Updated Itinerary & Proposal Idea

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drj898's picture
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Updated Itinerary & Proposal Idea

Okay, exactly 6 weeks from today we'll be leaving for disney world! Pretty psyched...gotta say lol. Even my girlfriend mentioned it's exactly 6wks. Which really makes me happy that she's looking forward to it. Anyway, I've tweaked and tooled around with this plan for the past 3 months or so, which sounds kinda pathetic now that I type that out. I just wanted to get you guys' opinions with it, and tell me what you think.

We'll be staying 5 nights at AKL, club level. Jetblue..early morning departure, midnight arrival back here in NYC. We'll have the regular DDP, not deluxe.

Day 1-(Thursday, July 12th) - Arrival Day; Arrives 11:29AM; take Magical Express to AKL, Check-in when we can, lounge snacks & relaxation with possible pool time; 6:00PM dinner at Boma. Then off to Downtown Disney for shopping, and drinks...

Day 2-(F 13) - Club or Mara breakfast, RD Hollywood Studios; snack or CS lunch; mid-day break (1ish - 4ish); Back to DHS, 6:00PM dinner at Mama Melrose, Fantasmic package show at 9:00PM.

Day 3-(Sat 14) - Crystal Palace (8:15am ADR (OOP)) breakfast, RD Magic Kingdom; snack or CS lunch; mid-day break (1ish - 4ish); 6:00PM dinner at Artist Point, back to Magic Kingdom for Wishes at 10PM.

Day 4-(Su 15) - Sunrise Safari (with breakfast), RD'ish Animal Kingdom, snack or CS lunch, 5:45PM dinner at Sanaa...then..who knows!

Day 5-(M 16) - Club or Mara breakfast, RD Epcot (FW); snack or CS lunch(es)..yeah...multiple lunches. Plural. Around World Showcase (OOP if necessary) lol; 5:45PM dinner at Tutto Italia, Illuminations at 9:00PM.

Day 6-(Tues 17) - Club, Mara, or In-room (OOP) breakfast, back to whichever park she liked the most, we'll decide meals with points and stuff. Magical Express picks us up at 6:30PM, flight departs at 9:29PM.

I've decided to go OOP for Sanaa, Boma, and Crystal Palace. And as far as proposing, I was thinking I'll have something from concierge waiting in our room, like flowers and when she turns around to give me a big hug & a kiss, I'll be on one knee. muchlove awesome

Soooo whatcha think???

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Did you get the ring?

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sound great!!! GREAT proposal idea good luck!!!!

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JoAnn C wrote:
Did you get the ring?

lol you girls....

Ok ok here's what's going on. My mother gave me 3 of her .3 - .5 carat diamonds to set in a ring. My grandmother (who was a jeweler for 30yrs) graciously gave me a handful of her gold rings to sell in order to buy a nice white gold setting.

She told me to first ask the jeweler I go to, how much it'd be to remove the diamonds and make sure they remove them in front of me. Then...get them removed (obviously lol). Then ask them to see a bunch of white gold settings, and tell them what you have in mind. Then whip out the baggie of rings and ask them if they buy gold...if they do...ask them how much they'd be willing to give you AFTER THEY GIVE ME A PRICE ON THE SETTING I LIKE THE MOST. If it's all good...then I'll go for it and..

Whammo! Ring! awesome

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that's a good idea! I didn't realize exactly how much gold was worth until I sold a tiny charm I had for $30! But since you'll have so many rings you shouldn't have a problem!

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Sounds like a lovely proposal option!

Okay, as far as selling gold goes. Shop it around! The price that you'll get for it will vary wildly from jeweler to jeweler. Do your research ahead of time and find out what the gold scrap price is before you go. You should be able to look them in the eye and tell them what the price per gram you're looking for is. Don't be afraid to tell them that what they're giving you isn't enough and walk away.

drj898's picture
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Thanks for your help n suggestions!

Whatcha think of my itinerary so far tho?

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I think your plans sound awesome! SO glad that you're going to head back to a park on your last day.

Do you know what time sunset is when you eat at Sanaa? I think it's a little more fun there when it's light outside. Wilbur and Ruben (the crowned cranes) are very entertaining.

