Will You Chill Out if I Sprinkle You With Pixie Dust? The End p136 *New TR Link* p138

[KatMark]

MaryEllen, in case I don't get back here tomorrow, I wanted to wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving.

 

[MEK]

MaryEllen, in case I don't get back here tomorrow, I wanted to wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Thank you Kathy! I can always count on you very leaving the cutest little pictures! I love it! Have an awesome day tomorrow!

 

[Poolrat]

I present

I found them like that. Almost like they were starting to escape by walking away.

 

[MEK]

I present

I found them like that. Almost like they were starting to escape by walking away.

What????? They are freakish girl chairs with boys' names. OK - there is something really freaky going on here. I am so looking for their names the next time I am there.

And, I do think the get moved around just to freak people out. Those darn cast members.

 

[eandesmom]

Oh those cottages! Oh that pool! Oh....several of the tipping factors that caused...addonitis!

Seriously though, I do want to see just how much those cottage cost. I bet you could do points via the Disney Collection but it'd be ridiculous and better with an AP discount or a PIN code if that would even apply. Hmmn..

I totally agree, once you are at the luna park pool...that clown didn't creep me out at all and I loved that pool vibe.

The chairs now...are a totally different story. Man face, dress, clearly a female upper body and boy names?

Hmmn. Creepy AND confused.

I really hope to check out the BelleVue next NYE...possibly more than once!

Great update

 

[Pinkocto]

Firstly, Happy Thanksgiving!

Secondly, THEY'RE BOY CHAIRS I think the toes are what creeps me out the most. Whoever made them certainly had a sense of humor. I totally agree, those CMs have to move them around on purpose. too funny.

Ok, I have definitely been underestimating BWVs. Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous. Not only have you convinced me I need to stay at HHI, I now need to try BWVs too. Oh, and you also opened my mind to OKW which I'm now really excited to stay at, in 13 days Too many places to go and not enough vacation time. Oh the trials of life.

I had no idea about those cottages either. I purposefully have not looked at the video because I first checked the prices and don't want to start dreaming about them.

Don't worry about the purple. I kept taking pictures and wondering why my brand new camera wasn't picking up any colors. I had accidentally changed it to the black/white setting... I kept looking up from the camera and then back through the viewfinder and saying, 'I see green, why doesn't the camera?'

 

[brookelizabeth]

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Gotta love those chairs!!!

Thanks for the link to the cottage video! I knew about those, but had never "gone inside" for a peek. They are beautiful. LOVE.

 

[MEK]

Oh those cottages! Oh that pool! Oh....several of the tipping factors that caused...addonitis!

I can't say I blame you. If I had stayed there before I was adding on I think I would have made the same decision. Great place and at least I know its not impossible to stay there. I am actually pleased that our waitlist came through for that very popular weekend. I will be waitlisting again for next F&W. The location was too perfect. I also think the room view we had really kicked it up a notch for me. I honestly think that was one of the best views I have had to date. I mean its hard to beat the castle view I had at BLT, but this was equally as enchanting.

Seriously though, I do want to see just how much those cottage cost. I bet you could do points via the Disney Collection but it'd be ridiculous and better with an AP discount or a PIN code if that would even apply. Hmmn..

I went online the other night and picked a random October 2013 and they were $750 a night. Ouch!

I totally agree, once you are at the luna park pool...that clown didn't creep me out at all and I loved that pool vibe.

I enjoy all three pools there and the fact that they are each so close makes it even better. As much as I love all the pools at SSR, you really need a car to pool hop. No, the clown didn't creep me out either. Kind of fun once you are in the middle of it all.

The chairs now...are a totally different story. Man face, dress, clearly a female upper body and boy names?

Hmmn. Creepy AND confused.

Very creepy and confusing. I didn't even realize they were boy's faces. I thought they were just homely girls.

I really hope to check out the BelleVue next NYE...possibly more than once!

I thought about stopping in for a drink after you left, but I decided F&W would be a better choice. Not that I couldn't have done both, but I wanted to hit F&W and then go back to MK. I'm glad I did. I had a fun final night at MK and got the best picture ever, which will remain a surprise until we do our TR.

Great update

Thanks!

Firstly, Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks! Same to you. Hope you had a great day!

Secondly, THEY'RE BOY CHAIRS I think the toes are what creeps me out the most. Whoever made them certainly had a sense of humor. I totally agree, those CMs have to move them around on purpose. too funny.

