I think I gained 5 pounds at the Food & Wine Festival - An Oct 2012 TR **NEW 3/18**

[Joyciemc]

Looking forward to reading about your trip!!

I totally relate to Southwest boarding drama- especially on trips to/from Orlando; the family boarding makes it hard to find seats if you aren't in the A group.

Reading your update, I just realized we never went to Adventureland or Frontierland during MNSSHP... how did that happen??

 

[jenny105]

Looking forward to reading about your trip!!

I totally relate to Southwest boarding drama- especially on trips to/from Orlando; the family boarding makes it hard to find seats if you aren't in the A group.

Reading your update, I just realized we never went to Adventureland or Frontierland during MNSSHP... how did that happen??

Did you just avoid that side of the park??

How was your trip??

Sounds like a great start!!!

I'm so excited for MNSSHP, and your photos made me even more so!

I think it's kind of funny you guys got a Cruz at the rental place but it's good, because as you said, you were familiar with it already.

Did you get any photos from your balcony?

Yes I have tons of pictures of the balcony! I just didn't get to them on the first day because I was super excited for MNSSHP.

Should be to me tomorrow, they shipped it out on friday.

Nice!

Seems like you had a great time at MNSSHP! I love your parade pictures!! The dancing ghosts are the best!

How can you NOT have a great time at MNSSHP? It's the best!

 

[khertz]

Your pics made me really wish we had planned for a MNSSHP this year!!! But I told DH if we are skipping it this year, we are DEFINITELY doing it next year, no ifs ands or buts. Bummer it rained for part of it, but it looks like y'all were able to enjoy the rest of the night despite the yucky weather.

 

[caralyn817]

Just finished reading your report so far. We haven't done MNSSHP yet. I want to but I think it will be a little to much for our little girl right now. We'll be staying at AKL Jambo house on Thursday and I can't wait. I agree with you on the clown pool at Boardwalk. I want to stay there but it totally creeps me out.

 

[jenny105]

Your pics made me really wish we had planned for a MNSSHP this year!!! But I told DH if we are skipping it this year, we are DEFINITELY doing it next year, no ifs ands or buts. Bummer it rained for part of it, but it looks like y'all were able to enjoy the rest of the night despite the yucky weather.

I was glad we picked the night we did! I know the Thursday night party that week was a complete washout. It didn't STOP raining. We were lucky in comparison.

Just finished reading your report so far. We haven't done MNSSHP yet. I want to but I think it will be a little to much for our little girl right now. We'll be staying at AKL Jambo house on Thursday and I can't wait. I agree with you on the clown pool at Boardwalk. I want to stay there but it totally creeps me out.

I love MNSSHP. If you don't have it planned for this year it's just another reason to go back. Like you need a reason right? And yes the clown pool is super creepy. I think I would just use the quiet pool. Enjoy AKL!

 

[jenny105]

Saying Jambo makes me think of Mean Girls.

Since the previous day was a travel/MNSSHP day we were pretty tired. We ended up sleeping in until about 9:15. The plan was to head over to Epcot today but we wanted to take in some of the resort first. We decided to get into our swimsuits, walk around the resort, and hang out by the pool for awhile. We headed toward Uzima Springs first. Behind the pool area there is a small section that the flamingos and other birds call their home as well as a savanna. I told you I had pictures of the animals! Patience is a virtue people

Kris pointed out that there are a lot of ducks hanging around the bigger birds. They wait until the flamingos scoop out some food and inevitably drop it. The ducks are nearby to clean up the mess. Smart ducks!

A shot of the resort and pool from that area.

You don’t really understand how massive the resort is until you’re laying by the pool and looking at the resort stretching out in every direction around you. They do a great job of hiding that in the front of the resort. It’s crazy!

After checking out the pool area we headed over toward the Arusha Rock overlook. There’s a big fire pit on the way out so we snapped a couple pictures in the cool looking chairs.

