Basking in the Glow of the (not so) Creepy Clown -2/11-Pictures, Final Thoughts, PTR!

[brookelizabeth]

Wow!! What luck with your view! That would've brought tears to my eyes too. This is one property I really want to stay at, so I'm looking forward to your thoughts on it.

The view was the icing on the whole day - it had gone so smoothly, then I opened the curtains and saw THAT. It was pure Disney magic!

what a perfect first morning! Isn't that the BEST feeling? Waking up just before you need to all on your own?

I know it sounds silly but I'm like you....I may not have 4 alarms (though have been known to on work trips between cell phone, wake up call and the clock in the room, not totally trusting any of them) but I can hit snooze for an hour, every day, without batting an eye.

LOVE the room pics, so pretty!!!!!!!!!!!!

I still can't get over how light you travel.

Major pixie dust all around so far, love it!

It does feel great to wake up on my own! I wish I could more often. I'm such a hard sleeper. You'd think having a toddler would change that, but nope! He usually has to crawl all over me before I wake up.

Remember though Joe DID bring the MONDO suitcase the next day. Even so, I know it's pretty light compared to others...we truly only bring what we will need. I have the opinion that in the off chance I will need pain medication, we'll buy it, instead of packing things like that and never using them. That helps cut down on stuff. Plus, Henry's clothes are still teeny!

Fabulous update Brook! I love your descriptive narrative too, I love details!

I seriously laughed out loud when I read about your vast array of alarm clocks! That was me in college. I used to be a very heavy sleeper and it usually took my sweet room mate dragging me by the feet to get me actually up! I think I was always in denial that it was time to get up or something? I'm better now but I still don't always hear my alarm!

Ok, I'm going to have to agree with Tim and ask how the heck you managed to pack you AND Henry in a backpack?? The laws of physics totally negate that possibility! If indeed you DID pack that smartly, well, you should write a book or host a segment on Martha Stewart!

Wow, you had excellent Disney magic while traveling and when arriving! I hope it continued. I love that the CM's made a big deal out sweet Henry's b-day button! The rooms are lovely at BWV too. And your view was amazing, so pretty! Henry looks so thrilled to be there, jumping away on the bed and watching himself in the mirror! Adorable. And I totally understand your teary-eyed feelings about being there. It's just a special place and nowhere else makes me feel that way.

How is it humanly possible that you do NOT have a Chick-fil-a?? I'm seriously baffled. The original chicken sandwich is one of my favs and guess what else? At Christmas time, they have a peppermint milk shake. Oh Brook, it's like this drink fell from the heavens, it's that good! Better IMO (don't get upset!) than the shamrock shakes from Mcd's. There, I said it! Please don't kick me off your trip report!

I'm glad I'm not alone with the crazy alarm clocks! I so wish I could be one of those people that can just wake up!

As for the backpack, I only had that day's needs + the next day in the back pack since Joe was supposed to be arriving the next day in the orginal plans. So, a couple shirts, shorts, some diapers, little travel sized toiletries...it wasn't much. The BIG suitcase came with Joe on the plane. I wanted to be hands-free since I was traveling solo with Henry.

about the Shamrock Shakes!! I wouldn't doubt for a SECOND that Chick-Fil-A's are better, everything there seems to be already! Now I'm "needing" a December trip so I can try them.

oh my gosh...Oh My Gosh...OH MY GOSH!!!! Love love the pics of BW!!! I am so hoping we can book it for our March trip, just waiting to officially be in the Disney system

Henry is like a seasoned traveller now, fabulous! So glad it went so well.

I am so excited to hear more!!

It is an awesome resort!!! I have two teeny negative things to say about it - 1) the hallways are LONG, so if you aren't near the elevator, you might be walking a ways...but there are stairwells, so if you don't need the lobby area, it's not a big deal. 2) they have ONE ice machine for the entire villa side! It was nuts trying to find it!

Both minor and can be worked around, everything else was GREAT. I want to stay there again and again! Lots more pictures of it coming soon!

Joining in the fun after stalking the PTR. I'm loving all the pics since I didn't follow on FB. They are FABULOUS!

As for you who have yet to experience Chick Fil A, I am so so sorry.

