Kick'n It at Kidani (aka Am I Becoming a Resort Snob?)Final Update 8/20 p.54

[eandesmom]

Band Geek huh.

I never would have guessed.

Of course that's because I was a band geek, as was DH. I wish I had time to be one now (not really).

What do you play?

I couldn't agree more on the TS situation in MK. DH kept asking me WHY we weren't eating dinner in the MK and you summed it up completely for me! I'll stick to MK resorts for dinner on MK days.

Your splash pictures are a riot! Mine, had anyone actually gone on it, would have looked like that.

I have to tell you, all your AKL pics are seriously making me want to stay there. It is SOOOO beautiful! Even the gym. Although I don't do treadmills.



21 keys? We'd never survive. Or eat, or all get into the park.

 

[MEK]

OK, I have read all of your report and let me tell you...fabulous. I was lurking on the TR page. I have never had the courage to post a TR and am interested in doing so for our next trip in June 2010. Is it too early for a PTR?

Sorry about being a late arrival on your TR. As you might tell by my sig we will be staying at Kidani, 2 bdrm, SV. We have 3 children, 2 of which are 3 yo, so they will enjoy the animals. Plus my DD11 LOVES animals...actually I believe AK is her favorite park for that reason.

I am SO SUPER EXCITED about our 1st DVC stay, I cannot wait.

We used our DP's at DLR GCH Concierge. That was AMAZING. I highly suggest visting the west coast when the villas open up!!!

Hi Tinkerific (love that name) and Welcome to my TR! I am glad you are enjoying it and came out of lurkdom to say "Hi". I don't think it is ever too early to post a PTR. I love them, but I prefer to read other people's. But when I'm done with this TR I am going to post a little PTR infor for our quickie September trip.

DLR GCH concierge sounds sooooo great. It makes me want two things:
(1) A visit to the west coast
(2) More points

You will love Kidani. It's lovely and doing this last installment makes me really want to go back. We are hoping for a 5 night May trip, but I am waiting until 7 months out to book. I would not be upset at all to stay at Kidani again.

yeah, I don't know enough yet to know how WA does on call back but that won't apply till next year anyway but in looking at the 95 regional pool pic it looks like there are 4 from WA but none I recognize (K's team is about half 95's half 96's) , DSD has been in one invite game and has another invite game today but that's about all I know! 4 of her teammates are there with her and I don't know how the rest are doing. I'm just glad she's having fun. Her getting goals is great but fun is more important right now, to me. WA has done well so far but CA always kick our behind in everything so we will see lol!

It's funny. To be honest that is a little bit of K. She IS fast, she has a lot of raw talent but never "quite" fufills it. We will see, so far with the new coach this year it's better. Old one had favorites and they weren't her. The "big" favorite moved to a different team and it's been a really really good thing for the team even if they aren't winning their tournaments. To a large degree it's a new team.

She needs to get "smarter", I know exactly what you mean.

Christmas??????????????? DH would go ballistic. He is so upset that there is one over thanksgiving it's crazy. Right now we have one aug 7-9, aug 21-23, thanksgiving in CA and then sometime in Feb. The feb one is new as of last week and it's in AZ so DH isn't happy about that either.

Sigh.

You know what I think helped my sons get "smarter". They play a lot of the Fifa Soccer on x-box. That game is all strategy. It's funny because sometimes I will watch my older son do something on the field and I know he did it cause its a play that works on Fifa. But it often doesn't work in real life. My coworker who played lacrosse at Penn State said that she didn't really get the "smart" thing until she got into college. Then suddenly a when on. It's timing and it is coaching. A good coach can gets kids thinking smart really early on.

Your DD does have alot of tournaments. And they seem like they are far away. My DS will be in 11th grade so this is the BIG year, which explains all the tournaments. At least where I live in the Northeast, there are plenty of tournaments within reasonable driving distance. I will be picking him up at ODP camp tomorrow, so I'm curious to see how things went. I'm actually a little nervous because I really hope he gets some positive reviews.

 

[MEK]

Band Geek huh.

I never would have guessed.

Of course that's because I was a band geek, as was DH. I wish I had time to be one now (not really).

What do you play?

.

I actually only did Marching band one year in high school. I didn't like. I was much more into classical music (still am). I play the flute. Of course in marching band that translates into playing the piccolo. I am not very good at the piccolo. I am a much better flautist. But the band gives me a state income tax break, since it is part of a fire company. I am considered a volunteer firefighter. Is that a hoot? We actually marched in the inaugural parade in DC because Joe Biden is from Delaware. That was an experience.

