The new Bay Lake Towers, the newest Disney Vacation Club Resort, has just recently opened its doors.  From the reviews I have been reading, the views are spectacular and the closeness to the Magic Kingdom is greatly enjoyed by those who stay there.  But I have to say, after going through the models of the rooms, I found the decor to be cold and clinical at best.  The whole concept of the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) was to have a vacation HOME.  I really love the rooms at Old Key West, the Villas at Wilderness Lodge, and the Beach Club Villas.  When we first bought in 1992, the one bedroom at Old Key West was nicer than the apartment we lived in here in Dallas – certainly the neighborhood was nicer.  we always felt like we were coming home when we stayed there.  I was very excited when I heard the news that a new DVC property was being built adjacent to the Contemporary Resort.  A DVC property on the monorail, at last!!!  I carefully watched the news and while we were there last year, I couldn’t wait to view the models of the rooms.  We were all poised to purchase additional points.  Then we saw the models.  It was like modern decor hell.  the Animal Kingdom Lodge rooms were much more homey. Also the point chart for Bay Lake Towers was outrageous.

So, while I do plan on staying at the Bay Lake Towers (in the very lowest season) and I know I will enjoy the views and the monorail convenience, I will not be buying any points there anytime soon.  I would rather get my points at the Beach Club Villas.

Roshie & Julian share a moment in the shade.

Yes, yes, i’m still down here in S.America waiting on my container of gear so i can really get down but in the meantime i’m trying to keep busy doing whatever photo shoot work i can get. Right now i’m in the waiting game. Orlando news: Disney DVC and the Bahamas are looking promising. My Buddy Director Julian Lord is currently scheduling 3-4 music videos for us before this year ends in the Bahamas and in Jamacia. Wow!!! This is gonna be a ton before the new Year!!! Let’s do it!!!!

Working on my new photo art “Cinema Moments” style! Stay tuned will be debuting soon here!

Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy Promo Image HKDL- copyright LA times

As I posted yesterday, Disney’s 2009 Halloweentime event made its debut today and will run through November 3rd.  Miceage reports that the new Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, the ongoing Haunted Mansion Holiday, and the new Halloween Screams fireworks show debuted for the fall (and winter for HMH) today for the start of the event.  Also, as I forgot to mention, the Grand Californian Hotel at the Disneyland Resort (the one that matches the theme of California Adventure and has its own entrance- a rustic, northern California theme) has also just opened their new DVC wing on Wednesday with hundreds of new rooms, a new pool and hot tub area, a “Pinnochio Workshop” daycare center, and a new arcade.

This is the first year for Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy and some people got the chance to have a first glimpse of it yesterday.  The reviews were all pointing towards the positive side and people have called it “impressive with great effects”.  You can view a gallery of the ghoulish Space Mountain overlay on OC Register.

So I’m on WordPress now. I think it’s really important to try new things because without new things, well I’d still have to shuck corn and wrangle pigs or something. I dunno what going on with the world, but every night is starting to feel like a fucking full moon. I been so restless. I need to do something with myself, seriously. I’m beginning to think I’m gonna be stuck here. I dunno where here is though. Is that strange? No, it’s not. I really wish I had a way to convince my mom to let me go to DVC. I seriously need to be around RJ more often. I think my IQ has been dropping. Like, I need the sensibility of a gay without the glitter and the party tolerance of a fucking fratboy without the grunts and war cries. And what’s up with some of these people I’ve been meeting lately? People say some weird fucking shit to me. I’m not sure what, I just feel like my ears/eyes have been hearing/reading some strange fucking comments.

Ok, but fuck other people. I need to figure my own shit out. I need to learn as much as I can because I don’t know what I wanna do with my life so I need to be prepared for anything. But watch, I’m gonna stumble upon something great and that’s gonna be it.

God, help me.

EDIT — Someone teach me how to jerk. And how NOT to be a jerk.

Took quite a while to pack.  FILLED the Owner’s Locker tub up to the top and still had stuff left over.  I’ll take out the dividers when we go back down and see if I can get it all in next time we’re there.  I think we’ll have to get a second locker.  I wanted to go over to Hollywood Studios to get an AP Limited Edition Star Wars pin for Chris at work, but we were just too late in leaving to make it over.  Sorry, Chris.

The ride home started off nice enough.  A little overcast in parts but the rain didn’t really come down until Pam started driving (as usual).  I took a nap and then we drove until we needed fuel again.  43.7 mpg – gotta love it.  Check out the little FUELLY widget on the side to see what my average MPG is.  We stopped for the night at Holiday Express again.  I didn’t tell the clerk that we wanted a regular room so . . . we got a suite.  Only $10 more per night I think, and we were too tired to go back and argue.

