2 days, 3 hours, 26 minutes (The End! Page 2 Post 28) [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

cj9200

12-25-2008, 10:18 PM

How long have I been counting down? Since I started planning 10 months 28 (maybe 29) days ago with my first call to member services. I wanted a Boardwalk view at a very popular time so I called every day at the 11 month window. First time I have ever done that. Not sure if I would have gotten what I wanted under the new policy.

Most of the ADR's were made at the 180 day plus 10 mark which on site guests could do. The big ones were Breakfast at the Castle and Victoria and Albert’s for New Year's Eve. When I called V&A the CM at first would not let me make an ADR. I told her about the +10 day window and after checking she confirmed it. I called a few weeks ago to let them know about some special requests and asked about moving our reservation up. There were 53 parties currently on the wait list for the early seating. Ouch.

Our park plans will in most part be dictated by our ADR's. Not having the park hours available made deciding where and when a bit of guesswork. If I had the hours, I would have probably arranged it a little differently but not much.

Really looking forward to the trip. Thanks PKWallaby for the good vibes. As of now 2 days, 0 hours and 14 minutes. But who is counting.

BostonDisneyKid

12-26-2008, 05:23 AM

I read your planned, pre-trip report and it sounds like it should be a great time. Family, Boardwalk view for New years eve, ADR's at some great places and no parks planned (other than mk for Cindy's Breakfast).

I am so jealous - a Boardwalk view on New Years !!! Thats been a dream of mine for a while now but my family, also dvc members, have absolutely no desire to go to wdw during the holidays. We have been 6 or 7 times in the first 2 weeks of December but thats as close to the holiday as they will venture.

Again, I think it sounds like it will be a great time. I hope you have a great trip. Enjoy your holiday and make sure to do a post (or mid) trip report...

cj9200

12-26-2008, 10:15 AM

I am so jealous - a Boardwalk view on New Years !!! Thats been a dream of mine for a while now but my family, also dvc members, have absolutely no desire to go to wdw during the holidays. We have been 6 or 7 times in the first 2 weeks of December but thats as close to the holiday as they will venture.

I know what you mean. Last year, my daughter did not want to go to Disney over Christmas. Her: "I'm not going." Me: "Well, yes you are." Her: "No I'm not." Me: "Well, your presents will be in Orlando so if you want them, you are going." Her: "Can we have a tree?" I gave in on the tree (Disney Florist was way to expensive so we brought our own) and also a Mickey outside display (it is pictured on the pre-trip report). The car was a bit comfy.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff148/cj9200/Disney%2012-08/WDW12-071002.jpg
Luckily it was only a 4 hour drive.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff148/cj9200/Disney%2012-08/WDW12-071001.jpg
This was the trunk before the trip. On the way back we also had to fit things we bought at WDW.

This is the most pre-planning I have done since becoming a DVC member. Most of it centered on food and the room but I also made a couple of other arrangements. We were going to do a photo shoot at the Grand Floridian before V&A but I think we will have to cancel that. I also ordered the slipper desert for DD at dinner for her upcoming birthday.

Trip report? Hope to do one. I have to bring my laptop to do some work so maybe something on the Trip Report board while we are there.

Thanks for the good wishes. 1 day, 12 hours, 8 minutes to go!

CJ

cj9200

12-27-2008, 03:30 PM

Sitting here watching the FSU/Wiscionsin game looking at my countdown clock tick down. Pets at the vet-check, snacks and drinks purchased-check, batteries charged and electrionics packed-check, tickets money and itinerary-check, laundry done-check, clothes packed-not checked. I was going to leave today but got a late start this morning. Will probably get up early tomorrow moring and make the drive up. That is if I don't get antsy before then.

The computer is coming with me so I may do some live reporting on the trip report board.

Hurry up and get here already.

Buckeye Fan

12-27-2008, 03:39 PM

Have a wonderful time!!! Can't wait to read your trip report, and wishing you a very....

party: HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! party:

WDWJWEB1

12-27-2008, 07:58 PM

cj9200

12-27-2008, 10:16 PM

Have a wonderful time!!! Can't wait to read your trip report, and wishing you a very....

party: HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! party:

Thanks. Same to you and yours. OT: Rooting for OSU over Texas (maybe at the ESPN Club). As a UF Alumni, I am waiting for the Championship game. Don't hold it against me,

CJ

cj9200

12-27-2008, 10:22 PM

cj9200

Enjoy your trip, and like you everyone thinks we're nuts for doing Disney during New Years:scared1: We'll be at the VWL :woohoo:starting on the 29th and

then over to the BWV on the 4th. By my count we have 1 day and

"a wake-up":rolleyes1 I'll never say 2 days:rotfl2:

Jim

I will be checking out of the BWV as you are checking in. You will recognize me by the dour look on my face as I have to go back to the real world. You too enjoy your trip.

