Timandlesley's The Sum of Our Thrills TR w/ tons of pics&video 9/27 PTR link pg.58

[68wdwmom]

Well it took me ten pages but I'm here now Great start I love your reports.The kids looked like they had a blast at the Nick hotel Can't wait to read more!!!

 

[BNJ226]

So I came across your girls TR today and read the entire thing. So now I am in for this ride

 

[Queenofallthings]

Brings back memories of August.....

 

[pmama]

Great update! Love the photo with Luke posing like Lauryn.

 

[3amigos]

So happy to be reading another great trip report! Thanks for the Kidani pictures Lesley! We are going home in January and have decided to give Kidani a try.

 

[DWGal210]

Another great update!! Those hot days DO take it out of ya, don't they? But looks like you still had a great time!!

 

[mrsnj91]

[/IMG]
Hidden mickey:

I have been looking at this picture for the longest time. Lesley, you just have to tell me where it is!!!

Thank you! I thought it was just me! I have been staring at that pic till I was crosseyed and still cannot see it!

 

[lindseynleah]

I am so excited to read another TR from you!!!! Thanks for taking another trip and for sharing your vacation and memories with all of us!!!! Love it!!!!

 

[timandlesley]

WOW, it sure did look hot there!!

Sounds like Princess Tiana is great

Love Jungle Cruise. Can never get enough of their corny jokes

Your room at AKL looks great. What a pretty view

Love the zero entry pool

BTW...Love Lauren's shirts. That cartoon cracks me up

Yes, sure was hot!!! AKL is a beautiful resort. Love "Mr. Men and Little Miss" books, I grew up with them and have them all and "Little Miss. Chatterbox" TOTALLY describes Lauren

Yeay for arriving at Disney and heading straight to the Magic Kingdom!!! I showed Charles the pic of Tim's shirt and told him that is what we have to look forward to in a couple of weeks!

Oh yeah, such fun to look forward too : )

Great update! The park didn't look crowded at all, especially for June. Probably because it was so hot?

You know, that day it wasn't too crowded, crowds do increase later on in our trip though.

Absolutly lovin your report!!!! The pics are great, makes the wait before our trip not so bad!!! But makes me miss it all the more!.Keep the great reprt coming my daughter and I are enjoying it!

So glad you are enjoying it. Thanks for reading/posting

Lesley, I always love your trip reports, but I'm especially excited to hear about this one since we leave in August for our first time at AKL.

Tim's "Survival of the Fittest" restrooms photo is hysterical!

Can't wait to read more.

So glad you are enjoying it, more pics of the resort to come, you will love AKL. Glad someone understood the Survival of the Fittest humor : )

Great update. We stood at Kidani this past May and loved it but we were a little dissapointed at the size of the pool also. I can't imagine how crowded it is in July and August. Love the pic of Tim and Lauren with their backs to you. Those are my favorite shots.

Happy you enjoyed it. Those are my favorite shots too!

Yay for heading to the Magic Kingdom first thing!

Oh my, it was hot that day--poor Tim. My Tom will die in all this heat the next 10 days!

AKL is beautiful. We are checking it out our first night.

Got to get that Dole Whip this trip!

Can't wait to read more!

Erika

Hi Erika. Bring spray fans, that's for sure. Yes, definitely get a Dole Whip, GREAT in the heat (or any time : )

What a fun first day! Ahhh the heat, we will be in Disney in a couple of weeks! Little scared, but honestly I don't think it could be much hotter than it has been here in Maryland the past couple of weeks reaching close to 100 degrees!

Your pics of AKL - both lodges are great, we have not stayed here since 2006 and really liked it on our couple of stays.

The heat index was 110 most days we were there, SUPER DUPER hot, but the evenings were nice.

Love the update! You always manage to get lots done in a short amount of time.

Yes, since we have gone so often we have some good strategies to get around and see a lot in a little amount of time : )

Great chapter!! I forgot to ask you, were the Delish bagels as good as everyone says? I'm thinking of stopping there to pick some up

You know, they were just "ok." they were good bagels, but I guess since we have good bagels here in Ohio I wasn't missing what the podcast was describing so to us they were just another bagel, but they are yummy.

Awesome update ! Love all the pics of MK and AKL. Looks like a great first Disney day. Definitely looked like a hot one that is a bummer about the pool.

