JeanC
05-16-2003, 10:37 AM
DH and I left for WDW on 5/3. Our flight left Charlotte, NC, at 10:40 am & we were delighted to learn that we had been bumped up to first class. This was the first time that we had flown in 1st class, and we loved it. So much room and such comfortable seats and great service. Started out with free drinks before we were even up in the air. Uneventful flight to Orlando. Went to National Emerald Aisle. There were many cars on the aisle. Unfortunately, no Lincoln Towncars. Had a choice of several SUV's, but we took a nice looking white Monte Carlo. I think we got a deal on the price - $96 for a week ($129 with all the taxes). Arrived at AKL at 1:30 and our room was ready. Zebra Trail (Room 5572, I think). Room was great - not small at all, but it was a deluxe savannah view. We got this room for $127 after being displaced from POFQ. First look from the balcony, we saw giraffes, zebras, VERY BIG horned cattle, and lots of bugs divebombing the balcony. Really neat, except for the bugs! The Lodge is beautiful, altho it was a LONG walk to our room from the lobby, restaurants, etc. Took a 3 hour nap from 4-7 pm. This was a great start for what was planned as a purely relaxing vacation. Tried for a last minute reservation at Boma but could get only 9:20 or 9:30 which was too late for us. Ate fried shrimp dinners at Mara for $9.49, I think. Not bad, but not great. Had breakfast at Mara in the morning, too. Egg platter for $5.99 which was the bargain of the vacation. Tons of scrambled eggs, about 6 or 7 pieces of bacon, fried potatoes with green & red peppers & onions, and a delicious biscuit. This is a beautiful resort, but too big for us, maybe because it was such a long walk to our room. The pool is huge. Lobby is very impressive. Don't think I would stay here again because it is so far away from everything else in the World. This was a one night stay because we were moving to BCV in the morning.