The ABCs of a New 'Ohana Adventure-G is for: Greetings From Teppan, Good-Byes, and Good News!!! - COMPLETED 1/7

[Wood Nymph]

So... tell me how you are all doing!!! Working? Resting? Watching TV? Cleaning? Stress eating? (I am) Crafts? Projects?

My big project is the turn a neglected garden that was filled with Tiger lilies and ivy into a beautiful garden full of perennials. We are still more than six weeks away from the frost free planting date and that gives me the window to work on it, weather permitting. It is a huge job to dig up Tiger lilies, since they have roots that travel all through the soil. I started digging them up yesterday and some of those roots went a foot deep.

My daughter who is a nurse has been home with a fever and sore throat. Luckily, the Covid-19 test came back negative, but she is is still at home until three days after her fever goes away. It is a blessing in disguise for her.

 

[franandaj]

Yikes! Page 74 of 78! With your TRs I have to just go one page at a time, so here goes....

We have a fair bit to go, Dear Readers, with our Disney Adventures.

This particular update seems coincidentally relevant as I watch my cruise and trip to Italy possibly go up in smoke. Italy’s on my mind. So is the trip insurance I just added.

While it is entirely possible for the cruise and trip to go up in smoke, the $'s may not, and you may get everything back.

My kids’ most firmly planted memory of DTD, as with many of yours I imagine, is of the Lego Store. Heck, it’s also one of mine.

I'm not sure I've ever been inside a Lego store!

I was having a ball, until it happened. I got one of those kinds of “cramps”. You know what I’m talking about…

I'm surprised you're mentioning this in mixed company!

it’s the kind that makes you break out in a sweat, wonder what foul thing you ingested to make your knees weak,

Oh. No, never had that kind of cramps.

Their Italian restaurant, located in a converted air terminal is really well done in a retro, Art Deco style. I love the bright, open space with the travel poster art lining the walls. Even more, I love that it is staffed with real Italians.

Sounds interesting.

She was training another young lady who was charged with pouring waters, removing wine glasses

Why would one be removing wine glasses????

All 3 were slightly above average and certainly filling. None of the dishes were greasy, over salted, or lacking in flavor and, in general, we all enjoyed our meal in terms of food. Clearly, the presentation could use a little work.

The two chicken dishes sounded good to me.

Just as our meal was served, that we ate family style from the extra plates our servers brought, a violinist strolled down the stairs to serenade the tables.

Nice.

Anyhow, I asked her if she could mention any special places I should visit in Italy that were “off the beaten path”. She exclaimed, “Come to MY village!!”.

Interesting way to choose travel destinations.

I hope by September this out-of-control situation, all politics and TP hoarding bologna aside, is over and our cruise will go on as planned (and almost paid off). While my immune system could, my nerves can’t handle it.

I'm trying to figure out how I'm faring mental health wise. In so many ways my life is no different, but then in so many ways it is completely different.

I love that the staff is Italian. It added to my personal overall enjoyment because it made the backstory of the place come alive. Disney for me takes me from my ordinary, everyday life into a fantasy of sorts where, sure it’s not real, but it is different. M&E’s has some live entertainment that adds something more to the meal and that certainly has value. It is a brighter and more casual feeling which I think might be better for families. Terralina, on the other hand, has outdoor, waterside seating which is nice, and has a more romantic feel to it. As mentioned, it also beats out M&Es for food quality. Perhaps it is like comparing apples to oranges with seeds being the only likeness, but

I think based on your reviews I would choose Terralina over M&E.

A word on this TR. I was taking stock on the material I still have to cover, should there be continued interest in reading. Some of those chapters would include: Teppan Edo, Spice Road Table, Wilderness Lodge, Droid building, some Food and Wine stuff, my entire Universal trip, the Poly, more AK stuff (cuz you just can’t get enough of that), and other misc stuff.

I will be here for all that stuff, I may just be slow to reply, but hopefully I will eventually catch up. But I'll have to be back later. I gotta get my butt out of bed, cause all the stuff we're selling on eBay won't ship itself!

 

[pkondz]

Why would one be removing wine glasses????

 

[juniorbugman]

I am glad that you are picking up some work shifts. Wow can't believe that you don't have the masks but that seems to be the same story everywhere.
I am retired so am home all the time so other than not going out shopping and stuff not much is different. I was taking badminton classes 2 days a week and now that is cancelled so missing that. I have a KOBO ereader so have been getting in some reading. I found some colour by number pictures the other day so I will start some of them.
I did an online paint class the other night so I will share my completed work and hope that the view makes everybody feel spring in the air and know that Easter is just around the corner.