There weren’t many animals out yet in the Arusha Savanna. Just more birds!

View of the resort from the overlook.

We were starting to get hungry so we headed over to the Mara for breakfast. It wasn’t very busy so there was a short line and we got our food right away. Kris got the bounty breakfast platter that’s served in all the resorts and I got this:

After breakfast we headed over to the pool again to use it this time. Our feet were already hurting from yesterday so we went for a dip in the hot tub immediately. There are two hot tubs at AKL and one is tucked away behind some trees next to the savanna. I don’t think a lot of people know about it because while the other hot tub was almost always full, this one rarely had anyone in it. It quickly became one of our favorite spots at AKL. We’d grab a drink and sit in the hot tub almost everyday!

The zero depth entry to the pool.

We definitely had a couple drinks poolside while we were there LOL. We have to sample everything! I had a Citrus Infusion and a Twisted Tea and Kris had a margarita and a Longboard beer. Pretty tasty!

Relaxing poolside. Yes I have an animal print bathing suit on. Perfect for AKL don’t ya think?

After a quick dip in the pool we headed back to the room to shower, change, and make our way to Epcot. I noticed there were animals outside! Unfortunately it was just a couple of ugly ostriches.

I hate these birds. We have a Six Flags about an hour from our house that includes a drive through safari. These birds block the road and peck at your windows for food. They’re mean!

The view from our balcony. You can see Kidani off in the distance to the left.

While Kris was in the shower I decorated our balcony door with window clings I picked up from Walgreen’s before the trip. Supposedly they glow in the dark but I never checked to see if they actually did!

It was about 1:30 by the time we were ready to go. Epcot here we come!

Stay tuned….

 

[AGPrincess]

Subbing! Loving the TR so far. Sounds like you had a fun time at MNSSHP and great luck with the characters - how cool Buzz knew how to dance! Also lovin' the AKL photos, such a gorgeous resort. Can't wait to hear about Food & Wine!

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

nice relaxing pool morning, we loved those days on our trip.

drinks sound good and i can agree the longboard is a good beer.

 

[Imagineer5]

Your MNSSHP pics are better than mine! AND I'm jealous you got a birthday wishes from JACK SPARROW! That's so awesome. I thought i heard somewhere that Johnny Depp does fill in in the park like once or twice a year. But that could just be rumors since they really DO look like him! So cool!

You had a great MNSSHP experience, I'm so glad!

I hate the buses too, but Andrew REALLY hates them. I'd be like you and just be fine on them whereas ANdrew would need to complain about them, UGH. Sorry about that!

What a nice second morning! It is nice that you built that into your plans, I need to do more of that and enjoy that time. Especially the AKL pool, which we never actually went into on the last trip.

Looking forward to more!

 

[jenny105]

Subbing! Loving the TR so far. Sounds like you had a fun time at MNSSHP and great luck with the characters - how cool Buzz knew how to dance! Also lovin' the AKL photos, such a gorgeous resort. Can't wait to hear about Food & Wine!

Welcome! MNSSHP was a blast. I like testing the characters to see if they actually know anything about the character and when they do I'm impressed. AKL was beautiful. It's a great resort to come back to after a long day.

nice relaxing pool morning, we loved those days on our trip.

drinks sound good and i can agree the longboard is a good beer.

We had lots of those days

I tried Longboard on DCL. Not bad!

Your MNSSHP pics are better than mine! AND I'm jealous you got a birthday wishes from JACK SPARROW! That's so awesome. I thought i heard somewhere that Johnny Depp does fill in in the park like once or twice a year. But that could just be rumors since they really DO look like him! So cool!

You had a great MNSSHP experience, I'm so glad!

I hate the buses too, but Andrew REALLY hates them. I'd be like you and just be fine on them whereas ANdrew would need to complain about them, UGH. Sorry about that!

What a nice second morning! It is nice that you built that into your plans, I need to do more of that and enjoy that time. Especially the AKL pool, which we never actually went into on the last trip.