Got a pretty good night’s sleep and we were back on the road at about 8:00am.  Rolled home around 3:00pm and called to see if we could pick up Teddy, but there was no answer on the home phone so we left a message.  Should have called the cell phone, boarder always has that one with her.  Finally she called back around 6:00 and said to come on over and pick him up.  He was glad to see us!  Funny, but it didn’t take him long to zonk out on the floor . . . I guess the anxiety left him and he finally really relaxed.  Also, with no other dogs to play with, I’m sure he felt like just winding down.  That made THREE of us

Only 76 more days until next trip!

Today I decided that I should fuel up for tomorrow’s ride home so I didn’t have to look for a station selling diesel and could just get on the road.  I had already stopped at the Hess station by the Boardwalk, but they didn’t sell diesel.  I went online and there was a report of diesel prices for the Hess station at the Car Care Center by the Magic Kingdom.  I’m sure that there is a place closer with lower prices, but I know where that station is so we headed out and sure enough, that Hess sells diesel fuel.  Filled up and on the way back, we decided to drive over to Epcot and use our Fast Passes for Soarin’ that we got in our D23 packet on Sunday.

When we got into Epcot, we went on Ellen’s Energy Adventure (Stupid Judy, Stupid Energy).  You can really tell they refurbed the sound in there.  It’s been several years since we went on that attraction.  We then went over and walked on Soarin’.  We got the last row, so we were lowest.  I don’t remember being in that row before.  I really like the first row where you’re up high.

We decided to come home and have the leftovers from yesterday’s lunch at Olivia’s and then go over to the Magic Kingdom for the night.  But once home, I started working on these posts again and Pam put on her bathing suit to hit the pool.  I said I would be right behind her, but before I could even get changed, she was back saying there was a lot of thunder, so she’d read on our balcony.

AH . . .  all caught up with posts.  I’ll post an entry on the boards to point here for those that want to follow us, and then I’m going to join Pam on the balcony for a bit.  I’ll catch you up later.

We’re using Owner’s Locker for the first time. They’ll deliver our new purple Locker right to Old Key West Resort and pick it up when we leave. Now we can store all the stuff we drag back and forth from Pennsylvania. It’ll be a great help, especially when we decide to fly down.

So we head to the Studios.  A few years ago, DS had a brave moment and wanted to ride Rockin Rollercoaster.  He wasn’t quite big enough, so the CM gave him a “Limo Pass” that said when he was tall enough to ride, bring the pass back for front of the line privileges.  We’ve brought the Limo Pass back several times, and he even tried to use it once but the ride broke down while we were waiting.  This time he’s going to use it!  DH grabs 4 fast passes (all of our tickets) for Tower of Terror  and then we walk over to Rockin Rollercoaster.  DD isn’t in the mood to ride, so the 3 of us head in.  The limo pass worked as a fast pass for our whole party.  Good thing the kid loves Aerosmith, the line is moving pretty fast.  Love the pre-show!  I haven’t been on this in years (usually sitting outside with DS)  Allright, want to ride with me?  I didn’t think so. —- 3,2,1 “Dude looks like a lady!”   Wow!  I’m singing and laughing (and hoping that my baby) is ok.   He’s never done corkscrews before … It’s over so fast, how’d he do? “Can we get in the single rider line?”   My baby isn’t a baby anymore.

Meet up with DD outside, and see the crowds in the street growing and moving this way.  She doesn’t really want to ride anything and decided to go to the room, maybe eat or catch up with my dad & Jackie. DH & DS go on what used to be their favorite ride, Tower of Terror.  I’ll just go sit and wait thank you very much.  I sat enjoying the sun, and had a great chat with a lady from Baltimore. It was really nice and before I knew it, the boys were back  and then they were gone to use the other 2 fast passes.   They really like Tower of Terro, I’m still thinking about it.   Maybe next trip I’ll be brave enough?   Now the boys are done, I say good bye to my new friend and head back to Rockin Rollercoaster.  The single rider line moved quick and the ride was even more fun this time.

12:30 already? Guess it’s time to head out of the Studios and make our way to Epcot.  OOH! Streetmoshpere! I love Streetmoshpere!   “The World’s most famous actress, Norma Desmond (?)” was needing a little attention, so DS posed for pictures with her.   Then we ran into “Jack Diamond, talent agent” and his assistant “Honey Darlin”.   “Jack” recognized DS’s talent immediately and then showed him some magic tricks.  That was so much fun!

– I have to stop and say that I know a lot of people don’t like the Studios, but it’s one of my favorite parks.  I suppose if you just rush from ride to ride you’re done in no time flat, but there’s so much to just “experience” here.  The Streetmoshphere characters and shows are hilarious.  We’re still quoting Honey Darlin a week later.  The detail on the shop windows, and all through the streets, the handprints outside GMR, there is so much to enjoy if you slow down to notice.–

Ooops, it’s almost 1 already. DD has picked up Counter Service  lunch for herself at Epcot and taken another ride on Test Track.  Now she’s catching up with Jackie & Dad (grandpa for her).