 

[pkondz]

I did an online paint class the other night so I will share my completed work and hope that the view makes everybody feel spring in the air and know that Easter is just around the corner.

It did!

 

[Steppesister]

Wow, it's crazytown to be sure!! There is indeed a lot of time for thinking and self-reflection, although that also can lead to anxiety in my case, so...there's also a lot of distraction going on too!

And the best combantant against that is to unplug and withdraw to things that make you happy and calm. Hang in there, my Friend.

Complain away lol!! Kidding. But yeah you are lucky to have transferable skillz like that in these crazy times. But also yeah, I'd be happy to have a mask too.

It's still day by day here for sure. I was just called in to fill in for on-call OR and almost immediately got a call out for a case. So, while the hours are all over the place and so super random, at least I AM getting some hours. I've been told that once non-emergent procedures are allowed again, it will be all hands on deck and we'll be going to a 7-day/week operation. Pun intended. Wild and crazy!

Well without droning on for too long...I'm ....coping. Alternating between panic one minute, and then trying to be optimistic and calming for the sake of those younger people around me, and then back to just trying to get through it. It's funny because I don't know about you but I always used to think how great it would be to have all this time on my hands with nothing to do, and all these projects I'd try to get done. Now that it's happening....I have done some of them - my closets have never looked so good, and I've never made so many home cooked meals, but I find it hard to focus on anything that requires more than partial concentration. And so many of the little things I had wanted to get done just don't seem important anymore.

I think a lot of us are in coping mode. Routines are all over the place, it's hard to find rest from the information onslaught, jobs are in jeopardy, etc... I get that to find peace and calm is hard right now. I have done the same amount of cleaning as before, but have found time to pick up studying for my perianesthesia national exam again and hope in the coming days and weeks to get a few more chapters of my TR up.

I've watched a lot of Netflix, but even that, I find it hard to sit through a whole episode. I've done a lot of zoom calls, some for work, some for fun with friends as virtual coffee dates and such. Since I work in the travel business...not much happening there right now!! Other than the cancellations of course...but I am done with those for a while hopefully...most of everything for me has been cancelled until well into summer.

I wish I could watch more movies and TV, but I just don't. Although I did watch Mulan last weekend and a few episodes of Monk with the kids this weekend. Since I"m working a lot of on-call and night hours now, sleep is very wierd! My hours are ALL over the place and now I'm wondering if I'd should have gone into med school a million years ago. Those students deal with this nonsense all the time.

I'm sure the travel business will pick up again once everyone feels the peaks are behind us. Those places and businesses who have lost travelers will want them back and the cash they bring with them.

I am very fortunate in that I have investments and other sources of income to rely on right now, because if the travel business was it...well I'd have that to worry about too. I've had to do a lot more meal planning in advance than I'm used to as a result of this though - something that I always hoped to learn to be better at!! Because I was the type to go to the grocery store (that is literally a 5 minute walk from my house) about three or four times a week, and just walk back with as much as I needed for a few meals at a time. Now I have to order groceries online and can't get a delivery for over two weeks...so I have to make it count!! So. Learning things for sure!

I rarely go out to eat so don't have to worry about that; in fact, I'm still eating from the meals I'd put up from when I cooked ahead for my surgery. My savings was completely depleted so I'm having to rebuild that through all of this which has been a tough slog. I"m glad you're learning a skill along the way, even though you're being forced to learn it. But at the other end of this, now it'll be easier to know how too plan and cook ahead. YAY!!

I hope you and your family stay safe, and you are so brave for working during this crazy time!

We will. My son was very sick for weeks and he tested negative for strep and the flu, so I"m pretty sure he had it. I don't know about brave, just going to work and doing my best to stay healthy and make both a difference and a paycheck.

 

[Steppesister]

One day I will get over to the dark side. Even just for an overnight so I can finally do all things HP!

You need to!!! It is all so, SO well done.

Such a lovely room!

It was very pretty and sleek. I liked it!

Too bad! I hope you enjoyed your evening. Your food (especially that buratta) looked divine

IT was so soft and silky! I'd never had anything like it!

I prefer the cleaner, more streamlined look as I like my Disney on the subtle, understated side. That being said, would it kill them to throw a runner on the beds??

