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

[MEK]

Did you help Kim Possible? Please tell me yes, because I had a blast with that game. Especially germany! I am embarrassed to admit that I never got a drink from the ditch. I know, I know. How could that happen? Well, I was actually in there one day at 1150, but they kicked us out cause it was too early. Then we went off to save the world and went right to lunch..

Of course, the next time we were there I figured they didn't have "to go" cups, so I ordered from the margarita stand, because now we were busy again saving Norway. The only good thing I can say in my defense is that our missions forced us to drink around the world....and it was all good!

I just read your continued update and it was so fun. I love that wine card. What fun! Your concierge stay makes me wish I had some points at AKV.

I can't believe you are going back at the end of the month again. You are too lucky!

 

[mckryan]

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!

I'll have to tell him that. He doesn't like cucumber in his margarita! I think it's a good way to get your veggies in!

 

[podsnel]

In the morning, we woke up and showered, then made our way over to the C Lounge for breakfast. There was the usual continental stuff, bagels, pastries, fruit, juices, and oatmeal and quinoa. I had a bagel and LOTS of cantelope and watermelon, because the melon was EXCELLENT! Very, very sweet! I also had a double cappucino, once I figured out how to work the machine (which was very easy, but the first time you have to read what the heck you're doin'). I was sooooo happy they had a new cappucino maker up here- the last time we stayed it was broken for the entire trip. I didn't have my camera with me, sorry- so no brekkie pics today (but I think I did take some later). Mike & Loni came up and had breakfast, too- Mike stuffed himself with oatmeal and fruit and was thrilled with his breakfast.

Anyway...the boys were going golfing today. They originally were teeing off at 10:18 am- but a week before we left, Mike called me and asked if I could add 2 more players to their round, since he had a local sales associate who wanted to play. So I called the concierge, and even on such late notice she was able to book a 12:30 tee time at the Magnolia (which is a VERY popular course) on a Saturday. Love it!! By the way, we have a DVC golf membership- it gives us a 30% (I think) discount on golf for up to four players. The discount is substantial after 10 am, which is why all of our tee times were right after 10 each golf game (almost- more on that later). So imagine the joy these men felt when they got to golf on a PGA course for $67!! To fill in the time in the morning before golf, Mike & Pods went to the pool- which is mostly what he wants to do on vacation, anyway. As Pods told Lonnie, his dream vacation day is golf, pool, nap at the pool, followed by and a good dinner out....maybe you could throw in a couple more naps and a couple more , and then it would be perfect!!

Lonnie & I had made our own plans. We were going on the Wildlife Discovery Excursion. When you stay in Concierge at AKV, you can enjoy 3 different safaris- the Sunrise Safari (only AK Concierge guests) at AK park, the Wanyama Safari (Sunset & any guests at AKL may participate) at AKL's savannahs, and finally the WDE, which is available to any concierge guests on WDW property. Lonnie & I had experienced the first two safaris on our last AKVC stay, so we were excited to try this one. The WDE goes out in a special vehicle onto the KS Savannahs and is about an hour in length. There is a zoologist on the bus who tells you sooooooo much about the animals, and you get to pull over a LOT and take photos. Our scheduled time was 10am- and at 9:15 we got on line for the AK bus.

And at 9:30, we were still on line for the AK bus.

And at 9:40, we were still on line for the AK bus.

And at 9:50, we were still on line for the AK bus.

At 9:52, the AK bus FINALLY arrived!! (I felt really bad for the CM who was standing there with all of us- although we were ALL being very good, no one was giving him any grief, but I think that may not always be the case. The CM was in constant contact with Dispatch- what a joke! So many buses went by for all the other parks, MULTIPLE STACKED-UP BUSES, in fact, but nothing for AK. They REALLY need a walkway to that park. REALLY!). So by the time we got to the bus stop at AK, it was 10. We RAN to the gate (of course, i got stuck in the LONGEST, SLOWEST lines at both bag check and entry- one guy was putting his card in on the left and trying to enter on the right...HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!) and then we RAN to the store outside of KS where we were to meet our group. We were VERY late, but they were still waiting for us. I felt so bad!! But they were so nice and completely understood the STUPIDITY of WDW transportation, and made us feel ok about it. There was only one other couple on this WDE with us, and they were very understanding as well.

