Glennbo’s City, Sand, and Savanna PTR - TR Link (pg 73)

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Ahhh that's awesome!!!! I gotta say, we were at AKL during our past trip, and both DBF and I are REALLY tempted to stay there in the future. It really is absolutely gorgeous! You guys are going to have the best time!!

 

[Avery&Todd]

wow Glen!! those TRIPS you have planned sound AWESOME!!!!

I dont know how I could actually take off that much time from work for all those vacations...

but I'd sure as heck try!!!

 

[PrincessV]

Inside, the Resort features authentic African-inspired architecture and decorations, from hand-carved columns to intricate patterns that adorn the golden-tone furnishings. Tall floor lamps allude to tall, swaying trees, and ornate hanging fixtures appear to overflow with colorful flora and fauna. Thatched ceilings, a woven ceiling, real African artifacts and an arching window in the main lobby revealing the adjacent savanna surround you in the inimitable spirit of Africa.

Just outside the main building, sprawling wetlands border a picturesque landscape where thousands of indigenous African shrubs and grasses paint a picture reminiscent of the unspoiled grasslands of the Serengeti.”

Y'know, I was waffling a bit on Kidani as my pick for our summer trip (BTW, we check in right after you check out! Sing it with me now... It's a small world after all...), but you just sold me right back onto AKV!

Or find a quiet place to relax.

Sometimes quiet - on our Dec. trip, they had African drumming demonstrations in there in the hour or so after dinner. Don't get me wrong; it was really interesting and we enjoyed it, but it was WAY loud in that space and I'd have preferred a quiet sit by the fire.

...but that means no trip in 2013.

Oh yeah, sure - I think every one of us DVC folks says that every year!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Okay, get ready for the big reveal of the meaning of the final portion of my Pre-Trip Report title “Glennbo’s City, Sand, and Savanna PTR”: Savanna.

Hmmm...we know he'll be in Florida, and is a DVC owner. What could this possibly be?

Savanna, of course = Animal Kingdom Lodge, Kidani Village, our DVC home resort.

Never would have guessed!

To come home from the parks at night and be greeted by this sight.

And the beautiful lobby inside.

Wow...I'm ready to go right now! Nice pictures.

If you’re familiar with DVC points (or even if you’re not), you may be thinking “gee Glennbo, it sounds like you’re really burning through the points”, and you’d be right. The RCI trade to New York City + a few days in Vero Beach + and a week in a Savanna view 2-bedroom at Kidani is almost 3 years’ worth of points for us. With banking and borrowing, we can do it, but that means no trip in 2013.

As they say on the DVC threads…“they’re just points, right?”

Well, they are meant to be used, right? I mean, it's not a race to see who has the most left over at the end. Sounds to me like the trip will be worth it!

 

[phillyteamhater]

Question for you if you wouldn't mind. I am going down June 18-25 for my honeymoon. I am from Northeast/Central ("coal region" area if you ever heard that term) PA and we are getting married back there but we live in Virginia now, we are planning to fly out from Baltimore(since we have to head that way to get back home and rates are cheaper than Philly) and I noticed in your 2010 trip you flew out of Baltimore, I was just wondering how far in advance you booked the tickets? I like a flight right now that's $121 each way and didn't know if that price is more likely to drop or rise as our dates approach. Do you recommend the long-term lot on BWI campus for $8/day for parking? Thanks, this is only my 3rd trip to Disney and first on my own (other 2 were family trips as a kid & teen)and first for my future DH. We are so excited but looking for ways to save the most on the trip.

 

[glennbo123]

Some day for Vero, just not this time.

Some day. Well, you'll be eager for the TR then!

I don't think it was too bad. I remember 15 min to the Mk and I timed that one on purpose. My longest wait was 20 min- to Ak!!! For a 3 min ride.

See, that MK time is awesome. The AK one sounds like there must be a story in there.

Going to EPCOT resorts are a problem. I have learned to get off at the first stop whatever that is and walk. Much shorter. When doing a trip to one of those resorts, I always have a plan B and take which ever bus arrives first. Same for Monorail resorts, the TTC is my friend.

I don't know my way around the Epcot resorts very well....I'll have to remedy that with some 'xplorin'.

Yeah they did. I probably can't get one now if I tried.

On the bright side, they might be less in demand though.

I think you might be coming down with a case of addonitis.

Well, unfortunately I also have the cure....replacing a car I wasn't planning on replacing and impending tuition payments on the horizon.

Ooh! Parents only!

They did jump quite a bit didn't they!

I smell an add on!

