Timandlesley's ROAD TRIP TO DISNEY!! ARE WE THERE YET!?!6/28 TR is up, link on pg.47!

[Native NYer]

Great plans. I the deluxe dining plan.
The studio at AKL is just beautiful.

How long is your drive?

 

[timandlesley]

If you decide to drive I'm sure your going to love it

We actually HAVE decided to drive, will be way different to us than flying but having a car will be nice.

I'm joining in!! Looking forward to hearing about all of your plans!! So I see you're going to Gatlinburg!! Have you ever been there before? We live on the other end of the state but have been there many times!! Some of the things we like to do when we go are Dollywood, Dixie Stampede, shopping at the outlets, and eating at The Apple Barn--YUM!!!!

Thanks! Yes, we have been to Gatlinburg almost every year like Disney, we like to do a little get away Pres. Day Weekend. Hoping the Disney outlet is still open. Oh YES, Apple Barn, YUMMY!!!! We may try Dixie Stampede, haven't done that. I'll do a mini TR here when we get back : )

Your details sounds great.

I hope Diane and her crew can still go same time as you all.

We are expecting another 12-18 inches tomorrow night in Jersey

Fingers crossed not as much as they are saying and they can get dug out to go to school

Thanks, yeah Diane and crew just got slammed again with snow. We did here too, enjoying day #2 in a row off of school.

So what exactly is a standard view room view entail at Jambo- I know you did it last year... I am trying to think ahead. I remember that picture and view, and boy it would save points.

Standard view room is of the pool like my picture shows, we LOVE it, also has a great location close to the lobby and saving points is another great bonus!

It's so funny when I read a TR and realize that if our trips intertwined, we would have been hallmates at the hotel! Here was our view this past October:

And here is our room from the Pool (the Happy Birthday banner is ours)

Can't wait to look at all your plans!! It may sound crazy but I have all of your previous trips Bookmarked (the first TR I ever read was the one where the kids kept getting sick in the beginning, and yes I have that bookmarked lol) I keep going back to them to help me with my planning because you guys always seem to get it right!! My brother and I are going in August so I'll be using your Pre-TR as a cheat sheet!

I swear, it looks like we were in the same room, we were right above the kiddie pool too, isn't that room GREAT!!! Man I love AKL! Too funny about the TR's, do you mind posting those links here- would love to share them with others and I don't have the one you are talking about anymore.
Thanks!

I love your plans so far! It's great you get to vacation with friends again! I know the kids (of all ages) will have a great time together!

Thanks! Yes, it is very nice on the parents when the kids play together : )

the details sound great!! the rooms look beautiful and also the view! Can't wait to hear more details!!

The rooms really are so beautiful, more details to come.

It sounds like a fun trip. I can't wait to hear about your dining plans. I noticed we will be at Disney at the same time. Maybe our paths will cross. My husband and I will be celebrating our 25th Anniversary at the Contemporary.

I will detail the dining plans and how we are spreading out dining points for sure. Say hello if you see us. We stayed at Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary in October and loved it. Happy early anniversary!

How long of a drive is it for you from Ohio?

Ah, gotta love Animal Kingdom Lodge! It is just so relaxing just looking at the pictures!

Enjoy this last trip while Luke and Lauren are both still under 10 -- Connor turned 10 this past September, and it was a bit of a sticker shock watching the prices jump for us on both tickets and the dining plan.

It is around 14-15 hours in the car for us, with minimal stops. We will probably stop when we get to Florida on the way down. Yes, sticker shock will not be fun. Luckily we are renewing Luke's AP when we're there at the 9 year old rate so that will save us next summer! But I'll detail all of that soon.

Yeah I am in on page 4. I usually start reading on 20+. Sounds like a great trip.

Yeah!!! Welcome!

Love the Animal Kingdom Lodge. We have stayed there a few times and really enjoy it! Your plans sound super. Can't wait to hear more.

Isn't it just beautiful! More to come : )

Hi Lesley, I'm joining in. Your kids are beautiful! I've been lurking on the trip report boards forever and am just now joining in. We are taking our 2nd trip this September so I'm trying to "glean" what I can off everyone else's trips! I'm excited to hear about your plans!

Thank you so much, you are very sweet!