What did you and DH play?

I couldn't agree more on the TS situation in MK. DH kept asking me WHY we weren't eating dinner in the MK and you summed it up completely for me! I'll stick to MK resorts for dinner on MK days.

.

Yup - its resort ADRs from now on for MK days. Except that one of these days I would like to try CRT even though I expect its over rated.

Your splash pictures are a riot! Mine, had anyone actually gone on it, would have looked like that.

.

Thanks. Sorry you guys never made it on Splash. You definately need to put that on your must do list for the next trip. It really is a great ride. Everytime I ride it I notice something new.

I have to tell you, all your AKL pics are seriously making me want to stay there. It is SOOOO beautiful! Even the gym. Although I don't do treadmills.



.

MY AKL pics are making ME want to stay there again!

21 keys? We'd never survive. Or eat, or all get into the park.

Today I thought about laying them all out on the kitchen table to take a picture of what 21 cards/park passes actually look like. It's not pretty.

 

[eandesmom]

You know what I think helped my sons get "smarter". They play a lot of the Fifa Soccer on x-box. That game is all strategy. It's funny because sometimes I will watch my older son do something on the field and I know he did it cause its a play that works on Fifa. But it often doesn't work in real life. My coworker who played lacrosse at Penn State said that she didn't really get the "smart" thing until she got into college. Then suddenly a when on. It's timing and it is coaching. A good coach can gets kids thinking smart really early on.

Your DD does have alot of tournaments. And they seem like they are far away. My DS will be in 11th grade so this is the BIG year, which explains all the tournaments. At least where I live in the Northeast, there are plenty of tournaments within reasonable driving distance. I will be picking him up at ODP camp tomorrow, so I'm curious to see how things went. I'm actually a little nervous because I really hope he gets some positive reviews.

If our coach would have gotten his way we'd have had another in CA on 7/8 instead of the local one we are doing. But due to changing state cup and then tryout dates, we entered late and didn't get in (thank goodness!).

Part of what frustrates DH and I are is there are plenty that are local. We will do 3 "local" (if local is 1-2 hour drive lol) and then one nearby out of state (4 hrs) so 4 for the summer (The 7/22 one is in OR) but realistically they could do one almost every weekend, right here. Sigh. It's funny, that's exactly what I said to DH last week. It would be one thing if they were in 10th grade but they are 8th. Scouting for ODP is over, and that's local, so....I don't get the need for more than one US Club Sanctioned "tough" out of state tourney (since there is a local one also "sanctioned"). I thought last year was bad, they made it to the far west regional's (HI) and then they followed it up with one CA tourney in the same summer but at least it was semi-understandable, regional cup versus regular tourney, and the CA ones are important b/c they are SO much better, but...sigh.

If I had to bet it's (the Add-on AZ tourney) b/c none of the good CA teams came to the US club regional tourney that was here.

Typically though we haven't had any tourney's past labor day and this year there are 2, both out of state. Our fear is it will get worse. Like Christmas!

You are SO right about what a good coach can do. Part of it for DSD is simply self confidence.

The travel $$ is killing us. And vacation budgeting

We have the FIFA soccer for the wii...she says it's really boring

sending you on camp reviews for DS.

I'll be excited (and nervous) to hear about his year as it progresses, it's HUGE and (selfishly) it'll be a bit of a preview for me!

 

[eandesmom]

I actually only did Marching band one year in high school. I didn't like. I was much more into classical music (still am). I play the flute. Of course in marching band that translates into playing the piccolo. I am not very good at the piccolo. I am a much better flautist. But the band gives me a state income tax break, since it is part of a fire company. I am considered a volunteer firefighter. Is that a hoot? We actually marched in the inaugural parade in DC because Joe Biden is from Delaware. That was an experience.

What did you and DH play?

I love it! How very very cool! I love classical though most of what I (we've) done, is jazz.

Ok, in all fairness, I was way more of a geek than DH. I've marched. A lot. All 4 years of high school in some way or another and a few years before that on drill team.

Musically....marching

• Clarinet
• Bells (mallets)

Non Musically...marching

• Drill team
• Flag Corps
• Cheer

Mallets were the best! One of my favorite memories is a mallet trio we did where 2 of us played the smaller metal bells and one with the larger wooden (all carried on over our shoulders, those suckers were heavy!) playing somewhere over the rainbow in a competition. I also did a bit of keyboard base in jazz band and then sang alto in our 16 member competition jazz choir.

