Dreams come true...WDW 8/30-9/16

Jaycns... so glad to see another trip report! Little Sazzo and I are reading it and she says Stitch is still as handsome as ever! We are loving this...as you can see from our ticker we are staying at AKL CL in less than 2 weeks! We can't wait! We were planning on Little Sazzo doing loads of Lodge children's activities...your boys make it look so fun! We are also going to reread your CR trip report, because we are split staying our upcoming trip with CR as well!

Congratulations! Enjoy your "It's a BOY!"!:goodvibes Yea for you!

Your trip report is awesome...count Little Sazzo and me in as loyal readers!
 
WOW...did I have a lot to catch up on!!!!! Well, let's see. Your rooms were beautiful. Plus the view from your balcony was breathtaking! Happy Anniversary!! Your safari must have been an outstanding treat for the two of you. LaNouba...I agree that you cannot adequately describe the show! You just need to see it!

IT'S A BOY!!!! :yay: How wonderful! As mothers of 3 boys, you & I know there is a greater plan than the one we have for ourselves! Bless you & baby boy!

Sure looks like the guys enjoyed the time at the pool!

Enjoying your terrific report!
 
You're realy making me want to stay at the animal kingdom lodge! :yay:
 
Here's for hoping that you can talk dh into returning to WDW sooner rather then later!:thumbsup2 I have a few friends who don't get 'Ohana at all. They say it's just loud and chaotic. I think a lot of it may have to do with your server. If they are great and welcoming and keep you feeling as if you are a part of what is going on vs. just in a huge loud room, you have a better time. Then again, I can see how 'Ohana just wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea no matter what. Have you tried the Kona Cafe? YUM (double YUM) and a bit more relaxed then 'Ohana!! :)


I haven't tried Kona and would really like to! I definitely think our "eh" experience at 'Ohana was because of our "eh" servers - no leis, no Happy Anniversary to my cousin and her DH even though it was on the ADR and confirmed at check in...just no magic!!
 

It's a boy!! Congrats. I just read the whole TR. Subscribing. Such handsome I almost put beautiful boys.
 
Hi ya Jay!!!! Loving your TR so far!!! You are the luckiest person that I know - Disney vacations all the time - you should become a DVC member!

Hope you are doing well!!! Looking forward to reading the rest!
 
What an amazing trip report and you're not even half-way done! :faint: I'm sitting here with my mouth hanging open in awe of your trip so far. :cloud9: The Wanyama Safari looks and sounds wonderful! What an excellent way to celebrate your anniversary! Plus LaNouba?! WOW! You guys know how to do it right! :thumbsup2 The boys look so happy just hanging out at AKL. I can't think of a better resort to do that in WDW. The activities are plentiful and everyone is so nice. You are really making me want to go back and stay there, Jay! Congratulations on another son! :hug: I'm so happy for you! This trip is just what you needed. I hope you are doing well now that you are home. I'm looking forward to reading more!

Take care,
Michelle
 
Wow. how neat that they left you gifts. You really do get treated well when staying concierge!
I think it might still be all the luck of the draw type thing. We have stayed concierge before without the special treatment. I think it all depends on how busy they are and which cast member is helping you and how their day is going ;). However, I must say that at AKL, we didn't run into a single CM who didn't treat us magically.

I am so staying at AKL the next time I go to Disney!!!!
It's such a wonderful place! A true destination unto itself!

Great updates! Can't wait to read about the Pirate and Princess Party. pirate:
It was a great night! I am working on that update right now. However off topic this may be, I just have to ask, have you had any bubble tea lately? I thought of you while I was at EPCOT and debated getting a cup. I chose to skip it this time with my morning sick feeling tummy. I consoled myself that you said it wasn't the best there anyway. ;) Next time I am in the China Town area, I am going to track down a cup!

This picture of your son is so neat. I love the way he is smiling in the water. How nice of concierge to leave the gifts for your anniversary. They must have thought a lot of you and your family. Looking forward to reading about the Pirate and Princess Party and much more.
I think they were just such sweet people. It seems like every CM at AKL was really working hard to make everyone's stay feel magical.

Jaycns... so glad to see another trip report! Little Sazzo and I are reading it and she says Stitch is still as handsome as ever! We are loving this...as you can see from our ticker we are staying at AKL CL in less than 2 weeks! We can't wait! We were planning on Little Sazzo doing loads of Lodge children's activities...your boys make it look so fun! We are also going to reread your CR trip report, because we are split staying our upcoming trip with CR as well!

