What exactly DID you do at Disney? May 2011 TR (TR link pg 44)

[Queila]

I TOTALLY understand!

We Loved AKL in 2010 and loved spending time at the balcony and at the pool. Did you guys get to use the pool at Kidani? It is unbelievable!!! It really feels like a getaway.

I often tell people that AKL is a "stand alone" type of resort. Even if there were no Disney parks anywhere near it, it would still be worth a one week stay.

I wish I had stayed at Pop Century first and then AKL because even though Pop was fine I could not stop comparing it to AKL and it is just not fair to poor Pop Century.

I am glad you guys were able to relax and enjoy it too.

Q

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I'm glad that you guys loved AKL, it is always nice when you find the right fit in a resort, adds that something extra to your vacations.

 

[crostorfer]

I am thinking about taking her alone one day. I think whatever year we go back as a family I will get APs and maybe take her to see the xmas stuff over a long weekend or something. We'll see what happens. The only way I'll be able to go back sooner is if I start working more, which to be quite honest I don't want to do. (Lazy, I know) If I was willing to work full time there could be many more Disney trip coming my way, but right now I'd rather be home and take less trips. Of course, I change my mind like the wind and could decide in a few months to work every shift available to get me to Disney.

Caitlin and I have also talked about going with my sister at some point so we'll see how that works out. As much as her husband complains he actually does go back each year with her. He doesn't really like kids so I'm not sure Caitlin would love going with both of them.

Are you definitely staying at the Poly again? How was the wristband situation at the pool?

I'm thinking of *gasp* not staying at the Poly. #1. We're not going to be doing pool time, it will be cool enough that time of year I think it would be kind of unpleasant. #2. It's just a long weekend trip, so I won't be spending a lot of down time at the resort, so I wouldn't appreciate things like the landscaping as much. #3. The Poly doesn't exactly scream "Christmas", LOL. #4. Its about $100 more a night to stay there than it is to stay anywhere else. I'm thinking we're going to do three nights at the Boardwalk or maybe the Contemporary, although your glowing reviews of the AKL have me intrigued. We don't rent a car down there though, in your opinion is it far away from the other parks enough to need one? We won't be going to the AK this next trip, just the other three to see the Osborne lights, do the Candlelight Processional, and MVMCP. We're staying at the Doubletree at the entrance to Universal for two nights before we hop to Disney. Skipping Harry Potter this time hurt my heart a lot more than I thought it would, especially because they play the Harry Potter theme music on some of the Disney resort busses. There were at least 3 times during the trip I almost took the leap and went, but we spent too much money as it was. By Friday I was down to $50. Total. Thats it. We barely had enough money to eat.

On a side note, and then I will quite writing novels on your thread here. I will never do Disney sans dining plan again. It was such a pain trying to figure out how much I had spent and how much I had left, and I decided it's worth it in snacks alone. $4.50 for a sundae that she only eats half of. $4.50 for a Dole Whip Float. $2.50 for a bottle of water. The sit down meals weren't half as bad on the wallet as the CS meals were. We love the Tangerine Cafe in Morocco, but it was $25 for the two of us each time we went there.

And I totally get not wanting to work full time. I actually just cut down to three days a week, although I am filling in for a gal on maternity leave for another month and it's killing me. Its guaranteed overtime, because it's 9.5 hour days, but dear lord I am exhausted. I can't wait until she comes back.

 

[crostorfer]

P.S. They are wristbanding at the Poly pool, but it seemed to be mostly people around the pool bar. They weren't pulling people out of the pool, but if you wanted a seat you had to show your I.D.

 

[tinacaplan]

There is a murder mystery series by JD Robb (really Nora Roberts) that I read. In the books a murder cop solves murder cases in the year 2060 in New York. Each time a new book comes out I read the first chapter. Then, I flip through the book until I get to the part where they reveal the killer. Why? I can’t stand not knowing the whole way through where this book is going. DH thinks this is crazy and will ruin the book, but the usually the writing is so good that I can still read through the entire book and wonder- how can that person possibly be the killer?


Another bit of info about me. Every year that I lived at my parents house I headed to my parents closet where my mother hid our x-mas presents and peeked. Usually if they were wrapped I didn’t bother but if I could peel back a piece of tape to see what was inside , I did it. This was not something I did just as a child. I did it every year I lived there and if I was to visit the house in Dec. this year and I saw my mother hiding presents in the closet I would probably peek again.


