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

[manntra]

Ooooooh I can't wait for your cruise TR
Wow!!! Your dinner at AP looked sooooo delicious! I will have one of each please!!! Pod's risotto looked and sounded divine!
Oh and yes I became quite the pilot on my last trip....I am a seasoned flier now!

Tracy

 

[podsnel]

Now I know my paranoia that week was justified!

Seriously, I'm really glad that you liked them and that everyone else did, too. Honestly, nothing pleases me more than to see pictures of the finished product on people who are enjoying wearing them so much!



Good man!

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Don't you just love that water parade? Every time I see / hear it, it takes me right back to when I was a kid and watched it with my parents.

I would bet that it is really fun to see people havin fun in your shirts!! Ever run into people in the parks with them on?

Your trip reports are great!! Makes me wanna be there with you guys

Thanks so much!! Wow, what a great compliment!

Should've stayed at the bar!! Oh the electric water pageant!! I sort of have a love/hate with that show. The very first time I saw it, I was nine years old!! We stayed at the Contempory and it was such a magical surprise! We had no idea they did it and I STILL remember how excited we all were that we could see it right out our hotel room balcony, like it was a show just for us!!

BUT I think the show is EXACTLY the same as it was aaallll those years ago! Tom can't stand it but it makes me laugh..."Everybody do the dinosaur!" The BEST experience I ever had with those barges is on our last trip when we did the fireworks cruise for the special 4th of July fireworks show and they brought out the barges and played the stars and stripes part to accompany the fireworks!! I think I cried.....

I think I am love/hate with it now, too- which is a little ridiculous when you realize that I have only been watching it since 2008! The music is what gets me, too- the sound just sounds...so....DRUNK! It just is the strangest sounding thing!

And I remember when you saw it with the fireworks- I think THAT must have been very moving!

Ooooooh I can't wait for your cruise TR
Wow!!! Your dinner at AP looked sooooo delicious! I will have one of each please!!! Pod's risotto looked and sounded divine!
Oh and yes I became quite the pilot on my last trip....I am a seasoned flier now!

Tracy

OMG, Tracy, I was so surprised I liked that meal so much. I thought what's the big deal, and kept putting AP off. But it really shines. I enjoyed MUCH more than Narcoosees, because the food wasn't so rich. I am looking forward to going back, definitely- I think we may go for our dinner w/ DISmoms- Cammie wanted to go. But we'll have to see what everyone says- it WAS expensive.

 

[dvc4life]

Love the photos Ellen. Looks like you all had a great time.

Yes, the water pageant really needs an update. It is cool and all, but lets update it a little.

And the bus service really sucked when we were down there last weekend. Never waited so long for busses before on any of our other trips. Trying to get to DTD from Boardwalk and back was absolutely ridiculous. And then with all the other stops you had to make. We found it quicker to get off at Swan and walk to BW than it was to ride the stupid bus. Ughhh, there needs to be a better way.

The Pinot Noir you had looked great. We love that and Pinot Grigio. Will have to try that next time we get down there. I know we had a bottle of Pinot Noir at TOTWL when we were there is September and it was delicious. Wish we could remember what it was. Didn't think to take a photo of the bottle. Duhhhhhh.

Can't wait for more. Have a great day!

 

[MEK]

Bummer to the monsoon! That stinks! And, of course, I happen to be on a restricted computer so I can't see your pictures and that is totally bumming me out. Oh well, here's to a bus full of 400 of your closest friends!

 

[podsnel]

Soo.....Pods & I were up and enjoying the Concierge breakfast again on Monday morning, before we hopped in the complimentary taxi to the golf course, Osprey Ridge. This morning we were teeing off before 10 am...justbefore. The reason that is a big deal is that the price goes down about $20 pp after 10- but we weren't paying the difference, because Concierge had forgotten to book our tee times originally, and when they rebooked, this was what they could get. They were picking up the difference (which, with the DVC Golf membership was about $15pp, I believe). Anyway.....