Let's go Dec 2011!

Glad you are posting over here!

It is a serious shame CFA isn't all over the United States yet. So many people are missing out!

What a magical morning you had already! We had a room on the third floor below you back in Feb 2008 with a huge balcony! It's great that you didn't make any requests and got such a fabulous view

Ooooooh, I saw those huge balconies. Drool. Do they have a full sized table on them, or just the normal bistro type set? That location is AWESOME, close to everything, beautiful view, yet still quiet.

I'm in! Love your TR so far. Very impressed that you were able to do it by yourself. Your son is so sweet.

We will be traveling with a turning 3 year old on the trip so I can't wait to see all that Henry is able to do to get an idea for my DS.

And Chick-Fil-A rocks. We have a ton here. But I would give them all away for 1 Dunkin Donuts. Heck, I would give away a kid for that.

And in the future...the chick Fil A kids meals have notoriously lame toys but you can trade the toy for ice cream if you want. Yum!

Keep the updates coming!

Three is such a GREAT age for Disney!!! This was Henry's 5th trip, but hands down the BEST. It was so much fun to experience his reactions and watch him light up with joy. The day we got back he said "I want to go to Mickey's!" It was cute.

Ooooh Dunkin'. How I love thee. We do have those...and EVERYWHERE here. I have one less than a block away, and another about 4 blocks...and another about 6. They are pretty much near any subway or bus stop in Queens! And of course they give Henry free munckins, so he asks to go there...how can I say no? The iced coffee lures me in and I stay for the donuts. :yes::

Great tip on the kids meals at CFA!

 

[brookelizabeth]

That is one very beautiful view. We stayed at BWI in 2004. We had the room on the corner right over the yellow awning (over the candy shop, I think?). We spent a lot of time just sitting on that balcony and soaking it up.

Sounds like yall had an amazing start! Can't wait to hear more.

A Boardwalk View would be beautiful! I would love to watch the boats.

Have you seen pics of BWI's recent refurb? It's completely stunning!!

Girl, I cannot believe you have never had Chick-fil-a before! I'm eating there for lunch today. Open one up in NYC & you will be rich!!!!

I'm glad you had a great trip down.
Henry looked so cute jumping around in the room. And, your view was awesome!!!!!

How many SD cards did you use? You're making me think I may need to buy some extra ones with the amount of pictures you took.

I think Tim and I might just do that Chick-Fil-A store here...! I did see they have one at NYU, but it seems to be only for students. I'm gonna call and ask though!

We only ever bring 1 SD card, but we also bring our laptop and download every single night and charge the battery. I took a LOT of pictures this trip...over 500 each on both our first MK day and Epcot day.

What a great view you had at the BW. Out of all the trips we have made to Disney we have never been down to the BoardWalk area, I am going to try and make it this year. Can you get to the boardwalk area from epcot?? Im trying to think of the easiest way.

Yep! It's very easy...I see it was explained below too!

It's super simple...take the international gateway, it's a little walk way coming from the UK right before France. You can hop on a boat or take a quick walk right ot the boardwalk area!!

Yep - in the WS instead of turning left to go over the bridge into France (when walking from the UK), keep going straight down the path and hill. There is a small gift shop on the right, then through the gates. Follow the sidewalk and you'll see the YC/BC and the BW. It's really easy and a quick walk!

The boat dock is directly to the left of the turnstiles.

I loved the official first update!! I remember seeing the Chic Fil A sandwich picture on FB and giggled. We live in the land of Chic Fil A and I guess we're fortunate. They make great food and I'm pretty sure they have ties to being, how do I say...a religious company because they are closed on Sunday's and their CEO speaks to this quite often. Not sure if you knew that trivia or not

Keep them coming - no pressure!

Heather

I had heard of them being closed on Sunday's. I personally think it is great for the owner to live up to his standards despite the money they loose on that day! It sounds like a great company.

Brook - if you ever travel over into New Jersey they have Chick-Fil-A's there. I think the closest one to the city would be Paramus Mall maybe. Don't know for sure. I do know I have 2 with 5 miles of me Probably the only fast food I will eat. Love the lemonade too.

