3 Generations! 2 Resorts! 10 Days! DxDp! 3000 Pictures! - Saying Good-Bye!

[hstrickland]

"Let the Magic Begin"...

WELCOME! WELCOME! WELCOME!
Fort Wilderness Cabins May 26th-May 28th
Contemporary Resort May 28th-June 4th

3547 Pictues (ok...so we did edit a few...I won't bore you with ALL of them;))
18 Dining Reviews (We love to eat!!!!!!!)

Once again, 10 days of Magical blessings, fun and excitment were had by our family of 7...did I mention a little frustration, too?? Of course this should be expected with 3 generations spending every second together:laughing:

Let the introductions begin...our 'Cast Members' for this TR are...

Disney Lovin' Dad (Bill)...yes...he loves it, too, and me (Heather)...the Disney Fanatic or Disney Dork (as my sister refers to me)...can there really be too much "Disney" in one's life???
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Cast%20members%20of%20the%20trip/DSC_3554.gif

Disney Lovin' Son...
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Cast%20members%20of%20the%20trip/DSC_3237.jpg

Disney Lovin' Daughter...her favorite resort is the one with 'the pretty red roof';)
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Cast%20members%20of%20the%20trip/DSC_4449.jpg

Disney Lovin' Son...his favorite resort??...anywhere on property!!!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Cast%20members%20of%20the%20trip/DSC_4450.jpg

Disney Lovin' Grandparents...aka...Ma Hopie & Pop...(my parents) and let me add...44 years of wedded bliss!!! Aren't they cute?!;)

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Cast%20members%20of%20the%20trip/DSC_4448.gif

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Cast%20members%20of%20the%20trip/DSC_3161.gifhttp://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Cast%20members%20of%20the%20trip/DSC_3555.jpg
We are very blessed to have these 3 children in our lives...even if they do cause more gray hair;)...sometimes they like to argue, fuss, and fight...EVEN AT WDW...imagine that!!!

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Cast%20members%20of%20the%20trip/DSC_4638.jpghttp://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Cast%20members%20of%20the%20trip/DSC_4649.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Cast%20members%20of%20the%20trip/DSC_3541.jpghttp://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Cast%20members%20of%20the%20trip/DSC_4614.jpg

Next year, our entire family (my sister, too) will be celebrating my parent's 45th Wedding Anniversary on The Dream!!!!!!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Cast%20members%20of%20the%20trip/DSC_4633.jpg

So....here you have it...our family, 3 generations strong...ready to take you on our 10 day excursion to the most fantastic place on earth...Walt Disney World!!!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Cast%20members%20of%20the%20trip/DSC_4456.jpg

Stay tuned...next up...tons of pictures...Day 1 at Fort Wilderness Cabins!!!:woohoo:

Disclaimer!!! Warning!!!
This review is only my opinion...and just that...an opinion...no flaming please!:rotfl:


Links to each chapter

Introduction Page 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2736350)
Itinerary Page 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41407578&postcount=21)
Day 1 - Check-in at Fort Wilderness Page 3 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41417787&postcount=33)
Day 1 - Campfire Sing-along with Chip n Dale Page 4 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41437163&postcount=56)
Day 2/Part 1 - Fort Wilderness Campgrounds Page 6 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41452104&postcount=76)
Day 2/Part 2 - Fort Wilderness & Trails End Restaurant Page 7 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41475203&postcount=96)
Day 3 - Early Morning Pics and review of Fort Wilderness Campgrounds Page 8 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41488295&postcount=109)
Day 3 - Check-in at the CR-Room Review Page 9 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41510805&postcount=127)
Day 3- Epcot Morning - Page 10 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41537755&postcount=148)
Day 3-Lunch at Nine Dragons (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41551464&postcount=152)
Day 3/Part 1-Dinner at La Hacienda del San Angel (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41577806&postcount=170)
Day 4 - Early Morning Pics of the CR Page 14 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41592240&postcount=196)
Day 4 - Breakfast at Chef Mickey's Page 16 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41624548&postcount=229)
Day 4- Disney Quest Page 17 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41636314&postcount=255)
Day4 - Contemporary Pool Page 19 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41660567&postcount=279)
Day 4 - Contemporary Pool Page 20 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41668220&postcount=289)
Day 4-California Grill -Part 1 Page 21 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41681846&postcount=304)
Day 4 - California Grill-Part 2 Page 22 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41730180&postcount=317)
Day 5 - Crystal Palace Breakfast Page 23 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41740365&postcount=338)
Day 5 - Pirates League -Part 1 Page 25 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41758216&postcount=366)
Day 5 - Pirates League -Part 2 Page 26 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41771063&postcount=383)
Day 5 - Magic Kingdom Afternoon Page 28 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41792824&postcount=409)
Day 5- Hoop-Dee-Do Revue Page 29 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41804118&postcount=422)
Day 5 - Main Street Electrical - Page 30 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41823389&postcount=441)
Day 6 - Animal Kingdom Morning - Page 31 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41832663&postcount=457)
Day 6 - Yak & Yeti Lunch - Page 32 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41853825&postcount=476)
Day 6 - Animal Kingdom Afternoon -Page 33 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41874887&postcount=490)
Day 6 - Dinner at Ohana Part 1 -Page 35 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41894622&postcount=511)
Day 7 - Hollywood & Vine Breakfast - Page 37 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41921688&postcount=551)
Day 7 - DHS Morning - Page 38 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41935788&postcount=565)
Day 7 - 50s Prime Time Cafe - Page 39 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41953154&postcount=581)
Day 7 - DHS Afternoon - Page 40 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41973286&postcount=596)
Day 7 - The Neverland Club at the Poly- Page 41 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41989659&postcount=615)
Day 7 - Victoria & Albert's Part 1 - Page 43 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42011056&postcount=636)
Day 7 - Victoria & Albert's Part 2 - Page 44 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42025368&postcount=656)
Day 8 - Contemporary Early Morning Pictures - Page 46 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42058931&postcount=684)
Day 8 - More Contemporary Early Morning Pics - Page 48 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42094030&postcount=711)
Day 8 - Rose & Crown Pub lunch - Page 49 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42106089&postcount=719)
Day 8 - Innoventions at EP - Page 50 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42140987&postcount=741)
Day 8 - Mickey's Backyard BBQ Part 1 - Page 51 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42188162&postcount=756)
Day 8 - Mickey's Backyard BBQ Part 2 - Page52 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42230936&postcount=774)
Day 9 - Early MK Morning & Cinderella's Royal Table Part 1- Page 53 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42251578&postcount=789)
Day 9 - Cinderella's Royal Table Breakfast Part 2 - Page 55 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42305247&postcount=811)
Day 9 - Magic Kingdom Morning -Page 56 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42366673&postcount=839)
Day 9 - Magic Kingdom Morning Part 2 - Page 58 (http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%209%20MK%20Morning%202/DSC_4530.jpg)
Day 9 - Tony's Town Square Lunch - Page 59 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42492768&postcount=883)
Vintage Pictures - River Country 1983 - Page 60 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42524671&postcount=898)
Day 9 - Magic Kingdom Afternoon & Parade - Page 62 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42610133&postcount=922)
Day 9 - Grand Floridian Evening - Page 64 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42689860&postcount=951)
Day 9 - Citricos - Part 1 - Page 66 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42764181&postcount=982)
Day 9 - Citricos - Part 2 - Page 68 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42813192&postcount=1014)
Blast From the Past - 1983 MK - Page 70 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42878397&postcount=1040)
Day 10 - Hollywood Studios Part 1 - Last Day - Page 73 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43037327&postcount=1089)
Hidden Mickeys - Part 1 - Page 74 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43094233&postcount=1108)
Hidden Mickeys - Part 2 - Page 77 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43220807&postcount=1141)
Day 10 -Star Wars Parade - Page 79 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43402746&postcount=1174)
Day 10 - Saying Good-bye! - Page 81 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43554391&postcount=1206)

[micandminforever]

Joining in on your trip report. Your kids are adorable.

[ChattaAlley]

Cute family. Looking forward to more.

[WDWKOOK]

"Let the Magic Begin"...

WELCOME! WELCOME! WELCOME!
Fort Wilderness Cabins May 26th-May 28th
Contemporary Resort May 28th-June 4th

Once again, 10 days of Magical blessings, fun and excitment were had by our family of 7...did I mention a little frustration, too?? Of course this should be expected with 3 generations spending every second together:laughing:

Let the introductions begin...our 'Cast Members' for this TR are...

Disney Lovin' Dad (Bill)...yes...he loves it, too, and me (Heather)...the Disney Fanatic or Disney Dork (as my sister refers to me)...can there really be too much "Disney" in one's life???
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Cast%20members%20of%20the%20trip/DSC_3554.gif

Disney Lovin' Son...
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Cast%20members%20of%20the%20trip/DSC_3237.jpg

Disney Lovin' Daughter...her favorite resort is the one with 'the pretty red roof';)
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Cast%20members%20of%20the%20trip/DSC_4449.jpg

Disney Lovin' Son...his favorite resort??...anywhere on property!!!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Cast%20members%20of%20the%20trip/DSC_4450.jpg

Disney Lovin' Grandparents...aka...Ma Hopie & Pop...(my parents) and let me add...44 years of wedded bliss!!! Aren't they cute?!;)

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Cast%20members%20of%20the%20trip/DSC_4448.gif

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Cast%20members%20of%20the%20trip/DSC_3161.gifhttp://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Cast%20members%20of%20the%20trip/DSC_3555.jpg
We are very blessed to have these 3 children in our lives...even if they do cause more gray hair;)...sometimes they like to argue, fuss, and fight...EVEN AT WDW...imagine that!!!

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Cast%20members%20of%20the%20trip/DSC_4638.jpghttp://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Cast%20members%20of%20the%20trip/DSC_4649.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Cast%20members%20of%20the%20trip/DSC_3541.jpghttp://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Cast%20members%20of%20the%20trip/DSC_4614.jpg

Next year, our entire family (my sister, too) will be celebrating my parent's 45th Wedding Anniversary on The Dream!!!!!!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Cast%20members%20of%20the%20trip/DSC_4633.jpg

So....here you have it...our family, 3 generations strong...ready to take you on our 10 day excursion to the most fantastic place on earth...Walt Disney World!!!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Cast%20members%20of%20the%20trip/DSC_4456.jpg

Stay tuned...next up...tons of pictures...Day 1 at Fort Wilderness Cabins!!!:woohoo:

Disclaimer!!! Warning!!!
This review is only my opinion...and just that...an opinion...no flaming please!:rotfl:


Links to each chapter

Introduction Page 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2736350)
With all those exclamation points in the title, who could pass this TR up?! Put your flame suit away:firefight, Heather! Love the photos so farpopcorn::

[hstrickland]

Joining in on your trip report. Your kids are adorable.

Thanks! You're a fellow Georgian, too;)

Cute family. Looking forward to more.
Thanks for joining in!

With all those exclamation points in the title, who could pass this TR up?! Put your flame suit away:firefight, Heather! Love the photos so farpopcorn::

:lmao: People get pretty touchy about their favorite resorts and restaurants;)

[nessz79]

Subscribing!

[mommyof2Pirates]

Im subbing in. I love your pics already. Your family is so beautiful and congrats to your parents for all these years together. I cant wait to read your report!!!!

[hstrickland]

Subscribing!

:welcome:

Im subbing in. I love your pics already. Your family is so beautiful and congrats to your parents for all these years together. I cant wait to read your report!!!!

Thanks so very much! I see you did the Princess Half!!!! Good for you...I'm looking forward to reading about your experience!!! I'm going to ATTEMPT it.

[gray2402]

Found your report from the CR thread :) Looking forward to reading!!

[Antigua08]

Joining in too! We too have a 3 generation trip coming up so looking forward to seeing how you got on :)

[DaPanMan]

I'm in!!! Our family did 3 generation trip that had 12 people going 4 different directions from Sunday. But it was GREAT!!!!:thumbsup2

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Subscribing.

[onelilspark]

Joining in!! :wave:

[Lisa S.]

I found your TR from the CR thread too. You have a beautiful family and that was a great introduction! Can't wait to read more. :thumbsup2

[hstrickland]

Found your report from the CR thread :) Looking forward to reading!!

Your family will love the CR...great resort!!

Joining in too! We too have a 3 generation trip coming up so looking forward to seeing how you got on :)

I'm in!!! Our family did 3 generation trip that had 12 people going 4 different directions from Sunday. But it was GREAT!!!!:thumbsup2

We love traveling with my parents...they love Disney as much as I do! And would you believe that we stayed together the majority of the time?!! Next year my sister and her family will be going with us on The Dream...so it will be 11 total!

Subscribing.

Joining in!! :wave:

party::welcome:

[hstrickland]

I found your TR from the CR thread too. You have a beautiful family and that was a great introduction! Can't wait to read more. :thumbsup2

Thanks! I love your title..."Trip Planner Extraordinaire"!! Can you really plan too much??;) DH thinks I'm a little over the top, but secretly I know he appreciates it:rotfl:

[Lisa S.]

Thanks! I love your title..."Trip Planner Extraordinaire"!! Can you really plan too much??;) DH thinks I'm a little over the top, but secretly I know he appreciates it:rotfl:Thanks and LOL!! A kindred spirit!! :goodvibes I've found that my DH appreciates it too, even though I know he thinks I'm crazy - but whatever, it works for me. :rotfl2:

[hstrickland]

Thanks and LOL!! A kindred spirit!! :goodvibes I've found that my DH appreciates it too, even though I know he thinks I'm crazy - but whatever, it works for me. :rotfl2:

I literally have an itinerary that I carry with us...Day 1- Day 10! Usually, just the restaurant ressies are listed...I don't go as far as listing each ride. We've been enough that I don't have to use those touring plans anymore, however, those plans can come in handy for crowded days. DH is so use to my over planning that if I didn't do it, he would be upset:rotfl:

[02AggieGirl]

I'm really excited to read about your trip!! And your kids are gorgeous!

[hstrickland]

I'm really excited to read about your trip!! And your kids are gorgeous!

Thanks for the compliment! They're great kids...the youngest one gives us a run for our money....good thing he wasn't the first;)

[hstrickland]

:dance3:"The Itinerary"…(this is something I DON’T leave home without):dance3:

Do people consider me an obsessive planner?…..YES
Do some family members think I’m over the top with Disney?….YES
Do I care?….NO!!!!!!!!! :lmao: I love it!!!!!!!!!!!
My friends are constantly doing this to me...:sad2: :rolleyes:...I just laugh and say...ya don't get it! And in all seriousness...this is what makes the world go round...different strokes for different folks:)


Day 1
7am - depart for FW
12pm - check in and get golf cart
1pm - lunch at pool
Afternoon - swim
6pm - dinner in cabin
7:30pm - Chip n Dale Sing-along and movie

Day 2
8am - breakfast in cabin
9-11am - Jesse’s time
11am - lunch at pool
12-2pm - Faith’s time
2-4pm - Stephen’s time
6:30pm - dinner at Trail’s End
7:30pm - Sing along

Day 3 EP
7am - breakfast in cabin
8am- check in at CR and get strollers
9am - EP rope drop
1pm - lunch at China
4ish - unpack and swim
8pm - dinner at Hacienda
9pm - Illuminations from restaurant

Day 4
8:45am breakfast at Chef Mickey’s
10am - pool/boats (Me, Ma Hopie, Faith and Jesse)
11am - Disney Quest (Bill, Pop and Stephen)
Lunch at pool/Disney Quest
7:30pm - California Grill
10pm - Wishes from Cali Grill

Day 5 MK
8am - breakfast at Crystal Palace
10:50am - Pirates League
5pm - Hoop Dee Do Revue
9pm - Electric Light Parade
10pm - Wishes on Main Street

Day 6 AK
7am - breakfast at Contempo Café
9am - Rope Drop
1pm - Yak n Yeti
Afternoon - swim
7:20pm - Ohana
9:15pm - Electric Water Pageant
10pm - Wishes at the Poly

Day 7 DHS
8am breakfast at Hollywood n Vine
12:30pm - lunch at 50’s Prime Time
Afternoon - swim
5:30pm - Neverland Club for kids
6pm - Victoria and Albert’s

Day 8 EP
7am - breakfast at Contempo Café
9am - Rope Drop
12:15pm - lunch at Rose n Crown
Afternoon at pool
6:30pm - dinner at Mickey’s Backyard BBQ

Day 9 MK
8am - breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table
12:30pm - lunch at Tony’s Town Square
Afternoon at pool
7:30pm - dinner at Citricos

Day 10 DHS
7am - breakfast at Contempo Café
7:45 check out
9am - Rope Drop
12:30pm - Star Wars parade
1pm - lunch at Mama Melrose
HEAD HOME!

So...are you thinking "how in the world do they eat all that food???!!" It's really not easy, but someone has to do it:laughing: We usually do the DxDP and love it!!!! However....WARNING WARNING...if you don't like to plan OR don't like to eat...ya might want to rethink the DxDp. It's takes lots of planning and requires lots of downtime in TS restaurants...works for us.

Up next...(I promise)...pictures of Fort Wilderness!!!! Lots and lots and lots of pictures:)

[sjs314]

Subscribeing

[hstrickland]

Subscribeing

:welcome: Glad to have you!!!

[Lisa S.]

:yay::yay: AWESOME job with the itinerary! :worship:

[Sazzo'sMommy]

I'm in and loving it already! Keep it coming!:thumbsup2

[hstrickland]

:yay::yay: AWESOME job with the itinerary! :worship:

LOL! Glad you approve;)

I'm in and loving it already! Keep it coming!:thumbsup2

Welcome!! Welcome!!:cheer2:

[Kellyh123]

Looks like lots of fun! Can't wait to hear more.

[hstrickland]

Looks like lots of fun! Can't wait to hear more.

Glad you've joined in...hopefully tomorrow I can actually start Day 1 at FW...it takes lots of time to download pictures to Photobucket, then resize them:eek: I don't remember it taking this long when I did my TR last year:confused3...guess this is what happens when one makes 2000 pictures:laughing:...ridiculous, I know!

[thechesters420]

Joining in as well!!

[ivo004]

Looking forward to the trip report. I enjoyed your last one. I'm glad you had an amazing time :wizard:

[dekkerdisneydreamer]

Hi there,
Your family is lovely and it looks as if this is going to be a spectacular report. Love how you've framed your photos.:thumbsup2

Can't wait to see your FW pics!

[hstrickland]

Joining in as well!!

:welcome:

Looking forward to the trip report. I enjoyed your last one. I'm glad you had an amazing time :wizard:

Welcome back!!! We really did have a great time...no major complaints at all!

Hi there,
Your family is lovely and it looks as if this is going to be a spectacular report. Love how you've framed your photos.:thumbsup2

Can't wait to see your FW pics!

party: Welcome! Some of my FW pics will be up this afternoon...getting ready to take my parents to the airport so they can return to Mexico :sad1: They are missionaries and aren't here that much. When I return, I'll get the review finished!

[hstrickland]

"Is it time to leave, yet??!!" "When do we go??!!" Does this sound familar to any of you with children???!!! Holy cow...we heard these statements for weeks!! FINALLY...it was time to head out!!!!

Do you notice anything strange about this picture????....It's missing 2 of us!!!:eek:
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02145.gif

Long story short...I was supposed to be heading down with them, and DH was coming down on Friday after work...BUT...I had a meeting at school that I could not get out of...oh well. Now DH won't have to drive all alone;)


So...DS9 and my mother have helped me put this review together...hope you enjoy!


The crew made excellent time getting to WDW...they left at 7:20am and saw the Disney sign around 11:50!!!!:car:
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02147.jpg
Have you ever wondered just how many pictures have been made of this infamous Disney sign????

And there it is...the Fort Wilderness Sign!!!! The kids were sooooo excited to say the least!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02148.gif

Check-in was just okay...apparently the lady wasn't quite sure about things and seemed a bit confused :confused:....HOWEVER...nothing that would make us NOT come back to FW.
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02151.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02150.jpg

The flowers were gorgeous! Of course this should be no surprise...it IS Disney!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02154.jpg http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02153.jpg

Right after check-in, Pop grabbed the golf cart! I had made reservations prior to the trip...didn't want to take any chances of there not being one available...the planner in me rears it's ugly head so very often;)
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02156.jpg
This was probably one of the highlights of the Fort Wilderness stay for the kids...they were more excited about cruising around on a golf cart than seeing Mickey Mouse!

Off to the cabins....

The cabins were great! When driving up, you could see towel animals in the window...very neat for the kids.
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/IMG_5161.jpg

Inside, the cabins were super clean...nothing worn, torn or not working.
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02159.jpg http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02158.jpg
Notice that the 2 little ones were on the top bunk! Needless to say there was a fight! "I'm sleeping there!"..."No, I'm sleeping there!"...well, the 9 year old quickly found a sign that said "No one under 6 years of age allowed". He pointed it out to the 4 and 5 year old and said, "I'M SLEEPING ON TOP!"...well...discussion finished!

(I'll post more pictures of the cabins on Day 2)

Time for the pool.....the children were super excited about pool time! What child doesn't like the pool, right?!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/IMG_5142.jpg http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/IMG_5148.jpg
The kids' play area was really neat! The 2 little ones played there forever!!! Stephen was in the big pool for the most part...the crowd was really, really light, too.

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/IMG_5144.jpg
How many times can 1 child go down a waterslide????!!! 150 times probably isnt' enough!!!:laughing:

Time to head back and get ready for the Campfire Sing along!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/IMG_5163.jpg

While heading back...Pop took the scenic route...wanted to check out the campsites. If one has a camper or motorhome, this looks like the place to camp!!! And let me add...the golf cart was a life saver!! If we ever go back to FW...it's a must have for our family!!....I know, I know...some of you are saying that it's not NECESSARY...but it is convenient.

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/IMG_5170.jpg

Someone even had a Star Wars flag flying high in honor of Stars Wars Weekend!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/IMG_5169.jpg

Before the campfire, they decided to grab some chicken from Trail's End and take it back to the cabin for dinner. They said it was really good, too!!! While at the restaurant waiting on food, Faith and Jesse found some hats to wear....thank goodness the grandparents didn't cave and buy these things...cute as they may be...they're what I call dust catchers...ya wear them once, then put them on a shelf...never to be worn again!

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/IMG_5175.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02157.jpg



Stay tuned!!!...Up next...The Campfire Sing Along with Chip n Dale (too much fun!!)

[WDWKOOK]

"Is it time to leave, yet??!!" "When do we go??!!" Does this sound familar to any of you with children???!!! Holy cow...we heard these statements for weeks!! FINALLY...it was time to head out!!!!

Do you notice anything strange about this picture????....It's missing 2 of us!!!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02145.gif

Long story short...I was supposed to be heading down with them, and DH was coming down on Friday after work...BUT...I had a meeting at school that I could not get out of...oh well. Now DH won't have to drive all alone


So...DS9 and my mother have helped me put this review together...hope you enjoy!


The crew made excellent time getting to WDW...they left at 7:20am and saw the Disney sign around 11:50!!!!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02147.jpg
Have you ever wondered just how many pictures have been made of this infamous Disney sign????

And there it is...the Fort Wilderness Sign!!!! The kids were sooooo excited to say the least!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02148.gif

Check-in was just okay...apparently the lady wasn't quite sure about things and seemed a bit confused ....HOWEVER...nothing that would make us NOT come back to FW.
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02151.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02150.jpg

The flowers were gorgeous! Of course this should be no surprise...it IS Disney!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02154.jpg http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02153.jpg

Right after check-in, Pop grabbed the golf cart! I had made reservations prior to the trip...didn't want to take any chances of there not being one available...the planner in me rears it's ugly head so very often;)
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02156.jpg
This was probably one of the highlights of the Fort Wilderness stay for the kids...they were more excited about cruising around on a golf cart than seeing Mickey Mouse!

Off to the cabins....

The cabins were great! When driving up, you could see towel animals in the window...very neat for the kids.
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/IMG_5161.jpg

Inside, the cabins were super clean...nothing worn, torn or not working.
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02159.jpg http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02158.jpg
Notice that the 2 little ones were on the top bunk! Needless to say there was a fight! "I'm sleeping there!"..."No, I'm sleeping there!"...well, the 9 year old quickly found a sign that said "No one under 6 years of age allowed". He pointed it out to the 4 and 5 year old and said, "I'M SLEEPING ON TOP!"...well...discussion finished!

(I'll post more pictures of the cabins on Day 2)

Time for the pool.....the children were super excited about pool time! What child doesn't like the pool, right?!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/IMG_5142.jpg http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/IMG_5148.jpg
The kids' play area was really neat! The 2 little ones played there forever!!! Stephen was in the big pool for the most part...the crowd was really, really light, too.

