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

[anewmac]

Love the pics your camera is awesome. Cant wait to see the lions and tigers and bears.. OH MY... where are the drinks.. mimosas, bloody marys ?? lol

 

[Mysteria]

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

30lbs on each side of their head?! The extra 30lbs on my butt makes me want to sit down all the time. Can't imagine how those poor things feel.

 

[podsnel]

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.

Hi!! Thanks!! I love taking pics of the animals- Lonnie & I have now been on all three safaris together and she has yet to take a pic of her own because she knows I take so many! I hope your DD likes them.

We LOVE that DVC golf membership. I think the prices on all golf went up significantly at WDW this year- but that discount makes it very reasonable. And they are SO NICE at the courses!! Please tell him to be sure to golf Osprey Ridge- it is the course that is now on the 4 Seasons property. Eventually, it will no longer be a Disney course. When you are at the furthest hole from the clubhouse, you are 2 1/2 miles away!! It is HUGE!!! And beautiful. Tons of wildlife, the only sound you hear is the train whistle from MK. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Forget I said all that, I have to say it again when I'm writing about Monday!

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).

It is COMPLETELY unforgivable. You are going to be KICKING yourself when you see how good it is and realise alll the Ritas you you missed out on, wasting your time at that Rita stand outside that serves multi-color chemical beverages with 1/2 a drop of tequila in them. FOR SHAME!!!!

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

Hi!! How is the job search going, anyway? I'm glad you're here- I've missed you!!

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.

What was the last cruise? I guess that's why you haven't been on another one. I feel like the only TRUE vacation for a mom is a cruise- nothing to do but be taken care of. EVEN for US. I have just ordered Tyler a new tuxedo on ebay and new dress shoes- tim fits in Tyler's tux from 2 years ago, but he needed new shoes from ebay, too. I know Tuxedos are not 100% necessity, but oh, I do love it when we are all dressed up- that was MY princess moment last time!!

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.

Hi! That's so nice, that you're back for more of my nonsense!! Hope you enjoy our antics this year as much as last year!!

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?

Hmmm....not sure- I think if you've never been, you should stay at Jambo, just because of the GRAND impact it has- Kidani is more sedate, more quiet. But if you do pick Jambo, you MUST go to the pool at Kidani- it is fantastic, the water play area is sooo cool!! What size villa would you get? That makes a difference, too- they are bigger at Kidani. I love them both!!

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.

He DID enjoy the rock climbing!! Thanks for asking!!

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

Yes- totally worth the transpotation headaches. The CMs were very nice about us being so late- and they said if we had missed that safari, they just would have put us on the next one. I LOVE Disney- so accomodating!!

 

[podsnel]

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

Thanks!! I'll see YOU on Thursday night, Mrs. Tenure!!

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

Well, you SHOULD be yelling at her on every TR!! As a matter of fact, I think you should go yell at her on ALL TRs- even the ones she's not a part of!! Ya know- just to get the point across that MEK NEEDS TO GO TO THE DITCH!!!!

You know, I don't mind waiting for the buses- when they caome every 20 minutes (or less). That seems fair enough. It's when you're waiting and 2 or 3 buses EACH go by for the other parks (or other resorts) that I get my skirts all in a twist. SERIOUSLY!! WTH?

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!

Good girl!! I am very honored to have motivated you to book a trip to WDW!!! But it really did sound like you were due....where are you staying? When are you going?

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

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 !!

They are majestic, I agree- their eyes are what really gets me, though. Soooo soothing.

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.

Thanks Lisa! I'm going to do my next update after I finish answering replies!

Love the pics your camera is awesome. Cant wait to see the lions and tigers and bears.. OH MY... where are the drinks.. mimosas, bloody marys ?? lol

Well...this was at 10 am- not everyone has kahlua for breakfast, my friend! Don't worry- we'll be visiting the local watering hole soon enough....

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

30lbs on each side of their head?! The extra 30lbs on my butt makes me want to sit down all the time. Can't imagine how those poor things feel.

I know- I felt the same way- that's 60 lbs!! But the guide said that for them, it was nothing- they have big, strong necks supporting their heads.

 

[ortholablady]

Great pictures of the animals but I really love your cruise pics. You all look great and the boys are so cute in their tuxes.