A bit ago I was on the CFA website and saw that one in Jersey! I know you guys also get Shamrock Shakes at some of your McDonald's. Apparently NYU has one as well, but it seems to be closed to the public and only for students!

What a great day!

It really, really was! So many things could have been awful about our travel, but it was magical!

Yay, awesome start! Loved the alarm clock story!
The photo of Henry on the bed by the pillows is so cute! He looks full of fun mischief! Again, I love your view, love the Boardwalk, so happy you liked it!
It's fun to have followed you on FB and now getting all of the details... it's like you are there again!

Earlier today I was reviewing my trip notes for this day, which I did not do before I wrote this update and I forgot to share a story you will find especially funny...

Henry and I were in the security line at LGA and a nice man in front of us started talking to Henry and we told him we were going to Disney, etc. small talk stuff...and then he asks, "Do you like Steve McQueen?" Blank stare from Henry. I had to stifle a laugh and thought of you INSTANTLY. You aren't alone!! He had a little girl, so he has a good excuse too. His wife laughed at him and corrected him, it was a fun moment.

And just today Henry watched Finding Nemo and I noticed the film was dedicated to Glenn McQueen - which is where the name came from.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Phew!!!! I am here!!!! AT least I wasn't toooooooooo far behind!!!
George? Okay...George it is then!!
Loved the random "Let's dance" at ME!! How cute is that?!!
Bus waiting, room ready....GREAT view!!! Such a pretty room...I even like the little kitchen area
That is one happy Henry

Tracy

It was a very cute moment where he shouted out for us to dance! It's not entirely uncommon...I've danced in some pretty random places with him.

I really liked the kitchen area too! I don't know if I'm just used to a tiny NYC kitchen, but it seemed HUGE for a hotel room!

Signing on. Your little Henry is the cutest thing ever. I think my favorite picture is him looking at himself while jumping on the bed. Looking forward to more.

Thank you!!! He did like that mirror and that he could make funny faces at himself while he jumped!

Could things get any better so far?! The rooms look great and Henry looks very excited to be visiting he pals again.
Ahh, yes I remember "cousin IT" I was very glad when he moved away.

It was a VERY smooth travel day - our best yet I think!!

I'm attempting to make IT move away. Today was a big huge failure in that area....but we tried. It can only get better!

Love the pics!! Can't wait to be there! I want to hear all about BWV!! And that crazy clown!

BWV was awesome! Me and the clown, BFF.

What a great view.
You sure made travelling with a 3 year in NYC look easy.

Yup - something got me about Thursday and at least it waited until I got back to get bad. Just allergies. They were spreading mulch at FQ so maybe that was it. Who knows, with my allergies it could be anything

It really was a great travel day! I had planned to be as simple as possible, and tried to just take it easy and slow - it certainly helped. I was relieved to be packed and ready to go on time, that could have ruined the entire day really. And honestly, Henry is a pretty chill kid. He has his moments!!!!, but overall, he's a breeze compared to some three year olds.

I'm glad your allergies didn't act up until you got back! That would have not been a fun way to end a trip.

found you this morning but didn't have enough time to read before work


sounds like a fabulous start to your trip! Up early, easy flight, right on ME and room ready I'm with C though...not sure I could stop for food at the airport on arrival...too excited to get there

We are usually that way too! I was starved though, and didn't know when I'd get to eat. Plus I made Chick-Fil-A a destination, part of the adventure!!!

wow...9 pages...i am really behind! We used the little spot between the kitchenette and the doorway for Caleb's crib! It worked awesome and was like his own little room! But we were at the Beach Club but I am sure it is set up the same!

Oooh, that would be a great spot for the crib too! I loved having that little area, I know there was something like it at SSR when we stayed in a Studio too...I wonder if all the Studios have that? I sure hope so!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Dang Brook, will I ever get caught up? We'll be hanging out with the clown in 6 weeks!

I have links!! Hopefully that will help.

Say hello to George for me! I'm jealous, such a GREAT resort! We hope to try your "home" at the BC soon too.

Love the video of Henry jumping on the bed, so cute! We fell in love with the Boardwalk when we stayed there last spring break. It's such a pretty resort! Even with that clown!
Glad the trip down went smoothly, can't wait to read more!

