Three Generations of Adults do Disney! Our first DVC trip! Updated 9/12/08! -Page5
- Thread starter JenSop
- Start date
jordanyosh
DIS Legend
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- Jun 23, 2003
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- 17,647
Great start to the TR...
And how FREAKY is this: WE WERE IN THE EXACT SAME BCV VILLA FOR OUR TRIP THIS PAST FEBRUARY!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey when on vacation, the alcohol must flow like water
I've had those great Slushies!!!!!!
And how FREAKY is this: WE WERE IN THE EXACT SAME BCV VILLA FOR OUR TRIP THIS PAST FEBRUARY!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey when on vacation, the alcohol must flow like water
I've had those great Slushies!!!!!!
Goofyluver
<marquee behavior=alternate><font color=red>Knock
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- Oct 31, 2006
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- 19,055
I can't wait to read this report...as I'm buying into DVC at AKV!
JenSop
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2007
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- 2,111
You know, when I was checking out your TR the other day, I noticed that it looked the same.... but it's my first DVC trip, so I figured, Hey, all 2BR's must look exactly the same!
Hee, hee, I almost wanted to call this TR "boozefest"......
We have addonitis something serious right now. After staying at AKV at the end of the trip, we've both decided to start saving up for a small add-on of 25-30 points. (We currently own 160.) And we absolutely want to add on at AKV. We love it that much! Hopefully it won't take us too long to save up - I want to make sure they don't sell out before we're ready!
Great news all! We just booked our trip for next year!
We'll be going near the end of June for our anniversary - and staying at AKV in a value studio. 5 nights and only 55 points! Can't beat it! We also plan to do the Sunset Safari. I tell ya, after this trip, Brian's getting all into the planning too.
He was all bummed out about coming home - so I told him the best way to fight the post-trip blues is to start planning the next trip! We were already talking last night about what we want to make our priorities for next time. (Alot of that will hinge on what the new dining plan will be. I'm waiting for that with alot of interest.)
JenSop
DIS Veteran
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- Sep 17, 2007
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Day 2.
So yesterday we had our soggy day at Epcot.
Let me also mention that the only time we've seen the Dream Squad so far was in the lobby of Coral Reef - they wished us a Happy Anniversary, and that was it. Just enough to get my hopes up, then fall...
But our first day was fun, despite Mother Nature's rainy plans.
On day 2, we got up super early. I actually got up before my dad (a morning person to the extreme - and I am SO NOT a morning person.)
Our plan was to head out to AK for EMH so we could see the animals in the safari while they were the most active. And maybe hit a few other things while there.
It seemed everyone was having trouble getting going that morning. But we got VERY lucky with the bus. There was an AK bus waiting there as we headed out. Brian and I ran ahead to make sure the bus driver didn't leave, as the rest of our group caught up. (This bus driver seemed a bit annoyed and cranky - our first experience with a cranky CM so far...)
We got to AK at a great time! Probably around 7:15am. So we were right near the front of the line. We also got a great position inside for rope drop.
I like how they do rope drop at AK. Walking everyone to the major attractions behind the rope made for way less chaos. (Since you know most people are either headed to the safari or to EE.) We were headed to the safari, so we headed left, just a little behind the rope. We got there an walked right in with maybe a three minute wait at the loading area. We all had cameras at the ready!
Here's a few of the better pictures from Day 2's safari. Notice the baby giraffe!
And we actually got to the big rock with the lions to find the male lion awake! I think this was a first for us! However, we couldn't get a clear shot of him. He was leaning down when we rode by. And the female lion was sleeping.
After the safari, it was off to the Pangini Forest Exploration Trail - one of the walk through animal viewing paths.
We spotted this meerkat doing his job of looking out while the others ate below. You can see some other deer-like animals in the back as well.
We also got the best gorilla pictures ever! In the past, when we've walked through this trail, the gorillas are usually hiding, or are farther back in the habitat. Not this time! The male gorilla positioned himself right at the edge of the habitat next to that bridge you're on when you first enter. It was AMAZING! He watched us all while he snacked away on breakfast.
