Kidani, HRH & BLT in 6 nights- Yes! We are THAT crazy!! Nov 4-10,09 OBX updates 4/13

[KirstenB]

I loved the pix of Tyler and Tim at Sanaa goofing around. They looked really happy with their pizza. Our younger dd Zoe does laps around the perimeter of the pool too. She is crazy happy if she's playing with the gate latches.

 

[MEK]

Amazing last update and even better pictures in all the updates. But, I have to tell you that my number 1 favorite is your scrapbook pictures. As much as I love digital scrapbooks, there is something soooooooo special about the originals. Those pages are gorgeous. I did one with our very first trip to Disney, then after that it was all digital.

Front row on EE IS a totally different experience, isn't it? Great pics from the front row.

OMG - the Saana meal looks so delicious. I am now starting to regret that I reserved Yak & Yeti over Saana. Probably a big mistake, but I really want to try both. How cool that they made special FFs for Sean! And the wine flight - yummy! I wish I was drinking that right now.

I really love Kidani. Everytime I see pictures I wish I was there. So many great DVC resorts, so little time!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Love the updates Ellen! You guys are the cutest. So when you say Sean eats nothing but french fries, you REALLY mean he eats nothing but french fries? Breakfast, lunch and dinner? Does he EVER snack on anything else or pick at your plates when you are out to eat? Just curious!

 

[podsnel]

Oh Ellen -

I love your update but I am pictureless again today at work. I promise to look at all the pretty pics tonight. Dang this restricted work computer!

I appreciate you checking in to say hi!! Talk to you later!

How awesome that Sanaa accomadated Sean soooooo well !!! Question does he eat anything else !! Cuz to me it sounds like perfect kid diet!!!!

He does eat other things, but in restaurants he sticks to french fries. We've tried other foods in restaurants (when he was little they would make him PB&J on special bread, oatmeal with bananas mashed in it, just to name a couple) but it always went to waste because he would only have the french fries (and would eat nothing if the ffs weren't there), so we stopped requesting anything else.

Sean looks like he is having a BALL !!! Bless him !!

Thanks Rosie, he was!!

Great update, Ellen! I loved your review of Sanaa. I have to say that it's not somewhere that I would normally try, but your review made it look very good. I am so glad that they were accomodating to Sean's needs...I know that makes all the difference in the world for you guys!
As always, can't wait to read more!!

It truly does make all the difference in the world- it allows ALL of us to enjoy vacation, and we are truly grateful to Disney for it! Thanks, Missy!

I loved the pix of Tyler and Tim at Sanaa goofing around. They looked really happy with their pizza. Our younger dd Zoe does laps around the perimeter of the pool too. She is crazy happy if she's playing with the gate latches.

They are sooooooooooooooooooooooooo silly! They totally just crack each other up, and Pods is no better. All of them just doing one stupid thing after another, intertwined with chair dancing to that Chicken song!! Ok, they crack me up, too- I admit it. They were having a FABULOUS time!

But then does Zoe escape, if she plays with the latches? Sean is a MASTER escape artist. He can figure any lock out, nothing holds him back.

 

[podsnel]

Amazing last update and even better pictures in all the updates. But, I have to tell you that my number 1 favorite is your scrapbook pictures. As much as I love digital scrapbooks, there is something soooooooo special about the originals. Those pages are gorgeous. I did one with our very first trip to Disney, then after that it was all digital.

Front row on EE IS a totally different experience, isn't it? Great pics from the front row.

OMG - the Saana meal looks so delicious. I am now starting to regret that I reserved Yak & Yeti over Saana. Probably a big mistake, but I really want to try both. How cool that they made special FFs for Sean! And the wine flight - yummy! I wish I was drinking that right now.

I really love Kidani. Everytime I see pictures I wish I was there. So many great DVC resorts, so little time!

Oh, Mary Ellen, i made soooooo many scrapbooks for such a long time!! That one was one of my first, before I became Creative Memories best customer! I have an attic FILLED with all kinds of stuff because I finally stopped. It was so much fun. Now I just make the shutterfly books. I'm actually a little freaked out, though- I thought all my albums were in a spot that they're NOT, and it's got me very baffled- and sad, because I really want those books!!

Loni & I did Y&Y on our first girls trip- it was lunch, and we thought it was just ok- kind of like mass produced Chinese. But I've seen a lot of food porn from there recently, all from dinner, and it's making me want to go as well! Maybe with pods in the fall.... Yea...