I do too in general. I mean, I don't want my room to look like a Disney park walked in a puked, but something to set it apart from every other hotel room on the planet too.

I think I should be in charge of designing Disney rooms. LOL

I feel you...... I got a letter from one of my kindergartners today that broke my heart. I miss them so much! We are getting paid until April 3rd then will see what happens after that.

Ugh, not enough!!! And I think the vast majority of people I talk to just want to get back to our normal lives.

WHY is Jenn sewing you a mask???? Where are the supplies for trained medical staff????

I have wondered the same thing! Our hospital census is actually DOWN, so I'm not sure all of our supplies are even going...? Makes me certainly wonder! We've had one death in our county and obviously not a lot of other cases so... where are all the masks? Why is our cleaner on backorder? Did we not have enough to even get through 1 week of being on alert?
#confused

All of the above! I am catching up on some projects. Jamie and I are doing a Harry Potter marathon. I am deep cleaning my house room by room and organizing all the cupboards etc. Totally stress eating... especially with leftover birthday cake from the twins readily available. They turned 18 on Sunday. My babies are men........

Maybe my kids will agree to a Potter marathon. I did one before my last trip so I could bone up on the material before I saw US but only made it to #4? #5?? I did go through one closet and finally got my car cleaned out, so there's that. LOL!

Stress eating..? Don't even get me started. It's awful!!!

My "baby" is turing 18 in June as well and wow... just...wow. How does that even happen?

I know... it's not an easy time. I find the projects helpful for my mental health as I feel there is something I can control. Walks and yoga help a lot too. Hope the kids are adjusting to their new reality a little more these days.

I'm so glad you found some things to keep you busy and your mind in a good and healthy place. So little is in our control now. We are all taking things one day at a time with everything from work schedules, to visits, to even meals. Lots adjusting everywhere!

 

[Wood Nymph]

My son was very sick for weeks and he tested negative for strep and the flu, so I"m pretty sure he had it. I don't know about brave, just going to work and doing my best to stay healthy and make both a difference and a paycheck.

A lot of people have suspected that the virus was around earlier than first reported. Will your son be able to get an antibody test to indicate whether he had Covid-19?

 

[franandaj]

During my very first visit in 2000, my parents, my 4 oldest kids, and I all piled into their gigantor motorhome and drove across the country from Portland, OR to Orlando. Insane? Probably.

I can't even imagine....we never did road trips as kids, and Fran and I are so used to just the two of us....

I vowed to change that, so booked the kids and I in a water view room for 2 nights at the end our trip. By then, everyone would have gotten their park time wants satisfied and be ready for some lounging and rest.

Sounds like a good plan.

I approached another older gentleman security guy and again explained my dilemma. “Oh, that’s no problem; people do that all the time.” He politely and calmly told me he would get me a private escort to the boat launches who’d see me onto the next boat and I'd be on my way. We parted with a friendly, “Sounds like you’re gonna have a great time at the Poly! Enjoy!” There ya go, Disney!

That's good to know! It wouldn't surprise me either. Lots of people don't know that they have moved the security screening.

Ironically, I beat the kids there by a full 20 minutes or more. I laughed in their faces just like any good parent would do.

It was only 8:30 or so when we made our way into Captain Cook’s for some grub. 2, 4, 6, 8, What do we anticipate?! TONGA TOAST! But that wasn’t going to feed all four of us, so we also got a breakfast burrito and a breakfast flatbread to share.

That sounds like a whole lotta food!

At some point I made good use of the contraband booze and ordered a lime margarita with coconut rum and added a bit more because it was 5:00. Give or take a few hours.

Well of course. Maybe the coconut rum was the thing that got your gut later.. .

Do you ever feel like you have enough time at your resort or do you simply book your resort KNOWING you will spend very little time there?

I always know we will be spending time at the resort. At least in the room. Depending on what resort we are at, I may plan to spend more time at the restaurants or bars there if they are of appeal to me.

Do you ever WISH you'd spent more time just taking advantage of what your resort has to offer (pool, activities, lounges, restaurants, etc....)?

Always. There is just so much to do that one can never take advantage of it all. I'm not a huge "hang by the pool" person, but the lounges and other activities I always regret not having more time to enjoy those.