It really is such a beautiful resort. I miss the music the most - it truly sets the tone.

I'm here! Great start so far! I'm already jealous!

Page 9 already!!! Okay, need to catch up! Soooo looking forward to this!!

Glad you found me!!!

What a great start to the trip! You got every good trip vibe there is. Well, of course, except for IT. I was afraid IT was going to be a flashback to your trip from two years ago. So glad for all around that it was not!

We were at Chick-Fil-A tonight. I totally thought of you while eating. We're there most Tuesdays. Kids eat free and they provide crafts for them to do too. We are pretty much junkies!

Oh my! I'm SO glad it wasn't that IT. That was NOT fun. This IT was a breeze! Standard, done in less than 30 seconds I can do it blindfolded!

How nice about the kids eat free + crafts! I would be there every Tuesday too if we had it. Good tasting dinner plus cheap and entertaining. Have you ever had the grilled chicken sandwich? How is it? I was tempted to get that to save on calories, but wanted to be a bit more classic with my first taste!

So glad you had a great travel day! I always stress out the most about that day...just something about all the things that might possibly go wrong that stresses me out! I try so hard not to let it (I did a little better this past trip...lol)

That's great that Joe was able to change his flight without any additional fees!

I know what you mean about Chick-Fil-A...isn't it great? We have one about 30 minutes from our house! Actually, we have one that's 25 minutes South of us and one that's 30 minutes West of us! I don't eat there near as often as I'd like! lol I always get the original chicken sandwich like you got & just add a little ketchup to the top (I'm weird about it...the ketchup has to be on the opposite side of the chicken as the pickle!) And I love those waffle fries!!! Yum!!!

Loved the pictures of the Boardwalk!!! I remember driving by it on the boat on the way to the BC/YC and thinking how pretty it must be inside! And it truly is!!!

The picture of Henry on the bed is absolutely adorable!!! Its great to see that he was enjoying himself as soon as you arrived...Luke does the same thing (jumping on the bed first & then exploring the room!)

I loved the views from your room! Absolutely gorgeous!!!

Can't wait to hear more!!!

I used to stress about travel days...but then I had to travel a bunch for old job and it just sorta faded away. Joe still gets a bit worked up, but he's starting to learn to relax more with it too. It can be a stressful day though, so much going on at once, plus it's not something you do everyday, so there is that whole aspect.

The BW is VERY pretty inside! I took quite a few pictures, so hopefully I will give a good representation of what it looks and feels like. I just loved it.

Seriously chick fil a is the best. Though Im complicated I usually add cheese to the original and switch out for the wheat bun it is soo good. I didnt know chicken could be so heavenly seasoned!

Great start the boardwalk seems real nice!!!
Seriously though Henry is so stinkin' cute makes me want kids of my own ! lol

That chicken is done just right! I suppose they keep their recipe secret?

Aw, thank you for the compliment about Henry!

Hi! Just found your report...sounds like you had a "practically perfect" travel-to-WDW day so far, I hope it continued!

And I totally agree with you that we desperately need some Chick-Fil-A's here in NY. No Chick-Fil-A, no Sonic, no Krispy Kreme, no Dairy Queen...this is a sad, sad city we live it!

Yes, we did! I like that - a "Mary Poppins Travel Day"

I SO MISS DQ! Joe told me the other day, "We are eating at Dairy Queen when we go back to visit." Mr. Softee doesn't cut it! Not even close. Plus, DQ's chicken strip basket with the country gravy? HELLO! Yum.

Where in NYC are you? We are in Astoria. I have your TR open and will get caught up!

 

[dekkerdisneydreamer]

Brook,
Thanks for letting me post a pic of my new little Disney fanatic.

 

[disneydusted]

Ok, Brook, that cracked me up that the guy asked Henry about Steve McQueen! Yes, it is a parent of a girl thing! Poor Henry, he must have wondered what the guy was talking about!
You mentioned in one of your posts the music at BW. It really hit home with me. We missed being there so much this time that we would get valet parking there, wander around the resort, sit for a while in the lobby then walk over to Epcot for the evening. It felt like home! There is something very special about staying on property... espcially the BW area. Did you ever hear the frogs at night when you came over the bridge from Epcot? They are sooo loud on the left as you walk back from Epcot, near the wedding pavillion. We thought it was something that happened in May but they were there croaking their hearts out last month.
I'm trying to put all of our photos on Shutterfly to start our Disney book.... I think this is going to take a looong time.