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/IMG_5144.jpg
How many times can 1 child go down a waterslide????!!! 150 times probably isnt' enough!!!:laughing:

Time to head back and get ready for the Campfire Sing along!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/IMG_5163.jpg

While heading back...Pop took the scenic route...wanted to check out the campsites. If one has a camper or motorhome, this looks like the place to camp!!! And let me add...the golf cart was a life saver!! If we ever go back to FW...it's a must have for our family!!....I know, I know...some of you are saying that it's not NECESSARY...but it is convenient.

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/IMG_5170.jpg

Someone even had a Star Wars flag flying high in honor of Stars Wars Weekend!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/IMG_5169.jpg

Before the campfire, they decided to grab some chicken from Trail's End and take it back to the cabin for dinner. They said it was really good, too!!! While at the restaurant waiting on food, Faith and Jesse found some hats to wear....thank goodness the grandparents didn't cave and buy these things...cute as they may be...they're what I call dust catchers...ya wear them once, then put them on a shelf...never to be worn again!

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/IMG_5175.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02157.jpg



Stay tuned!!!...Up next...The Campfire Sing Along with Chip n Dale (too much fun!!)
Their little red cheeks are sooo cute and I'm so jealous of your 4.5 hour drive! Seeing the decorated RV sites was so neat at Christmas. I didn't know they "decorate" in the off-season, too:thumbsup2

I am relieved to hear that the cabin was clean and everything in working order. Would you mind giving some golf cart rental details like total cost per day? Can't wait to hear more and I'm curious to see where all your clothes will go in the cabin;)

And, yes, I've taken many photos of the welcome to WDW sign, even while driving:rolleyes1. I get so excited when I see it:hyper:

[onelilspark]

I love the borders around the pictures! What program does that?

[hstrickland]

Their little red cheeks are sooo cute and I'm so jealous of your 4.5 hour drive! Seeing the decorated RV sites was so neat at Christmas. I didn't know they "decorate" in the off-season, too:thumbsup2

I am relieved to hear that the cabin was clean and everything in working order. Would you mind giving some golf cart rental details like total cost per day? Can't wait to hear more and I'm curious to see where all your clothes will go in the cabin;)

And, yes, I've taken many photos of the welcome to WDW sign, even while driving:rolleyes1. I get so excited when I see it:hyper:

There's always the ongoing debate about golf carts;)...for us, it's a no brainer...if we ever stay there again (which we probably will for a short visit) we will most definitely have a cart. Now...that being said...it is very possible to still enjoy your visit minus one, but the convenience of a golf cart is great!!! You can park it right outside your door...jump on and head anywhere on the 700 acres of FW! My family never road the internal buses, but bus stops were located everywhere.

Price per day - $59 + tax
Phone number - 407-824-2742
Pick up/drop off is right by the Outpost (check-in)

Glad you mentioned the "clothes situation"...I will have to talk about that in my next reviews;)...very limited.

[hstrickland]

I love the borders around the pictures! What program does that?

Photobucket is the site...very simple, too. The site can be a bit slow...but then again, it could be this dinosaur of a laptop that I'm using :laughing: Hopefully I'll be purchasing a new one within the month!!! If not...this TR could take a year to complete:scared1:

[hstrickland]

And Kelly...congrats on your upcoming wedding!!!:dance3: I also saw you have a food review...It will be interesting to read!! I'm always curious about different restaurants and what people think about them.

Congratulations, again and Happy Planning!!!!

[bsredfish]

I'm in...enjoyed your last trip report.
:cool2:

[sjs314]

Love the kids fighting over the top bunk and your eldest finding the sign about the age. I thought about staying at the cabins last year when we were suppose to be traveling with DS and Ddil but Ddil thought they looked "too rustic" :rolleyes1. If I ever did I would definately get a golf cart for the convienence.
Can't wait to read more

[2xcited2sleep]

Count me in! Can't wait to hear more. What a beautiful family you have! :goodvibes. I also love the borders around your pictures. FW looks like a fun place to stay. I'm especially looking forward to hearing about your dinner at V&A.

[hstrickland]

Love the kids fighting over the top bunk and your eldest finding the sign about the age. I thought about staying at the cabins last year when we were suppose to be traveling with DS and Ddil but Ddil thought they looked "too rustic" :rolleyes1. If I ever did I would definately get a golf cart for the convienence.
Can't wait to read more

And yes...legalistic Stephen found the sign that actually gave an age limit for the top bunk! He's our worrier...always fretting over the 2 little ones! Funny that your Ddil thought they were too rustic! They are 'cabins', but not rustic;) I will say that it is much different than being in an actual resort hotel, but different in a good way. Our family of 5 would certainly be fine for an extended period, but when you add two more adults, it gets a bit cramped. And in my opinion, if you can splurge and get the golf cart...get it!!!

Count me in! Can't wait to hear more. What a beautiful family you have! :goodvibes. I also love the borders around your pictures. FW looks like a fun place to stay. I'm especially looking forward to hearing about your dinner at V&A.

Thanks for the compliment! V&As was probably the highlight of the trip!!! It's wasn't just a 'meal'...it was an experience, and one that I plan to repeat on future trips! The kids enjoyed the Neverland Club as much as we enjoyed our dinner...thank goodness;)...I was worried that DS4 would cause problems:rolleyes: BUT...to my surprise...nothing! This is also a place that we will utilize on our next trip!!!

FYI...DH and I started reading your TR....love it!!!!!!!!!!

[jackalexis]

Looking forward to reading more. I have a dd who will be 6 in Aug and a ds who will be 4 in December. We are traveling to WDW in Nov for the first time. TIA for the review.

[hstrickland]

Looking forward to reading more. I have a dd who will be 6 in Aug and a ds who will be 4 in December. We are traveling to WDW in Nov for the first time. TIA for the review.

Your children will be the perfect age for WDW!!! In fact, while on our trip, we were all discussing the fact that Jesse and Faith still REALLY liked the character interaction, but it didn't hold the same appeal for Stephen...not that he didn't enjoy it, because he did...but he's almost 10. There's something so special about that first trip to the World with small kids:lovestruc I can still remember Faith's first encounter with a princess...soooo very magical! In fact, my husband had tears in his eyes when she was doing BBB.

Have you thought about doing BBB or the PL with your kids?? Bet they would have a blast doing it!!

Happy Planning! Y'all will have such a great time!

[onelilspark]

Photobucket is the site...very simple, too. The site can be a bit slow...but then again, it could be this dinosaur of a laptop that I'm using :laughing: Hopefully I'll be purchasing a new one within the month!!! If not...this TR could take a year to complete:scared1:

Wow, I didn't know Photobucket could do all that! I've been using it for years! :rotfl:

And Kelly...congrats on your upcoming wedding!!!:dance3: I also saw you have a food review...It will be interesting to read!! I'm always curious about different restaurants and what people think about them.

Congratulations, again and Happy Planning!!!!

Thanks!! I'm addicted to food reviews, I love doing them!

I'm heading down to the Contemporary about 6 weeks before the wedding, I followed you from the Contemporary thread! I'm going down solo as a break from all the wedding planning...I figure I'll need it by that point :laughing:

[txblondie99]

Subscribing!! Sooo excited about your trip!!!:cool1:

[hstrickland]

Wow, I didn't know Photobucket could do all that! I've been using it for years! :rotfl:

Thanks!! I'm addicted to food reviews, I love doing them!

I'm heading down to the Contemporary about 6 weeks before the wedding, I followed you from the Contemporary thread! I'm going down solo as a break from all the wedding planning...I figure I'll need it by that point :laughing:

Last year when I did my TR, I used Photobucket but never realized I could add borders, etc. It's actually kinda fun playing around with all the photo tools...DH just rolls his eyes and says..."just post the picture!"

Wedding planning can be exhausting...especially for the bride!!! You'll need a break:thumbsup2 Grab a drink and head to the quiet pool at the CR...there were no kids...just adults. My parents even went over there to relax and get away from all the kids splashing and yelling in the big pool:laughing: The word 'relax' does not exist when you are the mother of a 9,5 &4 year old:lmao: but wouldn't change it for the world.

Enjoy your time away and your time alone!!!!

[hstrickland]

Subscribing!! Sooo excited about your trip!!!:cool1:

:welcome: and welcome to the DisBoards! The Dis is a great place to have all your questions answered!!!

Hope you enjoy following along.

[Minnie824]

Great start! Can't wait to hear about more of your trip!

[jackalexis]

Have you thought about doing BBB or the PL with your kids?? Bet they would have a blast doing it!!


I am on the fence about BBB. But what is PL?

[hstrickland]

Great start! Can't wait to hear about more of your trip!

Welcome! Welcome!:dance3:

Are y'all DVC members? I was noticing your signature. Every time we go, we say we are going to sit through one of those sessions, but never do it.

[hotmamac]

Loving your TR! It's always nice to see kids enjoying themselves at the Fort. Makes my next trip seem not as far away.

And my daughter is the same way about water slides!! She could go down the same one all day and night! LOL nice to know she's not the only one :goodvibes

FYI - for anyone wishing to get a golf cart but not wanting to pay Disney's high prices, there is another way. If you search the camping section for Kenny from Tee Time Golf, you will find he is an outside vendor that you can rent a golf cart from for the length of your stay and his prices are about 1/2 of the price for a Disney cart. He drops off and picks up as well.

Sorry to hijack your thread. Please continue with your regular programing. :rotfl:

[hstrickland]

I am on the fence about BBB. But what is PL?

If you click on my TR from last year (down below...Poly) there is a link to BBB and PL (Pirates League). DH wasn't really sure about BBB because of the price, but after it was all said and done, he loved it. He literally had tears in his eyes while Faith was getting her makeover. The Pirates League was equally special for my boys. Stephen did it this year, too. I thought he might be too old (almost 10)...but he had a blast!!

Loving your TR! It's always nice to see kids enjoying themselves at the Fort. Makes my next trip seem not as far away.

And my daughter is the same way about water slides!! She could go down the same one all day and night! LOL nice to know she's not the only one :goodvibes

FYI - for anyone wishing to get a golf cart but not wanting to pay Disney's high prices, there is another way. If you search the camping section for Kenny from Tee Time Golf, you will find he is an outside vendor that you can rent a golf cart from for the length of your stay and his prices are about 1/2 of the price for a Disney cart. He drops off and picks up as well.

Sorry to hijack your thread. Please continue with your regular programing. :rotfl:

You aren't hijacking at all!!!! :rotfl: You're kidding, right?!!;) Golf carts for half the price!? DH always tells me to research before I do something...he's gonna say "I told you so!!" I sooooooooo wish I had known about this prior to the trip! We had no idea! Thanks for this information...I'm sure there are many victims like myself who will say thanks:laughing:

[tinkerbell3747]

HI Heather I am jumping over from the CR/BLT Thread! Love the intro and the pics! Going back to cath up!

[hstrickland]

HI Heather I am jumping over from the CR/BLT Thread! Love the intro and the pics! Going back to cath up!

Glad to have you join in!!! Will be posting another review in the morning...thought I would get to it today, but...time ran out:eek:

[hstrickland]

:woohoo:Fun will be had by all at the Campfire Sing-along!!:woohoo:

This was one of the highlights for our kids!!...okay...there were lots of highlights throughout the ten days...but this was at the top.


And let me remind you that this is still Day 1 (I'm moving a bit slow, aren't I?)


After dinner in the cabin, the crew jumped on the golf cart and headed to the campfire area which is near the Meadow Trading Post. The Sing-along started at 7:30...but they arrived really, really, really early!!!


Where in the world are all the people??!! This is Memorial Day Weekend??!!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/IMG_5182.jpg http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/IMG_5180.jpg

As y'all read through my TR...you will soon realize that I'm a little over the top when it comes to 'early'!

Oh look!....There are some people now...they had the same great idea that we did! Ma Hopie and Jesse are patiently waiting for Chip n Dale.
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02174.jpg http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/IMG_5241.jpg

Here they come....Chip n Dale!!!!!!!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/IMG_5186.jpg

In all seriousness...if you want some one-on-one interaction time with the characters, early is best! Chip n Dale literally played with the children...hula hoops, sidewalk chalk, etc.....super neat!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02171.jpg http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02161.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02163.gif http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02169.gif

We weren't sure if DS9 would enjoy this event, but everyone was pleasantly surprised...he loved it!!!!!

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02167.jpg http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02181.jpg
As the evening proceeded, more children arrived and they started a dance-along.

The only drawback (which is really not a drawback) is that when DS4 and DD5 saw other characters throughout the week, they expected them to do the same thing...play, dance, etc!

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02173.jpg

It was finally time for the marshmallow roast!!! By this time, the kids were a little munchy! You can purchase the Marshmallow kit at the Meadows Trading Post for $8.50 per kit. This does not include the sticks...sticks are $.49 a piece. The kit was enough for our 3 children for BOTH nights.

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02177.jpg http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/IMG_5216.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/IMG_5219.jpg

Lots of interaction for the children before Chip n Dale came back out for the Sing-along!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02176.jpg

I wonder how they got 1st row seat???? Must have been there really early:confused3
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02179.jpg

Finally, they are back out on stage and it's time to sing!!!!!!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/IMG_5230.jpg

After the Sing-along, it was time for the movie...they waited for just a bit...the movie of the night was Tarzan.
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/IMG_5243.jpg http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/IMG_5245.jpg

The kids watched the movie for a little while, but were super tired...so they headed back to the cabin! Dad made the comment that it was sooooo very nice to be able to jump back on the golf cart and not have to wait for a bus...I think they told us that numerous times;) This experience is definitely something that children will enjoy...and best of all...it's FREE!!!!:laughing: Did y'all get that??? FREE!!!



Stay tuned....Up next...Day 2 at Fort Wilderness Campgrounds with tons of pics!!!!!!

[WDWKOOK]

Fun will be had by all at the Campfire Sing-along!!:woohoo:

This was one of the highlights for our kids!!...okay...there were lots of highlights throughout the ten days...but this was at the top.


And let me remind you that this is still Day 1 (I'm moving a bit slow, aren't I?)


After dinner in the cabin, the crew jumped on the golf cart and headed to the campfire area which is near the Meadow Trading Post. The Sing-along started at 7:30...but they arrived really, really, really early!!!


Where in the world are all the people??!! This is Memorial Day Weekend??!!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/IMG_5182.jpg http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/IMG_5180.jpg

As y'all read through my TR...you will soon realize that I'm a little over the top when it comes to 'early'!

Oh look!....There are some people now...they had the same great idea that we did! Ma Hopie and Jesse are patiently waiting for Chip n Dale.
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02174.jpg http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/IMG_5241.jpg

Here they come....Chip n Dale!!!!!!!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/IMG_5186.jpg

In all seriousness...if you want some one-on-one interaction time with the characters, early is best! Chip n Dale literally played with the children...hula hoops, sidewalk chalk, etc.....super neat!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02171.jpg http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02161.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02163.gif http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02169.gif

We weren't sure if DS9 would enjoy this event, but everyone was pleasantly surprised...he loved it!!!!!

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02167.jpg http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/DSC02181.jpg
As the evening proceeded, more children arrived and they started a dance-along.

The only drawback (which is really not a drawback) is that when DS4 and DD5 saw other characters throughout the week, they expected them to do the same thing...play, dance, etc!

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It was finally time for the marshmallow roast!!! By this time, the kids were a little munchy! You can purchase the Marshmallow kit at the Meadows Trading Post for $8.50 per kit. This does not include the sticks...sticks are $.49 a piece. The kit was enough for our 3 children for BOTH nights.

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http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%201%20FW/IMG_5219.jpg

Lots of interaction for the children before Chip n Dale came back out for the Sing-along!
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I wonder how they got 1st row seat???? Must have been there really early:confused3
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Finally, they are back out on stage and it's time to sing!!!!!!
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After the Sing-along, it was time for the movie...they waited for just a bit...the movie of the night was Tarzan.
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The kids watched the movie for a little while, but were super tired...so they headed back to the cabin! Dad made the comment that it was sooooo very nice to be able to jump back on the golf cart and not have to wait for a bus...I think they told us that numerous times;) This experience is definitely something that children will enjoy...and best of all...it's FREE!!!!:laughing: Did y'all get that??? FREE!!!



Stay tuned....Up next...Day 2 at Fort Wilderness Campgrounds with tons of pics!!!!!!
That was a great review with lots of details, Heather. I have always wondered about it and your photos tell it all and make me want to attend.

I just love C&D, they're my favorite lesser rodents:laughing:. I can't believe this is still Day One; I suspect everyone slept well that night?

[2xcited2sleep]

Oh my goodness! What a fun evening!!! And amazing character interaction! And free!!!!! :yay:

[onelilspark]

Last year when I did my TR, I used Photobucket but never realized I could add borders, etc. It's actually kinda fun playing around with all the photo tools...DH just rolls his eyes and says..."just post the picture!"

Wedding planning can be exhausting...especially for the bride!!! You'll need a break:thumbsup2 Grab a drink and head to the quiet pool at the CR...there were no kids...just adults. My parents even went over there to relax and get away from all the kids splashing and yelling in the big pool:laughing: The word 'relax' does not exist when you are the mother of a 9,5 &4 year old:lmao: but wouldn't change it for the world.

Enjoy your time away and your time alone!!!!

Duly noted! Thanks!

I knew about the campfire & sing-a-long, but I didn't know they did all that! Seems like a great time!

[mommyof2Pirates]

What a great way to end their first night. The campfire sing along looks like so much fun and I agree free is good. How many things do you get for free anymore????

Cant wait to read more!

[hstrickland]

That was a great review with lots of details, Heather. I have always wondered about it and your photos tell it all and make me want to attend.

I just love C&D, they're my favorite lesser rodents:laughing:. I can't believe this is still Day One; I suspect everyone slept well that night?

Oh my goodness! What a fun evening!!! And amazing character interaction! And free!!!!! :yay:

Duly noted! Thanks!

I knew about the campfire & sing-a-long, but I didn't know they did all that! Seems like a great time!

When we return to FW (not sure when that will be...but will return at some point) this is definitely something we will do again. I have no idea what the crowds are like on the weekends, but the crowd level was minimal on that Thursday night. Just get there EARLY if you want your children to have one-on-one time with the characters.

[busymommy2pink]

subbing to your TR!

[hstrickland]

What a great way to end their first night. The campfire sing along looks like so much fun and I agree free is good. How many things do you get for free anymore????

Cant wait to read more!

FREE is great!!!:dance3: That made it even better;)

subbing to your TR!

:woohoo:Welcome! Welcome!:woohoo: Hope you enjoy!

[hstrickland]

What a great way to end their first night. The campfire sing along looks like so much fun and I agree free is good. How many things do you get for free anymore????

Cant wait to read more!

FREE is great!!!! DH quickly pointed out that it wasn't completely free...$8.50 for smores...whatever, right?!:rolleyes:

subbing to your TR!

:woohoo:Welcome! Welcome!:woohoo: Hope you enjoy!

[tinkgurl]

Just found this TR and loving it!

The campfire with Chip 'n Dale looks like a good time! Do you have to be staying at Fort Wilderness/Wilderness Lodge to do this?

[Al and Kate's Mom]

Joining in - sounds like fun!!! :thumbsup2

[hstrickland]

Just found this TR and loving it!

The campfire with Chip 'n Dale looks like a good time! Do you have to be staying at Fort Wilderness/Wilderness Lodge to do this?

The kids had a ball...and no...you can be staying anywhere, at any hotel. There was no one there checking IDs or anything like that. In fact, when we were at the WL last October, a family was telling DH that we needed to try it. They told us that their family usually stays at the WL, and when they're there it's a must do for their kids...basically just a boat ride away.

Hope you enjoy the rest of the TR!!

Joining in - sounds like fun!!! :thumbsup2

party: Welcome! Hope you enjoy the TR!

[blackdogg]

LOVE seeing other "over" planners... especially those that are into the DDP :) I'm making final tweaks to our trip less than one month out :banana: can't wait to keep up with this one!

[txblondie99]

I am sooo excited about that campfire sing a long! My daughter will love it I think too! Thanks for all the awesome tips so far! Loving the pics!!:love:

[jamiesmom07]

Subbing...can't wait to see how your adventure unfolds.

[hstrickland]

LOVE seeing other "over" planners... especially those that are into the DDP :) I'm making final tweaks to our trip less than one month out :banana: can't wait to keep up with this one!

:rotfl: Glad to have another 'planner' following along. I'm a little over the top with planning...but hey...it works for me!!! Actually, it's part of the whole Disney experience for me. I love it!;) Hope you enjoy!

I am sooo excited about that campfire sing a long! My daughter will love it I think too! Thanks for all the awesome tips so far! Loving the pics!!:love:

Thanks! The Sing-along is something that we will certainly do again!!

Subbing...can't wait to see how your adventure unfolds.

Welcome!:dance3: Enjoy! More pics to come...this afternoon!

[Lisa29]

Yay, I read your first trip report and have just found this.

Can't wait to carry on reading

[shezfrombermuda]

Hi, I am joining is as well. I have considered staying at the Fort Wilderness cabins so it is nice to read about your experiences. The sing a long looks like alot of fun!

[hstrickland]

Yay, I read your first trip report and have just found this.

Can't wait to carry on reading

Glad to have you back:yay:

Hi, I am joining is as well. I have considered staying at the Fort Wilderness cabins so it is nice to read about your experiences. The sing a long looks like alot of fun!

We've always wanted to stay there, too, but didn't know if we wanted to do an entire week...we thought that a couple of days would give us a good idea to see if we liked it or not...and...we liked it!

[Mom2m&k]

I am enjoying your trip reports and pictures! I just read your last trip report...I think we may do the Behind the Seeds tour because of you! Thanks!!

[hstrickland]

Day 2 - Part 1
Fort Wilderness Campgrounds

After a fun filled first day, it was time to do it again!!! Breakfast was easy...cereal in the cabin! My parents bought milk & cereal at the Settlement Trading Post. I told them to buy before they got there...but they didn't listen, so they paid an arm and a leg;) Notice that the table is not very big...got a bit crowded with all 7 of us trying to eat.
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Pop and Ma Hopie decided that they would give the grandchildren 2 hours each...meaning...each kid got to choose what the crew did for 2 hours.

Jesse...well...all Jesse wanted to do was ride the horses. They hopped in the golf cart and took off for the Tri-Circle Ranch and Farm. Unfortunately, he was too short!! You have to be a certain height...but don't remember exactly what the height was???? Guess he could have done the pony rides, but he didn't want that...he wanted the big horses! Pony rides are from 10am-5pm for ages 2-8years...$5.
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He stood there FOREVER watching the horses...and when I say forever...it seemed like an eternity...however...this was his time. He then decided that he wanted to cruise around on the golf cart...so that's what they did!

If you think (as I did) that people only decorate at Halloween and Christmas...guess what....you're wrong! Check this out...so cool! Notice the license plate! And I thought I was a WDW fanatic!!!
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Finally, it was Faith's turn. All Faith wanted to do was swim...nothing else!!!...that's it! So, they headed to the Meadows Swimming Pool. The other pool (the one without a waterslide) was closed...they were doing some work on it.
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The swimming area was nice...DS9 loved the waterslide, and the 2 little ones had a blast in the kids splash area...HOWEVER...at one point there were some really big kids in the splash area that were running over the little ones (not my kids...smaller ones):headache: There were no cast members (life guards) monitoring at all. Luckily, the big children got bored and moved to the big pool...other than that...it was great...crowds were really low!!!!

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After hours of swimming, the crew was HUNGRY!!! They grabbed lunch at the Meadows Pool Snack Bar...just your basic stuff...nothing outstanding, but not bad.
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And who can resist a Mickey Ice Cream for dessert???!!!
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After a bite to eat, it was Stephen's turn! He decided that he wanted to play shuffle board! Pop was up first!

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After the intense games of shuffle board, it was time for one more dip in the pool before heading back to the cabins to get ready for dinner and the campfire!
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For very detailed information about activities at Fort Wilderness...check out the following website...

Click here :) Fort Wilderness Information (http://allears.net/acc/faq_fw.htm#shops)

There is sooooooo much to do there...we barely tapped into all the fun activities...needed more time!;)

Stay tuned...up next...dinner at Trail's End Restaurant and more Chip n Dale!!:yay:

[ivo004]

Loving your report, it is amazing to see how many funs things you can do at the cabins. Thanks for sharing

[WDWKOOK]

Thanks for posting the decorated RVs. I got such a kick out of them at Christmas so it's great to see them in the "off-season." That license plate and RV are amazing!

Are you on the DxDP at this point or only at the CR? I'm wondering because so far this day you've only eaten in your cabin and at the snack bar so I'm thinking you have many extra TS credits left;)

[hstrickland]

Loving your report, it is amazing to see how many funs things you can do at the cabins. Thanks for sharing

I definitely want to go back and do some of the other "stuff"...fishing, horseback riding, archery...I really had no idea that the campgrounds offered so much.

Thanks for posting the decorated RVs. I got such a kick out of them at Christmas so it's great to see them in the "off-season." That license plate and RV are amazing!

