Just back from Cont., WL, and AKL About This Page:

[tiggerlvr]

TUESDAY 12-3-02
Well we got up and started to get ready, when we checked into here our room was not ready until after 4, and now it was 8am in the morning and housekeeping was already outside of our door, waiting for us to leave!! Well we sat out on our balcony one last time, looked at the waterfall and decided we should get moving to our next adventure!! Well we looked around the lobby one last time on our way out and headed over to AKL...We pulled into AKL and wow...we stopped so they could load our luggage onto a cart, and my DH went to park the car while myself and my 2 DD went to check in...we walked through the doors, and oh my gosh....I cannot believe my eyes this place is beautiful...I thought the WL was beautiful (and it is) but this place is even better in my opinion.... the Christmas tree, the whole lobby is just spectacular...after gawking for awhile we decide to check in and by this time my DH has arrived so we go to the desk and the Cast member was very nice it was about 10am and she said check in is not until 3pm, but keep calling to see if your room is ready, so we say ok, and decide to check the place out....we go around the lobby, and outside to the fire pit, those rocking chairs are beautiful...out to Arusha rock...we do see some animals some giraffe and some cattle and a zebra off in the distance..we started talking to some people who were looking for hidden mickeys and she told us to go to the front desk and ask for the list, she said make sure we did this, so we said we would..well we decide to check out the pool, and it is also beautiful. We see the flamingos and some more animals off in the distance...we found the 2 hot tubs which look good to me...well it is about 73 degrees today and cloudy but we decide to go swimming, we had kept our bathing suits out in a tote bag, we changed and one of my DD and I go into the hot tub, it was great. While we were soaking some other women were talking and one of them all she did was complain about the place she could not understand why anyone would want to stay here!! Can you imagine? She was a Caribbean transplant and very unhappy about it.(Having stayed at the Caribbean beach myself last time there is no comparison between resorts in my opinion this one AKL wins hands down, I was not fond of the CB but to each his own) Anyway she keeps on blaming the travel agent, blaming Disney and saying Disney does'nt care about people they treat their help terribley..etc. then she starts in on the price....and the woman she is talking to tells her she paid way more than her..in the meantime my DD keeps looking and smiling at me...it pays to do your research is what she is thinking knowing what we paid.....well finally I strike up a conversation with a very nice woman who loves the AKL and I tell her how very impressed I am so far...it is her last day so she tells me to enjoy and I tell her I would, I had to get out of the hot tub the complaining woman was really irritating me...so off to the pool we go and does it feel really cold after the hot tub, but we stay in for awhile, my DH and my other DD are just lounging in the chairs....well we decide we are hungry so we go and change and head over to Mara and buy our mugs and get lunch, the food was pretty good, after that we decide to call to see if our room is ready it is about 1pm and as luck would have it our room is ready....I did fax a room request here also, we had a standard room booked, and requested not too far from bus stop, lobby etc. well we were in room 3034 of the Giraffe trail, non-smoking. This room is on the third floor same as the lobby but it is the second to the last room on that wing....well our view is of the pool, and we can also see the flamingos, and off in the distance some other animals...not too bad. If we took an elevator down the hall a little ways we would end up at the pool, we were right near the healthclub...this was pretty good we thought, although I could see how some people would be really far away from everything...well we unpacked our stuff and headed out again to explore some more...off to the different savannahs to see more animals and we did....well headed back to the room and requested a coffee maker and turn down service from housekeeping...we were going to MVMCP tonight and had PS at LTT at 5:50pm. we rested awhile and then decided to go on over to the MK it was about 4pm. we headed to the bus stop and got the bus right away...we arrived at MK and decided to ride haunted mansion no wait at all....we love this ride. We checked into the LTT at 4:35 and we were taken right in...I did have on my passporter pin and someone yelled hey passporter when we were checking into the MK I could not see who it was...anyway I know other passporters were eating here tonight, but I did not see anyone else....We had a very nice server and the characters came over to us several times....I think one of my DD was embarrased (almost 15) but we had fun anyway. The food was good we like this place...the server talked us into splitting dessert boy were we stuffed, we did ask him what we had to do for the party, did we have to go back out? He said no because we had already gotten our bracelets when we arrived, well we went outside the place and there were castmembers all over the place you could not go anywhere but over to Main street and then over to Tomorrowland, it was about 6:30 and we went to Main street but did not go to tomorrowland, we figured it would be closer to Splash mountain if we stayed there!! They let everyone go at about 6:45 and we went to Splash mountain we got right on and could have gone on again if we wanted, no-one waiting, but we wanted to go on BTM, we did get to ride in the back this time it is much better in the back ...we then went to the pirates of the Caribbean, and then the Jungle cruise....we were going to get our pictures taken but there was such a big line...we went and got the hot cocoa and cookies very good....we went on the haunted mansion again no waiting....everyone was in tomorrow land!!! well we go on Splash mountain again and BTM then they are getting ready for the first parade, we decide to watch this one...and we did, they have the best Christmas parade I love this one....we were in Frontier land...well right after the parade we make our way over to Space mountain and very little waiting, I however waited in a chair for them to be done....this MVMCP was not sold out and you could tell...in the past there have been more people...I have to say the best part of today was seeing my DD's skipping down the street...and trying to do the elephant walk with them and I was in the middle!!! My legs are too short and this was a sight I'm sure....Well we decided to have our picture taken at It's a small world, did not have to wait too long....by the way I got this picture in the mail the other day it is horrible!!! We look like a bunch of dopes!!!! Anyway off to Space mountain again....I wait again and when they get done the fireworks start going off we have a great view of them and they are truley spectacular....what a sight....we make our way over to Main street after the fireworks and see it snowing on Main street...we check out some of the shops...and decide to go...we do get stopped by the parade again, so we watch most of it and as soon as they let us cross the street we head out for the bus....it is waiting for us....not too crowded and we head back to our first night at AKL....we left about 11:30 wanted to beat the rush and we did. We hit our beds and went to sleep right away....we did have turndown service and are those mints good!!! Tomorrow explore the AKL and breakfast at Boma..... [img]graemlins/yuma.gif[/img]

