Leaving the kids and DH's Home!! SSR girlie getaway June 1-4, 2008 Update July 20th!

[podsnel]

What a great view you had even after a last minute reservation (last minute in my books means booking anything under 6 mos lol). I tried to get my DBFF's daughter & son a room at Beachclub Villas for August by renting points but to no avail and only thing available was SSR. They wanted a 1-bedroom but felt SSR wasn't as close to everything as BCV so I ended up booking them direct thru Disney and still ended up getting a studio (they're not happy with a studio but at least they are getting their wish to be close to Epcot & HS). My point to all this lol is that I think after seeing your beautiful view that they should have taken SSR, saved lots of money by renting points and would have had a great time at SSR.

A girl friend vacation is great fun! My DBFF & I went the end of Jan 08 and had a blast and are returning again in December 08.

Wow- the lure of the BC- I definately understand it. This trip to SSR was the very first time I stayed anywhere on WDW property that wasn't the BC, although I was always in the hotel there, not the villas. BC IS convenient to Epcot and HS, without a doubt- but SSR is convenient to DTD, which on the transportation system is inconvenient from most other places. And DTD is GREAT when you have a grown-up trip!!! As excited as I was to try a new property, there was definately a concern over whether I would be as happy staying in such a different place. But you know what? I LOVED it!!! And it made me realize that you could come to WDW over and over and over again in your lifetime, and always have a different, revitalizing, exciting experience- new views are GREAT!!! And I agree- I think they WOULD have had a great time at SSR!!!

Have fun on YOUR girls trip!!!

 

[podsnel]

I can tell we have a lot in common already, I know your friend Rita quite well. In fact she frequently shows up on my vacations!

LOVE the view you had. We had an amazing Boardwalk view on our last trip and every morning I was just WOWED by it!

I can only imagine your life as a parent to an autistic child. I think you getting away for a while is a definite "must-do". One of my very best friends here on the boards has a daughter who is also autistic. I met her last year while we were in WDW and I was blown away at how super intelligent and "crafty", for lack of a better word, she was. The stories her Mom told me had me in tears.

We saw Flights of Wonder for the very first time on our last trip and felt like "Where on earth has this little gem been"? We LOVED it!!!

Looking forward to the rest of your TR!!

Yea, that Rita is a busy girl- she really gets around!
Thanks for the hug- the autism adventure is a big one! Getting a break from it sometimes really helps. Your friend sounds wonderful; it is challenging but it is also rewarding, and we all learn something from my son every day, even if it's just that he can add the states and alphabet, and we can't!!
FoW IS a gem- can't believe I walked by it so many times and said, Oh, that's not supposed to be that great- what was I THINKING?!!!!
Thanks!

 

[Mischa]

Love your Trip report so far - very entertaining! DH & I are heading to SSR in September and can't wait.

Last November I took a trip to SSR with 2 of my best friends - it was the greatest girls weekend we've ever had; and now my 2 friends keep bugging me "when can we go again? We love SSR!"

 

[podsnel]

So we were all prettied up and ready to go to the Animal Kingdom Lodge for our ADR's at Jiko. I could barely contain myself as we pulled into the port cochere to valet park. I was finally going to see our home resort!!! In person!!! FOR REAL!!!!! We walked into the lobby, and literally my jaw dropped to the floor-

No photo does this place justice- you just have to stand in it and see for yourself.
Since we were running late (as usual) we took the elevator down to the restaurant level. We ran outside to quickly see the pool-

Then we checked in and sat at the bar to wait for our light to start dancing, and being in no rush to stay sober we ordered a delicious sauvignon blanc recommended by the bartender- great choice! Warwick Professor Black 2007. From South Africa, of course!!

Lights began to flash, and we were off to be seated. Jiko is a gorgeous restaurant, and the CMs on the staff were wonderful. We were lucky to be seated next to an off-duty CM who was having dinner with her visiting Mom from NJ! Mom lives about 2 towns away from me, what a small world! Anyway, we had some great conversation with the two of them. For appetizers, we ordered Kalamata Olive Flatbread and a Taste of Africa-

This was all magnificent. I make alot of flatbreads and grilled pizzas at home when I entertain, and I would LOVE to serve that flatbread next time- it was yummyyummyyummy!! And those dips in the taste of Africa with all the different breads- especially the naan - so, soooo good!
The friendly table next to us recommended the Oak grilled Filet Mignon, and we both ordered it. Each was done PERFECTLY and cut like buttah!

You know, everyone always has a comment on the macaroni and cheese that accompanies the filet- my comment is, it was the least cheesy m&c I've ever had! But I did like having some mac with my steak!
We had no room for dessert- I'm so sorry to disappoint you! But we didn't want to overstuff because after a visit outside to try to see some nighttime animals (never could find those nightvision goggles) and to see the campfire still blazing, and ANOTHER visit indoors to scope out the lobby in more detail and some shopping in the store, we were headed to EMH at AK!

