[Soundgod]

I haven't written an actual trip report before, but due to many requests, I'll take a shot at it.
We went for 9 days, although the 9th day shouldn't count. It was a split stay, 3 days at the AKL and 5 days at the Contemporary. We got onto the road about a half hour behind schedule but still arrived by 1 PM. Check in at Concierge took about a half hour. Our room wasn't ready so we went over to Animal Kingdom. We got in around 2:30 or so, and headed back to Everest. We grabbed fast passes and then saw there was only 10 minute waits. We rode three times, the third go around, using the fast passes because a small line was building. We walked on to Primevel Whirl and then went back to our room. We had a Savanah view room on the 5th floor. Too bad it was love bug season, so it was almost impossible to enjoy sitting on the balcony and watching animals. We had 6 PM reservations for dinner at the Concourse Steakhouse, so I drove over and parked in the self park lot, close to the road. Dinner was good, we both had steaks, big surprise. For dessert, Ihad the creme brulee, which was excellent. And free, thank you dining plan. After dinner we went to the Halloween Party. My first let down; the Boo To You parade was lit so badly, I gave up my thoughts of making a decent tape of the parade. I then got a decent viewing spot for Happy HalloWishes. During most of parade, Gail went to get free candy. After fireworks, I stashed my camera equipment in a locker and we went riding. It seems like every time I go on Splash Mountain during the Halloween party, I get the boat all to myself. Nothing much out of the ordinary.
Day 2: OK, so I meant to get up and get to MGM for the early opening. Instead, I let Gail sleep and we grabbed lunch from Mara, making sure to take the desserts back to the room. Afterwards, we went over to WinterSummerland for a round of mini-golf. Back to the room, and then eventually head over to Epcot for dinner at Rose and Crown. Service was slow, real slow! I wasn't too worried because I had planned to watch Illuminations from there anyway. But as showtime got near, I wanted to get a spot to shoot from. Well, it took some work, but I managed to squeeze myself in. My wife was pretty annoyed, I probably would have been too, but I was in my videotaping zone, and wouldn't let anything intrude on me. Wife complained about service, and got two fast passes good for any attraction in Epcot and an invitation to come back another night so I could tape. I don't know why it took an hour to bring out our meals though. WE did the usual walk through Mousegear on our way to the bus and so ends a day of not much.

[Dana]

I have been waiting for this . Day one and two sounds great. Can't wait for the rest. Sorry about the love bug season...that stinks about not being able to go on the balcony to see the animals..that's half the fun of staying there.

[DisneyTeacher]

Sounds like a nice relaxing way to start your trip, I can't wait to read more.

[Dopey]

Soundgod, you're back and I am happy to see that you posted your report.
I am disappointed that you couldn't film the Boo to you parade. I was hoping for some good video from you.
I love that you stay concierge level. I wish...I wish....

Waiting for the next installment.

[tigger]

Great TR...I love the walk on of Everest! 3 times in a row rocks. Sorry to hear that you couldn't get a good tape of of HalloWishes parade, you've do such a great job with the other events you taped I know it would have been great.

Are you going to post any pictures? You know how we like pictures!!

[ingamba]

Great TR so far Soundgod. How were the crowd levels at the MNSSHP? I know Erin was there at the same time as you, and she complained that the crowds were insane.

Where were you seated at Rose n Crown? Were you on the outdoor patio? From there you should be able to get some good sightlines to videotape. That's too bad about the slow service there though. I had the same problem once before. The fact that Illuminations is taking place can take your mind off of it, but terrible service is terrible service.

Looking forward to reading the rest.

[noahsark45331]

Great TR, let's hear some more. I love the AKL, my favorite resort. Sorry the lovebugs were such a bother, I loved sitting on the balcony early in the morning and late at night, just watching the animals.

[Erin]

Soundgod did not attend MNSSHP the same day as me, I don't think...his vacation started earlier than mine, I believe.

I could be wrong, but we met the day I was heading to MNSSHP, and he was going to EPCOT EMH, I believe.

I'm so glad that you're posting your TR!! I'm enjoying every word!

[DayDreamer]

Look forward to hearing more and seeing some pics.

[WishUponAStar]

Hey there Soundgod! I love hearing trip reports from people who stay at AKL because it brings back memories of my favorite resort. I haven't stayed there since, hmmmm August 2005 BUT it feels like forever. I am sorry the lovebugs had their way with your balcony preventing you from enjoying the animal viewing to it's fullest but so far it sounds like a great trip!! Can't wait to read more. Please feel free to include many many pictures!! PLEASE. I love seeing everyone's different photographic perspectives while in WDW.

[alicefan]

Great start to your vacation. Sounds like you are taking it easy - I love those kinds of trips. Today DS4 said the strangest thing to me: "I love lovebugs" At first I thought he meant "Herbie the Lovebug" but no, he meant Florida lovebugs! I was like, "okay, that's nice, honey". He has never endured a lovebug "storm" on
I-95! Post some pics! You kow how we love pictures.

[Jen]

Great start to the TR ~ days one and two sound great and relaxed! Sorry service and R& C wasn't great...and what are Lovebugs?

[alicefan]

Originally Posted by stusbabydoll

Great start to the TR ~ days one and two sound great and relaxed! Sorry service and R& C wasn't great...and what are Lovebugs?

Here is a lovebug link.....they are harmless but come in masses!

Little to Love About Love Bugs: Florida Environment Radio

[Soundgod]

I did the Halloween party on Sept 22. Crowds weren't bad that night. However I was checking into going on Oct 20, and it's sold out that night. As for Boo To You, well, Main Street isn't really light properly for a night time parade. The buildings were nicely lit, but the floats and cast members were in shadow more often than not, and that's what killed me. It's going to be a while for any pics or video to be put up. I've just started editing and you won't be seeing anything until I feel it's done. Call me the Howard Hughes of fireworks videos.

[daisyd]

Hey Howard Hughes great TR so far!

More! More! More!