Are you on the DxDP at this point or only at the CR? I'm wondering because so far this day you've only eaten in your cabin and at the snack bar so I'm thinking you have many extra TS credits left;)

When we were there last October, we went to FW to visit and walked around looking at the Halloween decorations on the RVs...it was unbelievable!! I have no idea where they store all of that stuff!

We weren't on the Dxdp, yet. I booked a room only ressie for FW, and a package for the CR. I wish you could do the DDP with just a room but not possible...as far as I know. Maybe somebody knows differently:confused3 We aren't park commandos anymore, so the dining plan always works well for us. We like getting out of the heat and resting while dining. All four of us adults gained weight while we were there!!:rotfl: Can't imagine why??

[Tink rules]

you CAN add the DP to a room only ressie, but you have to be an annual passholder or a DVC member to do it...

[Tink rules]

The good thing about that is if you get a discounted room, you can get the DP to go with it and save $... but it really only works if you are going to use the passes enough to pay for them...

[Yellowbellow]

We thought the food at the Medow Swimming pool was really good. A hotdog topped with lots of pulled pork barbecue...an unusual combination, but delicious. The children had the usual, individual pizzas.

For the record, we bought the smores kits at the Chuck Wagon Snack Bar; they did not have the kits at the Medow Trading Post. :yay::cool2:

[WDWKOOK]

you CAN add the DP to a room only ressie, but you have to be an annual passholder or a DVC member to do it...
Or... book using the military room-only discount. They always offer the DDP to us as an add-on, but since we have TIW, we personally prefer getting the 20% off the table service bills instead. That way we get only the food we want, and not all those desserts and no appetizers. (Slight rant: I never liked it when they removed the apps. and the tip from the plan.)

Of course, with the DxDP you do get the apps. We've never done the DxDP. When our APs expire and we don't have TIW, I would consider the DxDP, but I feel like those tips would really start to add up:confused3 and "paying" for desserts we don't want sort of bothers me.

[WDWKOOK]

We thought the food at the Medow Swimming pool was really good. A hotdog topped with lots of pulled pork barbecue...an unusual combination, but delicious. The children had the usual, individual pizzas.

For the record, we bought the smores kits at the Chuck Wagon Snack Bar; they did not have the kits at the Medow Trading Post. :yay::cool2:
That does sound really yummy:thumbsup2

[hstrickland]

We thought the food at the Medow Swimming pool was really good. A hotdog topped with lots of pulled pork barbecue...an unusual combination, but delicious. The children had the usual, individual pizzas.

For the record, we bought the smores kits at the Chuck Wagon Snack Bar; they did not have the kits at the Medow Trading Post. :yay::cool2:

Thanks for the correction, Pop;) Going by what Stephen said...he's not being much help with my TR:rotfl:

[2xcited2sleep]

What a fun day! Giving each kid two hours to choose an activity was a great idea! And I'm impressed at how agreeable they all were when it wasn't their turn! :thumbsup2

That decorated RV is something else! I think it's almost a whole other Disney sub-culture out there. Very cool!

[hstrickland]

you CAN add the DP to a room only ressie, but you have to be an annual passholder or a DVC member to do it...

The good thing about that is if you get a discounted room, you can get the DP to go with it and save $... but it really only works if you are going to use the passes enough to pay for them...

Thanks for the info!:thumbsup2 We have NEITHER:mad: Not sure why we didn't get an AP last year...we went to WDW 3 times in a year's span...actually we weren't expecting to go that much...just kinda happened. We thought about buying them again this time, BUT we won't be going back until February for Princess Half...probably won't be in the parks that much, and then we will be going on the Dream next June. I'm suspecting that in 2012 we will get APs...the new Fantasy Land will be opening!!!:yay:

Or... book using the military room-only discount. They always offer the DDP to us as an add-on, but since we have TIW, we personally prefer getting the 20% off the table service bills instead. That way we get only the food we want, and not all those desserts and no appetizers. (Slight rant: I never liked it when they removed the apps. and the tip from the plan.)

Of course, with the DxDP you do get the apps. We've never done the DxDP. When our APs expire and we don't have TIW, I would consider the DxDP, but I feel like those tips would really start to add up:confused3 and "paying" for desserts we don't want sort of bothers me.

Believe it or not, we don't always get apps and dessert but still seem to come out ahead. Last year I kept every receipt...had everything down to the penny! I wanted to make sure the deluxe was worth it for us....and it was. If I remember correctly, we came out around $600 ahead of the game. I think one reason we fare so well is because we do lots of signatures. And honestly, one of the main reasons we do it is for convenience;) I like to have everything paid for before we go. However...you are right! Tips add up!! We have to budget that in before time, too, so we know how much cash to take. The DxDP isn't for everyone that's for sure because it does cut into park time. In fact, I have some family members that I would NEVER recommend it to simply because they are more 'fly by the seat of your pants' type people...wouldn't work for them. Enough about that!:rotfl: didn't mean to get on my band wagon about the DxDP...can ya tell I :lovestruc to eat at WDW??!!

[zuperdaave]

Excellent TR so far! We stayed at FW a couple of years ago and I think has been our favorite resort overall so far, so you are inspiring us to go back some day!

[hstrickland]

What a fun day! Giving each kid two hours to choose an activity was a great idea! And I'm impressed at how agreeable they all were when it wasn't their turn! :thumbsup2

That decorated RV is something else! I think it's almost a whole other Disney sub-culture out there. Very cool!

I think you're right! There are people there that camp for weeks at the time...their golf carts are even decorated! If I had money to throw around, it would be fun to buy an RV and camp...especially at Halloween or Christmas. I'm sure it becomes addictive...kinda like the DisBoards:rotfl:

Excellent TR so far! We stayed at FW a couple of years ago and I think has been our favorite resort overall so far, so you are inspiring us to go back some day!

Thanks! Glad to be an inspiration;) I see yall are going on a Disney cruise...which one? We will be doing our first Disney cruise next June...can hardly wait!!!

[02AggieGirl]

Thank you so much for your report!!! We are staying at the cabins in October. We plan on spending some time at the resort, so this report is just what I needed to see :cloud9: We will definitely get a golf cart, I know my kids will love it!

[hstrickland]

Thank you so much for your report!!! We are staying at the cabins in October. We plan on spending some time at the resort, so this report is just what I needed to see :cloud9: We will definitely get a golf cart, I know my kids will love it!

You're welcome! I really enjoyed doing the TR last year, so figured I would try again...and it makes it super easy when you're passionate about Disney! ;) My theory...if you pay good money to stay at a nice resort, you might as well take time to enjoy it, right?! Each WDW resort has so much to offer...sometimes you just have look. And FW probably has the MOST activities for families....come on, now...700 acres:laughing: Gotta be something there for everyone!

Have y'all ever done the HDDR or MBYBBQ? I see you have 3 younger girls...it might be something they would enjoy...and better yet...it's at FW...you don't have to leave the resort. :dance3: I willl have reviews on those 2 events later in my TR.

Happy Planning...and by the way...October will be an excellent time to go!!! And the golf cart will be perfect for cruising around the RVs and campsites looking at all the crazy Halloween decorations....these people go all out, let me tell ya!!! Fun, fun, fun!!!

[princessamie]

Great report so far!!! I can't wait to read more!
Next time you go you should do the DVC tour! We did it last time and enjoyed it! The guy was actually a GSU alum! I'll have to get you his name. We still have all of our information and would really love to do that one day!
We left there with Gift cards and free ice cream too! :cheer2:

[TinkPirateMom]

I have really enjoyed your TR thus far. Thanks! I'm anxious to see what you thought of Mickey's Backyard BBQ as that tends to get mixed reviews but it's still something I think my son will enjoy.

[02AggieGirl]

You're welcome! I really enjoyed doing the TR last year, so figured I would try again...and it makes it super easy when you're passionate about Disney! ;) My theory...if you pay good money to stay at a nice resort, you might as well take time to enjoy it, right?! Each WDW resort has so much to offer...sometimes you just have look. And FW probably has the MOST activities for families....come on, now...700 acres:laughing: Gotta be something there for everyone!

Have y'all ever done the HDDR or MBYBBQ? I see you have 3 younger girls...it might be something they would enjoy...and better yet...it's at FW...you don't have to leave the resort. :dance3: I willl have reviews on those 2 events later in my TR.

Happy Planning...and by the way...October will be an excellent time to go!!! And the golf cart will be perfect for cruising around the RVs and campsites looking at all the crazy Halloween decorations....these people go all out, let me tell ya!!! Fun, fun, fun!!!

I did HDDR when I was 11 and haven't been back since, but I loved it! We aren't doing either this trip, but if we really love the resort (like I think we will), then I bet we will give them a try on another visit.

When I first mentioned staying at the cabins, my husband looked at me like I was crazy. He thought I meant camping in a tent (which he would love btw, just not with 3 girlie girls :scared1:) But once I showed him the pics and he realized he could park the car IN FRONT OF the cabin he was sold!!

I am really looking forward to doing the Chip & Dale sing-a-long and marshmallow roast! And swimming in the pool! I was so excited to see your pics of the pool, b/c it's hard to tell exactly what they had there from the disney and allears pics.

[hstrickland]

Great report so far!!! I can't wait to read more!
Next time you go you should do the DVC tour! We did it last time and enjoyed it! The guy was actually a GSU alum! I'll have to get you his name. We still have all of our information and would really love to do that one day!
We left there with Gift cards and free ice cream too! :cheer2:

DVC was offering $200 gift cards...we're crazy for not finding the time to do it...but I'm also a little leery of being sucked into that deal! We've considered it, but still not quite sold on it. Who knows?!

I have really enjoyed your TR thus far. Thanks! I'm anxious to see what you thought of Mickey's Backyard BBQ as that tends to get mixed reviews but it's still something I think my son will enjoy.

You're right about MBYBBQ getting mixed reviews...I've read them all, too. I was a bit nervous, but it was fun...I can totally see why some people might not like it...was a little chaotic, but in a fun kinda way. I have plenty of pictures for the review;)

I did HDDR when I was 11 and haven't been back since, but I loved it! We aren't doing either this trip, but if we really love the resort (like I think we will), then I bet we will give them a try on another visit.

When I first mentioned staying at the cabins, my husband looked at me like I was crazy. He thought I meant camping in a tent (which he would love btw, just not with 3 girlie girls :scared1:) But once I showed him the pics and he realized he could park the car IN FRONT OF the cabin he was sold!!

I am really looking forward to doing the Chip & Dale sing-a-long and marshmallow roast! And swimming in the pool! I was so excited to see your pics of the pool, b/c it's hard to tell exactly what they had there from the disney and allears pics.

And yes, another :thumbsup2 for FW...you can park directly in front of the cabin!! It says one car only, but there were many cabins with 2 cars parked out front...really only room for 1 vehicle and a golf cart.

Your girls will have such a great time...especially with Chip n Dale...just get there early;)

[hstrickland]

Fort Wilderness Campgrounds Part 2
Trails End Restaurant

After a great morning and afternoon with the grandchildren, the crew headed back to Cabin 2209. The grandparents needed a quick break before heading back out for dinner. Much to their surprise, the cabin was back in working order and Mouse Keeping added a few of their special touches!

The dish rags in the kitchen were so cute...and Woody was all tucked in bed with a swan on the end keeping watch. Don't ya just love Disney??!!
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One of the great aspects of FW cabins is the size, or should I say the 2 separate rooms?! The kids could go to the bedroom and watch TV, while the adults relaxed in the den area...very nice!

After a much needed rest, it was time to head to dinner. Along the way, they stopped at the Trading Post to look at Pins for Stephen...he wanted to start one of those pin trading deals. And true to Disney fashion...Mickey is dressed the part for Fort Wilderness!

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%202%20FW/DSC02199.jpg

DS9 (Stephen) loves nature...so he's always wanting to snap shots of ANY animal, big or small...here are some of the shots along the way while walking and riding...

Not sure how they spotted this little guy!?
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%202%20FW/IMG_5250.jpg

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http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%202%20FW/IMG_5297.jpg

Another plus for FW...the wildlife...it's everywhere...but guess that means there are snakes, also, lurking somewhere:eek: And the reason I say snakes...well...take a look at this...it's swamp land! Well, not 'true' swamp, but it does appear that water stands here with the cypress trees when it's really wet. We didn't see any slithery friends, though.
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%202%20FW/IMG_5249.jpg

Off to dinner at.....

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When they arrived, the hostess did not have their 6:30 reservation number listed:scared1:...however it was no big deal...they were seated anyway. Not sure what happened???

Faith eats like a little bird...we're not quite sure how she continues to grow!
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(the following was copied from allears.net)

DINNER
Sunday - Thursday: 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 4:30 - 10 p.m.

Guests ages 10 and over: $22.99; Child (3-9): $12.99
Soup and Salad Bar Only Available

All-You-Can-Eat Buffet includes:
Soup of the day
Chili
Salad Bar
Peel-and-eat shrimp
Smoked Pork Ribs
Fried Chicken
Pasta
Pizza
Selection of Vegetables
Hand-Carved Roasted Meats
Fresh Catch of the day
Housemade Fruit Cobbler Non-alcoholic beverage included
Full service bar also available.

Stephen said the ribs were OUTSTANDING!!!!
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Everyone really, really enjoyed the food. Actually, it was a pleasant surprise...they said it is one of the better buffets at WDW...and reasonably priced...for WDW, that is!;) Would not hesitate to eat here again!!!:thumbsup2

After dinner, the kids wanted to return to the Chip n Dale Sing-along! They didn't get enough the night before;) Of course, they were a little early! Jesse was able to get autographs tonight (Ma Hopie bought him his very own book)

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They had plenty of the Smores kit left over, so they did that again, too! Who can really resist a good smores????!!!

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http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%202%20FW/IMG_5318.jpg

We thought about buying all the stuff to make smores before we arrived...thank goodness we didn't!!! It was too convenient to just buy it there...the perfect amount for 3 kids, for 2 nights!

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After stuffing their faces with smores...it was time for the Sing-along...BUT...it started raining, so the crew left. Honestly, I think they were tired and secretly :rolleyes1 ready to go back and relax in the cabin. The next day is going to be long!!! Check in at the Contemporary then hit Epcot full force!


Stay tuned...up next... Early Morning pictures of FW and a review of the campground!

[jamiesmom07]

I love the picture of the little critters, my son always notices those, probably because we don't see many reptilian life in Northwestern PA. We had a little lizard hanging around every morning on the way to the buses, we named him BOB and we still talk about that crazy little lizard :)

[WDWKOOK]

Did DS take the photos of the critters? I enjoyed all of them, especially finally getting a peek inside the cabin;). Who got the Murphy bed? Is the crew excited to be going on to the CR or will they miss FTW and the golf cart? Stay tuned...

[hstrickland]

I love the picture of the little critters, my son always notices those, probably because we don't see many reptilian life in Northwestern PA. We had a little lizard hanging around every morning on the way to the buses, we named him BOB and we still talk about that crazy little lizard :)

:laughing:We have enough reptiles and bugs in South GA and Florida for the entire USA!!:eek: I envy y'all! I'm constantly telling my kids when they're outside..."watch for snakes!"..."don't touch them!" (we live in the country). And in all seriousness, I'm very surprised that you don't hear more about snake sightings at FW or gator visits...they are there, ya know?!:rotfl:....hiding!

Did DS take the photos of the critters? I enjoyed all of them, especially finally getting a peek inside the cabin;). Who got the Murphy bed? Is the crew excited to be going on to the CR or will they miss FTW and the golf cart? Stay tuned...

Stephen and my dad took many of the animal pictures...not sure who did which one?? Stephen SAYS that he did, but I have my doubts;) My parents slept on the murphy bed, and said that it was actually very comfortable:confused:...I wouldn't have thought so, but they say :thumbsup2. In my next post I'll have more inside and outside pictures of the cabin with my thoughts about the entire FW experience!...and for the most part...good thoughts;)...a fewwww negatives...but still it's a great place!

[MelMel11]

Count me in!!

[hstrickland]

Count me in!!

:woohoo:Glad to have you along, MelMel11!:woohoo: Hope you enjoy!

[Tink rules]

Did all of you stay in one cabin? If so... how did you manage it?

Also... I'm dying to know if your kids knew they were at WDW... I'd have driven my parents NUTS to go to the MK the very first day!!! :rotfl:

[PrincessDis]

Surprise............It's PrincessDis (Princess68 is already in use????) I'm no longer a lurker and ready to follow along on your trip report......you have done such a good job.....loving your pics :goodvibes Can't wait to read more :surfweb:

Ignore my signature and ticker.....I've got to work on that!

PrincessDis princess:

[Tink rules]

Welcome!!! :welcome:

Just wait until you get up to like 12,000 posts like me... lolol

[hstrickland]

Did all of you stay in one cabin? If so... how did you manage it?

Also... I'm dying to know if your kids knew they were at WDW... I'd have driven my parents NUTS to go to the MK the very first day!!! :rotfl:

My parents arrived at FW on Thursday, and DH and I arrived on Friday...so...we all concurred that if we were staying for a longer visit at FW, then we would DEFINITLEY have to have 2 cabins. For us...4 adults and 3 kids was a bit crowded. And technically, you're only supposed to have 6:rolleyes1 people per cabin. On Friday night, DS4 slept on the sofa.

DS9 knew he was at WDW, and he was fine with the whole deal. However, I'm not sure that DS4 understood that FW was Disney:rotfl: He expects to see the 'castle'. In fact, when we were leaving FW to head over to the CR, he kept asking us..."where is Disney World...where is it?!!!" I was cracking up!

Surprise............It's PrincessDis (Princess68 is already in use????) I'm no longer a lurker and ready to follow along on your trip report......you have done such a good job.....loving your pics :goodvibes Can't wait to read more :surfweb:

Ignore my signature and ticker.....I've got to work on that!

PrincessDis princess:

Well, well, well!!!! You finally stopped being the Dis Stalker and joined in!:lmao: For someone who is a DVC ower, goes 4 times a year, and lives and breathes Disney...you should have been on here years ago!;) So glad to have you, Lisa! Perhaps you should start a TR on your recent Dream vacation!...seriously!

:welcome:

[princessamie]

I remember seeing Chip and Dale at Fort Wilderness when I was a kid! That's certainly something I need to do with my own kids!
I'm sure the cabins got tight when you guys got down there! We did it with 4 adults and a toddler once! Love the golf cart idea! We walked and used the bus system. It wasn't too bad but a golf cart would have been so much easier!!

[PrincessDis]

Patiently waiting for more :surfweb: ...........

[hstrickland]

I remember seeing Chip and Dale at Fort Wilderness when I was a kid! That's certainly something I need to do with my own kids!
I'm sure the cabins got tight when you guys got down there! We did it with 4 adults and a toddler once! Love the golf cart idea! We walked and used the bus system. It wasn't too bad but a golf cart would have been so much easier!!

Next time y'all are there, head over one night and try it. It cost nothing...nothing but time;) And your kids will be at a great age to enjoy the entertainment!

Lots of people stay there without golf carts and they still love it...just a convenience thing. Apparently there is this guy named Kenny Patton that rents golf carts at a much cheaper price...googled him, but not much luck:confused3

Patiently waiting for more :surfweb: ...........

Give me an hour! I'm in the process...perfection takes time;)

[hstrickland]

FINALLY...Day 3
Early Morning Pics & Review of Fort Wilderness



(info taken from Allears)
What are the Fort Wilderness Cabins like?

The 407 Wilderness Cabins (WC) are about 12' x 42'. There is a wood deck outside, with a picnic table and a charcoal grill. Inside, the cabins are laid out as follows: starting at one end: bedroom with with double bed, bunk beds, a nightstand, a chest of drawers, separate vanity with wall-mounted hairdryer, closet space; full bathroom with tub/shower; hall closet; full kitchen with amenities listed below; living area with color television and a VCR, a dining table that seats six, sofa, kids table and two chairs, pull-down Murphy bed, window seats, telephone, locked cabinet (safe).



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As you will soon find out...I'm all about getting up at the crack of dawn!!! Luckily, DH is onboard with my craziness. The kids don't always agree, but once we get going they're thankful. If you're like me and really into the whole picture thing, then early morning is the best time at any resort...no people, just the birds singing! We thought we were going to get out of the door before the kids, but DS4 wasn't about to let us leave on the golf cart without him!!!

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We decided to cruise around and take it all in while everything was quiet...Bill drove and I had the camera ready!

For some reason, I had no idea that the cabins would be sooooo close together! I guess when you hear the word 'cabin'...you expect secluded, alone...all by itself. Well, as you can see, the cabins are really close together. This wasn't a huge deal...just an observation. There were cabins with 2 cars parked, but as you can see...that would be tight! My parents parked at the cabin and we took the parking lot by check-in. Also, the street going through all the cabins is one way...never the less, some people chose not to follow directions.
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(the following info taken from Allears)

The number of Cabins in each loop is as follows:

2100 loop - 44 cabins; 2200 loop - 44 cabins; 2300 loop - 30 cabins; 2400 loop - 49 cabins; 2500 loop - 33 cabins; 2600 loop - 65 cabins; 2700 loop - 72 cabins; 2800 loop - 70 cabins. Additionally, there are two cabins located on campsites 118 and 120 in the 100 loop that are used exclusively by Disney management and other corporate types. Finally, there is an unfurnished single cabin near the 2300 loop that is used by Housekeeping.

Backside shot of some cabins...there are some cabins located on the canals, but don't remember which loop that would be.
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Which are the best loops?

Best is a subjective term. Generally, campers want to be near the Settlement Trading Post on the north end of FW, which would allow them to be close to the FW marina and beach, Pioneer Hall, and guest services. Loops in this area are 100 through 500 and 700. Others may want to be more near the center of FW near the Meadow Trading Post, the campfire program, the main swimming pool, tennis courts and Bike Barn. Loops in this area are 600, 800 through 1600. For those campers who want to be a little farther away from the action and are looking for quieter surroundings, loops 1700 through 2000 are best. Guests in Cabins are located in loops 2100 through 2800. 2100 is the closest to the center of the resort. Loops 2200 through 2800 get increasingly farther away as the loop number increases with 2800 being the closest to the south end of the resort near the entrance.

Main Swimming Pool area
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(taken from Allears)
There are two heated outdoor swimming pools available for FW resort guests only. The main pool is located near the Meadow Trading Post in the center of the campground and the second smaller pool is located with the Wilderness Cabins, between loops 2500 and 2700, which is more near the resort entrance. Lounge chairs and tables are provided. The pools are open 24 hours, but the lifeguard hours vary seasonally.

The main pool, the Meadow Swimmin' Pool at the Meadow Trading Post has just been enhanced with a themed water slide, hot tub, and childrens play area. Ask a Cast Member about planned pool activities for children.

The scenery and landscaping are unbelievable. When you're actually there, it's hard to remember that you're at a place that has 4 amusement parks!...just doesn't seem like Disney...(but I mean that in a good way). No hustle and bustle...no hot pavement...not lots of loud noises.
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I jumped out of the cart to make pictures....
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When I tried to get back in the cart, DH decided it would be funny to make me chase them! Each time I got close...he would take off again. Jesse thought this was hysterical...if anyone was watching, I'm sure they thought we had lost our minds!
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If you are a walker/runner, this would be an excellent place to exercise!! Tons and tons of non-traffic areas to run...lots of roads...lots of sidewalks. I honestly could have spent much more time that morning riding around and taking it all in...BUT we had places to be...namely, Epcot for rope drop!

Great play area for the kids! There are 4 play areas located throughout FW. Even our 9 year old enjoyed playing on them!
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Well...much to my disappointment, we did have to return to the cabin...it was almost time to check out.

Inside the cabin....
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(info from Allears.net)
Kitchen includes:
full-size refrigerator with icemaker
electric stove
microwave
dishwasher
1 4-cup coffee maker (with 1 filter-pack of coffee)
1 10 cup coffee maker (stored in cupboard)
toaster
tea kettle
flatware for 6: forks, salad forks, teaspoons, soups spoons, knives and steak knives
dinnerware for 6: mugs, cereal bowls, dinner plates, dessert plates
6 handled mason jar glasses
1 serving spoon
1 glass measuring cup
1 2 qt. pitcher
1 2 qt. casserole with lid
1 glass baking dish
1 oval platter
manual can opener
bottle opener
corkscrew
cutting board
bread knife
ladle
spatula
1 12" skillet
1 1 qt. saucepan with lid
1 2 qt. saucepan with lid
Dutch oven with lid
metal colander
spoon rest
2 potholders
2 sponges
4 cloth dish towels
fire extinguisher (under sink)
packets of dishwasher soap
liquid dish soap
paper towels (under sink)
trash bags (under sink)

We did have a few items missing...only had 3 spoons, so it was a little difficult for everyone to eat cereal at one time...not a huge deal, though. We didn't cook any major meals in the kitchen, but it would have been fine...spacious enough to cook.