DH played trumpet. No marching. But they made a record which is more than I can say!

However I figure the cheer and ASB outweighs his lack of marching geek to make me overall much cooler.

Yup - its resort ADRs from now on for MK days. Except that one of these days I would like to try CRT even though I expect its over rated.

I've thought about it but probably won't, I can't see the guys liking it and DSD while finally girly enough, is a Tink kind of girl, not a princess. I currently have too many MK resort dinner options on my wish list as it is!

Thanks. Sorry you guys never made it on Splash. You definately need to put that on your must do list for the next trip. It really is a great ride. Everytime I ride it I notice something new.

We have been, just not this trip. It was too long when it was hot and at night, just wasn't appealing. I'm sure we will be on it again. I missed Brer Rabbit! But not being wet.

MY AKL pics are making ME want to stay there again!

Today I thought about laying them all out on the kitchen table to take a picture of what 21 cards/park passes actually look like. It's not pretty.

you should! that would be

You really capture the essence of AKL, thank you for sharing it! I can't imagine moving my herd mid trip on a split stay.

 

[manntra]

WOW!!!! Those were some great AKV pictures!!
I am so looking forward to my trip!! I loved Jambo and now I have such a great feel for everything around Kidani.
Although I know I won't be visiting the health club I might just check out that bathroom!! It's beautiful!

 

[TINKERIFIC]

DLR GCH concierge sounds sooooo great. It makes me want two things:
(1) A visit to the west coast
(2) More points

Rumor has it that once the villas open up...the GCH hotel rooms (including concierge level) will be available to use with points. It is unfortunate since

1. there are only 50 villas...in total
2. during a summer season I doubt I would get in a 1 bedroom at 7 months.

Our Monday - Friday stay at club level was 176 points!!! Conceirge really spoils a person!!!

I hope we enjoy Kindani...it is our home resort...plus I have always AKL...every trip I go there just to eat and take pics...now we live there if only for a week out of the year.

We too are "point poor". The only way we are staying in a 2 bedrrom next year is because we are banking 2008 points and using our current 2009 points for the trip.

 

[Lady Lallie]

I love those relaxing afternoons at the resorts. So much fun. I would have had to resist harming that lady too!

LJ looks like is having so much fun!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Loved the AKL pics, it makes me very anxious for our December stay! I have realized that I'm a natural born eavesdropper. I probably would have loved listening in on her undisney like conversation....
I got mad a Baylor for talking while I was trying to listen to a couple argue at the AT&T store yesterday....

Can't wait to see what you think of CSR!

 

[MEK]

If our coach would have gotten his way we'd have had another in CA on 7/8 instead of the local one we are doing. But due to changing state cup and then tryout dates, we entered late and didn't get in (thank goodness!).

Part of what frustrates DH and I are is there are plenty that are local. We will do 3 "local" (if local is 1-2 hour drive lol) and then one nearby out of state (4 hrs) so 4 for the summer (The 7/22 one is in OR) but realistically they could do one almost every weekend, right here. Sigh. It's funny, that's exactly what I said to DH last week. It would be one thing if they were in 10th grade but they are 8th. Scouting for ODP is over, and that's local, so....I don't get the need for more than one US Club Sanctioned "tough" out of state tourney (since there is a local one also "sanctioned"). I thought last year was bad, they made it to the far west regional's (HI) and then they followed it up with one CA tourney in the same summer but at least it was semi-understandable, regional cup versus regular tourney, and the CA ones are important b/c they are SO much better, but...sigh.

Just reading this makes my head spin. That much traveling seems a little over the top to me. At least when she does get in high school, things have to slow down for preseason and regular season. The coaches always say - school team first!

If I had to bet it's (the Add-on AZ tourney) b/c none of the good CA teams came to the US club regional tourney that was here.

Typically though we haven't had any tourney's past labor day and this year there are 2, both out of state. Our fear is it will get worse. Like Christmas!I hope you don't have to travel over Christmas. If we do, then I will probably go. Although, when you work in health care, taking off over Christmas is frowned upon.

You are SO right about what a good coach can do. Part of it for DSD is simply self confidence.

The travel $$ is killing us. And vacation budgeting It is so uncool for soccer to be cutting into your Disney budget like that!

We have the FIFA soccer for the wii...she says it's really boring Really? My kids love this. LOVE it!

sending you on camp reviews for DS.I'll keep you posted!

