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

[CRdisMom]

when aren't you in a single digit dance?

 

[dvc4life]

So lucky to be in the single digit dance again. You will love the Halloween cruise. I know when we were on one we did.

We will be in the single digit dance soon. Two weeks from Friday and we will be at BWV!!!!

 

[podsnel]

Dancin' right there with ya!!!! (rosary in hand, Kara....)

I'll see you in the Ditch- I told Tyler he was going to go on rides with Morgan & Tim & no parents and he is soooooo excited!

Congrats on the single digit dance. congrats for me if I can actually send this post without my computer closing.

We will see.....patience now....count to 3
1........2...........3......Post!

OMG!! That really stinks! Well, I'm glad you could post something- I hope you can read the next installments-

Woot! It worked!!!!!!

when aren't you in a single digit dance?

It does really seem that way, especially from August through the fall. Are you home, or still in WDW?

So lucky to be in the single digit dance again. You will love the Halloween cruise. I know when we were on one we did.

We will be in the single digit dance soon. Two weeks from Friday and we will be at BWV!!!!

The last cruise was November 1st, and all the Halloween stuff was done when we got on the Magic- I am getting really, REALLY excited!!

Do you always go in the beginning of November? I remember you did last year, too- you're like us, you always stay in a different place. I love them all- it's so fun to mix it up. Makes every vacation different. I am very happy we got BWV for our DISmom trip- even though we were going for BLT.

 

[podsnel]

After our lunch, we walked over to see the bats, tiger & birds. The bats were...umm...not quite as happy to see us as they were last year...

I actually asked the CM (a girl of about 19) if Disney cut off their manhood. She was HORRIFIED I asked, and said," No! Disney would never cut off a .....ummm....uhhh...." That's ok, sweetie. You don't have to say the word, we know what you mean...

Moving on to the Tigers, who were looking as gorgeous as ever-

I actually thought, Oh- I bet MEK would take a picture of this-

Again, I don't know if i've ever seen one of them moving around before. It must have been our lucky day-

Smile...say CHEESE!!

On the way to the birds, it was time for a little monkey love...

But, sometimes, even I draw the line at who gets kissed-

That one is just toooo scary for my lips!!

Next, it was time for the birds-

I love, love LOVE the Mandarin Ducks-

Cont's next post-

 

[englishrose47]

Ellen !! THANKYOU! THANK YOU !!!! The GAC cards absolutely made the Trip !!! We were able to do soooooooooo many rides that would have been impossible without them !!Getting them was a breeze we all marched in and they gave us 2 cards of 5 and we were all set !! I think we could of had some problems without them !! Carol told me we owe you BIG time !!!!!

 

[podsnel]

This one was making a LOT of noise and kept swooping down on me!!

The CMs in there that day were excellent. The one guy said that the birds like to play with the people sometimes- that was why that one kept buzzzing me- he was trying to see how close to my head he could get before I would freak out.

But I'm waaaaay cooler than that- I just let him swoop.

Lonnie & I stopped to admire these amazing birds-

They were really gorgeous, and I wish I could remember what they were called! I took these photos, then went to ask the CM about them-

What happened next was hilarious- the CM said that the birds were building a nest, which was on top of the building. And every day, many, many times, the one bird did the same thing- put the grass in her mouth, flew to a branch, flew to the bench, flew to the nest. Same path, every time. And every time, there was someone sitting on that bench. And every time, the person on the bench FREAKED! So we watched- and that is exactly what happened- that woman SCREAMED when the bird came by her- it was HILARIOUS!! The CM said, "Don't you wish you were over there to take a picture of the look on her face?" I really wish I had been- something to remember if I ever see it unfolding again.

We left the aviary, and it was time for monkey-lovin from afar. Aren't those monkeys in the middle soooo much fun to watch?

We LOVED the Mama & her baby- too cute!!

I was feeling like I wanted to go on a ride- actually, i REALLY, REALLY wanted to go on a ride- but the park was kind of crowded, and we weren't going to be there long enough for FPs. So we did a little shopping over at EE- Lonnie got some of those himalayan flags for her girls to decorate their rooms with, and I purchased, after about 15 Pix messages back and forth with Kara, and a long discussion with a CM, 2 cute little Animal Kingdom Vinylmations for Ally. Which I will send down to you SOON Kara- PROMISE!! Halloween goodies were everywhere in the park-

We wandered for a bit, trying to find the Tatoo lady, but eventually came upon her, right where we didn't know she was!

Lonnie's Tramp stamp lasted about a week- but another black one she got is still there now. My Tink just came off last week- I think the airbrushed Tats last sooooo much longer than the other ones!