Looking forward to more!

I probably wouldn't notice if it were really Johnny Depp because they look so much like him. Plus I treat the Jack Sparrows like they're really Johnny anyway so it wouldn't even matter!

Kris did not like waiting for the buses & kids screaming on the bus. We drove a lot after that night. Lucky we got a car!

We definitely needed relaxed days by the pool and we got lots of them. Last trip we went with 3 other people and everyday was jam packed. We never had a minute to just chill out. We more than made up for it this trip! I feel like you need to do that if you stay at a deluxe. Otherwise why pay all that money? Just to sleep and shower?? Not worth it!

 

[klacey1]

Your pictures are amazing. I don't have much of an interest in AKL because it's so far from everything, but the theme really is incredible! The animals really are right there, so close!

Ack, I hate ostriches! Their eyes are full of evil!

Sounds like you guys had a nice relaxing morning!

What are your feelings re: the Islanders?? Zach is anti seeing the Rangers anywhere but MSG rolleyes, but I'd LOVE to see a game in Brooklyn!

 

[jenny105]

Your pictures are amazing. I don't have much of an interest in AKL because it's so far from everything, but the theme really is incredible! The animals really are right there, so close!

Ack, I hate ostriches! Their eyes are full of evil!

Sounds like you guys had a nice relaxing morning!

What are your feelings re: the Islanders?? Zach is anti seeing the Rangers anywhere but MSG rolleyes, but I'd LOVE to see a game in Brooklyn!

So funny! I just posted about the Islanders on another thread. I'm all for it because tickets at MSG can be expensive. There's nothing like MSG but I've gone to the Rock to see them play since it's only 15 min from me and I have no problem going to Brooklyn to see a game. It's nice to have options! If Zach doesn't want to go, let's go together!

Now do you think they'll be playing by 2015??

Their eyes ARE full of evil! I hate those things. I feel like they would peck me to death if they could.

 

[amandaluvsgoofy]

Love the relaxing morning!! We don't have a lot of do-whatever-we-feel mornings, but I've definitely scheduled in some downtime in the afternoons. Although I think our next trip we'll schedule some free time to sleep in and do whatever!

Thank you so much for the pictures of AKL! That place is so incredible! I can't wait to get there! Hopefully Emma isn't freaked out by the ostriches.

 

[princess_momma]

You should've text me and told me! I would have found him and demanded to know why he didn't like Disney. Then he could have told you all about the crazy girl that accosted him at ESPN.

Oh man! Now I am filled with regret. That would have made my life to hear him tell that story!! He is the perfect person to let out your crazy on because he has the best reactions.

You are so cute making HM your first stop at MNSSHP. I, shamefully, didn't even stop by when I went to the party years ago. Clearly, I need to go with you so I can remember to do it, right! (As if we need another excuse to make it there together! I think we could fill a book...we just need to book a dang trip! AHHH!)

Oh IASW. I could take or leave it. I can stand it more than haters but don't need it like the lovers. I so wish that it had Disney characters blended in. But that is kind of how I feel about everything.

Lol I can imagine Kris' reaction to getting picked on at the Laugh Floor being similar to what Garret's would be. How does Kris feel about birthdays? Garret isn't even too keen on those because he doesn't like attention on him. He enjoys going out with friends for it, but no singing to him or singling him out in any way because it's his birthday.

OH MY GOODNESS. I absolutely LOVED that you asked Buzz about dancing like his Spanish-setting. PERFECT. AND THEN YOU GOT TWIRLED!! I'm dying. And now that is going on my Disney bucket list.

I'm so in love with the AKL pool. So glad you took some time to enjoy it, because if you didn't, that would be a sin! It's too glorious not to dip in or soak up some rays by! And you had a bathing suit to match the theme? I applaud you.

I agree. Ostriches are ugly, but they are still the most delicious meat I've ever had to date.

Can't wait for Epcot!

