Seven isn't too far away-y-y-y-y-y; in fact it's here now! AKL Lite Thread presents:

[wendypooh]

Evening J's & K's - WHAT a day, it's been storming all day - ugghhh!!! I hope everyone who wasn't feeling well is on the mend!!! We are otherwise good, just waiting "impatiently" for tomorrow - our new grandbaby will be here!!!! I'll post pics as soon as I can! Hope you all have a good night!!!

Thanks. I can't believe how close this is getting and I still have so much to do. I am doing the group Navigator, I still have not finished my Fish Extender gifts, I need to prep the jewellery workshops and I have yet to make our dinner reservations for Disneyland and this is just the vacation stuff. I don't even want to think about what I still have to do at work. Still, only 18 work days left.

Corinna

You are busy busy!!!!! I'm so excited for your trip, it sounds wonderful!!

This is the fun/frantic time... You could always pull a Brandi and pack the night before

or a Wendy........... I think a lot of us have the same affliction............ lol

I am lovin' AKL, here for the first time today phenomenal! Our room was ready when we checked in at 10:30am! and we were upgraded to Savanah view from standard view. We own at VB (also beautiful) but I think I like this place more!

WOW - are you staying on pts? (since you're an owner) - if so, that IS a big dose of pixie dust - I've never heard of anyone on pts. getting upgraded!!!! Good for you!!! Enjoy your trip and AKL!!!

Yeah to all the trips that are planned.

Trying to figure out how to convince hubby to go Tokoyo Disney this year. I need a Disney fix I think that will be the only way to get one

AHHHHHH so fun!!! I'd LOVE to go!!!

Hi, and Thanks!
There are 6 of us...4 adults and 2 kids in a 2 Br Savannah View at Kidani. My parents' DVC home resort is SSR and this is our first time to AKV. We plan on doing the parks and food and wine...have been to WDW ~every year since 2005...but with kids, so definitely paks
Just curious how much of a process it is to get to the main building fro breakfast if we don't want to cook. We don't have a car, just use Disney transportation and buy what is in the hotel store. Didn't realize there was no QS restaurant in this part of the resort! I saw a Mug station in one of the pics...is there coffee there as well???? That's is very important! TIA!

It's EASY to go over to Jambo - no worries, as others have said, just hop on ANY park bus (NOT the DTD one) - and it'll take you right there, as well as all the other options mentioned. As for the refill station at Johari treasures, I'm pretty sure there IS a coffee station, but you also will have a coffee pot in your room - and just an fyi - IF you want to buy groceries since you'l have a full kitchen, there are much more cost friendly options than buying from the onsite store - wegoshop or garden grocer will take your order and deliver it to you.

Good Morning Everyone...

I brought my coughing, sneezing, water eyed, self into work today....

As long as I drink hot tea I am ok, my throat does not hurt, but then I spend half the day in the bathroom!

UGGGHH - I'm glad your throat is better though - hope thursday the dr. will give you some good stuff that fixes you right up!!!

....no vacay to report, but my DH made me a new table:

NICE - Kim!!!! How's the kitchen coming? PICS!!!!

May I ask for a bit of information and advice?
I'm staying at AKL for one night in May. I will be checking in around noon. I am currently booked in a standard room. I am hoping (but realize it may not happen) to get into a room in the early afternoon. Would it help to do online check in?
I didn't know if another room selection (like pool or savanna) would make it more or less likely to get settled. Or it may not matter at all.
I am signed up for the Wanyama Safari that day, and would love it if it was possible to be settled a bit early.
Thanks for your help!

I'm not sure how much online check-in will help - nor will another location - I think all the differnt variables just make it impossible to tell when a room will be ready. What you CAN do is let the check-in desk know you'd like a room ASAP - and explain why - they are pretty good at accomodating guest. Enjoy Wanyama and come back and post pics for us!!

 

[Angel16]

Good Afternoon J's & K's I have been very busy this past weekend. Now I am getting things ready for Easter. I got up early today and cleaned the whole kitchen from top to bottom, cleaned out the frig, re-arranged the kitchen pantry, re-arranged the garage pantry, cleaned the frig. and freezer in the garage. Started the laundry and then went grocery shopping, put it all away and washed all my veggies & berries for our storage green containers. Got this all done by 1:00 PM
Now I can check in here and catch up.

