Hip Hip Hooray for Christmas Vacation... Disney Style!!! A Dec 2010 PTR

[PalmettoPrincess]

Subbed from another PTR... I think I saw you on the December Trip Thread too.............. How GREAT that you were able to upgrade!!! WooHoo! I think it's so cool that you're going to surprise your son as well! I hope you're able to keep it a secret!! =)

AKL in Dec =

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

Hey reese, I just got caught up and heard the great news. How exciting. We stayed there in 2003 for our honeymoon and it was beautiful. You guys will definitely enjoy it. As for boma I too am a "pickier" eater and I will tell you skip it for sure. It will be disappointing for you. its all very odd choices. One thing that I did miss at AK which to others probably sounds funny but the food court is nothing like the values. It is small and not as many choices. I hadnt been prepared for that since in 2003 I didnt even know these boards existed. We had a savanah view which was awesome. You could sit out on the balcony and talk to the giraffes! I do remember having to walk a long way through the halls to get everywhere so I think your request of staying close to the elevator and lobby is perfect. Otherwise anywhere you stay will be great. The pool is awesome and we really enjoyed the jacuzzi too! I dont know how your keeping this a secret by this point I would have cracked. Good for you!

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Hey, followed you over from my PTR.

I'm all caught up now. So excited that you got a pin, I don't think I would stay deluxe without one, but you never know.

I am in college as well, one week to go then 3 years of stretching myself so thin that I'm see through is finally done, so I know how you feel, and I write papers at the last minute too. I have one due Sunday that I haven't started yet

Sounds like you are planning a lot for Devon's 1st communion party

My daughters was last weekend and we had a great time, it's a magical day

From reading what you have planned we might end up in some of the same places at the same time although nothing is set in stone for me yet. I was thinking MVMCP for the Tuesday because that's the day we went last year.

Can't wait to hear more

Hey there!!! Thanks for coming over!!! I'll tell you what being a single working mom and going to school is killing me! Honestly though, I think that I am struggling so much now just because I know the end is near and I just want June to hurry up and get here so I can be DONE!

I can not wait for the party to be over! I'm freaking out b/c I noted on the card that the RSVP date is 4/17 TODAY and have only heard from a handful of people that they will be there! I invited over a 120 people and I have to let the caterers know the exact # next week! My mom keep telling be that most people don't RSVP but I'm nervous that I won't have enough or end up having too much food! Needless to say I will be happy when the day arrives! Two weeks from today! Devon is so excited!!

Oh, that's cool that we might be in the same places a few days! Like you nothing is set in stome for me either until the official Dec 2010 park hours are released, but I like to at least have an idea! We went to MVMCP the first Tuesday in Dec in 2008... It was a great day to go too! Not too crowded!

Talk soon!

Yes, I would definitely request the 3rd floor! That was our main concern. We knew we would be carrying our son from the bus to our room, so the 3rd floor was ideal!!! Like I said, our room had 1 king bed, so you might want to ask where the rooms are on the 3rd floor with 2 queens. I would just tell them you'd like to be near the lobby/elevator. I'm sure they can accomodate your request! Like I said, we literally walked into the resort, across the lobby, down a short hallway, and right to our room! It was probably less than a 2-3 minute walk! It was amazing! Wouldn't have it any other way!

I checked Photobucket & I do have some of the AKL photos on there. I will just add the rest to Photobucket & then post them on your PTR. Are you sure its ok? I don't want to clog up your report with my pictures! I probably have at least 40-60 of the resort so I won't post them all. He he! Let me know what you would prefer...email or post on here.

I really did like Mara. I know alot of people don't like the CS restaurants, but we love them. We actually ate at the parks a few days & ate again at Mara once we got back to AKL. I'll try to look at their menu & remember what we ordered. That might help you.

Did you tell them it was your birthday? You should! They will definitely give you a "Happy Birthday" button & if you wear it to the parks & to your dinners, you should receive extra-special treatment from what I've heard from other people! I think you can go on the Disney website & put your reservation number in & then it will say "What will you celebrate?" and you can choose the "birthday" option. Sounds like a very magical way to celebrate your birthday!!!

I had a very exhausting week but I will try to get those photos uploaded & posted for you sometime tonight or over the weekend! You will love AKL & so will Devon!!! I'm so excited for you!!!

Hey Lady! How are you today? Good I hope! I sure hope that we get a good location. But then again if I don't when we check in I have no problem turning on the tears and telling Disney my concerns! I just don't want to be at the very back of the resort. A guy that I worked with rest stayed there in Dec 2009 and he said his walk to the buses was a good 10 minutes... Now if it was just me I wouldn't mind the walk at all, but Devon he be complaining the whole darn time!