YAY! You're joining the driving force from the Midwest to Orlando! I think you guys will like it. It does get exhausting (just south of Atlanta, you think you may NEVER get there), but it makes for great family bonding... and you aren't at the mercy of the airlines! And knowing your fabulous family, you will make it a blast!

You will also love having a car! There are so many wonderful uses for it!! I'll PM with some of our 'tricks of the car trade'.

Matt and I just got done debating buying flights for our Spring Break trip. When it came down to it, we just didn't want to give up having a car down there with us (and being able to haul groceries and all of our stuff without worrying about suitcase expenses!)

Thanks for the details! Can't wait to watch your plans unfold!

Oh, and ps.. I'm already getting jealous about your families getting to hang together. So wishing we could all be there together!

Yeah, driving will be different, once we do it we may never go back for our big summer trips, we shall see. Sorry, I'm really not trying to make you jealous, thanks for reading and posting : )

Also wanted to add that most likely the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be open in June, and thats reason enough to get over to Universal!! Do one night at one of their onsite hotels and you'll never look back!

I know, I want to go really bad, but I quoted it and it looks like it would add another 800 to our trip if we did 2 nights at Universal with tickets, just don't know if I can stomach that.

Trip details looking good so far. That balcony view is just awesome especially when all you see in Maryland right now is piles of snow. Good plan about going for the deluxe dining before Luke turns 10. I have two teenage boys so it's like paying for 4 adults when we go.

Can't wait to hear about all your plans and what you will get into with the dddisrunner's crew.

Isn't it the best, yeah, we're deep in snow here too. When the kids grow up I'll definitly be in for some sticker shock.

AKL looks glorious! If that is a standard view, can you imagine what the deluxe view is? Can't wait to hear about all your ADRs. I didn't know Disney went up on the dining plan rates. I'm just going to close my ears and pretend I didn't hear that. We can't even afford another trip right now based on the old rates! I'm very interested to hear about your driving plans. How many hours is that for you?

Yes, that is the standard view, they do have value below that category where you can get parking lot views and the savannah views are more points, but I'm happy saving points staying at standard view, love love love the pool view. Yeah, dining plan rates for basic plan went WAY up, especially on peak times. It is 14-15 hours in the car for us.

Hey Fellow Cincinnatian, DVC member, and Future Special Education teacher here! I've been reading all of your trip reports and I just had to tell you how much I've loved them! Can't wait to hear about your plans for your newest adventure...only 18 more days till mine? I'm about ready to trade this snow in for some Disney Sun and Magic!

Kristen

Well, isn't it a small world, welcome! 18 days, how exciting, which resort are you staying in?

Have a blast on your road trip.
We drove to WDW from Texas once. And only once!!

Can't wait to hear about all your ADRs. I'm always down with the food.

And Thank you again for the referral last year.....we are heading home in June.

Thanks, can't wait, wish we could get on the road today, we have 10 inches of snow on the ground and I'm ready for some Disney sun! I'll share ADR details soon. Are you staying at AKL in June? You are going to love DVC!!!

Subscribing! I just heard your review of the tour on the podcast today and found your link in your siggy in a post on the DISUnplugged forum.

Your family seems very funny!!

Glad you found us! Welcome!
Lesley

 

[timandlesley]

Great plans. I the deluxe dining plan.
The studio at AKL is just beautiful.

How long is your drive?

AKL is just beautiful, I LOVE the deluxe dining plan too, can't wait to share all the details with you guys. Our drive is about 14-15 hours from Cincy.
Lesley

 

[timandlesley]

