VWL/Eastern Fantasy Cruise/AKV CL all wrapped into a fabulous b-day trip - Complete

[Pinkocto]

The Flower and Garden Festival looks so pretty. At some point I really need to visit at that time of the year. The concerned sounded great.

Corinna

Definitely put the F & G on the list, they do a beautiful job with all the topiaries and flowers. I have a lot more pictures.

 

[Pinkocto]

What a fun update! Love all your CL treats and pool time and Chubby Checker looked like an absolute blast. I love the flower power series, it is full of music that makes me smile. Good to know about the PAP, I have one to pick up in December and assumed I would need to go to the main guest services line as well.

Thank you

Chubby was fantastic! I couldn't believe the energy he had. He's 72 and was just groovin nonstop!

I thought it was so nice for that CM to come and redirect people if possible, who knows how much longer I could have been waiting.

 

[Pinkocto]

You will love California then, I really don't even notice the foliage, because it looks "normal" too me!

I can't wait!!!! Less than two months to go! I keep looking at the schedule but no September yet.

That is so rude, shallow and stupid thinking. I really despise when everyone assumes you "need a man". No one "NEEDS" a man, or a woman for that matter. You need a family, but it does not have to be blood family. The fact that you have such a great relationship with your mom is wonderful. Those people who think you are too old to spend time with your parents obviously do not like their own parents. It's great to have supportive people around you that you share your life and journeys with.

The fact that people tell you need a man, shows that they have no vision. Once you find that "man", then they will tell you need 2.5 children, yadda, yadda, yadda....Perhaps you have a different destiny in your life and will go down another path that no one has yet forseen!

These are all thoughts I have myself. Thank you

OK, off my soapbox. Back to your awesome trip. Chubby Checker looks amazing for a guy his age! The fact that he can still get out there, shimmy and turn it on is awesome. And so sweet of him to treat that boy with such kindness!

He was amazing. I just looked up his age to respond to Cynthia, and I'm blown away he had so much energy. I know some of it has to do with his many years of performing, but his kindness just really touched me.

 

[hstrickland]

Last morning of the cruise we both woke up around 6:30. Another excellent reason to have late dining, you don’t have to be to breakfast until 8-8:15. You can always go to Cabanas and just grab breakfast whenever you want

I know, right?!! How awesome is that?! You don't have to break your neck trying to get off the ship so early.

After taking all the room pictures I raced out to get some Jungle Juice! Oh Jungle Juice, how do I love thee!

My kids and my father absolutely loved this stuff, too!!! It was a must-have every morning. And didn't you just fall in love with AKL CL??!!! It's the best. Love everything about AKL!!!

 

[Pinkocto]

Chubby Checker= amazing. Your story almost had me in tears. I love performers that appreciate their audience.

I couldn't keep the tears at bay, it was such a beautiful moment.

F&G is such a pretty time to go. We've been in May once and I just loved all if the character topiaries- too cute!

It's moms favorite time to go, she loves the flowers and topiaries.

I agree with Alison on the less than sweet coworkers. Family is whoever we need it to be. Sometimes it's blood and sometimes it's not. Being an only child didn't give me the luxury of built in siblings so my girlfriends are the closest thing I've got to sisters.

But not on the man part. I need a man!!! Specifically mine.

I'll be happy when the right man comes along, but I'm fine alone until that happens. the women I work with are consumed by having men and having babies. It amuses me.

 

[Pinkocto]

Great update!

What was trying to be spelled in the air? I know it says "Jesus" but couldn't make out the other part.

I can't remember what it was. Pre cruise they were air writing something about abortion so I didn't pay attention to it this day.

Chubby Checker is adorable! Especially in his wrangler-type jeans That's so amazing that he was asking women and children to come on stage. I bet that child was so happy and his parents probably LOVED it!

He was shimmying and grooving in those tight jeans! He was great I'm sure they did, he looked so happy!

 

[Pinkocto]

I know, right?!! How awesome is that?! You don't have to break your neck trying to get off the ship so early.

My kids and my father absolutely loved this stuff, too!!! It was a must-have every morning. And didn't you just fall in love with AKL CL??!!! It's the best. Love everything about AKL!!!

Love that jungle juice that was my third time on CL and the only thing that can beat it, for me, is a savannah view. I really missed a savannah view two of the times I did CL using DVC.

 

[Linda67]

Another great update

Thanks for the tip on collecting the PAP from any ticket window. We have pre-purchased ours through DVC as well and I thought I would have to head to one of the guest services windows

I love the story about the Chubby Checker show - what an absolute gentleman and star!