I think this is one of the other gorillas - a female perhaps?
We probably stayed there for at least ten minutes just watching the gorilla and taking his picture. There were some little ducks that approached him, but they got scared away when he moved toward them.
Next up..... we leave Africa and head over to Asia! And I go on my own special mission - to get FP's for EE!
So yesterday we had our soggy day at Epcot.
Let me also mention that the only time we've seen the Dream Squad so far was in the lobby of Coral Reef - they wished us a Happy Anniversary, and that was it. Just enough to get my hopes up, then fall...
But our first day was fun, despite Mother Nature's rainy plans.
On day 2, we got up super early. I actually got up before my dad (a morning person to the extreme - and I am SO NOT a morning person.)
Our plan was to head out to AK for EMH so we could see the animals in the safari while they were the most active. And maybe hit a few other things while there.
It seemed everyone was having trouble getting going that morning. But we got VERY lucky with the bus. There was an AK bus waiting there as we headed out. Brian and I ran ahead to make sure the bus driver didn't leave, as the rest of our group caught up. (This bus driver seemed a bit annoyed and cranky - our first experience with a cranky CM so far...)
We got to AK at a great time! Probably around 7:15am. So we were right near the front of the line. We also got a great position inside for rope drop.
I like how they do rope drop at AK. Walking everyone to the major attractions behind the rope made for way less chaos. (Since you know most people are either headed to the safari or to EE.) We were headed to the safari, so we headed left, just a little behind the rope. We got there an walked right in with maybe a three minute wait at the loading area. We all had cameras at the ready!
Here's a few of the better pictures from Day 2's safari. Notice the baby giraffe!
And we actually got to the big rock with the lions to find the male lion awake! I think this was a first for us! However, we couldn't get a clear shot of him. He was leaning down when we rode by. And the female lion was sleeping.
After the safari, it was off to the Pangini Forest Exploration Trail - one of the walk through animal viewing paths.
We spotted this meerkat doing his job of looking out while the others ate below. You can see some other deer-like animals in the back as well.
We also got the best gorilla pictures ever! In the past, when we've walked through this trail, the gorillas are usually hiding, or are farther back in the habitat. Not this time! The male gorilla positioned himself right at the edge of the habitat next to that bridge you're on when you first enter. It was AMAZING! He watched us all while he snacked away on breakfast.
I think this is one of the other gorillas - a female perhaps?
We probably stayed there for at least ten minutes just watching the gorilla and taking his picture. There were some little ducks that approached him, but they got scared away when he moved toward them.
Next up..... we leave Africa and head over to Asia! And I go on my own special mission - to get FP's for EE!
JenSop
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2007
- Messages
- 2,111
Day 2, Part 2:
Hi everyone!
Last posting, we were finishing up in Africa and on our way to Asia.
We decided to come up with a plan. I would be the designated FP runner and shoot over to EE, while everyone else headed to the Maharajah Jungle Trek.
I must admit - it's much easier to navigate a park on your own. You can weave in and out of crowds and go at your own (for me FAST) pace. I snagged us five FP's for EE with an 11:50 return time. (Okay, how I remember that without having written it down is beyond me - and at home I can't even remember to switch the laundry...
)
Anyway, I work my way back to the Jungle Trek to find the family only a little ways in.
Ya know, I really like the walk through trails in AK. - Nicely covered from the heat of the sun, with some excellent animal viewing! There's also some beautiful vegetation. Check out this amazing flower!
Here we are hanging out in Asia after the jungle trek. Check out my vintage Mickey tank top. That's right - I got that one back in the late 80's I believe. One of the trips with my grandparents. (I haven't really grown much since the age of 12, so that's the only reason it still fits. )
Here's a shot from the bridge connecting Africa to Discovery Island - looking across to Expedition Everest. I just love this picture - if it weren't for the coaster tracks at the left of the shot, you could almost believe you were half way across the world.
We decided that since we had some time to kill before our FP return time, we would head over to Dinosaur and check out how long the stand-by line was. We moved along pretty quickly! Everyone enjoyed this ride. (We made sure to give them ample warning about how BUMPY it is!)