They weren't really high on my list, so I was indifferent to the changes.

It really is, I mean outside of weather I can't possibly understand how it can happen. Between autopilot and sonar...mind boggling. Still, I could have killed him! She didn't blink an eye. Although at 15, I wouldn't have either, I'd be so focused on a summer of beach and bikini's and...maybe boys...that nothing else would even be heard!

I'd have been the same way too, except the "boys" part. And you know, bad stuff only happens to other people.

I see your ticker's updated, and has Vero on it.

Oh, the Savanna view and visiting with my buds the giraffes is so heavenly! The food choices, not so much. I love AKL, but I'm not sure if I want to stay there again because of the food and the distance to everything. I guess it's easier for us, because we own at SSR, so AKL is harder to get anyway I'm glad you are getting to follow your dream for your family, though! I keep wanting to try other resorts, but always end up back at SSR!

The food choices and proximity of counter service is definitely the biggest complaint I see on the boards. But it doesn't really affect us much...we'll use the kitchen for several meals, and cereal/pop-tarts/etc. are fine for breakfast.

I love how you can borrow at bank with DVC! I think that is one of the biggest benefits - it makes using your points so flexible.

I agree, it's one of the things that sold us on DVC. I don't think we'd have bought if we had to go every year, the same time each year, for the same length of time.

We will be banking and borrowing for our 2013 trip with our kids and grandkids - 10 of us.

That's gonna be great!

Ahhh that's awesome!!!! I gotta say, we were at AKL during our past trip, and both DBF and I are REALLY tempted to stay there in the future. It really is absolutely gorgeous! You guys are going to have the best time!!

I'm glad you got to spend some time there and liked it. I hope you get to stay there sometime soon.

wow Glen!! those TRIPS you have planned sound AWESOME!!!!

Thanks! I think you're right...it's going to be a great couple of weeks in June.

I dont know how I could actually take off that much time from work for all those vacations...

but I'd sure as heck try!!!

I'm busier in the early part of the month so from mid-June on, I can swing it. It'll be fun coming back to work though.

Y'know, I was waffling a bit on Kidani as my pick for our summer trip....but you just sold me right back onto AKV!

I'll bet Leo likes the water play area at Kidani. I think it'd be much more fun than the pool at Jambo.

(BTW, we check in right after you check out!

Nooooooo!

Sing it with me now... It's a small world after all...)

♪ ♪ ♫ It's a small world after all....it's a small, small, world. ♪ ♪ ♫

Sometimes quiet - on our Dec. trip, they had African drumming demonstrations in there in the hour or so after dinner. Don't get me wrong; it was really interesting and we enjoyed it, but it was WAY loud in that space and I'd have preferred a quiet sit by the fire.

Yowsah. If you think about it, those African drums were originally used to communicate across vast distances, from village to village. In a little, enclosed library...hearing loss!

Oh yeah, sure - I think every one of us DVC folks says that every year!

Hmmm, I'd have 34 points to splurge with!

 

[KatMark]

Although I already knew what the "Savanna" was, I was happy to read about it. As you know, we fell in love with Kidani last September and plan to spend our 30th wedding anniversary there in 2013 rather than do a cruise. The resort just pulls you in.

 

[eandesmom]

I'd have been the same way too, except the "boys" part. And you know, bad stuff only happens to other people.

I see your ticker's updated, and has Vero on it.

It has been updated! We are booked for 5 nights in a 1 bedroom and once we really sat down and crunched the dates, my ticker moved up earlier which is always a good thing. We even (if you can believe it) have reluctant agreement from Jeff's ex on the dates! Amazing how a super excited teen can negate any arguments that might have come up.

Heck, I'm the same way as K. The idea of 9 nights of beach, sun, cruise sounds pretty much like my idea of heaven right now. The E's have never had a beach vacation so it's going to be very very cool! They don't know yet though. Soon!

I will be looking to see how it works for you as we too will be sleeping 5 in it.

Once I finish the Alaska TR I will be starting a new PTR for it.

 

[vamassey1]

The "savanna" sounds great! I'm looking forward to more great photos from the resort and the animals. How many park days are you planning?

 

[glennbo123]

Hmmm...we know he'll be in Florida, and is a DVC owner. What could this possibly be?

I know you were racking your brain.

Never would have guessed!

Yep, believe it. It's true.

Wow...I'm ready to go right now! Nice pictures.

Well get on down there!

Thanks.

Well, they are meant to be used, right? I mean, it's not a race to see who has the most left over at the end. Sounds to me like the trip will be worth it!

