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

[MEK]

I just went back and read an update I missed and I have to say that your concierge experience at AKL has convinced me that I should add on there. Seriously, I think Denny and I would have such an awesome time treating ourselves to a stay there. Everything about it looks so fabulous. The snacks that put out for happy hour look so yummy. All the extra touches - perfect.

As soon as I pay for my kitchen remodel, I am getting me some AK points!

 

[podsnel]

Ella just wants food right now she wants goldfish crackers and mac/cheese

Life is busy we got a newborn so he has taken a lot of time up here. He was not a happy camper for the first 9 weeks but now has turned into the easiest baby I have ever had. He is #50 for us so we are excited to hit that big goal.
My oldest got dx with Autism. We are finally getting the help he needs at school It is a relief to tell you the truth.

The biggest news is we just applied for Avy's make a wish trip to Disney. The dr said he would sign off so we are keeping our fingers crossed till we get the official word. She is so excited.

Thanks to you we know how to handle this trip better then the last one

You are an incredible and AMAZING bunch- you give so much, what a wonderful family you have! Congrats on the new baby!! WOW...50! That is incredible! Very happy your oldest will be getting his needs fulfilled at school now- that must have been very frustrating. Sean's autism is so apparent that that was never an issue for us- we have been very, very fortunate living in this school system, they have been excellent over the years.

Great news about the MAW for AVY!! Isn't the doctor letter what held the last one up? So nice to have it already- when do you think you will know? When do you think you will go? With how many?

I feel so honored to be thanked by you- you have no idea, I am so, so glad I wrote that TR about our trip last year. Really glad it could help someone. And I actually feel so, so guilty we are going to WDW this year without Sean in 5 days- but it's because we are going on the cruise, and I don't think he could handle it. Maybe in a couple more years- we'll have to see. Well, he'll be there next year, and the year after that, and the year after that...Thank God we got that DVC!

Excellent update Ellen. I love Sanaa. And the bread - so amazing. And good to know that you get all the dips if you order 2 orders of bread. I vow to get back there and have the wine flight!

Is in my imagination or are there body parts in those animal faces in the granite. I never knew they were there.

I would also love to do the animal night vision viewing. Last time I was at Sanaa I was just too darn tired. But I will return.

Yes, there are animals in the granite- Kara & Joan noticed it on the DISmoms trip. One is a bird in flight, then there's maybe an antelope's head with horns- those are in the ladies room-

This is the bird-

This is the antelope-

In the men's room, I saw a bunny-

But this one, I'm not sure- I kind of see a face, but the flash is covering an eye, so it's not so easy-

All I can see in that one is an old wizard!

I have to say, and I read a lot of reports, yours is by far one of my favorite ever! Heavy on the pics, lighter on the words, booze and food porn, good friends, jet lag - it's really a great read.


My DH is making coconut lamb curry tonight.

Thanks so much!! You made my day!! I really hope our paths cross at WDW one day- you seem like a great gal- and you have such obviously great taste in TRs!

How was the curry? Tell your DH I said to the DH at the stove!

bread looks yummy, wine flight too!!!

and I LOVE KONA.. especially the pinnaple panicakes, I get that everytime (you know the big 2 times ive been there LOL)

Yeah rides cant wait...

So you all ready for some Magic... im getting so excited for you all! (and jealous LOL)

I really, really wish you were on our cruise- I kind of associate Jen with you because you all cruised together last time right before us. Did you know Erica (zweihund) from your cruise is on the cruise leaving today? I remember reading all of your TRs at the same time I was writing mine. I am SOOO excited to meet everyone on our thread (this time, it is HUGE!!! I can't keep up with it!!), most especially nenner1- she has done a TON for all of us on the cruise- made great graphics, hooked us all into going to Nachi Cocum in Cozumel (the WHOLE PLACE is DISers that day- it's going to be GREAT!), created all these maps and stuff for FEs, and also created the BEST ToT Scavenger hunt for Halloween! Jen ROCKS!

Your breakfast looked so delicious. We ate at Kona for the first time for supper on our trip in September. It was one of the best meals we have had. Loved it. Can't wait to try breakfast there sometime.

Rides you say. . . . . . .Well, let's get going!