Wow, I think this may be the most I have ever written without a pic of some kind! How boring of me!! So- here ya go-

The guide told us that Rhinos don't desrve their bad rep- they charge because they are practically blind and are defending themselves. He said they are smart and very sweet.

The first time we really stopped to look was at the giraffes-

Our guide LOVES giraffes, so he had loads of info to share on them. He said they were the Gypsy Hippies of the savannah (that's the REAL savannah he is referring to- as in Africa), they get along with everyone, and they are always on the move. They can see a MILE AWAY CLEARLY, so the other animals all know that if the giraffes start to run, they'd better start to run, too. He said that here at AK, sometimes they'll be working with the giraffes and they will act up, reacting to something a mile away (like a cougar that just moved) and they (the CMs) don't really know what they are dealing with! He said that when they are born, their bodies are like jello- that is how they survive the six foot DROP to the ground- which also serves them by smackin' all the gunk out of their lungs- kind of like a newborn baby getting smacked on the butt.

He told us the Ankole cattle's horns are relatively light on their heads- they way about 30 lbs each, and are hollow inside.

She was so beautiful!!! I LOVE seeing the giraffes. Up next- the Muppet elephant and a transvestite Ostrich!

 

[podsnel]

Did you help Kim Possible? Please tell me yes, because I had a blast with that game. Especially germany! I am embarrassed to admit that I never got a drink from the ditch. I know, I know. How could that happen? Well, I was actually in there one day at 1150, but they kicked us out cause it was too early. Then we went off to save the world and went right to lunch..

Of course, the next time we were there I figured they didn't have "to go" cups, so I ordered from the margarita stand, because now we were busy again saving Norway. The only good thing I can say in my defense is that our missions forced us to drink around the world....and it was all good!

I just read your continued update and it was so fun. I love that wine card. What fun! Your concierge stay makes me wish I had some points at AKV.

I can't believe you are going back at the end of the month again. You are too lucky!

WHAT????????? Oh noooooo.....this is AWFUL!!! NEVER let this happen again! Get your butt in that ditch, MEK!!! Those Ritas are the gold standard for judging all the other WDW Ritas- there's no sweet & sour in them, there is lime juice & agave- they are the REAL DEAL. Didn't you say the Rita in DTD was the best in WDW??? Sorry, but no judging until you've been Ditch-ified!!!

Yes, I agree- I AM very lucky to be going back so soon. It's even faster than last year- and I am REALLY gettin' psyched now for going on the cruise- just switched my Passporter last night from the WDW one to the DCL one- stuffed all my pockets with my adr confirmations, limousine info, rental car info, excursion confirmations, Tim & Ty's GAD vouchers.....the BEST part is that I ran out of printed days- they give you 10 days and then extras- I needed to use one of the extras for my last day because it's day 11. I even finished ordering/buying all the things to make my FE gifts. I CAN'T WAIT!!!!! Plus, I found out this week that our TA was able to get us the corner aft cabin on our August 2011 cruise out of Bayonne on RCCL- so I'm REALLY EXCITED for that, too!! The corner aft cabin is enourmous on the 10th deck on the Explorer, it has a balcony with 2 lounge chairs, 2 sitting chairs, and a table- you can fit 15 people out there! I wish I had that cabin for our DCL cruise- I'd actually HAVE 15 people (at least) that I'd want to invite!!

I'll have to tell him that. He doesn't like cucumber in his margarita! I think it's a good way to get your veggies in!

Absolutely! Cucumbers Ritas are totally a health drink-

 

[mckryan]

Absolutely! Cucumbers Ritas are totally a health drink-

I will share that with him since he's working hard to get his daily allowance of fruits and veggies these days!

 

[podsnel]

I will share that with him since he's working hard to get his daily allowance of fruits and veggies these days!

Seriously- I did read that cukes are VERY healthy just recently. We should all be drinking as many of them as we can swallow every day.

 

[rentayenta]

Another fabulous update and your photos rock!

DH is a golfer too so we'll be taking advantage of the DVC golf discount.

My middle DD will love this update. She is an animal lover like no other.