I am a new golfer- I pretty much stink, my DH says, but according to him I have a great attitude, so I am good to play with. I understand that if I am going too slow, taking too many shots, or just plain stinkin' it up out there, that I need to just pick up the ball and keep moving. Sometimes, I even skip a hole- usually that has to do with wildlife or flora & fauna on the course that I'm interested in shooting with my camera....but I digress. I really do like the game, and I am improving, and being that I only started playing a few years ago, I expect myself to suck, so I have no illusions about my game. I'm just happy to be out there with Pods, enjoying something he passionately loves, that we can do well into our sunset years.

We played Osprey last year, and I wanted to return because...well...it's really pretty out there. How's that for a pro-golf response??

It is a unique course, because when you hit the turn-around (the hole that is furthest out) you are 2 1/2 MILES away from the clubhouse-it is very spread out, and you see nothing but nature out there.

I know, that's alot of butterfly pics, but they were seriously EVERYWHERE...I just love it.

The other reason I like to play this course, is because it is now owned by the Four Seasons...and its playability by us is limited. The CM there said he thinks we've got about 5 years left before it is only playable by Four Seasons peeps...like Bill Gates, who is currently building a house there. Well, kind of. Doesn't look like construction is flying. His property is behind the green fence.

Looks just like it did last year. Apparently zillionaires aren't even building anything during the recession, or AHEM...economic downturn, we are in.

Another reason I love this course, is that when you are waaaaaaay out there, you can hear the whistle from the train in MK...and that's just so cool.

Sorry, no picture of THAT.

Cont'd next post-

 

[kid-at-heart]

Another reason I love this course, is that when you are waaaaaaay out there, you can hear the whistle from the train in MK...and that's just so cool.

Sorry, no picture of THAT.

Cont'd next post-

[/QUOTE

Ellen, We know you are one heck of a photographer but when you figure out how to take a photo of a train whistle, well we will know for sure you have pixie dust within you.

 

[podsnel]

And the #1 reason that Osprey Ridge is my FAVORITE golf course at WDW?


This hole-

THIS is the hole that on THIS vacation, I shot my very first ever PAR....and my husband...did NOT.

Yea...that's right...me...the stinky golfer with the great attitude. Attitude THIS, Honey!!!

Tink & her freckles WINS!!! (one hole)

It was great to be out there, and, once again, the CMs couldn't have been any nicer. We went shopping afterwards, and I picked up a couple of new golf shirts and shorts, all on sale. They took our clubs, and stored them for our next game, which was on Wednesday at the Palm. I LOVE that service- that they will move your clubs to your next game course and store them as long as you'd like (apparently there are some people who keep a set at WDW year round- must be nice...). FWIW, DH said that the upkeep of this course (Osprey) was not as good as it was at the Magnolia he had played 2 days earlier. He said the Disney owned course was beyond gorgeous, with greens like carpets.

Oh! And I forgot to mention- they let Pods & I go out that day as a twosome- we played alone, which is ALWAYS nice.

We were pretty hungry when we finished, and I thought, HEY! Let's ask the free taxi to take us to DTD instead of AKL...Pods, I think there's a sandwich with your name on it that you're gonna love....

 

[podsnel]

Another reason I love this course, is that when you are waaaaaaay out there, you can hear the whistle from the train in MK...and that's just so cool.

Sorry, no picture of THAT.

Cont'd next post-

[/QUOTE

Ellen, We know you are one heck of a photographer but when you figure out how to take a photo of a train whistle, well we will know for sure you have pixie dust within you.

Sooo funny!!

 

[rentayenta]

Yay, you are back! Great updates! And can I say you look tan and relaxed in the cruise photos! Can't wait to read all about it.

As far as making my bar list, it looks like we'll be pushing our trip from Dec 2011 to Oct 2012. I haven't fully come to terms with it.

 

[podsnel]

Love the photos Ellen. Looks like you all had a great time.

Yes, the water pageant really needs an update. It is cool and all, but lets update it a little.

And the bus service really sucked when we were down there last weekend. Never waited so long for busses before on any of our other trips. Trying to get to DTD from Boardwalk and back was absolutely ridiculous. And then with all the other stops you had to make. We found it quicker to get off at Swan and walk to BW than it was to ride the stupid bus. Ughhh, there needs to be a better way.