Exactly. But the alternative would be to get a smaller room, no savanna view, skip Vero, pay cash for something in NYC, and have some points left for 2013. But where's the fun in that? We're going for the gusto in 2012!

Question for you if you wouldn't mind.

First things first --

Hopefully Captain Oblivious who posted right before you didn't notice your screen name....I'm afraid he'd take offense. It doesn't bother me -- I grew up in northwestern PA (the "oil region"), watching the Steelers and the Bills.

I am going down June 18-25 for my honeymoon. I am from Northeast/Central ("coal region" area if you ever heard that term) PA and we are getting married back there but we live in Virginia now, we are planning to fly out from Baltimore(since we have to head that way to get back home and rates are cheaper than Philly) and I noticed in your 2010 trip you flew out of Baltimore, I was just wondering how far in advance you booked the tickets? I like a flight right now that's $121 each way and didn't know if that price is more likely to drop or rise as our dates approach. Do you recommend the long-term lot on BWI campus for $8/day for parking? Thanks, this is only my 3rd trip to Disney and first on my own (other 2 were family trips as a kid & teen)and first for my future DH. We are so excited but looking for ways to save the most on the trip.

You never know of course, but I'm thinking the $121 rate you're seeing is about as good as it's going to get. They may have something cheaper as the dates get closer, in order to fill up the plane, but you don't want to be worrying about that as your honeymoon approaches. Plus, the sale flights might not be the best times. I think if you're flying, it's soon time to buy. For the last trip, which was also in June, we did buy our airline tickets in January.

I thought that the long-term lot at BWI was fine. Make sure you allow enough time to get from there to the airport. Another option, which someone suggested when we were planning for the last trip, is to look into the hotels near the airport. Many offer free parking for your car while you’re gone, and a shuttle to the airport. The cost of the two options (long-term parking or a hotel stay) may be similar, and the hotel stay may give you some extra hours of sleep on the day you’re flying to Disney. We didn’t do it, but I thought that it was definitely worth considering.

Although I already knew what the "Savanna" was, I was happy to read about it. As you know, we fell in love with Kidani last September and plan to spend our 30th wedding anniversary there in 2013 rather than do a cruise. The resort just pulls you in.

Oh wow, I knew you loved it, but I didn’t know that you’re planning on spending your 30th anniversary there. How cool! Congrats in advance!

It has been updated! We are booked for 5 nights in a 1 bedroom and once we really sat down and crunched the dates, my ticker moved up earlier which is always a good thing. We even (if you can believe it) have reluctant agreement from Jeff's ex on the dates! Amazing how a super excited teen can negate any arguments that might have come up.

That’s great news…it sounds like it’s shaping up quite nicely!

Heck, I'm the same way as K. The idea of 9 nights of beach, sun, cruise sounds pretty much like my idea of heaven right now. The E's have never had a beach vacation so it's going to be very very cool! They don't know yet though. Soon!

It’s a shame we won’t be there at the same time. I know that James and the E’s would get along great, especially playing on a beach.

I will be looking to see how it works for you as we too will be sleeping 5 in it.

My understanding is that the occupancy is 5, but there’s only bedding for 4 (king size bed in the master and the pull-out couch each sleep 2). So, you need to bring an air mattress or something for whoever draws the short straw. I happen to have just gotten a couple of cots from woot.com and since we’re driving I’ll take at least one of them.

Once I finish the Alaska TR I will be starting a new PTR for it.

Great, let me know when you start it.

The "savanna" sounds great! I'm looking forward to more great photos from the resort and the animals.

You know that I will try my best to accommodate your request for photos. I can’t guarantee that they’ll be great, but hopefully they’ll be passable!

How many park days are you planning?

Now don’t rush the PTR author. (But the answer is 4.)

 

[CreightonsMomma]

This is going to be a really awesome trip for you all. And it's going to be even better with the grandparents. Lots of awesome memories will be made.

 

[jecskc]

Joining in!!! Loved your AKL pics. They got me excited about about our first stay the in April. I can't wait to read your TR when you get back. I hope it lasts a year like the last one.

 

[phillyteamhater]

First things first --

Hopefully Captain Oblivious who posted right before you didn't notice your screen name....I'm afraid he'd take offense. It doesn't bother me -- I grew up in northwestern PA (the "oil region"), watching the Steelers and the Bills.



You never know of course, but I'm thinking the $121 rate you're seeing is about as good as it's going to get. They may have something cheaper as the dates get closer, in order to fill up the plane, but you don't want to be worrying about that as your honeymoon approaches. Plus, the sale flights might not be the best times. I think if you're flying, it's soon time to buy. For the last trip, which was also in June, we did buy our airline tickets in January.