 

[lauren_elizabeth]

Hmmm....not sure- I think if you've never been, you should stay at Jambo, just because of the GRAND impact it has- Kidani is more sedate, more quiet. But if you do pick Jambo, you MUST go to the pool at Kidani- it is fantastic, the water play area is sooo cool!! What size villa would you get? That makes a difference, too- they are bigger at Kidani. I love them both!!

We'd be doing a studio since it's just the 4 of us. And Mal will only be about 6-7 months old.

 

[anewmac]

What was the last cruise? I guess that's why you haven't been on another one. I feel like the only TRUE vacation for a mom is a cruise- nothing to do but be taken care of. EVEN for US. I have just ordered Tyler a new tuxedo on ebay and new dress shoes- tim fits in Tyler's tux from 2 years ago, but he needed new shoes from ebay, too. I know Tuxedos are not 100% necessity, but oh, I do love it when we are all dressed up- that was MY princess moment last time!!
I agree! A cruise is just bliss for moms!

LOVE your dress! and I agree tux's arent a nessesity but come on look how handsom they all look! Glad you posted this I need to get a new one for P for our next adventure... and shoes for the boys too.. and a dress for me

Well...this was at 10 am- not everyone has kahlua for breakfast, my friend! Don't worry- we'll be visiting the local watering hole soon enough....

Hey thats my breakfast of champions! lol

 

[englishrose47]

First let me say MEK YOU NEED TO GO TO THE DITCH!!!!!!!

Then I have to say how absolutely stunning yo all looked on the cruise !!!

 

[podsnel]

Did I mention the tour guide??

He was the zoologist, and he looked soooooo familiar. I coouldn't quite place it, though...just, he looked sooo familiar.

Anyway, one of the things on this WDE is you are in a special vehicle. Which, he said, is the BIGGEST attraction on the Safari. There could be a hundred lions dancing to Hakuna Matata, but if this vehicle we were in was there? No one would see the dancing lions, they would all be looking at us. Trying to figure out who we might be. Ya know- rich & famous and all- cuz, who else would be in such a SCMANCY mobile?? And it was really true- because people would drive by what I'm about to show you, and would miss the WHOLE THING because.... they were busy taking pictures of US instead.

But, I'm used to it. Bein' that I'm already so psuedo-famous, and all.

Anyway...so we say to him, "It must be you"... and he says, "Well, I do get mistaken for Denzell Washington quite a lot."

And my jaw drops to the floor. Because I then realize what all those BTB "Back to the Future" movies on cable the week before have done to my brain. They have manifested Micheal J Fox in the flesh on our bus.

Seriously. The zoologist looks JUST LIKE MJF! And the CM says, "uh- that was a joke, Ma'm."

Seriously. And I explain my look of horror, and he says, most people say he looks like this guy-

Which...I could definitely see. Probably half of each. But I forgot to take a picture. So, you'll just have to trust me on this.

But, he is NO Denzell Washington.

So....as the "tourists" drove by and they DID take our photo...a LOT....we stopped to admire the elephants.

So, while we are admiring them, MJF/CoD/DW says that they are all females here(the adults, that is) and the males are only brought in for their ummm.....I dunno, best feature? which is how it is in the REAL Africa- the males live on the outside, and only come in to take care of business when necessary. (Lonnie had to remind me about all of this- I guess I was oblivious, still trying to assimilate MJF, CoD & DW into one human ). And SOMETIMES...the result is THIS-

OMG!!!! Isn't he the cutest???? The baby is only 4 months old- barely big enough to be seen over the grass. It was really, REALLY hard to control the urge to jump out of the special bus and run and hug the little one.

Not that THAT would have worked out well.

How amazing that we got to sit there for maybe 10 minutes with the baby elephant and Mommy.

DEFINITELY worth the transportation woes!!

Those elephants are UBER smart- look at that mama checkin us out-

I have to say, that of all three safaris, having been blessed to have seen them all, THIS was, BY FAR, my favorite sight. That little baby was so cute- MJF/CoD/DW said it best..."When he's that little, he looks like a MUPPET, doesn't he?"

Ummm-Hmmm...Yes, yes he does. And I love that muppet baby...yes, yes I do.

More and more animals...coming up soon!!