Congratulations! Enjoy your "It's a BOY!"!:goodvibes Yea for you!

Your trip report is awesome...count Little Sazzo and me in as loyal readers!
:yay: HELLO LIL' SAZZO!! :yay: Less then 2 weeks?! Oh my goodness! You will have such fun! Make sure you fit in as much of the lodge stuff as you can. It's so much fun!

My only problem now is my debate between AKL and the CR. ;) I love them both dearly I (how strange when they are each so very different from the other). Make sure to try the African Smoothie juice in the lounge. My boys (big and little) rave about it.

WOW...did I have a lot to catch up on!!!!! Well, let's see. Your rooms were beautiful. Plus the view from your balcony was breathtaking! Happy Anniversary!! Your safari must have been an outstanding treat for the two of you. LaNouba...I agree that you cannot adequately describe the show! You just need to see it!

IT'S A BOY!!!! :yay: How wonderful! As mothers of 3 boys, you & I know there is a greater plan than the one we have for ourselves! Bless you & baby boy!

Sure looks like the guys enjoyed the time at the pool!

Enjoying your terrific report!
I thought about trying to describe LaNouba and I even started to write something about it...but I ended up going back and taking it out because it really didn't do the show justice. Nor did it make any sense (sort of like the show :lmao: ). I am so very glad I saw it for myself. My favorites were the trampoline/building climbing and the bikes. Then again, those little girls with hoops, the acrobats...it's too hard to chose!!

You're realy making me want to stay at the animal kingdom lodge! :yay:
I am making myself want to go back. Do you think the family would notice if I slipped away back there for a few days?! ;)

I haven't tried Kona and would really like to! I definitely think our "eh" experience at 'Ohana was because of our "eh" servers - no leis, no Happy Anniversary to my cousin and her DH even though it was on the ADR and confirmed at check in...just no magic!!
I think it's those little things they skipped (your server) that really brings the magic alive. If you liked the food, you might want to give it one more shot. At least for my family, with a good server, 'Ohana rocks! I will have a review of Kona later in the trip report! But once again...YUM!

It's a boy!! Congrats. I just read the whole TR. Subscribing. Such handsome I almost put beautiful boys.
Why thanks! We are sort of partial to them! ;)

Hi ya Jay!!!! Loving your TR so far!!! You are the luckiest person that I know - Disney vacations all the time - you should become a DVC member!

Hope you are doing well!!! Looking forward to reading the rest!
Cy!!! It's great to see you! I know I am a very blessed gal. Life without Disney trips would be a lot less fun! :upsidedow

What an amazing trip report and you're not even half-way done! :faint: I'm sitting here with my mouth hanging open in awe of your trip so far. :cloud9: The Wanyama Safari looks and sounds wonderful! What an excellent way to celebrate your anniversary! Plus LaNouba?! WOW! You guys know how to do it right! :thumbsup2 The boys look so happy just hanging out at AKL. I can't think of a better resort to do that in WDW. The activities are plentiful and everyone is so nice. You are really making me want to go back and stay there, Jay! Congratulations on another son! :hug: I'm so happy for you! This trip is just what you needed. I hope you are doing well now that you are home. I'm looking forward to reading more!

Take care,
Michelle
HA HA HA...it's your trip reports that make my mouth hang open!! I love the special treats you guys plan (your Christmas Eve Victoria and Albert's meal, your Grand 1 cruise and so many other things). Yours is one of the trip reports that convinced me I "needed" a holiday visit to WDW!!

I am still doing pretty well. About 3 weeks before our trip my health improved a bit (other then the stress related stuff). Thankfully, it has continued to "hold out" so far. I am even more thankful for that then my Disney trips...so that tells you a lot! :goodvibes

Thanks for the congrats Michelle!! You were one of the first DISers that knew about our little munchkin-to-be!! :)

It's a boy!!! :cool1:

Congratulations!:thumbsup2
THANK YOU! As you can probably tell, we are very excited to meet him! "Stitch" routinely kisses my stomach (the baby) throughout the day, "Goofy" is making art for the baby and "Aladdin" is being a great helper in shopping for baby stuff. He used some of his own money to buy the baby a plush little soccer ball. I was really touched by that. Anyway, THANK YOU again!
 
