Oh me, oh my! Are we really going to WDW in.....JULY!?! UPDATES TODAY 07/19 pg 30!!

[lmillercrew]

OH BOY!!!!! (think Mickey voice) That's SO great that you get to go Deluxe! And a 2bdr villa to boot! Lucky!!! We're going value this time, but no matter. Plus you get to share with your friends! Even better!!!! I am like a lot of people when I say that I am an onsite snob too. There's just something about being immersed in the Disney atmosphere. I've had people say how much money we could save by staying off. We've even had offers to use others time shares. To which I have to politely decline. I just can't wait to see Megan's face when she sees the resort and the animals for the first time too! She's such a cute little girl.
Sorry that you're having a hard time adjusting to working full-time. I too am struggling with that myself. Thankfully my children are older than Megan, but don't beat yourself up too much. You have more than just a work challenge. You really are working TWO fulltime jobs because you're a mom too. And then we can't forget Tom. Just remember to breathe.

 

[MegansMom]

Those To-Dos will always wait. I have had to content myself with being less on top of things as far as house cleaning and such. It's hard for me being as OCD as I am. Oh, and never forget that the crock pot is the greatest invention for working moms. LOL!

You are always the best pick-me-up! I am happy to say that all the remaining decorations are down, put away, furniture rearranged, dusted, vacuumed, laundry done, etc. so I am feeling quite accomplished. I have given myself one to-do each night this week so that hopefully I can enjoy my Saturday and Sunday.

I keep forgetting about the Crock Pot.....I think my problem is that I need some new and good recipes outside of the traditional pot roast and beef stew. If you have any good ones, feel free to share!

You know I will be more than happy to fill your ears about things to do at AKL. That is actually the perfect resort for mid-afternoon breaks, in my opinion. Don't forget about the pottery and the storytelling and the night-vision watching of animals. There is also cookie decorating at Boma that we never made it to, and there are always pool games in the afternoon. It's practically a vacation in and of itself.



My kids wouldn't be able to cope if we had to stay off-site. LOL!

I am so glad that I have so many DISfriends who have enjoyed the sights and sounds of AKL....you KNOW there will be MANY questions coming your way throughout this PTR about the resort as they come up......speaking of that, do you think we should request Jambo House or Kidani Village? I am sure they are both great, but do either of them have major advantages? Also, you know I have to ask this in honor of Tom...how good/bad is the bus transportation to AKL?

AKL!!! That's so exciting!! We just sent in our request for our trip and have VWL two bedroom for our first choice and AKL two bedroom for our second! Picking the resort is half the excitement I think. Can't wait to here more!

Definitely half the excitement!!!! Either of those sound FABULOUS!!!!

oh I meant to say this yesterday but I'm totally an on-site snob! Even if it means staying in value...I just love being right within the magic!!

And July, oh heck yes it's the hottest in July but that's when you use the water features and water rides like they're goin out of style!!

I think for the most part, there are MANY of us on here that would put ourselves in the on-site snob category. I am with you too....I would much rather stay at a value at WDW than anything else off-site. There is magic on a Disney Resort for sure!

In reference to the water features---if I do need to take advantage of them to cool off, I will just warn you all now to expect "bad hair" pictures then!

OH BOY!!!!! (think Mickey voice) That's SO great that you get to go Deluxe! And a 2bdr villa to boot! Lucky!!! We're going value this time, but no matter. Plus you get to share with your friends! Even better!!!! I am like a lot of people when I say that I am an onsite snob too. There's just something about being immersed in the Disney atmosphere. I've had people say how much money we could save by staying off. We've even had offers to use others time shares. To which I have to politely decline. I just can't wait to see Megan's face when she sees the resort and the animals for the first time too! She's such a cute little girl.
Sorry that you're having a hard time adjusting to working full-time. I too am struggling with that myself. Thankfully my children are older than Megan, but don't beat yourself up too much. You have more than just a work challenge. You really are working TWO fulltime jobs because you're a mom too. And then we can't forget Tom. Just remember to breathe.

We are very excited about the accommodations aspect indeed! I know that we are all so excited about having our own bedrooms, but a common area to hang out too because we tend to play games and chat all night long. Don't laugh, but I am most excited about the washer and dryer!!! Yes, I am a laundry dork, but I think it will just be so nice to have that extra amenity if we need it!






