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

[manntra]

Your habanero rita even LOOKED spicy!!! I have had my share of the jalapeno both in The Ditch and at the stand in DTD so I may have to step it up and give this one a try. Poor Pods and his sensitive lips

Wow...I have NEVER seen those tostadas before...so good of you to try new things

I totally think you should have hopscotched!!

Tracy

 

[podsnel]

I'm in, can't wait to hear more! That room looks great

Hi there!! The room was very nice- we actually thought it was about 2 feet larger than Lonnie's rooom which was an AKL Savannah view on the 2nd floor- but wow, her view was AWESOME!!!

Hi Ellen!

Glad you've started your trip report already. Sorry we didn't get to meet at Disney. I didn't make it into the Ditch, but did manage to make it to the Margarita stand. We were lucky enough that my boys really enjoyed EPCOT this trip and made it there twice! Can't wait to hear all about your trip!

Hi!! So you had a great trip? I'm so glad- it's always good when the kids like EPCOT, too- did they like all the kidcot stuff? Missed meeting you, though- are you going to do a TR?

This report is making want to take a trip with just DH and drink around the World. What is the real name of The Ditch? I must find said place next trip.

DO IT!!! It's a lot of fun!!

Ahhhh! I LOVE getting shout-outs on other people's TRs!

So glad I could inspire various acts stupidity throughout your trip but let's be honest, PODS, whose picture did you have more fun looking at on SE, yours or his?

Hopscotch is ONLY to be enjoyed after a few drinks so you were in perfect condition for a little hopping!! Although, I don't like the looks of all those people lined up on the street! I probably wouldn't have done it if people were sitting around watching and there were kids in line!

How were the taquitos? We've only ever gotten the guac and chips.

I LOVE that picture of you and Lonnie from your wedding. So you're celebrating your 25th next year?! Any big plans?

Several times throughout the trip he informed me that I "have a BIG problem." It was usually when I was doing things inspired by YOU! So what does THAT mean?

I'm glad to hear you did the hopscotch when the kids weren't waiting in line- although, when I was there, I thought that's what you did and I was pretty impressed by how unfettered you were by all the people who would have been gaping wide mouthed at your hopping and skipping.

Taquitos were good- but I like the tostadas better.

For the 25th, we are doing a 9day RCCL cruise to Bermuda & the Caribbean out of Bayonne in August. Really, we wanted to go to the new DVC opening in Hawaii, but it opens in late August next year, so we miss it. We are hoping to go to Aulani in August 2012- we went to Hawaii on our honeymoon, and this would be our first time back. We'll bring T&T with us- I can't imagine Sean surviving that flight.

La Cava del Tequila inside the Mexico pavilion. Go in and head right! The best margaritas EVER!!

Thanks! What mckryan said!

you sure you took pics this time at the Ditch? cuz umm they look the same as Dismoms trip LMAO. Makes me thirsty and hungry though.

Oh and tell Pods. Im with him im a big wuss when it comes to hot stuff! (Except E that is LMAO)

Ssshhhhhhh! I really didn't go to WDW at all last week- I'm just using old pictures and making up new stories to go with them- creating an alternate reality for myself. Pretty cool, huh? I even believe I was there!!

You always crack me up!! And I can see where E would be the one exception to your hot stuff aversion. Hey! I had a friend who did the Ironman this summer- does E do that? Holy Lord- that is one AMAZING race!!!

 

[podsnel]

Yay, another TR!!

So I guess you don't want to know you can park a few minutes from Newark airport for $8 a day (Think we paid $6.50 with coupon). Guarded lot too. Be dropped off and picked up at the door, so to speak, and come home to a freshly washed car?! Don't remember the name off the top of my head but I'll find it for you.

I love, love, love AKL and the rooms. So jealous. Your view is also fantastic. I will get to stay there one day!

You guys are so awesome to laugh off such a crazy wait for your TIW card. You must have the patience of a saint!

Habenero margarita!! You're a brave woman.

So happy to hear Sean is doing so well!!

Hey Myst! How are you? I asked him if he wanted to park in any of the other lots, and he said no- How is it getting back to the car after the flight? That sounds pretty good!