 

[skhermsmeyer]

It was fun following you guys on FB, but now I'm ready for all the details and stories! I'm glad H was able to get some energy burnt off by jumping on the bed. Ah, the simple pleasures! Now I'm wondering what you guys did with your afternoon until Joe got there!

 

[thewesterberg]

Your travel day seemed absolutely perfect! Kudos for you taking him solo! And what a surprise blessing that Joe was able to join you early! A silver lining on a hurricane cloud!

The resort looks beautiful (minus that creepy clown - I don't have clown issues, but looking at that thing too much... )

Bed jumping at hotels - LOVE IT! A friend and I always did Synchronized Bed Jumping when we stayed at hotels during high school (we were on some academic teams that brought us to Minneapolis twice a year) We each took a bed and figured out a routine. The best part was the hotel we always stayed at had a wall that was all mirrors, so we could watch ourselves to perfect our technique!

And Chik Fil A .... YUMMY! I've only had it twice (once on our first Disney trip when we stayed off site and then this past winter while on a roadtrip home from South Carolina). So good to know it's at the airport! I think I know where I'll be eating before our flight leaves in December!

Hey you! I see a nice lookin' ticker there. AKV again? Kidani or Jambo?

We're staying at Jambo again. We're going with my parents, and my sister and her husband. It will be my brother-in-law's first trip to WDW! We're staying our first 2 nights at All Star Music and then we'll head over to Jambo for 5 nights. I cannot wait... life is pretty overwhelming right now and it's my light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel, giving me something to look forward to. We've got lots of fun things planned. I should start at PTR, but just haven't gotten around to it.

Can you believe he's 3? We met TWO YEARS ago already? I bet N is huge by now!

Wow! It's been 2 years! And it's hard to believe Henry is 3. I thought of you guys when we went to Coldstone over Labor Day weekend! And yes, N is getting so big too! He started 2nd Grade last week. He's reading like a pro - loves chapter books, especially Harry Potter. And he's tall. He's up to my arm pits already! What happened to my baby?! Tallest kid in his class and he's one of the youngest with his May birthday!

 

[moparop]

Oh my! I'm SO glad it wasn't that IT. That was NOT fun. This IT was a breeze! Standard, done in less than 30 seconds I can do it blindfolded!

How nice about the kids eat free + crafts! I would be there every Tuesday too if we had it. Good tasting dinner plus cheap and entertaining. Have you ever had the grilled chicken sandwich? How is it? I was tempted to get that to save on calories, but wanted to be a bit more classic with my first taste!

I have done the grilled chicken before and it is pretty good. But, the calorie count overall there is very reasonable so I usually allow myself to splurge. DH has the original chicken sandwich while I am a more of a nuggets with honey mustard gal myself.

 

[heaven2dc]

Ooooooh, I saw those huge balconies. Drool. Do they have a full sized table on them, or just the normal bistro type set? That location is AWESOME, close to everything, beautiful view, yet still quiet.

Wow Brook - you have been busy replying to everyone!! If I remember right, the table was just the little bistro type but it was nice having such a huge place to sit out on (I thought it was sort of strange to have such a huge balcony for a studio but it was nice). I hope our boardwalk view is located in rooms 5011 & 5013 or 5015 & 5017 (to make up a 2-bedroom) or 2045 & 2047. Those have huge balconies too!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Good grief I hadn't been on the DIS since early Monday evening and I got like 6 pages behind over here! You are one popular woman my dear Brook!

All of what I'm about to say has probably already been said - I totally skipped most of the chatter so that I could catch up, sorry, but I'm going to say it anyway

So glad you got to try Chick-Fil-A, but I have to say - the Southern Style Chicken Sandwich is McDs sad attempt at copying Chick-Fil-A's awesome original.