Okay....Question for Today......

Since we are going during a much busier time than usual, we are doing a lot of research I normally would not do. So whose advice do you prefer: TourGuideMike or touringplans.com? Just wondering! Thanks!

 

[pooh'smate]

Okay....Question for Today......

Since we are going during a much busier time than usual, we are doing a lot of research I normally would not do. So whose advice do you prefer: TourGuideMike or touringplans.com? Just wondering! Thanks!

I just asked this question last week on my FB page. This was the most common answer I got. TGM is really good if you plan on rope drops. If you don't plan on using being at the rope drops then touring plans was good. Hope this helps.

 

[Charleston Princess]

You are always the best pick-me-up! I am happy to say that all the remaining decorations are down, put away, furniture rearranged, dusted, vacuumed, laundry done, etc. so I am feeling quite accomplished. I have given myself one to-do each night this week so that hopefully I can enjoy my Saturday and Sunday.

Good idea about the one to-do each night. I may be borrowing that!

I keep forgetting about the Crock Pot.....I think my problem is that I need some new and good recipes outside of the traditional pot roast and beef stew. If you have any good ones, feel free to share!

I have quite a few -- Chicken Azteca, pork chops, chicken and noodles, chili -- let me know which ones you want and I will PM them to you!
I am so glad that I have so many DISfriends who have enjoyed the sights and sounds of AKL....you KNOW there will be MANY questions coming your way throughout this PTR about the resort as they come up......speaking of that, do you think we should request Jambo House or Kidani Village? I am sure they are both great, but do either of them have major advantages? Also, you know I have to ask this in honor of Tom...how good/bad is the bus transportation to AKL?

I haven't stayed at Kidani, but I would lean more towards Jambo because of the Mara being there.

We had great luck with the bus transportation. Plus, the AKL bus stop at the parks was always super close to the entrance.

Okay, here's my thing about Touring Plans and Tour Guide Mike. I have noticed that they always choose their best parks based on which ones don't have any Extra Magic Hours that day. The past couple of trips, we have just chosen our parks based on that -- worked like a charm!

 

[IluvXU]

Jen,
Tough to decide, but I wanted to stay at Jambo this summer. DH likes Kidani, quiet, great pool area.. but I like the busy feel of Jambo and the CS option. Can't go wrong with either.

I am a TGM fan. Not that I can't do it, but it is fun to read and see. Does not cost much either,so I figure it is fine.

Good luck with next year decisions. No matter what I am sure it will be easier because you won't be "new" again.

 

[MeMom]

All this AKL talk just makes me want to be sitting on our balcony

or maybe over here

eating these

instead of where I am, looking at a yard full of snow.

Happy warm, sunny AKL thoughts, everyone!

 

[IluvXU]

MeMom I need to be there right now. Those pics make me think we should have stayed there... long term we made a better choice though, but I sure loved AKL!!!!!

 

[KristEn87]

Oh MeMom! Those pictures are awesome! We officially got a two bedroom at AKL Kidani, our first visit there and now the excitement is building even more.

Jen I forgot if you mentioned if you were staying at Jambo or Kidani?
How excited is Megan about this trip?

 

[lmillercrew]

Unfortunately I have no input on the Tour Guide Mike or touringplans.com. I haven't ever used them. I just plan my days around which parks have early/late hours. So good luck in your quest there.
And just what is a Zebra Dome made out of? They look delicious and I comment on them, but I haven't ever tasted them. I know, THE HORROR!!!

 

[FairyGodmotherJen]

Thanks for letting me know you're here!! I have to admit, I'm not on the boards near as much as I used to be...the Master's degree program on top of everything else is killing me!! (I didn't even finish my own trip report!) I can't wait for July! But I'll try to pop in every once in a while and check in.

Don't beat yourself up!! It's crazy trying to teach and have a family...sometimes I think they had the right idea when women had to stop teaching when they married/had babies (yes, I know...dd and I have been reading too much Laura Ingalls Wilder lately )! But seriously - eventually, you have to realize that you're not going to get it all done. It's just too much! You have to take some time to be sane. Oh - and crockpot recipes? I've gotten some great ones from a blog - google "crockpot blog" (I can't remember what the rules are for posting outside links...I'm so rusty!). She's got all kinds of recipes - she cooked something in her crockpot for an entire year! And that was over a year ago - she has kept it up, though maybe not daily. It's great.

