Is it POSSIBLE?? AKL LITE IV?? You betcha...

[wendypooh]

Hi everyone. You guys are such a great bunch to hang out with. I have been lurking and loving it! But I have to say that I am only on page 50 of the thread-- whew!

I need help: I should be jumping around like crazy with excitement, but.... I have so many things to do--and DH is in classes/ taking exams and completing assignments, working 12 hour days until the day before we leave. I homeschool and the kids have their sports and other "after school" activities until 2 days before we leave. The house..let's not even go there. Please remind me how to do the happy banana dance. , the happy man dancing dance , the any dancer dance...

Here is why I should be excited: I'm going on vacation after 2 years!!!

We will take a 3-day cruise on the Dream. I have never cruised before and neither has anyone else in my family except DH (former Navy guy). We'll be on a new beautiful ship, staying in a Cat T 1 bedroom suite/concierge level. Then we are going straight to AKV Kidani for a 3 day stay: 1 Bedroom Savanah first day (DMom and DSis will have a studio savanah). The next two days we will all share a 2 bedroom savannah room. I was sooooo excited until I finished my ADRs and got everything settled. Then I looked around and remembered what needs to be done before we leave....

Everyone is excited, but I think I am just pooped at this point. To be fair, DH is exhausted.

I think my daily time on the DisBoards is helping me get through it all...Have I already said how awesome you guys are?

Anyhoo, DH, DD12, DS10, DD4, and I stayed in AKL 2008 upgraded to a savanah view with bunk beds at check-in.We were such newbies-- first time to Disneyworld, that we had no clue what we were in for with that view. DD4 (then 2) was so thrilled about the animals, that we couldn't wait to get back eventually. Interestingly enough, our room also faced Kidani as it was nearing its finishing stage. We loved WDW so much we returned 9 months later! The next time we stayed at CBR in 2009.

This time around my DMom and DSis are first timers (well mom hasn't been in 23 years, so it's like new again). We thought she should stay at AKV-Kidani because she loves animals. She is absolutely thrilled and she deserves it (last October we lost my DDad to metastatic lung cancer-- a hard year for us all and a vacation much needed for all 7 of us). She wants to do everything-- watch the animals early in the morning from the patio, see the animals and the shows at AK, go to the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot, Hollywood Studios shows (she is a movie fanatic), and, believe it or not, MK is not even a big deal to her. But of course we will be there: ears, cotton candy, candied apples, parades...gotta do it! We have never done a park hopper--trying to convince my DH to do it, but he is finding it difficult to do because the kids also want to do the Water Parks and More option. We are doing Hoop Dee Doo (our all time favorite-- my DH was picked to be the angel our very first time there!), Spirit of Aloha, Fantasmic (if the timing works), Whispering Canyon and their ketchup antics. I get to eat my favorite Polynesian and African foods... I know it will be an absolute blast, but...HELP!

The funniest thing about this is the cruise and Disney trip are MY birthday presents from last year and this year!

Maybe what I need is to keep looking at the pictures of the ZDs. I have never had them. I love dessert--this DEFINITELY gives me something to look forward to.

I know I'm in need of help because I've taken to "hiding out" to get my DIS fix. I wait until DH goes to sleep and the kids are in their rooms.... Really. No one seems to get what's happening with me, but each morning, they never fail to ask me "So what else have you learned? We know you've been on the Boards."

Anybody been where I am now? Tell me it's just a rut and it will all be over in 9 days. We are Wednesday, staying in Port Canaveral, and kicking it off Thursday.

I think I need a DisBoard

AWWWWW - It CAN sometimes get overwhelming - we plan and plan - wanting everything JUST right and we wear ourselves out - then we worry over everything - just take a DEEP breath, relax and try to not worry about it all!!! If you can, slow down the pace at home a little bit - and you might find it helpful to NOT hide getting your disney fix............ get the kids involved - they might have fun helping you "talk" about it and getting ready for the trip! Good Luck - I know you'll have an amazing time - just enjoy and let it happen!