I can just see you and Henry dancing down the ME aisle, how fun! I would probably be too self conscious to do something like that, but think it's fabulous that you would dance for your little boy Sorry you had to deal with IT as soon as you got on the bus - guess it's a good thing you noticed before the bus took off though isn't it?!

Yay for your room being ready and yay for the great location, cute little boy jumping on the bed, and the amazing view!

 

[AB6876]

Hi Brook!! I love your trip reports and glad that I caught this one "live" I have read all your completed ones so far. Thought I would say hello!!! Can't wait to hear all about it!!

 

[anbouk]

Hi Brook We are back from our vacation overseas. I had PM'd you a while ago, that we live in the same neighborhood. Would love to catch up with you over a cup of joe, in one of the nearby Dunkin Donuts,any one of the three you mentioned previously would be fine, or starbucks, or martha's... or... anway, we are so lucky to have such great eateries near us, huh Know what you mean about Chik fil A...maybe we can scout it in the city sometime and pretend we are college students! LOL!!! I totally missed it this time in the airport at MCO. We just got back from ten days at ACV and BCV. Yes we are DVC, too !!! Bet we were there at the same time!!!

Sorry, I got carried away.... BTW, did I mention how much I am enjoying your TR! Can't wait to hear more! Henry is a lil' cutie! We stayed at the Boardwalk Villas Xmas 2009 (but our room location wasn't as nice as your view). We are due back for this Christmas, too!
BLT and BCV...How LUCKY are we???

 

[brookelizabeth]

Brook,
Thanks for letting me post a pic of my new little Disney fanatic.

Ooooh goodness!!! She is ADORABLE! When I saw this earlier this morning I said "Awe!" out loud and Henry asked "What Mommy?" and I showed him the picture - he got a slight smile on his face and said "Oooh baby, she's cute." Thank you for posting! Congratulations!!!!!!!

Ok, Brook, that cracked me up that the guy asked Henry about Steve McQueen! Yes, it is a parent of a girl thing! Poor Henry, he must have wondered what the guy was talking about!
You mentioned in one of your posts the music at BW. It really hit home with me. We missed being there so much this time that we would get valet parking there, wander around the resort, sit for a while in the lobby then walk over to Epcot for the evening. It felt like home! There is something very special about staying on property... espcially the BW area. Did you ever hear the frogs at night when you came over the bridge from Epcot? They are sooo loud on the left as you walk back from Epcot, near the wedding pavillion. We thought it was something that happened in May but they were there croaking their hearts out last month.
I'm trying to put all of our photos on Shutterfly to start our Disney book.... I think this is going to take a looong time.

I couldn't believe he said STEVE of all names!!!! Henry was a bit confused and didn't even answer him until the wife popped in!

The BW does feel like home - as soon as we got settled in our room and I started exploring I fell for it all...so beautiful and peaceful. I didn't really expect that when we were staying so close to the parks, but it was!

I never heard the frogs! I wish I had!

It was fun following you guys on FB, but now I'm ready for all the details and stories! I'm glad H was able to get some energy burnt off by jumping on the bed. Ah, the simple pleasures! Now I'm wondering what you guys did with your afternoon until Joe got there!

I hope to get a post done today to share what Henry and I ended up doing!

Your travel day seemed absolutely perfect! Kudos for you taking him solo! And what a surprise blessing that Joe was able to join you early! A silver lining on a hurricane cloud!

The resort looks beautiful (minus that creepy clown - I don't have clown issues, but looking at that thing too much... )

Bed jumping at hotels - LOVE IT! A friend and I always did Synchronized Bed Jumping when we stayed at hotels during high school (we were on some academic teams that brought us to Minneapolis twice a year) We each took a bed and figured out a routine. The best part was the hotel we always stayed at had a wall that was all mirrors, so we could watch ourselves to perfect our technique!

And Chik Fil A .... YUMMY! I've only had it twice (once on our first Disney trip when we stayed off site and then this past winter while on a roadtrip home from South Carolina). So good to know it's at the airport! I think I know where I'll be eating before our flight leaves in December!

We're staying at Jambo again. We're going with my parents, and my sister and her husband. It will be my brother-in-law's first trip to WDW! We're staying our first 2 nights at All Star Music and then we'll head over to Jambo for 5 nights. I cannot wait... life is pretty overwhelming right now and it's my light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel, giving me something to look forward to. We've got lots of fun things planned. I should start at PTR, but just haven't gotten around to it.