Luke's playful sense of humor is really cute and reminds me of my boys.

Glad you are enjoying it. Yes, pool was a bummer. Luke will love your comment, he always scans the comments to see if he is in any of them : )

Too funny about Tim's shirt, I noticed it, but thought, must be a design. FL summer heat is just unbelievable.

Tiana is so pretty, and it looks like she really spent some time with the kids. I also did not know that someone can be picked to drive the JC boat, so cool for Luke.

Really a bummer about the thunder, I'm sure you could have all used a nice pool break. Your room looks very nice, I'm sure you are loving your DVC.

Oh no, wish that was a design on his shirt : ) Yes, Tianna is just gorgeous. Huge bummer about the thunder, we wanted to swim so bad that day. Yes, LOVE LOVE LOVE DVC!!!

Thank you so much for such a fabulously entertaining TR!!!! I have really enjoyed reading it this morning. I'm not ashamed to say that I have already laughed (pics of your adorable family) and cried (believe it or not, the mouse towel!!!). WDW makes me so emotional!!
I can't wait to read more. Great TR's are truly almost as wonderful as being at the world!

You are quite welcome, glad you are enjoying it. Wasn't the mouse towel so cute! Thanks for reading/posting

Wow, Lesley...


You truly are the Trip Report Diva! Just finished reading your 'off property' episode... I am blown away by that Nick Resort. From the outside, it just looks like a cheap hotel painted with Nick characters. Obviously, it is much more than that. The pool area alone is enough to make me want to make reservations right now! And a teacher discount? Sign me up!! I'm seriously considering adding a night at this resort at the end of our next trip. Thank you so much for such a detailed account of your stay. It is so helpful!!

Back to the TR....

Oh.. I am very proud of your kids... #1 Providing the perfect reaction to your surprise (loved that video) #2 Saying thank you and being appreciative love #3 Luke took a picture with Dora. I don't think I could PAY Tyson to do that.

Well thank you!!! Yes, you would love the Nick hotel, such fun! Yes, I was happy the kids were so thankful. You know it's funny, Luke almost didn't pose with Dora until we reminded him how much he loved her when he was 2-3 years old, then he hopped out of his seat : )

These pictures absolutely capture the essence of the fun and excitement of the first day. Even though you guys were sweating your buns off, you were just filled with the magical thrill of Disney. These pictures are FABULOUS!!


Again, thank you so much for your detailed pictures of Kidani and of your room. Your descriptions and opinions are valued and appreciated!!

I guess I better go update my own TR now... it's been far too long! I'll keep checking back for more!

Thanks! It was a magical day, even in the heat!

Oh Les....what a fun first day at MK!!!! Sorry it was so stinking hot!!!! HATE those kinds of days! You all got to do so much in such a short time---YEAH!!! Megan was checking out the computer screen over my shoulder, and when she saw the pics of Luke and Lauren with Tiana, she just screamed in excitement!!! She said, "Look Mommy, those kids got to meet Tiana! They are SOOOOOO lucky!!" I guess I haven't told her yet that she is now at MK!!! Now she wants to go back ASAP more than ever! Thanks for all the pictures of AKL....both Kidani and Jambo! We want to go there so badly, but Tom's only concern for staying there is the buses.....have you all ever had any problems with the bus service there? Can't wait for more.....seriously......so excited to see what you do next!!!!

That's funny about Megan, Prince Navin (spelling??) is also there at several times of the day too. We only had a bus issue on one day and it was because they were loading an ECV at Kidani, which happens at every resort, we have great luck with transportation otherwise. We love Jambo and would stay there over Kidani (personal preference) love all the restaraunts at Jambo.

Thanks! I actually did break down and read...and now I'm about to read the 2nd update....it was raining here so I have an excuse. About the bucket experience, I've had something similiar here at the beach. The waves have been very strong and they pull my bottoms down! I dont think anyone saw but now, when I go in, I hold onto my bottoms very tightly!

Sorry it rained on your honeymoon, huge bummer, glad we could provide you with something to read though. Yes, HOLD ON to those bottoms : )

MK the first day at Disney is just perfect.
Would you recommend Jambo or Kidani for an AKV stay? We may try it next year, but not sure which one.
I'm not looking forward to that heat in August

Jambo, the reason is for the pool and the dining options. LOVE Jambo!