 

[jenny105]

Love the relaxing morning!! We don't have a lot of do-whatever-we-feel mornings, but I've definitely scheduled in some downtime in the afternoons. Although I think our next trip we'll schedule some free time to sleep in and do whatever!

Thank you so much for the pictures of AKL! That place is so incredible! I can't wait to get there! Hopefully Emma isn't freaked out by the ostriches.

I have more pictures of AKL! It's so pretty I took pictures almost every time we had to go to a park or hung out by the pool. It's a great resort!

Oh man! Now I am filled with regret. That would have made my life to hear him tell that story!! He is the perfect person to let out your crazy on because he has the best reactions.

You are so cute making HM your first stop at MNSSHP. I, shamefully, didn't even stop by when I went to the party years ago. Clearly, I need to go with you so I can remember to do it, right! (As if we need another excuse to make it there together! I think we could fill a book...we just need to book a dang trip! AHHH!)

Oh IASW. I could take or leave it. I can stand it more than haters but don't need it like the lovers. I so wish that it had Disney characters blended in. But that is kind of how I feel about everything.

Lol I can imagine Kris' reaction to getting picked on at the Laugh Floor being similar to what Garret's would be. How does Kris feel about birthdays? Garret isn't even too keen on those because he doesn't like attention on him. He enjoys going out with friends for it, but no singing to him or singling him out in any way because it's his birthday.

OH MY GOODNESS. I absolutely LOVED that you asked Buzz about dancing like his Spanish-setting. PERFECT. AND THEN YOU GOT TWIRLED!! I'm dying. And now that is going on my Disney bucket list.

I'm so in love with the AKL pool. So glad you took some time to enjoy it, because if you didn't, that would be a sin! It's too glorious not to dip in or soak up some rays by! And you had a bathing suit to match the theme? I applaud you.

I agree. Ostriches are ugly, but they are still the most delicious meat I've ever had to date.

Can't wait for Epcot!

I think that should be a new thread all by itself: reasons Kimmy & Jen need to go to Disney World together. Maybe people will fund our trip.

Kris is the same way about birthdays! Oh man. There's another reason right there. Kris and Garret need to meet!

I wanted to meet Woody too because I wanted to ask him to lift up his boot. I'm curious to know whether or not it says Andy on it.

You've had ostrich meat? I like to try new things but I'm not sure I'm that adventurous!

 

[Nermel9]

I haven't stayed in AKL yet, but we always eat at Boma before our AK day, and one of the things I love to do is walk around the resort in the morning, it is SO beautiful! We always say we'll stay there on our next trip, and we book it, but for some reason, it ends up getting changed!

Your animal print swimsuit is so cute! So are those glow in the dark window clings! I stalk Walgreens around holidays, because I know they always have Disney window clings, but I didn't see the ones you have, they're adorable!

 

[jenny105]

I haven't stayed in AKL yet, but we always eat at Boma before our AK day, and one of the things I love to do is walk around the resort in the morning, it is SO beautiful! We always say we'll stay there on our next trip, and we book it, but for some reason, it ends up getting changed!

Your animal print swimsuit is so cute! So are those glow in the dark window clings! I stalk Walgreens around holidays, because I know they always have Disney window clings, but I didn't see the ones you have, they're adorable!

You should stay there next time! I know what you mean about changing resorts though; I do that constantly. I think we went from POR to POFQ to CSR to AKL this trip.

I had to dig for those glow in the dark clings! Nothing in our Walgreen's is very organized. They had normal Disney clings but I liked those best!

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

hey jenny just seeing how you guys are doing from the storm.
hope you are well.

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

Aaaahh....nothing like relaxing by the pool with a couple of drinks! We didn't get to do this too much this time because Sandy was making it too cool and windy. Glad you guys were able to relax!

 

[oboedm]

What a relaxing start to your day! Your pictures of AKL are beautiful (and you look great in all the pics as well)!