You can post the pics on hear, I have no problem with that. Is there a way that you can just post the link to the pics? I have no idea how Photobucket works, but it is fine! I am excited to see the pictures!!!

As far as Mara goes, I am used to the CS at values so I know it is not as big and offers as many choices and I am preparing myself for that! And like I said, we will typically only probably grad breakfast there anyway!

YES!!! It is noted on my reservation this it is ALL of our birthdays! Mine is the day that we check in. Devon's is Jan 3, but we are celebrating anyway (we did that is 2008 too) and Jenn and Luch's is the Saturday before we leave! We will definitely be sporting the d-day buttons!

Subbed from another PTR... I think I saw you on the December Trip Thread too.............. How GREAT that you were able to upgrade!!! WooHoo! I think it's so cool that you're going to surprise your son as well! I hope you're able to keep it a secret!! =)

AKL in Dec =

Hi there! Thanks for coming over! I am so very excited to stay at AKL!!! And I SO have no idea how I have not told Devon either! I just know I am not going to be able to hold off much longer, but I am sure going to try!

Have you stayed at AKL before? Any advice for a newbie to the resort?

Hey reese, I just got caught up and heard the great news. How exciting. We stayed there in 2003 for our honeymoon and it was beautiful. You guys will definitely enjoy it. As for boma I too am a "pickier" eater and I will tell you skip it for sure. It will be disappointing for you. its all very odd choices. One thing that I did miss at AK which to others probably sounds funny but the food court is nothing like the values. It is small and not as many choices. I hadnt been prepared for that since in 2003 I didnt even know these boards existed. We had a savanah view which was awesome. You could sit out on the balcony and talk to the giraffes! I do remember having to walk a long way through the halls to get everywhere so I think your request of staying close to the elevator and lobby is perfect. Otherwise anywhere you stay will be great. The pool is awesome and we really enjoyed the jacuzzi too! I dont know how your keeping this a secret by this point I would have cracked. Good for you!

Hi Lindsey! How are you and boys? Well I hope! How about those Phillies! They are off to a good start, which is NOT typical for them in April! Halladay is incredible!

Anyway, I am so glad we were able to upgrade! Devon is going to be thrilled, I just know it! Well I am glad you gave me the heads up about BOMA! Yeah, in looking over the menu, I didn't think I'd like it! Any experience with the breakfast?

As far as Mara goes, I know I am so used to the values CS places that I am preparing myself to know it will not be like that. But we really only eat at the resort in the AM anyway and I feel like the breakfast choices are pretty much the same everywhere!

I hope it is warm enough to use the pool in Dec, Devon really likes that water slide!

 

[PalmettoPrincess]

No, I haven't stayed there before, but we visited last trip. The DBF and I LOVED Boma! We thought the food was excellent and IMO there was food that the picky eaters could enjoy. JMO though. In fact we loved it so much we're doing BF and dinner this trip! Yum yum yum! But even if you decide not to eat there, I would suggest just going down to look at it, it really is quite pretty! There was a photopass photographer in the lobby (she did the sessions you can book), but she said since she wasn't busy, she would take our pics for us.... these turned out to be my favorite photos from our trip! I agree with you about Mara.... I think most BF foods will be the same at most CS places. How many more days now????

 

[photographymom517]

Hey Reese! I'm sorry I didn't post these last night like I said. I was fighting with my computer!!! lol I finally got a better idea. I was having trouble adding the link from PhotoBucket so I gave up & made a slideshow instead. Please let me know if this link works. The only thing I don't like about it is that I can't explain each photo like I could with captions! Oh, well...at least you will get to see the pics!

I tried to put them in order...the signs when we arrived, the check-in desk, the lobby, the hallway to our room, the room pics, the view from the balcony, then pics around the resort (like the pool, animal viewing areas, etc). I have no idea why but we went to both the fitness center & arcade, but I don't have any photos of either! A few of the pics are a little strange...I took close-ups of the curtains, inside the elevator, and the wallpaper beside the sinks! I couldn't help it...the curtains had african animals all over them (it was a sheer white lace curtain that covered the double doors to the balcony). The elevator amazed me because of the details! And the wallpaper was very interesting (its on the slideshow near the bathroom pics).

Let me know if you have any questions after looking at the pics! My biggest regret is that we didn't explore the resort more at the beginning of our trip. We were so busy at the parks that we missed sooo much at the resort. Then we explored during our last morning there & couldn't believe how much we missed! Here's the link...let me know if it works.