Love the updates Ellen! You guys are the cutest. So when you say Sean eats nothing but french fries, you REALLY mean he eats nothing but french fries? Breakfast, lunch and dinner? Does he EVER snack on anything else or pick at your plates when you are out to eat? Just curious!

he DOES eat other food- just not very successfully inrestaurants. He eats nutrigrain bars for breakfast....a PB&J, another nutrigrain, and a bag of popcorn for lunch; he snacks on popcorn a LOT (he LOVES Smartfood- I can't even smell the stuff anymore he has loved it TOO much), he'll eat swedish fish and pretzel rods and twizzlers and m&Ms (minimally), and the french fries. His diet is AWFUL!!! We used to make this disgusting oatmeal for him- but he stopped eating it. Can't imagine why. It was made with rice milk, and we put in pieces of turkey, peas and raisins. Would you like to try it? I could bring it by school for lunch tomorrow!! With the OT and his aide, he eats hot dogs...cut into teeny, tiny pieces- and gags on every one. Not worth it. Right now they're working on hummus- he dips his pretzel in. That he doesn't gag as much, but he's CLEARLY not enjoying it yet if his screaming is any indication. Keep your fingers crossed! We do alot of vitamin/protein powder supplementing, too. Thanks for asking.

 

[Mysteria]

Everyone looks so happy! I love all your pics in and around Sanna and the resort.

Two major thumbs up for them having fries for Sean. That's one of those Disney touches they don't often get enough credit for.

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Everyone looks so happy! I love all your pics in and around Sanna and the resort.

Two major thumbs up for them having fries for Sean. That's one of those Disney touches they don't often get enough credit for.

Yes, you are right! THAT is why Disney is far superior to any other vacation destination I could think of and why I keep going back over and over! And it's something that you can't even begin to explain to someone who doesn't "get it." When someone asks you, "Why do you love Disney so much?" You can't answer with, "Because they made my son french fries." It's just one of the many many things that makes Disney so special and make you want to shout the following quote....

Love, love, LOVE Sanaa!! Love, love, LOVE Disney!!

I hear ya, sister! I can't tell you how many times during our trip I shout, "Ugh, I LOVE disney!" Even at home, too, if I'm being honest....

 

[karajeboo]

Never fear, ITSK is here!!!! Just got all caught up and I love love LOVE all the pics of Sean!!! He looks so happy in Disney!!!! I'm thrilled that you got there as a family again.

Promise me that if you and Pods ever do come visit, he will NOT wear those shorts from 1985!!!!!

 

[CRdisMom]

okay love the french fries. I will second everyones' thoughts--that is what Disney does best making your vacation easier. Physical scrapbooks are wonderful but I too am getting hooked on the electronic versions. When I was in college I worked for Creative Memories in St. Cloud. Left with wayyyy to much stuff. Have I used it all--umm no.

One question though--since Sanaa is non-traditional, do they have the traditional kids meals? I think I could get Tim there but I would need to know that I have some old fall backs for the girls.

 

[KirstenB]

Ellen, no Zoe never tries to escape at the pool, thank goodness!! She just walks the interior perimeter, stopping at the gate latches, and plays with them over and over. We joke that her motto is, "if it's worth doing once, then doing it 200 times is even better"!!

I too am a CM addict! I haven't gone electronic with scrapping yet. But I love the quick kits that they sell . I can knock out a dozen pages in no time. To show you what a geek I am, I take my scrapbooking on DH and my's trip to HHI each spring. Mom and Dad watch the kids for 3 days. The first day, I burn through about a years worth of pix. I just move everything out to the porch, and look at palm trees while I work. Then we go play mini-golf or kayak.

I'm glad Sanaa serves kids' foods. Our older dd is so picky, I'd crossed this restaurant off our list. Unlike many ASD kiddos, Zoe will eat virtually anything, go figure.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Ellen!!! I'm here and all caught up. I'm so pleased that Sean came along with you and did so well! Your touching description of how much those tie-dyed shirts meant to you brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing your scrapbook pics - so sweet! We went to WDW in '97, too. I remember that cake! It was the first time and our boys were 12 and 13. It was an amazing trip and started an addiction that can't be stopped!

I love the Disney moments that make each trip special and unique. No one else comes close! I hope they never change that.

 

[podsnel]

Everyone looks so happy! I love all your pics in and around Sanna and the resort.

Two major thumbs up for them having fries for Sean. That's one of those Disney touches they don't often get enough credit for.

They don't get enough credit for it- and it is SO appreciated by families like ours!

Yes, you are right! THAT is why Disney is far superior to any other vacation destination I could think of and why I keep going back over and over! And it's something that you can't even begin to explain to someone who doesn't "get it." When someone asks you, "Why do you love Disney so much?" You can't answer with, "Because they made my son french fries." It's just one of the many many things that makes Disney so special and make you want to shout the following quote....