Ann - here's a little something.................


http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...ampaign=Feed:+DisneyParks+(Disney+Parks+Blog)

Wendy Thank you so much for posting this. Looks like there is going to be 30th anniversary cool stuff for sale. I hope they let us know in advance what the activities are going to be for that day. Epcot doesn't do a parade...but maybe special fireworks for that night? I am excited, I have never been at WDW for any of their anniversary celebrations.

Now, how cool would it be if they made a new D&B design for EPCOT!!!!

I would so be there for that idea. I planned on looking for a WDW anniversary messenger bag on this trip. I would love to find one in the mediumn size. But I would so buy an Epcot 30th anniversary purse too. I only own three D&B Disney's so I have plenty of room to add to my collection.

Ann

 

[RachelTori]

Ann, I was in Epcot for their 25th Anniversary, 10/1/2007. There was a ceremony at the Fountain of Nations -- Marty Sklar was there -- and they poured water from each of the WS countries into the fountain (supposedly what they did at Epcot's Dedication Ceremony back in 1982).

There was a mad frenzy to get the commemorative merchandise. I got 2 t-shirts and a figment doll, but couldn't get anywhere near the pins!!!

They gave out a special guidemap that day. I ended up with 3 -- I still have them, but several days after 10/1/2007, you could find the "free" guidemaps on ebay selling for $25!!!

I don't remember special fireworks that night.

 

[Angel16]

DH & I are now down to 21 days & counting til our trip to the AKL with a savana view room. Are there any issues with the online check-in that anyone can give me a heads up on? This will be the first time I've used it. The last time we stayed at AKL it was our anniversary & we got upgraded, but this time I just went for it since it's a celebration for me.............LOL!! TIA!!

Hi Eeyore's My Favorite, Congratulations on your upcoming trip. I have never used online check-in, however I have read here on the DIS people recommending not to use it if you have any preference where your room is. If you wait to check-in at the desk you can ask where the room is located and nicely ask for a different location if your not happy with where they put you. I believe with online check-in you are assigned a room ahead of time. Maybe someone who has used it will chime in here and give you a better idea.

My thought is I would rather see where they have placed me prior to going to the room. That way I can ask them if they have any other room choices. Have a wonderful trip and safe travels.

Welcome to everyone new and going soon!

And look at my ticker!!!!! Only one month until I arrive at Kidani!!!!!!! No April Fools joke!

Wow your trip is coming up soon! Good thoughts and wishes for the three of you.

Here's to everything staying good, health, and spirits...

This is perfect....what Brandi said.....I second this!

Brandi,

The next time you update the vacation list please change the resort for my October trip.

Thanks!

WOO HOO Kathy

Good Morning Everyone...

I brought my coughing, sneezing, water eyed, self into work today....

As long as I drink hot tea I am ok, my throat does not hurt, but then I spend half the day in the bathroom!

Hope you start feeling better soon. Thank goodness for hot tea, that is my drug of choice when my throat hurts. Hey....you can DIS from the potty so what is the down side there?

Good morning Js & Ks!

Brandi, please add me to "the list" - August 26-September 1, Dolphin. Thanks!

I'm still hoping to sneak in a quick weekend trip in May........ I haven't missed the Flower & Garden Festival in years....... but it's not looking good at this point.

Great news Laura about your Dolphin stay. I hope things work out for you to attend Flower and Garden. You deserve it after all your travel and working long hard hours on cement floors.

Ann

 

[gwynne]

I'm not sure how much online check-in will help - nor will another location - I think all the differnt variables just make it impossible to tell when a room will be ready. What you CAN do is let the check-in desk know you'd like a room ASAP - and explain why - they are pretty good at accomodating guest. Enjoy Wanyama and come back and post pics for us!!

Hi wendypooh,
Thanks very much for your advice. I will make sure I'm prepared just in case they can't get me into a room until later. I am so looking forward to my visit to AKL!

 

[Pinkocto]

I am lovin' AKL, here for the first time today phenomenal! Our room was ready when we checked in at 10:30am! and we were upgraded to Savanah view from standard view. We own at VB (also beautiful) but I think I like this place more!