And planning for 3 months is NOT pathetic. I plan in years ahead! LoL...

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Well Kristen....looks like you're my AKL go-to girl lol. Thanks and thanks again!

Wilbur and Ruben huh? Hmm...sounds like fun lol ill ask for a savannah table on the end.

I just looked it up....sunset is at 8:24. I have an ADR for 5:45. Think I should change it? We'll be at AK all day if that helps..

Anything else I should know about AKL?
Oh...is it true that we can go in the Uzima pool at AKL 24hrs?

Should I order a case of water to the resort for us or are there bottles of water we can take from the club lounge?

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congrats

I'm happy and excited for you! Congrats!! What an awesome way to propose! Your trip sounds amazing and I know you'll have fun. Tell us about it when you return! Good luck on the ring....

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LoL.. Mase also has a ton of AKL experience. We're both Disney Vacation Club owners with AKL as our home resort. A lot of great Animal Kingdom Lodge information at http://www.aklresort.com. If you haven't been over there, be sure to stop by and say hello!

I say keep the Sanaa reservation where it is. You'll have plenty of light to see the savanna. Be sure to let all of your ADR restaurants know that you just got engaged, you may get some special touches if they have the opportunity.

They do NOT have grab and go bottles of water in the concierge lounge, so yes, it's always a good idea to have a case of water delivered to the room. What they keep in the grab and go fridge changes throughout the day, so if you see something in particular that you know you'll drink a lot of, or will want later (like soda or a beer), it's a good idea to grab one when you see it and take it back to the room.

My favorite things that they serve in the lounge are the mini chocolate croissant for breakfast and the spinach & paneer cheese samosas in the afternoon. My finicky daughter even loves the samosas, as long as I don't tell her what's in them. LOL!

I think the latest I've been at the Uzima Springs Pool is around Midnight to use the hot tub. I just checked the recreation guide that you're given at check in and there are no "official" open-close ours listed for the Uzima Springs pool.

You can find copies of all the printed materials you get at check in online here http://www.aklresort.com/category/image-galleries/akl-maps-and-printed-materials Look for the September 2011 Activities Guide (there are two images) and it will give you a great idea of what so of things there are to do around the hotel. If the image is a little small, click the link that says "original" under the picture and it should be readable.

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This plan sounds great!- I hope you have a fabulous time! What a great place to propose! muchlove

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Kristen K. wrote:
LoL.. Mase also has a ton of AKL experience. We're both Disney Vacation Club owners with AKL as our home resort. A lot of great Animal Kingdom Lodge information at http://www.aklresort.com. If you haven't been over there, be sure to stop by and say hello!

I say keep the Sanaa reservation where it is. You'll have plenty of light to see the savanna. Be sure to let all of your ADR restaurants know that you just got engaged, you may get some special touches if they have the opportunity.

They do NOT have grab and go bottles of water in the concierge lounge, so yes, it's always a good idea to have a case of water delivered to the room. What they keep in the grab and go fridge changes throughout the day, so if you see something in particular that you know you'll drink a lot of, or will want later (like soda or a beer), it's a good idea to grab one when you see it and take it back to the room.

My favorite things that they serve in the lounge are the mini chocolate croissant for breakfast and the spinach & paneer cheese samosas in the afternoon. My finicky daughter even loves the samosas, as long as I don't tell her what's in them. LOL!

I think the latest I've been at the Uzima Springs Pool is around Midnight to use the hot tub. I just checked the recreation guide that you're given at check in and there are no "official" open-close ours listed for the Uzima Springs pool.

You can find copies of all the printed materials you get at check in online here http://www.aklresort.com/category/image-galleries/akl-maps-and-printed-materials Look for the September 2011 Activities Guide (there are two images) and it will give you a great idea of what so of things there are to do around the hotel. If the image is a little small, click the link that says "original" under the picture and it should be readable.

Ok I should probably know this seeing as how I own DVC at AKL and have been several times but is the Uzima Springs Pool the main pool or is there another pool I don't know about?