Before we changed out of our swimsuits, we wanted to go up and thank the concierge for the surprise anniversary gifts and grab a few drinks to sip as we got ready. So...up we went. As we were getting on to the elevators another guest stopped us and asked me if I was on the C-I-S board. I had NO idea what she was talking about. I must have looked a bit shocked, but I told them no. I thought they might have been asking for some sort of computer person or a switchboard person at AKL. I really couldn't figure out how me in my swimsuit and cover-up looked like that! :rotfl: :lmao: :rotfl2:

As we got into the elevator I asked dh what he thought that could stand for (C-I-S) and he just looked at me like I was nuts. ;) We both figured it was some sort of CM position and I forgot about it until we returned from our trip.

It was then that SNEEZIE posted this to me on a planning thread:
"Originally Posted by Sneezie
Jaycns, I don't know if you remember this but one day as you were getting on to the elevator at AKL, two "voluptuous" black women were getting off and one of them asked you if you posted on the D-I-S board!

I recognized your oldest son and your husband from the pictures in your last trip report - I'd recently read it. When I stepped off of the elevator and saw your son, I was stunned - It's like I'd been knowing him all my life. I told him "Hi" like he and I were old friends. Unfortunately, he didn't recognize me and actually looked at me like I was kind of crazy! When I saw you and asked if you were on the D-I-S board and you said no, I was totally shocked. I kept telling my sister, "that woman is on the D-I-S board, I know she is. I'm not crazy. Actually, for a while I was beginning to doubt my own eyes.

I met with GlendaMax a few days later at the Mara and was telling her the story and she told me that I should have said the Dis-boards. That maybe you didn't recognize the name. I didn't realize I'd been calling the board the wrong thing all this time. I wonder what else I've been saying wrong. How do you pronouce taboulleh, chipotle, and the name Ian?

Anyway, when I got back home I looked up all of the trip report that I'd recently read and yep, I found yours. And when I saw your timeline and resort I knew it was you!

I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to officially meet. But I just want to relieve your mind... the crazy black lady in the elevator was none other than Sneezie!!!!"

I laughed so hard when I realized what a fool I had been. Somehow I had heard "C-I-S" and she had said "D-I-S". See I am SOOOO bad at DIS meets! :rotfl: Someone should put out a guide! Hmmm...or maybe she just should have done the Focker eye thing at me. ;):rotfl:

We made it up to the lounge and thanked the concierge, grabbed our drinks and went back down to the room and our transformations into pirates and a prince began!!

At about 4:00 PM we were finally ready to go. We hopped into our van and headed off to our first park of the trip, the Magic Kingdom!!!

To be continued...
 
Before we changed out of our swimsuits, we wanted to go up and thank the concierge for the surprise anniversary gifts and grab a few drinks to sip as we got ready. So...up we went. As we were getting on to the elevators another guest stopped us and asked me if I was on the C-I-S board. I had NO idea what she was talking about. I must have looked a bit shocked, but I told them no. I thought they might have been asking for some sort of computer person or a switchboard person at AKL. I really couldn't figure out how me in my swimsuit and cover-up looked like that! :rotfl: :lmao: :rotfl2:

As we got into the elevator I asked dh what he thought that could stand for (C-I-S) and he just looked at me like I was nuts. ;) We both figured it was some sort of CM position and I forgot about it until we returned from our trip.

It was then that SNEEZIE posted this to me on a planning thread:
"Originally Posted by Sneezie
Jaycns, I don't know if you remember this but one day as you were getting on to the elevator at AKL, two "voluptuous" black women were getting off and one of them asked you if you posted on the D-I-S board!

I recognized your oldest son and your husband from the pictures in your last trip report - I'd recently read it. When I stepped off of the elevator and saw your son, I was stunned - It's like I'd been knowing him all my life. I told him "Hi" like he and I were old friends. Unfortunately, he didn't recognize me and actually looked at me like I was kind of crazy! When I saw you and asked if you were on the D-I-S board and you said no, I was totally shocked. I kept telling my sister, "that woman is on the D-I-S board, I know she is. I'm not crazy. Actually, for a while I was beginning to doubt my own eyes.

