[lopo]

August 22, Thursday
The girls (not sure if I mentioned the stats before so let me tell you that I traveled with two of my own daughters-ages 14 and 17-and one of their friends-age 16) refused to get out of bed early this day, so we slept in (I was up by 8) and decided to 'wing it'. While I waited for them, I walked to Mara to get some coffee and read. Afterwards, I decided to check out one of the spas (whirlpools.) AKL has two: one is located close to the pool and is often busy, and the other one is a short walk past the pool area in a small alcove. No one else was there, so I just pressed the On button and relaxed in the spa and soaked up the quiet time. I returned to the room, showered and dressed. After everyone else finally got up and dressed, we decided to drive to the Beach Club and eat lunch at Beaches and Cream. The weather was hot and cloudy. By the time we got to B&C, it was raining. There were still lots of people using Stormalong Bay though. (There was some construction as well as some rehab. in the area, too.) B&C was crowded and we waited 40 mins. for a booth. We had a terrific lunch here (some of it is described here [URL http://www.disneycentral.com/forum/s...ht=connections[/url]) I had the grilled prime rib sub with fresh fruit, a Frozen Sunshine and a Fudge Mudslide Sundae (another meal where I almost had to be rolled out of the restaurant!). The kids enjoyed Burger Heaven with fries, Turkey Sandwich w/onion rings (really yummy rings!), and a hot dog, respectively. One ordered a Milky Way Sundae and another ordered the Kitchen Sink, a huge concoction of ice cream, toppings, cakes, candies, etc. served in a 'dish' that indeed looks like a sink. When one of these is served, the waiter announces it to the whole crowd and the lights flicker and everybody claps and 'ooohhs' and 'ahhhs'. It was quite a production! BTW, my sandwich was the most expensive item listed under "Hot off the grill" and it was the least tasty among our four orders. So, it is not always true that you get what you pay for. I think that B&C is a really fun place to visit. The menu is by no means extensive, but the desserts are sights to behold (and they taste good, too!) The restaurant is themed around an old fashioned soda shop. There are four booths, counter service and several bistro tables scattered around the open floor space.

We all walked around the Beach Club and BCV areas even though it was lightly raining. (I needed the exercise!) This resort was really hopping. There seemed to be lots of people milling about, crowding the restaurants, and hanging around the lobby.

Eventually, we headed off to the Belz Outlets and spent a few hours shopping (esp. at The Character Warehouse, Premiere, and the Universal Studios stores.) We found a few bargains, too. We also stopped for gas and at Walgreen's to purchase tapes for the video camera, water bottles, snacks, etc.. We were back at AKL about 6PM.

The girls decided to hop on a bus to tour Downtown Disney. I stayed at AKL to take some pictures and I attended one of the Storytelling sessions (held each night at 7:30 at one of the two firepits) at Ogun's Firepit off the main lobby. I listened to a cultural representative talk about his homeland, South Africa. I was part of a group of about 15 listeners (all adults.) I do not remember the storyteller's name, but he was very informative and had no problem answering all of the questions the people asked. Afterwards, I went back to the room to see what animals I could see on the savannah and read.

The girls returned about 11PM. They had purchased a couple of souvenirs and did a lot of window shopping. They were delighted to share their experiences at the new Pin Trading Store. Evidently, the CMs played a trivia game with some of the guests and the girls were there at the right time. (One of my daughters said, 'You should have been there, Mom! You would have won a bunch of pins!' She has more faith in my Disney trivia knowledge than I actually have.) Somehow, they all won a free pin though and they were pretty happy. We were all in bed by midnight.

[trishb]

Lopo...that is my kind of day!!!:p
I've said it many times..and I will say it again. The resorts and DD can be as fun as the parks. Plus, there is nothing more enjoyable than spending time on your own. How relaxing! Now that's what I call a vacation!

[jgriff2388]

Shopping on a rainy day - the teenage girls must have loved it!:)

[Dana]

a free morning in a hot tub with no children...wow I'm jealous...it must be great when they are older and you can just let them run a bit and spend some time to yourself. It sounds as though you had a very relaxing day. I want to hear the rest. Beaches and Cream? I never have been there. I have a free afternoon on my trip maybe I'll check that one out...kitchen sink and all..:D