AKV is very nice- I'm so glad we got points there when we were buying DVC. Watch for deals- they keep on advertising 40% off with an AP or Disney Visa- Lonnie booked while we were staying at BCV and got 40% off. You never know....

NEW RULE!
RE: HOPSCOTCH
"Hopscotch is ONLY to be enjoyed after a few drinks....at Epcot F&W festival."


Tho I do add dem Jalapeno Rita's have my curiosity up a wee bit! I am going to have to try a 'few" in a few more days as I have never visited in depth any of Epcot's pavilions before.
Sounds like fun



T.T.F.N.

Definitely try the Jalepeno Rita- it is the best, IMHO. Very refreshing with the cucumers in there. Have a fun trip- see you on the cruise!!

Your habanero rita even LOOKED spicy!!! I have had my share of the jalapeno both in The Ditch and at the stand in DTD so I may have to step it up and give this one a try. Poor Pods and his sensitive lips

Wow...I have NEVER seen those tostadas before...so good of you to try new things

I totally think you should have hopscotched!!

Tracy

Tracy, I am NOT kidding when I say it was CRAZY hot! I saw him make the one for the guy next to me (that he gave me the sample of) and when I said I like it spicy he put ALL the seeds and pith in with the pepper to muddle in the bottom. HOLY LORD!!! It was FIREY!

Ok, ok- next time I'll get on line with the 4 year olds and hopscotch like a pro- the things I do for you people!!

 

[DizGirl20]

So I guess you don't want to know you can park a few minutes from Newark airport for $8 a day (Think we paid $6.50 with coupon). Guarded lot too. Be dropped off and picked up at the door, so to speak, and come home to a freshly washed car?! Don't remember the name off the top of my head but I'll find it for you.

Hi - Joining in here. We live only 40 mins from Newark and I would love to know the name of this place!

podsnel - Your trip report is very entertaining, thanks! You are making a gloomy Jersey day sunny!

 

[rentayenta]

La Cava del Tequila inside the Mexico pavilion. Go in and head right! The best margaritas EVER!!

DO IT!!! It's a lot of fun!!

I cannot wait to try this!!! I love me some margaritas!

 

[podsnel]

We went looking for some fine champagne in the land of France. It always surprises me how MUCH time Lonnie & I can manage to spend in that little shop on every trip. Well, not really. They have everything you need- great wine, great shopping for pretty French stuff! Like him-

Oh, wait- now, that's not right. He wasn't for sale...he was just demonstrating where he was from and where the luscious wine was from. Because although we were going in search of fine champagne, we decided to go in search of 6 small pours of wine in 3 different countries instead. So, we began with a white & a red, and walked around & shopped while we drank. I mean, sipped. Everytime we are in this shop, Lonnie picks up about a hundred things she loves- but this time, she was actually going to purchase them! So she got placemats, and a tray, and some peppercorns, and two 4 packs of the prettiest champagne splits you ever saw...it was quite the little drop of the dime by the time she was finished. But she did get some nice gifts for her Dad and Aunt who were watching those girls of hers at home, so what could be more worth it than that?

Don't worry, Remy- i'll be looking for you October 29th when I'm back with my boys!

Here's our little Wine Walk card-

We sent Lonnie's stuff to the front of the park, and went out to find the boys, who were busy laughing at their own jokes as usual. We made our way to Italy....

Everyone looked so sad! Time for some Italian wine, which is my favorite-

Our server was so happy to pour for us!

Then we walked into the pavilion to check out the new restaurant, Via Napoli-

We were just looking, Pods & I were having lunch here on Tuesday. Let's see the view with some Italian wine-

Better start deciding NOW what I'll be eating in 4 days, LOL!

Next, we were going to Germany- it was time for wine, beer, and sausages-
but where's the picture? I must be slippin!

Instead, here's a nice photo of the 7:00 hour-

Germany is so charming, I can't wait to go to the REAL country one day, as both Pods & I have German heritage (he is 3/4, I am maybe 1/8th).

It was turning dark so fast as we walked the rest of the way...