 

[CRdisMom]

those pix are fantastic!! that camera is awesome

 

[podsnel]

those pix are fantastic!! that camera is awesome

Thanks!! i'll tell my camera you said so!!

BTW....how's the game, there, Sparky?? I'm kinda lovin my SWISHALICIOUS man!!! Oh? I'm sorry? Do you need a reminder of who he is???

still not familiar??? Let me try again-

I'm sorry....haven't you MET Nick Swisher??? Here he IS!

SWISHALICIOUS, BABY!!!!!!!

How's the warm weather in NY treatin YOU lately???

 

[OhMari]

I"m here.

I'm confused, is this tour just for conciere guest? I just booked the AKL for me and my 2 sisters at the end of March. My oldest sister just told me, she doesn't want to do WDW, she has been there once, and once is enough. (Am I really related to this person?) But she is going along with us, because my nephew is marching at the MK. So, I am scrambling to find cool things to do at WDW that she may enjoy.

P.S. I love all your pictures, I can't wait to go into The Ditch.

 

[podsnel]

I"m here.

I'm confused, is this tour just for conciere guest? I just booked the AKL for me and my 2 sisters at the end of March. My oldest sister just told me, she doesn't want to do WDW, she has been there once, and once is enough. (Am I really related to this person?) But she is going along with us, because my nephew is marching at the MK. So, I am scrambling to find cool things to do at WDW that she may enjoy.

P.S. I love all your pictures, I can't wait to go into The Ditch.

Hey Darlin'-

It's a concierge thing. If you stay at AKL, you can do the Wanyama Safari (Sunset Safari), but it's a pricey thing. They are ending the safari we went on, and starting something new in 2011 instead, but, again for those Concierge guests anywhere on property.

And no, I can't see how you could be related.

Hmmm...AKL has a LOT going on- a LOT! Let me scan the weekly schedule, and then we can talk.

When are you going?

 

[podsnel]

Well, it's not from tonight, but I thought Laura might still like to enjoy the pics.....

SWISHALICIOUS, BABY!!!!!

 

[CRdisMom]

tooo bad i couldn't find a pic of my guys choking...oh wait that is what you watched tonight. Oh well that's a minnnesota team for you

 

[knewton64]

Should I have a cup of Swiss Miss or a glass of Heineken?


Ok....all kiddin asside here you are you tied for the lead for the most cutest & or funny (funniest?) headwear I have ever seen at WDW........


Example:
1) screenname "Lurkeylu" wearing her "Breakfast at Tiffany's" hat and ...
1a) you and your Viking headgear


That reminds me, now it's my turn to see what headgear I can come up with later on this month when I head out to the House of Mouse....


Enjoying yer trip report....all caught up and can't wait to hear more.

-------------------------------------------------------------.

P.S. *****CAPTN E-O ROCKS! ******

and .....that $20 wine card thingee you showed has me intrigued.....gonna have to check that out when I head out to Epcot's F&W festival.......



......I just gotta remember to go on the "Mission Space" attraction B-E-F-O-R-E the choice of red or white wines come into play.

T.T.F.N.

 

[dvc4life]

Hey Ellen. Been so busy since the DVC member cruise been having troubles getting on here. But I'm all caught up on your report and loving it!

So glad to hear Sean is having a great year so far. How wonderful for you and the rest of your family.

You guys look like you are having such a great time so far. Can't wait for more.

 

[Disneybuckeye]

Loved the picture from your cruise. Your family is adorable and your dress was beautiful. Us Buckeye fans love Nick Swisher, an OSU alum, so thanks for those pictures too. Looking forward to more updates as I love adult only trip reportsd as that will be us in March!

 

[rentayenta]

Love the cruise pics. I would love to take a Disney Cruise one day........I have been on a few cruises but never Disney. They aren't my favorite but I cannot imagine not loving a DC.

 

[mckryan]

Good girl!! I am very honored to have motivated you to book a trip to WDW!!! But it really did sound like you were due....where are you staying? When are you going?

Well, we were there in July, as well as March, but I agree, we were due!! LOL We'll be staying at our home resort, BCV, in early May with some friends. The boys are renting Harleys and driving to Key West and back over 4 days, and the girls will stay and relax and visit our friends in Mexico - several times! Hahah