OK, we're home now!

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Just wanted to say once again how much we enjoyed meeting everybody (and seeing our "old" friends again!). We LOVED Gay Days, and I am already planning our return for Gay Days 2011.

The link at the bottom of my signature will take you to my trip report for a day by day account complete with photos. You know, if you have hours and hours on your hands and no other way to pass the time...

 

[PghLybrt]

So gad you had a great trip! I wish I could have met you all in person, someday right!

So what are the plans for 2011?

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

June 3-18. That's as far as I've gotten!

I presented multiple villa arrangements to DH but he doesn't want to discuss it. Which is unfortunate, because I have to call July 3 to book next year's villa. So I guess it's MY choice!

A big part of the decision rests with whether or not I can get a concierge studio. And if I CAN, I have to see how many consecutive nights I can book. I am perfectly happy to stay in a concierge studio the entire 2 weeks if we can get it. If not, we have some other choices to make. One bedroom vs. studio, savanna vs. standard, value 1 bd. at Jambo vs. regular 1 bd. at Kidani.

The thing is, if we are going to be at Kidani I want to be there the second week, because the second week was more crowded and it would have been an advantage to be at Kidani in terms of the buses. The drawback is that the points are higher the second week. I have also decided the noise level of pool view rooms/villas is really a LOT more than savanna rooms. Not to mention I really like to look at the animals.

I *think* we can probably get by with 3 checked bags next year instead of 4. We left a lot of stuff in the Owner's Locker. The studios are a little crowded with all the luggage, but a concierge studio is worth it! The carry-ons fit under the bathroom sink in those units, so we will just be tripping over the checked bags and the Owner's Locker. I am pretty sure DH would trade the washer & dryer for the concierge lounge.

 

[PghLybrt]

So the buses are better at Kidani?

i think you do have a lot planned already!

I have never styed concierge at AKL. I have stayed Yacht (that is where I usually stayed before DVC) and at WL. I notice that the Yacht concierge was much better ( mostly in terms of staff and how friendlyand helpful they were).How is it at AKL?

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

So the buses are better at Kidani?

i think you do have a lot planned already!

I have never styed concierge at AKL. I have stayed Yacht (that is where I usually stayed before DVC) and at WL. I notice that the Yacht concierge was much better ( mostly in terms of staff and how friendlyand helpful they were).How is it at AKL?

The buses pick up Kidani first, so if you are there when it is crowded it is better to be the first stop! They also drop off Kidani first. We were standing on some pretty crowded buses the second week.

The IPO staff on the phone are very nice and they have always been able to get the things I requested. Working with them before arrival is great. The lounge staff, eh, well, it's a good thing I don't ask for much once we get there. Of course the one girl who is the absolute village idiot is ALWAYS there when I have a question or something.

The Sunrise Safari is terrific. We were sad not to be able to go this year since it is concierge guests only.

The housekeeping and turn-down staff are TOP NOTCH. Which is good, since I have that towel fetish. I also LOVE double-sheeted beds. Last year our housekeeper was Zoila and our turn-down lady was Anne. They were FABULOUS.

The lounge offerings have really been pared down since our very first concierge stay, but we mainly grab a quick breakfast and an afternoon snack in the lounge so it isn't a big deal. It is nice that the lounge has milk, because DS drinks LOTS of milk. They also have a really nifty espresso machine. And cookies. White chocolate macadamia cookies.

 

[PghLybrt]

That sunrise safari does sound awsome! I am sure someday i will do it ( that is the same thing I said about pleasure island!). I took to long on that one!

That is good to know about the busses. That would be a real sticking point with me. I already hate how far away from everything I am when I stay there. Then again I never go when it is crazy busy (Work ) so it usually is never an issue.

Hmmmm I am really weighing adding DVC there.

I love that resort, I just wish it was somewhere else!

 

[Gypsybear]

Welcome home....

Really enjoyed your TR....great pics...

Now, take a deep breath and relax....it's all clear sailing now that summer is in full swing...

 

[Sphyrna]

Welcome home!! The big question is... have you started packing for 2011 yet?

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Welcome home....

Really enjoyed your TR....great pics...

Now, take a deep breath and relax....it's all clear sailing now that summer is in full swing...

