Pods-n-El & The Love Bug(S)- September 24-29th,2010 at AKV Concierge! Updates 11/30

[podsnel]

Aaahhh...that title cracks me up! Can you imagine Pods begging me to save the world from imminent destruction? Ahhh...that's just too funny! But he WAS willing to humor me and do a KP adventure- in Germany, specifically, because I had it on VERY good authority that THIS is where we needed to be!!

We DID have a lot of fun figuring it all out- and there were definitely some funny parts, too!

We saved the day (aren't you all so glad????) and it was so much fun, we decided to try another one! Our second assignment was in Japan. Japan is a little more challenging than Germany. We got stuck after the 1st or 2nd clue...but that was ok, because it gave us a chance to enjoy Miyuki, the Japanese candy maker. She is AMAZING!!!

Pods had never seen her before, and even HE was impressed. I am REALLY impressed by Miyuki, and it has to do with more than her sugar talents. She helped us with the clue we were stuck on- I don't think we EVER would have found those wind chimes if it weren't for her!! So THANK-YOU, MIYUKI!!!

Pods found this elusive hidden Mickey, although it wasn't a part of our quest.

There were several families doing KP's in Japan when we were- and we all had different clues. I had no idea there was more than just one adventure in each country, but I guess it would make sense that there would be. All that world saving and disaster-averting made us hungry- hungry for a snack from France, OOH-LA-LA!

But first, we decided to stop in and see Impressions de France- something I haven't seen...since.....before I had kids? WOW. France is still pretty, look at that! Nice film! Now I'm good for another 20 years, I suppose....

I saw this guy, who looked like he needed a little monkey love- even if he was a Gargoyle, poor guy-

Ok...NOW it was snack time!

I really, really, really wanted to share....

Yummm....I love that Pithivier!

Pods did, too!!

Of course, almonds and butter make me very thirsty, so I'm sure you can guess where we went next-

The CM at the slushie booth was great- as soon as she saw me taking a picture of my Citron Slushie, she said, "Wait! Wait! Do it again!" and pulled out the BIG Grey Goose bottle for a much better pic-

Everyone was very friendly over there in France. It was great! Next, we continued around the lake-

Cont'd next post-

 

[kid-at-heart]

OK Miss Frequent Disney Traveler, I have finally found time to post my questions. I have been lucky enough to stay concierge a few times during conferences, however, it appears the format of Disney’s concierges are a bit different. Are the alcohol beverages complimentary in the AKV concierge lounge? Is it true you are not suppose to tip in the concierge lounge but can give a gift to the staff? And, last question, how do you keep scoring those last minute flight upgrades to first class? Do you start out with a discounted or full-fare couch fare and then – what? And, lastly, welcome back!

 

[CRdisMom]

beth and I did some of the kim possible adventure but Tim did the germany one . I love that there are clues hidden all over the place and not all missions are the same. I will say while doing the pick a pearl, it got quite loud everytime that thing popped up in the store.

I need to get moving on my tr

 

[podsnel]

We were walking around Canada-

The gardens there are so lovely- I have thought that when I have been in Canada- the REAL Canada, too.

Another food booth, all ready to go for the festival- doesn't this one look so permanent? Is it?

We decided now would be a good time to use our Soarin FPs- we were just in the mood to go for a ride, and then we would go visit our friendly Mexican Bartenders over in the Ditch!

You know-

Another great ride, of course! What was NOT so great, however, was the weather outside- it was a MEGA MONSOON out there!! So we thought, "Gee- great time to see Livin with the Land!" Aren't we brilliant?!

Sturgeon are so prehistoric looking, aren't they?

When that was done, it was STILL crazy-raining outside, so we decided to see The Circle of Life- a first for us. Lonnie had really liked it the other day while she was waiting for the rest of us on Soarin, and we enjoyed it, as well.

Unfortunately, it was now raining harder than ever, the sky was black, and it looked like there would be no end in sight. We made an executive decision to bypass allllllllll the people lining every INCH of the indoors at The Land, and ran to the VERY busy poncho sales people- because even though we have plenty of ponchos in our OL, that wasn't any help right now, and I was FREEZING!!! BRRRRRR!!!!!

Pods, of course, doesn't wear no stinkin' poncho! We waited for maybe 10 minutes for the bus, and headed back to AKV- Sorry Amigos, no more visits to the Ditch this trip- isn't that just so sad!! On the plus side, when we got back to AKV and finished our showers, we were just in time for Happy Hour at the CL!

We sat out on our balcony, sipping our wine and watching the rain fall. But we still had a while to go before our Jiko ADR- what would YOU do with all that time at AKL?

Well, Pods read his book. But me? You'll just have to wait and see!