CJ

cj9200

12-29-2008, 02:59 PM

Woke up at 1:30, yes I was too excited to sleep. Instead of tossing around for a few hours I got up to drive to Orlando. The drive was uneventful and I arrived at the boardwalk around 6:30. Charlotte efficiently checked me in and of course the room wasn’t ready (A CM told me they were 98% full for the weekend).

What to do for the next few hours? Decided on the Poly for Tonga toast. The bus ride over took a ridiculous amount of time. Once I finally got there, Kona Café was able to get me in. I decided against the Toast and had eggs. Good meal but the food could have been hotter.

On the bus ride back to the BWV I could barely keep my eyes open. Found a nice chair at the resort closed my eyes and slept for an hour. I must have been a sight. Refreshed, I headed to ESPN to watch some football. Hint: Get there early on game days. I was there at 11:30 and there were only a couple of seats at the bar open. At 1:00 forget about getting in.

At about 2:00 I went outside to make a call to see about the room. Did not expect anything but it was ready! Finished my beer and gave my seat to a Viking fan I struck up a conversation with. Love the room. It has an oversized balcony which is cool. Called DD and they were still a while away from getting here. It was decided they would go directly to the Grand Floridian for tea and I would meet them there.

From what I understand tea was nice, the waitress recognized DD from a previous visit. I went to the Poly and had a drink and crab cakes (really good) at the Tambu lounge. DD met me there while Mom and SIL went to BWV. We toured a couple of things on the monorail line and eventually got on the bus to Beach/Yacht Club. Took our time going back to the room and saw some street performers. From there on it was relaxing at the room.

A couple of glitches. There was no bar soap or laundry detergent but a call to housekeeping quickly took care of that. The big one was when I went to Concierge to print out my dining reservations. They had our Monday dinner at Flying Fish listed for Sunday. This is not the first time Dinning has screwed up my reservations and I was miffed. Luckily a great CM at FF took care of it and we are confirmed for 7:30.

All in all a great day. Tomorrow, chilling and dinner.

lvloopingbag

12-29-2008, 03:52 PM

I love any report with pics! Please be sure to post some more, especially of the villa and your view......

Kitten

12-29-2008, 04:41 PM

Keep us posted...can't wait to hear the rest of your report:thumbsup2

cj9200

12-29-2008, 09:29 PM

I love any report with pics! Please be sure to post some more, especially of the villa and your view......

Keep us posted...can't wait to hear the rest of your report:thumbsup2

Thanks. Life is good right now. I hope to post a more detailed version including pictures when I get back. Here is one for now, not a great pic but you get an idea about the size of the balcony.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff148/cj9200/Disney%201-09/IMG_3867.jpg

kikiq

12-29-2008, 09:51 PM

Love the report so far. Too excited to sleep :goodvibes You and my DH up at dark o'thirty ready to drive with the can't wait to get there dance. Only for us, it's driving to the airport to get on the plane. I can't imagine what he would be like if we lived only hours from the Big Mouse House and our DVC.

Keep those pics coming. Love the balcony, might convince my DH to stay at the Broadwalk.

SunnieRN

12-29-2008, 09:59 PM

Hope you have a wonderful New Years Eve!

PKWallaby

12-29-2008, 11:53 PM

Glad to see you made it safe and sound!!!

Enjoy your stay, and like the PP said: post pictures please (some of us need to live vicariously for a while before we can get our BWV fix!!:rotfl:)

Hope you have a wonderful time bringing in the New Year...maybe one day our little family will make the trek from WI to warm and sunny FL in Dec(unfortunately my "view" this year will be of the snow out my front window...please keep that in mind as you "chill" on that huge balcony!!:rolleyes1 ) Don't forget to wear :cool2: :thumbsup2

cj9200

12-30-2008, 10:17 PM

Too excited to sleep :goodvibes You and my DH up at dark o'thirty ready to drive with the can't wait to get there dance.