I'll be excited (and nervous) to hear about his year as it progresses, it's HUGE and (selfishly) it'll be a bit of a preview for me! The scary thing for me is that my son is not a motivated student. He is smart (tests well), but does not put nearly enough effort into his school work. This concerns me most, because I don't know how he can go to college and play soccer.

Responses in red.

 

[SunnieRN]

Oh my goodness Mary Ellen, I was reading about your magic kingdom evening and I started laughing so hard that I woke up my grandson!! I am a bad gramma as it is 4 a.m.!

Oh my goodness, with each set of pictures you post at AKV I get more excited!! I can't wait to stay there for the first time. I am crossing my fingers that it will still be in September as there are some family changes coming up. (Remember my vow to never write another pre-trip report.)

I can't wait to find out how you liked CS. We were there for two nights in April for the first time. Actually since I've only been to wdw twice, I have only stayed at shades of green, SS and CS.

I am so glad you took a picture of the splash mountain ride picture! That was so hilarious!! LJ was so cute with his hands in the air! It reminds me of trying to get picture of my daughter and son in law on EE....when they came out of the mountain, my grandson spilled soda on my foot! lol At least I didn't drop the camera!

 

[dawnbu40]

Your pictures of the pool and lodge were just gorgeous! They really make me want to stay there!

 

[MEK]

Musically....marching

• Clarinet
• Bells (mallets)

Non Musically...marching

• Drill team
• Flag Corps
• Cheer

Mallets were the best! One of my favorite memories is a mallet trio we did where 2 of us played the smaller metal bells and one with the larger wooden (all carried on over our shoulders, those suckers were heavy!) playing somewhere over the rainbow in a competition. I also did a bit of keyboard base in jazz band and then sang alto in our 16 member competition jazz choir.

DH played trumpet. No marching. But they made a record which is more than I can say!

However I figure the cheer and ASB outweighs his lack of marching geek to make me overall much cooler.

:

I think the mallets are so cool. I love the way they sound. Wow - you really did everything in marching band. Yes - you win the geek award for sure. Too bad you live all the way across the country. We could really use you in our band!

We have been, just not this trip. It was too long when it was hot and at night, just wasn't appealing. I'm sure we will be on it again. I missed Brer Rabbit! But not being wet.



:

Agreed! But I've been on it so many times that I'm pretty good at knowing when to "duck" to avoid the wet spots!

You really capture the essence of AKL, thank you for sharing it! I can't imagine moving my herd mid trip on a split stay.

Thanks. I won't do a split stay again with such a large group. I will either borrow and bank to cover it or buy more points!

WOW!!!! Those were some great AKV pictures!!
I am so looking forward to my trip!! I loved Jambo and now I have such a great feel for everything around Kidani.
Although I know I won't be visiting the health club I might just check out that bathroom!! It's beautiful!

Thanks. glad you liked the pics. I am excited for you and your upcoming trip. Make sure you use the BR at the health club and not at the pool bar. The pool bar BR is just a typical bathroom, nothing special.

Our Monday - Friday stay at club level was 176 points!!! Conceirge really spoils a person!!!

I hope we enjoy Kindani...it is our home resort...plus I have always AKL...every trip I go there just to eat and take pics...now we live there if only for a week out of the year.

We too are "point poor". The only way we are staying in a 2 bedrrom next year is because we are banking 2008 points and using our current 2009 points for the trip.

176 points sounds very reasonable for that! I think my 2BR non savannah was 179, but that included a Sat night (5 nights total). It will be more next year with the change in point structure.

I think you will love Kidani.

Doesn't it stink to be point poor? I thought 200 points would be fine for when my kids are in college, but now I realize that I enjoy inviting people to go with us, so I think I will always need about 250 - 270 a year. I'm working on it. I think my DH is coming around.

I love those relaxing afternoons at the resorts. So much fun. I would have had to resist harming that lady too!

LJ looks like is having so much fun!

We definately got some good relaxation time in on this trip. I can't think of a better place to relax than those two lovely pools.

That lady .....ugghhhh! She has to know everyone around could hear her. Who wants other people to hear those type of private conversations?

Loved the AKL pics, it makes me very anxious for our December stay! I have realized that I'm a natural born eavesdropper. I probably would have loved listening in on her undisney like conversation....
I got mad a Baylor for talking while I was trying to listen to a couple argue at the AT&T store yesterday....

Can't wait to see what you think of CSR!

Poor Baylor!

Wigd - You would have loved this conversation then. For about 5 minutes, then it got boring and repititious. I kept getting up to take pictures or hop in the pool and when I would get back , still...blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. Too much drama for me!