Yeah - the whole boy/girl thing is odd and creepy. We can thank Pat for sharing that little tidbit. Who knew?

Oh - they totally move them around. But when they reappeared late at night on my last night, that totally creeped me out!

Ok, I have definitely been underestimating BWVs. Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous. Not only have you convinced me I need to stay at HHI, I now need to try BWVs too. Oh, and you also opened my mind to OKW which I'm now really excited to stay at, in 13 days Too many places to go and not enough vacation time. Oh the trials of life.

Tell me about it. I really hope you like OKW. I actually loved the vibe there around Christmas time. So beachy with just the right about of Christmas. Enjoy!

I am looking forward to going back to HHI in April. I didn't make a ticker for that, but its nice to know its only about 4 1/2 months away.

And BWV - you've got to try it there. It really is a wonderful place and since you travel at off season times you should have no trouble staying there.

I had no idea about those cottages either. I purposefully have not looked at the video because I first checked the prices and don't want to start dreaming about them.

Try $750 a night! That's have my annual DVC dues. Not gonna happen!

Don't worry about the purple. I kept taking pictures and wondering why my brand new camera wasn't picking up any colors. I had accidentally changed it to the black/white setting... I kept looking up from the camera and then back through the viewfinder and saying, 'I see green, why doesn't the camera?'

Too funny - I did the exact same thing when my camera was new. Then I thought it was fun to try taking pics like that on purpose until I realized I could just edit them that way. Doh!

Gotta love those chairs!!!

They really are the creepy icon from the Boardwalk. I really need to google them again and see if I can get some history on them. I tried once and came up with nothing.

Thanks for the link to the cottage video! I knew about those, but had never "gone inside" for a peek. They are beautiful. LOVE.

Your welcome and aren't they fab. You need to get some of your rich clients to book there. Dawnbu mentioned she almost booked there, so maybe there are TA discounts from time to time.

 

[Moira222]

LOVE that quiet pool and cottages around it. I didn't know about them either - how cute! I am trying to convince Joe that we could just use the quiet pools for a stay at the Boardwalk (though I would have to sneak to the creepy clown pool at least once!). Aside from one or two bizarre things (like the clown chair EEWWW) the resort just looks so beautiful and comfortable. I had Joe looking over my shoulder at your photos and he said OH I Know that Elephant! its a miniature of a big elephant that used to be at Margate, NJ where he vacationed as a child. pretty cool. Wonder if its still up after Sandy

Thanks for permission to steal.....I just love having Disney Photos on my PC wallpaper at work...little glimpses of my happy place make the day go better!

Hope your Thanksgiving was nice!

 

[MEK]

LOVE that quiet pool and cottages around it. I didn't know about them either - how cute! I am trying to convince Joe that we could just use the quiet pools for a stay at the Boardwalk (though I would have to sneak to the creepy clown pool at least once!).

So, I take it that Joe is not a big fan of the clown pool? It really isn't creepy at all when you are on the pool deck and all the other pools are so close that you can pool hop without breaking a sweat!

Aside from one or two bizarre things (like the clown chair EEWWW) the resort just looks so beautiful and comfortable. I had Joe looking over my shoulder at your photos and he said OH I Know that Elephant! its a miniature of a big elephant that used to be at Margate, NJ where he vacationed as a child. pretty cool. Wonder if its still up after Sandy

That's what some one else said. That's pretty cool. I did not know that about the elephant. Now if I could just find the origins of the creepy chair.

Thanks for permission to steal.....I just love having Disney Photos on my PC wallpaper at work...little glimpses of my happy place make the day go better!

You are lucky that you can upload pictures like that into a screen saver. I wish I could. I would love to see my happy place every time I log on.

Hope your Thanksgiving was nice!

It was and judging by the look of those pies you baked, yours was too!

 

[englishrose47]

Those chairs are

 

[MEK]

Those chairs are

That seems to be the general consensus! And they get creepier the longer you look at them!

 

[MEK]

The Last Supper

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I know that we did. We went to my brother's house and he is just gushing about how much he can't wait to go back to Disney. In just a couple weeks we can make some ADRs. My brother wants to try Beirgarten. In looking at the prices I think we will do better if we have lunch there.