The table is a bit small for 6 people...kinda have to eat in shifts or some could sit on the sofa. Of course, we didn't have to do this...no major meals in the cabin with the entire crew. We did eat breakfast before we left for the CR...a little cramped with all 7 of us trying to move about in the kitchen area.

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Notice the TV in the left of the picture...it was a nice TV with a DVD player. The murphy bed is in the middle of the far wall. As you can tell...when the bed is pulled down, there is NO room in the den area at all!!! My parents said this bed was very comfortable believe it or not. The only negative...it's a double...so if you're use to a queen, it might be a bit tight. There is some storage space in the den area in some of the cabinets.

The bedroom...
wall-mounted hair dryer
vacuum cleaner
iron
ironing board
2 extra pillows
extra blanket

Hall Closet:
portable crib with sheet
broom
dustpan
sponge mop

Over to the left of the room is the double bed. DH and I slept in this bed and....well...we are use to a queen. He's 6'3 and not a huge man, however...we were cramped! Neither of us slept well that night. The mattress wasn't that comfortable, he tossed and turned which kept me up. Now that being said...this wouldn't prevent me from returning...BUT...I have a feeling that one of the adults would sleep in the bedroom and the other on the murphy bed. If you're use to a double...then no worries! You will see a couple of small drawers for storage in between the double and the bunk beds.

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The kids loved the idea of bunk beds, however DS9 got the top...he's the one who found the sign that literally gave a warning to smaller children. Honestly, this was a blessing...it stopped the fighting with the two smaller ones.

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I did not get a picture of the closet area...sorry!! Guess I was too excited about getting to the CR!!! Anyway...there is a closet that you can hang clothes in...but not huge. There is also a chest of drawers (smaller drawers) with a mirror over it...this is where the hair dryer is located...one of those wall mounted deals. Kinda strange...when I was in the bathroom, I looked for the thing and finally found it in the bedroom...oh well...at least there is one.

I will have to say this....if we were there for an entire week with a family of 5, I'm not exactly sure what I would do with all of the clothes. There really isn't enough room to lay suitcases out if you just wanted to live out of a suitcase. We lined up the suitcases in the hall area.

And would you believe...no picture of the bathroom, either!! It was plenty of room, though...spacious. The cabinets underneath the sink would be good storage space. Let me preface this by saying...the comment that follows is petty...the H2O soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion wasn't there!...Ok...told you it was petty...but I sure missed it!!

We had to return the golf cart before we checked out...snapped this photo of the RV/Camper entrance....check-in would be over to the left of the picture.
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Golf cart area...and FYI...no one said anything about the number of people that were stuffed in one cart. Basically, when you check in, you can pick up your cart...and when you check out...leave the cart there....very simple!
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When we returned to the cabin...Jesse was ready to go!!! But, he had one question that cracked me up!...
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My mother had to get just one more picture of the cabin!...I'm sure y'all find this shocking...between 3 adults, we only made 3500 pictures. DH was ready to GO!!!!! Bless his heart...he endures a lot with all the pictures we make him pose for.
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Early%20Morning%20FW/DSC02242.jpg

So....the big question...WOULD WE RETURN????!!....YES!! Not sure if we would do 8 or 9 days there, but I would certainly do a split stay at FW or a long weekend. Would I go without a golf cart? For our family...NO...since we have experienced FW with one, not sure if I could do without. I was pleasantly surprised with the comfort level of the cabins. The kids had an absolute ball at this resort...there's something for everyone. I would really like to return in the fall for Halloween and MNSSHP again...not sure if that's in the budget, though.

It's a great, great place...no major complaints at all! Lookin' forward to making a return visit one day.


Stay tuned...up next...checkin' in at the CR!!!!...and lunch in China!

[Yellowbellow]

This is MaHopie & Pop :hug: A.K.A. the 1st Generation of this Disney Lovin' Group. :grouphug:
Stephen - DS9 - pirate: acctually spotted the lizard - he has an eye for wildlife just like his dad. The Trails End Buffet was really good for a buffet - this group of 7 are more Table Service types - I am sure you will hear more about this from the Owner of this TR. Fried Chicken and ribs and all the fixn's were right up the kids alley and ours too.
Would we return to FW - you bet - would be a great 2 day ending to an 8 day Park Hopper trip. :cloud9: Relax and rest before returnig to home and work.

3 Gotta Haves for FW:
Golf Cart
Smores Kit
Relaxed Attitude
Love rreading this TR - brings back memories with the Grands :thumbsup2

[WDWKOOK]

:welcome: yellowbellow to a great TR! You sure have a wonderful family.

So, if you were to do FTW again, you would rather do it at the end of your vacation?

Heather, loved seeing the cabin photos and early morning golf cart teasin':laughing:. We'd love jogging there, but would miss not having a gym. But, I guess we could jog over to Sturdy Branches:confused3

That was so cute of your DS to ask if he could take the golf cart over to the CR. Imagine him on World Drive with all the buses passing by as he makes his way to the CR gate:rotfl:

[hstrickland]

This is MaHopie & Pop :hug: A.K.A. the 1st Generation of this Disney Lovin' Group. :grouphug:
Stephen - DS9 - pirate: acctually spotted the lizard - he has an eye for wildlife just like his dad. The Trails End Buffet was really good for a buffet - this group of 7 are more Table Service types - I am sure you will hear more about this from the Owner of this TR. Fried Chicken and ribs and all the fixn's were right up the kids alley and ours too.
Would we return to FW - you bet - would be a great 2 day ending to an 8 day Park Hopper trip. :cloud9: Relax and rest before returnig to home and work.

3 Gotta Haves for FW:
Golf Cart
Smores Kit
Relaxed Attitude
Love rreading this TR - brings back memories with the Grands :thumbsup2

Glad to have you taggin' along again, Pop! If you're going to print all this, you better get the ink cartridges ready;) Next year this time, we'll be preparing for the cruise:dance3:

:welcome: yellowbellow to a great TR! You sure have a wonderful family.

So, if you were to do FTW again, you would rather do it at the end of your vacation?

Heather, loved seeing the cabin photos and early morning golf cart teasin':laughing:. We'd love jogging there, but would miss not having a gym. But, I guess we could jog over to Sturdy Branches:confused3

That was so cute of your DS to ask if he could take the golf cart over to the CR. Imagine him on World Drive with all the buses passing by as he makes his way to the CR gate:rotfl:

I think I'm in agreement with my dad...a couple of days at the end of a trip would be great. Everything at FW is so very laid back...it would be a nice, relaxed ending to 'hustle and bustle' kind of trip.

Guess you could run over to the WL on the trails...not sure what the distance would be?? It would probably be a very scenic jog...I might try it next time;)

DH was cracking up laughing with the vision of Jesse in a golf cart on World Drive!!! I can't imagine!!! Jesse was dead serious, though...he wanted that golf cart at the CR:rolleyes:

I'm trying to come up with a convincing arguement for us to return during October:rolleyes1...perhaps DH could take the boat to Mosquito Lagoon and fish, and I could go to FW?? He can always come over at night. Probably not gonna happen since we are going the end of February...oh well.

[PrincessDis]

" Let me preface this by saying...the comment that follows is petty...the H2O soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion wasn't there!...Ok...told you it was petty...but I sure missed it!!"

Heather, you are going to :love: the Disney Dream.......our room steward kept us stocked twice a day with DCL H20 products ;)

[leshunlenese]

Hey! I just read your entire TR and im ready for more. I had no idea fort wilderness had sooo much to do. shuffleboard, playgrounds, even the kids water slides. I know my little would love that. Those are two of his favorite things. water and slides..

[hstrickland]

" Let me preface this by saying...the comment that follows is petty...the H2O soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion wasn't there!...Ok...told you it was petty...but I sure missed it!!"

Heather, you are going to :love: the Disney Dream.......our room steward kept us stocked twice a day with DCL H20 products ;)

:worship: :woohoo: When we go to WDW, I never pack lotion, shampoo or conditioner simply because I :love: the H2O products...so much to my dismay...none... And like I said...a petty complaint.:rolleyes1 Next time I'll know to bring my own.

Hey! I just read your entire TR and im ready for more. I had no idea fort wilderness had sooo much to do. shuffleboard, playgrounds, even the kids water slides. I know my little would love that. Those are two of his favorite things. water and slides..

:welcome: Another Georgia Girl!!!:thumbsup2 Glad you have enjoyed thus far.

Years ago, I would hear the words "Fort Wilderness Campground" and automatically think...camping in a tent. I had no desire whatsoever to go. Then, when we were staying at the WL, we decided to take the boat over just to see what it was all about...and....curiosity killed the cat! I'm hooked now! :yay:

I started reading your TR, and went to make a post, but it was closed. I've got to finish it. We were there last year for MNSSHP, too, and LOVED it. Too much fun! In fact, we were there with PrincessDis;)

[mommyof2Pirates]

Loved your review and I cant wait to read more. I agree that it all looks lovely and I know my boys would love to stay here someday but I think I would go bonkers in I stayed in that cabin all week. I would love to try it out someday for a few nights though. I bet a morning run there would be so peaceful.:lovestruc

[princessamie]

Love the H2O stuff too!!! One thing I missed being at ASMo this time! DH loves it too! I may just have to order some for him! ;)

[hstrickland]

Loved your review and I cant wait to read more. I agree that it all looks lovely and I know my boys would love to stay here someday but I think I would go bonkers in I stayed in that cabin all week. I would love to try it out someday for a few nights though. I bet a morning run there would be so peaceful.:lovestruc

I didn't get a chance to run there:sad2: Next time I most definitley will...there are several paths around the area for biking, running, walking etc. I would like to try the one that leads over to the WL. I've had bronchitis for the past few days, and haven't been able to run! I keep thinking to myself that this is putting me farther and farther behind:scared1: Guess I'll start again this weekend, God willing.

Love the H2O stuff too!!! One thing I missed being at ASMo this time! DH loves it too! I may just have to order some for him! ;)

Father's Day is close! Maybe you can do a rush delivery for him:laughing: MouseKeeping at the CR loaded us up before we left...I didn't ask, nor did I put any in my bag throughout the week...she just kept leaving it. Finally, on the last day, Bill said "TAKE IT!"

[tinkerbell3747]

Great Update,

Loved your DS request for a Golf cart at CR..to cute....

Early mornings look so peaceful and serene. I may just have to put the cabins on my "must try list"...

Can't wait to read more! I am SO ready to go tot the CR....

[leshunlenese]

:welcome: Another Georgia Girl!!!:thumbsup2 Glad you have enjoyed thus far.

Years ago, I would hear the words "Fort Wilderness Campground" and automatically think...camping in a tent. I had no desire whatsoever to go. Then, when we were staying at the WL, we decided to take the boat over just to see what it was all about...and....curiosity killed the cat! I'm hooked now! :yay:

I started reading your TR, and went to make a post, but it was closed. I've got to finish it. We were there last year for MNSSHP, too, and LOVED it. Too much fun! In fact, we were there with PrincessDis;)


Hey! I was just in savannah last wed. To the beach of course! I so agree with you. I thought the same about fort wilderness .there was no way im going camping it is not my thing but it looks like some fun!

[hstrickland]

Great Update,

Loved your DS request for a Golf cart at CR..to cute....

Early mornings look so peaceful and serene. I may just have to put the cabins on my "must try list"...

Can't wait to read more! I am SO ready to go tot the CR....

You better start packing!;) You have 6 shorts weeks...and it will be here before you know it! Aren't yall DVC people?:thumbsup2 You'll have to make pictures of the BLT pool...it looks really cool! ...and pictures of the room! Post them on the CR thread when you return...would love to see them.:woohoo:

Hey! I was just in savannah last wed. To the beach of course! I so agree with you. I thought the same about fort wilderness .there was no way im going camping it is not my thing but it looks like some fun!

I know I'm a little partial, but Savannah is a great city...especially in the Spring when the flowers are blooming and it's not so hot/humid. Lots of history and GREAT places to dine.

[tinkerbell3747]

You better start packing!;) You have 6 shorts weeks...and it will be here before you know it! Aren't yall DVC people?:thumbsup2 You'll have to make pictures of the BLT pool...it looks really cool! ...and pictures of the room! Post them on the CR thread when you return...would love to see them.:woohoo:


Oh you betcha! We own at BLT, this will be our first trip Home!! Your right I do need to start getting packed up...I will post pics for sure.

[hstrickland]

Oh you betcha! We own at BLT, this will be our first trip Home!! Your right I do need to start getting packed up...I will post pics for sure.

Just curious, but what made yall decide to buy DVC? We've often wondered about it...never attended one of the DVC sales talks, but want to. DH and I still aren't 100% sold on the idea but toss it around.

Thanks!

[tinkerbell3747]

Just curious, but what made yall decide to buy DVC? We've often wondered about it...never attended one of the DVC sales talks, but want to. DH and I still aren't 100% sold on the idea but toss it around.

Thanks!

Well for me it was quite simple, we ( the kids and I) love Disney (DH love is still undercover) and want to visit as often as we can. I also love that we were able to buy DVC as gifts for the kids and grand kids....not that I am trying to age myself or anything:rotfl2:...DVC allows us to visit as often as we can for many years to come and offers us the flexability to stay in DELUXE accomodations whether we choose to stay in a studio, one or two bedroom is totally up to us....DVC is flexable and I get to "own" a little peice of the world...at least it feels like it.

DVC was an obvious choice, I did spend 7 years (after our first trip to the world in 2003) trying to convience DH to go on the DVC tour...but we didn't go until last summer...he finally realized he was spending alot of money on Disney trips anyway...why not stay deluxe and take care of 40+ years of accomadations now...plus he could use the points to go to other places NOT just Disney....why in the world would he want to do that:eek:

It's probably not the answer you were looking for but "It's the Truth its factual ....

sorry for such a long post, and kinda hijacking your thread...:flower3:

EDTA: One more thing....it feels great to book a trip and not worry about how much we do or don't do....this is the first year I have planned a trip and don't feel like I have to get it all in....we are trying some new things and doing lots of favs...but I know well be back. Already starting to plan my 2012 trip too....gotta love my DVC!

ok NOW I'm done.

[hstrickland]

Well for me it was quite simple, we ( the kids and I) love Disney (DH love is still undercover) and want to visit as often as we can. I also love that we were able to buy DVC as gifts for the kids and grand kids....not that I am trying to age myself or anything:rotfl2:...DVC allows us to visit as often as we can for many years to come and offers us the flexability to stay in DELUXE accomodations whether we choose to stay in a studio, one or two bedroom is totally up to us....DVC is flexable and I get to "own" a little peice of the world...at least it feels like it.

DVC was an obvious choice, I did spend 7 years (after our first trip to the world in 2003) trying to convience DH to go on the DVC tour...but we didn't go until last summer...he finally realized he was spending alot of money on Disney trips anyway...why not stay deluxe and take care of 40+ years of accomadations now...plus he could use the points to go to other places NOT just Disney....why in the world would he want to do that:eek:

It's probably not the answer you were looking for but "It's the Truth its factual ....

sorry for such a long post, and kinda hijacking your thread...:flower3:

Thanks for such a quick reply!! You're not hijacking...:laughing: I asked the question, and I'm sure there are tons of WDW lovers who wonder the same thing. It's ridiculous how many times DH and I walk by the DVC info centers and say..."we should sign up for one of the sessions"...and never do. In fact, when we were eating at Ohana, we stopped by and spoke with a lady...my husband says to her..."give me 5 reasons why I should buy a DVC!" Well...bless her heart...she didn't sell it in the least! I'm sure Disney would not have been happy with her reply. I felt kinda bad that DH put her on the spot, and then her reply was less than exciting. Oh well...maybe next time we go, we'll actually sit through one. ;)

[tinkerbell3747]

Thanks for such a quick reply!! You're not hijacking...:laughing: I asked the question, and I'm sure there are tons of WDW lovers who wonder the same thing. It's ridiculous how many times DH and I walk by the DVC info centers and say..."we should sign up for one of the sessions"...and never do. In fact, when we were eating at Ohana, we stopped by and spoke with a lady...my husband says to her..."give me 5 reasons why I should buy a DVC!" Well...bless her heart...she didn't sell it in the least! I'm sure Disney would not have been happy with her reply. I felt kinda bad that DH put her on the spot, and then her reply was less than exciting. Oh well...maybe next time we go, we'll actually sit through one. ;)

Oh no..that's a bummer that she couldn't come up with 5 reasons that should be DVC 101 for her being on the front line...she was probably so caught off guard by that, when she should have really been expecting it...

I sneak on here in the mornings at work and pop on and off through out the day...I should probably go and do what they pay me to do....:surfweb: but I'll be back later to see if there is a new update! no pressure :rolleyes1

have a good morning everyone.....

[hstrickland]

FINALLY!!!!!! Checking into the CONTEMPORARY!!!!!!
Day 3

If you've been following along, then you already know that I was up at the crack of dawn flashing pictures at FW, getting the kids ready to go...trying to hurry off to the CR to check in, trying to make rope drop at EP...good grief...how much can one do before 8am??:laughing:...I'm already tired!

Okay....we can see it!! Can you say EXCITED??!!!!!!!!!! No matter how many times I go to WDW, I still get super excited on check-in day!!!!!

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Checkin/DSC02244.gif

It has been YEARS since I stayed at the CR...like 20 perhaps. We've visited many times in between...but no overnights! The Contemporary is one of the icons of Disney...when people think about WDW, this is one of the hotels that pop in your mind...the resort with the monorail!

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Checkin/DSC_3157.jpg

Almost there......
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Checkin/DSC02246.gif

I think my parents were just as excited as me...my mom's the one flashing the pictures of us driving in...we're the van in the previous pictures!

DS9 was ready to get going and get inside and hit Epcot!! He was driving me crazy! Of course I've created the little monster:scared1:...'get up early'...'hit rope drop'...'we're gonna be late'...everything he was saying, has come out of my mouth!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Checkin/DSC02248.jpg

We had valet park the cars, and the bellman took all 15 pieces of luggage! Inside the CR was not busy at all...I believe at this point it was around 8am give or take. Needless to say, I had a close eye on the clock!

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Checkin/IMG_5320.jpg http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Checkin/IMG_5321.jpg
The flowers on display were quite beautiful...the picture doesn't do them justice. The lady who checked us in was very helpful...in fact, the rooms that were assigned to us were not ready...so she punched a couple of keys on the computer, made a phone call to Mousekeeping and....2 connecting rooms on the 9th floor that were READY!!!!!

I have to interrupt this regularly scheduled program for a commercial....ORLANDO STROLLER RENTALS....Awesome! We have used this company 3 times...so super convenient. They deliver and pickup the strollers to the designated resort. It's well worth the money for us!! I actually purchased rain covers for the strollers this time...and thank goodness we did!! You'll see that in a later post. Here's a link for any of you curious stroller hunters! If you have any more questions about the company, I'll be happy to fill you in.

Orlando Stroller Rental (http://orlandostrollerrentals.com/)

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Checkin/IMG_5322.gif


And like I said...Stephen was ready to go!!!!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Checkin/DSC_3165.jpg

Okay...so it's off to the room for a quick peek, a few pictures of an undisturbed room...then off to Epcot! As we were waiting on the elevators, I could tell that this might be a potential problem. There are only 4 elevators for this big resort. Maybe some of you CR experts can tell me if there's a secret passage somewhere else!

When Faith entered the room, she was so cute...and sooooo excited!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Checkin/DSC_3167.jpg

I couldn't have asked for a more perfect room and view! Our rooms were opposite end of Chef Mickey's. Glad, too...I can see where it coudl be loud. I didn't realize they started serving breakfast so early. We were in ....
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Checkin/DSC_3319.jpg http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Checkin/DSC_3321.jpg
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Checkin/DSC_3176.jpg
I'm probably one of the few and far between...but I think I prefer the Bay Lake view over the MK view...strange, huh? In the afternoon, the sun bakes down on the MK side, while BL side is shaded...it was nice in the afternoons to sit outside and relax. DH also really, really likes waking up to the lake and sunrise.

I was trying to grab as many photos of the 'undisturbed room' before the crew raided it!!! Walking in, I immediately noticed the coffee pot...I'm a huge coffee fan. However, since we had mugs, I never used it...but this was a nice place to throw jewelry, receipts, chargers etc......
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Checkin/DSC_3173.jpg

Next up....the bathroom. And let me say...I LOVE it!!!!! It was very spacious and the design, of course, was very sleek and...you guessed it....Contemporary! It was nice having a door to the toilet area, too. The lighting was great, also. And ya know what....my H2O products were there waiting on me!!!!:laughing:
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Checkin/DSC_3172.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Checkin/DSC02256.jpg

Having 2 sinks was wonderful!!! I actually used one sink for storage...just be careful and don't forget to NOT turn on the water!!! Lots of storage underneath, too.
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Checkin/DSC02255.jpg

I could hear the kids yelling and screaming on the balcony...I hope to heavens no one around us was trying to sleep!!!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Checkin/IMG_5331.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Checkin/DSC_3177.jpg

Nice desk area for a computer, writing, etc....there are a couple of drawers for storage next to the bed...and decent size.
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Checkin/IMG_5324.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Checkin/DSC_3174.jpg

The beds were SUPER, SUPER comfortable!!! DH said he slept better at the CR than at home!!! And there were tons of pillows....I think 4 on each bed.

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Checkin/DSC_3180.jpg

Beautiful TV area with shelves on the side...great place for storage! This is where I stored our new resort mugs! On the other side of the daybed/sofa is a great place to store suitcases...between the curtain and sofa. And would you believe....there wasn't a Bounceback in either room!!!!! Not happy about this!! Oh well...maybe that's a sign that I need to save money.
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Checkin/DSC_3175.jpg

Needless to say we didn't call down for our luggage...we were in too big a hurry to get to EP. I knew we would be back for a pool break in the afternoon and I could unpack then. I'm one of those weird, over obsessive organizers that has to unpack every single item! I refuse to live out of a suitcase.

Thus far, I'm VERY impressed with the room. I was a bit concerned before the trip about storage and places to put clothes...no problem what-so-ever!!! I made it work. I think it's gonna be a great trip!!!!

So...let's get going...time for Soarin' and Test Track!!!!!

Stay tuned...up next...Epcot and 9 Dragons Restaurant...the DxDP begins!!!

[micandminforever]

I love the pictures of CR. I am with you The bay lake side is wonderful. I looked forwards to the sunrises over the lake each morning. Plus it was fun watching the birds play on the island across the way.

[hstrickland]

I love the pictures of CR. I am with you The bay lake side is wonderful. I looked forwards to the sunrises over the lake each morning. Plus it was fun watching the birds play on the island across the way.

Thanks! It was really cool in the morning to see Epcot, Tower of Terror and the Swan/Dolphin in the distnace. I didn't realize that we would be able to see that much that far away. I think I have some better pictures of the view, also...will have to post those later.

[jamiesmom07]

Great reporting so far!! Can't wait to see how 3 generations take on Epcot!:surfweb:

[WDWKOOK]

You've finally made it to my favorite resort with my favorite room view and it's just how I left it;).

Yeah, the DxDP has begun:thumbsup2. I wonder how many rice krispy treats you will end up bringing home:confused3. I'm eager to hear your thoughts on 9 Dragons. We only ate there once many years ago and weren't impressed with the service and food and reviews are usually lackluster, so I'll be on the lookout for your next installment:sail:

BTW, I still get super excited at check-in too, even with split stays. My heart starts beating fast when I get to the check-in CM and I usually tell them how happy we are to be checking-in. They must think I'm nuts:squirrel:, but you guys all understand:worship:

[Yellowbellow]

I can say this - One NEVER gets too old to get excited @ Check-In. ME Tooo:banana:
However one small detail and correction to the Owner of this TR - BTW this is Pop the grandpa of the group. MaHopie was seeing about the children ( DD5 & DS4) while you, DH & DS4 were riding and taking photos. BUT you know what ! ! ! ! That is what we like about being a part of this 3 Generations of Disney Lovers - the grands. To all you middle aged parents - consider taking your parents along - If they are Disnay lovers like we are - It will warm their hearts to know you want to include them in your FUN TIMES. :woohoo::yay: :cheer2:

[leshunlenese]

I :love: those pics!!! One day i will be able to stay there. no time soon though!!

[hstrickland]

.....EDTA: One more thing....it feels great to book a trip and not worry about how much we do or don't do....this is the first year I have planned a trip and don't feel like I have to get it all in....we are trying some new things and doing lots of favs...but I know well be back. Already starting to plan my 2012 trip too....gotta love my DVC!

ok NOW I'm done.

:rotfl:I love it! ...please...don't stop on my account! You have great information. And in all seriousness, it would be really nice to know that you don't have to do a whirlwind trip...because YOU WILL be back!!