This trait is hereditary. My dad would get us up at an insane hour whenever we were traveling. You were either in the car or you would be left behind. Don't think he would really do that but you never knew for sure.
Hope you have a wonderful New Years Eve!

Same to you and everyone out there. Have a fun and safe New Years.
Enjoy your stay, and like the PP said: post pictures please (some of us need to live vicariously for a while before we can get our BWV fix!!

I’ll try to post a few pics while I am here but will put more up when I get back to the real world. Taking lots of them.

cj9200

12-30-2008, 11:09 PM

Today was a lazy day but even so, I woke up at 4:00. I need to get my personal clock in sync with normal life. Did some work on the patio and at 6:00 got breakfast for everyone at the Bakery. Nothing much happened today. Napped, worked a little bit more and went to Publix for some pre dinner snacks while Mom and SIL cruised the Boardwalk.

I prepared cheese, fruit, and bread for our pre dinner snack. Much munching and it was soon time to get ready for dinner at Flying Fish. It took about 15 minutes after our reinstated ADR before we were seated. The time was spent watching more street entertainment. They are one of the reasons why I love the Boardwalk.

Dinner was just OK and EXPENSIVE! The restaurant itself was really well done and our service was close to excellent. Mom and SIL had scallops ("very good"), DD had a vegetarian pasta dish (“spicy”) and I had the pork roast. It was a huge piece of meat but it seemed to miss on the flavor. Give me the California Grill over here any day. That is my personal opinion and could be that I went to a seafood place and had pork. Both Mon and DD loved the only seafood items we ordered.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff148/cj9200/Disney%201-09/IMG_3985.jpg
The open kitchen at the Flying Fish. Note the burning wood.

After dinner it was back to the room to bed for an early morning to see Cindy at her place.

cj9200

01-02-2009, 12:02 PM

Today was our date to see the Princesses. Everyone woke up about 5:30 and was at the bus stop by 7:00. It was Early Entry so the gates were open when we got there but it was not really crowded. Strolled down Main Street taking some pictures. It was a chilly so the girls went to Tink’s Treasures to stay warm while I got us checked in. Nice picture of the four of us with Cindy (DD talked me into getting in the picture).

CRT is the best character breakfast and not just because of the princesses. I love the food. The oversize sausages, cheese potatoes and the pastry thing with berries, mmmm good eating. Our server, Sir Dana was very good and even brought DD a Birthday card for the princesses to sign. We saw Snow, Bell, Aurora and Mary Poppins. They were attentive and spent time with both DD and mom.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff148/cj9200/Disney%201-09/IMG_4040.jpg
DD and Mary

After breakfast, we went to Mickey’s Philharmagic, Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor and Carousel of Progress. I noticed mom wasn’t feeling well so we canceled our plans to go over to Epcot and went back to the room.

Spent a few hours resting and Mom was up for EPCOT. The girls did a little shopping and we saw some of the Candlelight Processional from the peanut gallery. I wanted something quick eat so DD and I had dinner at America. Mom and SIL then went back to the room while DD and I went to DHS. The place was packed. The wait for Toy Story Mania was 130 minutes. We spent some time looking at the Osborne lights and sat through Sounds Dangerous because I heard it was closing soon. Osborne was amazing as always and Sounds Dangerous needs to be put out of its misery.

A stroll back to the room and it was lights our to get ready for New Years Eve tomorrow.

mtmbyck

01-03-2009, 06:34 AM

popcorn::

cj9200

01-04-2009, 05:58 PM

Sadly this report is no longer live from WDW because we left this morning. How depressing. OK, tears wiped from my eyes, back to the memories.

I thought that today was a non-park day but Mom and SIL decided they were going to Hollywood Studios for the morning. Found out later that they took a wrong turn going to HS and ended up on a very scenic route. They only did the Little Mermaid and verified how packed the park was. DD and I were off to Downtown Disney for some shopping for her friends.

Later we all met up in the room to get ready V&A. The Boardwalk put up a stage on the lawn and a DJ was getting the crowd ready. They had party hats and noisemakers, so I went down to get one for each of us. Spent the rest of the time on our (large) veranda sipping cocktails anticipating the evening.