And thought, let's put Mikey on a ride! So we made a stop in Norway-

Wow- I forgot that drop was so teeny tiny! I remember being so scared when I rode it the first time- I must have been the world's biggest chicken! After the ride, we were herded to the movie- where everyone walked straight through (next time I'm watching- I don't think I've ever stayed to watch!). Lonnie and I made friends with a troll, who was apparently VERY glad to see us!

We then checked out the wait times for all the rides, and due to it being EMH, And Friday night, the wait times for most things were a little long- so we decided to try Captain Eo!!

Lonnie actually remembers seeing Captain EO in the 80's...I just remember hearing about it and wishing I could go to see it, but it never happened. It was SOOO 80's! And it really reminded you of why MJ was such a big deal- what amazing talent that man had.

Well, the time had come to decide- do we stay and watch Illuminations and stay for EMH, or, do we hustle back to AKV Concierge for freebie nightcaps and desserts?

I LOVE Illuminations, but freebies are something we only had this chance to take advantage of- so...out of the park we went, as the fireworks began to explode in the rain filled sky, and Lonnie stopped to get her package-

Miraculously, we found Loni's car VERY easily! Oh- maybe that's because it was Mike's car, and he remembers what color it is.

Cont'd next post-

 

[podsnel]

With 10 whole minutes to spare, we made it back to the Concierge! Look! Desserts!

Look! Free beer!

While Lonnie & I were enjoying Gran Marnier, the boys asked for beer- which is not out at this time- and were happily provided with several. The staff was VERY generous with the provisions, and asked repeatedly if we wanted more, there was only 5 minutes to go.

Look! More! What a sweet CM!

We were all wondering why all these adults were watching Mickey Mouse cartoons, and a CM came over and put on football for the boys. This REALLY annoyed two women sitting next to us. Well, what did they want to watch? They didn't say anything when the CM asked, but they were very good at complaining about it once the channel was changed. Sorry, ladies. But, really, get over it. (FWIW, every time we saw these women after that they gave us attitude. ).

Well, the first day at WDW is always a long one, so we were off to bed not too long after that late night happy hour. I loved the view from our room at night-

So, that was it for our first day- Pods and I hit the pillow and were soundly asleep in minutes- those beds up there are mighty comfy!

Tomorrow- Golf at The Mag for Mike & Pods, and the Wildlife Discovery Excursion for Lonnie and me! I hope you like animals, because I took one or two pics of them!!

 

[podsnel]

Hi - Joining in here. We live only 40 mins from Newark and I would love to know the name of this place!

podsnel - Your trip report is very entertaining, thanks! You are making a gloomy Jersey day sunny!

Hi DizGirl! Nice to meet you! It is NASTY here today, isn't it? YUCK!! It's MUCH more fun when it rains in WDW!

I cannot wait to try this!!! I love me some margaritas!

Then you will REALLY love them- they are all made with PURE ingredients, like lime juice and agave (instead of sugar), no bottled mixes. They have FABULOUS Ritas!!

 

[Wicket's Mom]

I'm here for the trip. I know that it will be a good one!

I'm trying to stay warm after 10 days in Vegas & surrounds. It was over 100 degrees & now I'm in 50 degree weather. YUCK! I want my Florida trip now!

 

[CRdisMom]

i am getting more excited each day! Glad I will have Katie's stroller with me to hold me up after I have to try all those margaritas from the ditch. I need to get the wine card.

Laughing as usual. Katie loves the pictures. She asked why do their bodies look so funny. Missed Spaceship Earth last time...it is on the list for this time. Mike didn't try any soda since it was his first time in Epcot????

 

[twenty3curls]

I'm just joining in and am loving your TR so far!

My husband and I were there almost the exact same days as you...23rd-29th. We were actually at Epcot on Friday night, too! Drinking and eating our way around the World, until Illuminations started.

I've lurked through some of the DisMoms TRs, but never posted...I thought it was time I changed that!

Looking forward to reading more!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Ooooh I like that "Wine Walk!" How do you get that? Was it just in that wine store or do you have to get it from guest relations or something? Do they have something like that for beer? Or frozen beverages?!

 

[NMW]

Another podsnel tr can't wait to read more and terminal c at newark is horrible

 

[ortholablady]

Enjoying your trip report as usual. Also enjoyed seeing your wedding picture. It reminded me so much of mine. I wore a really similar dress in Sept. of 1990.