Hi guys! You may or may not know that I am a HUGE fan of the Dis unplugged Podcast here on the Disboards. I called last week and did a review and they PLAYED my review.
To listen to it, go to the www.disboards.com Main page. Click on the "Disunplugged Podcast" Icon on the front page.
Then click on the EMAIL SHOW for 2/3/10, I am the very first voicemail they play.
Since they played my review on the air I was able to "pick a number" from their Prize Matron. I had to pick a number 1-50. I was really hoping I would win the Disney Cruise but I didn't do too bad...........................................................................................
They announced on today's Discussion Show that I won a $75.00 Disney
Gift card , that will come in handy for our trip!
We had no school again today (second snow day in a row) due to all
the snow here in Ohio. Back to work tomorrow I'm sure (actually just got a call we have a 2 hour delay tomorrow) then we hit the road Friday after school to head to Gatlinburg. I'll take lots of pictures to share with you upon our return and then I'll be posting Give a Day Get a Day details because we volunteer on Feb. 21st!
I need some help.............. trying to make a decision on our dining. Our last night there we booked the Luau at the Poly, we've never done that before. But now that we are driving and will have our car I was thinking of maybe doing the Yachtman's steakhouse for dinner since we could get there easily. Any thoughts on this guys?? Don't worry, I'll post final dining plans soon but need to work out kinks like these first.
Thanks for your help
-Lesley

 

[KristEn87]

Well, isn't it a small world, welcome! 18 days, how exciting, which resort are you staying in?


We will be staying at Beach Club Villas this time in a studio. I'm looking forward to being able to walk to EPCOT or take the boat there and to Hollywood Studios. We actually just bought into AKL as well and I'm hoping to get over there to look around. My parents stayed there in October before we bought in and loved it!

 

[Trentmom]

Congrats on the gift Card


Hope you have a nice time this weekend

 

[Native NYer]

Congrats on the giftcard!

Going to listen to the Podcast tonight. We're in the midst of a blizzard in NYC, hoping for another snow day

 

[mylag1rl]

Very cool about the gift card. I listened to your review about the tour ... very helpful. I didn't realize OH was getting the snow, too. Our kids have been out of school all week and will be out the remainder of the week. If only I had known we could have planned a week to Disney.

Have fun in Gatlinburg !

 

[Bear and Honey]

Congrats on the gift card!

We are going to stay at the AKV from June 3rd - June 10th.
Can't wait....first time using our DVC.
We fell in love with the Resort back in 2002, it just took us a little longer to take that step to buy in.

Can't even imagine all that snow, here in Texas we just play in ice.

 

[sharonW]

so glad your back to tell all
about you next disney adventure. Definitely
on board for all the fun!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Congrats on the gift card!!! I am sure you will find something really neat to spend it on!

Have fun in Gatlinburg this weekend!

 

[timandlesley]

Well, isn't it a small world, welcome! 18 days, how exciting, which resort are you staying in?


We will be staying at Beach Club Villas this time in a studio. I'm looking forward to being able to walk to EPCOT or take the boat there and to Hollywood Studios. We actually just bought into AKL as well and I'm hoping to get over there to look around. My parents stayed there in October before we bought in and loved it!

Sounds great, I want to stay there some day too, just love AKL soooo much, it's hard to switch. Hopefully you'll get to try Bay Lake Tower, we stayed there in October and being able to walk to Magic Kingdom is AWESOME! Have a GREAT trip!!!

Congrats on the gift Card


Hope you have a nice time this weekend

Thanks!

Congrats on the giftcard!

Going to listen to the Podcast tonight. We're in the midst of a blizzard in NYC, hoping for another snow day

Thanks!Yeah, you guys are getting HAMMERED! We have had 2 snow days in a row, just found out a 2 hour delay tomorrow, wish I was in Disney!

Very cool about the gift card. I listened to your review about the tour ... very helpful. I didn't realize OH was getting the snow, too. Our kids have been out of school all week and will be out the remainder of the week. If only I had known we could have planned a week to Disney.

Have fun in Gatlinburg !

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the review. Yeah, we got about 10-11 inches total, a lot for around here. I agree, I SOOOO would have been in Disney if I knew this was coming!

Congrats on the gift card!

We are going to stay at the AKV from June 3rd - June 10th.
Can't wait....first time using our DVC.
We fell in love with the Resort back in 2002, it just took us a little longer to take that step to buy in.

Can't even imagine all that snow, here in Texas we just play in ice.

Thanks! We'll just miss you this summer, enjoy using DVC for the first time, so many wonderful trips to come!

so glad your back to tell all
about you next disney adventure. Definitely
on board for all the fun!!!

Welcome Sharon!!!! Glad you could come and join us for another round.

Congrats on the gift card!!! I am sure you will find something really neat to spend it on!

Have fun in Gatlinburg this weekend!