Cont'd next post-

 

[podsnel]

Ellen !! THANKYOU! THANK YOU !!!! The GAC cards absolutely made the Trip !!! We were able to do soooooooooo many rides that would have been impossible without them !!Getting them was a breeze we all marched in and they gave us 2 cards of 5 and we were all set !! I think we could of had some problems without them !! Carol told me we owe you BIG time !!!!!

THAT'S AWESOME ROSIE!!!!!!! I am so happy it worked out so well for all of you- and your consumers were completely deserving of every minute of it- I always feel like, when you are traveling with someone with special needs, there is ALREADY so much stress involved, because you are dealing with so many variables that no one else has to handle. The GAC makes the time in the parks a little more predictable, and makes it so much easier to cope with everything else. I think it is truly one of the most kind and generous things Disney does.

Has the TR started? When did you get back?

 

[englishrose47]

THAT'S AWESOME ROSIE!!!!!!! I am so happy it worked out so well for all of you- and your consumers were completely deserving of every minute of it- I always feel like, when you are traveling with someone with special needs, there is ALREADY so much stress involved, because you are dealing with so many variables that no one else has to handle. The GAC makes the time in the parks a little more predictable, and makes it so much easier to cope with everything else. I think it is truly one of the most kind and generous things Disney does.

Has the TR started? When did you get back?

Yes indeed Ellen that is the most awesome thing they do!!! I got back last night about 3:30p but had to wait for the consumers to all be picked up so was HOME about 5:30pm !!!
Loved the pix of the Birds but am not sure where that is in AK !!! Did you see I am going again next year for another FREE TRIP!!!!!! Carol is hooked !!!

 

[podsnel]

Well, she's kind of hard to see, but Tink was cute- she had green glitter that lasted a week-

Our friends from the spring were finally out entertaining the masses, but no dancers-

I love seeing that owl in front of FOW- but no show for us this time-

Because I REALLY wanted to go on a ride!! But first, since we were in the area, we decided to go have a snowcone martini at the Y&Y bar. We asked if they came in togo cups, and the bartender said sure, he actually thinks they are better that way.

WHAT???? How is that better than what's in the picture? Where's the snowball? I just don't get it...

We thought we'd give Dinosaur a shot, maybe the wait there wasn't too bad...

Because EE was still ridiculous. Why were all these people here in SEPTEMBER????

By the way, NOW is when we went shopping for the Vinylmations- oops! And I still promise I'll mail them SOON, Kara!!

So Dinosaur was like an hour wait- no offense, but I'm just not waiting that long for that ride- and neither was Lonnie-

So we enjoyed some of the outdoor entertainment-

...and headed back to AKV (which we had very little wait for a bus to, thank goodness!). We figured we would like to have a little pool time after a little tea time. On the way back, we noticed the soda machine-

Even IT is themed. AKL is SUCH a cool place!! LOVE IT!!

Up next- Concierge tea time and a dip in the pool...

 

[podsnel]

Yes indeed Ellen that is the most awesome thing they do!!! I got back last night about 3:30p but had to wait for the consumers to all be picked up so was HOME about 5:30pm !!!
Loved the pix of the Birds but am not sure where that is in AK !!! Did you see I am going again next year for another FREE TRIP!!!!!! Carol is hooked !!!

So when is the next trip? Will it be the same group of consumers, or a different one? And of COURSE Carol is HOOKED!! How could she not be, going to WDW with you?

The birds are after the Tigers- in Asia-

 

[CRdisMom]

yes still here until sat. I am bummed I missed Rosie. Our days were tooo craazy with katie getting used to everything. LOTS of photos. off to cali grill tonight for fireworks

 

[dvc4life]

The last cruise was November 1st, and all the Halloween stuff was done when we got on the Magic- I am getting really, REALLY excited!!

Do you always go in the beginning of November? I remember you did last year, too- you're like us, you always stay in a different place. I love them all- it's so fun to mix it up. Makes every vacation different. I am very happy we got BWV for our DISmom trip- even though we were going for BLT.

Well, the last two years we have done the first part of November because of the members cruise. Trying to space the trips out just a little bit. Next year, since we are not doing the cruise, DH has been looking at the last weekend in October. That way we could hit MNSSHP and F&W all at the same time. Those are two of our favorite times to be there and if we can do them both at the same time. . . . score! And the bonus this year is being at BWV. Not to far to stumble, or I mean walk, from EPCOT after indulging in a few drinks from around the world.

Loved the pictures of the birds you took. Especially those bluish colored ones. Such pretty birds.