The Pinot Noir you had looked great. We love that and Pinot Grigio. Will have to try that next time we get down there. I know we had a bottle of Pinot Noir at TOTWL when we were there is September and it was delicious. Wish we could remember what it was. Didn't think to take a photo of the bottle. Duhhhhhh.

Can't wait for more. Have a great day!

UGH...the buses.. I REALLY wish they would fix the problem. I hope someone up there in Disney LALA land listens and fixes it- I mean, the point is to make it so you don't have to rent a car- when you don't have a car, you can't leave WDW very easily, and when you can't leave, you can't spend your $$ at Universal or Chili's or SeaWorld- I mean, this IS their reason for having DME...WAKE UP, DISNEY!!! Sheesh!

Have you tried Peter Zemmer or Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio? AL also has a great Pinot Bianco that I love- has a little more to it than the PG, which we also love. We like Tieffenbrunner PG, too. Do you have any good ones for me to try?

Bummer to the monsoon! That stinks! And, of course, I happen to be on a restricted computer so I can't see your pictures and that is totally bumming me out. Oh well, here's to a bus full of 400 of your closest friends!

It was ok-we had fun irregardless!! Sorry about the pics....

Yay, you are back! Great updates! And can I say you look tan and relaxed in the cruise photos! Can't wait to read all about it.

As far as making my bar list, it looks like we'll be pushing our trip from Dec 2011 to Oct 2012. I haven't fully come to terms with it.

Oh...I'm SO SORRY about your postponement!! But at least in Oct you'll get F&W, and that's always a blast!!

 

[Wicket's Mom]

Your golf prowess sounds like mine! I started playing this summer, so have not made par yet, but have come close.

I just love walking the course & being out with my sweetie.

I can't wait for you to start your TR of the cruise. From your pictures it looks fantastic!

 

[podsnel]

On our last trip together in November, I had made my first visit to EOS...without Pods...and fell in love! I just knew that this was a place he would be happy to try- great food, great price! So when he said let's just eat at the course, which we did last year, and was fine, I suggested we try EOS. And I can promise you that Pods was happy I did.

There was not a bad line at all, and we stepped almost right up to order-

So many sandwiches...so little time...

Last time I had tried the original, and ya know...it was sooooooo awesome, I had to try it again!! Pods got the same- we both just love anything with horseradish sauce on it....While waiting in line, I took some dessert pics- Pods just rolled his eyes at me...

We had a seat and waited to be called-

Aaaahhhh...finally in Sammy Heaven!!

The verdict? Pods wanted to know why I haven't brought him here sooner!! Sorry, honey- I can't play ALL my cards at once- I'll have nothing left for the rest of the game!

After lunch, I wanted to go to Basin- the best store EVAAAAAARRRRRR!!!!! Pods...well, he's not quite as enthusiastic about soap. So, I suggested he take the bus back to AKV to lounge at the pool, and I would hook up with him later. He was pretty happy about that idea, even when he missed the bus because I made him take my picture before he left...

The main reason I wanted to go to Basin was I love, love LOVE to buy gifts there- mostly for the people, on this trip, who helped me out so Pods & I could go away (but also for myself! ). That would be my cousin, Sheree, who was staying with the kids, and my DGF Fran, who was taking Tyler to all of his football practices and games.

This was one of the many things I got- a lilac soap and a bath bomb, and some bath salt tubes, for Sheree-

I love that they shrinkwrap stuff, and tie it with the bow- it looks so pretty. I was done shopping, so it was time to catch the bus back to AKV. I guess I'M the one with the transportation mojo- because the bus pulled up right when I got to the stop! Up next- a little down time at the Lodge.

 

[podsnel]

Back at the Lodge, I took a few pics before showering up and getting ready for our night-

Soon Pods came back up, and after getting ready at a leisurely pace, we stopped by the lounge for a little happy hour!