I had a dinner ADR at Kona last November and I cancelled it because we decided to eat over at the HRH since we were checking in that night. REALLY need to get there for that someday!

Ellen - you are really kickin' @$$ with this TR. And whatever glitch I was having with my computer seems to be resolved, so I am not missing a beat!

Yum to the Kona breakfast. I finally tried it in September, but I had to try to Tonga Toast. I loved it. Yeah - a little sugary, but still great. I will definitely be back there! Trying Kouzzina in May, so looking forward to your breakfast recommendations there.

Lonnie's picture eyeing up the last potato is pretty funny.

Another fun update!

Kouzzina has a similar dish with poached eggs and turkey hash that is supposed to be pretty good- so, we'll see! We'll be at BCV (just like you will be) so it will be easy-

And YAY on the computer!!

I just went back and read an update I missed and I have to say that your concierge experience at AKL has convinced me that I should add on there. Seriously, I think Denny and I would have such an awesome time treating ourselves to a stay there. Everything about it looks so fabulous. The snacks that put out for happy hour look so yummy. All the extra touches - perfect.

As soon as I pay for my kitchen remodel, I am getting me some AK points!

Good girl!! I really like having dual ownership- nice to have that 11 month advantage in 2 places, not just one. Variety IS the spice of life, you know! And the concierge thing is a HUGE, HUGE perk for those AKV point, IMHO. There is always a chance you could luck out and get it at 7 mos, but the chances are so slim- I think you and Denny would really enjoy it up there.


Ok- since I'm leaving in 5 days, I think I should make my FE gifts today. Nothin' like a little procrastination, huh? Really, it's just that I've been too busy with the PTA stuff. And the folding laundry stuff (which is currently unfolded and sitting in a heap in my bedroom). I'll probably post an update tonight- see you then!

 

[rentayenta]

Leid and buzzed at Kona? I am so putting Kona on our to-try list!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Here ya go!

Yummmmm breakfast at Kona!!

We paid our check, once again loving our TIW card for saving us on the bill, and went out to leave. And got leid on the way out!! YAY!! I haven't gotten leid since my honeymoon in Hawaii nearly 25 years ago!!! Look how happy Pods was about it!

Where is the tag fairy when you need him! Totally agree with you about TIW card!!

 

[Disneybuckeye]

I am so jealous. Turndown service and chocolates. What a way to end the day. Hopefully someday we will be able to stay CL. I am a Tonga Toast girl but those home fries looked really good.

 

[hill6]

Loving your review.

We fly Continental out of Newark too. Sounds like from your timing you were on the 9am flight down. Love the description of getting from the parking to the terminal. We actually figured out a little more expensive way but oh so convenient parking option. When we flew last year it was pouring rain. We paid $30 per day and parked at the garage attached to the terminal. Park on Deck 3 and walk across the walkway right to the terminal and go down to check in. You are at the check in less than 5 min after leaving your car. We will do this again when we head there in 25 days.

 

[podsnel]

Leid and buzzed at Kona? I am so putting Kona on our to-try list!

Love it!! Who doesn't want to get leid and buzzed???

Here ya go!

Yummmmm breakfast at Kona!!



Where is the tag fairy when you need him! Totally agree with you about TIW card!!

Yes!! This is why we pay you the BIG bucks- the single rider song and now the coffee press pic- you ROCK!!!

BTW- I loved seeing you getting praised last Thursday night at the Tenure reception, and LOVEd meeting Tom, Emma, and the clan- especially your Mom, who is responsible for your Disney mental state!! Great family! Emma was HILARIOUS!! She was sooo happy to be there for her aunt!

I am so jealous. Turndown service and chocolates. What a way to end the day. Hopefully someday we will be able to stay CL. I am a Tonga Toast girl but those home fries looked really good.

I think if you can get a good, discounted rate on concierge at any of the hotels, it is worth it- rack rate? It's too expensive. But point wise for a studio? I feel like it's a fantastic deal!

And those home fries were REALLY, REALLY GOOD!!!!

Loving your review.

We fly Continental out of Newark too. Sounds like from your timing you were on the 9am flight down. Love the description of getting from the parking to the terminal. We actually figured out a little more expensive way but oh so convenient parking option. When we flew last year it was pouring rain. We paid $30 per day and parked at the garage attached to the terminal. Park on Deck 3 and walk across the walkway right to the terminal and go down to check in. You are at the check in less than 5 min after leaving your car. We will do this again when we head there in 25 days.