Which resort have you stayed at that you want to go back to specifically to spend more time at? O

Well AKL comes to mind for obvious reasons. Also OKW is another one. Just about any of the resorts have things that I would love to do. Mostly I stay at the Deluxes because of DVC, but there are things at several moderates with activities I'd like to do. And I'd even like to check out some of the value resorts someday.

 

[Steppesister]

So that's, what? Like, a day?

Pretty much.

Agree there. Juggling passes is not fun. Didn't like the locker system either.

That locker system is so duuuuuuumb. Not a fan.

Yeah...nothing but white sheets are boring. I get that it's cheaper, but not nearly as fun

correct. I may as well be at a Comfort Inn or Holiday Inn or something.

Give me the theming all day long. That's what makes Disney magic work. The new style is...well, boring. I'm not paying these exorbitant prices for a regular hotel room.

Exactly that! I want different for that price!

 

[Steppesister]

Finally checking in here. Glad you found another nursing spot, but I figured there would be openings. Wish I didn't need to be happy that a friend is making you a mask!

Well, hello there! I've actually had this job for quite a while, but it's my secondary job that in normal times I only work at one day/week. When my primary surgi-center shut down, I started picking up a ton more hours that this one which I am extremely grateful for. Once elective surgeries get the green light to go again, BOTH jobs will be overwhelmed with procedures that had to be delayed. Just when that will happen is completely unknown, of course.

For us, we are hanging in pretty well. Our big project was cleaning and reorganizing the basement so we now have 4 workstations, for us and the kids. (Tho dd's is mainly an art station - she does her school stuff in a big comfy chair in the family room, lol). Thankfully, we actually have projects going on with the architecture firm that we can work on from home. Ds's college is doing distance learning for the rest of the semester, and dd is doing e-learning at least until April 8, tho I'm guessing it will be longer.

WoW! Sounds like a big undertaking, but kinda fun to see it all come together. How cool to have everyone get their own work space in all of this.

We are grateful that we actually don't have more disruption in our lives. Dd is a sophomore, and not in lots of big school activities. She has still doing her Pokemon tournaments, but she aged up to the next age category this year, so she didn't have big expectations, which is good, since all events are on hold until at least May 14 - and quite likely longer. She has friends who are seniors who are missing lots of events and final seasons of things who are much more upset.

It's so sad to see all of these kids' hobbies and school stuff and activities be put on hold; from their perspectives it is so hard and at times heartbreaking. I hope that things will return to normal soon so they can get back to enjoying their hobbies and the things they love. It's especially hard on the seniors for sure who will have no prom, no grad, etc...

 

[Steppesister]

I love your updates! Please keep writing them! Since so many of us are on the front lines of this virus, it is great to escape to a place of happiness after 12+ hours of living in uncertainty and PPE!
Thanks for writing these!

Awww, thank so much for you encouragement!! I am going to start working on another chapter today and we'll see how far I get. I do this for escape as well and lately it's been my only form of socializing as well. Glad to peek out from PPE for sure!

 

[Steppesister]

A little bit of all of the above, I guess! Aside from working, that is. Most of Nathan's work has been covid-cancelled. I was in the hiring process of a temporary school-based job that seemed quite promising, but before the contract was officially offered all the schools were closed and it's unclear whether the position will even exist anymore by the time things begin to settle down.

OH NO!!! I"m so sorry. That is a hard pill to swallow for sure, Meghan. I'm in the hopeful camp of "things should pick up where they left off", but the longer it goes on, the less so I am. Economies are going to be in the toilet and the both the gov't and private sectors. Time will tell.

So I've been grieving that opportunity, especially now that we have very little income coming in on Nathan's side.

I can see that.

I've had to cancel both our upcoming trips (spring/summer,) because we can't afford them anymore (and because the May trip was unlikely to be safe or even possible at this point anyway.)

.... which adds insult to injury in so many ways.

Most of my family lives in other houses, so I haven't seen much of them. But there have been a few happy things amidst the anxiety and sadness. For one, Nathan and I are spending more time together, as we're both social distancing together in the same house, so we get to do things we normally wouldn't, like doing a lot more watching movies and cooking together. I

There are always things to find that are bight spots amongst the darknesses and things to be grateful for. Always.

I've also been having fun doing some crafting and colouring, and putting together little letters and drawings to snail-mail to friends. I have time to cook real meals, and to make better use of our treadmill. And our snow is beginning to melt. So there's been a bit of light in the darkness. I'm grateful to read your updates, and I hope that you continue to stay safe and healthy, Liesa! <3

Such fun activities!! I love the way you're using your creative side and using that to bless others.