PICTURES OF ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE: JAMBO HOUSE -- SAVANNA VIEW ROOM (3RD FLOOR)

http://slideroll.com/?s=h8jffry0

 

[wlwilliams9]

Hey Reese! Congrats on the upgrade! We really are looking forward to staying at the AKL someday, but we are waiting until the kiddos are a little older and don't need a double stroller since you have to take a bus everywhere. I'm sure you guys will love it there and Devon would probably like it more than the WL because of the animals and the night vision goggles!

I'm so jealous you got the PIN! I've been wanting one so bad, but if WL is sold out with the PIN, maybe it's best to wait for another deal! We really want the WL this trip.

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

No, I haven't stayed there before, but we visited last trip. The DBF and I LOVED Boma! We thought the food was excellent and IMO there was food that the picky eaters could enjoy. JMO though. In fact we loved it so much we're doing BF and dinner this trip! Yum yum yum! But even if you decide not to eat there, I would suggest just going down to look at it, it really is quite pretty! There was a photopass photographer in the lobby (she did the sessions you can book), but she said since she wasn't busy, she would take our pics for us.... these turned out to be my favorite photos from our trip! I agree with you about Mara.... I think most BF foods will be the same at most CS places. How many more days now????

There are entirely too many days to our trip!!! I hope the photopass photog is there in Dec. my plan is to get pics done and make them my christmas cards!

I see you are planning on going to Wizarding World of HP too!!! I am so excited about going in Dec. Devon and I are huge HP fans! I'm excited for the first part of Deathly Hallows to come out right before our trip!!!

Hey Reese! I'm sorry I didn't post these last night like I said. I was fighting with my computer!!! lol I finally got a better idea. I was having trouble adding the link from PhotoBucket so I gave up & made a slideshow instead. Please let me know if this link works. The only thing I don't like about it is that I can't explain each photo like I could with captions! Oh, well...at least you will get to see the pics!

I tried to put them in order...the signs when we arrived, the check-in desk, the lobby, the hallway to our room, the room pics, the view from the balcony, then pics around the resort (like the pool, animal viewing areas, etc). I have no idea why but we went to both the fitness center & arcade, but I don't have any photos of either! A few of the pics are a little strange...I took close-ups of the curtains, inside the elevator, and the wallpaper beside the sinks! I couldn't help it...the curtains had african animals all over them (it was a sheer white lace curtain that covered the double doors to the balcony). The elevator amazed me because of the details! And the wallpaper was very interesting (its on the slideshow near the bathroom pics).

Let me know if you have any questions after looking at the pics! My biggest regret is that we didn't explore the resort more at the beginning of our trip. We were so busy at the parks that we missed sooo much at the resort. Then we explored during our last morning there & couldn't believe how much we missed! Here's the link...let me know if it works.


PICTURES OF ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE: JAMBO HOUSE -- SAVANNA VIEW ROOM (3RD FLOOR)

http://slideroll.com/?s=h8jffry0

LOVE THEM!!! Thank you so very much! Everything looks so beautiful!

Hey Reese! Congrats on the upgrade! We really are looking forward to staying at the AKL someday, but we are waiting until the kiddos are a little older and don't need a double stroller since you have to take a bus everywhere. I'm sure you guys will love it there and Devon would probably like it more than the WL because of the animals and the night vision goggles!

I'm so jealous you got the PIN! I've been wanting one so bad, but if WL is sold out with the PIN, maybe it's best to wait for another deal! We really want the WL this trip.

Hey Wendy! I am still so excited that I got the PIN and was able to upgrade!!! Yes, I think that Devon is going to absolutely love it at AKL... What 8 year old boy would love that pool, using night vision goggles and have wild animals roaming around the resort right??

Well I will keep my fingers crossed that the PIN fairies give you a PIN so you can use it towards your existing ressie!!

 

[Porturican]

HOLA! im coming on board for your ptr...still wishing i was going too!
So you might come up my way is that March or April of 2011? I only live 10-15 minutes out of SF and my house is 5 min from the SFO Airport

 

[Porturican]

[

Yay on getting that done!!!

I think you, Adrienne and Tracy should have flown out here to keep me company while Terry was in Las Vegas...

Whoo Hoo that would have been fun...PARTY!

 

[Porturican]

Hey everyone, now that I have finally come back down to earth after my hysterics of upgrading to the Animal Kingdom Lodge yesterday, I thought I give you a few more details and the changes that this resort switch-er-oo has made…

Ok, so first things first, after visiting Disney World 7 times in the last 9 years, I am over the moon with the fact that I am finally staying at a deluxe resort! Boy, I have a feeling this is going to SO spoil Devon and I!!! But anyway, being that I do not know too much about this resort, other then the fact that it is huge, I really was not sure what area I should make my room requests for, so once I made the switch to AKL, I started to do some research on the resort and decided that I would be pretty vague with my requests. I basically just asked for a room with 2 Queen beds that is close to the elevators and lobby! I hope that is ok? Thoughts?