A short drive to the Grand Floridian and the keys were handed over to the valet attendants. After a few snap shots of the tree, gingerbread house and holiday decorations, we arrived about a half an hour before our 9:30 reservation. The hostess and host could not have been nicer and we were seated shortly after arrival (I did check with them when we got to the GF to see if we could be seated earlier).

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff148/cj9200/Disney%201-09/IMG_4184.jpg

What can I say about V&A? The place is a whole different world. You are pampered. Don’t like the fish dish, pick something else or we will create something special for you. Vegetarian? No problem. Leave the table and a new napkin is waiting for you when you return. The food is incredible. I won’t go through all of our selections here but it was amazing. I had a pork dish (for the fish course) and it was out of this world. Way too much food and such an indulgence, but what the heck. New Years at Vicki’s, a once in a lifetime experience that DD loved.

Three plus hours later and starting a New Year, we rolled out of the place and headed home. What a memory.

MinnieGi

01-04-2009, 06:21 PM

Wow, V&A for NYE dinner, how awesome!!! We ate there last year for our anniversary and it was just so incredible!! Glad you had a great trip. :)

cj9200

01-05-2009, 06:32 AM

Wow, V&A for NYE dinner, how awesome!!! We ate there last year for our anniversary and it was just so incredible!! Glad you had a great trip. :)

For various reasons, I wanted this to be a memorable trip and V&A was a cornerstone to the week. I agree with you that it is an incredible experience. In the restaurant though, you would not have known it was NYE. They did not do anything because I guess they want to maintain the quiet atmosphere of the place. The Grand Floridian however had some things going on in the lobby.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff148/cj9200/Disney%201-09/IMG_4226.jpg
This was shortly before midnight

They had a band playing, noisemakers, hats (nicer than the ones they passed out at the Boardwalk) and specialty drinks. All in all a good night.

cj9200

01-05-2009, 08:49 PM

Mom and SIL were leaving today and DD and I were headed to the parks. Goodbyes were said and we walked over to Hollywood Studios. Made the rope drop and in fact were in the front of the line at the kickoff (I mean drop). The first goal was to get Fast Passes to Toy Story Mania. The dash began and we made it near the front of the line to get our FP. What a madhouse.

Then to Tower of Terror which was a good ride with many big drops. Then it was time for another FP, so over to Rock and Roller Coaster. By now our window for TYMM was open. Love the ride along with the rest of the masses. We will not talk about who won between the two of us. From there it was Star Wars, Muppets and then Disney Animation. We just missed getting into the Animation Academy where they teach you how to draw a character. DD is artistic and I thought she would enjoy it. It was close to our R&R FP so instead of waiting for the next show we went over to ride our limo. Maybe next time.

Time for lunch and we decided to head back to the resort. Long search (and somewhat amusing) we ended up at the Captain’s Grill at Yacht Club. First time here and it was pretty good. We had to eat relatively early because we had Hoop Dee Doo at 7:30.

The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing in the room and getting ready for the show. DD was running late and of course when we got to the bus stop it took forever for the bus to arrive. Made it to the MK and another wait for the boat to Ft. Wilderness. Long story about where we were sitting for the show but all was well as we got a table on the first floor. It has been a few years since I saw the show and it was as good as ever. DD got recognized by the “blonde” for her birthday,

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff148/cj9200/Disney%201-09/IMG_4311.jpg
DD’s moment of fame

After the show ended we took the boat over to the MK for some shopping and pics of the decorations.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff148/cj9200/Disney%201-09/IMG_4370.jpg
Have to love the Castle all lit up

Saw the parade as we were exiting and had good luck catching our bus back home. Wound down a little bit before it was off to bed because we were getting up early for EPCOT opening.

cj9200

01-06-2009, 07:41 PM

Today was another early rise day so we can make the opening of EPCOT. Around 8:30 we were at the International Gateway entrance, this time second in line. I thought they let us in so we could walk to a holding area in Future World. Wrong! We stuck it out and at 10 minutes before the park opened, we were let in.

Dashed over to Test Track for Fast Passes and then to Mission Space. No line and we were able to ride it twice. Our FP was ready for TT and we quickly boarded our car. Unfortunately, the audio and video in the car did not work which really downgraded the experience. From there we wanted to do Spaceship Earth but the line was too long. DD loves Energy so we went to visit Ellen. After the three hour tour (OK, 45 minutes) we hit the Seas to look at the fishes. Instead of waiting to ride Nemo, we entered through the gift shop. From Seas we left the park for home.