Update coming your way soon-ish.

 

[Steppesister]

Well, actually... this from Australia:

Well, there ya go!

It is for someone...

No, loads of someones. We do those all day long and more.

Hope it works out for you.

Me too!!

"have one now"...



But glad you do have one now. Hope it's not too late for you.
Don't see the photo, though.

Nah, I'm checking in at best 3 visitors a night (not many folks coming through the doors from 0000-0400) and then don't see anyone else unless I get a call for the recovery room. Otherwise, I'm at home by myself or with my roommate- who doesn't cook and sits far away.... over there >>>

 

[Steppesister]

My big project is the turn a neglected garden that was filled with Tiger lilies and ivy into a beautiful garden full of perennials. We are still more than six weeks away from the frost free planting date and that gives me the window to work on it, weather permitting. It is a huge job to dig up Tiger lilies, since they have roots that travel all through the soil. I started digging them up yesterday and some of those roots went a foot deep

Oh my!!! I'd LOVE to see a before and after shot(s) of this huge undertaking. That is a LOT of work for sure. While you can't plant yet, you can get the ground and area ready.

My daughter who is a nurse has been home with a fever and sore throat. Luckily, the Covid-19 test came back negative, but she is is still at home until three days after her fever goes away. It is a blessing in disguise for her.

Oh yuck!! My son had that crud too but was never tested, so we'll never know. He got a work release for a week and was super sick that whole time. I hope she feels better soon and enjoys her time off despite not feeling great.

 

[Steppesister]

Yikes! Page 74 of 78! With your TRs I have to just go one page at a time, so here goes....

If one page at a time is what you can do.... YAY!!! As long as you're here as you can be.

While it is entirely possible for the cruise and trip to go up in smoke, the $'s may not, and you may get everything back.

That's what I'm counting on. And, who knows, I may still go to tour Italy without a cruise. LOL!

I'm not sure I've ever been inside a Lego store!

I think even adults might find it kinda fun. The variety of what's available is actually pretty astounding!

I'm surprised you're mentioning this in mixed company!

No, no. Not THAT kind of cramps!!

Oh. No, never had that kind of cramps.

You are one lucky gal. Trust me on this.

But, you've never had food poisoning? This was like that.

Why would one be removing wine glasses????

Fair point. But I guess none of us was in the mood for a bevvie.

The two chicken dishes sounded good to me.

They are above average, but not Terraline-above-average.

Interesting way to choose travel destinations.

Novel, yes. Even for me.

I'm trying to figure out how I'm faring mental health wise. In so many ways my life is no different, but then in so many ways it is completely different.

Now that is an interesting statement. Share if you care, but I will also PM.

I think based on your reviews I would choose Terralina over M&E.

Yes, Terralina is a much better choice for you two.

I will be here for all that stuff, I may just be slow to reply, but hopefully I will eventually catch up. But I'll have to be back later. I gotta get my butt out of bed, cause all the stuff we're selling on eBay won't ship itself!

Good!! I'm glad you're still here, Alison! I am super behind as well as it's been a crazy couple of weeks, but now comes the downtime. With both jobs mostly done until this is all over, I think I'm going to be more at home than at work now. At least for a time. With all of this uncertainty, I'm surprised folks are still spending their disposable income. I am too afraid to make many purchases right now outside of my needs and keeping my savings as full as it can be. Perhaps they have more disposable income than myself or jobs that aren't in jeopardy.

 

[Steppesister]

I am glad that you are picking up some work shifts. Wow can't believe that you don't have the masks but that seems to be the same story everywhere.

I am so grateful for the shifts I could pick up the last couple of weeks but fear that is about to be over for a spell. The good news is that Jenn made me one with refillable filters and love it! Photo soon.

I am retired so am home all the time so other than not going out shopping and stuff not much is different.

Sounds like you are all set, but hope supplies don't get too low in your stores!

I was taking badminton classes 2 days a week and now that is cancelled so missing that. I have a KOBO ereader so have been getting in some reading. I found some colour by number pictures the other day so I will start some of them.

What a fun activity to have had going! Such a bummer stuff like that is cancelled. I guess quieter things are the norm now and glad you have found some things that interest you during this very weird time!

I did an online paint class the other night so I will share my completed work and hope that the view makes everybody feel spring in the air and know that Easter is just around the corner.