There's still points to buy

....no vacay to report, but my DH made me a new table:

Granted, it does not make up for not going on vacations but it is a lovely table

 

[franandaj]

Yes, we are doing the Inaugural Hawaii Cruise on the Disney Wonder. Going to Hawaii has been one of my dreams for many years, but it is just so far from the UK. This way I get a 15 night cruise and a taster of Hawaii.

We will be staying at VGC again. We loved it there last year. I am hoping for both dinner and breakfast at Steakhouse 55 this time. We loved our dinner there. I wish you could make dinner reservations online for Disneyland, too. The time difference is making this a difficult proposition.

Corinna

That should be an awesome cruise. I am reading up on MR TRs on the Wonder, hoping to take one next Fall. I can see where the time difference would really create a problem making reservations.

Hi kimmar067,
Thanks for your reply. This thread has tons of information, thank you!
No, I'm not CL. They changed the requirements I'm not sure how long ago. For the Wanyama you can be either, just staying at AKL. You still have to call the AKL IPO to book it, though.
The new info is here, and link:

We did the Wanyama in Jan 2010 not staying Conceirge, and I'm pretty sure that we signed up for it the year before (ended up canceling that trip).

Evening J's & K's - WHAT a day, it's been storming all day - ugghhh!!! I hope everyone who wasn't feeling well is on the mend!!! We are otherwise good, just waiting "impatiently" for tomorrow - our new grandbaby will be here!!!! I'll post pics as soon as I can! Hope you all have a good night!!!

I hope that you have good news and pictures for us in the morning!

Good Afternoon J's & K's I have been very busy this past weekend. Now I am getting things ready for Easter. I got up early today and cleaned the whole kitchen from top to bottom, cleaned out the frig, re-arranged the kitchen pantry, re-arranged the garage pantry, cleaned the frig. and freezer in the garage. Started the laundry and then went grocery shopping, put it all away and washed all my veggies & berries for our storage green containers. Got this all done by 1:00 PM
Now I can check in here and catch up.

Wow! You have been busy! At Thanksgiving and Christmas I often feel sad because we don't have large family gatherings (or family gatherings at all). For some reason, this Easter I'm feeling relief that we don't have any plans for this weekend.

Ann, I was in Epcot for their 25th Anniversary, 10/1/2007.

They gave out a special guidemap that day. I ended up with 3 -- I still have them, but several days after 10/1/2007, you could find the "free" guidemaps on ebay selling for $25!!!

Selling or just listed at $25? You have got to love eBay and what you can find on there!

 

[Angel16]

Ann, I was in Epcot for their 25th Anniversary, 10/1/2007. There was a ceremony at the Fountain of Nations -- Marty Sklar was there -- and they poured water from each of the WS countries into the fountain (supposedly what they did at Epcot's Dedication Ceremony back in 1982).

There was a mad frenzy to get the commemorative merchandise. I got 2 t-shirts and a figment doll, but couldn't get anywhere near the pins!!!

They gave out a special guidemap that day. I ended up with 3 -- I still have them, but several days after 10/1/2007, you could find the "free" guidemaps on ebay selling for $25!!!

I don't remember special fireworks that night.

Thank you Laura for sharing your experience sounds like it was an interesting opening ceremony. I wonder what they will do for the 30th? Sound like I had better wear my bike helmet and knee pads for the frenzy for merchandise. We will be there the week before and the rest of that week. I hope I can get a few items, especially pins. Do you remember where the items were sold at? I hope it is in more than one or two stores.

As for my fireworks question; someone mentioned that maybe they would have a special show???? I gues we can only hope and wait and see.

I really appreciate all of you sharing what you read or hear about the October 1st anniversary. You all are so amazing!

Ann

 

[dolphingirl47]

That should be an awesome cruise. I am reading up on MR TRs on the Wonder, hoping to take one next Fall. I can see where the time difference would really create a problem making reservations

When you say next fall, do you mean 2012 or 2013? The Wonder is unfortunately leaving the West Coast in December and heading for Miami. She is still coming back during the summer for the Alaska season out of Vancouver, but there will be no Mexican Riviera cruises on the Wonder after December 9th of this year as far as I can see. We still have not booked a cruise for November and we are starting to Wonder if we should not just book one last Mexican Riviera cruise.

