Oh Come All Ye Faithful... DIS TR Addicts... UPDATE 4/19

[kschafer]

Oh why am I so confused? Pop and AKL? I was thinking this was another beach club trip

confused but having fun reading so who cares!

 

[jenjolt]

Awww... I think I would have been a bit overwhelmed also! I would love to eat at Beaches and Cream sometime! No worries, I forgot to take pictures at times too...sometimes when you are on your own you're like DOH I should have taken a picture of those pretzel rods before I devoured them in 30 seconds!!

Me thinks you should start posting trivia questions for us Marcettes LOL!!! I love me some Disney Trivia LOL!!!!

Can't wait to read more...I think you have inspired me, maybe I should go work on an update LOL!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

You did update, you did update! I am so excited!!! The Mega Meet sounds overwhelming -- crowds tend to make me twitch but it still sounds like fun and I am thrilled that you got to meet Lynn and Chuck!

Beaches and Cream for lunch! What time did you end up there? Was it already busy? I cannot wait to eat a cheeseburger there and get some ice cream!

Sigh. AKL. With lots of photos. I'll try my best not to let it make me want to switch, but I will tell you that this has been a hard week for me -- Travel and Leisure named it one of the best hotels in the United States (along with the Grand Floridian and Wilderness Lodge). I have even played around with switching dates to get the room type I want. I have been holding strong though and did not make any phone calls.

I think I got to BnC right around noontime. Same on last trip. It was busy. Thankfully I wasn't trying to get a table. I'd say try to go at a somewhat off time. The good news is that it's a pretty quick service kind of place so I think tables turn over pretty quickly. SO yummy!

I hadn't heard T&L named it one of the best hotels. I can see why. But even so I still really, really, really love Beach Club. And in Oct am staying Beach Club again. Between Stormalong Bay and the access to Epcot I am completely sold! And I'm a total beach person too. Remember there is always the next trip! Christmas, for example, is a great time to visit AKL. :

This is such a pretty picture. I really love it.

The meet does sound a little overwhelming but something I'd like to experience at least once. Beaches & Cream sounds so wonderful and I am so looking forward to your Brown Derby food pics. I am so happy you got over your fear!

Do I sense another photo obsession in the making? Trash Cans of the World...?

I'm not sure trash cans are quite as compelling as light fixtures but this one caught my eye!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Oh why am I so confused? Pop and AKL? I was thinking this was another beach club trip

confused but having fun reading so who cares!

It's Beach Club again in Oct. I actually tried to get it for the Dec trip but it was sold out. I'm really happy I tried AKL. The switch was actually relatively last minute. I had loved the deluxe stay so much in Oct that I didn't know if I would be able to "handle" value (so spoiled) in Dec. Then the idea of AP discount occurred to me and the rest is history...

Awww... I think I would have been a bit overwhelmed also! I would love to eat at Beaches and Cream sometime! No worries, I forgot to take pictures at times too...sometimes when you are on your own you're like DOH I should have taken a picture of those pretzel rods before I devoured them in 30 seconds!!

Me thinks you should start posting trivia questions for us Marcettes LOL!!! I love me some Disney Trivia LOL!!!!

Can't wait to read more...I think you have inspired me, maybe I should go work on an update LOL!!

Oh yes, you SHOULD work on an update today!!! I don't know if I can post the trivia... I think they're copyrighted. I'd feel badly... he wrote them to sell calendars so I don't think I can give them away. But you can buy the calendars for $5 on his site...

The "trivia" for today is a scavenger hunt through Adventureland with certain things to find. I will bring that to Gnomefest!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Oh yes, you SHOULD work on an update today!!! I don't know if I can post the trivia... I think they're copyrighted. I'd feel badly... he wrote them to sell calendars so I don't think I can give them away. But you can buy the calendars for $5 on his site...

The "trivia" for today is a scavenger hunt through Adventureland with certain things to find. I will bring that to Gnomefest!

I have the same calendar! It's awesome. I think I am going to bring the scavenger hunt with me in May.

 

[kschafer]

Oh yes, you SHOULD work on an update today!!!

I don't know if I can post the trivia... I think they're copyrighted. I'd feel badly... he wrote them to sell calendars so I don't think I can give them away. But you can buy the calendars for $5 on his site...

I have his book, it's really interesting to read through, I was planning on bringing it to gnomefest

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I have the same calendar! It's awesome. I think I am going to bring the scavenger hunt with me in May.

Great idea! What about hidden mickeys? That might also be fun to do on your now solo trip!

