JAMBO! The UN-official AKL Thread ~ UPDATED(short film/pg 8 & slideshow/pg 12) Part 3

[*NikkiBell*]

Morning DISers!

I have been lurking on this thread for a bit now, but most definitely not on the DIS. We recently bought into DVC and are currently planning our very first trip "home" to AKV. I am *SO* excited and happy to find a thread of resort junkies like me!

We have never stayed at a deluxe resort before and I am so overwhelmed. Any important tips I should know right off the bat about this resort? We have a savannah view studio booked. I am so excited I could burst!!!

 

[TKDisneylover]

The flash in the WL and AKL lobbies are practically worthless. Because they're so "cavernous", combined with lots of dark wood, unless you're lighting something 3 or 4 feet away, flashes just don't do you much good. It isn't powerful enough to make much of a difference, even if it's a high powered one.

Your best best is to turn the flash OFF and to change your ISO setting on your camera...pretty much all digitals allow you to do it....to a higher number. If you're using a film camera, it's even easier: Just buy the higher ISO film....though then you're stuck shooting a whole role of that speed.

You'll want to take some test shots to find out which ISO level (on a digital anyway....not practical to do that on a film camera) works best for you because if you use TOO high an ISO level, the pictures will turn out "grainy". Depending on the time of day, etc, my wife and I have found that ISO-400 or ISO-800 works pretty well for us in the AKL and WL lobbies.

Thanks so much for the info. I'm an amateur at picture taking, especially with the digital and still trying to get used to the different settings. I guess it's pretty obvious in a lot of my pics (sorry), I will definitely take your advice when taking pics on our next visit!

 

[pilferk]

Thanks so much for the info. I'm an amateur at picture taking, especially with the digital and still trying to get used to the different settings. I guess it's pretty obvious in a lot of my pics (sorry), I will definitely take your advice when taking pics on our next visit!

I actually think the pics look GREAT!!!

And the "ISO trick" seems to only really be necessary (for hotel pics, anyway...it works on some attractions, too, provided they allow pictures) for the AKL and WL lobbies. The rest of the lobbies seem to have better lighting and lighter color schemes.

 

[John's Mom]

Pilferk,

Hope you and your family have a great WDW vacation with beautiful weather. We'll we waiting for pictures and info on your AKV. Just wondering if you are planning to bring back any more "souvenirs"?

Kathy

 

[RachelTori]

Pilferk,

Hope you and your family have a great WDW vacation with beautiful weather. We'll we waiting for pictures and info on your AKV. Just wondering if you are planning to bring back any more "souvenirs"?

Kathy

(good one, Kathy!! )

 

[DISNEYmooner2008]

6 DAYS!!! WE WILL BE HONEYMOONING AT AKL IN 6 SHORT DAYS!!!! Since we are sooo busy with our wedding, which is in 5 days, we already packed most everything, all that's left is some more socks for DF, and to pack our carry-ons!! YAY!!!

 

[*NikkiBell*]

Congratulations! How exciting!

 

[pilferk]

Pilferk,

Hope you and your family have a great WDW vacation with beautiful weather. We'll we waiting for pictures and info on your AKV. Just wondering if you are planning to bring back any more "souvenirs"?

Kathy

Doubtful.

Although my wife concieved our last little souvenir while taking the pill (talk about some Disney magic, eh?) so... Come to think of it, that was just about EXACTLY 2 years ago, next week. Hmmmmm....

I suppose, even though we've taken even MORE radical steps to prevent it now, it's always possible. If so, though, we'll be hitting up my wife's gyno for the college costs.....he should have tied a better knot!

 

[CJsMom]

6 DAYS!!! WE WILL BE HONEYMOONING AT AKL IN 6 SHORT DAYS!!!! Since we are sooo busy with our wedding, which is in 5 days, we already packed most everything, all that's left is some more socks for DF, and to pack our carry-ons!! YAY!!!

That is so exciting - have a wonderful time!!!!

 

[The Disney Fanatic]

Doubtful.

Although my wife concieved our last little souvenir while taking the pill (talk about some Disney magic, eh?) so... Come to think of it, that was just about EXACTLY 2 years ago, next week. Hmmmmm....

I suppose, even though we've taken even MORE radical steps to prevent it now, it's always possible. If so, though, we'll be hitting up my wife's gyno for the college costs.....he should have tied a better knot!

My DW and I are hoping to have brought home an "AKL Souvenir!" Send some of that Pixie Dust to NC and keep us in your prayers! Also, Happy New Year to everyone!

 

[kimmar067]

....just got back on Saturday night, but I couldn't log on to the DIS till now.....


....no ZD's this time out, but we DID get to have breakfast at Boma...

 

[jaycns]

OH KIMMAR!! I love those pictures! They are making me homesick!! THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing them! They were a wonderful New Year's surprise!!

The holiday decorations are just stunning! Now that we have photos, we want feedback as well! Thanks for sharing!!

HAPPY 2008!!

 

[RachelTori]

Kimmar,

We missed ya! GREAT pics!!

Can't wait for your trippie!!

No ZDs?!!!! (saving that for your NEXT trip, are ya?!!)

25 days till I'm checking in @ AKV!!



The Disney Fanatic: to you and your family that you get the news you're hoping for! Hoping we'll hear your good news soon!

 

[CJsMom]

Love the pictures Kimmar! I was showing our video to some relatives yesterday and they were just blown away by the resort. I really don't know how we will stay anywhere else! Of course, I want to go back in 2009 and the only way we can stay at AKL is another great discount - I will be scouring the boards looking for anything I can find! Otherwise it'll probably be POP for us. IF we don't end up at AKL I will definitely reserve a breakfast at Boma for us so we can visit.

 

[John's Mom]

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Welcome back, Kim! Great pictures! Can't wait for a full (and complete) trip report.

 

[Donald is #1]

kimmar067, awesome pictures! Thanks so much for posting them. Now I just have to wait until May until I can go back to AKL/AKV.

 

[CJsMom]

Some larger details:

 

[CJsMom]

And some smaller touches:

 

[pilferk]

GREAT pics, kimmar.

Gearing up for our trip.....loading the rest of the car tonight. The kids are still COMPLETELY clueless and that's with 1/2 our luggage already loaded into the van.

 

[kimmar067]

GREAT pics, kimmar.

Gearing up for our trip.....loading the rest of the car tonight. The kids are still COMPLETELY clueless and that's with 1/2 our luggage already loaded into the van.

...very kewl....have a wonderful time.....

[...when will you be arriving??]