Great update. You all look like the perfect Disney family, having fun no matter how hot or what you are doing. Even the no pool seemed to be taken well. Can't wait to hear more.

Well thank you very much, glad you are enjoying it.

Hi Tim & Lesley -- I've been lurking you guys for quite some time now (at least 3-4 years but no biggie right) and this is the year I decided I'm going to participate!!!

Thanks for the tip on Flippers pizzaria. I've already called to confirm which location will deliver to the All-Star Sports and saved the phone number and URL in my phone for our upcoming trip. We leave July 23 for our 10 day GRAND GATHERING with some friends of ours and their two boys (it'll be their first trip). CAN'T WAIT. Your trip report will really make the days FLY by!!!

Well so glad you decided to participate this year, WELCOME! Flippers is super yummy, make sure you order the breadsticks, could TOTALLY go for some of those right now. Have fun on your trip, sounds great!

Yay! Great trip report! I can't wait till I get to go! Just 23 more days, just 23 more days! Harry Potter!! :O Lucky!

Fun! So you are doing Harry Potter? Hope the crowds die down for you between now and then, looks fun!!

 

[timandlesley]

Dont you just hate those unbearable days!!! The AKL looks amazing as always! It must a been a downer that as soon as you guys got in the pool you just had to get right back out.

Yes, but the disney magic makes it worth it. Yes, the pool was a huge downer!

This is my first time reading any of your trip reports. I love you reports and pics. Lokking forward to seeing more of it. Thanks for your posting - it really fills my disney fix!

Welcome, glad you stopped by!

Another great update! Man it looked hot..poor Tim's shirt sure was soaked. Glad you had a great day at MK. The picture of Kidani are great. I love all of Lauren's poses...and how Luke posed like her on the balcony.

Looking forward to reading more about your Trip. Your reports are always so good!

Yes, it sure was hot, and that was only at like 10 a.m., it just got hotter. The posing pictures of Lauren always crack me up. Thanks for the compliment, I truly appreciate it.

What a gorgeous day even with the heat. Don't know about you but a hot day there is much nicer than a hot day in OH.

Tell Tim he looks fantastic. I remember reading that he's been working hard and it shows.

Yes, it was a beautiful day. Thanks for the Tim comment, he does work really hard, so proud of him!!

Wow.........looks like you had a great day in the MK!!! Tim's shirt...OMG!!! We'll be in that heat at the end of July.......Yikes! But, at least we'll be in Disney! AKL looks amazing! Love Luke posing the same way as Lauren...too cute!

Yes, it was a great day. I know, his shirt was awful, I had it rolling down my back too, not pretty! The posing pics are hysterical, you will see them throughout the report, just comes to her naturally ; )

Another great update! Love your view... I am thinking we just might stay at AK next summer. We checked it out (daytime makes a huge difference) and we really liked it! Off to MK... is there anything better, but boy it must have been hot. Not too terrible of crowds though looking at those pictures! Can't wait to see where dinner was that night!

Tiana was a great princess meet! The girls loved her too!

I really enjoyed the picture of the exit of MK from the back, those are often my favorite pictures. Your kids are getting too big Lesley, and Lauren is just beautiful! Luke is getting so tall and handsome too!

Glad you enjoyed the update. Yeah, crowds were pretty light that morning. I know, they are growing up sooooo fast, can't believe Luke is a 4th grader next year, I want time to stop.

great trip report so far!

Thanks!

Subbed about 1/2 hour ago, but didn't drop in to say hello because I was busy reading about your kids getting slimed and showing my DD the pics with the Nick characters! So cool! -Stace

Glad you enjoyed the update!

Coming out of lurking. I love your trip reports!! I feel I have so much in common with you. I have 2 DS's the exact same ages as your children and live in Ohio too. Everything you write about Luke is exactly like my oldest.. Although my youngest is a boy.. I love hearing about your drive down. We have always talked about it and always end up flying. Plus our boys are DYING to trying to Nick Hotel. They keep asking and when you fly it's just not as easy. Thanks for the review. We may have to try staying there next time.

Yeah! Another one out of "lurkdom", WELCOME! The drive down really wasn't that bad and it allowed us to do those off property things, we will drive again next year : )

We were there the same time as you!!!! I knew i saw you guys I just wasn't sure..and I didnt wanna act like some crazy stalker lady. I actually saw you at HS, Epcot, and MK...I so should have said hello!! Loving your trip report, and your right it was CRAZY hot!!!