Spent some time at the room until our 3:30 ADR at Yak and Yeti. We arrived too late to really do anything at the Animal Kingdom. Then there came a moment of pixie dust. We were standing in front of Expedition Everest watching and hearing the screaming riders when someone walks up to us. Nice Gentleman: “We have two FP’s we can’t use, would you like them?” Me: “Huh?” “We have two FP’s for Everest and you can ride right now.” “Of course, thank you, thank you, thank you.” What a nice gesture and made our day.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff148/cj9200/Disney%201-09/IMG_4421.jpg

Tempted the Yeti (although he was down this time) and made it to our ADR at Yak and Yeti. Both DD and I love this restaurant. I had the beef and broccoli and DD had the vegetarian lo mien. Food was good, beer was cold and we had the bonus of viewing the parade from our table.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff148/cj9200/Disney%201-09/IMG_4447.jpg

After the meal, we wandered out of the park and back to the resort. The rest of the night was chilling out watching some football on TV and street entertainers on the Boardwalk.

cj9200

01-08-2009, 05:58 PM

This was to be Early Entry at the Magic Kingdom. OK, change of plans. Sleep in and go to Downtown Disney. We went to Downtown Disney and got tickets for Bolt. DD had seen it but was willing to do see it again. Waiting for the movie to start, we hustled to the Earl of Sandwich (a favorite counter service place). I had the Original (roast beef) and DD had macaroni salad. Good as ever.

Bolt was a funny movie. It has become one of my favorite Pixar movies. Behind Monsters Inc. but either slightly ahead or behind Wall-E. After the movie it was a quick trip off campus to purchase more spirits and then back to the Marketplace. One last stop looking for souvenirs. I bought a couple of T-shirts then it was, you guessed it, back to chill at the resort.

We had dinner planned at Chefs de France but because the MK was skipped, the reservations were canceled so we did not burn a park admission ticket. After looking at some menues online, we chose to go back to the Captain's Grill. Again, good food. I had the prime rib which was a good value at $21. DD had the Wild Mushrooms and Onion Tart.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff148/cj9200/Disney%201-09/IMG_4482.jpg
This is a great salad choice. The Wedge.

Spent the rest of our last night watching the street entertainment and DD wanted to look at the Wayland Studio shop. She fell in love with a necklace that believe it or not was affordable. While she was watching a performer, I went back and bought it for her birthday. Shhh, don’t tell her.

She was off to bed and I spent some time on the patio soaking in our last night here.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff148/cj9200/Disney%201-09/IMG_4591.jpg

cj9200

01-10-2009, 02:52 PM

Woke up very early today. Depression over leaving had set in and I finished the postponed packing. Woke DD at 8:30 and after a while she was out of bed getting ready. We had the car loaded by 9:45 and after gassing up the car at the Hess station ($1.50 something a gallon) we were off back to the real world. It was a quick and uneventful trip and we were soon immersed with the mundane tasks of everyday life.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff148/cj9200/Disney%201-09/IMG_4612.jpg
So sad to leave

I did not have another trip planned for the foreseeable future but there was a bonus by not going to the Magic Kingdom on Saturday. There was one day left on our 4-day park hopper that is good for another 6 months. On the drive home, I called member services for a short trip in June after school gets out. DD wants to bring the friend that came with us for a trip earlier this year. I told her I am not sure but I will give in. Right now we have a 1 BR at the Wilderness Lodge but are waitlisted for the Beach Club. Hopefully that will come through.

Final thoughts:
THIS WAS A GREAT TRIP! Everything pretty much went as planned. The room was fantastic. Victoria and Albert’s was a night we will always have in our memory banks. Yes, we did not spend a ton of time in the parks but it didn’t matter. We had fun all the same. Wished we would have finally seen the updated Spaceship Earth and with the rumored closing of Space Mountain, it would have been nice to ride it one more time.

Now it is time to look forward to the June trip and begin planning DD’s Sweet sixteen next January. The plan is to bring a few of her friends for a weekend stay in a Grand Villa. Right now the idea is to let them lose in the parks for one day and the other day a manicures at the spa and dinner at the California Grill. Should be fun (for them). Pass me the Prozac.

Hope you enjoyed, thanks for reading. It is my intent to post a more detailed version with more pictures later. If it happens, I will let you know.