I met with GlendaMax a few days later at the Mara and was telling her the story and she told me that I should have said the Dis-boards. That maybe you didn't recognize the name. I didn't realize I'd been calling the board the wrong thing all this time. I wonder what else I've been saying wrong. How do you pronouce taboulleh, chipotle, and the name Ian?

Anyway, when I got back home I looked up all of the trip report that I'd recently read and yep, I found yours. And when I saw your timeline and resort I knew it was you!

I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to officially meet. But I just want to relieve your mind... the crazy black lady in the elevator was none other than Sneezie!!!!"

I laughed so hard when I realized what a fool I had been. Somehow I had heard "C-I-S" and she had said "D-I-S". See I am SOOOO bad at DIS meets! :rotfl: Someone should put out a guide! Hmmm...or maybe she just should have done the Focker eye thing at me. ;):rotfl:

We made it up to the lounge and thanked the concierge, grabbed our drinks and went back down to the room and our transformations into pirates and a prince began!!

At about 4:00 PM we were finally ready to go. We hopped into our van and headed off to our first park of the trip, the Magic Kingdom!!!

To be continued...

:rotfl2: Too funny! I would have been :confused: too if somebody had said C-I-S boards. I just say the name like DIZ boards.
 

:rotfl2: Too funny! I would have been :confused: too if somebody had said C-I-S boards. I just say the name like DIZ boards.
Sneezie didn't say C-I-S boards...that was only me hearing her wrong.:lmao: She said D-I-S board...however, I always think of it as the DIS boards so I didn't even start to reconize it by the intitals (which I misheard anyways). I am a flake! :rotfl: :lmao: :rotfl2:
 
Finally...we pulled into the Magic Kingdom parking lot (in the AAA lot, right next to the handicap lot). It's a LOT closer then the regular parking...however, it's still not "close".

As we made our way in we were each given a bracelet and a small black velvet bag in which to collect our loot that night. We stowed the bags in our day bag planning to have a lot of "regular" MK fun before the party was to begin.

Our first "park picture":
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And our first character meeting! We were heading into Adventureland when we saw Timon and Rafiki. With only one family in front of us, we were hugging our jungle pals in just a few minutes!
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In case you cannot tell from the picture you are looking at four pirates and a prince. Dh, myself, "Aladdin" and "Stitch" went as pirates. "Goofy" went back and forth for days over what he wanted to be. "Aladdin" found an Aladdin costume at MK about 4 years ago. He wore that thing for every Halloween party, trick-or-treat outing or harvest fest for two years in a row. Well, "Goofy" wanted to wear it, but he was unsure about being a prince at a Pirate and Princess party. He kept saying nobody would be a prince, but I could tell that he really wanted to wear the costume he had seen his big brother so proudly wear before.

Enough back story, but it does bear note that he was nervous about his costume choice. In fact, we had his pirate get up in the van "just in case". This fact will make what comes next (and what comes a bit later on as well) all the more awesome for him!

Since we had Prince Ali with us, we thought our very first ride should be the flying carpets...so we hopped on...with NO wait!
Disney07144.jpg


After flying around (and getting spit on by a camel which "Stitch" in all of his evil genius flew me straight into and ducked himself) Aagraba, we found the real Aladdin and his pal, Genie just a few steps away.

This was a great character meet! "Goofy" in his Prince Ali get up was a huge hit with Aladdin and Genie! They made such a big deal out of him and he was smiling so big I thought his cheeks might break!

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Aladdin went on and on about how great his costume was and how happy he was to meet the real Prince Ali and how he was needing to go and feed Abu and would "Goofy" please fill in for him.:lmao:


The topper (for "Goofy") came when Aladdin asked Genie if he would step out of the picture so that he and Prince Ali could do a special shot together! Genie obliged...after motioning that he thought "Goofy" was dressed very nicely too!
Disney07140.jpg


Aladdin taught "Goofy" a special, princely power pose.
Disney07143.jpg


If "Goofy" had ever doubted his choice of costume, that time was long gone now!! :)

Dressed as pirates the rest of us were itching to get to Pirates of the Caribbean! We were happily surprised to find no wait at one of our favorite rides. After riding we did a bit of shopping in the PoTC store and had the items sent back to our resort. **I love that feature. If you are staying on site TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT!! No lugging your purchases around all day/night! It's a great benefit, especially for the price...it's free!!**