Afterwards, we slowly made our way back to Asia to wait for our FP return time.
Heh, heh. The "waiting area" outside of EE is right near the big drop coming down out of the mountain. So you get to watch car after car come screaming down that hill. After several minutes, my grandmother declared she would be passing on EE. So we had an extra FP that we wouldn't be using, and it was almost time!
I walked over to the CM working the single rider line and told her we had an extra FP - and to give it the someone entering the single rider line. I hope we helped to make someone happy that day!
The four of us rode EE. I LOVE THIS RIDE!!! This is one of my favorites!!! My parents even like it - and I was impressed that they both worked up the guts to ride it!
We were all tired at this point and decided to head back to BCV for some down time and a dip in the pool!
Hi everyone!
Last posting, we were finishing up in Africa and on our way to Asia.
We decided to come up with a plan. I would be the designated FP runner and shoot over to EE, while everyone else headed to the Maharajah Jungle Trek.
I must admit - it's much easier to navigate a park on your own. You can weave in and out of crowds and go at your own (for me FAST) pace. I snagged us five FP's for EE with an 11:50 return time. (Okay, how I remember that without having written it down is beyond me - and at home I can't even remember to switch the laundry...
)Anyway, I work my way back to the Jungle Trek to find the family only a little ways in.
Ya know, I really like the walk through trails in AK. - Nicely covered from the heat of the sun, with some excellent animal viewing! There's also some beautiful vegetation. Check out this amazing flower!
Here we are hanging out in Asia after the jungle trek. Check out my vintage Mickey tank top. That's right - I got that one back in the late 80's I believe. One of the trips with my grandparents. (I haven't really grown much since the age of 12, so that's the only reason it still fits.
)
Here's a shot from the bridge connecting Africa to Discovery Island - looking across to Expedition Everest. I just love this picture - if it weren't for the coaster tracks at the left of the shot, you could almost believe you were half way across the world.
We decided that since we had some time to kill before our FP return time, we would head over to Dinosaur and check out how long the stand-by line was. We moved along pretty quickly! Everyone enjoyed this ride. (We made sure to give them ample warning about how BUMPY it is!)
Afterwards, we slowly made our way back to Asia to wait for our FP return time.
Heh, heh. The "waiting area" outside of EE is right near the big drop coming down out of the mountain. So you get to watch car after car come screaming down that hill. After several minutes, my grandmother declared she would be passing on EE. So we had an extra FP that we wouldn't be using, and it was almost time!
I walked over to the CM working the single rider line and told her we had an extra FP - and to give it the someone entering the single rider line. I hope we helped to make someone happy that day!
The four of us rode EE. I LOVE THIS RIDE!!! This is one of my favorites!!! My parents even like it - and I was impressed that they both worked up the guts to ride it!
We were all tired at this point and decided to head back to BCV for some down time and a dip in the pool!
Goofyluver
<marquee behavior=alternate><font color=red>Knock
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- Oct 31, 2006
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- 19,055
I just loooooove AKV!!! 
jordanyosh
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Jun 23, 2003
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- 17,647
AK, other than the lack of A/C, is one of my favorite parks.
I'm glad you enjoyed the Trails and EE...don't you just love the theming?
I'm glad you enjoyed the Trails and EE...don't you just love the theming?
JenSop
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2007
- Messages
- 2,111
Absolutely! Next to Epcot, AK is my favorite park.
Ya know, there may not be alot of A/C, BUT there's so much lush vegetation, that you don't have to deal with the intensity of the direct sunlight all the time. Plus, well, I just love animals, so anything with animal themes is high on my favorites list.
jordanyosh
DIS Legend
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- Messages
- 17,647
People hate going to zoos or aquariums with me because I like looking at and READING every single thing.
JenSop
DIS Veteran
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- Sep 17, 2007
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- 2,111
Day 2, Part 3:
Well, we decided to call it a day at AKV - since we had plans to spend more time there later in the week. Plus, everyone was tired!