I have his book, it's really interesting to read through, I was planning on bringing it to gnomefest

I can't wait for gnomefest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[jenjolt]

It's Beach Club again in Oct. I actually tried to get it for the Dec trip but it was sold out. I'm really happy I tried AKL. The switch was actually relatively last minute. I had loved the deluxe stay so much in Oct that I didn't know if I would be able to "handle" value (so spoiled) in Dec. Then the idea of AP discount occurred to me and the rest is history...



Oh yes, you SHOULD work on an update today!!! I don't know if I can post the trivia... I think they're copyrighted. I'd feel badly... he wrote them to sell calendars so I don't think I can give them away. But you can buy the calendars for $5 on his site...

The "trivia" for today is a scavenger hunt through Adventureland with certain things to find. I will bring that to Gnomefest!

I realized after I typed it that might be the case...yes I might have to go buy that calendar for myself. Actually I will most likely update today...I'm afraid of what LL and Paula will do to me if I don't LOL and I'm working on a very strict budget today so that I can save for Fall trip and Gnomefest!!

Scavenger Hunts sounds like so much fun...I've been working on things for my Haunted Mansion meet when the time comes...oooh...I'm so excited LOL!!!!

 

[julezdisney]

Great update C!

Kudos on your Disney knowledge taking you to HS so you could walk to Y&B you rock!

I would have been star-struck at Mega Mouse Meets. These people's voices resonate through my car and my kitchen on an almost daily basis.

I totally forgot to pick up Lou's calendar for $5. I was hoping that price was still avail. I'm gonna get one too!

 

[tinkerbell87512]

Great update!!! That mousefest event sounds so great!

I know what you mean about the luggage spot at pop. It's usually always like that (or at least when I'm always trying to drop off luggage). It's nuts!

Oh and I've decided that I NEED to make a trip to beaches n' cream! After reading about it in your last TR and this tr the cm's sound so friendly!

Looking forward to hearing all about AKL!

 

[wdwgirl03]

The Mouse Meet sounds like fun! I thought about maybe getting that Disney trivia calendar but then decided I couldn't do away with my Disney Days one that I've been getting for years. hehe

And I love that picture of the Beach Club.

 

[ILuvCrush]

wow I sleep in for a change.. wake up and there's and update, 2.5 pages to read thru AND a calandar to purchase!!!

I luv the update... Iknow what you mean about 'downsizing' your stuff I've been working on that myself. The mega-meet sounds neat, but like you, I have trouble with the small talk

I can't wait to hear your impressions of AKL!! It is like a vacation in a vacation there... so different from anything else

BTW thanks 4 the update... I was really excited

Paula

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I realized after I typed it that might be the case...yes I might have to go buy that calendar for myself. Actually I will most likely update today...I'm afraid of what LL and Paula will do to me if I don't LOL and I'm working on a very strict budget today so that I can save for Fall trip and Gnomefest!!

Scavenger Hunts sounds like so much fun...I've been working on things for my Haunted Mansion meet when the time comes...oooh...I'm so excited LOL!!!!

I will be waiting (not-so) patiently for an update. Good for you on the budget. I need to be more diligent in that regard! You are working on your 2010 meet already? Wow!!

Great update C!

Kudos on your Disney knowledge taking you to HS so you could walk to Y&B you rock!

I would have been star-struck at Mega Mouse Meets. These people's voices resonate through my car and my kitchen on an almost daily basis.

I totally forgot to pick up Lou's calendar for $5. I was hoping that price was still avail. I'm gonna get one too!

Thanks, J! Yes, definitely star struck at the meet. But everyone was so nice!

Great update!!! That mousefest event sounds so great!

I know what you mean about the luggage spot at pop. It's usually always like that (or at least when I'm always trying to drop off luggage). It's nuts!

Oh and I've decided that I NEED to make a trip to beaches n' cream! After reading about it in your last TR and this tr the cm's sound so friendly!

Looking forward to hearing all about AKL!

Oh you definitely need to try Beaches n' Cream. I have yet to have ice cream there but the burgers and fries are delightful!

The Mouse Meet sounds like fun! I thought about maybe getting that Disney trivia calendar but then decided I couldn't do away with my Disney Days one that I've been getting for years. hehe

And I love that picture of the Beach Club.

Thanks! I know I have a fellow Beach Club lover in you!

wow I sleep in for a change.. wake up and there's and update, 2.5 pages to read thru AND a calandar to purchase!!!

I luv the update... Iknow what you mean about 'downsizing' your stuff I've been working on that myself. The mega-meet sounds neat, but like you, I have trouble with the small talk

I can't wait to hear your impressions of AKL!! It is like a vacation in a vacation there... so different from anything else

BTW thanks 4 the update... I was really excited

Paula

Sunday mornings are prime DIS'ing time, it seems!