 

[anewmac]

So did the melted snowball at least taste good... looks yummy and refreshing LOL

 

[MEK]

Serious crowds there Ellen! I was thinking of that week for next year, but maybe not. Our week seemed much less crowded.

OK - those drinks did not look at all like the snowball martinis. I sure hope they tasted good!

I love all your animal shots. You got some great ones - especially that baby monkey - so darn cute!

And, yes, I would definitely take a picture of that sign and anything else that resembled it. Which reminds me, you have not stopped by my TR in awhile missy. Jen posted some pics that will give you a virtual ride on EE since you didn't get to ride anything during your AK visit. Still - the animals you saw - very cool!

 

[karajeboo]

Oh, Ellen, dear dear Ellen...... I am so glad you have become discriminating in your monkey lovin..... people were starting to talk. Well, mostly me talking, but I talk a LOT so that would be "people."

OK, here's what I have figured out about park crowds. I have followed TGM a few times and basically figured out the game. Jeff and I use it all the time without needing TGM anymore. The least crowded parks are always the ones that had an EMH the day before. Follow that rule and you can't go wrong. There is a bit more involved, but that seems to be the biggest factor.

 

[manntra]

Great animal shots as always....love those bats My father built me a bat house for my backyard but I still haven't hung it up. I have a huge yard that leads out to woods but I still not sure if I want bats flying around

You and your monkeys

What was with the crowds? Ick!! So Y&Y has a bar inside? Interesting....very interesting. I need one of those snowballs. I just put a reminder in my iPhone in case I forget.

Tracy

 

[podsnel]

yes still here until sat. I am bummed I missed Rosie. Our days were tooo craazy with katie getting used to everything. LOTS of photos. off to cali grill tonight for fireworks

That's too bad about not seeing Rosie- she is the sweetest! How is Katie doing?

Well, the last two years we have done the first part of November because of the members cruise. Trying to space the trips out just a little bit. Next year, since we are not doing the cruise, DH has been looking at the last weekend in October. That way we could hit MNSSHP and F&W all at the same time. Those are two of our favorite times to be there and if we can do them both at the same time. . . . score! And the bonus this year is being at BWV. Not to far to stumble, or I mean walk, from EPCOT after indulging in a few drinks from around the world.

Loved the pictures of the birds you took. Especially those bluish colored ones. Such pretty birds.

Thanks, they are pretty birds- it always amazes me that there are all these color combinations on them- and those blue ones were .

Next year we will probably arrive right after you, then- we are going to go the first week of November, from Tuesday night to Sunday. We are planning on staying at BCV in a 2 BDRM, so it should be fun for all of us! Unless we change our minds and flip to BLT in a 1 BDRM...which will STILL BE FUN FOR ALL OF US!

So did the melted snowball at least taste good... looks yummy and refreshing LOL

It was just ok...not as much fun, but the shaved ice melted pretty fast. I definitely liked my grape better than Lonnie's cherry, though.

Serious crowds there Ellen! I was thinking of that week for next year, but maybe not. Our week seemed much less crowded.

OK - those drinks did not look at all like the snowball martinis. I sure hope they tasted good!

I love all your animal shots. You got some great ones - especially that baby monkey - so darn cute!

And, yes, I would definitely take a picture of that sign and anything else that resembled it. Which reminds me, you have not stopped by my TR in awhile missy. Jen posted some pics that will give you a virtual ride on EE since you didn't get to ride anything during your AK visit. Still - the animals you saw - very cool!

Yea, it was just much more packed than I would have thought- but it's always busiest on the weekends there anyway. By the time Monday came it was vastly improved.

The drinks were ok- I think they taste better with the snowball because all the ice doesn't melt all at once.

All YOUR photos on YOUR TR are excellent- you and Jen are very talented! Loved the virtual EE ride- Thanks!

Oh, Ellen, dear dear Ellen...... I am so glad you have become discriminating in your monkey lovin..... people were starting to talk. Well, mostly me talking, but I talk a LOT so that would be "people."

OK, here's what I have figured out about park crowds. I have followed TGM a few times and basically figured out the game. Jeff and I use it all the time without needing TGM anymore. The least crowded parks are always the ones that had an EMH the day before. Follow that rule and you can't go wrong. There is a bit more involved, but that seems to be the biggest factor.

That is a GREAT theory- and it makes perfect sense!! I sure hope there are EMHs at DHS next Thursday night- I'll have to go check that out right now! Thanks!