 

[podsnel]

JEALOUS of all new Epcot pictures!!! I feel like I don't even know what World Showcase looks like anymore!! Mexico and Italy both look so different, even just from July and it makes me sad!! Why did they have to make all those major changes like a WEEK after we left!? I hate just missing something but WS is pretty major....to me, anyway!!

(Temper tantrum over....)

The Hacienda looks soooo inviting! I really hope we can eat there on our next trip, but with only 4 days AND the fact that we're going with Tom's DB, DSIL and DNephew, not sure we're going to be able to get it in.

BTW, I knew about Etna and Vesuvius....but Stromboli? Seriously?

Well, look at all you have to explore that will be NEW when you go!! The Italy Pavilion looks MUCH better this way- to me, before, it always looked like they got to the back wall and just said..."Ahhhh..FUGGEDABOUTIT!" Joan just ate at the Hacienda, and said the food was really good- but her server was an idiot!

And yea- Stromboli! I asked, and that's what I said....STROMBOLI????

OMG Ellen - I forgot that you are going to Pigeon forge for Thanksgiving. I hope you have a great time.

Your Via Napoli pictures are also beautiful. You really, really got some nice clear and well composed shots. Nice work!

Sorry the food wasn't that good, but the restaurant was beautiful. I can't wait to try it in May. I heard the pizza is very good.

You should have gone to the health club at Kidani. There is no one there checking footwear.

I spoke with the Realtor the other day- Pigeon Forge is going to be PACKED! Lots of family reunions going on, all of their large cabins are booked. I don't know if we'll see anything other than the cabin and the view from the deck.

The food was good at Via Napoli- I didn't mean to say it wasn't good. It just wasn't a WOW. I was hoping for a WOW. It kind of reminded me of Olive Garden. The pizza looked excellent- I would DEFINITELY try that next time!

ANd I thought about hoofin it down to Kidani- but I didn't have alot of time, unfortunately. No biggie!

Ahhh the Boardwalk. It holds a special place for me because that is where we stayed when Dave & I got married. What is really scary though is it was prior to us owning DVC and I paid rack rate for a 2 bedroom. Although we did get 8 days for the price of 4 on a special. If I had only known that would have made a great down payment on points.

My favorite memory though was in 2004. Dave, me and his kids grabbed a bottle of wine and a couple of six packs of beer at the general store on the Boardwalk. We then spent the next two hours at one of the tables just talking, sipping and people watching. Sooooo much fun. It is the moments like that at Disney that are so special to me. The times when I just slow down and enjoy the scenery.

Kara stayed there on her honeymoon, too! I love "the times when I just slow down and enjoy the scenery". I agree- that sounds wonderful!!

im sure you have had better italian but for me it looks yummy right now lol

Oh and i meant i love that you end your days with a night cap LOL

I KNOW!!! I was teasing you!

What a beautiful course! Golf is something I have always wanted to try, but haven't yet.

It is NEVER to late to learn. I LOVE playing when Pods & I go out with Tim & Ty- that's my favorite.

EoS and Basin! Yum on both counts.

YES!! It's like the perfect DTD afternoon!!

OK Miss Frequent Disney Traveler, I have finally found time to post my questions. I have been lucky enough to stay concierge a few times during conferences, however, it appears the format of Disney’s concierges are a bit different. Are the alcohol beverages complimentary in the AKV concierge lounge? Is it true you are not suppose to tip in the concierge lounge but can give a gift to the staff? And, last question, how do you keep scoring those last minute flight upgrades to first class? Do you start out with a discounted or full-fare couch fare and then – what? And, lastly, welcome back!

Yes, alcohol is complimentary. It is only "out" at night, but you can go up and knock on the door during the day and they'll give you wine or beer then, too. They are not allowed to accept tips, but can accept a gift basket or candy kind of thing they can all share, I think. First class upgrades were being offered by Continental all the time in the past couple of years the day before when you went to check-in online. Now that United has taken over, I don't know if they will still have it- they didn'y on our last trip, but that might be because there were 4 in our party and not 1 or 2. I had the lowest coach fare tickets I could get every time. And...thanks!

its really easy

What is?

beth and I did some of the kim possible adventure but Tim did the germany one . I love that there are clues hidden all over the place and not all missions are the same. I will say while doing the pick a pearl, it got quite loud everytime that thing popped up in the store.

I need to get moving on my tr

Yea, that thing caused a big commotion. A little boy came running over when we were doing it, and we tried to make it happen again for him, but it malfunctioned and wouldn't cooperate.

I need to visit your TR!! I haven't stopped by since before vacation, I think!!