After the ride it was time for another character meet. Captain Hook and Mr. Smee tried to press our little pirates into service. Lucky for them they were able to get away so that they could enjoy the night instead of become indentured sea hands on a pirate ship.
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It was good for them that they were able to enjoy the rest of the evening with us! Within the next 45 minutes we were able to take a ride on the Jungle Cruise and we just made the final showing of the Tiki Birds that night. After having done EVERYTHING in Adventureland we took leave of one of our favorite areas in the park and headed over to Tomorrowland. Our first stop was at Cosmic Ray's. It was time to eat once again. *oink oink*

Now let me just clarify, I was a mushroom lover even before becoming pregnant but since then, I have been a huge mushroom hog. I went hog wild (ha ha ha) at the topping bar. I took enough mushrooms that I couldn't even see my burger beneath them!! Triple yum!

The boys enjoyed having chicken strips and a hot dog ("Aladdin" got to order off of the adult menu...why are hot dogs not on the kid's menu?!). Dh had a chili cheese dog. Nothing fancy at this meal (unless my mound of mushrooms qualified ;) ) but it was good eating!

Upon finishing up we heard some Hannah Montana music coming from the small stage area so we drifted over. It turned out to be a DJ starting the party early!! Lilo and Stitch were there dancing with everyone. Of course, the boys had to jump right in!

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With the P&P party just about to start we made our way over to Fantasyland and...

To be continued...
 
What a special moment for your little Goofy. He must have really loved all the special attention he got from Aladdin. He will always remember that!
 
This was a great character meet! "Goofy" in his Prince Ali get up was a huge hit with Aladdin and Genie! They made such a big deal out of him and he was smiling so big I thought his cheeks might break!

Aladdin taught "Goofy" a special, princely power pose.
Disney07143.jpg


If "Goofy" had ever doubted his choice of costume, that time was long gone now!! :)

How cool! Don't you love it when things work out!
 
Awesome start to the P&PP! You ALL look GREAT!:thumbsup2 Little Sazzo and I went to the P&PP on 8/31, I hope you all loved it like we did!;)
 
I am really enjoying your trip report. I have a sort of off-topc question: how did your boys do with the crocs? I have read that many people think these are the most comfortable shoes to wear for all the walking at Disney, and although we all have Crocs we don't wear them much at home. Debating whether to take them on our upcoming trip . . .
 
What a special moment for your little Goofy. He must have really loved all the special attention he got from Aladdin. He will always remember that!
He did love it. He was pretty shy about the attention at first...but we could tell he was really basking in the attention. ;) He ended up having such a good time that night. I hope he never forgets...and I don't think he will.
How cool! Don't you love it when things work out!
Yes, in fact, I do! :thumbsup2

Awesome start to the P&PP! You ALL look GREAT!:thumbsup2 Little Sazzo and I went to the P&PP on 8/31, I hope you all loved it like we did!;)
Did you guys dress up? And yes, we very much enjoyed it. It was one of the highlights of our trip!

OK - that's just not fair to keep us hanging like that! :hyper:

:lmao:
I wish I had a little smiley of a guy hanging by his fingertips. :lmao: :rotfl: :rotfl2: It would just fit! ;) I am starting the next installment right now. :)

I am really enjoying your trip report. I have a sort of off-topc question: how did your boys do with the crocs? I have read that many people think these are the most comfortable shoes to wear for all the walking at Disney, and although we all have Crocs we don't wear them much at home. Debating whether to take them on our upcoming trip . . .

TAKE THEM!!! My boys did so well in Crocs. So did I. They are wonderful shoes in the parks with one huge warning...they are slippery on wet surfaces. "Stitch" wiped out one night and smacked his head pretty hard and his Crocs were not old (he only had them for about a week before vacation) so the tread was not worn down. I really do think they are the most comfortable shoes to "do Disney" in. However, that whole slippery when wet thing is something to warn the kids about. Oh and make sure they know to lift their feet when getting on and off escalators...Crocs (or ANY soft soled shoe) can end up getting caught in the grooves and pull the shoe (and maybe worse, the foot) into the machinery. Also tell them to watch out for the sides of the elevators (same thing).

BUT...even with the cautions...I still think they are super comfy shoes and really are the best choice for all of the walking at WDW.
 
Can't wait for more! My daughter and I wait for your updates everyday, and it is making us even more excited for our trip!:goodvibes

I included you and the newest prince in my prayers last night.:hug:
 


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