My impressions of AKL are coming right up. In a word: Wow. In two: Holy Hannah. Three: OMG or I love it! Get the picture?

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I hopped the bus over to Animal Kingdom and then another bus over to AKL. My bus mojo was continuing!

As I stepped off the bus and walked up to the AKL, all I could think was “ahh… home.” It just felt right. And relaxing. Pop had a very “busy” feel to it- lots of activity, loud (with laughing kids so not in a bad way) over-the-top in terms of decoration. You kind of knew you were in a theme park. AKL had a relaxed low-key vibe and you wouldn’t even know you were in Florida let alone WDW.

I was in awe as soon as I walked into the lobby. WOW.

In the lobby there were these cute little seating areas around the fire. These looked especially cozy at night when I’d see people relaxing and enjoying a cocktail. Very romantical. Too bad I was alone!

Detail everywhere- on the “balconies” overlooking the lobby:

I headed over to check in and here again dramatically different experience vs. Pop. There was a line (maybe 2 families in front of me vs. 10 at Pop) but it moved fast and there were more people working behind the desk at AKL than Pop! The CM was very pleasant and went through all of the special events that were happening in the lodge over the next few days. They included special photopass opportunities, ornament making, cooking demos, music, crafts by the pool and more. If anyone is interested, I can email you the full list. I can scan the document but can't figure out how to post it.

Then she says to me, “because you have a savannah view you have to be sure to call us if by accident you drop anything off your balcony b/c it can harm the animals.” OK but ummm… WHAT??? Savannah view? I booked bargain basement AP rate view and when I booked the CM must have said 10x to me “do you understand you won’t see animals from your room?” Woo-hoo!!!! Score!!! I also got a king sized bed which the CM at the desk told me was very hard to get! I thought back to my conversation with the reservation agent – I forget his name but he was super nice and we had a nice conversation. Maybe he sent a little magic my way? Or maybe it was just serendipity. Either way, I am taking it!!!

So now that I know it is savannah view I am beyond anxious to get to the room. As I’m walking to my room I pass a CM. He wasn’t bell services – maybe janitorial?- anyway he said hi, welcomed me and asked if I needed help with my bag and knew where I was going. I mention this b/c again this was stark contrast from Pop where I passed several CM’s on my way through a monsoon dragging my bags and trying to hold an umbrella and a map not to mention looking lost and no one said a word to me.

Another AKL/Pop or deluxe/value difference that stood out to me was the elevator. I know…odd things occur to me. But at Pop the elevator was pretty institutional. At AKL it was themed:

Elevator floor:

Elevator wall:

Now, is it worth $100+ extra a night for themed elevators?? I don’t know. But I do know I liked it! And I love that Disney has such a wide range of options that can suit everyone’s individual taste, budget, fancy etc.!

Ok… so my room!

My first picture of the room came out very dark. But I was in such a hurry to see the savannah view that I didn’t bother to re-do it.

And the savannah:

 

[Donald is #1]

Awesome! What magic! an ugrade to a SV room is incredible.

 

[TarzansKat]

I just caught up, hon. I love reading about your trip. You sound like you so much fun drinking around the World at night! I wish I could hold enough liquor to do that, but sadly, although I'm a , I'm not so good at the drinking bit yet. What I wouldn't give for a margarita from Mexico or a glass of champagne right now.

 

[TarzansKat]

Just caught the AKL post! Wow, check out your view! Awesome.

 

[OhMari]

Hey,
Do you want to be moved over to our regular board.
Give me a PM.

 

[tinkerbell87512]

Ohhh the magic was on your side! What a beautiful view you had!

 

[kschafer]

As I stepped off the bus and walked up to the AKL, all I could think was “ahh… home.” It just felt right. And relaxing. Pop had a very “busy” feel to it- lots of activity, loud (with laughing kids so not in a bad way) over-the-top in terms of decoration. You kind of knew you were in a theme park. AKL had a relaxed low-key vibe and you wouldn’t even know you were in Florida let alone WDW.

I must admit, if it was the only way for me to afford a vacation, I would definitely do value but these are my sentiments exactly! The decor is just so...in your face. I want to feel relaxed when I return to my hotel. That's why we enjoyed OKW so much, it was an escape from the crowds and business of the parks. It's interesting that AKL and WL seem very similar except for theming details, but I am so attracted to WL over AKL. I wonder why that is?

Your pics though are wonderful and for upgrades!!!!!