Those were yummy. This is the view from the lounge-

Our room #

The lighting at AKL is so special-

It was time to head out again!! Tonight, we had ADRs (or are the Ressies?) at Blue Zoo...and before we went, we were hitting DHS. Just how many RnRC rides can we get on in 45 minutes? I couldn't WAIT to find out!

I filled a coffee cup with not coffee from Happy Hour for the ride.

Shhhhhhhh......

As soon as we got on the bus....MONSOON time!!

The rain stopped, almost exactly when we pulled into DHS. YEA BABY!!

Sorry- not this time....but with the boys in October 4 sure!

Ya know, there is a silver lining in every cloud- even the clouds with a monsoon inside. The parks clear OUT when it rains...especially at 7pm on EMH nights, I guess...because that's what time it was, and everyone seemed to be leaving!

We had no FPs, and we never used the single rider (start singing, Nikki!) line-

This would be one.....

This would be two.....

And then...it started getting crowded....I think the ride even stopped for a few minutes...DAMN!!!

Will we get in #3?????

YEA BABY!!!! 3 in 45!!!!

I wanted to go for 4, but we were going to be late for Blue Zoo (which, hindsight being 20/20, wouldn't have mattered, we still would have been seated, I think), and I was sooooo looking forward to that restaurant, I didn't want to take any chances.

See ya next month, RnRC!! I wish we had had more time, but that's the way it goes. I was feeling so....brave, I would have gone on TOT- but I was worried I would only ride that ride once, and I wanted to save that one ride for my boys. So off we went, to the boat to the Fish....

Next- Blue Zoo. Don't forget your wallet!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

"All the single riders! All the single riders! You gotta split UP!"

I am NOT a sandwich person AT ALL but I have to say, the picture of that sandwich looks sooooo yum!! I would probably go for the meatball sub because it's not really a "sandwich" but seeing pictures of always helps me and if I ever end up at EOS, I might just get "The Original!"

I've seen lots of pics of AKL but the ones in your last post are just beautiful! Really nice perspective. It reminds me so much of the Wilderness Lodge, which is my absolute favorite.

 

[disney1474]

That's funny...we stayed in the exact same room. We thought the view was pretty good for CL. Can't wait to see more pictures. Also looking forward to your review of Via Napoli (I think you said you had ressies there).

 

[anewmac]

i need to hang out with you omg the food looks great both at the signature dinner and at EOS. yum.

I would love to golf again. i went once with my dad long ago and didnt think i would like it, ho windmills not trick shots LOL but omg it was fun and somewhat relaxing.. when your dad and brother arent telling you which way to stand/hold the club etc lol

JEALOUS of 3 back to back trips in line on the coaster, fun!

**so back to the shots on the cruise did anyone kick any trashcans... wait dont tell me suprize me LMAO**

 

[englishrose47]

Call thet MOJO in action 3 rides on RnC in 45 mins. !!!I agree EOS is awesome and the price ain't bad !!!!When on the ddp WPE is a better deal though and they also have awesome food !!!
Ellen can you tell me what Safaris would be available for non concierge or AKL guests !!As next year our FREE Trip we are looking at one that says safari and I don't know which it is !!

 

[Wicket's Mom]

Gotta love EOS, it is so tasty!

I love TOT, but you won't get me on that Aerosmith coaster. I love coasters, but I can't do the ones that flip me upside down.

 

[lshaw6]

Hi Ellen!

I LOVE Basin!! It is my favorite store in DTD. That reminds me, I only have two bath bombs left, I need to go back to Disney for more! The ones with the hidden Mickey's are my favorite. Fantastic pics, love reading this TR. Can't wait to see more about your trip with the boys.

 

[dvc4life]

Congrats on riding RnR 3 times in 45 minutes. That is my all time favorite ride! Yeah, Yeah, do it like a Lady!

I really wish I could remember the names of the wines we drink. Sorry, but I don't have a memory when it comes to that. However, next time you are in France and go to the wine shop there is a Pinot Nior there it cost $5.63 a glass. In fact we buy a bottle before we leave to leave in our OL so it is there and ready for when we get to our room next time. I have a picture on my cell phone but can't read the name. Sorry.