Why am I telling you this? I don’t like surprises. I like to know the end of the story first. Instead of waiting until the end of this trip report to reveal our new favorite resort, I am going to tell you all about it now. Hopefully, you’ll still read along with the rest of the story to see how we got to the end.

What resort could possibly make me toss my dream of staying at the Poly next trip?

That’s right- Animal Kingdom Lodge!

It was AMAZING! I loved everything about it. DH and Caitlin are all in agreement that we will be heading back next time. Gone is my desire to try all the resorts Disney has to offer. I don’t care about watching Wishes from the beach at Poly or strolling from my room at the Boardwalk Inn to Boardwalk Bakery. I could spend every trip at AKL and be happy.

I am going to post a resort review later but AKL worked for us for many reasons. Apparently as much as I want to be a park commando and spend all my time at the parks, my family does not. AKL is where it felt like there was the most to do at the resort. DH took a nap one day and Caitlin spent about an hour sitting on the balcony checking off the animals she saw from our balcony. Never once did I hear her whine “This is so boring”, which she did many times at VWL and BCV.

We also don’t use Disney transportation. We go offsite so we will always rent a car. I did force DH to take the bus a few times and didn’t have any issues. We never waited long for bus, most of the time our bus was either waiting there or pulling up when we got to the bus stop. Not sure how they would be during a peak time though.

There is nothing better than waking up in the morning and opening you curtains to see what animals are outside your window. When we were at AKL I felt the most comfortable with our resort time. When at VWL and BCV having the parks so close I wanted to leave the resort and head to the parks. At AKL I was perfectly okay being on my balcony or touring the resort.
We won’t be back for a few years but I already know that when we do we will be spending a night or two at Pop and the rest of the stay at AKL.

Um...you just made me RE-THINK my whole plan....I think I have another twenty-four hours to change my mind and you made one very good point: we are not park commandos and I definitely don't want to be, either. And there is something about the friendliness we've experienced at AKL that I've yet to feel anywhere else on property. What to do...what to do... This would involve rethinking my ADRs, as well...ACK! But it also gives me something to focus on that is fun and not so icky! Maybe I"ll ask Max one final time tonight!

And P.S....I think my husband just might kill me!

 

[Disneylove1228]

Just caught up on your TR!! My husband and i just got back (about 3 weeks ago) from the AKL!! It was our first time and I AGREE! I could care-less about all the other resorts... THIS one was the best ever!! There were endless things to do here and it was GORGEOUS! So glad you love it as much as we do!!

 

[Nermel9]

I knew you would like AKL the most! Now I'm regretting going back to WL. I'd do a split stay on my trip, but I think it would mess up the dining plan. I'll stay there someday, I hope!

Caitlin and I have also talked about going with my sister at some point so we'll see how that works out. As much as her husband complains he actually does go back each year with her. He doesn't really like kids so I'm not sure Caitlin would love going with both of them.

I'll go with you and Caitlin someday! And Brandon likes kids, but I keep telling him I want to go on a girl's trip to Disney and he's fine with it, so that could count!

 

[dtr_angel]

Yay, you started your TR already! What nights were you at AKL? I didn't run in to any DISers that I know of.

 

[All7OfUs]

That's one resort I'd love to stay at too someday. A bit out of the way from the parks, but if you have your own car, that really doesn't matter. Great writing by the way!

 

[KatMark]

Diane, your last update has me doing a little and a little with our decision to do a split stay and stay at the AKL for two nights and just enjoy the resort.

Thank you for sharing.

 

[pinkxray]

Hey guys! I just finished my resort review if you're interested. (Tina?)

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41264266&postcount=1

If you read it let me know what you think. I really tried to saw all the positives of each place even if it wasn't what I was looking for. Did it come across or did I just convince everyone to take up a room at AKl?

 

[pinkxray]

I TOTALLY understand!

We Loved AKL in 2010 and loved spending time at the balcony and at the pool. Did you guys get to use the pool at Kidani? It is unbelievable!!! It really feels like a getaway.

I often tell people that AKL is a "stand alone" type of resort. Even if there were no Disney parks anywhere near it, it would still be worth a one week stay.

I wish I had stayed at Pop Century first and then AKL because even though Pop was fine I could not stop comparing it to AKL and it is just not fair to poor Pop Century.

I am glad you guys were able to relax and enjoy it too.