Corinna

 

[RachelTori]

Thank you Laura for sharing your experience sounds like it was an interesting opening ceremony. I wonder what they will do for the 30th? Sound like I had better wear my bike helmet and knee pads for the frenzy for merchandise. We will be there the week before and the rest of that week. I hope I can get a few items, especially pins. Do you remember where the items were sold at? I hope it is in more than one or two stores.

As for my fireworks question; someone mentioned that maybe they would have a special show???? I gues we can only hope and wait and see.

I really appreciate all of you sharing what you read or hear about the October 1st anniversary. You all are so amazing!

Ann

Mouse Gears had the merchandise -- you had to make a mad scramble when the park opened though!! I just followed the crowd and when I saw everyone else pouncing, that's what I did!! Pins were available at the large pin station near the Fountain. You couldn't miss the line!



I did buy a "Limited Edition Member Exclusive" pin. It's Figment and Mickey with Spaceship Earth and says "Epcot 25th Anniversary". I wish I could remember exactly where I bought it. I know those pins aren't out for public display, you ask for them at the DVC resorts.

I'll see if I can post a picture of the pin later today.

 

[dgbg100106]

I wish they would do it for the sunrise one as well... $190 is too spendy for us since we paid that last year to do the Trek; I'd rather do the sunrise one that is much more reasonably priced!

The sunrise does require park admission also. Many people on our planned morning did not have park tickets to cover the day, and had to buy them.

 

[dgbg100106]

UGGGHH - I'm glad your throat is better though - hope thursday the dr. will give you some good stuff that fixes you right up!!!

Right now I would go for anything that stopped the post nasal drip! That is the root of it all.

 

[kimmar067]

Granted, it does not make up for not going on vacations but it is a lovely table

...thanks!

 

[dgbg100106]

I would so be there for that idea. I planned on looking for a WDW anniversary messenger bag on this trip. I would love to find one in the mediumn size. But I would so buy an Epcot 30th anniversary purse too. I only own three D&B Disney's so I have plenty of room to add to my collection.

Ann

I have the messenger 40th and I love it, I wanted the 55th also, but I have this thing about picking out the placement I want and not just ordering online, so I never made it out to pick one up, and now they are no longer making them.

BUT I would so go for a 30th EPCOT version!

 

[kimmar067]

Hi kimmar067,
Thanks for your reply. This thread has tons of information, thank you!
No, I'm not CL. They changed the requirements I'm not sure how long ago. For the Wanyama you can be either, just staying at AKL. You still have to call the AKL IPO to book it, though.
The new info is here, and link:

"Wanyama Safari and Dinner is exclusively for Guests staying at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas. The Wanyama Safari and Dinner is offered in the afternoon seven days a week, subject to availability."

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/wanyama-safari-resort-tour/

...you're really gonna enjoy Jiko...

 

[dgbg100106]

Mouse Gears had the merchandise -- you had to make a mad scramble when the park opened though!! I just followed the crowd and when I saw everyone else pouncing, that's what I did!! Pins were available at the large pin station near the Fountain. You couldn't miss the line!



I did buy a "Limited Edition Member Exclusive" pin. It's Figment and Mickey with Spaceship Earth and says "Epcot 25th Anniversary". I wish I could remember exactly where I bought it. I know those pins aren't out for public display, you ask for them at the DVC resorts.

I'll see if I can post a picture of the pin later today.

I get my DVC pins at the big pin stations in each park.

 

[dgbg100106]

...you're really gonna enjoy Jiko...

 

[RachelTori]

I get my DVC pins at the big pin stations in each park.

Trust me, it will be very difficult to get near any of the pin stations at Epcot on October 1, 2012!!!

 

[Pinkocto]

Good Afternoon Everybody. Work has been getting in my way of checking in. Hope everyone is doing well today

 

[dgbg100106]

Trust me, it will be very difficult to get near any of the pin stations at Epcot on October 1, 2012!!!

Oh I believe you...

I just had no idea you could get them from the resorts?