I sneak on here in the mornings at work and pop on and off through out the day...I should probably go and do what they pay me to do....:surfweb: but I'll be back later to see if there is a new update! no pressure :rolleyes1

have a good morning everyone.....

:lmao: You're cracking me up! I can relate!

[onelilspark]

*sigh* Love the rooms. I'm staying over at BLT, hope my studio is just as nice!!

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I never get tired of seeing pictures of the Contemporary so thanks for posting them.

[hstrickland]

Great reporting so far!! Can't wait to see how 3 generations take on Epcot!:surfweb:

Thanks! Believe it or not, we pretty much stay together...for the most part...or until one of the little ones gets tired and someone has to take them back!

You've finally made it to my favorite resort with my favorite room view and it's just how I left it;).

Yeah, the DxDP has begun:thumbsup2. I wonder how many rice krispy treats you will end up bringing home:confused3. I'm eager to hear your thoughts on 9 Dragons. We only ate there once many years ago and weren't impressed with the service and food and reviews are usually lackluster, so I'll be on the lookout for your next installment:sail:

BTW, I still get super excited at check-in too, even with split stays. My heart starts beating fast when I get to the check-in CM and I usually tell them how happy we are to be checking-in. They must think I'm nuts:squirrel:, but you guys all understand:worship:

:rotfl:Funny you should say that...we're still eating them!!!!!!!!!:eek:

I :love: those pics!!! One day i will be able to stay there. no time soon though!!

You'll make it...the CR isn't going anywhere! It's been there since day one, and I'm sure it will be there until the very end!

*sigh* Love the rooms. I'm staying over at BLT, hope my studio is just as nice!!

I'm sure the room will be great...make lots of pics...every detail, and let us know what you think when you return. :thumbsup2....oh yes...and more food reviews! I'm enjoying your reviews over on the Dining Thread!

I never get tired of seeing pictures of the Contemporary so thanks for posting them.

I knew you would appreciate them...you're the CRs biggest fan, right?! Or is it WDWKOOK?! :laughing: Y'all, by far, have the most knowledge of the CR:worship:

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I knew you would appreciate them...you're the CRs biggest fan, right?! Or is it WDWKOOK?! :laughing: Y'all, by far, have the most knowledge of the CR:worship:I think it's fair to say we are both equally big fans of the Contemporary.

[mommyof2Pirates]

First let me say that I love your blobs that you are putting on your pics they are cracking me up.

This is such a gorgeous resort and very ummm contemporary.:lmao: Those beds looked super comfy. oh and the view was breath taking. I would love to stay there some day.

I cant believe you did all of this all before rope drop. Wow you are my idol.:worship:

I cant wait to hear more!!!!!!!

[02AggieGirl]

I would LOVE to stay in the Contemporary some day!! Beautiful rooms--it is definitely on my list along with AKL and BC :)

[hstrickland]

First let me say that I love your blobs that you are putting on your pics they are cracking me up.

This is such a gorgeous resort and very ummm contemporary.:lmao: Those beds looked super comfy. oh and the view was breath taking. I would love to stay there some day.

I cant believe you did all of this all before rope drop. Wow you are my idol.:worship:

I cant wait to hear more!!!!!!!

:rotfl: I told you I'm a little obsessive! If we don't get there by rope drop, I feel like my whole day is messed up:confused3 DH and I are up at the crack of dawn at WDW. We keep saying we need to take a vacation that is relaxing.;) A couple of years ago, Bill and I went on a cruise with a group of friends (no kids:woohoo:) and guess what....we were STILL up at 7am sitting on the veranda watching the sun come up, and then first in line at breakfast:rolleyes1....I know...we have issues, don't we?!

Oh...and would you believe that this bronchitis is still with me:mad:? Thought I was going to be able to start running again this weekend, but no such luck. Precious time is slipping away and I'm going crazy thinking about it. Are you planning on running the Princess Half again this February?:thumbsup2

I would LOVE to stay in the Contemporary some day!! Beautiful rooms--it is definitely on my list along with AKL and BC :)

These are two resorts we definitely want to try!!!! In fact, last year when were at WDW, we were all in agreement that we wanted to stay at BCV...get a 2 bedroom for all 7 of us. I even went as far as booking the room! Then, on our October trip, on our way home, we stopped by AKL just to look around. DH and I said...hmmmm...maybe we should stay HERE!? So...when we got home...I called...cancelled BCV and booked AKL CL. Then when all the ADRs were made, I started looking at the locations and REALLY started thinking about the monorail that I :lovestruc....so guess what....I called again and booked a CR GV. THEN...after I started reading the CR thread and looking at all the pictures, I had to call once again and book the Tower BLV. Are you exhausted, yet?! I'm sure the poor Cast Members that kept talking to me on the phone were! Told yall...I have issues;)....DH has just learned to go with it and smile.

[2xcited2sleep]

I can't believe how much you've done before 8am!!! Your check-in excitement is contagious! :hyper: i am probably in the minority but the Contemporary has never really appealed to me. The more i see pictures of the rooms, however, the more intrigued I become.
:laughing: that you've trained your oldest so well in Disney touring.

Can't wait for more!

[hstrickland]

I can't believe how much you've done before 8am!!! Your check-in excitement is contagious! :hyper: i am probably in the minority but the Contemporary has never really appealed to me. The more i see pictures of the rooms, however, the more intrigued I become.
:laughing: that you've trained your oldest so well in Disney touring.

Can't wait for more!

Nope...you're not in the minority! In fact, my mother and DH weren't crazy about the idea of going to the CR. DH says it doesn't have the 'resort' appeal like the Poly or GF:confused3 It has sentimental value for me...I went there several times as a child, so I really love it...great memories there with my sister and parents. DH did say, though, that the actual room at the CR was his favorite. Don't get me wrong...both my mom and husband had a ball there! I always find it amusing when people get upset because someone doesn't agree with their taste in resorts:rolleyes: Bill and I don't even agree with our 'favorite' resort:laughing: WDW has done a great job with offering a wide variety of resorts...there's something for everyone! Thank goodness we don't all like the same one!!!!:rotfl: Can you imagine how far in advance we'de all have to book:scared1:

[mommyof2Pirates]

:rotfl: I told you I'm a little obsessive! If we don't get there by rope drop, I feel like my whole day is messed up:confused3 DH and I are up at the crack of dawn at WDW. We keep saying we need to take a vacation that is relaxing.;) A couple of years ago, Bill and I went on a cruise with a group of friends (no kids:woohoo:) and guess what....we were STILL up at 7am sitting on the veranda watching the sun come up, and then first in line at breakfast:rolleyes1....I know...we have issues, don't we?!

Oh...and would you believe that this bronchitis is still with me:mad:? Thought I was going to be able to start running again this weekend, but no such luck. Precious time is slipping away and I'm going crazy thinking about it. Are you planning on running the Princess Half again this February?:thumbsup2


Dh and I are similar too. I wouldnt say we are up by 7 every day but close to it. Why sleep when there is so much to do and see right????

Sorry you are still feeling crappy. You will do yourself more good to wait it out and rest vs. trying to run through it. Maybe as you feel up to it take a few brisk walks to just keep your legs going.

I dont think I will be getting to the princess this year:guilty: I would love to and right after I finished I insisted I would find a way to get back but financially we really need to get ourselves ahead again before anymore vacations. Also my kids would kill me if I went without them again so I feel guilty even trying to make it a short inexpensive trip by myself.

I hope to do it again one day. It was amazing and you will love it.

[02AggieGirl]

These are two resorts we definitely want to try!!!! In fact, last year when were at WDW, we were all in agreement that we wanted to stay at BCV...get a 2 bedroom for all 7 of us. I even went as far as booking the room! Then, on our October trip, on our way home, we stopped by AKL just to look around. DH and I said...hmmmm...maybe we should stay HERE!? So...when we got home...I called...cancelled BCV and booked AKL CL. Then when all the ADRs were made, I started looking at the locations and REALLY started thinking about the monorail that I :lovestruc....so guess what....I called again and booked a CR GV. THEN...after I started reading the CR thread and looking at all the pictures, I had to call once again and book the Tower BLV. Are you exhausted, yet?! I'm sure the poor Cast Members that kept talking to me on the phone were! Told yall...I have issues;)....DH has just learned to go with it and smile.

I think we would be good friends ;)

[hstrickland]

Dh and I are similar too. I wouldnt say we are up by 7 every day but close to it. Why sleep when there is so much to do and see right????

Sorry you are still feeling crappy. You will do yourself more good to wait it out and rest vs. trying to run through it. Maybe as you feel up to it take a few brisk walks to just keep your legs going.

I dont think I will be getting to the princess this year:guilty: I would love to and right after I finished I insisted I would find a way to get back but financially we really need to get ourselves ahead again before anymore vacations. Also my kids would kill me if I went without them again so I feel guilty even trying to make it a short inexpensive trip by myself.

I hope to do it again one day. It was amazing and you will love it.

If you change your mind, let me know!! We'll be there for sure. I will most definitely have plenty of questions before the race...so be prepared:laughing: I'm coming to you!

I think we would be good friends ;)

:lmao: Glad to know there are others out there like myself!!!

[bsredfish]

:thumbsup2

Continue on:surfweb:

[hstrickland]

Epcot Morning
Day 3

Finally! Finally! Finally! We are on the beloved monorail and heading to Epcot!!! If you are wondering why I chose EP for the first day...well...I usually go by Tourning Plans and their crowd counts. This particular site said that EP would be the best park to visit. We've used them in the past and for the most part...they are fairly accurate. Click on the following link for more great information about WDW......

TourningPlans.com (http://touringplans.com/)

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Since we missed rope drop, I was in a hurry!!! I'm sure you are all surprised...right?!

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We decided that we would head straight for....

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I was sitting in the back with camera in hand...trying to make pictures and enjoy the ride at the same time!

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Time to head over to Soarin' and grab FPs for the afternoon, then hit one of our favorite rides....

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This is one of our all time favorites! Last year they did the Behind the Seeds Tour...even Stephen and Faith...Jesse was too young. Everyone LOVED it! Perhaps next time we go, the entire family can do it again. If you are interested in the Seeds Tour, click on the two links below for more info.

Behind the Seeds Part 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37206993&postcount=237)

Behind the Seeds Part 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37280474&postcount=254)

Check out this Jack Fruit (on left)....huge!!!!! Or at least I think that's what it's called. And then the famous lemons on the right...weighing all of 9 pounds! Now that's a lot of lemonade!!!!

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And what do you see here????

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That's right...a Hidden Mickey! DS9 and Pop took the Hidden Mickey book everywhere. It was actually really cool to try and find them on all the rides.

Moving on....time for.....

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This is probably one of my least favorite rides, but the kids love it!!! I will say, though, that Turtle Talk is super cute!! Faith and Jesse just ate this up, hook, line and sinker!

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Moving on to....

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Notice the crowds....that's right....NO CROWD! It was really a great morning. We were all a bit shocked because it was Memorial Day Weekend...who knew?!

Journey Into Imagination has an 'ok' ride, but the activities that you can do after are pretty cool...for kids anyway. We spent a fair amount of time letting the kids run around and play...of course we joined in, too.

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Epcot has great interactive games for kids! DS9 is at the perfect age to really enjoy and understand them more-so than DD5 or DS4...but nevertheless...all 3 of them enjoyed this.

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Our lunch reservation wasn't until 1pm, but we were hungry so we decided to start walking over early. As many of you know...it takes a WHILE to walk across EP!!! The place is huge!

Would you like to know where our first ADR will be??!!!.....

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Stay tuned....up next....Nine Dragons Review...and you just might be surprised!

[mommyof2Pirates]

If you change your mind, let me know!! We'll be there for sure. I will most definitely have plenty of questions before the race...so be prepared:laughing: I'm coming to you!



:lmao: Glad to know there are others out there like myself!!!

I will be more than happy to answer any questions and provide all the advice I can.:goodvibes

I loved your update. I cant believe how empty the park was on mem day wkend. wow. I think we need to get a hidden mickey book. the kids will most likely be around 9 and 7 when we go so they would probably really enjoy searching for them....I know my dh will like that too.

I cant wait to hear your review of the nine dragons. I have not tried many of the TS places in epcot other than italy. My family is pretty plain when it comes to eating but I am hoping to broaden our horizons next trip.

[onelilspark]

Was that Sunday of Memorial Day weekend?!

We were at Epcot too!!

[hstrickland]

I will be more than happy to answer any questions and provide all the advice I can.:goodvibes

I loved your update. I cant believe how empty the park was on mem day wkend. wow. I think we need to get a hidden mickey book. the kids will most likely be around 9 and 7 when we go so they would probably really enjoy searching for them....I know my dh will like that too.

I cant wait to hear your review of the nine dragons. I have not tried many of the TS places in epcot other than italy. My family is pretty plain when it comes to eating but I am hoping to broaden our horizons next trip.

The Hidden Mickey book was a hit with DS9...actually with all of us! They took it everywhere!! In fact, when we found a Hidden Mickey, we tried to make a picture of it....I think I'm going to do a Hidden Mickey post with pics of the ones we found. I honestly would like to go with DH and Stephen and JUST look for Hidden Mickeys....you could probably spend a week in one park and still not find all of them!!!!

Was that Sunday of Memorial Day weekend?!

We were at Epcot too!!

We were there on Saturday. And I thought for sure the place would be packed but not the case at all! Guess everyone was at MK!! We usually try and avoid the park that has Extra Magic Hours in the evening...in the past, this has helped...who knows?! Maybe it was just good luck:confused3

[hstrickland]

As promised......a review on....

Nine Dragons in China!
Day 3 Lunch - 1pm reservation

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I was hoping to see the Chinese Acrobats, but no such luck...they weren't there.
So....how many of you think Nine Dragons is just so-so...bland...nothing special??? Honestly...I wasn't overly excited. The last time we ate here was when I was in high school....obviously years ago. DH wasn't excited either...when I told him we were eating lunch in China, he said...."oh....hmmmm."

Inside, there were some very ornate pieces of work. I thought it was tastefully decorated...not overly done. The host and hostess were very friendly and greeted me immediately when I walked in.
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This is one of those restaurants that aren't too hard to get a ressie...generally speaking. Our ressie was at 1pm, but we arrived early and were immediately seated.
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I'm always a little leery of posting dining reviews...what one person loves, the next might hate....ya never know! Anyway...here it goes....

The waitress was very nice, very pleasant and smiled quite a bit. We didn't ask for recommendations...we just started ordering! First up....appetizers!! YUM!!!

This was VERY tasty!!!!
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Another tasty treat...DHs favorite appetizer! And they were really big, too...not like the small ones that we're use to.
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Now....these were my favorite!!! They were 'Holy Cow!' good!!! They did take a little longer to come out which the waitress did tell us when we ordered them.
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The children actually had decent appetizers and not just the usual kid appetizer.
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The Main Course.....

This was good, but not like super duper outstanding. I was also soooooo full from all the appetizers, that I could barely eat my entree.
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Pop had the fish...can't rememeber what he said about it...however...there was nothing left on his plate!!!!
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Mom had this...I think she said she really liked it. If that's not right, I'm sure my parents will tell us!
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Children's Main Course

The kids seemed to like this...nothing outlandish...just your basic Chinese food.
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Up next...Dessert

Haha! There was no dessert! Nothing sounded really good and we had had enough!!!

So...would we return???? Probably for lunch, but not for dinner. I would really like to go back and just order appetizers...seriously! I could make a meal of it! The appetizers were great, the entrees were good...but couldn't tell ya about the desserts! Let me know if you try any!

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After lunch we visited Norway, looked around the gift shops then headed to Soarin' to use our FPs. Every time we go to WDW, we get a picture with this troll....not sure why???
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Can you say tired???? The two little ones were hot and tired!
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On our way out, we look over and see two characters with very few children in line...very few! Within seconds I had the autograph book out and the camera in hand!
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It was time to head back and unpack the clothes...and hit the pool!!!!! And can I just tell you how much I love the monorail??!!! So easy!!!
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And see....I told you...minimal crowd this day...look...no one going to the monorail!

By the time we got back to the CR, Faith and Jesse were out!!!!!
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It was finally time for me to get.......
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DH gives me a hard time about my mugs! When a new one comes out, I go crazy!

Before heading to the room, DS9 was steady looking for Hidden Mickeys...next time you're at WDW...take the book and try it. Honestly, it becomes addicting!
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Stay tuned...up next.....dinner at the all new HACIENDA!

[WDWKOOK]

I think it's fair to say we are both equally big fans of the Contemporary.
:thumbsup2
But, one of us (BWIResortFan4Life?) has strayed a teensy weensy bit from the CR:rolleyes1

:

Oh...and would you believe that this bronchitis is still with me:mad:? Thought I was going to be able to start running again this weekend, but no such luck. Precious time is slipping away and I'm going crazy thinking about it. Are you planning on running the Princess Half again this February?:thumbsup2



These are two resorts we definitely want to try!!!! In fact, last year when were at WDW, we were all in agreement that we wanted to stay at BCV...get a 2 bedroom for all 7 of us. I even went as far as booking the room! Then, on our October trip, on our way home, we stopped by AKL just to look around. DH and I said...hmmmm...maybe we should stay HERE!? So...when we got home...I called...cancelled BCV and booked AKL CL. Then when all the ADRs were made, I started looking at the locations and REALLY started thinking about the monorail that I :lovestruc....so guess what....I called again and booked a CR GV. THEN...after I started reading the CR thread and looking at all the pictures, I had to call once again and book the Tower BLV. Are you exhausted, yet?! I'm sure the poor Cast Members that kept talking to me on the phone were! Told yall...I have issues;)....DH has just learned to go with it and smile.

I hope you're feeling better, Heather. I have to mention that you would be an excellent candidate for posting to the Resort Changer's thread. Come and visit us anytime: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=41551761#post41551761


I love how your DD covered her eyes before the doors opened to the outside on TT - so cute. And, Daisy Duck is one character I've never gotten a photo with yet. I'll have to be on the lookout for her.

Those BRITE pink and blue mugs are the bomb! Just wish they still had the resort names on them:sad1:

That's one issue I have with the DDP - all those desserts we never want. We prefer a dessert in the lounge or as a snack so I feel like they just get wasted on the DDP. I thought your 9D review was excellent as are the photos.

DD and I had a not-so-great dinner at La Hacienda in December so I'm not taking DH there. I felt there was hardly anything on the menu and they were just pushing all that tequila. I'm looking forward to hearing about your experience:goodvibes

[jwwi]

Your lunch looks really good. Now I'll have to order some takeout this week.:lmao: I too am amazed at your reports of the low crowd levels. Hope this trend continued on your vacation.

[hstrickland]

:thumbsup2
But, one of us (BWIResortFan4Life?) has strayed a teensy weensy bit from the CR:rolleyes1

I hope you're feeling better, Heather. I have to mention that you would be an excellent candidate for posting to the Resort Changer's thread. Come and visit us anytime: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=41551761#post41551761

I love how your DD covered her eyes before the doors opened to the outside on TT - so cute. And, Daisy Duck is one character I've never gotten a photo with yet. I'll have to be on the lookout for her.

Those BRITE pink and blue mugs are the bomb! Just wish they still had the resort names on them:sad1:

That's one issue I have with the DDP - all those desserts we never want. We prefer a dessert in the lounge or as a snack so I feel like they just get wasted on the DDP. I thought your 9D review was excellent as are the photos.

DD and I had a not-so-great dinner at La Hacienda in December so I'm not taking DH there. I felt there was hardly anything on the menu and they were just pushing all that tequila. I'm looking forward to hearing about your experience:goodvibes

I'll be checking out that thread tomorrow!:rotfl: I'm notorious for changing resorts, then making upgrades!

If we do the DxDP next time, DS will be 10...that means an adult price:scared1: As the kids get older, not sure what we will do??? For us, dining on vacation is part of the whole experience...I'll try any food once! We prefer the signatures, so DxDP works out well. Our friends think we are crazy for wasting so much time sitting in a restaurant....:laughing:....perhaps I'm in the wrong profession! Maybe I should be a food critic!!! And trust me...I don't eat ALL the food...but I do usually try some of each course.:rolleyes1...hence the weight gain by all of us!

Sorry yall had a bad experience at Hacienda. It just goes to show you...ya never know. We've been to Yachtsman's a couple of times...the first time was much better than the second. Maybe after my review, you'll give it a 2nd chance....or not;)

Your lunch looks really good. Now I'll have to order some takeout this week.:lmao: I too am amazed at your reports of the low crowd levels. Hope this trend continued on your vacation.

As I was looking at pictures of those Shrimp Tazo lollipops, I got really hungry!! Well...as one can only imagine...the crowd fairy wasn't with us EVERY day, but it wasn't terrible. I had pumped myself up for horrendous crowds, so anything below a 10 was good with me!;)

[leshunlenese]

Great updates! I love EPCOT i may be a little bias since i use to work there and yes the monorail is sooo great. me and my little one stayed at the poly last December and it was so great to not have to fold a stroller especially since it was just us two!

[2xcited2sleep]

Yours is the second good Nine Dragons review I have seen recently. I have been so conditioned to hearing bad things I have barely given it a thought when planning ADRs. Good to know it is a viable option - perhaps even a walk-up option!

I can't get over the lack of crowds! This was a holiday weekend, right? Or am I confusing your TR with someone else's?

The little ones are so cute snoozing in their strollers. :goodvibes

[twob4him]

Hello! What a great trip report! I am loving it! I too am a family of 5 and have been wondering what the cabins were like. We love to "camp" in cabins with running water and electricity! hahaha! Sounds like a split stay is the way to go....you can get a little of everything that way! Thanks so much for all of hte details!!
Your family is so cute and I am loving how into Disney they are!:lovestruc How cool that Epcot was practically empty! :thumbsup2

Can't wait to hear more!

[hstrickland]

Great updates! I love EPCOT i may be a little bias since i use to work there and yes the monorail is sooo great. me and my little one stayed at the poly last December and it was so great to not have to fold a stroller especially since it was just us two!

DH and I often say that we will retire in FL, and I'm going to work at WDW just so I can get passes for the grandkids!:laughing: Of course it would have to be very part time;) Last year we were at the Poly...the whole monorail/stroller thing was sooooooooo great!!!!

Yours is the second good Nine Dragons review I have seen recently. I have been so conditioned to hearing bad things I have barely given it a thought when planning ADRs. Good to know it is a viable option - perhaps even a walk-up option!

I can't get over the lack of crowds! This was a holiday weekend, right? Or am I confusing your TR with someone else's?

The little ones are so cute snoozing in their strollers. :goodvibes

I would think Nine Dragons would be a definite walk-up option! And like I said, it wasn't like outstanding, and not our favorite of the week, but good. I would certainly go again for lunch.

And yes, can you believe it was Memorial Day Weekend???!!! I have a feeling that lots of people were at DHS for Star Wars. :confused3 Who knows?!

[hstrickland]

Hello! What a great trip report! I am loving it! I too am a family of 5 and have been wondering what the cabins were like. We love to "camp" in cabins with running water and electricity! hahaha! Sounds like a split stay is the way to go....you can get a little of everything that way! Thanks so much for all of hte details!!
Your family is so cute and I am loving how into Disney they are!:lovestruc How cool that Epcot was practically empty! :thumbsup2

Can't wait to hear more!

:rotfl: Yep...I'm not much on tent camping like my DH. I'm still trying to figure out a way to go back in October to FW! I keep hoping some kind of great deal will come out. I have a friend that wants to go, too...FW would be a great place for all of the kids to play and hang out.

Thanks for the nice comments! I'm raising the kids to be loyal Disney Fans:laughing: We'll see what happens when they're 18 years old! I can hear them now...."Mom...ANOTHER trip to WDW??!! Seriously??!!"

Glad to have another Disney Fan following along!
Heather

[Zuzu03]

Hey Heather! Just jumped on board to say hello!!! Now I have to go back and read from the beginning! YAYAYAYAYAY!!!!! :goodvibes

Nancy

EDITED: Just got all caught up! LOVING it!!! And oh my goodness, your children have grown up so much in a year!!!! They're adorable!!! How cool the campfire must have been!!! But darn it all, NOW I have to put FW on the list - because I was like you and was not too thrilled about the whole camping thing, but the cabins look pretty cool! We've been over there a few times for the trail riding and when River Country was up and running (yes it HAS been a long time). So now we have to try the cabins for a few nights. CR is beautiful, haven't stayed there in a while, but that's creeping back up the list too! And I love your photo across Bay Lake of the my beloved Swalphin! And, getting up early and taking photos is one of my fave activities too! Can't believe how light the crowds were for you, that is awesome! Looking forward to more!!!! :)

[hstrickland]

Hey Heather! Just jumped on board to say hello!!! Now I have to go back and read from the beginning! YAYAYAYAYAY!!!!! :goodvibes

Nancy

EDITED: Just got all caught up! LOVING it!!! And oh my goodness, your children have grown up so much in a year!!!! They're adorable!!! How cool the campfire must have been!!! But darn it all, NOW I have to put FW on the list - because I was like you and was not too thrilled about the whole camping thing, but the cabins look pretty cool! We've been over there a few times for the trail riding and when River Country was up and running (yes it HAS been a long time). So now we have to try the cabins for a few nights. CR is beautiful, haven't stayed there in a while, but that's creeping back up the list too! And I love your photo across Bay Lake of the my beloved Swalphin! And, getting up early and taking photos is one of my fave activities too! Can't believe how light the crowds were for you, that is awesome! Looking forward to more!!!! :)

:yay: Hey there Nancy! So happy to hear from you! When I ran across your daughters TR, I couldn't believe it! I remember you talking about your Dolphin/Poly trip last year...you gave me the heads up about the Dolphin and Swan! I've read through page 5 of yalls trip....I'm hoping to finish it tonight...love all the pictures, and your daughter seems like lots of fun!