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If I remember right. The pool AND the hot tubs are 24/7. But they dont recommend kids if there isnt a life guard, but if a parent is present. I remember a couple years ago, my son wanted to go to the hot tub and it was past the time of the life guard and it was fine. In all honesty... we had it all to ourself. There is one that isnt by the pool... its back in the back kinda concealed. Always seemed open. Dont think many people know about it to be honest. They all go to the one by the slide.

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djr898, I proposed to my wife on our first trip to WDW. I had the ring with me most nights when we went out just looking for the most perfect spot to pop the big Q. Now that was back in '00 and we weren't as experienced in 'Disney' as we are now. One night, when we were in DTD the fountain was light up, it was quite and the mood we just right, D,oh I left the ring in my room, so I just decided that tonight was the night and pop the question back in the room. And the rest is history as they say, but the point is, no matter what you plan sometimes things don't go to plan, but don't let it stop you. It's not about the place, it's all about the girl.

Good Luck !!!!! awesome

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Congrats! It sounds like it came together like a dream, and the ring sounds fantastic! Can't wait to hear how it all turns out!

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Sounds like a fab plan, and good idea about the ring plans, my hubby chose the diamonds and claps etc for my ring and had it made, it doesnt happen every often nowadays so i know my ring was made exactly how hubby wanted it to be. Makes it worth even more to me Smile

I would ask at reception if they are able to give you any help as you want to propose, flowers could be good, you could also take some rose petals with you and ask them to sprinkle them over the bed for when you get back? Or buy something special to drink at the bar and have it delivered and waiting for you when you get back? Im sure they can help you out with a few things Smile

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Thanks everyone! Huge thanks to AKL regulars...Kristen & Mase!

What she said at the mall yesterday, "...ill say yes to anything..". I'm sure when I go to the jeweler tomorrow ill see a setting that ill KNOW is the one.

I'm gonna propose privately in the room...I made up my mind. Lol

PS: Robyn its nice to hear from you Smile

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Jess wrote:
Ok I should probably know this seeing as how I own DVC at AKL and have been several times but is the Uzima Springs Pool the main pool or is there another pool I don't know about?

Uzima Springs is the main pool at Jambo House.

For DVC members, Kidani Village has the Samawati Spring Pool which is really nice and worth the trip over there to enjoy it. It has it's own bar/snack stand and a great splash zone/water play area for kids in addition to the zero depth entry pool, slide, and two hot tubs.

There's a van that will take you from Jambo House to Kidani, I'm sure your little one would love the splash zone over st Samawati springs, you should give it a try if you have time!

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Kristen K. wrote:
Jess wrote:
Ok I should probably know this seeing as how I own DVC at AKL and have been several times but is the Uzima Springs Pool the main pool or is there another pool I don't know about?

Uzima Springs is the main pool at Jambo House.

For DVC members, Kidani Village has the Samawati Spring Pool which is really nice and worth the trip over there to enjoy it. It has it's own bar/snack stand and a great splash zone/water play area for kids in addition to the zero depth entry pool, slide, and two hot tubs.

There's a van that will take you from Jambo House to Kidani, I'm sure your little one would love the splash zone over st Samawati springs, you should give it a try if you have time!

we went to check it out the first year we were there and they were doing work on it.... I'm not sure if we have tried to go back since then.... Might have to look into it this year

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I ordered the ring today! All set!

PS: I jumped onto AKLresort.com to say hi, and when I was upset I couldn't register a username, I realized, "ohhh....the last post on here was like almost 4yrs ago..." lol

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Sounds like a good plan, have fun. The Boma is excellent for either dinner, or breakfast, then again, if I'm in Disney, I'm happy to eat anywhere..lol. Glad I read your post,.. it reminded me that I have to make my reservations for December, for my wife, and I .

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drj898 wrote:
I ordered the ring today! All set!
PS: I jumped onto AKLresort.com to say hi, and when I was upset I couldn't register a username, I realized, "ohhh....the last post on here was like almost 4yrs ago..." lol

What? Oh... you went to the mini-forum didn't you. Check out the information on the website and the blog pages!