Hi Hill6!! Nice to meet you! Our morning flight is always 1592, I think anywhere from 7:30 to 8:30, usually. Glad you liked the description of our morning- for you, you could probably visualize the whole thing. UGH. That is an EXCELLENT tip about the parking- is it the parking where the short term parking is? That IS very convenient- definitely the way to go for us if we have a shorter trip with all of us (which we will have next year) where we would have to get a van. Thank-you so much for the tip!

 

[CRdisMom]

love the photos of poly. I too want to stay here someday but now that Tim has tasted saaying off site I don't think I can get him back on property let alone back to Disney for a few years. I drooled over the breakfasts. Laied at breakfast--cool.

Very much looking forward to hearing about the cruise. I am trying to get over my cruise phobia and maybe a disney one would do it.

I need to get going on my TR. I have 800+ photos.

 

[tinytreasures]

I totally understand about not taking Sean on this trip. He will be just at happy doing his normal everyday things. Change is so hard. You are going to have a wonderful time.

Your trip report really did helped I wish I had planned out Jason's trip better.
Avy has a different dr and he is on top of things so no hold up with him. We are thinking of April or May. Avy can't handle heat at all. She get heat stroke really fast. We do want it warm enough to go swimming and think that time of yr it will be warm enough.
We plan on taking all 6 kids. Baby will be 9 months old. We already got approve from his social worker to take him

 

[rentayenta]

Love it!! Who doesn't want to get leid and buzzed???

It's a triple win!

 

[englishrose47]

Great update Ellen !! I have yet to eat at Kona !!! I think in 2012 when I go solo I plan to try a bunch of new places for breakfast one being Kona and another Kouzzina's !!!Boma is already a MUST do for me on solo trips !!

 

[knewton64]

So yummy!
and yet -

making me hungry for Epcot F&W, Tusker house, etc.....


Lovin' yer updates - keep em coming.


T.T.F.N.

 

[podsnel]

After our yummy brekkie, we were heading over to DHS- we needed to get our RIDE ON!!! Seriously- this was day 3 and the biggest ride I had experienced so far was Maelstrom!! We made a bee-line for RnRC...Lonnie would be sitting out (she doesn't like rides, she gets motion sickness) but Pods, Mike & I were good to go! We picked up FPs for later in the day, and rode stand-by....which was maybe 15 minutes-

EVERY time I ride this ride for the first time of the trip, I get jello legs while I am waiting in line. I used to be so afraid- but now I am a convert- total RnRC junkie!! Mike? He LOVED his first ride!!

He LOVES rollercoasters, so he thought this ride was excellent.

Next, the wait for ToT was 5 minutes- REALLY!!! So Pods & Mike went on- I still am saving my first ride for this Friday with Tim & Tyler- just in case my first is my last, if ya know what I mean. Mike liked that one, too.

All of the Fps were already GONE for MM, and it was still morning- the standby was something ridiculous, like 110 minutes (why are all these people here in SEPTEMBER?????). So we'd have to give this one a pass this time.

There was, however, something I was DYING to do- and can you believe, we had never done it before?? It was....time for drawing lessons!! We weren't interested in the presentation (Lonnie & I had done that last time), we just wanted to see how artistic we all were.

We would be drawing Eeyore, and this is how he starts out-

Lonnie is actually very talented artistically- as a matter of fact, my wedding gift from her is a charcoal drawing she made of a bowl off eggs. Which I am still waiting for, nearly 25 years later. Anyway...the rest of us? I have no drawing skill, Pods is a CPA, so that explains where HIS brain is at, and Mike is a perfectionist, so will probably create a pretty good Eeyore.

This is what we all came up with- Pods-

Lonnie-

Don't the eyes on her Eeyore make you want to love him?? Here is Mike's-

And mine-

Wow, I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this attraction!! I want to go back and spend the day there, LOL!! I WILL be there this Friday morning with T&T- they actually didn't believe we drew those, I had to prove it to them with photographs. So...we came out, and look who we saw-

Ok- I felt seriously stupid up there, all the people in line are staring at you like you are IDIOTS that they just wish would HURRY UP, but I am so glad we acted up- look at the men!! It was worth it just for that!!