 

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Very timely - I was just looking at this the other day on MouseSavers:
http://www.mousesavers.com/aklmusic.html

Enjoy!

THANKYOU SO MUCH !!!
laura

 

[angelaernest]

Thank you, Wendypooh! I am taking deep breaths. The crazy thing is the kids have been helping every step of the way. You are right about the "perfect" thing, though. I gotta work on that. I think I "hide" the most from DH. He likes Disney for sure, but doesn't get all into it like I do. He often tells me he's just along for the ride and happy to be away from the job. With him being so tired these days, I feel guilty about my Dis time. But, like the kids, he's always interested in what "your DisBoard people", as he calls you guys, have to say about any and all things Disney. You guys rock!

 

[athenna]

Hello everyone, I am home. I have so much to write, so great, some good, some not good at all. It was a totally different experience for us and I learned sooo much. I have tons of pictures and some stories to tell. It is going to take me a while to get everything together because of the of the "not so good".

Oh my gosh I am so sorry to hear this happened to you! Hope you're on the mend now

Hi everyone. You guys are such a great bunch to hang out with. I have been lurking and loving it! But I have to say that I am only on page 50 of the thread-- whew!

You'll be fine! Take a few deep breathes, you'll be great

Sending good vibes and PD....

Thanks, Brandi

Thanks, Wendy! Good to hear from you...How are you feeling?

 

[CJsMom]

Hello everyone, I am home. I have so much to write, so great, some good, some not good at all. It was a totally different experience for us and I learned sooo much. I have tons of pictures and some stories to tell. It is going to take me a while to get everything together because of the of the "not so good".

While sitting in the Disabled area of Fantasmic on a busy night, our row was rushed by a group of adults, one of who elbowed me very hard in my shoulder area, then by what I think was a reaction took his fist to the back of my neck by my spine and the bottom of my skull. For those of you that already don't know I have been disabled many years with cervical disc disease and many problems with my neck, etc. It was my worst fear realized. I need to make appt. with my drs. here for Cat Scans and MRI's. (I was afraid to ruin the trip spending the time in the hospital, plus they kept repeating over and over I would be responsible for payment and well I didn't bring the money tree with me this trip and well, I was scared. I totally promise to update soon, I have pics of a disabled room and some questions also.

Hope everyone else is doing very well!!

I am so sorry to hear that this happened to you! I hope you did let Disney know, because even though they cannot control what individual people do, they ARE in charge of crowd control. The crowd should NOT be able to "rush" that close to the disabled section! No one should be in a position where they might get hurt, especially those who may not be able to move out of the way as quickly as others.

I hope you are ok!


angelaernest - you will be fine - try not to stress! It will all get done, and before you know it, you will be off on your wonderful vacation!

 

[angelaernest]

Athenna: thank you.

CJsMom: you are so right.

Wendy I did slow the pace down around the house. All day today I have been consciously taking time to breathe. Dare I say I think it's working. I needed some perspective.

Tinker'n'Fun: I am so sorry that you were hurt by someone else's carelessness and thoughtlessness. I am looking forward to hearing how you are doing and seeing your pics.

 

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

TINKER'N'FUN

I'm so sorry to hear this !! Sometimes people are very rude ; I so hope you will feel better soon !!!
Sending loads of hugs ,

laura

 

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Here is why I should be excited: I'm going on vacation after 2 years!!!

We will take a 3-day cruise on the Dream. I have never cruised before and neither has anyone else in my family except DH (former Navy guy).

The funniest thing about this is the cruise and Disney trip are MY birthday presents from last year and this year!


We are Wednesday, staying in Port Canaveral, and kicking it off Thursday.

I see what you mean !! and surely can relate to someone being "tired" or overwhelmed !!!
IT COMES, IT GOES !!!

Just try and focus on the nicest things you have written ( I quoted ):
it's your vacation , so much deserved !!! it's your first cruise !!!
You will have A BLAST !!!