I would recommend trying FW cabins for a couple of nights...with a golf cart, of course. It's such a different feel than the other Disney Resorts...super relaxed, no hustle and bustle, etc. I totally remember River Country:laughing: In fact, we have pictures of us swimming over there...and yes...it was a very long time ago:rolleyes1 When we rented the boats and road by there, I couldn't believe how "ghost town" it looked! You would think Disney would do something with that area....you can even see old docks over on Discovery Island....remember that place??? Wasn't it called that? Kind of eerie looking.

We had another great trip with my parents! Next year we are taking them on he Disney Dream for their 45th Wedding Anniversary...my sister and her family will also go....so....looking forward to that!

Now...let me get back to your DDs TR!:surfweb:

[02AggieGirl]

I am happy to see the positive review for Nine Dragons, our family has enjoyed it when we've gone.

[RGirl]

:cool1: I am loving your report!!!! (I am a little out of place on the TRs having only been to WDW once (last year), but I have learned so much from reading TRs that I thought it was time to start posting on one.)

The cabins at FW look so fun - I think we would really enjoy staying there, although I wonder how long it takes to get to the parks.

I'm interested in your stroller rentals. Last year, I rented a stroller from some other company - it was very nice, but we stayed offsite and wrangling it onto the parking lot trams was a nightmare - it was a jogging stroller. We are staying on site this time so will have to deal with buses instead of trams. How were the strollers on the buses? Easy to fold and maneuver? I am an only parent, so I will need to be able to maneuver everything without assistance..... (Thought about doing without a stroller, but I don't think I can carry my 4-year-old DD from Epcot to BWV after IllumiNations and want to have the option of a stroller in thick crowds for safety.)

[mommyof2Pirates]

I say after reading your review I would definitly try nine dragons for lunch but I agree not worth it for dinner. The food did look very yummy actually it made me even hungrier than I already was before I read your update.:lmao:

I cant believe how light the crowds were at epcot. That is great. and I am guessing one of the best perks of staying at CR is letting the kids fall asleep in the stroller and not having to pick them up to get them on the bus.:thumbsup2

I cant wait to hear more and also about the new hacienda. I have grown such a love for mexican food over the past year so I am hoping I can talk my family into eating there next trip....well that depends on what your review has to say.;)

[hstrickland]

I am happy to see the positive review for Nine Dragons, our family has enjoyed it when we've gone.

It's one of those places that get tons of negatives...of course before we went I read ALL of them:laughing: Guess I wasn't expecting much, but it turned out to be a really nice lunch! Sometimes I take those reviews with a grain of salt, ya know....everyone has different expectations and different tastes.

:cool1: I am loving your report!!!! (I am a little out of place on the TRs having only been to WDW once (last year), but I have learned so much from reading TRs that I thought it was time to start posting on one.)

The cabins at FW look so fun - I think we would really enjoy staying there, although I wonder how long it takes to get to the parks.

I'm interested in your stroller rentals. Last year, I rented a stroller from some other company - it was very nice, but we stayed offsite and wrangling it onto the parking lot trams was a nightmare - it was a jogging stroller. We are staying on site this time so will have to deal with buses instead of trams. How were the strollers on the buses? Easy to fold and maneuver? I am an only parent, so I will need to be able to maneuver everything without assistance..... (Thought about doing without a stroller, but I don't think I can carry my 4-year-old DD from Epcot to BWV after IllumiNations and want to have the option of a stroller in thick crowds for safety.)

:welcome: Glad to have you follow along! The DisBoards is such a great place to learn about WDW and get people's true opinions....and you're NOT out of place on the TR threads!! Last year when I was doing my first TR, these were the people who helped me out and taught me how to do one.

Orlando Stroller Rental is outstanding!!!! The stroller itself was fabulous and super easy to fold...basically one pull and it's folded up. I could do it with one hand. They have a few different types, and I believe we got the bigger one. As far as the buses go, it wasn't that big a deal...like I said, with one pull, it's folded....and those buses are big enough to accommodate lots of people and lots of strollers. Check out the Orlando Stroller Rental website...tons of info with prices, etc. Almost forgot...we rented a rain cover from them, too. And let me add....best $10 I ever spent!!!! If you visit FL, you eventually will have rain;)

And, yes, FW was great! I can't comment on the buses from park to park, but the boats seemed to be relatively fast and easy to get on and off.

Let us know if you have any other questions....everyone will be happy to help!:thumbsup2

Happy Planning!
Heather

[hstrickland]

I say after reading your review I would definitly try nine dragons for lunch but I agree not worth it for dinner. The food did look very yummy actually it made me even hungrier than I already was before I read your update.:lmao:

I cant believe how light the crowds were at epcot. That is great. and I am guessing one of the best perks of staying at CR is letting the kids fall asleep in the stroller and not having to pick them up to get them on the bus.:thumbsup2

I cant wait to hear more and also about the new hacienda. I have grown such a love for mexican food over the past year so I am hoping I can talk my family into eating there next trip....well that depends on what your review has to say.;)

One of the reasons that I love the monorail resorts is for that very reason...usually we don't have to fold up the strollers. I guess when the kids are older and there are no more strollers, it won't be such a big deal.

I'm going to get the Hacienda review done today if at all possible. Getting ready to take DD5 to gymnastics, then have to get DS9 packed for CT...he's flying out tomorrow morning to go see my sister for a week....priorites, right?! Kids.....DisBoards....hmmmmmm:confused:Okay...just kidding:laughing:

[hstrickland]

Next post on Hacienda will hopefully get finished tonight....however...I have 42 pictures for this post:scared1: Guess I'll have to do two back to back:confused3. I don't think I can put that many pictures on one...perhaps I need to make some cuts.

[WDWKOOK]

Next post on Hacienda will hopefully get finished tonight....however...I have 42 pictures for this post:scared1: Guess I'll have to do two back to back:confused3. I don't think I can put that many pictures on one...perhaps I need to make some cuts.
I vote for two back to back (without emotes...)! I'm eager to see if you found something interesting to eat there. I felt the menu was really lacking in traditional Mexican fare. IMHO, they really need to expand their menu (other than all that tequila they're pushing:upsidedow).

[hstrickland]

Day 3 - Epcot
Dinner - La Hacienda de San Angel
Reservation - 7:45pm

After a quick dip in the fabulous CR pool, unpacking ALL the clothes, and a short rest...it was time to head back over to EP!!! We had been looking forward to this meal for quite some time....simply because it was a new restaurant and the atmosphere looked amazing. I was in high hopes that we would have a view of Illuminations....you shall see!

On our way over to the restaurant, I was snapping shots left and right. Are you surprised?!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/DSC_3253.jpg

For the most part, these 2 kids get along...but throw a 3rd one in the mix and it's all over!....and usually it's over for DD5!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/DSC_3252.jpg

We arrived at....
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/IMG_5469.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/IMG_5439.jpg

You know, I hear about these horror stories of people having ressies and still waiting an hour or so....honestly, in all the trips to WDW, and all the ADRs we have had....this has never happened to us. The hostess politely told us that the wait would be longer than expected....not really a big deal at all...it wasn't like we were in a hurry or anything. She gave us a pager that worked all the way over in....
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/IMG_5438.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/DSC_3257.gif

We decided to ride.......
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/IMG_5455.jpg http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/IMG_5456.jpg

It's still the same ride! But nevertheless, we enjoyed it...very relaxing. I've always liked the Mexico area. San Angel Inn use to be one of my favorite places to eat, but last time we were there, the food was just so-so....however, I still think it's one of the best 'atmosphere' restaurants at WDW.

While waiting patiently, we snapped some more photos!....surprise! surprise!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/IMG_5441.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/DSC_3263.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/DSC_3256.jpg

We were finally paged after 30 minutes or so...not a bad wait at all since there was plenty to do! Immediately I noticed the beautiful decor of the restaurant!!! Very ornate, very Mexican...and in an upscale kind of way.
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/DSC02296.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/DSC_3298.jpg http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/DSC_3303.jpg

My mother made these 2 pictures...she was explaining to me the significance of the pineapple, but I don't remember....perhaps she can shed some light.
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/DSC02295.jpg http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/DSC02294.jpg

I was very impressed with the atmosphere of the restaurant...so far so good...now just hoping for a decent table by the window!!! Well....wish granted!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/DSC_3266.jpg

We were not directly by the window, but close enough that the view would be fine. One of the wait staff let us know that the music would be piped in and the lights would dim....not long now before Illuminations would begin! Most of the seating in the restaurant lends itself to a decent view, however, there is a room up front when you walk in that doesn't have windows viewing the lake. If you were there during Illuminations time, then you probably wouldn't want that room.

Chips n Salsa were immediately served by a waitress who said our waiter would be out shortly. The chips were very good, fresh, and crisp...salsa was outstanding!!!!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/DSC02291.jpg

Our waiter came out and took our drink order...DH ordered a Dos Equis on draft and I had a margarita (super tasty)....he never made any mention of their tequila selection.
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/DSC_3269.jpg

I had to literally STOP eating the chips n salsa....I knew I had an appetizer to eat as well as an entree!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/DSC_3268.jpg

Our waiter was sooooooo wonderful! And so super friendly!!! He kept all drinks filled and cleared dishes promptly.


Continue on to next post.....

[hstrickland]

...Continued from Hacienda

We ordered our appetizers and patiently waited for Illuminations. I had a feeling it was going to be a great view because there was no one sitting by the window in our section!

So.....first up.....APPETIZERS.....YUM! YUM! YUM!

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/DSC_3285.jpg
*melted cheese with poblano peppers, chorizo, and flour tortillas

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/IMG_5471.jpg
*roasted sweet peppers with lime and sea salt, served with mini "cantimpalito" chorizos

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/IMG_5470.jpg
*taco trio featuring Rib eye taco with chipolte salsa, roasted chicken taco with salsa verde, and Chilorio (marinated pork) taco

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/DSC_3281.jpg

Every appetizer above was outstanding!!!!! My parents live in Southern Mexico(Chiapas) They said that the appetizers were very authentic...much like what they eat in Tapachula. I could have made a meal on the appetizers....forget the entrees!!!!

By now, it was time for Illuminations....the kids had their noses pressed against the windows.
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/DSC_3275.jpg
The lights were dimmed and the music started playing! It was a 'Magical' moment....just perfect!

Now....time for the MAIN COURSE!

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/DSC_3286.jpg
*Roasted pork tender loin with mole negro sauce, served with esquites (roasted corn), sweet potato mash, beans and vegetables

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/DSC_3287.jpg
*Flank steak served with spring onions, tamal with rajas, cactus leaves, and beans

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/IMG_5473.jpg
*Mixed grill offering mahi-mahi, shrimp, scallops and vegetables, served with beans and fresh salsas...feeds 2

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/DSC_3288.jpg

Well....once again...we LOVED every bit of it! The pictures don't really do the entrees justice...they looked much better in person!

Would you believe that we STILL had room for dessert??!!! We really didn't, but after viewing the list...I knew it wasn't an option to NOT get any.

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/DSC_3292.jpg
*puff pastry filled with sauteed caramel apples and vanilla bean ice cream with Kahlua sauce

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/DSC_3293.jpg
*Chocolate custard served with crunchy bunuelo strips and caramel syrup (couldn't get a good shot of this dessert)

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/DSC_3291.jpg

All I can say is....WOW!!!!! The food was unbelievably superb! My parents even said they felt like they were back in Chiapas, Mexico! When we go back to EP, this is a place that we will most certainly return to...and hopefully get another front row seat to Illuminations. I will say this, though,....there are not a ton of choices on the menu...so if you decide to try it, make sure you look at a menu prior to your visit.

By the time we finished eating, it was rather late! Most everyone had exited the restaurant....so....what a great opportunity to get photos of an empty Hacienda!!!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/DSC_3295.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/DSC_3296.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/DSC_3299.jpg

I'm telling you....we basically closed the restaurant down!! Everyone was GONE!!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/DSC_3301.jpg

On our way out...the Mexico attraction looked so beautiful next to the dark sky!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/DSC02298.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/DSC_3304.jpg

See...Epcot is a ghost town...no people! And can you say TIRED!!???
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/IMG_5488.jpg

One final picture of the Spaceship Earth, then it's time to head to the CR!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/DSC_3315.jpg

I see it!!! My beloved Tron Monorail...ready to take us back to the heavenly beds at the CR.....
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%203%20Hacienda/DSC_3316.jpg

This was truly a GREAT day!!!!! One good dining experience, one great dining experience and low crowds equals happy AND tired people!


Stay tuned....up next....Day 4 at the CR pool and Disney Quest!

[mommyof2Pirates]

my mouth was salivating at those pictures. Sounds like a great choice and one I will definitely be adding to the list and hope I dont get out voted on. What a great way to end the day. I love the pics of the kids peeking out the windows watching illuminations.:goodvibes

[sjs314]

Everything looked yummy with the view of Illuminations how can you go wrong eating at La Hacineda. I debated about making a ressie there or at Rose & Crown our last night for Illuminations, Rose and Crown won out this trip.

Thanks for the great review. I have to say your kids are adorable and look so well behaved.

[RGirl]

Thanks for the helpful stroller info. I will check out the site. :thumbsup2

La Hacienda looks amazing! I went back and forth on making an ADR there for our upcoming trip. As of now, I don't have one, but I am still flirting with the idea of trying to squeeze it in somehow. :rolleyes1

[hstrickland]

my mouth was salivating at those pictures. Sounds like a great choice and one I will definitely be adding to the list and hope I dont get out voted on. What a great way to end the day. I love the pics of the kids peeking out the windows watching illuminations.:goodvibes

If you can talk your family into it, try to get a ressie around the time of illuminations...so neat for the kids! Some of the reviews on Hacienda have been less than favorable:confused3 Although, I will say, I can understand why. If you are use to Tex-Mex kind of food, then you might not like it. There aren't any burritos, enchiladas, etc. on the menu. I would like to go back and try the tilapia...it sounded really nice. Our waiter was the one of the best we had while on our trip....just a really friendly person that seemed to love his job.

If you go...and it's horrible...don't blame me:rotfl: I'll plead the 5th!

[PrincessDis]

Sounds like the perfect day in Epcot.....I am putting La Hacineda on our to do list for 2012.........I'm already planning:thumbsup2

[hstrickland]

Everything looked yummy with the view of Illuminations how can you go wrong eating at La Hacineda. I debated about making a ressie there or at Rose & Crown our last night for Illuminations, Rose and Crown won out this trip.

Thanks for the great review. I have to say your kids are adorable and look so well behaved.

We did Rose n Crown for lunch and loved it!!!! By the way...DH and I cracked up laughing at your statement..."look so well behaved"....if you only knew, Shelia!! We like to dine out, so they are use to restaurants, but there are times when they can make you want to crawl under the table with embarrassment. Put it this way...everyone at church holds their breath when Jesse walks through:laughing:...ya never know with a 4 year old!

Thanks for the helpful stroller info. I will check out the site. :thumbsup2

La Hacienda looks amazing! I went back and forth on making an ADR there for our upcoming trip. As of now, I don't have one, but I am still flirting with the idea of trying to squeeze it in somehow. :rolleyes1

Glad that information helped...we've used them 3 times now and have been pleased each time. Good luck!

Did you get some great ADRs? Any character meals?

[RGirl]

Did you get some great ADRs? Any character meals?

Yes! I'm really excited about our ADRs for this trip. My daughter wanted to return to CRT and Akershus, so we will be repeating those. But we are also going to try Crystal Palace, Le Cellier, Tutto Italia, Kouzzina, and more. I'm really so looking forward to staying at BWV and being able to walk into Epcot for the F&W Festival - amazing!! :laughing:

Looking forward to your next update! :cheer2:

[Yellowbellow]

Without a doubt - one of the BEST meals we had at Disney ! !!! ! ! :cool1::banana::woohoo::dance3: What else can I say.
We live in Southern Mexico most of the year and this is REAL Mexician food - Loved It. :yay:

[WDWKOOK]

Well, that was certainly a ringing endorsement from you and Dad! I almost feel like I should take DH there to get his opinion. I didn't think the food or service was bad in any way, I just felt the menu was very limited for a Mexican restaurant.

I know this didn't happen to you, but there was a woman who was some sort of certified tequila expert (CTE?:laughing:) who made the rounds to every table asking guests to purchase tequila shots and offering advice and while I'm sure she was very knowledgeable, I wasn't in the mood for the tequila schtick. Maybe because I was there alone with DD.

Your photos are so lovely that I feel like they could be in a menu! And, I feel the exact same way about San Angel. We used to love eating there, but DH crossed it off the list for our next trip (that's why I should probably take hime to LH). SAI is my favorite "atmosphere," too! But, yikes, what happened to it the past few years? The service, the food - oh, those horrible chips. It's sad because I want to like going there again. I even love sitting near the "water" watching the boats go by, going into all the shops while we wait (and wait and wait) for our table.

Love the Wishes photo - great review!

[hstrickland]

Sounds like the perfect day in Epcot.....I am putting La Hacineda on our to do list for 2012.........I'm already planning:thumbsup2

Why do I NOT find this surprising at all!:rolleyes1 And which resort?? Or have you gotten that far???

Yes! I'm really excited about our ADRs for this trip. My daughter wanted to return to CRT and Akershus, so we will be repeating those. But we are also going to try Crystal Palace, Le Cellier, Tutto Italia, Kouzzina, and more. I'm really so looking forward to staying at BWV and being able to walk into Epcot for the F&W Festival - amazing!! :laughing:

Looking forward to your next update! :cheer2:

We did CRT last year and this year....the whole family loves it! Last year we did lunch after DD did BBB...this year we did breakfast so we could get into the park early! We haven't done Kouzzina, but it's on our list for sure. The other ADRs you listed are great! My favorite of those is probably Le Cellier...ya can't beat their steaks...we've always had GREAT service there, too.

Just being nosey again...but what made you decide to choose BWV? I'm always curious as to how people choose a resort....there's so many to choose from!!:woohoo:

Well, that was certainly a ringing endorsement from you and Dad! I almost feel like I should take DH there to get his opinion. I didn't think the food or service was bad in any way, I just felt the menu was very limited for a Mexican restaurant.

I know this didn't happen to you, but there was a woman who was some sort of certified tequila expert (CTE?:laughing:) who made the rounds to every table asking guests to purchase tequila shots and offering advice and while I'm sure she was very knowledgeable, I wasn't in the mood for the tequila schtick. Maybe because I was there alone with DD.

Your photos are so lovely that I feel like they could be in a menu! And, I feel the exact same way about San Angel. We used to love eating there, but DH crossed it off the list for our next trip (that's why I should probably take hime to LH). SAI is my favorite "atmosphere," too! But, yikes, what happened to it the past few years? The service, the food - oh, those horrible chips. It's sad because I want to like going there again. I even love sitting near the "water" watching the boats go by, going into all the shops while we wait (and wait and wait) for our table.

Love the Wishes photo - great review!

I'm in total agreement about the limited menu...I was really a bit surprised. You would think they would have a few more choices:confused3 And the menu seems to be fairly authentic...cactus leaves, mole, chorizo, those peppers my dad ate...but then what do I know?:laughing: I'm not Mexican!

Thank goodness we didn't have the CTE;) making her rounds! I'm not very knowledgeable, nor do we do shots...that might have been annoying. I didn't see anyone there doing that. Were yall there when it first opened??:confused: Maybe they were doing it for promotional purposes???

Ok...I can see that we would get along well....DH and I completely agree with you... a big :eek: to those horrible chips at SAI. The last time we were there, the chips were literally from a bag...I almost sent them back!! I was shocked...and the service was just so-so. We've thought about going back maybe for lunch...just to see if things have changed since Hacienda is next door. The tables were also so close together we could barely move. I haven't looked at any recent reviews lately....here's a little pixiedust: to help them out! It use to be one of my favorites!!!

[2xcited2sleep]

I loved La Hacienda too. SO yummy!! :thumbsup2. Cannot wait to go back in October. Truly sounds like the perfect night. Isn't it cool walking around a nearly empty Epcot?!

[princessamie]

Mmmm...that food looks wonderful!!!
There is nothing better than a nice peaceful walk through an empty Epcot! We stayed at the lights in the walkway for a long time on this trip!!!!

[RGirl]

We did CRT last year and this year....the whole family loves it! Last year we did lunch after DD did BBB...this year we did breakfast so we could get into the park early! We haven't done Kouzzina, but it's on our list for sure. The other ADRs you listed are great! My favorite of those is probably Le Cellier...ya can't beat their steaks...we've always had GREAT service there, too.

Just being nosey again...but what made you decide to choose BWV? I'm always curious as to how people choose a resort....there's so many to choose from!!:woohoo:

That is almost exactly what we are doing with CRT - we have a before-park-opening BBB appointment and lunch at CRT. We did the same last year but without the super-early BBB appointment (did late morning instead - wasn't sure how we would feel getting up that early flying from the West Coast).

I am really looking forward to trying Kouzzina. I'm a big fan of all those celebrity chef types. :rotfl:

As far as BWV, I really wanted to stay DVC because I am kind of interested in buying in but can't see doing that without staying that way at least once. I narrowed it down to an Epcot resort because I love the idea of walking over for the F&WF whenever the mood strikes. :laughing: I have a friend who owns DVC and she looked around for points for us at both BCV and BWV. When she was able to snag us a 1-bedroom with a Boardwalk view, I was sold! :banana:

What is your favorite resort?

[onelilspark]

I love it when you're one of the last to leave a park, so peaceful!

[mommyof2Pirates]

If you can talk your family into it, try to get a ressie around the time of illuminations...so neat for the kids! Some of the reviews on Hacienda have been less than favorable:confused3 Although, I will say, I can understand why. If you are use to Tex-Mex kind of food, then you might not like it. There aren't any burritos, enchiladas, etc. on the menu. I would like to go back and try the tilapia...it sounded really nice. Our waiter was the one of the best we had while on our trip....just a really friendly person that seemed to love his job.

If you go...and it's horrible...don't blame me:rotfl: I'll plead the 5th!

I would never blame you..... I just was looking at the ddp 2012 participating resturaunts and there is a bunch from epcot-WS not on there. I wonder if it was a misprint. I cant imagine them taking off half of the WS. Hacienda was not one of them listed.:confused:

[hstrickland]

I loved La Hacienda too. SO yummy!! :thumbsup2. Cannot wait to go back in October. Truly sounds like the perfect night. Isn't it cool walking around a nearly empty Epcot?!

Mmmm...that food looks wonderful!!!
There is nothing better than a nice peaceful walk through an empty Epcot! We stayed at the lights in the walkway for a long time on this trip!!!!

I love it when you're one of the last to leave a park, so peaceful!

I think I have found a 'new' something to do at WDW....wait to be the last to leave!! Seriously...it was so cool! Since my dad and I love taking pictures, it's the perfect opportunity to get great night shots. The park has an entirely different feel....love it!!!! I can hear my husband now....."great!! Early morning and LATE nights!!!":rotfl:

I would never blame you..... I just was looking at the ddp 2012 participating resturaunts and there is a bunch from epcot-WS not on there. I wonder if it was a misprint. I cant imagine them taking off half of the WS. Hacienda was not one of them listed.:confused:

Not sure if this still holds true, but in recent experience, some of the EP restaurants are not owned by WDW, so they have to come to agreements with the DDP....they will usually be added before the year begins. If this is incorrect, somebody help me out. It happened with Yak and Yeti last year....wasn't on the DDP, then showed up:confused3

That is almost exactly what we are doing with CRT - we have a before-park-opening BBB appointment and lunch at CRT. We did the same last year but without the super-early BBB appointment (did late morning instead - wasn't sure how we would feel getting up that early flying from the West Coast).

I am really looking forward to trying Kouzzina. I'm a big fan of all those celebrity chef types. :rotfl:

As far as BWV, I really wanted to stay DVC because I am kind of interested in buying in but can't see doing that without staying that way at least once. I narrowed it down to an Epcot resort because I love the idea of walking over for the F&WF whenever the mood strikes. :laughing: I have a friend who owns DVC and she looked around for points for us at both BCV and BWV. When she was able to snag us a 1-bedroom with a Boardwalk view, I was sold! :banana:

What is your favorite resort?