E

 

[manntra]

Note to self when going to the Blue Zoo in May......do NOT look at dancing fish WTH was that all about? That reminds me of Mary Ellen's DH's nasty fish from maybe Citricos or something And another note not to order the oysteR rockefeller....which really stinks because I love that but one just wouldn't cut it. I am excited for this ADR and a big part of that is their drink menu They do have quite a nice selection!!
EOS and Basin....what a nice way to spend some time after golfing....don't you just love EOS...my favorite is the Hawaiian chicken bbq. Soooo good with the Earl Grey and lemonade tea.
We have a very large Italian influence here as well and so I understand the food thing. A lot of immigrants had settled in this area a lonnnng time ago because of Endicott Johnson the shoe factory and then IBM. Anyhoo...I ended up being happy with Via....enjoyed the pizza with the proscuitto and cantaloupe and of course the sangria. The other pizza my friends had was artichoke and truffle oil.... I of course could bathe in the truffle oil and die happy Oh yeah and the waiters were not too bad on the eyes either....

Tracy

 

[podsnel]

Note to self when going to the Blue Zoo in May......do NOT look at dancing fish WTH was that all about? That reminds me of Mary Ellen's DH's nasty fish from maybe Citricos or something And another note not to order the oysteR rockefeller....which really stinks because I love that but one just wouldn't cut it. I am excited for this ADR and a big part of that is their drink menu They do have quite a nice selection!!
EOS and Basin....what a nice way to spend some time after golfing....don't you just love EOS...my favorite is the Hawaiian chicken bbq. Soooo good with the Earl Grey and lemonade tea.
We have a very large Italian influence here as well and so I understand the food thing. A lot of immigrants had settled in this area a lonnnng time ago because of Endicott Johnson the shoe factory and then IBM. Anyhoo...I ended up being happy with Via....enjoyed the pizza with the proscuitto and cantaloupe and of course the sangria. The other pizza my friends had was artichoke and truffle oil.... I of course could bathe in the truffle oil and die happy Oh yeah and the waiters were not too bad on the eyes either....

Tracy

Pods thought about getting the dancing fish, and I knew enough to telll him not to- he loves snapper (who doesn't?) but not when it's whole- I have some extremely nasty photos of him and his fishie years ago, after which he made me promise to never let him order that again! If you like scallops, get the scallop app- TO DIE FOR! I'm sure you'll like it there just fine. And for drinks, Bendy said to try the Kirkland- it's not always on the menu, but they know what it is- she says it's very refreshing!

I really need another try at Eos- I could be deliriously happy eating any one of those sandwiches! Thanks for the tea- tip- I'll have to check it out next May!

I really think I made a mistake getting pasta instead of pizza at Via Napoli- I had booked it with the intention of having pizza, but just....felt like pasta instead. Maybe we'll go there next May, too- I really want to love it there!! I think I just need to try something different....

 

[Wicket's Mom]

I may have to try Via Napoli when we go in Sept. It looked decent enough to try.

I didn't know if adults could do the Kim missions, they look like fun. I will try one next time I'm there.

More great pictures, keep them coming. When you go to Pigeon Forge could you look for my camera? LOL. We did get a new one Friday, a Canon 980si.

 

[anewmac]

I think I had more fun with the Kim Possible then the boys when we did it.. they should have an adult version that makes you find all the drinks spots and snacks to go with LMAO

France looks so yummy I didint get to spend much time there except next to the slushy machines.. my favorite line to wait iN!

Cant wait to see what you end up doing.. hmm dancing? thats my finale answer... er guess LOL

 

[angmom]

Hi Ellen -

I am a very long time lurker who finally decided to get a username and post. I grew up in Westfield (my parents sold our house on Boulevard in 1999) and I actually went to dance school in Scotch Plains!

I really enjoy reading your trip reports! Can't wait to read more...

 

[podsnel]

I may have to try Via Napoli when we go in Sept. It looked decent enough to try.

I didn't know if adults could do the Kim missions, they look like fun. I will try one next time I'm there.

More great pictures, keep them coming. When you go to Pigeon Forge could you look for my camera? LOL. We did get a new one Friday, a Canon 980si.

I forgot to ask you about Tennessee! I saw on MEK's TR, I think, that you had gone there, or that you go there. It is supposed to be crowded while we are there- but I'm sure we'll have fun! We are probably not leaving the cabin other than to go to the Dixie Stampede, because that is the only place we can think of where 27 people can eat out together. Do you think your camera will be at Rising Eagle Lodge? I'll be sure to look for it! Hope you like your new camera even more than your old one- but, Oh....losing a camera STINKS!!

I think I had more fun with the Kim Possible then the boys when we did it.. they should have an adult version that makes you find all the drinks spots and snacks to go with LMAO

France looks so yummy I didint get to spend much time there except next to the slushy machines.. my favorite line to wait iN!

Cant wait to see what you end up doing.. hmm dancing? thats my finale answer... er guess LOL

YES!! THAT'S IT!!! I LOVE the adult KP!! Maybe we need to make up our own!!

And no- no dancing- much more low-key than that. Sorry!