Well , housework can be ...overwhelming too , but try and do SOME at a time , then SOME Disney FIX !!! and a big smile !!!

As someone suggested ... talk of your dreams with family !!!Everyone likes HAPPY THOUGHTS !!!

You will come back rejuvenated and !!!!
Think of yourself as a VERY LUCKY PERSON !!!!!

laura

 

[angelaernest]

:
You will come back rejuvenated and !!!!
Think of yourself as a VERY LUCKY PERSON !!!!!

laura

Aahhh yes... I know I will. And yes, I am.

The time will be here sooner than I know.

Thanks!

 

[dtr_angel]

We just booked our airfare this morning I'm super excited, this time we are flying out of a smaller airport that is only about an hour from where we live, as opposed to driving 2.5 hours to DC, or Baltimore. Not only does this save on gas, but we won't have to get up as early, deal with traffic, or long lines at security. Parking is also free, so that saves us probably close to $100. And, on the way back we can stop and eat at the Sonic that just opened up in the town. Before the only time I got to eat at Sonic was when we went down south, or when I went to visit my brother who lives over 4 hours away.

I have a question about Magical Express. This will be the first time we'll have a layover. When we check our bags at the first airport, do we need to claim them when we get to DC, or do they keep going to Orlando? What about on the way back? When we check them in at AKL, will we have to claim them in DC and recheck them before we get on our 2nd plane?

We got a huge snow storm today so I keep looking at pictures of the pool at AKL - so ready for hot weather & swimming in 12 weeks!

 

[TxMickeyLover]

We just booked our airfare this morning I'm super excited, this time we are flying out of a smaller airport that is only about an hour from where we live, as opposed to driving 2.5 hours to DC, or Baltimore. Not only does this save on gas, but we won't have to get up as early, deal with traffic, or long lines at security. Parking is also free, so that saves us probably close to $100. And, on the way back we can stop and eat at the Sonic that just opened up in the town. Before the only time I got to eat at Sonic was when we went down south, or when I went to visit my brother who lives over 4 hours away.

I have a question about Magical Express. This will be the first time we'll have a layover. When we check our bags at the first airport, do we need to claim them when we get to DC, or do they keep going to Orlando? What about on the way back? When we check them in at AKL, will we have to claim them in DC and recheck them before we get on our 2nd plane?

We got a huge snow storm today so I keep looking at pictures of the pool at AKL - so ready for hot weather & swimming in 12 weeks!

How exciting for you!! I'm a little jealous.

We have never had to claim/recheck bags on a layover. Generally the baggage handlers at the airport transfer luggage from your first plane to the second plane.

Enjoy your trip, and enjoy AKL! We love it there!

 

[wendypooh]

Thanks, Wendy! Good to hear from you...How are you feeling?

Hey - feeling much better!! The horrible cough is pretty much gone! Thanks!!

Wendy I did slow the pace down around the house. All day today I have been consciously taking time to breathe. Dare I say I think it's working. I needed some perspective.

YAY - I'm glad!!!




** Laura - I guess I should've posted a link for you............ LOL

http://www.live365.com/index.live

Like I stated - they play disney music - it's free - and often they will play loops from the lodge!!! Godere!

 

[DiSnEyLvR76]

anyone ever buy a cheap pair of night vision goggles and bring it with you to the akl? I know they do this at the resort at night but its not the same as having it with you in your room whenever you want, to see the animals!

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Thanks for all the well wishes. I was at the drs. first thing this morning. While he is concerned with the HBP he truly believes that the pain and shock is to blame for that. We are adding one new pill and he hopes in the next few weeks that will resolve itself.

As for the injury, he is more concerned with that. My neck is not holding in a good position and the headaches are getting more intense. Vision is being affected. So I had a full cervical and spine xray set done alone with a shoulder series and the bottom of my cranium.

When the person hit me from behind, it caused a huge pain in the front, near my rib cage area. So I had a sonogram for that today. I need to give my blood in the next few days, but back to bedrest for me.