We've thought about DVC, too. We haven't been convinced, yet. This past trip, they were offering a really great incentive....a cruise and $200 gift card or something like that. I would like to sit through one of those 'talks' just hear what they have to say. After your trip, you'll have to let us know what you decide. I'll be interested to see how you like it!!

As far as my favorite resort....hmmmm....this is going to sound strange, but I have a few. Most people have one that they completely love and that's where they go every trip. I really like the Poly and GF because of atmosphere....size of rooms, monorail, great theme...both really feel like 'resorts'. Neither of these resort feel 'hetic' to me. I like the CR for sentimental reasons...we stayed there as children...brings back great memories. I also REALLY like the actual room...beds are great!!!...The CR is a little hetic feeling, but I still like it. So if I had to rate them it would be 1-GF, 2-Poly, 3- CR....they are all so different, but each has something special to offer. Also, I like to try something new each time we go....I know....strange:rolleyes1 We have never stayed at the EP resorts, but the BC/YC is on the list of must dos.

[emma212010]

Hi Heather! Just like I promised, I'm subbing in!! :goodvibes Now I have to go back to read! :laughing:

[tinkgurl]

Wow, looks like you guys had such a great day at Epcot! And you've shown me 2 new restaurants for me to try! :)

How neat you guys had such a nice view of Illuminations! I love that pic of the kids watching it up close to the window.

[Zuzu03]

La Hacienda looks sooooooo nice! Way to score for Illuminations view!!!!! :) Can't wait to try it!!!

[hstrickland]

Hi Heather! Just like I promised, I'm subbing in!! :goodvibes Now I have to go back to read! :laughing:

:wave2:Glad you came over! Take your time! It only took me a week to read yours:laughing:

Wow, looks like you guys had such a great day at Epcot! And you've shown me 2 new restaurants for me to try! :)

How neat you guys had such a nice view of Illuminations! I love that pic of the kids watching it up close to the window.

Hope Nine Dragons and Hacienda are great for y'all, too. When we requested a table next to the window, she told us that everybody else did also (which I kinda suspected) Just make sure you ask them to be seated in the big room with all the windows...not the smaller room:thumbsup2

La Hacienda looks sooooooo nice! Way to score for Illuminations view!!!!! :) Can't wait to try it!!!

And I can't wait to try The Dolphin!;) Of course that might change, too! :laughing:Do you remember last year on my TR that I swore we were going to stay at the BCV??!! That didn't happen! I change my mind from day to day:rolleyes1....by the way...loved y'alls pictures, especially the Poly pics! Just beautiful!!!

[Zuzu03]

:wave2:
And I can't wait to try The Dolphin!;) Of course that might change, too! :laughing:Do you remember last year on my TR that I swore we were going to stay at the BCV??!! That didn't happen! I change my mind from day to day:rolleyes1....by the way...loved y'alls pictures, especially the Poly pics! Just beautiful!!!

I know, it's sooooo hard to decide on a resort - they're all so perfect! Emma and I are constantly back and forth about where to stay! And thanks! The Poly is extremely photogenetic!

[leshunlenese]

You have opened me up to nine dragons and Hacienda! The food looks so good and i have never been to wither of them! You know Disney should pay you! You have sold me on food that i want to try and fort wilderness.

[hstrickland]

You have opened me up to nine dragons and Hacienda! The food looks so good and i have never been to wither of them! You know Disney should pay you! You have sold me on food that i want to try and fort wilderness.

:rotfl: Wouldn't that be nice??!! A job with Disney...promoting their restaurants and resorts!...guess I better not hold my breath:rolleyes:

[Tink rules]

:rotfl: Wouldn't that be nice??!! A job with Disney...promoting their restaurants and resorts!...guess I better not hold my breath:rolleyes:

Get in line baby... ya gotta beat out a couple of thousand others of us who want that job!!! (and would gain weight to do it :rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:) (such a sacrifice...:sad2:)

[hstrickland]

Early Morning at the CR
Day 4

Well...I told you that I love getting up early at WDW...and this was true on Day 4! We actually didn't have a breakfast ressie until 8:45, but I was awake at 6am sharp. I popped up and quietly slipped out onto the balcony to take in the beautiful day!

Immediately, I noticed the peaceful pool 9 floors below...so cool to look at it with not a soul around!...that's where we would be in a few hours!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Early%20Morning/DSC_3354.jpg

Then, over to the right....there was.....
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Early%20Morning/DSC_3356.jpg
I couldn't get over how clear it was on this bright morning! I really wanted to wake up DH, but that wouldn't have gone over too well.

One thing that I did not get to do was watch the EP fireworks from my balcony...oh well...maybe there will be a next time;)
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Early%20Morning/DSC_3357.gif

So as I was observing the....
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Early%20Morning/DSC_3360.gif
I made a few mental notes....while we almost stayed in this part of the CR, I'm glad we made the decision to stay in the Tower. I REALLY, really liked being up high...I like having a balcony...not sure I would want the faux balcony (or whatever you call that thing) I liked being in the middle of it 'all'...watching the monorail journey through the center of the CR, being an elevator ride away from the Contempo Cafe, etc.....don't get me wrong...I would take the GW in a heartbeat if that was the only option. I'm certainly not going to turn down a WDW trip:laughing:

It was time to slip out and grab a few more shots before breakfast...which happens to be at Chef Mickey's!!!!!!!!!!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Early%20Morning/DSC_3324.jpg

This was directly outside of our room. Call me a Disney Dork or whatever you want, but I just love seeing Space Mountain from my resort!!! And I got to see it every time I went in and out of my room!!!!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Early%20Morning/DSC_3318.jpg

As I get off of the elevator on the 4th floor, this is what I see....
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Early%20Morning/DSC_3328.jpg
I was already excited about being at WDW....then I was doubly excited because it hit me....next year this time I'll be getting ready for our Disney Dream cruise!!!!!

I don't go a morning without coffee...first thing I do is grab a cup...so I knew I couldn't walk around the CR without any....then I saw this....
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Early%20Morning/DSC_3331.jpg
The small things in life....a place to wash out my mug!!! It made me happy...what can I say?!

I thought this was so Disney neat!....
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Early%20Morning/DSC_3334.jpg
It's small things like this that make WDW so special!

I will tell ya....these shops at the CR put a big dent in my wallet! I could have spent hours in there just looking at all of the Disney stuff!!! One would think that I would tire of all the Disney hoopla....hmmmm...hasn't happened, yet!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Early%20Morning/DSC_3335.jpg

I bought sunscreen here that cost me an arm and a leg!...but hey...what do you expect?! I shouldn't have forgotten it!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Early%20Morning/DSC_3340.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Early%20Morning/DSC_3339.jpg

I decided to venture out to the....
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Early%20Morning/DSC_3344.gif

I read several things about the observation deck and of course wanted to see for myself. We had contemplated watching the fireworks from here, but I decided against it after looking around.
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Early%20Morning/DSC_3343.jpg
Not that there was anything horrible about it...however it was very industrial looking...does that make sense? You could see the big metal boxes that house cables...kinda looked like air condition units. Also, there was trash on the ground(I'm guessing from the night before) cigarette butts, empty coke bottles, wrappers...I was actually a little shocked because this isn't Disney fashion at all...in fact I almost made pictures...but didn't. HOWEVER....all you CR lovers will be happy to know that since I was so surprised, I decided I would go back another day just to see....and guess what??....no trash, no nothing! all clean. Guess it was just an off morning for someone.

I did get some awesome shots from the deck....I'll only share a couple...don't want to bore you with castle shots that you've seen 101 times!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Early%20Morning/DSC_3348.gif

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Early%20Morning/DSC_3345.jpg

I noticed that the door to BLT would not close, so I thought I would sneak over and take another couple of shots from the walkway...not sure what was wrong with the door...it was just open!....inviting me in;) These next few shots were taken from the bridge that connects the CR and BLT.
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Early%20Morning/DSC_3341.jpg http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Early%20Morning/DSC_3350.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Early%20Morning/DSC_3349.jpg

I could have spent another hour walking around snapping photos, but I realized it was time to get back and make sure everyone was up....we had a meeting with Mickey and friends very shortly! If you like early mornings...this is a great way to start your day at Disney...and if you don't like early mornings...give it a try just once! It will give you a whole different perspective on Disney!:thumbsup2


Stay tuned....up next....Chef Mickeys...THEN the CR pool!

[RGirl]

We've thought about DVC, too. We haven't been convinced, yet. This past trip, they were offering a really great incentive....a cruise and $200 gift card or something like that. I would like to sit through one of those 'talks' just hear what they have to say. After your trip, you'll have to let us know what you decide. I'll interested to see how you like it!!

Wow - that is quite an incentive! I really want to hear the "talk" too. :laughing: I just booked a cruise for 2012, so I figure I will decide then. If we are still as Disney-crazed then as we seem to be now and love the cruise half as much as we loved WDW, then it might be a good fit for us (we will probably sneak in a quick trip to DLR in 2012 too since we are on the West Coast and therefore can almost justify it :rolleyes1. :rotfl:)

As far as my favorite resort....hmmmm....this is going to sound strange, but I have a few. Most people have one that they completely love and that's where they go every trip. I really like the Poly and GF because of atmosphere....size of rooms, monorail, great theme...both really feel like 'resorts'. Neither of these resort feel 'hetic' to me. I like the CR for sentimental reasons...we stayed there as children...brings back great memories. I also REALLY like the actual room...beds are great!!!...The CR is a little hetic feeling, but I still like it. So if I had to rate them it would be 1-GF, 2-Poly, 3- CR....they are all so different, but each has something special to offer. Also, I like to try something new each time we go....I know....strange:rolleyes1 We have never stayed at the EP resorts, but the BC/YC is on the list of must dos.

I would love to stay at the Poly someday and CR. Not sure about the GF, but that just may be because I haven't been there - we did hit the Poly and CR for meals last year, and they were great - I was actually really surprised that I liked CR so much; it never seemed very "Disney" in the pictures I had seen, but I had the opposite feeling when there in person. :laughing:

[RGirl]

Ha! Posted at the same time - love your CR pics. I am sold! Can't wait to hear about Chef Mickey's. We had breakfast there last year - I did not love the food, but it didn't matter because we had so much fun. :laughing:

I will tell ya....these shops at the CR put a big dent in my wallet! I could have spent hours in there just looking at all of the Disney stuff!!! One would think that I would tire of all the Disney hoopla....hmmmm...hasn't happened, yet!

:rotfl: I spent so much money in those shops near Chef Mickey's last year. :rotfl:

[hstrickland]

Get in line baby... ya gotta beat out a couple of thousand others of us who want that job!!! (and would gain weight to do it :rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:) (such a sacrifice...:sad2:)

:rotfl: :laughing:...now that's funny!

Wow - that is quite an incentive! I really want to hear the "talk" too. :laughing: I just booked a cruise for 2012, so I figure I will decide then. If we are still as Disney-crazed then as we seem to be now and love the cruise half as much as we loved WDW, then it might be a good fit for us (we will probably sneak in a quick trip to DLR in 2012 too since we are on the West Coast and therefore can almost justify it :rolleyes1. :rotfl:)

I would love to stay at the Poly someday and CR. Not sure about the GF, but that just may be because I haven't been there - we did hit the Poly and CR for meals last year, and they were great - I was actually really surprised that I liked CR so much; it never seemed very "Disney" in the pictures I had seen, but I had the opposite feeling when there in person. :laughing:

We're doing the Dream next June...can hardly wait! It will be the kids first cruise. Did you book a cruise on the West Coast? Doesn't Disney leave from a port out there?? I wouldl really like to take the family to CA one day and of course do Disney Land!! We could not go to CA and miss that!

The GF might surprise you...seriously. DD5 loves it...she is constantly saying she wants to stay at the hotel with the pretty red roof! They have a great pool area, too. We've eaten at all the restaurants at the GF and love each of them! The resort can get a bad rap for being :snooty:stuffy...but I don't see that at all.....decisions, decisions...WDW offers TOO MANY!

[tinkgurl]

I really think you were in our room or a room close to ours! What floor were you on again?

[hstrickland]

Ha! Posted at the same time - love your CR pics. I am sold! Can't wait to hear about Chef Mickey's. We had breakfast there last year - I did not love the food, but it didn't matter because we had so much fun. :laughing:

:rotfl: I spent so much money in those shops near Chef Mickey's last year. :rotfl:

You're right about the food...but the kids love it!!! Very high energy!

I really think you were in our room or a room close to ours! What floor were you on again?

Floor 9, Rooms 4517 and 4518...perfect location!:thumbsup2

[RGirl]

We're doing the Dream next June...can hardly wait! It will be the kids first cruise. Did you book a cruise on the West Coast? Doesn't Disney leave from a port out there?? I wouldl really like to take the family to CA one day and of course do Disney Land!! We could not go to CA and miss that!

The GF might surprise you...seriously. DD5 loves it...she is constantly saying she wants to stay at the hotel with the pretty red roof! They have a great pool area, too. We've eaten at all the restaurants at the GF and love each of them! The resort can get a bad rap for being :snooty:stuffy...but I don't see that at all.....decisions, decisions...WDW offers TOO MANY!

Oh, I'm so jealous of your Dream trip. I hope we will get to do it eventually. I will have to live vicariously through TRs until then. ;)

The Wonder is actually cruising Alaska now and leaving from Seattle. That means a 5-hour drive for us instead of a full day of flying, which makes it very do-able. I am very excited - I have never cruised before, and I am really looking forward to seeing the natural wonders of Alaska.

Hmmm, maybe we will have to take a little tour of the GF. We can get there by monorail or boat from MK, right??

[WDWKOOK]

I never get tired of seeing the CR; As usual, I love your photos! It's so calm and peaceful in the morning, isn't it? Usually only some CMs near the marina or pool and CMs busy setting tables, etc... at CM.

In December, when it's much cooler, steam rises in the morning from the pool. It's both eerie and beautiful all at the same time.

You must have gotten to the observation deck before the cleaning crew? I suppose they can't be everywhere at once. It's always so sad when guests don't clean-up after themselves or their children. I'm glad it was cleaned-up later though:thumbsup2.

What a sharp contrast it must have been to go from morning serene to Chef Mickey's bustling atmosphere!

[hstrickland]

Oh, I'm so jealous of your Dream trip. I hope we will get to do it eventually. I will have to live vicariously through TRs until then. ;)

The Wonder is actually cruising Alaska now and leaving from Seattle. That means a 5-hour drive for us instead of a full day of flying, which makes it very do-able. I am very excited - I have never cruised before, and I am really looking forward to seeing the natural wonders of Alaska.

Hmmm, maybe we will have to take a little tour of the GF. We can get there by monorail or boat from MK, right??

DH wants to take an Alaska cruise...he went fishing there several years back and fell in love with it! And 5 hours isn't a bad drive at all! It takes us almost 5hours to drive to WDW....and honestly I shouldn't complain about that!!!:rolleyes: Some people would give their right leg to be that close....I just hate driving/riding in a car!

I never get tired of seeing the CR; As usual, I love your photos! It's so calm and peaceful in the morning, isn't it? Usually only some CMs near the marina or pool and CMs busy setting tables, etc... at CM.

In December, when it's much cooler, steam rises in the morning from the pool. It's both eerie and beautiful all at the same time.

You must have gotten to the observation deck before the cleaning crew? I suppose they can't be everywhere at once. It's always so sad when guests don't clean-up after themselves or their children. I'm glad it was cleaned-up later though:thumbsup2.

What a sharp contrast it must have been to go from morning serene to Chef Mickey's bustling atmosphere!

Yeah...not sure what was going on that morning...the cigarette butts are what really bothered me:eek: How hard is it to put them in the place Disney provides? But like I said, the next time it was spotless:thumbsup2....still though...I think my favorite place to watch Wishes is on the Poly CL patio, sitting in my bathrobe:laughing:

Ok....I forgot to post this picture....
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Early%20Morning/DSC_3326.jpg
This was BEFORE 7am!!!!!:scared1: I had no idea that people got there this early for Chef Mickey's....I do realize it opens at 7am, but Holy Cow! I love early mornings, but not sure the kids' eyes would be open enough to eat!:laughing:

[onelilspark]

Oh this makes me so excited for my trip!! I keep looking to see if maybe I should switch hotels (I can't help it...I'm a DIS'er, it's in my blood!) But then I see pictures of BLT/Contemporary and I get all excited.

[tinkgurl]

Floor 9, Rooms 4517 and 4518...perfect location!:thumbsup2

Ooooh we were close! We were in rooms 4415, 4412, and 4411. There were great views out at Bay Lake! :cloud9:

[hstrickland]

Oh this makes me so excited for my trip!! I keep looking to see if maybe I should switch hotels (I can't help it...I'm a DIS'er, it's in my blood!) But then I see pictures of BLT/Contemporary and I get all excited.

:lmao: I know all about switching hotels!!! I do it every trip...no exaggeration! Which resort were you thinking about??? Do tell!!

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Once again thank you for more of your Contemporary pictures and please keep them coming.

I am also not surprised to see that huge line for Chef Mickey's very early in the morning because I have seen it myself.

[emma212010]

Phew ok, I'm caught up!! :goodvibes

Going back a bit...

Your kids are absolutelu adorable! :cutie: What great ages to bring to WDW! So fun!

Sounds like your family had a wonderful time at FW! It looks like such a fun resort with lots to do! Like my mom said, we might have to add that one too! ;) :laughing:

How cute about the 9 year old winning the top bunk! :rotfl: Too funny! The campfire singalong seems like so fun! :goodvibes Also, it's a great idea giving each kid a few hours to do what what they wan! :thumbsup2

Yay for moving to the CR!! :woohoo: That resort looks beautiful! We'd love to stay there! The room looks awesome! And those beds look soooo comfy!!! :lovestruc

Fun day at Epcot!! :goodvibes The hidden mickey hunt is s cute! We should do that one of these times! :goodvibes Thanks for the reviews at Nine Dragons and Hacienda! We haven't eaten at either restaurant yet, and they look yummy! Wow, what yummy desserts!!! :lovestruc It's great that you can see Illuminations from the restaurant! What a cute picture of you all in Mexico! :laughing: How cute!

I love your early morning pictures at CR! So pretty! Great view of my beloved Swalphin! ;) How cool to see SM right outside the window! I love the views from the observation deck! SO pretty!!

Great first couple days!! I'm excited to read more!! :thumbsup2

[hstrickland]

Once again thank you for more of your Contemporary pictures and please keep them coming.

I am also not surprised to see that huge line for Chef Mickey's very early in the morning because I have seen it myself.

The CR has tons of great places to snap photographs!!! And I have a ton more for your viewing pleasure;) We caught some really great shots at the kids splash area!

Phew ok, I'm caught up!! :goodvibes

Going back a bit...

Your kids are absolutelu adorable! :cutie: What great ages to bring to WDW! So fun!

Sounds like your family had a wonderful time at FW! It looks like such a fun resort with lots to do! Like my mom said, we might have to add that one too! ;) :laughing:

How cute about the 9 year old winning the top bunk! :rotfl: Too funny! The campfire singalong seems like so fun! :goodvibes Also, it's a great idea giving each kid a few hours to do what what they wan! :thumbsup2

Yay for moving to the CR!! :woohoo: That resort looks beautiful! We'd love to stay there! The room looks awesome! And those beds look soooo comfy!!! :lovestruc

Fun day at Epcot!! :goodvibes The hidden mickey hunt is s cute! We should do that one of these times! :goodvibes Thanks for the reviews at Nine Dragons and Hacienda! We haven't eaten at either restaurant yet, and they look yummy! Wow, what yummy desserts!!! :lovestruc It's great that you can see Illuminations from the restaurant! What a cute picture of you all in Mexico! :laughing: How cute!

I love your early morning pictures at CR! So pretty! Great view of my beloved Swalphin! ;) How cool to see SM right outside the window! I love the views from the observation deck! SO pretty!!

Great first couple days!! I'm excited to read more!! :thumbsup2

Glad you've caught up;)

I've got to tell ya....I love the name 'Swalphin'!! It's gonna stick...I will forever remember those resorts by that name! :laughing:

[hstrickland]

Well....if you've been following along with my TR, then you know how disappointed I was when I realized there were no H2O products at FW....and yes...I still realize this is petty:rolleyes:....My dear friend, PrincessDis, was kind enough to bring these to me last night!!!!!......from their Disney Dream Cruise...

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Cast%20members%20of%20the%20trip/DSC_4775.jpg

She's a big ********** Forum fan....I've been trying to convert her to the DisBoards for months:rolleyes1....I think she's slowly making her way over:laughing:

Thanks again, PrincessDis for my goodies!!!!!

[Zuzu03]

Well....if you've been following along with my TR, then you know how disappointed I was when I realized there were no H2O products at FW....and yes...I still realize this is petty:rolleyes:....My dear friend, PrincessDis, was kind enough to bring these to me last night!!!!!......from their Disney Dream Cruise...

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Cast%20members%20of%20the%20trip/DSC_4775.jpg

She's a big ********** Forum fan....I've been trying to convert her to the DisBoards for months:rolleyes1....I think she's slowly making her way over:laughing:

Thanks again, PrincessDis for my goodies!!!!!

Sweet!!!! :thumbsup2

[PrincessDis]

Thanks, Heather.....enjoy your H2O prodoucts! Your a great "Disney' friend and I enjoy sharing the magic with you :mickeyjum Your trip report is awesome.......ready for more :surfweb:

[Tink rules]

I have friends occasionally send for some off the H2O site just so they can have a reminder of their trip to hold them over until the next time...

I LOVE the one from the Poly...

http://www.h2oplus.com/category/bath+and+body/disney+resort+amenities.do?nType=2

[hstrickland]

I have friends occasionally send for some off the H2O site just so they can have a reminder of their trip to hold them over until the next time...

I LOVE the one from the Poly...

http://www.h2oplus.com/category/bath+and+body/disney+resort+amenities.do?nType=2

Thanks a million for the link to H2O products! Perhaps I can hint to DH that these would be great stocking stuffers for Christmas!;)

[minnie411]

Love the Tr can't wait to read the rest.

[Tink rules]

Thanks a million for the link to H2O products! Perhaps I can hint to DH that these would be great stocking stuffers for Christmas!;)

:santa:

[hstrickland]

Love the Tr can't wait to read the rest.

:wave: Welcome! Glad you joined in! Hopefully I can get to my Chef Mickey Post today!! By the way....love your location....'Neverland':thumbsup2 You're getting ready to leave for vacation, aren't you?!! Did I read that correctly...AKL, Dream then BWV?! Wow! Nice trip!

:santa:

:lmao:

[onelilspark]

:lmao: I know all about switching hotels!!! I do it every trip...no exaggeration! Which resort were you thinking about??? Do tell!!

I've always wanted to stay over at the Boardwalk, so I keep looking there. But the purpose of this trip to go crazy at the MK...so BLT is the perfect location...then I look at the Poly, and the Grand Floridian...oh, and then the Wilderness Lodge...but then I look at the price I got for BLT and stay there :laughing: I'm ridiculous... Did I mention we're thinking of moving to Florida?? We're looking at both the Orlando 'burbs, which would be awesome, Disney whenever I want, or the Space Coast (better for my fiancé's carreer, so we're leaning that way.) But the Space Coast is an hour and a half away...which means we'd still get to stay a night or two at Disney hotels in the future without seeming ridiculous...which I view as pretty awesome! :rotfl: I'd actually get to complete my quest of staying at all the hotels on property :lmao:

Anyway, also wanted to show you this link if you wanted the H2O products that they use specifically at the Disney resorts :) http://www.disneyresortcollection.com/category.aspx?pageType=1&category1=Bath&category1Name=Bath&categoryLevel=0

[heathsf]

Wow awesome TR! It's so much fun to read. Can't wait for more!

[Cinderella's slipper]

Thanks for a very enjoyable read. Loving your trip report and I'm all caught up.

[MollyMcDaniel]

I am loving your trip report. I'm usually just a lurkey-loo, but you have done such a great job w/narrative and photos. You have a gorgeous family. We were down for spring break and I just booked a last minute for August. We are DVC so that makes it a bit easier and w/Southwest rewards, it was virtually free (at least that is what I told my DH;) )

We stayed at BLT in March and loved being on the monorail and also the walkway to MK. But, neither DH nor myself really cared for the decor. Kind of felt like it could be a hotel in any major city. Did you feel that way? Don't get me wrong, we would stay again in a heartbeat!

Looking forward to your next post!