I am also toying with the idea of doing a F! dinner package. I haven't been to F! for 4 years. I can't see my bro's kids waiting in line for 90 minutes or even a hour, so the dinner package could be key. However, the dinner package doesn't take TIW so it will end up being pretty expensive for them. I think I will book it anyway, because we can always cancel. Hollywood & Vine is much more cost effective than the other options, so I guess I'll book that. I've eaten there once and it was actually pretty good. I really enjoyed the steamed shrimp and hope that's still on the menu.

As far as Denny & I - well, I would like to revisit Raglan Rd because the last time I was there I didn't sit in the main dining room and Denny has never been there. I would also like to try Olivia's because I have heard some rave reviews and seen some yummy food porn. I have also promised myself that we will actually leave the Disney bubble for dinner one night, so I am thinking Celebration.

Also - hopefully - my trip will overlap with a couple DISers. Pretty excited about that and I hope I get to have a couple DISmeets!

Lastly, tomorrow is my 11 month booking window for our pre-cruise stay. So I will be booking VWL now and waitlisting for BWV at 7 months!

Oh - and I almost forgot - I had a little scare with my October photos. I had only uploaded the last three days (because there were soccer pics on that card). When I went to find the first two cards I could not find them anywhere and I realized that I had inadvertently deleted a card. Talk about an almost meltdown. Fortunately I found the first two cards and not a single picture was deleted. Yeah!

So, let's get on with this update, shall we?

In my last update we had just seen this......... Is this Todd? No, it's Paul!

Sorry, I couldn't help it!

Just as aside - I did google these chairs, but I couldn't find any information on them. So bummed. I was hoping for a great behind the scenes story.

After our freaky little encounter we went back to the room to get ready for our return trip to AK and dinner.

ARe you shocked that I did not take one picture with my real camera at AK? I am. I may have even left it in the car.

Fortunately, I took 4 cell pics so I now know what we did.

We went here:


Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr

I'll admit it. I am a sucker for this show. I just love it and could see it on every trip. It was as good as ever.

When the show let out I was hoping we could grab a quick ride on EE, but that was not to be. We feared we might be cutting it too close for dinner, so we basically left after Nemo.

Not really sure why, but I asked Denny to take my picture with my phone. The least I could have done was smile. Oh well. Go figure.


Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr

We were a little early for our ADR, which was OK with me, because I love taking pictures of AKL and Kidani

This picture looks fake. But it's not. I really did take it. I swear!

I love these guys and its a marvel they don't tip over. (kidding - I know those antlers are hollow. And, no, Mark - they are NOT animatronic!)

Fire pit in 85 degree weather? Sure, why not!

I swear the giraffe interaction is better here than on the safari

Yum Yum

Coming up for air

Continued In Next Post........

 

[MEK]

Continued from Previous Post.....

I had time to take a few pictures inside, too.

There was some serious sun glare coming into the lobby at this time and I didn't do such a great job avoiding it.

Will I get censored for this?

Dinner time

Disclaimer - my restaurant pictures are pretty poor quality.

Always one of my favorite places

So I'm thinking you might be interested in seeing what we had for dinner. Well, here you go......

No trip to Sanaa is complete without the bread service


Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr

Our sauces. I know that the front one was some kind of mango chutney. The other two - not so sure. But, they were good!


Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr

From Allearsnet:
Indian Style Bread Service
Choice of 5 breads and 5 accompaniments
Serves Two $9.99

Breads - Naan, Garlic Ginger Naan, Spiced Naan, Onion Kulcha, Papadum

Accompaniments - Red Chile Sambal, Cucumber Raita, Coriander Chutney, Mango Chutney, Coconut Chutney, Garlic Pickle, Spicy Jalapeno-lime pickle, Roasted Red Bell Pepper Hummus, Tamarind Chutney



I had the wine flight. The last time I was at Sanaa I was taking Flagyl and couldn't drink. But tonight I was free to try a few African wines


Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr


Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr

We also had the salad sampler - looks like beets (yum), something with corn, and chickpeas (which I also love)


Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr

From Allearsnet: Salad Sampler
Choice of Three Salads $6.99

Chickpeas with cucumber and tomato
Watermelon, cucumber, fennel
Roasted Beets
Bhel Puri
Golden Lentils and Tomatoe



For my entree I had the tandori shrimp


Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr

Loved it!

And Denny - I think this is the beef short ribs




Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr


And what did Denny think of his dinner. Well, I think this speaks for itself.......


Untitled by dvcmek1, on Flickr

Continued in Next Post......