And YOU ARE THE ONE WHO GOT ME KISSING THE MONKEYS IN THE FIRST PLACE!! I'll get you back, girlie- next year it'll be your turn to kiss something...I'm leaning towards toothless old men for your love interest there, Chickie!...

Great animal shots as always....love those bats My father built me a bat house for my backyard but I still haven't hung it up. I have a huge yard that leads out to woods but I still not sure if I want bats flying around

You and your monkeys

What was with the crowds? Ick!! So Y&Y has a bar inside? Interesting....very interesting. I need one of those snowballs. I just put a reminder in my iPhone in case I forget.

Tracy

But bats are GOOD!! They eat all the mosquitos!! And they hardly ever get stuck in your hair....

Have a great vacation- still am so sad we are just missing each other. Damn those kids and their stupid school schedule!!

Yes- definitely a bar inside Y&Y, and you can order food too- just like at all the other restaurant bars at WDW- no ADR required.

 

[podsnel]

By now, Lonnie & I were ready for a little down time- a spot of tea, followed by some relaxation by the pool. We went to our rooms to quickly put on our suits, then headed to the lounge for some refreshment.

Yummmm...this was my favorite- the scones with clotted cream....yummmmmm.....

Lonnie had a cup of herbal tea, i brewed a double cappucino, and we were on our way to....

Aaahhhhh....relaxation, blissful relaxation with my girl, Lonnie...... We were thinking at this point that our men would be along at anytime- our plan was to meet them at the pool after they finished their golf. Unfortunately......they were playing a very, very sloooooooowwwww
round, due to the foursome ahead of them. So, Lonnie and I just hung by ourselves....along with the three gaZILLION love bugs that were pestering us mercilessly. Ugh...the love bugs were EVERYWHERE, literally flying into every orifice they could sex themselves into. Let's just say, it's good that pool doesn't have a nude beach. Lonnie explained that the love bugs are man-made- a science experiment at FSU gone wrong. Really, really wrong. The love bugs were supposed to eat some other pest...unfortunately, that didn't work out- apparently the love bugs are good at only one thing- and that's making more love bugs! I have been in Florida when the love bugs were out before, but this year they just seemed exceptionally bad. Yuck. Anyway....after we had had enough love bug lovin, we decided we would go back up to the rooms to get ready for the night, while we STILL were waiting for the men.

And STILL no men. So Lonnie & I went back to the Concierge lounge, because Happy Hour (officially known as wine and cheese) had begun an hour ago. Yum!!! Just what we need!! More eating!! More drinking!!

It was raining outside, so we knew those men would be back sometime in the near future!! In the meantime, we snacked.

Then, look who was back!

Slow as the Mag was, they couldn't say enough good things about the course...how beautiful, how amazing, incredible, first rate, top notch...they were two happy boys, and it was great to see. Anyway, they joined our picnic (those hot hors d'ouvres were very good, especially the tarts) before we all took a walk back to Lonnie & Mike's to see their savannah view, which they loved.

Pods and I walked back to our room, with plans to meet up in the lobby at 8 for our walk over to Kidani....we were having dinner at one of my favorite's, Sanaa!!

 

[dallastxcpa]

Great update!!!! Yumm, Dave and I love Sanaa can't wait to read about your dinner there. We ate there the last day of our trip and my dear loving husband looks at me and says, " I think I would have rather stayed over here"
Man, I could have smacked him. In a loving way of course.

When are you leaving for your cruise? Have you started packing yet. I have been better the last few trips and have tried to place an empty suitcase in our bedroom to add things in as I think of them. Helps me avoid that midnight chaos the night before. You miss your plane once and have to fly stand-by and you learn your lesson.

 

[podsnel]

Great update!!!! Yumm, Dave and I love Sanaa can't wait to read about your dinner there. We ate there the last day of our trip and my dear loving husband looks at me and says, " I think I would have rather stayed over here"
Man, I could have smacked him. In a loving way of course.

When are you leaving for your cruise? Have you started packing yet. I have been better the last few trips and have tried to place an empty suitcase in our bedroom to add things in as I think of them. Helps me avoid that midnight chaos the night before. You miss your plane once and have to fly stand-by and you learn your lesson.

HAHAHA...men...God love 'em, but they are a PITA!

We leave one week from today for 2 nights at BCV before the cruise on Saturday! I haven't really started packing....unless you count the unworn clothes I didn't unpack from September... Not worried about the 12 am packing thing, because, unlike all the other trips we have taken to WDW, on this one we are flying out in the afternoon. I wanted T&T to go to school for most of Thursday, before I pick them up to go to the airport. Who knows? Maybe I'll actually SLEEP the night before we go to Disney- THAT would be a first!!