That's fantastic and MUCH better than I could ever do!! Love this! Thank you so much for sharing!!

 

[Steppesister]

A lot of people have suspected that the virus was around earlier than first reported. Will your son be able to get an antibody test to indicate whether he had Covid-19?

I have read that and would totally agree. I'm very suspicious that my son, Zach did indeed have it and would love to have him tested when the tests are cheap and readily available just to know. I think it will be very important to know who's immune if and when (and it will) it crops back up. As for now, I don't think those tests have hit the mainstream markets but am watching and listening.

 

[franandaj]

Let’s get on with understanding the unusual Universes u can find until I run out of underwear.

You and underwear....its a thing isn't it?

Let’s Uber it over to the Dark Side and spend a couple of couple days and far more than a couple of dollars. The ride was short and uneventful; I was full of anticipation of what the brand new world would offer.

I'm guessing by this point you've ditched the kids?

Did I miss that it wasn’t overly themed…or really even somewhat themed at all?

I found the same thing with the Royal Pacific. Other than the lobby with its "garden", the only theming was some tropical flower patterns in the carpet and painted on the walls in the room.

Wherever I traveled around the UniWorld, I felt a decided lack of that “magic” only found in the House of Mouse.

Yes, I did find that as well.

I ended up at BICE to continue my Italian experience.

That's the name of the restaurant?

La Caprese, Mozzarella Burrata tegole croccanti di focaccia e olio al basilico.
Fresh burrata mozzarella and vine riped tomatoes with basil and EVO

OMG, that sounds so good right now!

For my main dish I had this amazing little (read VERY LARGE) ditty:

Ossobuco di Vitello con Risotto alla Milanese.
Braised Veal Shank “Ossobuco” with saffron risotto.
$48​

Mmmmm, love Risotto Milanese, and veal shank sounds pretty good right now. Heck anything cooked by someone else and served to me by a server sounds good!

What is YOUR opinion on this shift? Really there are no wrong answers here and no one is going to flame you either way!! (This ain't FB!) Would you rather see Disney stick to the tradition of making a world away from the world inside its resort rooms, or do you prefer the cleaner, sleeker look of the new trend?

Well, I really never stayed in any rooms that were really themed at Disney. Well, OK, once Fran and I stayed in a Jr Suite at WL for the second part of our trip, and it was pretty cool, but we only had two other trips where we stayed in regular hotel rooms, and one of those was in a cruise package. It was that third trip we took together that caused her to buy into DVC. We wanted to stay CL at AK to do the Sunrise Safari and we had to get a suite for that, and she decided not to pay outrageous prices for rooms ever again. Most of our DVC rooms are not really themed at all except loosely themed to the resort where they are located.

 

[Steppesister]

I can't even imagine....we never did road trips as kids, and Fran and I are so used to just the two of us....

It was quite the adventur for sure!!

That's good to know! It wouldn't surprise me either. Lots of people don't know that they have moved the security screening.

I think they do a VERY good job at accomodating mistakes like that, and it was a good reminder to ask again or someone else if your first answer wasn't one you liked.

That sounds like a whole lotta food!

It wasn't really. I mean, certainly more than enough, but we didn't throw a ton away either.

Well of course. Maybe the coconut rum was the thing that got your gut later.. .

LOL!! You and coconut...
Nah, I think I just went far too long without water and was a bit sunburned from my morning by the pool. Not a good combo.

I always know we will be spending time at the resort. At least in the room. Depending on what resort we are at, I may plan to spend more time at the restaurants or bars there if they are of appeal to me.

I love the bars or brunches that have live music. One place I've NOT been to that I'd love to try one evening is Scat Cats at POR.

Always. There is just so much to do that one can never take advantage of it all. I'm not a huge "hang by the pool" person, but the lounges and other activities I always regret not having more time to enjoy those.

For sure!!! I like the pool and can be very happy for 3 or 4 hours, but after than want something else to do. There is no lack of something elses.

Well AKL comes to mind for obvious reasons. Also OKW is another one. Just about any of the resorts have things that I would love to do. Mostly I stay at the Deluxes because of DVC, but there are things at several moderates with activities I'd like to do. And I'd even like to check out some of the value resorts someday.

They are all nice in thier own rights, but yes, I'd agree, deluxes have a bit more including some really awesome art if you take the time to look for it and pay attention. The Copper Creek has a veritable museum over there with the train room and other areas!! Plus cooking classes, art classes, yoga, you name it!!