I thought that the long-term lot at BWI was fine. Make sure you allow enough time to get from there to the airport. Another option, which someone suggested when we were planning for the last trip, is to look into the hotels near the airport. Many offer free parking for your car while you’re gone, and a shuttle to the airport. The cost of the two options (long-term parking or a hotel stay) may be similar, and the hotel stay may give you some extra hours of sleep on the day you’re flying to Disney. We didn’t do it, but I thought that it was definitely worth considering.

Thanks I grew up around Eagles fans mostly and I was a Giants fan(can't wait for sunday!) due to my grandfather and I am also a NY Mets & Rangers fan so it's only natural for my dislike of Philly Teams and created an online username a few years back. I will check into the hotel option as we have a 3 hr drive from where we are at in PA and I would like to book the 6:30am flight, so I am figuring we would end up having to sleep all day Sunday and leave around 1 to give us enough time to get to airport 2 hrs in advance(?). And I have stayed in Baltimore area hotel before and it was like $75 a night in a hotel and that's not much more for parking plus we could check in Sunday evening and get more normal sleep that way. Thanks for your time answering my question. (GO BIG BLUE!!)

 

[Poolrat]

Some day. Well, you'll be eager for the TR then!

I will be waiting to hear all about it.

See, that MK time is awesome. The AK one sounds like there must be a story in there.

I kind of did a 'doh when I realized I was going to go to MK the day after we moved from SSr to AKl but as you see it was fine.
Of course there is a story to the Ak bus.

I don't know my way around the Epcot resorts very well....I'll have to remedy that with some 'xplorin'.

So much to explore in that area. Lots of transportation choices too.

On the bright side, they might be less in demand though.

Now to decide if the treehouse is still points worthy. The transportation issue out there is a disadvantage. I don't even think you can even leave your car right there. I think that lot is far too. Something to think about.

Well, unfortunately I also have the cure....replacing a car I wasn't planning on replacing and impending tuition payments on the horizon.

Well that's a big shot of penicillin right there.
You do have to admit the resale prices are great now.

 

[eandesmom]

Exactly. But the alternative would be to get a smaller room, no savanna view, skip Vero, pay cash for something in NYC, and have some points left for 2013. But where's the fun in that? We're going for the gusto in 2012!

I'm with you! Do it right!

It’s a shame we won’t be there at the same time. I know that James and the E’s would get along great, especially playing on a beach.

My understanding is that the occupancy is 5, but there’s only bedding for 4 (king size bed in the master and the pull-out couch each sleep 2). So, you need to bring an air mattress or something for whoever draws the short straw. I happen to have just gotten a couple of cots from woot.com and since we’re driving I’ll take at least one of them.
[/SIZE]

It is a bummer, we are JUST finishing school when you go. The E's and James would get along like a house on fire, I know it. Prying out of the sand could take bribes! Jeff is psyched you guys are going first though to give us the skinny!

Ugh, I hope that isn't the case. I will definitely need the scoop. The site says this so I really hope that's right!

• One King Bed in Master Bedroom
• One Queen Sleeper Sofa in Living Room
• Twin-size Sleeper Chair

 

[afwdwfan]

Hey there, I just finally noticed the link in your sig today. 2 weeks late and already 15 pages behind.

This looks like a really fun trip with a little bit of everything for everyone. It's a shame that it will take your 2013 points to make it happen, but I'd say for a big, fun filled trip like this, it will be worthwhile.

I look forward to reading more and seeing what your plans are for the seniors/savanna.

 

[glennbo123]

This is going to be a really awesome trip for you all.

I think you're right!

And it's going to be even better with the grandparents. Lots of awesome memories will be made.

That's what I'm hoping for. There will be times when the kids are off on their own, but I think overall it's going to be good.

Joining in!!!

Yay! Good to have you back.

Loved your AKL pics. They got me excited about about our first stay the in April.

You are going to love it.

I can't wait to read your TR when you get back. I hope it lasts a year like the last one.

With segments covering NYC, Vero Beach, and a week at WDW with grandparents in tow, I can't imagine that we'll have enough to talk about to last a year.

Thanks I grew up around Eagles fans mostly and I was a Giants fan(can't wait for sunday!) due to my grandfather and I am also a NY Mets & Rangers fan so it's only natural for my dislike of Philly Teams and created an online username a few years back.

Well, I won't hold it against you. The Bills' Super Bowl against the Giants is the one that they really should have won...the others were pretty much blow-outs.