I need to get a letter off to Disney with the official drs. notes and test results.

Please keep me in your thoughts that it isn't really bad, I jut have a gloom feelng right now.

Again, thanks for caring.

 

[John's Mom]

Thanks for all the well wishes. I was at the drs. first thing this morning. While he is concerned with the HBP he truly believes that the pain and shock is to blame for that. We are adding one new pill and he hopes in the next few weeks that will resolve itself.

As for the injury, he is more concerned with that. My neck is not holding in a good position and the headaches are getting more intense. Vision is being affected. So I had a full cervical and spine xray set done alone with a shoulder series and the bottom of my cranium.

When the person hit me from behind, it caused a huge pain in the front, near my rib cage area. So I had a sonogram for that today. I need to give my blood in the next few days, but back to bedrest for me.

I need to get a letter off to Disney with the official drs. notes and test results.

Please keep me in your thoughts that it isn't really bad, I jut have a gloom feelng right now.

Again, thanks for caring.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Kathy

 

[kimmar067]

We have never had to claim/recheck bags on a layover. Generally the baggage handlers at the airport transfer luggage from your first plane to the second plane...

....I was goint to say the same thing...

 

[kimmar067]

Thanks for all the well wishes. I was at the drs. first thing this morning. While he is concerned with the HBP he truly believes that the pain and shock is to blame for that. We are adding one new pill and he hopes in the next few weeks that will resolve itself.

As for the injury, he is more concerned with that. My neck is not holding in a good position and the headaches are getting more intense. Vision is being affected. So I had a full cervical and spine xray set done alone with a shoulder series and the bottom of my cranium.

When the person hit me from behind, it caused a huge pain in the front, near my rib cage area. So I had a sonogram for that today. I need to give my blood in the next few days, but back to bedrest for me.

I need to get a letter off to Disney with the official drs. notes and test results.

Please keep me in your thoughts that it isn't really bad, I jut have a gloom feelng right now.

Again, thanks for caring.

.... and here's wishing you a full and SPEEDY recovery!

 

[kimmar067]

Well, all, I made it through my 2 weeks of training....Actually today I was on my own...Still have a lot to learn, who knew laundry was complicated? I guess I'm doing ok, but I'm still applying for other jobs, just in case...If I had a chance at something that wasn't temp and paid better, I'd take it!
No luck w/Scott's job search Still doing very PT @ Home Depot, but starting today he had to arrange transportation...Turns out a good friend of our offered to drive him to work Mon, Wed, Sat (I can take him Tuesdays) and I will pick him up all 4 nights...I don't know what we'd do without friends sometimes.

238 until AKL

...thinking about you and Scott - hang in there!

 

[kimmar067]

...and the savannah view... well the temps were in the teens and all the animals were half frozen....

...that explains the hairballs in the pool - the animals knew it was heated....






























.

 

[kimmar067]

Hello everyone, I am home. I have so much to write, so great, some good, some not good at all. It was a totally different experience for us and I learned sooo much. I have tons of pictures and some stories to tell. It is going to take me a while to get everything together because of the of the "not so good".

While sitting in the Disabled area of Fantasmic on a busy night, our row was rushed by a group of adults, one of who elbowed me very hard in my shoulder area, then by what I think was a reaction took his fist to the back of my neck by my spine and the bottom of my skull. For those of you that already don't know I have been disabled many years with cervical disc disease and many problems with my neck, etc. It was my worst fear realized. I need to make appt. with my drs. here for Cat Scans and MRI's. (I was afraid to ruin the trip spending the time in the hospital, plus they kept repeating over and over I would be responsible for payment and well I didn't bring the money tree with me this trip and well, I was scared. I totally promise to update soon, I have pics of a disabled room and some questions also.

Hope everyone else is doing very well!!

..believe me, I certainly know how rotten some folks can be, even when at the BEST PLACE ON EARTH! Of course, you shall find out for yourself [when I get to that part in my trippie] the not-so-good of human nature...BTW ~ can't wait for those pix!