[tiggerlvr]

WEDNESDAY 12-4-02
Well we slept late and had PS for Boma at 9am. we went down and I had connection vouchers for this...we showed them to our server he as excellent...he told us how the buffet worked, he brought us some juice and we ordered the pressed coffee. We went to get our food, oh my what a selection...it was the best breakfast ever we all agreed, that juice is marvelous and the pressed coffee is fabulous....we ate alot and finally could not eat one more thing...I thought the pressed coffee was not included in the vouchers but we were not charged for it...we did leave our server a good tip in addition to the voucher...we decided to go to the front desk to get the sheet to find the hidden mickey's and my DH, one of my DD and myself headed off to find them (my other DD is not a morning person and went back to bed!) Well we had a ball trying to find these one of the CM's we encountered several times helped us out a little bit he was so nice....anyway we did go and find them all what fun we had....we turned in the sheet and they gave my DD a certificate...well we headed back to the room for awhile it was 79 degrees and sunny a really great day so we decide to go swimming...we head down to the pool and decide to go in the pool first we swim around awhile then onto the hot tub, well then we lie in the sun and it feels great to do this knowing it is about 25 degrees at home....well after a few hours we went back to the room and changed, then decided to go explore the resort some more and check out the animals. We then decide to make PS for Boma for that night. Again back to the room, and change for dinner, one of my DD was not feeling well so she did not want to come to dinner with us...but I had the walkie talkie in case she needed us...she was fine. Well the dinner is kinda pricey (but what isn't at Disney!!) I thought it was ok, my DH liked it well enough and my DD only ate chicken fingers, fries and spaghetti....I had to pay adult price for her as she is 13!! However the desserts are another story...those Zebra domes are out of this world....we were stuffed again and headed back to the room for the night....my other DD was fine and wanted a sandwhich later she got one at Mara, I also had PS for Boma the next night but I cancelled them as my DD would not be happy eating there again.... all in all we had a very relaxing and wonderful day and I have to say AKL has the best staff everyone we spoke to was very helpful and very nice. Oh I almost forgot my DH and I wanted to go to the story telling at the Arusha fire pit, my DD's did not, so off we go we got a rocking chair and waited for everyone to arrive...well other people come all with little children...feeling kinda funny but I don't care..anyway the CM comes out and gets started we all have to introduce ourselves and then she teaches us a song in African..after we all learn it she says we have to get up and go around the firepit singing and clapping...well all the kids get up and start none of the adults except my DH he then looks at me and says are you coming? I say no....it was really funny....he is very quiet and very shy....I never thought he would do something like that....we had a great time even if we did'nt have the kids....