Hi Ellen -

I am a very long time lurker who finally decided to get a username and post. I grew up in Westfield (my parents sold our house on Boulevard in 1999) and I actually went to dance school in Scotch Plains!

I really enjoy reading your trip reports! Can't wait to read more...

Well, hi there!!! I am so honored to see your 1st post on my TR!! Thanks so much for the compliments- I love writing the TRs and reliving my trips. I really need to print them all out- but I'm not sure if there's enough paper and ink EVER for that!

Were your dance lessons at Dance 2000? That is the current dance studio in SP. I live right on the border of SP & Westfield- I am actually much closer to Westfield than to the center of SP. In the summer I can hear the Westfield pool from my house. Boulevard is such a wide and beautiful street- my friend, Karen, lives there in a gorgeous, HUGE old home that she recently renovated. Do you still visit your home town? It has changed quite a bit- but is still one of the most lovely towns I can name. Thank-you so much for saying hello!!

 

[englishrose47]

Great Update Ellen !Ilove the Candy Lady too, she is sooooo talented !!!I've never done the Kim Missions but I bet they would be fun!!!

 

[dvc4life]

Great updates Ellen!

Loved your pictures of the new Italian restaurant. So excited to try that when we go in March. Too bad the pasta you had was not all that good. We are looking forward to trying the pizza there. We are also going to try La Hacienda. Can't wait for that one either.

 

[angmom]

Yep, I went to Dance 2000. I am actually in Westfield a lot because we all still go to the dr's there. I was lucky enough to grow up in one of the big colonials (although my dad may argue sometimes we weren't so lucky - the asbestos, lead pipes etc - lol!)

 

[Wicket's Mom]

I didn't mind losing the camera as much as I did the photos. Thanksgiving is Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge's busyiest time of year. Watch out for Black Friday in Pigeon Forge. Total traffic gridlock!

 

[karajeboo]

Hmmmm, do we need to try the new place in Mexico in May????

 

[rentayenta]

1. Love the Citron slushie.

2. DH won't poncho up either.

3. The pastries in France are to die for. My favorite is the Napolean. I am sure it is fat free too.

 

[podsnel]

Great Update Ellen !Ilove the Candy Lady too, she is sooooo talented !!!I've never done the Kim Missions but I bet they would be fun!!!

Hi Rosie- I bet you would love the KP Missions- you get to see all this cool stuff you wouldn't see around WS otherwise- maybe on the next family visit?

Great updates Ellen!

Loved your pictures of the new Italian restaurant. So excited to try that when we go in March. Too bad the pasta you had was not all that good. We are looking forward to trying the pizza there. We are also going to try La Hacienda. Can't wait for that one either.

I want to try La Hacienda, too- it's SO HARD to fit everything in!! The pasta was good- just not OMG good- I enjoyed eating it- just would have pizza instead next time.

Yep, I went to Dance 2000. I am actually in Westfield a lot because we all still go to the dr's there. I was lucky enough to grow up in one of the big colonials (although my dad may argue sometimes we weren't so lucky - the asbestos, lead pipes etc - lol!)

Yea- I guess those beautiful old homes do come with all the abestos, lead pipes, etc....but they are glorious- lucky you!! We go to all the DRs in Westfield, too- Elynne Marguiles, Claudia Wagner, John Tabachnick, Westfield Pediatric Dental Group.... who knows- maybe we'll run into each other some day when we have the sniffles!

I didn't mind losing the camera as much as I did the photos. Thanksgiving is Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge's busyiest time of year. Watch out for Black Friday in Pigeon Forge. Total traffic gridlock!

I was soooooooooooooooooooooooo afraid of that- after MEK talked about the traffic in the summer, I was hoping it would be the opposite, but I guess not. Well, we're not plannin' on doin too much other than alot of family time, so maybe it won't matter too much. And hiking- we'd like to hike. Any trails you'd reccommend?

And I figured that was the worst part of losing the camera- pictures ARE priceless, aren't they?

Hmmmm, do we need to try the new place in Mexico in May????

I'd love to- lunch? Or cancel the bar hopping and go there instead? Right now this is what is booked-
Fri- dinner Tutto's at 6:35
Sat-Bkfst Kouzzina 9am, Sanaa 6:35 pm (followed by running through AK to EE for night time rides!)
Sun- tea at 2, Bar Hop/App Hop Blue Zoo, Kimono's, Compass & Ale
Mon-7:05 Flying Fish
Tues- nothing yet- before we leave.

Let me know what you'd like to do......

 

[podsnel]

1. Love the Citron slushie.

2. DH won't poncho up either.

3. The pastries in France are to die for. My favorite is the Napolean. I am sure it is fat free too.

Of course- all desserts are calorie/fat & carb free in WDW- EVERYONE knows THAT!!

Love that- poncho up... men are SO STUPID!!! Ponchos are SEXY!!

 

[CRdisMom]

happy to see that list