First time at "home" resort--advice needed

[Fargoman2]

We will be at AKL Kidani in three weeks for a 10-night stay--our first as DVC members at our "home" resort. This will be a family affair that includes three children (21, 18 and 11), but my wife and I are also going to take some time to celebrate our 25th anniversary on this trip.

We've all been anticipating this trip for some time and I just want to make sure I do things right for everyone, especially my wife. I just hope we aren't expecting too much and will end up being let down because we over hyped it. (You know, like a great movie everyone raves about for months and when you see it you just have unrealistic expectations about how good it should be?)

In any event, any hints for making sure I do this "right?"
We will have a 1BR SV--any area or floor to ask for?
Is there any kind of "special touch" I can request for arrival, for example, so my wife feels extra special?
Any ideas in general to make sure I'm covering the right bases in prep for this trip? We know the parks well--this is our 10th trip, so we just need ideas to make the Kidani stay all that it can be. Thanks, in advance, for your wise advice!

 

[dianeschlicht]

We will be at AKL Kidani in three weeks for a 10-night stay--our first as DVC members at our "home" resort. This will be a family affair that includes three children (21, 18 and 11), but my wife and I are also going to take some time to celebrate our 25th anniversary on this trip.

We've all been anticipating this trip for some time and I just want to make sure I do things right for everyone, especially my wife. I just hope we aren't expecting too much and will end up being let down because we over hyped it. (You know, like a great movie everyone raves about for months and when you see it you just have unrealistic expectations about how good it should be?)

In any event, any hints for making sure I do this "right?"
We will have a 1BR SV--any area or floor to ask for?
Is there any kind of "special touch" I can request for arrival, for example, so my wife feels extra special?
Any ideas in general to make sure I'm covering the right bases in prep for this trip? We know the parks well--this is our 10th trip, so we just need ideas to make the Kidani stay all that it can be. Thanks, in advance, for your wise advice!

My first advice for a "special touch" is probably too late, because I would have reserved a 2 bedroom for 5 adults. I'm not sure how "special" it will be for that person who has to sleep on the pullout chair. It's VERY narrow, and really not comfortable for an adult sized person.

Since you are at AKV, I'd spring for the Wanyama safari at least for you and your spouse. If you can stand the cost, add the kids in too. I think it is currently at $170/person and includes a wonderful dinner at Jiko. If that's too rich for your blood, try just doing a dinner at Jiko for the two of you. I hear Sanaa is good too, but that one might be best with the whole family, and save your Jiko ressie as a special anniversary for just the two of you.

 

[LouisianaDisneyFan]

Here's a web page with "special" things you can do. We are planning on doing the Birthday Welcome for our son-in-law's 30th birthday in January (complete with personalized Mickey ears... LOL!). The DVC designs and Welcome Home packages can be done at any DVC resort.

http://www.disneyflorist.com/category/products/disney-vacation-club-designs/display

HTH! Evey =)

 

[disneynutz]

I'm selfish, I would have left the kids at home and ordered this package. http://www.disneyflorist.com/product/disneyfloralandgifts-waltdisneyworldflorist-Disney-Celebration-Romance-Mickey-Minnie-Anniversary-Engagement-Honeymoon-Rose/display

They decorate the room while you are out and about so the DW's surprise is priceless.

Bill

 

[JBx3]

I would book a dinner for 2 at Shula's or perhaps one of the higher end restaurants at Grand Floridian but only after she spent a few hours of Spa treatment at AKL. There are some DVC discounts available as well for the Spa

 

[schewy]

Me and my wife had a couples massage at AKV when we were there in May.
Another option you may consider is renting a boat at the Contemporary and going out on the lake at night. They have Captains that cruise the lake and you have drinks and chocolate strawberries. I would do this for my wife, but she is terrifed of water becuase she can't swim.
It is something special for the 25 anniversary.

 

[ToddyLu]

You could try to do an Illuminations Cruise. Or, and my brother did this for my Mother and his Wife, if you are planning to get to WDW in the earlier a.m., or even the following morning. Just gather her swimsuit and makeup, don't say a word and pull up to the Grand Floridian get her things out of the car and tell her to enjoy her day at the spa. They do have day packages with a nice lunch included.

I also love my Micky Mouse marcasite ring I purchased from QVC. It is expensive looking and would be a special gift. You can see it on their website. I wear mine all the time but I am a Disney Freak at 41. It would be really sweet to recieve that at the end of Wishes, "just because" you love her.

 

[Fargoman2]

Great ideas everyone...you've given me lots of great options to pursue/consider...

Now if Aug. 4 would just get here!!!

 

[Inkmahm]

My first advice for a "special touch" is probably too late, because I would have reserved a 2 bedroom for 5 adults. I'm not sure how "special" it will be for that person who has to sleep on the pullout chair. It's VERY narrow, and really not comfortable for an adult sized person.

Since you are at AKV, I'd spring for the Wanyama safari at least for you and your spouse. If you can stand the cost, add the kids in too. I think it is currently at $170/person and includes a wonderful dinner at Jiko. If that's too rich for your blood, try just doing a dinner at Jiko for the two of you. I hear Sanaa is good too, but that one might be best with the whole family, and save your Jiko ressie as a special anniversary for just the two of you.

I disagree about the pull out chair. My mom slept on that chair and thought it was great, more comfortable than a regular bed and definitely more comfortable than the pull out couch!

The safari is over $200 per person if you aren't staying concierge, isn't it? Still an excellent idea though.

What about having a dozen of red roses delivered to your room in advance for your wife?

 

[dianeschlicht]

I disagree about the pull out chair. My mom slept on that chair and thought it was great, more comfortable than a regular bed and definitely more comfortable than the pull out couch!

The safari is over $200 per person if you aren't staying concierge, isn't it? Still an excellent idea though.

What about having a dozen of red roses delivered to your room in advance for your wife?

No, they have dropped the price of the Wanyama safari and it's now the same price for everyone staying at the property. The current price is $170/person.

 

[Inkmahm]

No, they have dropped the price of the Wanyama safari and it's now the same price for everyone staying at the property. The current price is $170/person.

Thanks! I didn't know that. Hmmmm... I'll have to consider it for our March 2011 trip. We were going to do it again but I ended up giving up concierge because we are using RCI points from my inlaws for our villa. If the price is the same now whether we are staying concierge or not, I'll consider booking it afterall. Do you still need to book it through concierge staff?
edit: I used the email address I had from 2008 for concierge and was able to book the Wanyama safari for our extended family trip on Dec 10th! Yay! The price of $170 is good until the end of 2010.

 

[dgaston]

I'm not sure how "special" it will be for that person who has to sleep on the pullout chair. It's VERY narrow, and really not comfortable for an adult sized person.

I don't usually disagree with you Diane, but I am a Pooh-sized person, and slept very well on the Jambo pull-out chair. It was very comfy, and didn't feel too narrow for me at all.