By the way, I know there are always tons of discussions on some of these boards about what kinds of shoes to wear in the parks. I took, well, many shoes with me. (Gotta have a good selection!) I was quite pleased with my Eccos the first day, but they absorbed a TON of water, so they were out of commission for a little while.
So I ended up wearing my new Keens quite a bit. I was very pleased. Here's what they look like:
Okay, so showing off my feet is a little awkward, but the things we'll do to help others!
Anyway, we left AKV and headed back with one thought in mind. "Let's go to the pool!"
So I'd love to say we got some great shots at SAB, but my family would have disowned me had I tried to take pictures of anyone in their bathing suits.
But we did enjoy SAB very much. I was expecting it to be way more crowded because of what I had heard on the boards, but it wasn't over crowded at all.
Brian and I enjoyed a trip down the water slide, and even got my parents to try it out too! Although I must say, that the seams on the bottom of the slide are a bit uncomfortable on your back as your gliding down at high speed!
That night we had plans to go to Downtown Disney for dinner at Cap'n Jack's, and then some shopping time.
We got a great seat over looking the water, and our server was very nice. Tonight it was my turn to get a Glow-tini!
All five of us got the lobster tails. That was pretty much the whole reason for going there actually. They were great and we were happy and full.
After dinner we decided to do some strolling. We worked our way over to the colossal Disney store. (This place is HUGE!!!) We worked our way around by always being in the same "room" with eachother, or we would have gotten lost and separated for sure.
My parents and grandmother were on a mission: to buy gifts for my nieces. My niece Lilli just turned 3 in June and my niece Delia is about 9 months old. Of course at the age of three, Lilli is so full of personality and she LOVES princesses. She likes to wear tiaras around and dress up in dresses and fairy wings. There's not a girlier girl alive. (She said that when she grows up, she wants to be a princess.)
So of course everything we saw there made us think of how cute it would be on Lilli, or how much Lilli would like this or that.
Gifts were bought, souveniers looked over, toys were played with. All around good shopping fun.
After that, we walked over to the Lego store. Growing up, Legos were my absolute favorite toy. I could be occupied for hours making things with Legos. (Heck, I even took some with me to college for some free time fun....hmmm.... perhaps I shouldn't admit that?........)
I just love all the Lego sculptures they have out there!
(love that last one of the Sidney Opera House!)
Next up - Pleasure Island - to experience the pleasures one last time before it all goes bye-bye!
Well, we decided to call it a day at AKV - since we had plans to spend more time there later in the week. Plus, everyone was tired!
By the way, I know there are always tons of discussions on some of these boards about what kinds of shoes to wear in the parks. I took, well, many shoes with me. (Gotta have a good selection!) I was quite pleased with my Eccos the first day, but they absorbed a TON of water, so they were out of commission for a little while.
So I ended up wearing my new Keens quite a bit. I was very pleased. Here's what they look like:
Okay, so showing off my feet is a little awkward, but the things we'll do to help others!
Anyway, we left AKV and headed back with one thought in mind. "Let's go to the pool!"
So I'd love to say we got some great shots at SAB, but my family would have disowned me had I tried to take pictures of anyone in their bathing suits.
But we did enjoy SAB very much. I was expecting it to be way more crowded because of what I had heard on the boards, but it wasn't over crowded at all.
Brian and I enjoyed a trip down the water slide, and even got my parents to try it out too! Although I must say, that the seams on the bottom of the slide are a bit uncomfortable on your back as your gliding down at high speed!
That night we had plans to go to Downtown Disney for dinner at Cap'n Jack's, and then some shopping time.
We got a great seat over looking the water, and our server was very nice. Tonight it was my turn to get a Glow-tini!
All five of us got the lobster tails. That was pretty much the whole reason for going there actually. They were great and we were happy and full.
After dinner we decided to do some strolling. We worked our way over to the colossal Disney store. (This place is HUGE!!!) We worked our way around by always being in the same "room" with eachother, or we would have gotten lost and separated for sure.
My parents and grandmother were on a mission: to buy gifts for my nieces. My niece Lilli just turned 3 in June and my niece Delia is about 9 months old. Of course at the age of three, Lilli is so full of personality and she LOVES princesses. She likes to wear tiaras around and dress up in dresses and fairy wings. There's not a girlier girl alive. (She said that when she grows up, she wants to be a princess.)