YIPPEE!!! I GOT TO SEE MY HOME!!!!!!!

Next- will she or won't she?

 

[Kristybell]

Loving the TR so far!

We have dinner ressies at Boma for our upcoming trip and I can't wait to see the Lodge! I've heard it's amazing.

Now this question might sound silly, but did I read correctly when you said you had your "girlfriend" Rita in line with you for FOW? So, we can stroll the parks with our adult beverages in hand?! Why did I not know this?

Can't wait to read the next installments!

-kristy

 

[TigerKat]

Ahhhhhh.....JIKO......one of my favorite places!!!! There's an appetizer sampler platter that is not on the menu, which has a variety of their appetizers on it (enough for 2). We ordered it last time and it was AMAZING!!!!!!!

You're SO LUCKY to have AKL as your home!!!!

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Awesome TR so far!!

WE LOVE LOVE LOVE JIKO!!!

 

[podsnel]

Loving the TR so far!

We have dinner ressies at Boma for our upcoming trip and I can't wait to see the Lodge! I've heard it's amazing.

Now this question might sound silly, but did I read correctly when you said you had your "girlfriend" Rita in line with you for FOW? So, we can stroll the parks with our adult beverages in hand?! Why did I not know this?

Can't wait to read the next installments!

-kristy

I have ressies for Boma on my next trip, too- we're (DH, DS11 & DS9 + me) staying at AKV for one night before our DCL Western, we'll be there on Halloween. My friend and I did walk through Boma while we were there, it was chaotic compared to Jiko, but I am really looking forward to eating there before we go to MNSSHP.
And yes, Rita strolled around AK with us- she saw FoW, too!!!

Ahhhhhh.....JIKO......one of my favorite places!!!! There's an appetizer sampler platter that is not on the menu, which has a variety of their appetizers on it (enough for 2). We ordered it last time and it was AMAZING!!!!!!!

You're SO LUCKY to have AKL as your home!!!!

I think Jiko is now one of my favorite places, too! Thanks for that tip on the appetizer sampler- I LOVE to try everything, so that will DEFINATELY be on my table at my next visit!

I FEEL lucky to have AKV as my home- but I would feel lucky, I think, to have any of them as my home! It took 2 years from when I first brought it up to DH (I tried to talk to him about Boardwalk) to convince him about DVC. 2 years ago he thought I was insane, and now he thinks it is the best thing we could ever have done for our family and is looking forward to buying even MORE points!

Awesome TR so far!!

WE LOVE LOVE LOVE JIKO!!!

Thank-you! And Me TOO TOO TOO!

Love your Trip report so far - very entertaining! DH & I are heading to SSR in September and can't wait.

Last November I took a trip to SSR with 2 of my best friends - it was the greatest girls weekend we've ever had; and now my 2 friends keep bugging me "when can we go again? We love SSR!"

It really was the perfect place to go with your girlfriends, wasn't it? That's how we felt about SSR, too. The Spa was great, the resort is gorgeous, the people are so friendly- we loved every minute of it! Can't wait to return- I'd love to do a villa next time, though. The studio was just lovely, and a great way to conserve points (it was 12/night) but I think I'd love the WOW factor of a villa- I bet they're beautiful!

 

[toocherie]

loving your report and subbing in so I can read the rest once you get it posted!

 

[wdwgirl03]

I saw SSR in your TR title and had to stop in. Saratoga Springs is our home and I love it there. We stayed in a 2-bedroom villa over New Year's and it was amazing...it was in Congress Park too so we had a very similar view to yours. I remember looking out on the balcony and seeing Fulton's and all the people milling around DTD. So much fun!!

That is so cool you have points at AKL...my dad, sister, and I stayed there in the middle of May. Another awesome resort! Gotta love that DVC.

Looking forward to more...I'm loving your pictures!

 

[podsnel]

loving your report and subbing in so I can read the rest once you get it posted!

Thank-you! I'll try to post this morning!

I saw SSR in your TR title and had to stop in. Saratoga Springs is our home and I love it there. We stayed in a 2-bedroom villa over New Year's and it was amazing...it was in Congress Park too so we had a very similar view to yours. I remember looking out on the balcony and seeing Fulton's and all the people milling around DTD. So much fun!!

That is so cool you have points at AKL...my dad, sister, and I stayed there in the middle of May. Another awesome resort! Gotta love that DVC.

Looking forward to more...I'm loving your pictures!

That sounds like a very familiar view!! We were in room 1143- I am excited to try out AKV- hopefully those points will help me get my DGF Lonnie & I into concierge next May- cross your fingers for us!!