 

[MEK]

Continued from Previous Post

After dinner I felt compelled to take more Kidani pictures

Yes please....

My mug

Heading out.....

Don't you just love summer? The days are SO long!

We actually parked in the lot versus the garage, so one last view as we head towards the car.

Up Next..... Sparks fly as we end our last night.

 

[eandesmom]

what a lovely end to the day. I adore Sanaa, was a bit sad we didn't end up going there last trip. How fun your ADR's days are soon, that always makes it more real. Wouldn't several of your nephews still be on kids meal prices? It make make a Biergarten dinner more palatable price wise.

You scared me about the photo card. However I'm glad you mentioned it as it made mem remember I never finished my upload to photobucket. I always feel better when they are backed up on my external and in PB, then I can clear the card.

Speaking of...I have a GREAT Halloween pic of the 3 of us, much better than the photopass ones.

 

[teekathepony]

Glad to hear you guys had a great Thanksgiving and your bro is so excited! I'm also glad you didn't delete your pictures.

Wow, I've never been to Kidani and your pictures are great! Sanaa looks beautiful! I adore AKL so much.
It's funny you mention the long summer nights. I was complaining just last night about how darn early it gets dark! It starts at 4:30!

 

[dawnbu40]

AKL is the only deluxe resort that I have never had any interest in staying at but your pics re so beautiful they could make me reconsider.

Glad you two had a wonderful last evening!

 

[MEK]

what a lovely end to the day. I adore Sanaa, was a bit sad we didn't end up going there last trip. How fun your ADR's days are soon, that always makes it more real. Wouldn't several of your nephews still be on kids meal prices? It make make a Biergarten dinner more palatable price wise.

Sanaa is wonderful. I am not a huge fan of spices, but I just absolutely love the combination of flavors. It's such a fun dining experience.

Believe it or not - 3 of my 4 nephews are adults. That really jacks the price up quite a bit and June is a premium time where all the buffets are more expensive. That's why I think lunch would work better.

You scared me about the photo card. However I'm glad you mentioned it as it made mem remember I never finished my upload to photobucket. I always feel better when they are backed up on my external and in PB, then I can clear the card.

I have 2/3rds of the pictures uploaded, but I am out of hard drive space because I have a complete season of soccer pictures on my computer. I can't delete them until I do the senior's shutterfly book and the video. I'm not sure what else I can delete because I save a certain number of scenery pictures for youtube videos.

But the good news is - I just ordered a new macbook pro with a bigger harder drive (and smaller screen). They had an online black friday sale and I took advantage of saving $100. I played around with Brian's GF's 13 inch screen and I decided I could live with it because of its portability. Even the 13inch was a big chunk of change once I added a solid state harddrive and the protection plan. I hope I love it and that is lasts FOREVER!

Speaking of...I have a GREAT Halloween pic of the 3 of us, much better than the photopass ones.

I have one or two of us, but as true to form, the PP person made it a little blurry. Drat!

But those pictures of the people I took on the boat dock turned out great!

Glad to hear you guys had a great Thanksgiving and your bro is so excited! I'm also glad you didn't delete your pictures.

I a glad they are excited too!

I think I actually deleted the card which I already uploaded. I don't delete my cards and those pics are edited and I still need to back them up. I guess I'll do it pre edit and then go and backup again.

Wow, I've never been to Kidani and your pictures are great! Sanaa looks beautiful! I adore AKL so much.
It's funny you mention the long summer nights. I was complaining just last night about how darn early it gets dark! It starts at 4:30!

The viewing area at Kidani is really beautiful. Its a gorgeous compliment to the AKL. Well worth stopping by to see.

Tell me about it. I keep thinking that in a month the days will finally start getting longer. Yeah.

We were actually in WDW during the longest days of the year and I just love that time of year.

 

[MEK]

AKL is the only deluxe resort that I have never had any interest in staying at but your pics re so beautiful they could make me reconsider.

It's funny you should say that because the first time I visited AKL I said "never". It just seemed too dark for me. But I stayed there first time after we purchased DVC. The standard view rates are just too good to pass up. I fell in love with it. It is so completely different than any other resort. It's total immersion with the animals, the art work, the theme, the music. Shall I go on? I hope to stay there again in one of my upcoming trips and if Denny and I stay an extra night, I will def book there in June.

Glad you two had a wonderful last evening!

We really did have a great evening and its not done yet. It was pretty much a perfect Disney day!