AKL - oh, I'm jealous! I kept trying to tell DH that the best celebration of me finishing my master's degree would be a quick trip down in December to see the decorations...and stay at the Poly! That's my dream resort. But there's no way we'll be able to swing it financially. AKL looks so exotic!! And I've heard so many good things about the "extras" they have. My goal is to at least visit there when do get to go back down. As far as the planning goes, TGM has always served us well. We've gone in the heat several times now, and it's really helped us pinpoint which days work best for each park.

 

[MegansMom]

I just asked this question last week on my FB page. This was the most common answer I got. TGM is really good if you plan on rope drops. If you don't plan on using being at the rope drops then touring plans was good. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the information! I am wondering if they give the same days for best days in the park, etc.? Do you know?

Good idea about the one to-do each night. I may be borrowing that!

Steal away dearie!

I haven't stayed at Kidani, but I would lean more towards Jambo because of the Mara being there.

We had great luck with the bus transportation. Plus, the AKL bus stop at the parks was always super close to the entrance.

Okay, here's my thing about Touring Plans and Tour Guide Mike. I have noticed that they always choose their best parks based on which ones don't have any Extra Magic Hours that day. The past couple of trips, we have just chosen our parks based on that -- worked like a charm!

My heart keeps leaning towards Jambo too! How do they do the buses now with both resorts? Do they pick up at one first? I LOVE that their stops are always close to the entrances!!! Is it done alphabetically?

Did you feel that even in July, going to the parks on days without EMH was much better than going to parks with it? Was it noticeable?

Jen,
Tough to decide, but I wanted to stay at Jambo this summer. DH likes Kidani, quiet, great pool area.. but I like the busy feel of Jambo and the CS option. Can't go wrong with either.

I am a TGM fan. Not that I can't do it, but it is fun to read and see. Does not cost much either,so I figure it is fine.

Good luck with next year decisions. No matter what I am sure it will be easier because you won't be "new" again.

I am with you on the Jambo House....I think I will like the hustle and bustle of the place!

I really do think I will go with TGM....so many here use it, and I think I would enjoy reading the comments too!

Thanks for the good wishes for next year....I know I will work on making a change for the better!

All this AKL talk just makes me want to be sitting on our balcony

or maybe over here

eating these

instead of where I am, looking at a yard full of snow.

Happy warm, sunny AKL thoughts, everyone!

God bless you MeMom! Thank you so much for those beautiful pictures!!! That is from Jambo House? Right? SO BEAUTIFUL!

MeMom I need to be there right now. Those pics make me think we should have stayed there... long term we made a better choice though, but I sure loved AKL!!!!!

What is not to love, eh?!!?!? Wishing I was there right now instead of our "Winter Wonderland!!!"

Oh MeMom! Those pictures are awesome! We officially got a two bedroom at AKL Kidani, our first visit there and now the excitement is building even more.

Jen I forgot if you mentioned if you were staying at Jambo or Kidani?
How excited is Megan about this trip?

I think I want to request Jambo...but I am sure we will be happy no matter which section. Megan is SO excited....a little nervous about the extra crowds (we might even have to actually use the GAC this year) but excited nonetheless. There is an update about our reveal to her coming up that will probably have you laughing though.....it was TOO funny!

Unfortunately I have no input on the Tour Guide Mike or touringplans.com. I haven't ever used them. I just plan my days around which parks have early/late hours. So good luck in your quest there.
And just what is a Zebra Dome made out of? They look delicious and I comment on them, but I haven't ever tasted them. I know, THE HORROR!!!

I don't know what the Zebra Dome is made out of....chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate....BUT THEY ARE DIVINE!!!! And yes, there will definitely be zebra domes on this trip!

Thanks for letting me know you're here!! I have to admit, I'm not on the boards near as much as I used to be...the Master's degree program on top of everything else is killing me!! (I didn't even finish my own trip report!) I can't wait for July! But I'll try to pop in every once in a while and check in.