Now of course, once I got home from work yesterday and Devon’s homework was done, I immediately hopped on Dis to start looking at pictures of AKL!!! Man oh Man is it gorgeous! And the Christmas decorations… Wow!!! I want December to hurry up and get here now!!! After looking at pictures for at least an hour, Devon comes into my room and joins in the fun of looking at pictures and says to me, I really want to stay there next time, that place looks AWESOME!!! Now, you all know that Devon does not know about the trip so as we are looking at the pics he asks AGAIN when are we going back to Disney, to which I replied, I don’t know!!! I wanted to spill the beans so so bad, but I kept my mouth shut, surprisingly!!! He was so disappointed that he goes, “I can’t even look at this anymore, it’s too depressing!!!” I literally almost fell off the bed I was laughing so hard. He is going to be BEYOND surprised when I tell him!

I also realized in all of my AKL excitement that I think my itinerary for our arrival day might change up a bit… We had originally planned to go mini golfing, but I think enjoying the grounds for the evening sounds better to me. I want to take in every aspect of the resort. Plus Devon saw that you can get night vision goggles, so I am sure him and his friend are going to want to do that! Hey, I have not problem relaxing by the fire pit with drink in hand! Another item that we have to think about is eating at Boma… Dinner for Breakfast? Keep in mind I am an extremely picky eater!!!

Well that’s all I got for now. Talk soon!

We ate breakfast at Boma when we went in Sept and it wasn't that great. The made to order omlettes was probably the best thing then the oatmeal...the juice was good too.

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

HOLA! im coming on board for your ptr...still wishing i was going too!
So you might come up my way is that March or April of 2011? I only live 10-15 minutes out of SF and my house is 5 min from the SFO Airport

Hey Girl! So glad you came on over!!! I hope all is well and I wish you were going in December too!!! Yes, my cousin is moving to SF next moth to start his medical residency at USFMC!!! We are definitely planning on flying out to visit sometime in the beginning of next year. So I have to ask how far is Disneyland from you??/ I wouldn't mind trying to squeeze that into the plans!

[

Whoo Hoo that would have been fun...PARTY!

Of man the stories we would have had it we all got together!

We ate breakfast at Boma when we went in Sept and it wasn't that great. The made to order omlettes was probably the best thing then the oatmeal...the juice was good too.

Really??? Darn and I don't even eat eggs!!! Have you ever eaten at Tusker House at AK? We had breakfast there back in Dec 2008 and I think we are going to stick with that instead of Boma.

 

[oregonmommyof2]

We love Tusker House and are doing it this year even with no kids...

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

We love Tusker House and are doing it this year even with no kids...

It's definitely one of my favorite character breakfasts aside from 'Ohana...

Oh and I know you will get a kick out of this, we are driving to school this morning and Devon sighs and goes, I wish we were on the way to the airport to go to Disney instead of school, and he goes on and on about how this peron in his class is going to Disney next week and this one is going over the summer... I so wanted to tell him... Poor kid feels deprived! So I said I will see what I can do... He response with thats all I ask! I also peed myself! The kid cracks me up!

 

[oregonmommyof2]

It's definitely one of my favorite character breakfasts aside from 'Ohana...

Oh and I know you will get a kick out of this, we are driving to school this morning and Devon sighs and goes, I wish we were on the way to the airport to go to Disney instead of school, and he goes on and on about how this peron in his class is going to Disney next week and this one is going over the summer... I so wanted to tell him... Poor kid feels deprived! So I said I will see what I can do... He response with thats all I ask! I also peed myself! The kid cracks me up!

That is hilarious!!!

What is even funnier is your typo... You meant to say I ALMOST peed myself, but typed I ALSO peed myself!!

Devon is going to just be stunned when he finds out!!! You are doing better than I did, I had already told the kids 2 days after booking...

 

[Porturican]

Hey Girl! So glad you came on over!!! I hope all is well and I wish you were going in December too!!! Yes, my cousin is moving to SF next moth to start his medical residency at USFMC!!! We are definitely planning on flying out to visit sometime in the beginning of next year. So I have to ask how far is Disneyland from you??/ I wouldn't mind trying to squeeze that into the plans!


Of man the stories we would have had it we all got together!



