Inside John's Locker

Karen Akers has lived in the Milwaukee, WI area her entire life (not telling how long that is).  She has been an owner at Saratoga Springs since 2006 and added Bay Lake Tower last year.  She travels to Disney a couple times a year.  She has been an Owner’s Locker Member since January of this year.

Introduce yourself to your fellow Owner’s Locker Members!

I work for a small manufacturing company doing payroll, purchasing, and accounting functions.  I’ve only been there since February but am loving it.  I’ve worked in the same capacity for many years at various other companies in the area.  I love to write children’s stories, paint, draw and scrapbook (actually, only my Disney trips).  I’m active in my church, teaching preschoolers and singing in the choir.

Quick Facts:

-DVC Owner since 2006

-Favorite Characters:  Donald, Mickey, Goofy, Ugly Stepsisters

-Favorite Resorts:  Beach Club, Boardwalk, Saratoga Springs, Animal Kingdom and         Bay Lake Tower (I’m guessing that will be added to my favorites in January)

-Favorite Restaurants:  Raglan Road, Turf Club, Tony’s, the buffet in Germany

-Favorite Theme Park:  Magic Kingdom

-Favorite Attractions:  Soarin’, Buzz, Toy Story Mania, Haunted Mansion

-Most valued item in your purple locker:  Deodorant!

What brings you back to Central Florida so often?

I pretty much come back to visit Disney.  I have visited that other theme park but found it sorely lacking the magic of Disney; what can I say?

Why is Walt Disney World such a frequent vacation destination?

It is so difficult to explain to anyone who doesn’t have the Disney fever what it is that keeps me going back.  The feeling of being “away” from the real world is part of it.  The customer service levels at Disney are so far above anything else, it makes you feel important and respected.  There is so much to learn and I love that.  When travelling alone I spend a lot of time talking with cast members and find them a diverse and interesting group.  I’m always sad when I leave because it means going back into the harsh real world (sigh).

Do you have any traditions you follow when you’re at your resort?

Traditions?   Of course!  I always try to do something I’ve never done, be it a new restaurant, attraction, tour, whatever.  I’m an early riser so I’m typically at a park at opening and pretty much spend the entire day in the park.  That’s kind of against all the touring advice but I like it.  I’m not a night owl so my days usually end fairly early unless it’s a special party night like the Halloween or Christmas parties.  I spend time people watching and listening to or watching the wide selection of entertainment in all of the parks (overlooked by most but seasoned visitors).

What tips can you offer to other Walt Disney World visitors?

Some of the tips I would give would be to plan but be flexible.  It pays to have some sort of idea where you want to go but you don’t want to be so rigid you miss special opportunities.  Don’t try to do it all, you never will!  I have been so many times and I still find something new to do on every trip.  To all of the single people or to those who may not have someone who wants to visit: go solo.  It’s a safe environment and a lot of fun.  You don’t need to drive anywhere alone.  Take the Disney Magical Express and use the different transportation options within Disney World.  I’ve found that when I travel solo I meet the most interesting people.  Sometimes I strike up a conversation or others will but it’s a great place to learn about our great big world.  I’ve found that it restores my faith in the human race.  We too often hear about all the bad things; this is the place where most people are happy.  Don’t be afraid to talk to the cast members, too.  They can have a wealth of useful information!

What’s the one thing you think everyone else is missing out on at Disney World?

I think the majority of visitors miss out on relaxation while at Disney.  There is the overwhelming desire to see and do it all. I wish people would slow down and enjoy the little things like seeing a child or adult meeting their favorite character for the first time (doesn’t have to be anyone you know-just enjoy the magic).  Take time to really look at things.  The attention to detail and the story telling in all of the parks is amazing.

And we have to ask…what’s in your purple Locker?

What’s in my purple locker?  That’s a very good question.  I forgot to do an inventory before I sealed it so I’m just going off memory.  I have the usual large bottles of shampoo, hair stuff, toothbrush, first aid kit, rain ponchos, beach towel, small packets of laundry detergent, insect repellent, and since it was full, lots of other stuff that I can’t for the life of me remember.  Thanks to Owner’s Locker for this wonderful service.  It makes travelling to Disney almost effortless.