I will check into the hotel option as we have a 3 hr drive from where we are at in PA and I would like to book the 6:30am flight, so I am figuring we would end up having to sleep all day Sunday and leave around 1 to give us enough time to get to airport 2 hrs in advance(?). And I have stayed in Baltimore area hotel before and it was like $75 a night in a hotel and that's not much more for parking plus we could check in Sunday evening and get more normal sleep that way.

I can't give you specific hotels that offer it, but I'm sure you'll find them in calling around. Sounds like that will work out well for you.

Thanks for your time answering my question.

No problemo.

(GO BIG BLUE!!)

Now don't get crazy. (Although I did find myself rooting for them last week. I haven't decided for this week. San Fran has Penn Stater Navarro Bowman and the Giants have lineman Kareem McKenzie.)

I will be waiting to hear all about it.

Good...a verbal commitment for at least one reader so far.

I kind of did a 'doh when I realized I was going to go to MK the day after we moved from SSr to AKl but as you see it was fine.
Of course there is a story to the Ak bus.

I could see myself doing that.

Now to decide if the treehouse is still points worthy. The transportation issue out there is a disadvantage. I don't even think you can even leave your car right there. I think that lot is far too. Something to think about.

Just my opinion, but I don't think I'd spend that many points for them. Maybe if I were further along in trying other resorts, it would move closer to the top of the list, but not now.

Well that's a big shot of penicillin right there.
You do have to admit the resale prices are great now.

You're snappin' up the deals....maybe you should be on "The Apprentice".

It is a bummer, we are JUST finishing school when you go. The E's and James would get along like a house on fire, I know it. Prying out of the sand could take bribes! Jeff is psyched you guys are going first though to give us the skinny!

Oh well. Maybe one of these years.

Ugh, I hope that isn't the case. I will definitely need the scoop. The site says this so I really hope that's right!

• One King Bed in Master Bedroom
• One Queen Sleeper Sofa in Living Room
• Twin-size Sleeper Chair

Oh, that sounds promising! I'll have to see if I can confirm that before going. Thanks.

Hey there, I just finally noticed the link in your sig today. 2 weeks late and already 15 pages behind.

Hey Andy!

Maybe if I was better at posting on your TR, you'd have seen it sooner.

Rest assured, I am reading, but it's hard to find time to post as often as I'd like.

This looks like a really fun trip with a little bit of everything for everyone. It's a shame that it will take your 2013 points to make it happen, but I'd say for a big, fun filled trip like this, it will be worthwhile.

Yep, one big multi-faceted vacation. To get through the summer of 2013 I can sit and think about what we did in 2012.

I look forward to reading more and seeing what your plans are for the seniors/savanna.

I've got a couple of things in mind, but I'll be interested to see how it all turns out also!

 

[eandesmom]

Just my opinion, but I don't think I'd spend that many points for them. Maybe if I were further along in trying other resorts, it would move closer to the top of the list, but not now.

If we were going with all 6 of us at some point again, that space would totally be worth it to me. But for 5 you do have other options.

Oh, that sounds promising! I'll have to see if I can confirm that before going. Thanks.

I'm not sure but my guess is that the recently updated the 1B's to have that sleeper chair. All of the old literature said 4, even the website which would let you book it for 5, even though it only listed bedding for 4. Now the website shows bedding for 5 as does the 2012 layout in the vacation planner so I'm thinking it's a recent change. 2 bedrooms now show as sleeping 9.

What I'll want to know is how the one bathroom works out.

 

[Poolrat]

Just my opinion, but I don't think I'd spend that many points for them. Maybe if I were further along in trying other resorts, it would move closer to the top of the list, but not now.

I can't justify the space unless both kids and possibly "significant others" are along for the ride. I guess I can hope and wait and maybe the point swill shift again in few years. I visited the treehouses but I have heard from others it can be a pain to get to a park.

You're snappin' up the deals....maybe you should be on "The Apprentice".

Apparently Disney thought so too.. I just got off the phone with a "guide" making sure I got my lithograph from the last website presentation and to ask if I had questions.
He even knew I recently added on. I am surprised he didin't know what I was wearing. He did his homework.

 

[afwdwfan]

Maybe if I was better at posting on your TR, you'd have seen it sooner.

Rest assured, I am reading, but it's hard to find time to post as often as I'd like.

Don't worry about it, I'm just glad somebody is actually reading mine. I lurked on your moist exhausting TR. By the time I saw it, I was a couple hundred pages behind. I'm just glad you were still on page 15 by the time I found this PTR, so maybe I can actually try to keep up.