Next, it was time for a nap, so we headed over to The Great Snoozer Ride-

From Shakespeare in Love, I think-

Lonnie's favorite is Mary Poppins, so this was cool-

Ok, everyone, it's nap time!

It is a very colorful ride, I will give it that-

I am sure I have mentioned in other TRs that Pods & I were here on the day it opened- do you know we waited over an hour and a half to ride the GMR that day?? Can you imagine??? Well, I think since then we have gone on here maybe once every ten years- so I guess now we're good until 2020! Here's another MEK shot-

We were starting to feel hungry...and THIRSTY!!! So....we trooped over to the Tune In Lounge for a little Time Out.... cont'd next post-

 

[podsnel]

This was my first visit to the Tune in Lounge, which is adjacent to 50's Prime Time. A few minutes after we entered, someone was called to their table in the restaurant, so we scored 4 seats up at the bar. What is REALLY GREAT here, is that, like many, many other bars in Disney's restaurants, you can order not only drinks, but also food- so we able to get some apps with our drinks. EXCELLENT!! Here what is left of the onion rings when I remembered to take a photo-

They are my favorite of everything we had. I really like the horseradish sauce that comes with them. Yummmm.... we also tried a Blue Claw Crab cake, which was tasty, too-

And then Aunt Annnies Seafood Salad. This was light and refreshing, but nothing I would be looking for again, too much vinegar-

The bar feels just like the restaurant, with the tvs everywhere and servers who are into the schtick. Lonnie & I ordered mojitos, and this CM was an EXCELLENT bartender!!

YUMMM! So refreshing!!

That was a GREAT way to have a bite and a break- and they took our TIW card, too. AWESOME!! It was time to ride RnRC again, our FPs were ready, so we went over. I had to take a pic of this tshirt, I am a HUGE fan of The Who and I have the poster at home-

We scored the front row!! I gave it up to the ladies, who held on for dear life, while I manned up a row behind and rode with my arms up as high as I could get them- which wasn't very high, the seat is pretty restrictive.

Outside, I had Mike take my photo to send to Kara-

Which I can't really post, because I'm not sure how to! Sorry! We found Lonnie, who was (of course) busy shopping (man, that girl can shop!!). Here are the wait times as we were leaving the Park-

On the way to the car, we saw some Lovebugs who had met an unfortunate demise-

BLECH!!!! Sooooo GROSS!!!!! Next up- a few more rides at EPCOT before Lonnie & Mike say goodbye.....

 

[podsnel]

love the photos of poly. I too want to stay here someday but now that Tim has tasted saaying off site I don't think I can get him back on property let alone back to Disney for a few years. I drooled over the breakfasts. Laied at breakfast--cool.

Very much looking forward to hearing about the cruise. I am trying to get over my cruise phobia and maybe a disney one would do it.

I need to get going on my TR. I have 800+ photos.

REALLY????? He loved staying off-property THAT MUCH??? Can't wait to hear all about it- has the TR started?

And yes- you sooooooo need to get over your fear of the water on a cruise. Don't wait too long- I am so sad i missed all those younger years on DCL where they have pajama parties with the characters, etc- don't make the mistake I did (although we were waiting for Sean to be able to go, but he's still not there).

I totally understand about not taking Sean on this trip. He will be just at happy doing his normal everyday things. Change is so hard. You are going to have a wonderful time.

Your trip report really did helped I wish I had planned out Jason's trip better.
Avy has a different dr and he is on top of things so no hold up with him. We are thinking of April or May. Avy can't handle heat at all. She get heat stroke really fast. We do want it warm enough to go swimming and think that time of yr it will be warm enough.
We plan on taking all 6 kids. Baby will be 9 months old. We already got approve from his social worker to take him

Thank-you for relieving my guilt! Very happy things are going to be smoother for this next trip of yours- I'll be there in May- I hope we overlap!! I'd love to say hello to you!!

It's a triple win!

YES!!

Great update Ellen !! I have yet to eat at Kona !!! I think in 2012 when I go solo I plan to try a bunch of new places for breakfast one being Kona and another Kouzzina's !!!Boma is already a MUST do for me on solo trips !!