Q

We never made it over to Kidani. I kept telling DH I wanted to go check it out but we ran out of time. I am thinking we might stay at Kidani next time instead of Jambo house but we'll see.

I remember reading about your walk to your room at AKL in your trip report and thought "Please, how long can it be?" I should have listened and requested a room close to the lobby. Geez, that is a long walk

I'm glad that you guys loved AKL, it is always nice when you find the right fit in a resort, adds that something extra to your vacations.

It really does. Growing up we stayed offsite and never worried about the room. I always thought I didn't care about where we stayed since we would be in the parks. Now that I know we will be in the room and not the parks I will spend the extra money to stay at AKL.

I'm thinking of *gasp* not staying at the Poly. #1. We're not going to be doing pool time, it will be cool enough that time of year I think it would be kind of unpleasant. #2. It's just a long weekend trip, so I won't be spending a lot of down time at the resort, so I wouldn't appreciate things like the landscaping as much. #3. The Poly doesn't exactly scream "Christmas", LOL. #4. Its about $100 more a night to stay there than it is to stay anywhere else. I'm thinking we're going to do three nights at the Boardwalk or maybe the Contemporary, although your glowing reviews of the AKL have me intrigued. We don't rent a car down there though, in your opinion is it far away from the other parks enough to need one? We won't be going to the AK this next trip, just the other three to see the Osborne lights, do the Candlelight Processional, and MVMCP. We're staying at the Doubletree at the entrance to Universal for two nights before we hop to Disney. Skipping Harry Potter this time hurt my heart a lot more than I thought it would, especially because they play the Harry Potter theme music on some of the Disney resort busses. There were at least 3 times during the trip I almost took the leap and went, but we spent too much money as it was. By Friday I was down to $50. Total. Thats it. We barely had enough money to eat.

On a side note, and then I will quite writing novels on your thread here. I will never do Disney sans dining plan again. It was such a pain trying to figure out how much I had spent and how much I had left, and I decided it's worth it in snacks alone. $4.50 for a sundae that she only eats half of. $4.50 for a Dole Whip Float. $2.50 for a bottle of water. The sit down meals weren't half as bad on the wallet as the CS meals were. We love the Tangerine Cafe in Morocco, but it was $25 for the two of us each time we went there.

And I totally get not wanting to work full time. I actually just cut down to three days a week, although I am filling in for a gal on maternity leave for another month and it's killing me. Its guaranteed overtime, because it's 9.5 hour days, but dear lord I am exhausted. I can't wait until she comes back.

The days that we were not on the dining plan I made DH pay for food. He was never happy when a cs meal ended up being $30. He is someone who loves the dining plan. I am going to try not to do it next time just for the flexibily factor but maybe the qs one might work.

NO POLY

The Boardwalk looks awesome and it would be great if you plan to spend your time in Epcot or DHS. If I ever go on a solo trip that is where I would want to stay.

Honestly, I don't think I'm the best judge about AKL transportation. We took the buses to and from AK and I took one back from DTD. They seemed pretty darn good to me but it could differ depending on when you are traveling or if you are coming back from MK right after Wishes. We have always had a car and I guess we are just used to it. I find it easier but I do like taking the buses and will try them more next time. Caitlin always wanted to take the bus for some reason. No boats, no cars, I wanna take the bus!

 

[pinkxray]

Um...you just made me RE-THINK my whole plan....I think I have another twenty-four hours to change my mind and you made one very good point: we are not park commandos and I definitely don't want to be, either. And there is something about the friendliness we've experienced at AKL that I've yet to feel anywhere else on property. What to do...what to do... This would involve rethinking my ADRs, as well...ACK! But it also gives me something to focus on that is fun and not so icky! Maybe I"ll ask Max one final time tonight!

And P.S....I think my husband just might kill me!

Sorry. I just posted the link to my resort reviews. BC might be the best fit for you. DH has decided he hates Epcot so the whole being close to it was lost on us. SAB would have been much more relaxing for me if Caitlin was still Max's age. She was too old to play in the sand area but couldn't go on the slide by herself yet. SAB was lost on us too.

Just caught up on your TR!! My husband and i just got back (about 3 weeks ago) from the AKL!! It was our first time and I AGREE! I could care-less about all the other resorts... THIS one was the best ever!! There were endless things to do here and it was GORGEOUS! So glad you love it as much as we do!!