I can't wait to see your December pictures of the Christmas decorations at Kidani. Looking forward to that!

Oh my goodness Mary Ellen, I was reading about your magic kingdom evening and I started laughing so hard that I woke up my grandson!! I am a bad gramma as it is 4 a.m.!

You know - you gotta watch these trip reports because you never know when you are going to burst into uncontrolled fits of laughter. Some of my most memorable moments have been shocker's recent picture post (aka marching band) and my last TR where Paula (ILuvCrush) posted a picture of my gnome DH searching for underwear at Walmart. I have to head over there one of these days and see if I can copy it to bring it over here. It's a hoot and was so appropriate because my DH never packs enough underwear.

Oh my goodness, with each set of pictures you post at AKV I get more excited!! I can't wait to stay there for the first time. I am crossing my fingers that it will still be in September as there are some family changes coming up. (Remember my vow to never write another pre-trip report.)

!

Oh - I hope you are going to be there in September! I was hoping we could compare touring schedules for my days there.

I can't wait to find out how you liked CS. We were there for two nights in April for the first time. Actually since I've only been to wdw twice, I have only stayed at shades of green, SS and CS.

I did enjoy CSR. It is very pretty and I have some very good pictures of the resort. The only thing that made it difficult was stepping down from that villa. It colored my preception of the resort to some degree.

I am so glad you took a picture of the splash mountain ride picture! That was so hilarious!! LJ was so cute with his hands in the air! It reminds me of trying to get picture of my daughter and son in law on EE....when they came out of the mountain, my grandson spilled soda on my foot! lol At least I didn't drop the camera!

Oh no...a unexpected wet foot while taking a picture. That would make me jump! LJ is so cute on the picture. He just loved that ride! I gladly gave up my FP for him to ride with the cousins!

 

[MEK]

Your pictures of the pool and lodge were just gorgeous! They really make me want to stay there!

Thanks Dawn! Oh you really should stay there sometime. It is really, really pretty. Like I said. I felt almost sad posting those pics because I really don't know when I'll stay there again. It's not my home resort, but I hope I can get a reservation again at 7 months. I would like to try Jambo house next time, but I would glad take either!

 

[Charleston Princess]

21 tickets/passes/room keys to keep track of??? There is no way!!! We have a hard time keeping tabs on our four.

I am right there with you about missing AKL after looking at your gorgeous pictures! Oh, how I long to be back there!

DH's comment about the woman's conversation: Oh, to be a male and completely oblivious to the outside world!

You had me cracking up about getting a Xanax for her and for you!

 

[momoflizandains]

I am really enjoying your trip report. We're headed to Kidani on the 26th.

 

[wsushocker]

DH's comment about the woman's conversation: Oh, to be a male and completely oblivious to the outside world!

We get our start at a very young age....It must have something to do with parenting!

And then we develop the super-hero skills! ​

 

[KathyRN137]

Thanks for sharing all the fantastic pix Mary Ellen! (Heavy sigh!) I can't wait to see it all in person!

Tricia and Catie can't wait to use that Kidani water slide!!

And our first WDW trip was with the 4/3 "Fairy Tale Package" in 2003, too!!

Kathy

 

[HockeyMomR]

Great pics of the Kidani pool. I think we definitely need to have a stay there (at least a short stay and split with my resort addiction Y&BC). We have stayed at AKL twice in the past and really enjoyed it there, think it is my second favorite.

I have also experienced listening to "that kind of conversation", surprising these people do not realize that they are totally in a public place revealing such private thoughts!! My DH would be oblivious as well

Again, great update, just love your report.

 

[MEK]

21 tickets/passes/room keys to keep track of??? There is no way!!! We have a hard time keeping tabs on our four.

I am right there with you about missing AKL after looking at your gorgeous pictures! Oh, how I long to be back there!

DH's comment about the woman's conversation: Oh, to be a male and completely oblivious to the outside world!

You had me cracking up about getting a Xanax for her and for you!

Can you believe I just made it back here today. Picking up DS from soccer camp took so much longer than I thought and then I went straight to practicing music for church and other things. I purposely ignored my TR today to get some things done.

So - Cp - you think its funny that I had all those passes???? I carry one of those platics things around my neck that you can wear to the water parks. Only half of my passes and things would fit in there. I was in a constant state of confusion.

I want to be back there, too!

Mr Oblivious had obvious struck, thanks to Shocker. And he certainly doesn't need any Xanax cause he is already chilled.