I see you're making another trip at the end of Oct. with the kids. I think I may have met my match. How many trips have you made to WDW? I've made 20 since Nov. of 2004. I though I went alot but I think you are up there too. My brother moved to FL not far from the world back in 2003 so it wasn't long after that I started going. But you know then the addiction takes over and well before you know it there were annual passes for about 4 years. And now I am having Disney withdrawals since I haven't been since Nov. of '09 and I let the AP's expire since my son was leaving for college. Don't know if you remember I posted about him being in Boston with all his Yankee shirts. He is loving it and tells all the Boston fans they are just jealous because the Yankees are in the playoffs and Red Sox are not.

Anyway, loving your TR and can't wait to get back to the world again. Would love to meet the DISMoms if the timing is right. Can't wait to try the Ditch on my next trip, whenever I can figure a way to get there with college tuition payments to be paid.

Cathy

 

[podsnel]

I'm here for the trip. I know that it will be a good one!

I'm trying to stay warm after 10 days in Vegas & surrounds. It was over 100 degrees & now I'm in 50 degree weather. YUCK! I want my Florida trip now!

I want my Florida trip now, too! It was icky here today in NJ as well. Hi! So happy you're here!

i am getting more excited each day! Glad I will have Katie's stroller with me to hold me up after I have to try all those margaritas from the ditch. I need to get the wine card.

Laughing as usual. Katie loves the pictures. She asked why do their bodies look so funny. Missed Spaceship Earth last time...it is on the list for this time. Mike didn't try any soda since it was his first time in Epcot????

The wine card is bigger than a card- it's the size of a pamphlet.

I LOVE that Katie loves the pictures!! So funny she asked why our bodies look so funny! You'll be there to see your own funny bodies before you know it!

I'm just joining in and am loving your TR so far!

My husband and I were there almost the exact same days as you...23rd-29th. We were actually at Epcot on Friday night, too! Drinking and eating our way around the World, until Illuminations started.

I've lurked through some of the DisMoms TRs, but never posted...I thought it was time I changed that!

Looking forward to reading more!

Hi! Well, how funny is that! I wish we would have "met" before vacation- maybe we could have said hello in person. Well, I am VERY glad you decided to say hello, always happy to meet someone new. Did you have a great time? It will be interesting to see how much the rest of our trips overlapped.

Ooooh I like that "Wine Walk!" How do you get that? Was it just in that wine store or do you have to get it from guest relations or something? Do they have something like that for beer? Or frozen beverages?!

You just go up to France (or Italy or Germany) and say you want to do the Wine Walk. It's $20 for six 2 oz. pours, two in each country. You can do them all in one night, or over the course of however long you want. Some people do the whites one night, the reds the next (except Germany was all white, so I'm not sure how they swing that). They HAVE TO be those wines. I don't know about beer or frozen beverages. They don't do champagne- that's what Lonnie was looking for, and they only offered this.

Another podsnel tr can't wait to read more and terminal c at newark is horrible

That's so nice, thanks! Yea- I really hope the construction is finished at some point- between the parking garage, the tram, the trains- it's been going on forever, hasn't it? But I've never gotten lost inside the terminal before. That includes just this past May. Considering I'm usually there at the crack of dawn on 10 minutes of sleep, that's pretty impressive, I guess. Hope it's AMAZING when they finally finish, hopefully in our lifetime!

 

[mckryan]

I cannot wait to try this!!! I love me some margaritas!

Seriously, I've had a lot of margaritas, and these are by far the best I've ever had.

Hey Ellen, I just told my husband about the Habenero margarita and I got a "mmmmmmmm" out of him. He liked the Jalepeno one, but he didn't like the cucumber in it. So, this new one is right up his alley! We'll have to try it out in May when we go back!

 

[anewmac]

wow how many wine flights did Lonnie do? she looks um really Good ya thats it GOOD lol.

Love Consierge at AKL. We took advantage of it too when we went last yr.. we were upgraded (you would have known if i ever had finished my tr LOL)

 

[MEK]

I love the way you start a trip....the RIGHT way. I gotta tell you I was wondering whether they had "to go" cups at the Ditch. So many margaritas - so little time. Love you SSE crazy pictures. Awesome start to your trip!