 

[Pinkocto]

Day 9 continued:

After the fabulous Chubby Checker mini concert I fulfilled my promise to myself and went back to Japan for a snowball.



I sat up next to the sushi restaurant where I enjoyed my snowball and caught up in my journal. It was pretty busy and I felt bad taking a table all to myself. That was just as well because a family asked to join me. Being on cruises makes you comfortable dining with strangers and I was pleased they were ok being economical table users.

After enjoying my snowball I slowly made my way out of the park taking in the sights as I went.













I popped into this delightful place



And amazingly got out of line because nothing caught my fancy at that moment. Yes, I regretted this decision later.

I saw this beauty at one of the garden stands near Germany







I would love to get one if I one find at home, I’ve always been fascinated by carnivorous plants.

Then I continued my way around the countries.





I love the grass roof in Norway





And who did I see while walking through Mexico? Donald! I started dancing my way to the line but the CM said Donald was taking a break and no more people could get in line. I settled for a picture of him with random people.



Mom absolutely loved these floating flowers last year and I found myself enjoying them for her sake.











I would be back for some better pictures of this another day.

 

[Pinkocto]

Another great update

Thanks for the tip on collecting the PAP from any ticket window. We have pre-purchased ours through DVC as well and I thought I would have to head to one of the guest services windows

I love the story about the Chubby Checker show - what an absolute gentleman and star!

Thank you I just assumed I had to go to guest services because that's where I bought one last year at MK. I'm glad I could help quite a few people on this subject.

Chubby Checker was definitely top notch.

 

[dgbg100106]

Nothing from Karmel? Really, how did you manage that?

 

[dolphingirl47]

I love the photos. The floating flowers are amazing.

Corinna

 

[Pinkocto]

Nothing from Karmel? Really, how did you manage that?

I regretted it later!

 

[Pinkocto]

I love the photos. The floating flowers are amazing.

Corinna

Thank you they are so pretty.

 

[rentayenta]

Mexico Donald is adorable! I've never seen him.

The Lady and the Tramp topiary is my favorite. I love her big deep eyes. Our Springer now has big Lady eyes.

That snow cone look yum. What flavor was it?

I haven't bought anything from the Karmel store either. We went in last trip and came out empty handed. Nothing looked or sounded great. I'm sure it had nothing to do with all of the munchies we had at F&W.

We're almost in the 180's!!!

 

[dgbg100106]

I have to always pick up several items there at Karmel.

All of the fresh items are cooked on site and the Karmel is so soft and buttery, nothing like bagged stuff...

I have been tempted several times to get an apple (they will cut them up for you)...

 

[dolphingirl47]

I haven't bought anything from the Karmel store either. We went in last trip and came out empty handed. Nothing looked or sounded great. I'm sure it had nothing to do with all of the munchies we had at F&W.

I hear you. I am German by birth and normally the chance to get some German treats fills me with joy. I have been in there on a number of occasions and nothing has ever tempted me.

Corinna

 

[Pinkocto]

Mexico Donald is adorable! I've never seen him.

I don't think I had either, he was so cute. I was bummed I couldn't get a picture with him.

The Lady and the Tramp topiary is my favorite. I love her big deep eyes. Our Springer now has big Lady eyes.

They do such a good job on the topiaries. What's your dog's name? Pictures? I love animals

That snow cone look yum. What flavor was it?

It was orange/cherry. Not my favorite but still good. I should have gotten the one I usually get which is strawberry with sweetened condensed milk on top

I haven't bought anything from the Karmel store either. We went in last trip and came out empty handed. Nothing looked or sounded great. I'm sure it had nothing to do with all of the munchies we had at F&W.

Oh my goodness, their stuff is so good! You must try something one of these days. Just like Brandi said, the caramel is so creamy and delicious. I regretted not getting anything.

We're almost in the 180's!!!

I'm ready to go!

 

[Pinkocto]

I have to always pick up several items there at Karmel.

All of the fresh items are cooked on site and the Karmel is so soft and buttery, nothing like bagged stuff...

I have been tempted several times to get an apple (they will cut them up for you)...

I'll definitely be getting several goodies in December, it's so delicious!

Ive never been a fan of covered apples, I might be one rare ones though. I always wonder how long they've been sitting, but I'm sure not that long at WDW.

 

[dgbg100106]

I'll definitely be getting several goodies in December, it's so delicious!

Ive never been a fan of covered apples, I might be one rare ones though. I always wonder how long they've been sitting, but I'm sure not that long at WDW.

I have seen them dip them for people right then... but I am guessing not long, they sell pretty quickly