I hear ya, sister! I can't tell you how many times during our trip I shout, "Ugh, I LOVE disney!" Even at home, too, if I'm being honest....

I LOL'd over why I would love Disney so much- but that IS a HUGE part of it, and it would sound incredibly ridiculous if I said that to someone! I was a serious Disney fan always, but with Sean? Totally put me over the top!

Never fear, ITSK is here!!!! Just got all caught up and I love love LOVE all the pics of Sean!!! He looks so happy in Disney!!!! I'm thrilled that you got there as a family again.

Promise me that if you and Pods ever do come visit, he will NOT wear those shorts from 1985!!!!!

The shorts are worn for me and me alone on those "special nights"...
Seriously- the first time I ever saw him, and I actually remember the first time because he made THAT much of an impression, was 1979 in September. He was outside of my boyfriend's dorm at Rider college (who I was visiting). He was throwing a football or a frisbee around, and he was wearing those short-shorts...And NOTHING else. It was a beautiful, beautiful thing. Those short-shorts were on this-

DAMN!! I am a lucky, LUCKY girl!!

okay love the french fries. I will second everyones' thoughts--that is what Disney does best making your vacation easier. Physical scrapbooks are wonderful but I too am getting hooked on the electronic versions. When I was in college I worked for Creative Memories in St. Cloud. Left with wayyyy to much stuff. Have I used it all--umm no.

One question though--since Sanaa is non-traditional, do they have the traditional kids meals? I think I could get Tim there but I would need to know that I have some old fall backs for the girls.

Well your CM stuff with my CM stuff could probably open a store!! It was a ton of fun to do, though. And yes, they have a regular kids menu- the boys had pizza. Tyler could probably have eaten something else, but Timmy would have hated their food- here's a link from All ears-

http://allears.net/menu/menu_sanaak.htm

Ellen, no Zoe never tries to escape at the pool, thank goodness!! She just walks the interior perimeter, stopping at the gate latches, and plays with them over and over. We joke that her motto is, "if it's worth doing once, then doing it 200 times is even better"!!

I too am a CM addict! I haven't gone electronic with scrapping yet. But I love the quick kits that they sell . I can knock out a dozen pages in no time. To show you what a geek I am, I take my scrapbooking on DH and my's trip to HHI each spring. Mom and Dad watch the kids for 3 days. The first day, I burn through about a years worth of pix. I just move everything out to the porch, and look at palm trees while I work. Then we go play mini-golf or kayak.

I'm glad Sanaa serves kids' foods. Our older dd is so picky, I'd crossed this restaurant off our list. Unlike many ASD kiddos, Zoe will eat virtually anything, go figure.

My SIL is like that on vacation- she brings all the stuff and scrapbooks like crazy! It was alot of fun to do it with my friends- we used to all love that, because we could catch up on each others families while we were scrapping.

And that is AWESOME that Zoe will eat everything!!! A good diet can only help! Yesterday there was no screaming with the hummus for Sean, my fingers are crossed that there might be a new protein in his life.

Ellen!!! I'm here and all caught up. I'm so pleased that Sean came along with you and did so well! Your touching description of how much those tie-dyed shirts meant to you brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing your scrapbook pics - so sweet! We went to WDW in '97, too. I remember that cake! It was the first time and our boys were 12 and 13. It was an amazing trip and started an addiction that can't be stopped!

I love the Disney moments that make each trip special and unique. No one else comes close! I hope they never change that.

That cake was the craziest thing!!! I remember being disappointed because I never knew when we'd be back to see the "real" castle- I guess things have worked out!!

And thanks for coming, Tammie!!

Back later with an update-

 

[karajeboo]

HOTTIE!!!! And look at all that hair!!!!

 

[podsnel]

HOTTIE!!!! And look at all that hair!!!!

That's what the kids said!! Well, not the hottie part...that's what I said!

 

[podsnel]

Back in our room, we went out to the large balcony to enjoy the savannah view. It was wonderful! There were so many animals right in front of us- especially giraffes!

Ty and Tim enjoyed watching for a little while-

Pods was there, too.

But Sean was only outside briefly- he was tired, and decided to take a shower and then relax in the big bed with a book for a bit. It occured to us how nice it was for everyone, Sean included, to have all this extra space. I actually think having the extra room beyond what we have normally been used to went a LONG way towards Sean's optimum vacation- he had the ability to de-stress away from the rest of the family when he needed to. Yay DVC!!

We thought it might be a good time for T&T to check out the arcade- for months we had been saving our change in a big bottle at home. We cashed it in right before the trip- and the amount was $137 !!! Thanks Nikki for that tip!! While they played (they pretty much had it to themselves) I made my way to Kohari Treasures for a mug refill- and for some pics!