Too funny! I think (looking at the photo's on your PTR I just clicked on) that I saw you too. I am a special education teacher and always look at children in wheelchairs and I swear I saw your daughter a few times. Hope you had a wonderful trip! Definitely shoudl have said hello!
Lesley

Can't wait to read all about your trip! I am on page 9?! LOL! Well I have an excuse! I was in Disney !!! Sounds like a great time at the Nick hotel! Looking forward to reading more I totally enjoy your TRs!

Well, welcome, better late than never, hope you had a great trip!

Hey Tim, Lesley, Luke and Lauren,

I haven't been on the disboards much lately, but was excited to see another TR from Tim and Lesley! We were at AKL at the beginning of June this year. The weather was cooler than what we're used to. And the crowds were a little lighter too. We LOVED Jambo House! Booked a standard view room and were upgraded to safari!

Enjoying your trip report so far. Can't wait to hear more. Sophie has the same shirt Lauren had on - the Little Miss Chatterbox. Totally fits their personalities.

Where was the picture of the castle that Luke took? I've never noticed that either.

Looking forward to more!

Alice

P.S. Will we see you in Grand Haven this year? We'll be there the first week of August.

Alice, sounds like perfect weather for AKL. So, now that you've experienced AKL are you guys considering DVC yet?? Yes, Little Miss. Chatterbox does fit their personalities.
Luke took that on the way out, the gates that close nightly (they are big and iron) as you walk under the train station have that emblem on them, I thought it was cool!
We are at Grand Haven 2 weeks before you this year, so you will be there for Coast Guard this year?

Great update! Sounds like you had a wonderful first day in spite of the heat. I LOVED the pic of Luke and Lauren on the balcony, they look adorable.

Terri

Yes, we did have a fun time. I love that pic too, cracks me up!

I can't wait to meat Tiana! It seems like they spend a good amount of time for the meets! And it's very cool that Luke got to steer the Jungle Cruise!

And you have me craving a dole whip float! haha

Yes, she was great to meet! I'm craving one too : )

[/IMG]
Hidden mickey:

I have been looking at this picture for the longest time. Lesley, you just have to tell me where it is!!!

O.K, see the clouds in the sky, the one BIG one is Mickey lying on his back looking at the sky, see his nose pointing up and his ears on the right? Do you see it?? Cool huh!?!

Oh I.just loved that first Disney day update! It was hot I know! Looks like you had a fun day! Kidani and AKL so pretty! Thanks for sharing the Kidani pics! I just had to laugh though, bc my DS8 also got to drive the cruise boat with the same CM! So I have the same pics!!
Bummer about the pool but I bet you got plenty of pool time these 8 days! Yay for pretzel bread!

Glad you enjoyed it, yes the AKL resorts are just gorgeous. too funny about your DS driving the boat too, must depend on the CM!

Is it sideways in the sky??

Yes, see my description above.

Yay for another Tim & Lesley report!! I would not miss it.

Love the pics of the Nick hotel & the video of the surprise. Very nice that they were so appreciative. Wow that pool area looks nice & the rooms look great

Wow seeing how hot it was there I do not think I could handle that. I got sick there a few years ago & it was the end of May (which we are doing next year) & going to Universal for a few days & staying at the Hard Rock Hotel. Hopefully it will not be quite as hot as a few years ago.

Your view from your room at AKL is great

Love the pic of Lauren & Tim dancing out of MK

Glad you enjoyed the video of the surprise. It was SUPER hot, Tim did actually feel a little ill those first two days, he had a rough adjustment. Yes, we had a great view. I love watching Tim and Lauren dance through the world too!

Great start!!! I love how excited your kids were to stay at the Nick Hotel. I've lurked through your other trip reports and loved them. Thought I would chime in this time. Can't wait to read the rest of your adventures!!!!

Thanks! Glad you are "chiming in", WELCOME!

Yay! Another Timandlesley TR!

Your Luke is a guy after my own heart with his "Isn't it great to be back in Disney" attitude on entering the Resort!

Great to hear that your kiddo can still enjoy and have fun at the Nick Hotel, but also great to hear that nothing compares to Disney for them too!

Already sounding like another happy and memorable trip! Can't wait for more!

I know, I just love how much he loves Disney, but he was raised with it so I guess that's to be expected.