Isn't it just amazing? I can't wait to get back and spend a whole week there.

I knew you would like AKL the most! Now I'm regretting going back to WL. I'd do a split stay on my trip, but I think it would mess up the dining plan. I'll stay there someday, I hope!



I'll go with you and Caitlin someday! And Brandon likes kids, but I keep telling him I want to go on a girl's trip to Disney and he's fine with it, so that could count!

You have to stay there! It is amazing. Although Brandon will probably get tired of you saying "Awwwwww, look at the baby giraffe." There were also baby ducklings in the water with the flamingoes. "Awwwwww, baby ducklings."

Cough, cough- Brandon does not like kids, just admit it.

If I ever do take Caitlin by myself I am taking Magical Express, only doing Disney parks and staying at a value, probably Pop or the new one since it will be built by then. Still in?

Yay, you started your TR already! What nights were you at AKL? I didn't run in to any DISers that I know of.

We checked in on Tues and checked out Fri. I was on the lookout for a girl with a very tall guy, but didn't see any. We never made it over to Kidani either.

Any plans on starting a trip report?

That's one resort I'd love to stay at too someday. A bit out of the way from the parks, but if you have your own car, that really doesn't matter. Great writing by the way!

Driving around Disney never bothers me, since DH does all of it. I never noticed AKL being that far away. Isn't it just as hard getting from WL to AK? Hey, if it keeps AKL pool less crowded for me keep believing it people.

And thank you I always have so much I want to say, but it is so hard to get it down on paper, well not paper, but you know what I mean.

Diane, your last update has me doing a little and a little with our decision to do a split stay and stay at the AKL for two nights and just enjoy the resort.

Thank you for sharing.

You are going to have such a great time! We want to try a 1 bedroom next trip. I am debating on whether or not to actually buying park tickets b/c it might be hard to leave

 

[dizneeat]

Okay, finally caught up again! How I hate work interfering with my DIS threads!

I do SO understand about airline delays and not knowing why is just not fair.

Hm, that Jetta makes me rethink our decision of using Hertz again. We really like Hertz because we arrive in the evening, rather late and they still have a fair amount of cars still available.
When we used Alamo and Dollar they were practically "out of cars" for the day (every year) and it's not nice to have a choice between a HUGE minibus or a downgrade.

Isn't AKL just wonderful! We've stayed there three times so far and it is the resort we spend the most time AT the resort (in a hotel room - we spend A LOT of time in our 1 bedroom at OKW)
But it is so peaceful to wake up, walk out on the balcony with a cup of coffee and watch the animals, isn't it?

Steak and Shake - has been on our radar for quite some time too, never made it there! Now I need to go and find your dining review and find out all about it!

I love following you around! Thanks for letting me come along!

 

[Nermel9]

You have to stay there! It is amazing. Although Brandon will probably get tired of you saying "Awwwwww, look at the baby giraffe." There were also baby ducklings in the water with the flamingoes. "Awwwwww, baby ducklings."

Cough, cough- Brandon does not like kids, just admit it.

If I ever do take Caitlin by myself I am taking Magical Express, only doing Disney parks and staying at a value, probably Pop or the new one since it will be built by then. Still in?

I kind of checked how much it would be to stay in a 1 bedroom at Kidani for the last couple days of our trip...it just seems like too much of a hassle to change it now, but I do need to stay there someday! And please, Brandon would be saying the same things about the animals, he looks at all the baby ducks in the parks all the time.

He does like kids, just well behaved ones. He actually referred to Caitlin as his niece the other day. It's about time.

I've been wanting to try the Magical Express for a while, but I like having a car! I have no problem staying in a value either. As long as I get to go to Disney I don't care where I stay...although I prefer the deluxes.

 

[amandaw]

Just joining in! Better late than never, right? I would love to stay at AKL one day, but it's the one resort I can't talk my DH into staying at. Can't wait to read more!

 

[bouncycat]

Good to hear so far!!! I'm bad with starting mine, got all the pictures up on facebook, but not on photobucket LOL I need to work on the photopass also....get that moving!! UG, why do vacations cause hangovers???

 

[MaryAz]

Yay, you started your report. We AKL!!! Can't believe that you did not get over to Kidani though-shame shame I love my trips with just the girls-so fun!! Can't wait to read more.