My plan is falling apart, and I don’t like that.  I like plans and schedules. We’re supposed to see World Showcase  & take a time out for the DVC Merry Mixer.  Deep breath, we’ll still have time to do everything.

Or maybe not. Dad Jackie & DD are already between Morocco & Japan!  We catch up only to find out that Dad & Jackie have spent the last few hours going through World Showcase themselves.  That was not the plan! DH grabs a quick lunch from Germany while DS & I get pretzels for lunch. We manage to finish just in time to catch the 3pm show at American Adventure.  Since they’ve already seen the rest of World Showcase (so they think, I’m pretty sure they missed a lot) we head towards the International Gateway to go out to the Merry Mixer.  Dad & Jackie are going to go with us, but at the last minute decide they need to stop in the World Traveler shop. Ok, we won’t be long.

This is our 1st trip as DVC members (Disney Vacation Club Members), and our 1st Merry Mixer. Outside the International Gateway, there is the party.  Music, dancing, games and sugar cookies that are unbelieveable. Pin trading, pictures with Mickey. It was pretty cool, but loud. Very loud. We didn’t stay long, got our ornaments and headed back into the park. Dad calls DH (again? I’m starting to get a complex!) He and Jackie are near The Land. They’ll meet us by the restaurant for dinner. Ok, we’ve got some time and the kids want to ride Test Track  again, so we walk over.  DH & I sit and rest d wait while the kids single rider line. Now, this is cool, as we’re sitting a guy comes up to me and says “So you listen to the DISunplugged?” I’m wearing my podsquad t-shirt that I won right before the trip We talked for a bit, about the show and our trips before he went back to find his family. How cool is that? Only in The World! The kids finish TT and we decide to cut through Mouse Gears on our way to the land. I look, and say hi to my dad Jackie likes to shop, so it wasn’t too surprising to find them there. So we wander through the store with them and then make our way to Garden Grill for our CLP package dinner.

Up next:I’ve waited years to see CLP

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Adventurous families are surrounded by the wonders of the wild at Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.  Kidani Village serves as phase two of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas, a Disney Vacation Club resort and newest addition to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

• Samawati Springs Pool, a themed pool area, and Uwanja Camp, a themed water-play area, offer new ways to cool off.  Samawati Springs Pool, Swahili for the color azure, is a zero-depth entry pool with a 128-foot slide and two whirlpool spas.  Uwanja Camp is divided into three zones – base camp, the departure zone and the observation station – each designed with its own character and age-specific activities.  The adventure begins in the departure zone, designed for kids ages 5-7, while the observation station is geared for kids ages 4 or younger.  Finally, base camp gets kids ages 8 or older in on the splashing.

• Survival of the Fittest, the new fitness center, features treadmills, bicycles, stair climbers and limited free weights.  Additional recreation amenities include a basketball half-court, a shuffleboard court and two lighted, hard-court tennis courts located in the sports courts area.  Plus, members and guests may utilize Zahanati Massage & Fitness Center, located inside Jambo House, which also features spa services.
   
• Johari Treasures, a merchandise shop, offers items such as logo and character merchandise, plush toys, sundries, books and magazines, snack items, beer and wine, and a limited selection of grocery items.

I bought my resale through Jaki…she was excellent. I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone seeking a DVC resale.
Granny (yep, I’m a guy)

My BIL/SIL purchased a 150 point OKW contract from Jaki and Kinn in January 07. The contract had all 05 points banked. all 06 points and all 07 points coming (Dec UY). They got a good price on the contract and were very pleased with the service they received from Kinn. While I have no experience directly with them, my BIL/SIL said they wiould purchase from them again.
Good luck!
SF

Yeah, it went EXTREMELY quick… Our name was in the system on Monday and points verified on Wednesday… Big THANKS to you and your team’s efforts…. Again, Thanks and we’ll keep in touch and certainly call you for any further DVC purchases… Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and the best to you and your family…
Thanks,
Jeff and Nancy

With Kidani Village opening today, we had to reopen the blog. Go Disney!

We’re hoping to check it out this weekend and have pictures for you. Halloween Party tickets also go on sale today and we have two weeks planned at DW and maybe a short DCL cruise this December. Life is good as long we can come up with the money and nothing else catastrophic hits us.

Thanks for stopping by…see ya real soon!

Thanks Jaki and Kinn,
We appreciate the good news and for all your excellent help.
Take care,
Guy and Heather

Thank you and Kinn for your professional and kind assistance. When the time comes for an additional point purchase, I’ll be contact you folks.
Very best regards,
Don

Jaki,
Thank you for the phone call. We have our new DVC numbers and the points are in our name. We appreciate all your help and attention, it was a pleasure.
Kerry

They accepted our offer at $70/point for BCV so now we are just waiting for Disney approval. Thanks for your input on Jaki. So far so good with her service. Everything has been great to this point.

Brian