This is outside of Sanaa, they were singing and playing the drums-

It was time to go, drawing our relaxing Kidani day to a close....we needed to get to the MK- we still hadn't been!!

 

[Mysteria]

One thing I love about AKL, now I see at AKV too, is the lounge areas. They are so inviting. I just want to sit there with some friends and a glass of wine.

Hey they even put in a hdden mickey mug!

 

[tinytreasures]

loving your report, can't wait to read more

 

[areck]

It certainly has been a great day for your family. When I'm on vacation with the kids, "going with the flow" is the best strategy. Very enjoyable and relaxing. Smiles all around!

We rented vacation points before and loved having the extra room . At some point we need to have time away from each other, even if it's only for a few minutes.

 

[podsnel]

We were on our way to the bus stop, hoping our bad-bus-timing had run out and we'd be hopping on a bus to Magic Kingdom quickly.

While we waited....

We were in luck!! We wanted to go to MK, and there was a BUS actually going to MK!!! Yippee for us! Soon we were there, and so, so happy to be in the park.

The first ride we went to was Buzz Lightyear....Sean just loves him, and well, so do we all!

The tea cups were still closed (they were scheduled to open SOMETIME this week) so that was sad because it's another of Sean's favorites, but we were able to ride the two mountains that were open (SM was stll closed) and a few others that Sean enjoyed (he won't go on those mountains anymore).

After a couple of hours, it was back to AKV for dinner at BOMA- yum....
We sat in the back of the bus, all 3 of the boys were in the last seat having a laugh attack!!

Don't you love it when all your kids are laughing together? Now, I thought I was clear on the buses- they all stop at Kidani first, Jambo second, except for DTD which does the opposite. We were headed to Jambo. So in the back there are no windows, you can't really tell where you are. The bus stopped, almost everyone got off, we drove, and stopped again. We all went to get off at Jambo, except...we were at Kidani!! I asked the bus driver, "Don't all the buses stop at Kidani first?" And he said yes- except when they come from MK they stop at Jambo first. But he said not to worry, he'd be happy to take us to Jambo. I still don't know what's going on about this, but it all worked out I guess.

There is such a contrast between Jambo and Kidani! Jambo is soooo impressive, so hustle bustle, soooo dramatic. Kidani is much more quaint and relaxing, but I think very, very beautiful as well. I do love both atmospheres, though. I also think it's very appropriate that the DVC building IS more relaxed, because I think DVC vacations tend to be more relaxed. We know we're going back, what's the rush- right? Anyway, we didn't spend alot of time taking in the grandeur of the lobby- we were HUNGRY!! On to BOMA!

The best thing about a buffet? Lots and LOTS of french fries for Sean!! We all got something to eat right away. Here's a few of our plates-

Love the soups there, this was a seafood one-

I think this was a Magic Star?

More soup for you!

And how could we eat at Boma without hummus? And more of that yummy falafel? Yes, I know they look like little turd balls- but those are the yummiest turd balls around!! (Not that I really can compare....)

T&T piled up their plates with zebra domes and other desserts, and after finishing up, we decided to go to outside to check out those night vision goggles. On the way, we passed the playground, which Sean just had to go explore-

We also passed a couple in a secluded hot tub that was having a little too much fun. Walk fast kids!! The night vision was a BIG hit with T&T, they loved it. Glad there were lots of animals for them to check out!! Also glad they didn't point in the direction of the aforementioned hot tub.

We decided to walk back to Kidani, and I have to say, that walk looks MUCH worse than it really is. It was probably 5 or 7 minutes- piece of cake! A couple pics of the library-

Before we headed back to the room where we all fell fast asleep...except for Pods. Who ended up out on the couch, while Sean, Timmy & I snoozed away together in that great big bed! Poor, poor Pods!! Actually, he said the sofabed was very comfy, so don't feel too bad for him.

In the morning- it was time to leave Kidani. Oh No!! We don't wanna go!! I'm sure you are asking, well, why ARE you going?? WHY oh WHY would anyone stay in 3 places in 6 nights???

Stay tuned to find out....

 

[MEK]

Great update! Lovely evening at MK. Great animal pics from the balcony.
And dinner - yum! So nice that the bus driver took you back. And the walk home was probably lovely. We were so lazy this summer that we kept taking the car back and forth because it was soooooooo blazing hot! So glad that Sean is continuing to have a great time. All the pics of the "4" boys are great!

So, I really am curious - why 3 resorts in 6 nights? I just assumed it was because you booked late and that's what was available. You must be very organized to keep up with all that packing and unpacking.

Anyway, looking forward to the next stop on the Disney resort tour bus! Great trip so far!