It's NEVER Too Late, for Number 8 - the most UNOFFICIAL, 'official' AKL thread yet!

[AquaDame]

Honest?

We bought our "airline approved" (because they're very particular about size) stuff at Walmart. I think they were $25 or $30, apeice.

We've had them for about 5 years now. Theyr'e the ugliest brown color you'll ever see...but they've stood up well to the rigors of airline travel (not just Disney), they have wheels, and an extendable handle.... AND the zippers still work.

We typically bring 3 (if we have to pay) to 5 (if the checked baggage is free) of them when we travel. One for me (and the "bathroom necessities" for the family), one for my wife, and one for the 3 kids are REQUIRED. If we can get 2 more on for free...we can spread stuff out a bit and have room for the mountain of stuff we "acquire" while at WDW.

When we drive to Disney..we have larger, black luggage that was significantly more expensive. But we bought it before the smaller restrictions imposed by the airlines...so they'd be "oversized" by airline standards. It's not held up nearly as well (finicky zippers, sticky wheels) to the car rides...though we've had it a lot longer, too.

..Wow how obvious, how did I overlook Walmart, lol! We checked out Amazon, Target, Costco, Kohls, etc and their luggage was all hundreds of dollars! Thank you!

 

[Pinkocto]

Good Afternoon everybody

Elin, I'm sorry you're having to change plans again.

 

[Pinkocto]

...the 'official' grand opening is December 6....

REALLY!!! That's the day I'll arrive

Where did you discover this fabulous news?

 

[Sneezie]

Hi all!

We'll be staying at Kidani Village in less than three weeks. Yippee!!! And I was wondering, does the 2-bedroom dedicated villa have one full balcony that stretches the length of the villa or is it separated into two?

Thanks!!!

 

[John's Mom]

Brandi - I think you had better take us off the December list of Js & Ks going to WDW.

It just isn't going to work out (again) this year. All four of us are upset, but work schedules just are not cooperating. I think we are going to rent a house on the OBX instead. It is close enough for Bob and I to drive to for the week and the girls can drive or fly in when they can get off work and get there.

Elin, sorry you have to change your plans. I'm sure that wherever you spent the holidays, it will be great as long as you, Bob and the girls are together.

 

[dgbg100106]

....well, not necessarily anyone named 'Virginia', nor even the state per se, but that HORRIBLE TRAFFIC ON I-95 FROM RICHMOND TO ALEXANDRIA on a Sunday afternoon!!!!

I just finished driving the other way.... From Baltimore to Suffolk...

 

[Pinkocto]

Hi all!

We'll be staying at Kidani Village in less than three weeks. Yippee!!! And I was wondering, does the 2-bedroom dedicated villa have one full balcony that stretches the length of the villa or is it separated into two?

Thanks!!!

Congratulations on your trip! I think it's one long balcony.

 

[dgbg100106]

Well drat... I can't seem to find anything about it. Tried searching the blog, and via google for the keywords add three course, one seating, etc with victoria and alberts and nada. I will just take it as a matter of fact that the change will be for the BETTER since they are on their 13th year of black diamond! Next time - it will be fabulous!

Try this link....

http://www.scottjosephorlando.com/i...-special-degustation-option-for-summer-diners

 

[dgbg100106]

...the 'official' grand opening is December 6....

DVC has a preview prior to the "official" opening

 

[dgbg100106]

Brandi - as you drive by!!

there some bad traffic on 95 so we decided to take 17, so I missed going by you, but we are here safe and sound!

 

[AquaDame]

Try this link....

http://www.scottjosephorlando.com/i...-special-degustation-option-for-summer-diners

Oh thank you, very interesting indeed! Since we are going in late october we will miss out entirely anyway unless they do decide to keep doing it, in which case we'll catch it next time. If it were being offered for a possibly limited time while we were there I don't know what I would do... I'm glad they made it easy for me for once!

 

[Angel16]

Good Afternoon J's & K's and Happy Monday!

It is a beautiful sunny day here....not too hot either.

Brandi, Glad you arrived safely. Maybe you can get some lunch and relax a little?

Elin I am so sorry you have to cancel WDW for Christmas this year. However having a family Christmas on The Outer Banks is pretty fantastic.

Sue, Sending your way wishes for safe travels to Ft Lauderdale and a super wonderful 12 whole days at AKL. I will be watching for your live report.

Ann

 

[dgbg100106]

REALLY!!! That's the day I'll arrive

Where did you discover this fabulous news?

http://travel.usatoday.com/alliance...c-Kingdom-previews-start-November-19/820115/1


http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...gic-kingdom-park-at-walt-disney-world-resort/

 

[dgbg100106]

Oh thank you, very interesting indeed! Since we are going in late october we will miss out entirely anyway unless they do decide to keep doing it, in which case we'll catch it next time. If it were being offered for a possibly limited time while we were there I don't know what I would do... I'm glad they made it easy for me for once!

Glad it was made easier for you then...

 

[dgbg100106]

Good Afternoon J's & K's and Happy Monday!

It is a beautiful sunny day here....not too hot either.

Brandi, Glad you arrived safely. Maybe you can get some lunch and relax a little?

Elin I am so sorry you have to cancel WDW for Christmas this year. However having a family Christmas on The Outer Banks is pretty fantastic.

Sue, Sending your way wishes for safe travels to Ft Lauderdale and a super wonderful 12 whole days at AKL. I will be watching for your live report.

Ann

Hi Ann...

We stopped at a smokehouse along the way, and had some great pulled pork sandwiches, I am hoping for some great seafood tonight...

 

[kimmar067]

DVC has a preview prior to the "official" opening

...wow! Really?

 

[Pinkocto]

http://travel.usatoday.com/alliance...c-Kingdom-previews-start-November-19/820115/1


http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...gic-kingdom-park-at-walt-disney-world-resort/

Thank you!!! I can't believe my luck. Only thing is, how busy is it going to be

Glad you're at your destination. So David was able to go with you?

 

[dgbg100106]

...wow! Really?

This week Disney announced that Walt Disney World's Fantasyland expansion will officially open December 6, 2012 with previews for select audiences starting on November 19, 2012. Will Disney Vacation Club members be eligible to attend the preview days?

Sources are telling us that yes, Disney Vacation Club members--along with Annual Passholders--will be given exclusive windows of time to visit the new Fantasyland attractions prior to the grand opening.

Following past practice, attractions are likely to be open to the public even prior to the November 19 date. "Soft openings" or unscheduled trials are used to test and adjust new attractions as designers and ride operators prepare for the crushing crowds and day-long demand which will follow in the wake of an official opening.

Disney is expected to announce specific dates and times prior to December 6 when the attractions will be open to DVC members and Passholders. Other windows--both scheduled and unscheduled--may be established for the general public to sample the new attractions before their grand opening.

Stay tuned for additional details as they are revealed.​

 

[dgbg100106]

Thank you!!! I can't believe my luck. Only thing is, how busy is it going to be

Glad you're at your destination. So David was able to go with you?

Yes....

David is with me.... he took today off and tomorrow will work while I am in my meetings and then we drive home together tomorrow after my meetings.

I suspect that I will be leaving here around 2 pm which means I will get home (if lucky) around 8 pm.

 

[marykatmp]

I just moved to AKL from POR for next week. We will be there the 19th through 24th. I am so excited!