Don't beat yourself up!! It's crazy trying to teach and have a family...sometimes I think they had the right idea when women had to stop teaching when they married/had babies (yes, I know...dd and I have been reading too much Laura Ingalls Wilder lately )! But seriously - eventually, you have to realize that you're not going to get it all done. It's just too much! You have to take some time to be sane. Oh - and crockpot recipes? I've gotten some great ones from a blog - google "crockpot blog" (I can't remember what the rules are for posting outside links...I'm so rusty!). She's got all kinds of recipes - she cooked something in her crockpot for an entire year! And that was over a year ago - she has kept it up, though maybe not daily. It's great.

AKL - oh, I'm jealous! I kept trying to tell DH that the best celebration of me finishing my master's degree would be a quick trip down in December to see the decorations...and stay at the Poly! That's my dream resort. But there's no way we'll be able to swing it financially. AKL looks so exotic!! And I've heard so many good things about the "extras" they have. My goal is to at least visit there when do get to go back down. As far as the planning goes, TGM has always served us well. We've gone in the heat several times now, and it's really helped us pinpoint which days work best for each park.

So glad you could find your way over here...especially with everything going on right now for you!! I will keep you in my thoughts that the rest of the year will go smoothly for you so that you will be finished in no time!

I will definitely check out that blog....an entire year!!! WOWSA!!!! I think I will check it out and do some meal planning over my long weekend.....if I find anything great, I will post the recipes over here for everyone to enjoy!

We have visited AKL to eat at Boma, but have yet to stay there, so I am really excited!!! I really am almost as excited about the resort as I am about the parks! Can't wait to explore it all!

 

[pooh'smate]

Thanks for the information! I am wondering if they give the same days for best days in the park, etc.? Do you know?

Yes they are the same days. I am using TGM for our trip and we are close enough to see the info on touring plans so I checked them out and they were the same. I am also using Ride Max and have heard great things about it.

 

[Charleston Princess]

My heart keeps leaning towards Jambo too! How do they do the buses now with both resorts? Do they pick up at one first? I LOVE that their stops are always close to the entrances!!! Is it done alphabetically?

I think, if I remember correctly, the buses pick up and drop off at Kidani first. However, they are so close together that it wasn't a big deal.

Did you feel that even in July, going to the parks on days without EMH was much better than going to parks with it? Was it noticeable?

I can't really tell you what it would have been like with EMH since we didn't do any on this trip. We did make sure we were at rope drop every morning and all the Fast Passes we collected, we would use at night. We did everything we wanted as far as rides at every park.

 

[MegansMom]

Yes they are the same days. I am using TGM for our trip and we are close enough to see the info on touring plans so I checked them out and they were the same. I am also using Ride Max and have heard great things about it.

That's what I thought! What is Ride Max? And why haven't I heard of this already?!?!?!

I think, if I remember correctly, the buses pick up and drop off at Kidani first. However, they are so close together that it wasn't a big deal.



I can't really tell you what it would have been like with EMH since we didn't do any on this trip. We did make sure we were at rope drop every morning and all the Fast Passes we collected, we would use at night. We did everything we wanted as far as rides at every park.

I wonder if in July it matters that much about being picked up first at Kidani....I wonder if the bus will be filled by the time it makes its' way to Jambo House? What do you think?

You give me GREAT hope about this trip by the way you speak about your trip last year! I was having such visions of wall-to-wall people everywhere.....I will keep the hope alive!

 

[MegansMom]

There will be an update this evening everyone!!! I have to first attend Megan's conference at school with her teacher, but then will be updating later tonight when I return home........just thought I would give you a little tease!!!! I will be sharing the funny story about how we first told Megan we would be going back....too funny!

 

[lmillercrew]

 

[lmillercrew]

I'm hijacking your thread to say that I just booked my trip!!!!! I used the room only code and saved $173!!!

 

[Trentmom]

Yay!

Looking forward to another update

 

[teachermommy78]

Joining your ptr! I'm a fellow teacher and mom, heading to POR in June!

 

[pooh'smate]

That's what I thought! What is Ride Max? And why haven't I heard of this already?!?!?!

Sending you a pm.