 

[MEK]

WHAT????????? Oh noooooo.....this is AWFUL!!! NEVER let this happen again! Get your butt in that ditch, MEK!!! Those Ritas are the gold standard for judging all the other WDW Ritas- there's no sweet & sour in them, there is lime juice & agave- they are the REAL DEAL. Didn't you say the Rita in DTD was the best in WDW??? Sorry, but no judging until you've been Ditch-ified!!!

Yes, I agree- I AM very lucky to be going back so soon. It's even faster than last year- and I am REALLY gettin' psyched now for going on the cruise- just switched my Passporter last night from the WDW one to the DCL one- stuffed all my pockets with my adr confirmations, limousine info, rental car info, excursion confirmations, Tim & Ty's GAD vouchers.....the BEST part is that I ran out of printed days- they give you 10 days and then extras- I needed to use one of the extras for my last day because it's day 11. I even finished ordering/buying all the things to make my FE gifts. I CAN'T WAIT!!!!! Plus, I found out this week that our TA was able to get us the corner aft cabin on our August 2011 cruise out of Bayonne on RCCL- so I'm REALLY EXCITED for that, too!! The corner aft cabin is enourmous on the 10th deck on the Explorer, it has a balcony with 2 lounge chairs, 2 sitting chairs, and a table- you can fit 15 people out there! I wish I had that cabin for our DCL cruise- I'd actually HAVE 15 people (at least) that I'd want to invite!!



:

OMG - Both of your cruises sound wonderful. How exciting!!!!! Take lots and lots and lots of pictures.

Speaking of pictures - I can't see any of your pictures from your last update so I will wait until later to comment.

I know it seems unforgiveable that I missed the Ditch. I really did try, but apparently not hard enough. I guess I knew that I would be back in May. I promise to make it my first Epcot stop (as long as its after 1200).

 

[dallastxcpa]

Dang! Page 5 already...... How did I get so far behind. This dang job search stuff is really cramping all my fun.

 

[Wicket's Mom]

Great pictures of the giraffes! They look so gentle, but the males fight really hard.

Wow, my last cruise was in 1990. I don't know why we don't do more cruises, we enjoyed the two that we did. The last cruise was a real nightmare, lots went wrong.

 

[princess aleya]

I'm in. Really loving your report so far, I've been waiting for this one since you guys went last year. Oh, and I will definetly be making a pit stop in Italy to see the little cutie you snapped a picture of. Can't wait to hear more.

 

[lauren_elizabeth]

I love this report so far! I've been a lurker on your DISmom trippies and figured this one would be just as good.. and I was so right!

AKL Concierge looks amazing! We're *hopefully* renting points to stay at AKV next year for Jake's 4th birthday and seeing your pictures has me SO excited! Would you recommend Jambo House or Kidani Village?

 

[dallastxcpa]

Whew. All caught up.

It's great to hear that Sean is doing good and I hope he enjoyed the rock climbing.

Speaking of it's almost time to go pick up the kids.

Great trip report. Keep the updates coming.

 

[Missyrose]

Those safari photos are totally AMAZING! Sounds like the tour was well worth the transportation headaches Can't wait to read more.

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Ooooh beautiful pictures of the animals! Thanks for sharing the info about giraffes. Very interesting!

 

[manntra]

I KNOW!!! Can you believe Mary Ellen missing The Ditch!!!! I am yelling at her on every TR!!! Well...she did try to go in so that at least counts for something! It is good to know about the to-go cups....such sage advice from a seasoned expert!!

Uggh on the bus issues.....I must say though that I think I always have the best luck with transportation at AKV....thankfully you were so close to the park and it was nice of the other tour members to wait for you Love the giraffe pictures....can never tire from them!

Tracy

 

[mckryan]

I couldn't stand it any longer and booked a May trip today. Time to try out the new margaritas at La Cava!! Your trip reports are making me miss the World something terrible!

 

[Disneybuckeye]

Loving the report Ellen! Can't wait to visit the ditch in March.

 

[englishrose47]

Loved the Giraffe pix !!!They are sooooo majestic !!! I am hoping next year to get the Safari Disney trip with the consumers !!! I have no idea which safari it would be but as I've never done any but the Safari at Ak I know I will love it !!

 

[lshaw6]

Love the pics of the animals! The safari sounds like so much fun, what a neat thing to do. Lovin' the TR so far, can't wait to read more.