THURSDAY 12-5-02
Today we are going to AK we got up and headed out about 8:45 we got the bus right away. We got to AK and decided to go on Kilimanjaro safari first we got on fairly quickly, and saw alot of the animals we took many pictures... we then headed over to Asia and where going to ride the Kali river rapids we had never done this before but they were shut down for awhile they told us to come back later...it was about 88 degrees and very humid today so we thought a perfect day to do this well we will come back later....we go over to Dino land and ride Primeval whirl a long wait for this about 25 mins...we ride and my DD say is that it? It was fun though I thought, then we go on Dinosaur which we love that was fun...I looked around in the shop as my nephew loves dinosaurs I had to buy him a souvenier...we spend some time wandering around and decide we want to eat lunch wo we head over to the Tusker house resteraunt and ate there we have eaten here before and it was ok, I had the roasted chicken and it was kind of dry....there was a CM walking around playing some kind of instrument it was neat..we left there and decide to wander around some more check out the shops...we encountered a big blue bear Balu? I think I don't know how to spell it anyway he messed up my hair and then stole my map and proceeded to eat it!!! It was really funny I was playing along and my 2 DD were embarrassed I think!! Well he gave it back finally and on our way we went. We did not want to do it's a bugs life. We then head back to Kali river rapids and it is running so on we go, everyone coming off is really soaked....oh no....well we get on and off we go the lady across from me got it first, then it was my turn....completely soaked....except for my feet...it was fun and we all got off dripping....well we were too wet to do anything else so we decidee to go back to the hotel...one more shop on the way out...we got the bus again right away...back to the room to change and rest up a bit...I want to go to MGM to see the Spectacle of lights this is my favorite thing...I love Christmas. Anyway my DD's don't want to go they are kinda tired and want to stay around the room, so we say OK here's some money for dinner you can eat at Mara..they say OK they just want to watch TV. So my DH and I head out for MGM we got the bus again right away...when we got to MGM we walked around awhile then went to do the Backlot tour which is fun...we now want to eat it is about 5:30 we head over to Mama Melroses we have never eaten here and I have always wanted to try it...I am really having pasta withdrawal I hav'nt had any all week....I do not see spaghetti and meatballs on the menu, so I ask if I can order this and they say of course, so we are seated and our server was really nice we started talking about kids she had a daughter the same age as mine...I ordered spaghetti and meatsauce and my DH ordered some kind of chicken dish..the food was really good I would go back here in a minute....it did feel very strange not having the kids around I'm not sure I really liked it...anyway now we head off to the Spectacle of lights, we get our glasses and it was angels this year, the last time we had come here it was snowflakes...I just love this we took our time walking through and the snow and everything it was just great the Christmas music was playing...we even heard people finding hidden Mickey's in the lights....well we got through the lights and decide to head back to the resort...again we did not wait got a bus right away (am I having luck with these buses or what) The kids had gone to Mara to eat, they had gotten their food and came back to the room to watch TV they were fine...we all watch a Christmas special and then go to bed for the night...another great day. Tomorrow our last day.... [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img]

[tikibird]

Lovin' your report, even if you do like AKL better than WL! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] Boma is awesome, though, isn't it - thanks for the tip about the pressed coffee being included with the vouchers - always wondered about that! Next installment please! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[tiggerlvr]