Thank you, yes, it will be fun spending it!!! Thanks, should be a good getaway, hoping for better weather than we have here!
Lesley

 

[sharonW]

Lesley...I will always be around for your TR'S, I live for
them!!!

 

[natale1980]

I'm here too!
I'm not sure when we are going next so I'm going to have fun reading what your family is planning. Plus it will be a break from working on my TR.

Congrats on the Gift Card! I still have to download the Podcast today. It was funny to hear your review last week because I remember reading about it in you TR. While I was listening I was wondering if you were going to let them know that the tour guide was talking about her Boy Friend the whole time. =) Great review.

-nat

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

That is so great that you won the gift card!!!! What a nice surprise!

I can't give you much advice on your dining plans since I haven't eaten at either of those places, but I can tell you that when we were at the Poly back in November, we could hear the luau all the way at the boat dock. It sounded like a serious party was going on in there. We all said we wanted to try it next time. And I really like to try new place. My favorites are the ones that combine dinner and a show or some other type of entertainment. So I'd vote for the luau.

Just a suggestion though................we did Mickey's Backyard BBQ in November and LOVED it. I can't remember if you guys have done that or not. Not sure if that would interest you or if you'd enjoy it in the summer heat, but just thought I'd throw it out there. I have a review of it in my TR with pictures and video on page 37 if you are interested. I know Lauren loves to dance so I thought you guys might enjoy it as much as we did.

 

[A.Mickey]

Our last night there we booked the Luau at the Poly, we've never done that before. But now that we are driving and will have our car I was thinking of maybe doing the Yachtman's steakhouse for dinner since we could get there easily. Any thoughts on this guys?? Don't worry, I'll post final dining plans soon but need to work out kinks like these first.
Thanks for your help
-Lesley

Congrats on the giftcard! I listened this morning!

Hmmm...about your dining plan, I have yet to do either dining option, but I will be doing both this year. I would think your kiddos would probably have more fun at the Luau?

 

[IluvXU]

Doug's brother and family have done the luau and loved it. I think infact they did it twice. We also were on the bus with a group that always does it during their trips... so I have heard great things!

Lucky you a delay already tomorrow...

 

[KristEn87]

Sounds great, I want to stay there some day too, just love AKL soooo much, it's hard to switch. Hopefully you'll get to try Bay Lake Tower, we stayed there in October and being able to walk to Magic Kingdom is AWESOME! Have a GREAT trip!!!

Beach Club Villas is a great resort. I absolutely love Storm Along Bay and I think your family would love it as well. I stayed there about 5 years ago with my friends from high school on our senior trip and we "tried" to eat the Kitchen sink at Beaches and Cream...that didn't work so well haha.
We actually have a few "home" resorts with DVC and some I've never stayed at (Boardwalk and Saratoga). Surprisingly the place we usually stay at we don't own into. We usually have stayed our past few family trips at OKW because of the larger room sizes, but I really wanted to branch out this time and go back to BCV. BLT was a close second on this trip, but ended up going with BCV for being close to Hollywood Studios because of ESPN the Weekend. My DH to be is a HUGE sports fanatic and is hoping to be able to meet Ocho cinco while down there. He's never been to Disney before so I'm so excited to bring him down there and celebrate our engagement together in the most magical place!

Kristen

 

[LGS33]

Hi Lesley! I'm a long time lurker of your trip reports and finally decided to chime in and let you know how much I love your reports! Thanks so much for taking the time to write them!

I know you've stayed at BLT and AKV before and I'm just wondering which do you like the best? We're looking to do an add on at one of those resorts and can't decide which. We stayed at AKV (Kidani) last summer and loved it and are trying out BLT this summer before we decide- unless DVC comes out with a great offer before then.

It sounds like you guys have your plans for deluxe dining, but just an FYI, from what I've read and what MS told me, DVC members do not have to pay the extra dining fees during the prime seasons.

Have a great trip to Gatlinburg!

 

[ladybugmom]

YAY for the gift card!! I enjoy listening to the DIS Podcast as well--I'll be sure and listen to that one!!!

We've had 5 snow days here in Memphis which is really unheard of! I am sooo sick of snow and soooo ready for Spring!! Have fun in Gatlinburg!!