Really??? Darn and I don't even eat eggs!!! Have you ever eaten at Tusker House at AK? We had breakfast there back in Dec 2008 and I think we are going to stick with that instead of Boma.

Hellerrrr again! Disneyland is approx 5 1/2 -6 hrs away by car but only a little over an hour by plane from the SF area.
Last year was our first trip to WDW so we didnt try Tusker House...Looks like we will hit there when we go next summer for my big 40! Unless I can by chance make it out there in Dec.

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

That is hilarious!!!

What is even funnier is your typo... You meant to say I ALMOST peed myself, but typed I ALSO peed myself!!

Devon is going to just be stunned when he finds out!!! You are doing better than I did, I had already told the kids 2 days after booking...

Ha Ha!!! That's what I get for typing so darn fast! I'm such a nut... At least YOU know what I MEANT Anyway!

Yes, I hope he is... I so want to tell him... I.m not sure how much longer I am going to be able to hold it in! I'm gonna burst at the seams!

Hellerrrr again! Disneyland is approx 5 1/2 -6 hrs away by car but only a little over an hour by plane from the SF area.
Last year was our first trip to WDW so we didnt try Tusker House...Looks like we will hit there when we go next summer for my big 40! Unless I can by chance make it out there in Dec.

Darn! That's pretty far! I'll figure something out to get to Disneyland! When I was in LA in 2008, we did Universal!

I loce Tusker House, it is one of my Fav breakfast places, aside from 'Ohana! Highly recommend! I so hope you can swing a Dec trip! That would be Awesome!!! Turning the big 4-0 next year huh??? I would have NEVER thought!

 

[Porturican]

Ha Ha!!! That's what I get for typing so darn fast! I'm such a nut... At least YOU know what I MEANT Anyway!

Yes, I hope he is... I so want to tell him... I.m not sure how much longer I am going to be able to hold it in! I'm gonna burst at the seams!



Darn! That's pretty far! I'll figure something out to get to Disneyland! When I was in LA in 2008, we did Universal!

I loce Tusker House, it is one of my Fav breakfast places, aside from 'Ohana! Highly recommend! I so hope you can swing a Dec trip! That would be Awesome!!! Turning the big 4-0 next year huh??? I would have NEVER thought!

Me and the kids are driving to LA and we are gonna hit Universal, Magic Mountain, KNotts berry farm, Disneyland, and Hollywood/Venice Beach. I cant wait!

Yeah the big 40 in April! Yikes

I saw this tonight and know you like baseball alot so whats better than your favorite team and Mickey....check it out
http://shop.mlb.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=4179061&cp=4179061

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Me and the kids are driving to LA and we are gonna hit Universal, Magic Mountain, KNotts berry farm, Disneyland, and Hollywood/Venice Beach. I cant wait!

Yeah the big 40 in April! Yikes

I saw this tonight and know you like baseball alot so whats better than your favorite team and Mickey....check it out
http://shop.mlb.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=4179061&cp=4179061

Oh my goodness!!! I want the Phillies one and Devon wants the Yankees... yes, yes I know, the boy likes the Phillies and the Yankees. Needless to say last world series he had such an issue on who to route for!!!

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Hey everyone, I hope all is well!!! I feel like I haven't did an update in a while, so I figured I get one in before I head out the door for Devon's baseball practice.

I been super, super busy at work lately and between that and trying to get everything situated for Devon's Communion on Saturday, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed to say that least... Oh I forgot, throw in the fact that I am going into my last 8 weeks of grad school and for some ungodly reason thought it would be a good idea to get my house painted 5 days before the communion, I'm thinking I will be crying at least once or twice this week!!

Anyway, busy weekend ahead... Yesterday I had the day off to go over to Devon's school to help the class prepare for their communion. It was a cute day... Got to watch them practice for 2 hours and then basically did arts and crafts all day long!!!

Today, heading out the door for baseball in a few, then I have to run around and grab all the last minute stuff for the party, quick come home shower and get ready to take Devon to a birthday party!!! Somewhere in between all that I need to figure out how to write a 20 page paper!!!

Sunday... I am so dreading tomorrow!!! As I mentioned above, I had the brilliant, ok well not so brilliant idea now that I think about it to get my entire house pianted this week, so basically I have to pack up all the stuff laying around so it doesn't get broke and move all my furniture and stuff in every room to the middle on the floor!!! I don't want to do that!!! At least I have an awesome brother who is coming to help me he just doesn't know that yet!!!

Well everyone, have a wonderful weekend!!! I hope to check back sometime today, but if not enjoy your weekend!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Congrats to Devon on his communion!