Hi Rosie! DEFINITELY go to Kona- it's fantastic. We'll see about Kouzzina this Friday!

So yummy!
and yet -

making me hungry for Epcot F&W, Tusker house, etc.....


Lovin' yer updates - keep em coming.


T.T.F.N.

YAY!!! Only 3 more DAYS!!!

Which means....I need to get on with my packing!! 'Scuse me while I go stuff my suitcases!!

 

[rentayenta]

What I am realizing by reading your report is that we have missed out on every cool watering hole at WDW. How, I am unsure, but I really didn't even think about it. My guess is that because Disneyland doesn't have the many options that WDW does.

I would LOVE a list, whenever you have time, of the bars, in WDW.

<----- Me, begging.

 

[CRdisMom]

i laughed the day we spent at Epcot we got front row parking (guess that is one benefit of getting to the park at 7:30 am )...when we came out the CMs had cleaned our car of all of the love bugs. I have a great note that they left on the car.

I am working on getting the TR done. check out the link below

 

[podsnel]

We were still finding it extremely upsetting that Mike had not been on ANY of Epcot's rides yet- although if you asked him where the beer was, I believe he had become an expert tour-guide in that area. So we drove over to hit a few rides before Loni & Mike left to go home. We followed this girl in, who, while obviously very hot, also made one very BAD wardrobe choice for the evening- check out her shoes!!

Ouch- my feet hurt just looking at her. Anyway, we looked at the wait times, and decided to hit Mission Space first. Mike asked if there was spinning- which, there technically is, but not like tea-cups spinning. We explained it to him, and he said he thought he would be ok (we ride on the more intense side and are always fine with it). A quick, blurry pic before I put my camera away-

Remarkably, we successfully landed on Mars and were told, Don't move a muscle! While we were on MS, Loni was sitting outside reading her book.

I MADE her come on TT with us next- she was whining and complaining, but it's a freakin' CAR RIDE for heavens sakes- SHEESH! Stand-by was something like 40 minutes, so I suggested the Single riders (Cue Nikkiloveswdw singin' "All the single Riders! All the single riders!"). SCORE!! We were on the ride, 2 in each car, within minutes!

See? She doesn't look that miserable, does she?

When we got out, of course we had to look at GM's latest and greatest-

Geez, the camaros I rode around in back in the day never looked as good as this! Everyone was clamoring to get near that car! We had one more ride to take Mikey on, and I had a FP from the CM to use (from back on Friday when we were waiting for 30 minutes for our TIW card). Unfortunately, I couldn't find it. Well, the stand-by was 40 minutes, so not too too bad. And no amount of begging, cajoling or pleading would get Loni on the ride with us. It makes me soooo sad, because I think she would really, really love it if she could manage to hang onto her lunch while riding it!

Of course, as soon as we rounded the corner and it was Putty time, I remembered where I had stashed that FP- DUH!!! Oh well....

Mike LOVED this ride- he actually thought it was the best ride of all because it is so unique. When we were done I texted Loni- I was so happy to hear she was watching the Circle of Life instead of just sitting on a bench! She came out of the Land a few minutes later, and said she had also gone on Livin' with the Land- she really enjoyed them both!

It was time to go. I hate it when Lonnie leaves. Pods & I were going to take the bus back to AKL, but they said that was ridiculous and gave us a lift. We said our goodbyes, and went our seperate ways. I am so glad that they have been able to join us two years in a row now for our September trip. I hope we all get to do it again next year!

Pods and I went upstairs to shower and get ready for dinner- I believe this was the night I just took the chocolates & card from mousekeeping when she came by to do the turn-down. We REALLY needed to shower and be on our way, though- tonight, we were headed to Artist's Point for dinner....

Up next- is that a rain cloud or twelve I see in the sky???

 

[ortholablady]

Love the picture of all of you with the Incredibles!

I love doing the drawing too. I have Donald and Winnie the Pooh that I was pretty happy with.

Soarin is my absolute favorite. I always call that guy Putty. My son refers to him as Soarin guy. Although lately he is Jeff Bingham (Rules of Engagement)

 

[dvc4life]

Love that CM at the Tune In Lounge. She is such a character. She has been there the last several times we have gone in there for, like you did, drinks and snacks. She can really get in to character too! Such a good time.