Well it took me ten pages but I'm here now Great start I love your reports.The kids looked like they had a blast at the Nick hotel Can't wait to read more!!!

WELCOME!!!

So I came across your girls TR today and read the entire thing. So now I am in for this ride

Hope you enjoyed the girls only TR, that was super fun, welcome to this family one!

Brings back memories of August.....

Being so hot??

Great update! Love the photo with Luke posing like Lauryn.

Too funny, he surprised me by posing like her.

So happy to be reading another great trip report! Thanks for the Kidani pictures Lesley! We are going home in January and have decided to give Kidani a try.

You are welcome, you will definitely have an advantage at Kidani with the buses, you are first to be picked up and first to be dropped off.

Another great update!! Those hot days DO take it out of ya, don't they? But looks like you still had a great time!!

Yes, sure do!! Yeah, we managed to have a good time anyway, heck it is Disney after all, right!

Thank you! I thought it was just me! I have been staring at that pic till I was crosseyed and still cannot see it!

See my description above : )

I am so excited to read another TR from you!!!! Thanks for taking another trip and for sharing your vacation and memories with all of us!!!! Love it!!!!

Thanks! Glad you are enjoying it so much.

 

[caz1712]

Hey Guys!

Finally got a chance to get started on your trippie now the kids are on summer holidays!!

Fantastic start! Love the video of the kids reaction to the stay at Nick Hotel!!! Just amazing! The hotel looked fantastic as well!!!

What a HOT first day at Disney! I'm hoping that its not TOO hot in October. We like the warm sunshine but anything over about 80 deg for us just is too much! We are pale Scots remember!

It took me ages to find that hidden mickey I must have stared at it for about 20mins!!!LOL Very cool tho!

Can't wait for the next update!

Carreen
xxx

 

[Disfan3]

Leslie:

They have the UP pin set online at the Disney Store on sale for 7.99 with free shipping code FREESHIP

http://www.disneystore.com/sale-disney-up-pin-set-3-pc/p/1260541/61497/

Maybe something for Luke!?!?

 

[mouseketeer70]

Hi Lesley! Enjoying living vicariously through your TR and all those great pics And THANK YOU for the tip about the teacher's rate at the Nick Hotel!!! The kids have always wanted to stay there and we have heard how much fun it is for years but we just couldn't see spending the $$$ for one night. We have taken advantage of the teacher's rate at the Swan and the Dolphin but never knew the Nick had one too We will have to try this as we always do one night somewhere besides our DVC on our arrival day (we drive down too).

 

[wigdoutdismom]

I do see that hidden mickey! Can't wait to be a big shot and point it out next week on my birthday trip!
Thanks Lesley!

 

[MA pigletfan]

SO happy that you are back and already giving us the report!! I am hooked, as always, to your report I can't believe how grown up Luke is looking!

 

[mefordis]

SO happy that you are back and already giving us the report!! I am hooked, as always, to your report I can't believe how grown up Luke is looking!

I was thinking the same thing! Luke is definitely losing the baby look. I guess that happens around 9 or 10 yrs old. He's a very nice looking boy!

 

[hellokitty86]

We headed up to our room:

We were thrilled with our view, which I swear was the same as our view last year.

Hey Lesley! I just found your reports- I love reading them! I thought this was funny- I was reading this years TR and when I read all the installments I went to read last year's TR. I saw this from last years report:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2224335 (post #1) Looks like you guys had the same view because it was the same room. Can't wait to read more! I thought that was funny and thought I'd share.

ETA: I have no idea why the "thumbs down" is on the top of the message! Sorry about that, I tried to take it away and couldn't figure it out.

 

[White as Snow]

Great update! I guess a sweltering day in Disney is better than a perfect weather day spent at work/school, right?

What would a timandlesley report be without Lauren's poses???

 

[Sooze]

I thought this was funny- I was reading this years TR and when I read all the installments I went to read last year's TR. I saw this from last years report:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2224335 (post #1) Looks like you guys had the same view because it was the same room. Can't wait to read more! I thought that was funny and thought I'd share.

Now THAT is a dedicated TR reader!

 

[hellokitty86]

Now THAT is a dedicated TR reader!

No, not really, I just saw the pics right after one another and thought it was a funny coincidence! After reading through the TR's though, I was very entertained and can't wait to read the other installments.