FRIDAY 12-6-02
Well today is our last day and we decide to have breakfast at Boma again as we think it is the best breakfast buffets...it was great and after stuffing ourselves we head out for the MK one last time....it was only 60 degrees and kinda misty out so we dressed warm..again as luck would have it no wait for the bus it was there when we arrived at the bus stop. Well we got into MK and decided to check out some of the shops on Main street and then make our way over to BTM our favorite we only had to wait about 10 mins. although the sign said 30 mins. which we found the estimated times always were wrong, they over estimated them...however when we were getting into the line the CM gave my DD a necklace with a card on it and told her to give it to the CM at the end of the line she said this is how they estimate the time by having people take these and they time them...this happened to us twice...anyway rode the ride and had fun although we were not in the back, then we went on Splash mountain we did get a little wet, but not much there was not a line for this as it was kinda cold..we never purchased the SM picture as we always had someone else in our car....this is the first year we did not get the pic..anyway then onto the Haunted mansion again a little wait but not bad. As the morning goes on MK is getting busy...all the football players and cheerleaders have arrived from Pop Warner. (my 2 DD are cheerleaders for Pop Warner in my town...we missed going to the nationals with our football team by one game...this would have meant staying another week...kinda glad in a way we lost!!!) Anyway they are everywhere. We head off to Space mountain and they all ride but I go to check out some more shops..we meet up and go ride Buzz lighyear we have never done this before...it was fun but boy did my thumb hurt after!!! My DH and myself did better than the kids....after that we went on the Tomorrow land transit authority I like the ride...we did not do the Indy speedway this time it was too crowded...off to It's a small world no wait here...over to Peter Pan and what a wait it did say 20 mins. we were in line at least 45 mins. but I like this ride....we are kinda hungry now and check out the castle just for the heck of it nope booked for the day which we kinda figured but how I want to eat there we never have...anyway we go to the Diamond horshoe review but a show has just stared and standing room only...so off to Pecos bills we all ordered burgers and they were good enough we were happy to be sitting down and to be warm for awhile...after lunch we check out some more shops in Frontier land and we go to the Jungle cruise we like this too....now off to Pirates of the caribbean this is fun...we head over to the Country bear jamboree and hit it just right...this is so cute at Christmas...now over to ride the Liberty bell, the first time we came to Disney 5 years ago my kids got to "drive" the boat, they still talk about this. We were going to ride the HM again but a long wait...so we decide to ride splash mountain again and we did but again had some other people in our boat that held up their ponchos so you could not see anyone in the pic...well next time.....I cannot believe I forgot to try a Dole whip I have read so much about them and I had it on my list to try...I completly forgot!!! Well next time for that too....we are getting kinda tired and it is cold so we decide to go...but see the parade first...then more shopping on Main street...and of course my one and only Mickey bar....I love those and I can't believe I only had one on this trip....well sadly we head out and catch the bus right away...back to the AKL we start packing some of our stuff, and go and check out the animals again, people are swimming in the pool, crazy!! Back to the room for awhile to get everything organized and take some things to the car. I have read some people thought the parking lot was sooooo far away, I have to say it really wasn't. We made a couple of trips to the car to load up stuff we would not need tonight...(my DH does not want to use bell services!!) anyway I put in for a wake up call for 5:30am yikes...we go to Mara and got sandwhiches for dinner they were pretty good...later on we got some ice cream from Mara for a snack....well we turn in kinda early as we have to get up so early and drive.....and drive......I cannot believe our vacation is over...

SATURDAY 12-7-02
We got our wakeup call at 5:30am, boy did that come early well we got up and ate in our room and had coffee. We only had a few things to put away our toothbrushes etc...so we packed all that up and at 6:30am. we were ready, our bill was not outside our door we had express checkout...so we went to the front desk and they gave it to us...one last look around and off we went. We loaded up the car and drove off....well we made very good time as there wasn't really any traffic... we stopped in Georgia for gas and to use the bathrooms...and then again in North Carolina for lunch...we stopped at a Hardys it was ok....we continued on and stopped several times for gas and to use the bathrooms...for supper we just made peanut butter and marshmallow sandwhiches in the car....I wanted to look for a place to stop we were in Virginia, but my DH wanted to keep going....and going.....and going.....I kept saying when are we stopping? But we were making such good time he did not want to stop...he wanted to avoid the traffic in NY and CONN. I said I would drive several times...he says no thats OK now he is a truck driver so I sort of knew this would happen....anyway the kids are alseep in the back of the car...we keep going....I must have fallen asleep around NY...I woke up when we stopped for gas...we were in Mass... YAY.........we only had about another 1/2hr til home.....we arrived home at 4am. we had driven straight thru.....I don't know how he did it but he just wanted to get home....of course we went right to bed but I woke up at 8am to some loud noise....he was snowblowing the driveway!!! Love that snow...not. Well we went to get our dogs we missed soooo much and they were sooo happy to be home as were we...we had a very great trip, I think the best one yet....now with all these annual passes I need to start planning all over again....let's see where shall we stay this time? [img]graemlins/read.gif[/img]

[tikibird]

Originally posted by tiggerlvr:
....now with all these annual passes I need to start planning all over again....let's see where shall we stay this time? [img]graemlins/read.gif[/img]

<font size="2" face="Comic Sans MS, Arial">Indeed, time to start working on that - and of course, you need to go back so you can have a Dole Whip, too! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Great report - thanks for sharing it with us! [img]graemlins/love.gif[/img]