 

[dizneeat]

Great first day!

Epcot is always a fun park to be in ..... so much to try (esp. at The Ditch! )
Love all the photos - keep the trip report coming!

 

[podsnel]

Enjoying your trip report as usual. Also enjoyed seeing your wedding picture. It reminded me so much of mine. I wore a really similar dress in Sept. of 1990.

I see you're making another trip at the end of Oct. with the kids. I think I may have met my match. How many trips have you made to WDW? I've made 20 since Nov. of 2004. I though I went alot but I think you are up there too. My brother moved to FL not far from the world back in 2003 so it wasn't long after that I started going. But you know then the addiction takes over and well before you know it there were annual passes for about 4 years. And now I am having Disney withdrawals since I haven't been since Nov. of '09 and I let the AP's expire since my son was leaving for college. Don't know if you remember I posted about him being in Boston with all his Yankee shirts. He is loving it and tells all the Boston fans they are just jealous because the Yankees are in the playoffs and Red Sox are not.

Anyway, loving your TR and can't wait to get back to the world again. Would love to meet the DISMoms if the timing is right. Can't wait to try the Ditch on my next trip, whenever I can figure a way to get there with college tuition payments to be paid.

Cathy

Hi Cathy!!

Of course I remember you from the other TR- I totally remember the Yankee fan in Red Sox territory story! One of the DISmoms, Cammie, is the same way- Yankees all the way, living up near Boston. I think you're all very brave! Did you see the Yankee pics i posted? I took alot of great shots of Swisher- LOVE that guy!! Although, that may be when you told me about your son in the last TR, i can't remember...

Your gown looks VERY much like mine- you looked BEAUTIFUL! I think those big poof sleeves were very popular for a while because of Lady Diana. I actually had another gown picked out- that was very different from the one I wore. My GF Clare (in the pic) got married the month after me, so we kind of planned our wedding together. When I went to go see my her wedding gown (and my bridesmaid's dress) she showed me the one she almost picked- and I fell in love with her cast-off and made it my own! It was a Priscilla gown. There- now you know more about me when i was 23 than you ever wanted to know!

I have been to WDW 13 times, I think- so you still have me beat- but not for long! I never went until Pods took me when we were dating because he couldn't BELIEVE I had never been- then sporadically til we had kids- then every 2 years until we got DVC- and now it's a DISEASE!!!! I am on my 2nd AP- I LOOOOOOOVE having one!!

Seriously, I've had a lot of margaritas, and these are by far the best I've ever had.

Hey Ellen, I just told my husband about the Habenero margarita and I got a "mmmmmmmm" out of him. He liked the Jalepeno one, but he didn't like the cucumber in it. So, this new one is right up his alley! We'll have to try it out in May when we go back!

Well, the Habanero had cucumber in it, too- but just tell the bartender what you want- they really just want you to be happy, I'm sure they'll make it without cuke!

wow how many wine flights did Lonnie do? she looks um really Good ya thats it GOOD lol.

Love Consierge at AKL. We took advantage of it too when we went last yr.. we were upgraded (you would have known if i ever had finished my tr LOL)

Did YOU finish your TR???? I'll read it if it's there! And lonnie was just tired, i think- well, maybe she was a little buzzed, but not too bad- now, last year in Vero, well, that was a WHOLE other story!!

I love the way you start a trip....the RIGHT way. I gotta tell you I was wondering whether they had "to go" cups at the Ditch. So many margaritas - so little time. Love you SSE crazy pictures. Awesome start to your trip!

Of COURSE there are to go cups!! How else could you drink them while you try to help Kim Possible??? Thanks, ME.

Great first day!

Epcot is always a fun park to be in ..... so much to try (esp. at The Ditch! )
Love all the photos - keep the trip report coming!

Thanks Karin!! It is sooooo my favorite park- I could spend the whole vacation there if they moved in RnR and EE!

Have to run- time to pick up Sean from his afterschool program- today was the first day of rock climbing. I am scared I'm going to get up there and they're going to tell me he wouldn't go....