Thanks! It was a pleasure to meet you guys! Now when are we going to lunch?
Summer is actually harder for me than the school year - kids underfoot all the time!

Welcome home!! The big question is... have you started packing for 2011 yet?

No, because the suitcases are still full from this trip. I guess if you count the Owner's Locker we have started packing for 2011...

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

That sunrise safari does sound awsome! I am sure someday i will do it ( that is the same thing I said about pleasure island!). I took to long on that one!

That is good to know about the busses. That would be a real sticking point with me. I already hate how far away from everything I am when I stay there. Then again I never go when it is crazy busy (Work ) so it usually is never an issue.

Hmmmm I am really weighing adding DVC there.

I love that resort, I just wish it was somewhere else!

We have done the Sunrise Safari twice and really enjoyed it. We would LIKE to do Waynama but it is $170 per person.

Really, the first week we had NO bus issues whatsoever. The second week you could tell the crowds were increasing - the buses were really filling up and I think there were a few times there were folks left waiting for the next one. Since we don't mind standing we usually manage to get on, but it can be a long ride. Especially when the parks close and you are tired!

AKL has always been our favorite resort so it was a no-brainer for us to buy there. We talked about staying at BWV next year, but I think we have decided not to.

 

[zeitzeuge]

Um.........with 2179 pages of threads, can you tell me which page the actual trip report starts on with pictures? I can't wade through all of it. LOL

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Um.........with 2179 pages of threads, can you tell me which page the actual trip report starts on with pictures? I can't wade through all of it. LOL

Page 30, I think. Maybe pics don't start until page 31.

 

[PghLybrt]

. We would LIKE to do Waynama but it is $170 per person.

What is that?

 

[Gypsybear]

Thanks! It was a pleasure to meet you guys! Now when are we going to lunch?
Summer is actually harder for me than the school year - kids underfoot all the time!

You let us know when it's convenient for you, and we'll work something out...

And it was a definite pleasure meeting your and your family...

 

[TagsMissy]

Welcome home!

I just got home too... although my trip was not nearly as exciting as yours... though I did see Live Torontonians in their natural habitat!

You don't know how tempting it was for us to say 'screw it, cancel our hotel reservations and let's fly to Orlando for half a week" We fought the urge though. Soon as I get a chance I am going to check out your photos.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

What is that?

It is a tour on the savannas of the lodge instead of the park. It includes dinner at Jiko after the tour. But I just can't justify $500 for the 3 of us. We can see the animals from the balcony, we can walk down to the overlook and talk to the cast members on exchange from Africa (which is just as good as talking to the gamekeepers from the lodge), and if we want to eat at Jiko we can! The dinner is family style and you eat with the people from your tour. Which could be problematic if you don't LIKE those people!

You let us know when it's convenient for you, and we'll work something out...

And it was a definite pleasure meeting your and your family...

Mr. Z is busy this weekend, and I am out of town next weekend. Maybe the weekend after that? We'll have to try to coordinate the schedules!

 

[PghLybrt]

It is a tour on the savannas of the lodge instead of the park. It includes dinner at Jiko after the tour. But I just can't justify $500 for the 3 of us. We can see the animals from the balcony, we can walk down to the overlook and talk to the cast members on exchange from Africa (which is just as good as talking to the gamekeepers from the lodge), and if we want to eat at Jiko we can! The dinner is family style and you eat with the people from your tour. Which could be problematic if you don't LIKE those people!

The things I learn! I had no idea they did that! So it is for people staying concierge there?

I can see how dinner might be problematic but I could run with it.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

The things I learn! I had no idea they did that! So it is for people staying concierge there?

I can see how dinner might be problematic but I could run with it.

I don't think it is restricted to concierge. I could be wrong about that, though. I know kids have to be at least 8 to be allowed on the tour. The trucks are also pretty small - I think maybe 12 people total, so it is a more personalized experience than the Sunrise Safari.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Here is a link about the safari.
http://allears.net/acc/faq_aklsunset.htm

I think those pics are old, because Chef Annette hasn't been at Jiko for awhile. But it does give you an idea of the tour.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Hey! I have a new tag! Wonder how long that's been there?