[hstrickland]

I've always wanted to stay over at the Boardwalk, so I keep looking there. But the purpose of this trip to go crazy at the MK...so BLT is the perfect location...then I look at the Poly, and the Grand Floridian...oh, and then the Wilderness Lodge...but then I look at the price I got for BLT and stay there :laughing: I'm ridiculous... Did I mention we're thinking of moving to Florida?? We're looking at both the Orlando 'burbs, which would be awesome, Disney whenever I want, or the Space Coast (better for my fiancé's carreer, so we're leaning that way.) But the Space Coast is an hour and a half away...which means we'd still get to stay a night or two at Disney hotels in the future without seeming ridiculous...which I view as pretty awesome! :rotfl: I'd actually get to complete my quest of staying at all the hotels on property :lmao:

Anyway, also wanted to show you this link if you wanted the H2O products that they use specifically at the Disney resorts :) http://www.disneyresortcollection.com/category.aspx?pageType=1&category1=Bath&category1Name=Bath&categoryLevel=0

Gosh....you have the same agenda as me;) I wonder how long it will take me??? You, however, will finish the race way ahead of us if you move to FL:woohoo: And thanks for another link!!! It's already added to my 'favorites'.

Wow awesome TR! It's so much fun to read. Can't wait for more!

Thanks for a very enjoyable read. Loving your trip report and I'm all caught up.

Thanks, y'all!! Glad you came over....DH and I have enjoyed putting this thing together...it's kinda like reliving the trip all over again;) Hope you enjoy the rest.

Heather

[hstrickland]

I am loving your trip report. I'm usually just a lurkey-loo, but you have done such a great job w/narrative and photos. You have a gorgeous family. We were down for spring break and I just booked a last minute for August. We are DVC so that makes it a bit easier and w/Southwest rewards, it was virtually free (at least that is what I told my DH;) )

We stayed at BLT in March and loved being on the monorail and also the walkway to MK. But, neither DH nor myself really cared for the decor. Kind of felt like it could be a hotel in any major city. Did you feel that way? Don't get me wrong, we would stay again in a heartbeat!

Looking forward to your next post!

:wave: Hi Lurkey-loo;) You sound like my friend, PrincessDis....I called her the DisBoard Stalker:laughing: She finally signed on!!! Thanks for the compliments...I'm very blessed to have a wonderful family.

So...did it feel like a major city hotel??:rotfl: I'm only laughing because you sound like my DH and mother. They really liked it...especially the beds, size of room, bathroom, the view, etc....but they said it didn't have that same 'resort' feel they get when at the Poly or GF. Of course I reminded them that all of these resorts are sooooo different...kinda like comparing apples to oranges, ya know. The CR holds a special place in my heart because we stayed there as children....brings back sooooo many good memories with my family:hug: If my mother had it her way, she would be at the GF, DH would probably be at the WL and my dad would be at the Poly....me???...I'm a little partial to the monorail resorts, so I'll take any of the 3!

Quick question...since you are a DVC person....do y'all have APs or TIW cards?? Just being nosey;)...we skirt around the idea of DVC, so I'm always curious to see how DVC people do meals, tickets, etc.

Heather

[firechick139]

Subbing! popcorn:: I'm doing some research for ADR's for our upcoming trip and your TR sounds great!

[hstrickland]

Subbing! popcorn:: I'm doing some research for ADR's for our upcoming trip and your TR sounds great!


:wave: Glad to have you follow along...hopefully some of my dining reviews will help in your decision making...I think we had 17 or 18 total ADRs...we love to dine...can ya tell?!:laughing:

I'm trying to get my Chef Mickey review finished....hopefully it will be done before I go to bed;)

Happy planning!!!!
Heather

[RGirl]

I'm trying to get my Chef Mickey review finished....hopefully it will be done before I go to bed

Yay! :goodvibes. Can't wait for those cute character pics!

[cdotla]

Another great TR Heather! Hopping on!:)

Love all of your reviews, beautiful photos, and of course, your early morning Disney shots. Keep it coming!:goodvibes

[hstrickland]

Chef Mickey's - 8:45am
Day 4
After an early morning walk around the CR, it was time for breakfast. Notice the late ADR...I say 'late'....the word is relative depending on who you ask;). If we were going to a park, we would already be in line for rope drop! So...we traveled a very short distance to get here....It was so nice to hope on the elevator and be at breakfast within minutes!

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Chef%20Mickey/DSC_3364.jpg

After you check in, they take a group photo that you can purchase during your meal....of course...we did. It can also be added to your photopass.

Even though there were lots of people, we didn't wait but maybe 5 minutes. We had a great table that wasn't too far from the buffet.
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Chef%20Mickey/IMG_5512.jpg


The following was taken from Allears.net
Served Daily 7:00 Until 11:20 a.m.
Featuirng Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, and Donald
$26.62 for Adults, $13.99 for Children 3-9
Characters are subject to change


PREMIUM FRUIT BAR
Seasonal Melon and Fresh Fruit Display, Assorted Flavored Yogurts & More

CEREAL SELECTIONS
Corn Flakes, Fruit Loops, Rice Krispies, Crunchero's, Hot Oatmeal

BREAKFAST SPECIALTIES
Pluto's Cheese Blintz
Scrambled eggs
Three-cheese Omelet
Chef's Daily Omelet
Goofy's Vegetable Lasagna
Mickey Mouse Waffles
Bacon and Cheese Potatoes
Breakfast potatoes
Minnie's Breakfast Pizza
Powder-Sugar Dusted French Toast
Pancakes
Buttermilk Biscuits and Gravy
Sausage Links and Bacon
Tator Crisps

PASTRY CHEF'S CREATIONS
Bagels, Chocolate Croissants, Muffins
Cinnamon Rolls, Rice Krispy Treats
Assorted Danish & More

Bacon & Sausage Links
Breakfast Potatoes
Cheese Potatoes
Assorted Flavored Yogurts & More

Picture taken from Disney Blog ( Can you believe I FORGOT to make a picture of the buffet??!!!)
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Chef%20Mickey/contemporary-resort60.jpg

The buffet was your basic breakfast buffet...nothing like really outstanding, but still very good. For some reason, the line moved really, really slow...I don't remember it being like that the last time we dined there. The kids thought the Mickey Waffles were the best! I guess anything shaped like Mickey is pretty cool to them!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Chef%20Mickey/IMG_5515.jpg

Within a very short time of getting our food, the music started, the napkins were waving madly in the air, and the characters came through the restaurant dancing around!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Chef%20Mickey/DSC_3368.jpg http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Chef%20Mickey/DSC_3366.jpg
This is a very high energy dining experience that can be a bit loud!....and guess what??....the kids love it!!

The characters came around fairly quickly...we didn't have to wait too long at all. I'll be honest, though, I don't remember which ones came out first, so the pictures may be a little out of order.

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Chef%20Mickey/IMG_5523.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Chef%20Mickey/DSC_3372.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Chef%20Mickey/IMG_5559.jpg

No matter how old I get, I never get tired of having my picture made with Mickey and Minnie! Any true Disney lover would agree:rolleyes1

Next up....
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Chef%20Mickey/IMG_5544.gif

Years ago on one of our Disney trips, dad had the same photo taken....him pulling Pluto's tongue....Pluto was a good sport and played along while we got the picture!
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Chef%20Mickey/DSC_3389.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Chef%20Mickey/DSC_3387.jpg

While we were eating and waiting on characters, dad snapped this photo....
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Chef%20Mickey/IMG_5589-1.gif
What's more 'Disney' than breakfast with the characters at the CR with the monorail passing through??!! This moment (as cheesy as it may be) brought back lots of childhood memories. I use to think it was so unbelievably cool that a train could pass through a hotel!

Up next.....
http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Chef%20Mickey/IMG_5537.gif

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Chef%20Mickey/DSC_3374.jpg
I was a little shocked to see DS9 give Goofy such a big hug. He's getting older, but still seems to enjoy the characters. I guess I keep waiting for the day that he thinks Disney and characters are 'boring':sad1:...maybe it won't happen. I still love it, right?!

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Chef%20Mickey/IMG_5587-1.gif

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss44/hstrick72/FW%20CR%202011/Day%204%20Chef%20Mickey/IMG_5575.jpg
Faith was steady talking to Donald...I couldn't make out everything she was saying....these are the sweet moments that parents love.

So....final thoughts....we like Chef Mickeys, however it's not one of our 'must dos' for each trip. I think all kids should experience this at least once, for sure. If we were to stay at the CR again, we would certainly go back...a very convenient breakfast. The food was good, the service was nice, the atmosphere was great!! Our kids had a ball....and because they had a wonderful time, we did, also.


Stay tuned....up next....The guys go to Disney Quest!....we have a pool day!

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Great report about Chef Mickey's and very nice pictures from there. :thumbsup2

[cdotla]

Great update Heather!

I agree Chef Mickey's is a "must-do" for any first-timers, and is certainly great when staying at the CR.

Laughing at your "late" 8:45am breakfast. You are just like my family. Even on vacation, this would be "late" for us as well.:laughing:

Just noticed you are doing the Princess Half...have you done a Disney race before? Have you done a Half before? Are you travelling alone, with DH, or with the whole family for this one?:)

[hstrickland]

Yay! :goodvibes. Can't wait for those cute character pics!

It was ridiculous the number of pictures I made during breakfast!!!:scared1: DH asked me if I was going to post ALL of them...I reassured him that I wouldn't bore yall with 40 pictures of the characters:laughing:

Great report about Chef Mickey's and very nice pictures from there. :thumbsup2

Thanks!!:)

Great update Heather!

I agree Chef Mickey's is a "must-do" for any first-timers, and is certainly great when staying at the CR.

Laughing at your "late" 8:45am breakfast. You are just like my family. Even on vacation, this would be "late" for us as well.:laughing:

Just noticed you are doing the Princess Half...have you done a Disney race before? Have you done a Half before? Are you travelling alone, with DH, or with the whole family for this one?:)

Nice to 'see' you again, too! Glad you came over to check out things!

I've never done a Disney race before, and have never done a Half Marathon either!:eek: I use to run before I had my first son, then little by little...stopped. I decided a while back that I need to do something, so running was the perfect fit for my lifestyle. One of my personal goals in life was to do a half before I'm 40...well...the Princess Half is the end of February, and I'll be 40 at the beginning of March. So, we shall see! My husband is behind me 100%, so I feel like I'm going to meet this goal. DH will definitely be going with me for support...probably DS9 (he'll be 10 very soon). The 2 younger ones might stay behind. Not sure if they would really enjoy getting up super early and standing on the side of the road watching crazy women run by:laughing: And not sure where we will stay, yet:confused3

[RGirl]

Great update! It looks like your kiddos had a great time with the characters. :cool1:

Have you done the Cape May character breakfast? We have an ADR for October, so I'm curious what you think of it if you have been. :goodvibes

[cdotla]

I've never done a Disney race before, and have never done a Half Marathon either!:eek: I use to run before I had my first son, then little by little...stopped. I decided a while back that I need to do something, so running was the perfect fit for my lifestyle. One of my personal goals in life was to do a half before I'm 40...well...the Princess Half is the end of February, and I'll be 40 at the beginning of March. So, we shall see! My husband is behind me 100%, so I feel like I'm going to meet this goal. DH will definitely be going with me for support...probably DS9 (he'll be 10 very soon). The 2 younger ones might stay behind. Not sure if they would really enjoy getting up super early and standing on the side of the road watching crazy women run by:laughing: And not sure where we will stay, yet:confused3

That is awesome Heather!:goodvibes Have a great time preparing for your Half. That will be so nice to enjoy that trip with just you and your husband, or even the two of you with just your oldest. DH and I recently had occasion to have some time with each of our kids on a two-on-one basis, and it is really nice to do things like that and connect with just one kid and make them feel special.:)

[hstrickland]

Great update! It looks like your kiddos had a great time with the characters. :cool1:

Have you done the Cape May character breakfast? We have an ADR for October, so I'm curious what you think of it if you have been. :goodvibes

We haven't done Cape May, yet. If I were staying over in one of the EP resorts, then I definitely would do it for the kids. We aren't really buffet people, but most of the character dining is just that...so, we do it. Maybe someone following along on this TR has been and has first hand knowledge:confused3

cdotla, did y'all do Cape May last year??? I know y'all had tons of ADRs...for some reason I was thinking yall ate there.

Heather

[DisneyDoc5]

Hi Heather!

I'm so excited to find you doing a new report! :banana:So - as I read - big changes from the original Beach Club plan - but I'm happy you got to be on the beloved monorail:love:, and I'm so interested to hear more about your opinion of the CR.

Loved the WL cabin pics. I'm also an early riser, mug loving, gal, so loving those early morning pictures, so peaceful! I can almost smell the damp FL air!

Thanks for sharing with another trip report, I look forward to following along!popcorn::

Cheers,
Erin:)

[cdotla]

We haven't done Cape May, yet. If I were staying over in one of the EP resorts, then I definitely would do it for the kids. We aren't really buffet people, but most of the character dining is just that...so, we do it. Maybe someone following along on this TR has been and has first hand knowledge:confused3

cdotla, did y'all do Cape May last year??? I know y'all had tons of ADRs...for some reason I was thinking yall ate there.

Heather

Yes, we actually did CM back in May 2010. Good standard buffet breakfast food, with typical character interaction, although no Mickey. (We thought we had just missed him, but I was advised by others after the fact he doesn't make an appearance).

I certainly wouldn't go out of my way for it, but if staying at BC, YC, BW or Dolphin/Swan, it is a great place to start the day.:)

[onelilspark]

My brother is 23 and still loves Disney...so there's hope ;) And on my last trip with him I was able to get him to wait in line to see Mickey with me...I just had to give him coffee first!

[hstrickland]

Hi Heather!

I'm so excited to find you doing a new report! :banana:So - as I read - big changes from the original Beach Club plan - but I'm happy you got to be on the beloved monorail:love:, and I'm so interested to hear more about your opinion of the CR.

Loved the WL cabin pics. I'm also an early riser, mug loving, gal, so loving those early morning pictures, so peaceful! I can almost smell the damp FL air!

Thanks for sharing with another trip report, I look forward to following along!popcorn::

Cheers,
Erin:)

Hi Erin:wave2: Glad to hear from you again!! You would NOT believe the changes I made last year when booking our trip! One word for ya....RIDICULOUS!! I literally booked BCV 2 bedroom, then we did a last minute trip in October at the WL and stopped by AKL for a visit. We changed our minds...so...we returned home and I booked AKL CL....then, after making all the ADRs, I realized most of them were located near MK...THEN I booked CR garden wing...then decided I REALLY needed to stay in the Tower....and THAT was my last change...CR Tower BLV....:hyper: did you get all that?! Told ya...ridiculous! BCV is still on my to-do list!!

I see you are going on a cruise in 2012...which one?

Yes, we actually did CM back in May 2010. Good standard buffet breakfast food, with typical character interaction, although no Mickey. (We thought we had just missed him, but I was advised by others after the fact he doesn't make an appearance).

I certainly wouldn't go out of my way for it, but if staying at BC, YC, BW or Dolphin/Swan, it is a great place to start the day.:)

Thanks! I thought I remembered you doing this;)....did you get this RGirl!:thumbsup2

My brother is 23 and still loves Disney...so there's hope ;) And on my last trip with him I was able to get him to wait in line to see Mickey with me...I just had to give him coffee first!

You are the :littleangel: of hope!:thumbsup2 Thanks!!

[DisneyDoc5]

Yes, can't wait for the cruise! We are doing the Fantasy, Eastern Caribbean 7 nights, 2 oceanview deluxe family suites (taking my mom). DH and I cruise often and actually did NOT want a verandah - DS12 sleep walks! This is my 40th b-day present (turning 40 next June 29, 2012, but we have a school break in Nov.). I was very torn about a WDW trip vs. the cruise, but we will get back to WDW for sure and the kids are the perfect ages. We love the E. Caribbean, so that week in Nov. worked out great and DS12 won't miss any football.

Time to go to sleep - I'm addicted to the boards!;)

[MollyMcDaniel]

:wave: Hi Lurkey-loo;) You sound like my friend, PrincessDis....I called her the DisBoard Stalker:laughing: She finally signed on!!! Thanks for the compliments...I'm very blessed to have a wonderful family.

So...did it feel like a major city hotel??:rotfl: I'm only laughing because you sound like my DH and mother. They really liked it...especially the beds, size of room, bathroom, the view, etc....but they said it didn't have that same 'resort' feel they get when at the Poly or GF. Of course I reminded them that all of these resorts are sooooo different...kinda like comparing apples to oranges, ya know. The CR holds a special place in my heart because we stayed there as children....brings back sooooo many good memories with my family:hug: If my mother had it her way, she would be at the GF, DH would probably be at the WL and my dad would be at the Poly....me???...I'm a little partial to the monorail resorts, so I'll take any of the 3!

Quick question...since you are a DVC person....do y'all have APs or TIW cards?? Just being nosey;)...we skirt around the idea of DVC, so I'm always curious to see how DVC people do meals, tickets, etc.

Heather

We don't have either one! Usually we only make one visit per year, so it is less expensive for us to get a magic your way. But, last summer I got the itch and booked a very last minute trip (5 days notice!) for myself and DD. Well, it's happened again this year and my husband is coming. It would have been better if we had purchased the AP back in March. Hindsight is 20/20. Again we are just going w/magic your way because we are only doing 2 days at parks and 2 days at the water parks. We have a cruise booked for March, so we will definitly not be back within a year.

Ideally we want to stockpile points and do an Adventures by Disney to Europe....we just need to stop touching those points!

As for dining.....a new feature was recently added to members. We can segment dining, which means you can pay for whatever number of nights you want...not for the length of stay. We also like split stays, so we usually book DxDp for half our trip and then DDP or nothing for the rest. If we are using a 1 bedroom then I cook breakfast and snacks in the room , so we don't eat out as much. And honestly, I get tired of all of the food towards the end so it works out nicely.

I love the DVC program and when your kids get older then you can visit other places. Our best memories as a family have been created at DW. Several times we have brought friends and family that would otherwise never have been able to enjoy such a vacation. I can't tell you how happy it makes me being able to do that. :hug: I think I hear kum-by-yah?? Our home resort is BWV, but I think my favorite is BCV.

[WDWKOOK]

Nice to see Chef Mickey's at ground level:thumbsup2. Now that DD is older, I'm used to only seeing it from above when we walk out of our room:upsidedow. It's a great venue for getting good photos with all the "major players."

[sjs314]

That certainly was a late breakfast ADR :laughing:
Loved seeing CM again, it has been years since I was there with my DS, considered making an ADR there this trip after we switched resorts to WL (I ended up changeing all our breakfast ADRs except our CP at MK since they were all centered around the Epcot resorts) but I ended up booking The Wave instead.
DH normally like to have breakfast close to where we are staying but I am making him get up and get moving this trip no late breakfasts in October.

Love the pic of the monorail passing by. Your family looks great in all your shots :thumbsup2

[hstrickland]

Yes, can't wait for the cruise! We are doing the Fantasy, Eastern Caribbean 7 nights, 2 oceanview deluxe family suites (taking my mom). DH and I cruise often and actually did NOT want a verandah - DS12 sleep walks! This is my 40th b-day present (turning 40 next June 29, 2012, but we have a school break in Nov.). I was very torn about a WDW trip vs. the cruise, but we will get back to WDW for sure and the kids are the perfect ages. We love the E. Caribbean, so that week in Nov. worked out great and DS12 won't miss any football.

Time to go to sleep - I'm addicted to the boards!;)

We'll be turing 40 in the same year...okay I just said it...40:scared1: Actually it's not that bad...just another number;) Oh....and :bday: before I forget...2 more days, right?!

Our family is doing the 5 day Dream next June....my parents will be celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary, and my sister and her family are going, too. The kids have never been on a cruise, so they are super excited!!! DH would like to do the Fantasy because it's longer....guess that means we'll have to do another one:rolleyes: Your November trip should be perfect...it won't be so hot!!! And nope!...a veranda would not be a good choice for yall. I had a cousin who use to sleep walk during her adolescent years, then it suddenly stopped....never done it since.

We don't have either one! Usually we only make one visit per year, so it is less expensive for us to get a magic your way. But, last summer I got the itch and booked a very last minute trip (5 days notice!) for myself and DD. Well, it's happened again this year and my husband is coming. It would have been better if we had purchased the AP back in March. Hindsight is 20/20. Again we are just going w/magic your way because we are only doing 2 days at parks and 2 days at the water parks. We have a cruise booked for March, so we will definitly not be back within a year.

Ideally we want to stockpile points and do an Adventures by Disney to Europe....we just need to stop touching those points!

As for dining.....a new feature was recently added to members. We can segment dining, which means you can pay for whatever number of nights you want...not for the length of stay. We also like split stays, so we usually book DxDp for half our trip and then DDP or nothing for the rest. If we are using a 1 bedroom then I cook breakfast and snacks in the room , so we don't eat out as much. And honestly, I get tired of all of the food towards the end so it works out nicely.

I love the DVC program and when your kids get older then you can visit other places. Our best memories as a family have been created at DW. Several times we have brought friends and family that would otherwise never have been able to enjoy such a vacation. I can't tell you how happy it makes me being able to do that. :hug: I think I hear kum-by-yah?? Our home resort is BWV, but I think my favorite is BCV.

Thanks for all the information! I didn't know about the splitting of the dining plans...that sounds great!!! Have y'all thought about the new resort in Hawaii?? Our friends that own DVC want to do it next summer. I'll be interested to read reviews on it.


Nice to see Chef Mickey's at ground level:thumbsup2. Now that DD is older, I'm used to only seeing it from above when we walk out of our room:upsidedow. It's a great venue for getting good photos with all the "major players."

In only a few years, our kids will probably have other things they would rather do at Disney...DS9 is already getting to that point. That's why Bill and my dad took Stephen to Disney Quest minus the little ones. We've also learned that doing the character breakfast keeps us from having to stand in those long character lines!!!

[hstrickland]

That certainly was a late breakfast ADR :laughing:
Loved seeing CM again, it has been years since I was there with my DS, considered making an ADR there this trip after we switched resorts to WL (I ended up changeing all our breakfast ADRs except our CP at MK since they were all centered around the Epcot resorts) but I ended up booking The Wave instead.
DH normally like to have breakfast close to where we are staying but I am making him get up and get moving this trip no late breakfasts in October.

Love the pic of the monorail passing by. Your family looks great in all your shots :thumbsup2

Gosh, Shelia....I'm so very surprised that you changed your ADRs:rolleyes1...shocking.

DH was not happy with the pictures I put in that post!:laughing: He looked at them and said...':eek: I look like a complete dork!'... I said...'not completely, dear:hug:'

[2xcited2sleep]

Looks like it was a great ("late" ;)) morning! All the pictures are fantastic but I especially love the looks on the little ones' faces when Pluto is signing his autograph and the big bear hug for Goofy. :goodvibes. What great family memories.

A pool day sounds delightful and I've never set foot in DisneyQuest so would love to hear about that! popcorn::

[DisneyDoc5]

We'll be turing 40 in the same year...okay I just said it...40:scared1: Actually it's not that bad...just another number;) Oh....and :bday: before I forget...2 more days, right?!

Thank you Heather, yes, 2 more days at 38, then one more year in the 30's! Yikes!:scared1: I'm also ok with it, but you better believe I'm trying to stay physically and mentally as young as I can!:yay:

I think the 5 day cruise will still be perfect, it's long enough to relax and unpack (shorter than that may feel too rushed). I am really excited to take our children on a cruise, we have gone many times without them, and I know they will freak out when they see the ship! How awesome your folks have been married for 45 years! What a great way to celebrate!:cool1:

[princessamie]

I love the DVC program and when your kids get older then you can visit other places. Our best memories as a family have been created at DW. Several times we have brought friends and family that would otherwise never have been able to enjoy such a vacation. I can't tell you how happy it makes me being able to do that. :hug: I think I hear kum-by-yah?? Our home resort is BWV, but I think my favorite is BCV.[/QUOTE]


Okay, now that gives me chills!!! Would LOVE to be able to do that!!! What a gift!!!

I love the links for the H2O stuff! I think stocking stuffers will be in our future as well!!!

Heather, I have to say that I am super jealous of your seating at Chef Mickey's!!! We were in the back room! The lighting was low so I had to switch my camera to auto. You had so much natural sunlight!!!! I could have easily been in manual if we had been seated there! :headache: Oh well! I still captured great memories just not quality photos of them!

Loved all of your early morning pictures too! Can't wait to read more!

[sjs314]

Gosh, Shelia....I'm so very surprised that you changed your ADRs:rolleyes1...shocking.

DH was not happy with the pictures I put in that post!:laughing: He looked at them and said...':eek: I look like a complete dork!'... I said...'not completely, dear:hug:'

You can tell him for me he did not look like a dork at all just a DH who loves Disney!

[leshunlenese]

I agree that was an late Breakfast. I love chef mickey's. I took the son last year for his first birthday and i think it is definitely something everyone should try once and im glad we did! We will be back after we try some other character meals.