Greetings all,
First and foremost, the website with all the pics and the day-to-day, blow-by-blow won't be ready for awhile. Since everyone here was so kind and helpful, however, I felt obligated to at least post something as soon as I could.
Synopsis: There were magical moments and not-so-magical moments, but not one ounce of regret. Some cast members are great, others remind you of the surly fast-food workers in the "real" world. And last but not least, Susan and I both agreed that (not just because of the animal viewing) the Animal Kingdom Lodge is THE place to stay on property at WDW.
Probably if it weren't for the impending arrival of the Moroccan Ambassador halfway through our stay, we would have gotten the room that Don had planned for us and things would have been virtually perfect at the lodge (I can overlook bad attitude as I am forced to do daily). Well, aside from the fact that they misplaced the flowers that were to be in the room when we arrived... but, more on the details when I put up the website.
Regardless, I now understand both the complaints and the compliments I had read about AKL in the months during my planning. Interestingly enough, both are somewhat justified, though after experiencing it firsthand, I must say that I lean toward putting more emphasis on the compliments.
I have two specific points of what I believe to be bad news, however. I was told by a somewhat reliable source as we were leaving that the AKL is going to be converted to a DVC resort. It is due to be "gutted" (their term, not mine) in the not-to-distant future and the 5th floor will be entirely converted to "suites". They are building another building nearby (I suppose for additional timeshare space), though the gesture my source used when saying this was rather vague and non-specific as to location. Secondly.... I am almost ashamed to admit it.... I didn't care much for the zebra domes. They're not bad, but I'm not a "mousse" kind of guy, sorry ladies. Susan liked them, though.
All in all, though, it was a truly wonderful trip. As I said, it had it's magical moments as well as the not-so-magical, but in general the cast members were great and I can't say enough good about Don, Jaunita and Sue in the IPO. Don wasn't supposed to be there during our stay as he had had a personal emergency but at the last minute canceled leaving (possibly because of the ambassador's impending arrival) and had the immense pleasure of meeting him in person. He had to sneak the ring over to V & A's, remember. I'll be sure to have a "Credits" page on the website since there were so many folks that worked behind (and in front of) the scenes to make this a wonderful trip for Susan and I will be forever grateful.
I'm afraid this is all I have time for at the moment as I need to start downloading the 250-some pictures from my camera so I can get started.
Thank you all again for your information and advice. Several things came in quit handy as you will see once the whole story is told...
Bob
). I want to order a special birthday cake for my daughter to have in our room. Does anyone have a number at AKL that I can use to arrange this? If anyone has had this done, can you tell me what you ordered or what was available? Thanks so much; this will be such a surprise for her!
Sounds like AKL is going to be busy, but you will have so much fun 
Hopefully if you keep trying a room will become available for your 1st night.
I have not eaten at Le Cellier yet, someday 
That didn't help you did it 
but when is the AKL going to be "gutted"-Bob did you get any dates..........
Please tell me this is some sort of April Fool's prank - in July 
NO way anyone is messing with my precious AKL...
