for your Mom's trip next year.

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

Add a cup of coffee or a nice pina colada--perfect!

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.

I saw the pictures! She looks great.

 

[KatMark]

Hi Kathy, I remember you from the CSR thread a few years ago (okay, maybe more than a few - I think we last stayed there in 2009!).

Thank you for joining. I remember you from that thread too. I think I gave it up in 2010 or 2011...probably 2011 when I started staying at DVC (although we did go back to CSR in 2012 for my husband's surprise 60th birthday trip).

We LOVE the Boardwalk, scary clown pool and all. And we're staying at AKV for the first time in September.

It really is a great resort. But I will stick with the quiet pool. LOVE AKV....so much to see and do.

My aunt and uncle have a place on Marco Island - we are still trying to make it down there to visit them. I hear it's wonderful!

It is beautiful. We go every August or September (our best friends who we met here on the DIS live in Naples so it is ideal).

 

[themommy]

So sorry to hear about the severance. Some companies bite! On to a better note...

Your hotels sound wonderful! I will stay at something above a moderate when we win the lottery. It would be so cool to walk out onto the balcony and see the animals.

Taking a long relaxing bath that first day sounds wonderful. Don't forget the bubbles!



delighted to have you (I think I've seen you on a few of the TR's I follow--mickeystoontown, alanrenfroe). Thanks for joining.

Thanks for the welcome and yes that would be me. I am also the grandma that found that singing Olaf in ashleymrush's TR. She told me I should check out some TR's and I think I am addicted now!

 

[KatMark]

We have arrived, are checked in and slept at AKL and seen my giraffes. What shall we do on our first full day at Disney World?

Sleep in! Well, if you call sleeping until 6:30 a.m. sleeping in. It takes me longer than Mark to get ready and he probably won't even shower this morning...just brush his teeth, etc. We will leave the resort around 7:30 a.m. to head to our first ADR of the trip.

And where might that be? Where they have the best coffee in all of Disney:



Mark and I will for sure each have one of these (and maybe even split a third):



Not sure what will be on the table as far as food, but everything there is good (although I don't care for the tonga toast).

After our breakfast, we are headed back to AKL where we will spend quite a bit of time at the pool and hot tub. No matter the temperature outside, my darling hubby loves his hot tub:



We will probably have a light snack or something at the pool for lunch (or I can run up to the room and bring something down with me).

I can't seem to find any of my daytime pool pictures, so here are a couple of the evening we spent at the pool with Avery and Cayley:





At some point, I'll be back on our balcony animal watching and then getting ready for our dinner ADR.

Around 5:45, we will get the car and head to our dinner ADR here:



Seriously, I was not kidding you in my current TR, the food at Olivia's is great and I now try to make an ADR there every trip.

After that, we are headed here:



















































We won't be seeing that opening show, but we will be there for EMH's. MK is open until 1 a.m. and I think Mark and I might just make it until the end.

My goal for FP+ that day (which, by the way, I can make this Monday) are for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train which Mark obviously hasn't been on yet, Jungle Cruise and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

I am sure we will hit several other favorites as well, have some popcorn and ice cream, and people watch. We love just seeing the little kids so excited being at the MK.

Up next, Day Two...a new ADR for us

 

[KatMark]

So sorry to hear about the severance. Some companies bite! On to a better note...

yes they do!

Your hotels sound wonderful! I will stay at something above a moderate when we win the lottery. It would be so cool to walk out onto the balcony and see the animals.

RENT points! It is the only way we are able to afford it (and it often comes out cheaper than a moderate!). It truly is special sitting out there and watching nature.

Taking a long relaxing bath that first day sounds wonderful. Don't forget the bubbles!

Thank you for the reminder. I must put that on my packing list.

Thanks for the welcome and yes that would be me. I am also the grandma that found that singing Olaf in ashleymrush's TR. She told me I should check out some TR's and I think I am addicted now!

The Grandma with the singing Olaf! Yes Yes Yes! you are the best grandma. I love reading about other people's trips...we each have our own favorites, perspectives, etc., and someone always has a helpful hint. Thank you again for joining.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Sounds like a lovely "sleep in" day. I agree with you 100% that Olivia's has great food. We had dinner there (we kept an eye out for you guys) and it was absolutely delicious.

 

[spiritsim]

Quote: Trish, that's where I got confused. I thought your TR said that you were going in October. So you are there the later part of our trip at Disney and then at Marco. I hope we run into you (by the way...LOVE the CSR...have stayed there 10 times).



When we started our ptr we were goinig in oct but we moved it up.........lol we have changed resorts like 3 times ......and even added on one day at AoA just recently.........sorry for the confusion.

 

[lsenquiz]

Subbing. Will catch up tonight.

 

[MonsterWDWmom]

Thats is an awesome first day! Good luck with your fastpasses!

 

[dizneeat]

Looks like I am VERY late to the party. Trying to catch up now. Sorry Kathy!

 

[GrammyJudy]

Boy am I late to this rotfl2:

I haven't been on he Dis much lately. Since I don't have a trip in the near future, it makes me sad. But I love your reports and will try to keep up. BTW I do try to think of a way to get down there before 2016.

So far your plans sound great and very relaxing.

 

[GrammyJudy]

Whoops forgot to subscribe

 

[JPFamilyMom]

Sounds like another nice relaxing day.
I never really used pm EMH before, until our last trip, my boys are 9 and 6 now and they kept me out all night, lol. We had never gone on so many rides in such a short time period, so I really love your plans to take it easy all day and then hit MK for PM EMH.
And two yummy meals planned, neither of which I've eaten at , really want to try Kona soon.

 

[Poolrat]

WOW a relaxing day 1 as well. Good for you!!!!!

I am sensing I will have a relaxing trip in Aug with the heat pool time will be a must!!!

Glad you are venturing out for EMH after 2 great meals.

 

[schmass]

Sounds like a great day! I'm jealous that you can stay out until 1am - even if I didn't have a baby with me, there's no way I could last that long...10pm is late for me!

 

[Chicago Mo]

Cannot beat a first day and relax Enjoy the resort! I was totally wrong no epcot for you! which means a mom rainy day!

People watching is one of my favorite past times. especially here in downtown!

Glad you guys are going to get some much needed rest after having a crappy year!

Maybe one day i can make it down there for lunch!

 

[that's nice]

Did you not just start this YESTERDAY and you are on page 6?????


EDIT Well I guess I saw it posted on FB yesterday, still page 6?????