 

[heaven2dc]

Wow - already on page 4! Welcome back and thanks for sharing your trip with us

I would love to try VWL and AKL on our next visit (for a change of pace. We have only stayed at BWV - the last 3 trips I rented points and seems it was the best resort besides AKL where the view is awesome. We always get the boardwalk view and love sitting on the balcony early in the morning or late at night just people watching, and watching boats and the fireworks).

Your family is beautiful - your daughter is so cute! I can't wait to read more!

 

[pinkxray]

Okay, finally caught up again! How I hate work interfering with my DIS threads!

I do SO understand about airline delays and not knowing why is just not fair.

Hm, that Jetta makes me rethink our decision of using Hertz again. We really like Hertz because we arrive in the evening, rather late and they still have a fair amount of cars still available.
When we used Alamo and Dollar they were practically "out of cars" for the day (every year) and it's not nice to have a choice between a HUGE minibus or a downgrade.

Isn't AKL just wonderful! We've stayed there three times so far and it is the resort we spend the most time AT the resort (in a hotel room - we spend A LOT of time in our 1 bedroom at OKW)
But it is so peaceful to wake up, walk out on the balcony with a cup of coffee and watch the animals, isn't it?

Steak and Shake - has been on our radar for quite some time too, never made it there! Now I need to go and find your dining review and find out all about it!

I love following you around! Thanks for letting me come along!

AKL is wonderful OKW looks very nice too. I haven't seen it in person yet but I wouldn't mind staying there someday. It looks so tropical and relaxing.

Maybe we just had bad luck with Hertz. I don't want to test my luck and try them again next time, but if they have worked for you in the past no reason to worry.

Next time DH wants to rent something like a corvette. Such a child friendly car

I kind of checked how much it would be to stay in a 1 bedroom at Kidani for the last couple days of our trip...it just seems like too much of a hassle to change it now, but I do need to stay there someday! And please, Brandon would be saying the same things about the animals, he looks at all the baby ducks in the parks all the time.

He does like kids, just well behaved ones. He actually referred to Caitlin as his niece the other day. It's about time.

I've been wanting to try the Magical Express for a while, but I like having a car! I have no problem staying in a value either. As long as I get to go to Disney I don't care where I stay...although I prefer the deluxes.

If it was just the two of us I wouldn't bother with the one bedroom unless you really wanted the tub. The price difference is pretty big considering you guys seem to spend so much time at the parks. The studio would have been perfect for 2 people. Since Caitlin is sleeping at your house tonight make you'll see how loudly she snores. There were some nights it took me forever to fall asleep with her snoring across the room.

I wonder if Caitlin will be able to convince Grandma to actually get on a plane in order to go to Disney. She looked like she kind of wanted to go. It would have to be a long weekend or something. I don't think she would last long walking around all day.

Just joining in! Better late than never, right? I would love to stay at AKL one day, but it's the one resort I can't talk my DH into staying at. Can't wait to read more!

I caught up on your trip report while at work last night. I couldn't post since I don't like being logged in at work but I am loving your trip report!

I can't believe you DH doesn't even want to try AKL. I am going to have a hard time getting DH and DD to ever stay anywhere else.

Good to hear so far!!! I'm bad with starting mine, got all the pictures up on facebook, but not on photobucket LOL I need to work on the photopass also....get that moving!! UG, why do vacations cause hangovers???

I still have to do my photopass too. We didn't get very many pictures b/c we kept forgetting all about it or saying we would go back later.

Yay, you started your report. We AKL!!! Can't believe that you did not get over to Kidani though-shame shame I love my trips with just the girls-so fun!! Can't wait to read more.

I really wished we could have at least checked it out so I could see if I wanted to stay there next time. Do you like it better than Jambo- any certain reasons? The only reason I could see to pick Jambo is if we would be using Mara all the time, which we wouldn't.

Wow - already on page 4! Welcome back and thanks for sharing your trip with us

I would love to try VWL and AKL on our next visit (for a change of pace. We have only stayed at BWV - the last 3 trips I rented points and seems it was the best resort besides AKL where the view is awesome. We always get the boardwalk view and love sitting on the balcony early in the morning or late at night just people watching, and watching boats and the fireworks).

Your family is beautiful - your daughter is so cute! I can't wait to read more!

Thank you.

BWV looks amazing. You can't beat that view, I'm sure. I'm saving that one for any trips I ever take without DH though. The whole staying at a deluxe for location is just lost on him.