So of course everything we saw there made us think of how cute it would be on Lilli, or how much Lilli would like this or that.
Gifts were bought, souveniers looked over, toys were played with. All around good shopping fun.
After that, we walked over to the Lego store. Growing up, Legos were my absolute favorite toy. I could be occupied for hours making things with Legos. (Heck, I even took some with me to college for some free time fun....hmmm.... perhaps I shouldn't admit that?........)
I just love all the Lego sculptures they have out there!
(love that last one of the Sidney Opera House!)
Next up - Pleasure Island - to experience the pleasures one last time before it all goes bye-bye!
nyyankeegirl
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2006
- Messages
- 491
I'm joining in! I can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip. Seems like you are all having a great time so far! You're G'Ma is awesome! Did she actually go on Dinosaur?? What did she think of it? Even I(33) find it too bumpy/jerky. I love your gorilla shots! For some reason we always seem to skip the jungle trek- guess we'll have to check it out this year.
Waiting to read more!
Waiting to read more!
JenSop
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2007
- Messages
- 2,111
Thanks nyyankeegirl! Welcome to my TR! Yup - my grandmother actually rode Dinosaur! But we all agreed it was for the best when she chickened out of going on EE. I tell ya, it was really my dad who enjoyed the rides the most! It was fun to see his reaction when we were finished with a ride - absolute joy! The kid in him was definitely coming out!
And yes - you must walk through the jungle treks! SO amazing!
jwwi
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2002
- Messages
- 1,821
Fun report, I have gone to WDW many times with my 80+y/o Mom. She always has such a great time. She enjoys the shows, not too many rides anymore. Your Grandma looks great, although the first day picture everyone looks so energetic! Bummer about the rain. We were very lucky in June 08. No rain, very hot, but no rain!
Nothing better that enjoying cocktails on vacation.
Nothing better that enjoying cocktails on vacation.
JenSop
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2007
- Messages
- 2,111
Hi everyone!
I'm hoping to get my next update done on Sunday. I'd do it sooner, but tomorrow is very busy. Why? Because tomorrow I have another call-back for My Fair Lady in the morning! (Followed by a rehearsal in the afternoon for the production of Pirates of Penzance that I'm in.)
But I REALLY want to get into the production of My Fair Lady! (Full time singing work for almost two months this fall.) This'll be my second call-back for this show. (Already had the initial audition and the first call-back.)
If anyone would like to send me good vibes and prayers for the call-back, I'd be so grateful and appreciative!
Now I'm off to bed so my voice can be rested in the morning! I'll keep you all updated!
I'm hoping to get my next update done on Sunday. I'd do it sooner, but tomorrow is very busy. Why? Because tomorrow I have another call-back for My Fair Lady in the morning!
(Followed by a rehearsal in the afternoon for the production of Pirates of Penzance that I'm in.)But I REALLY want to get into the production of My Fair Lady! (Full time singing work for almost two months this fall.) This'll be my second call-back for this show. (Already had the initial audition and the first call-back.)
If anyone would like to send me good vibes and prayers for the call-back, I'd be so grateful and appreciative!
Now I'm off to bed so my voice can be rested in the morning! I'll keep you all updated!
nyyankeegirl
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2006
- Messages
- 491
Good Luck with your call-backs! I hope you get in the shows you want. 
I see you live in PA -- so do you go into NYC to work?
I see you live in PA -- so do you go into NYC to work?
wdwgirl03
<font color=red>I'm just a big Disney Freak! :-)<b
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- Jan 8, 2004
- Messages
- 12,049
Great start! That's so cool it was your first DVC trip...we joined in '06 and love it. 
Our home is Saratoga Springs, but my dad, sister, and I stayed at AKL in May and had an awesome time. Can't wait to hear more about your trip...and good luck with your callback.
Our home is Saratoga Springs, but my dad, sister, and I stayed at AKL in May and had an awesome time. Can't wait to hear more about your trip...and good luck with your callback. 
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