The forums aren't active any more, but the information pages and the blog are totally updated, there's a new story on the blog at least twice a month.

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Okay...will do, thanks AKL Girl wink .

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drj898 wrote:
AKL Girl wink .

Well that totally sounds like a great blog brand now doesn't it! LOL!

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Kristen...AKL questions lol sorry but.....Arusha rock. What exactly is it and how do you get to it to check it out? And Uzima Pool is THE pool right? No need to walk to Kidani for the DVC pool right? Boma & Mara are easy walks downstairs inside Jamboree right? And Sanaa is in Kidani right? How do we get over there...a single bus stop? Tha awesome nks!

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Lol....my phone autocorrected Jambo to Jamboree

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drj898 wrote:
Kristen...AKL questions lol sorry but.....Arusha rock. What exactly is it and how do you get to it to check it out?

Arusha Rock is the main out-cropping of rocks that extends into the savanna, it's essentially an animal viewing area. At the back of the main lobby near the windows there are two staircases, take one of those down. There are glass doors at the bottom that will allow you out into the Arusha Rock area. That's where the storytelling fire pit is, and you can walk down the path for a better view of the animals. There are several hidden Mickey's to find out there, there are benches to sit on, usually a lot of butterflies in the area, there are informative signs that will help you identify the animals. After dark there's even a cast member with night vision goggles to use.

drj898 wrote:
And Uzima Pool is THE pool right? No need to walk to Kidani for the DVC pool right?

Yes, for non-DVC members, Uzima is THE pool. It's really nice, and I think one of the most beautifully landscaped on property.

drj898 wrote:
Boma & Mara are easy walks downstairs inside Jambo right?

Yes, both are downstairs in Jambo House. Boma is just off and below the lobby, there are stairs and elevators to get there on the oppisite side of the lobby from the check in desk. To get to Mara you go down to the level Boma is on and then walk outside, taking the covered path around to the left and you'll get to Mara. Going outside is the only way to get to Mara, it's near the pool.

drj898 wrote:
And Sanaa is in Kidani right? How do we get over there...a single bus stop? Tha awesome nks!

Yes, Sanaa is over at Kidani. To get there just walk out the front door of Jambo House and let the valet know that you need to take the van over to Kidani to make your dinner reservation. Sometimes it takes 10 minutes or so if the van is over at Kidani to start with. You'll get back by doing the same thing at Kidani. If for any strange reason the van isn't running, the valet can direct you to the bus and you can get there that way.

Sanaa is down the stairs at the back of the Kidani Lobby near those big windows. It also has an outdoor viewing area, allow yourself enough time to enjoy it before dinner. I tend to think that the animals there frequently more active than the Arusha area. Kidani's viewing is of the Sunset savanna instead of the Arusha savanna.

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Congrats on your future proposal. I think propsoing in your room is a great plan. Make sure when making your ADR that you put newly engaged. We went for our honeymoon 2 years ago and we go numerous perks at our meals.
As far as having something in the room check out the disney florist http://www.disneyflorist.com/category/engagements/1/display, they offer great room packages. One of my bridemaids had the ear package delivered to our room. We also had just married shirts, maybe just engaged shirts? Also, dont forget your just engaged pin.
Have blast!!!

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Kristen K. wrote:
Arusha Rock is the main out-cropping of rocks that extends into the savanna... usually a lot of butterflies in the area...

I really have to be honest about something. And open too because I'm starting to feel a lot closer with you guys (especially Kristen AKA my go-to girl for AKL knowledge). My father passed away in 04...month before I graduated highschool. And ever since then my mother and I have been seeing butterflies around, and in really odd places too. We were on a cruise together in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea a couple years ago and a butterfly lands on our balcony right in front of us. And in an interior elevator in an office building...one flies in. Etc.

So when you said that there are a lot of butterflies in the area, I can't help but think that picking AKL was a really good choice. And proposing to my girlfriend is going to be a really good choice. (in other words...choices my father agrees with and backs me up on).

I know...it might sound cheesy or whatever but....that's what was going on in my mind when Kristen said that just now...

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Aww, how wonderful! muchlove I'm sure that your father will be right there with you.