 

[addicted2dizney]

Love your report! Wow I live close to you! I grew up in Berkeley Heights too, even closer! I'm doing a get away with a Dis friend in Sept! Leaving 21 days from now with the kids but in a way looking more forward to that trip!

 

[podsnel]

So...just wrote this whole thing and my computer froze up so I have to start again- AAARRRGGGHHHHH!!!! Anyway...Sorry I haven't posted in a few days, but I was a little busy. On Thursday night I went to the great reunion of Ritas everywhere- we saw Jimmy Buffet at the Garden!!! I have to say, I really enjoyed hangin with Rita in WDW, but, truly, nothing can top hangin with her and all her friends while Jimmy Buffet is playing Margaritaville!!!

I had to include this guy I met while waiting in the Rita line-

Also, DS14 graduated from 8th grade on Friday- isn't he handsome in his cap & gown?

And DS14 actually turned 14 yesterday-

OK, sorry for going , but I had to share!

 

[podsnel]

Love your report! Wow I live close to you! I grew up in Berkeley Heights too, even closer! I'm doing a get away with a Dis friend in Sept! Leaving 21 days from now with the kids but in a way looking more forward to that trip!

Hey neighbor! Nice to meet you! My pediatrician is in Warren, Watchung Peds, and my DF's just built a house in Long Hill Twp- anytime you'd like to meet somewhere nearby, let me know!!! We could obsessively discuss Disney without the usual rolling of eyes I get from most people!

 

[MichelleVW]

Great TR!! I am dying to take a trip with 2 of my Girlfriends, it would be so fun. No kids, no husbands!!

 

[podsnel]

So, we finally left AKL and headed over to AK- some very nice Dissers had recommended EMH at AK to me a while back on these boards, and I am so grateful to them for talking it up!!! The park was magnificently lit up after dark, it looked even more exotic and mysterious than in the daylight.

The only downside was that since we had spent so much time gawking at everything over at AKV we did not have alot of time to spend here. So, no Lion King and no Tough Bug- I felt REALLY bad because Lonnie has never seen them, but, we can always come back, right? Well, she loved AK so much she can't wait to bring her girls back soon, so I made her promise me she'd make sure to go to the Festival of the Lion King next time. I think that show is just incredible! It always makes me tear-up!

Well, we clearly had one priority- EXPEDITION EVEREST!!!!! Now, I, like so many people, love love LOVE this ride, and I am not a big one for coasters- but, EE is special, right? So I was out of my mind excited to ride at night. Lonnie, on the other hand, was a little scared. Lonnie doesn't usually do rides, she gets motion sickness. But the one ride she doesn't get sick on is BTMR over in MK, and EE is just a great big ol BTMR with some backwards thrown in and a lot more screaming- right? Well, anyway, we made our way over to the mountain...

Will she do it? YES!!! And may I just say, that ride at night is even MORE amazing than I ever thought! The view on the way up is incredible!

The view on the way down is good too!! Not once, but TWICE!!! Woo hOO!!! YAY LONNIE!!!!

ANd YAY me for riding with no hands- my boys will be so proud! Lonnie has since informed me that she has now learned to say NO and will be declining EE rides on future trips, but all I can say is, I can be very persuasive Lonnie, so I wouldn't pack up your thrillride hat just yet! By the time we finished our second ride, it was 11:00, so time to go home....

 

[CRSNDSNY]

another installation....the perfect way to start the day!!!
THANKS!

 

[DiZneEChIcK]

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[podsnel]

Great TR!! I am dying to take a trip with 2 of my Girlfriends, it would be so fun. No kids, no husbands!!

I can promise it would be GREAT fun!! All about you AND shopping without complaints!! WOO-HOO!!!! It's just so nice to giggle with your girlfriends...

another installation....the perfect way to start the day!!!
THANKS!

Well...thank-YOU!!

Hello to a NJ neighbor. I grew up in Berkeley Heights, work in Cranford and now live in Manville!!!


I am loving your trip report. My DBF and I are going in October for his b-day and it will be his first time...I am soooo excited to play tourguide and to see his face seeing things for the first time. Your trip report and pics are making me even more excited to get there already!!

Patiently awaiting the next installment

Hi neighbor!! Do you know Addicted2disney? I know BH is a small town, where everybody knows everybody!! I'll have to pm you both and see if you know who I know from there- we are definately going to have to arrange a meet!!

You are going to have a blast onyour Oct trip- LOVE to play tourguide, too!! Everytime Lonnie saw something new, I was so happy for her- like I'm so responsible for all the Disney magic she was experiencing, LOL!! But it's just cool to see it through someone else's eyes for the first time, again!

I'll post Day #3 soon- it's the last week of school, so I'm running around like a nut (as usual) trying to get stuff done. See ya soon!!

 

[DISNEYLOVER70]

Great report! Thanks for sharing!