Wow! It's been 2 years! And it's hard to believe Henry is 3. I thought of you guys when we went to Coldstone over Labor Day weekend! And yes, N is getting so big too! He started 2nd Grade last week. He's reading like a pro - loves chapter books, especially Harry Potter. And he's tall. He's up to my arm pits already! What happened to my baby?! Tallest kid in his class and he's one of the youngest with his May birthday!

I like that - a sliver lining on a hurricane cloud! Exactly!!

about the Synchronized Bed Jumping! I love that there was a mirror so you two could become experts!!! I remember my cousin and I doing a synchronized swimming routine to "Under the Sea" at some point - we had my Aunt watch to critique us to get a perfect routine!

Please let me know if you do a PTR! I'd be over there in a heart beat! Don't you just love Jambo House? I think next time we stay AKL, unless it's in the middle of summer, we'll do Jambo. I LOVE the splash area at Kidani, but like the convenience of the food options and rockin' gift shop at Jambo.

I cannot believe N is up to your armpits!! Wow!!! I can't even wrap my head around how quickly time flies with the little ones. Some days are long, but the years are SHORT.

I have done the grilled chicken before and it is pretty good. But, the calorie count overall there is very reasonable so I usually allow myself to splurge. DH has the original chicken sandwich while I am a more of a nuggets with honey mustard gal myself.

Oh! That is good to know, I'm all over those nuggets or original then! Grilled-schmilled!!!

Wow Brook - you have been busy replying to everyone!! If I remember right, the table was just the little bistro type but it was nice having such a huge place to sit out on (I thought it was sort of strange to have such a huge balcony for a studio but it was nice). I hope our boardwalk view is located in rooms 5011 & 5013 or 5015 & 5017 (to make up a 2-bedroom) or 2045 & 2047. Those have huge balconies too!

I hope you get it! Did you put in any requests in hopes to get it?

Good grief I hadn't been on the DIS since early Monday evening and I got like 6 pages behind over here! You are one popular woman my dear Brook!

All of what I'm about to say has probably already been said - I totally skipped most of the chatter so that I could catch up, sorry, but I'm going to say it anyway

So glad you got to try Chick-Fil-A, but I have to say - the Southern Style Chicken Sandwich is McDs sad attempt at copying Chick-Fil-A's awesome original.

I can just see you and Henry dancing down the ME aisle, how fun! I would probably be too self conscious to do something like that, but think it's fabulous that you would dance for your little boy Sorry you had to deal with IT as soon as you got on the bus - guess it's a good thing you noticed before the bus took off though isn't it?!

Yay for your room being ready and yay for the great location, cute little boy jumping on the bed, and the amazing view!

It has been CRUISING over here! It's fun!!!

You are VERY right about McD's Southern Style - I had it last night for dinner and had to pretend it was CFA. But the bun got all soggy and the chicken was only meh. It just doesn't even compare!

I was so glad IT happened before the bus took off. I would have felt soooo badly for those around me, or attempting to change in that little bathroom on the bus?! Oh it could have been bad, bad, bad.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Hi Brook!! I love your trip reports and glad that I caught this one "live" I have read all your completed ones so far. Thought I would say hello!!! Can't wait to hear all about it!!

Thank you for reading and posting!!! It was a lot of fun to post live - and to have the time and energy to do it! I wish I could have shared more even. But, it will be a lot of fun to write out all the details and surprises here!

Hi Brook We are back from our vacation overseas. I had PM'd you a while ago, that we live in the same neighborhood. Would love to catch up with you over a cup of joe, in one of the nearby Dunkin Donuts,any one of the three you mentioned previously would be fine, or starbucks, or martha's... or... anway, we are so lucky to have such great eateries near us, huh Know what you mean about Chik fil A...maybe we can scout it in the city sometime and pretend we are college students! LOL!!! I totally missed it this time in the airport at MCO. We just got back from ten days at ACV and BCV. Yes we are DVC, too !!! Bet we were there at the same time!!!

Sorry, I got carried away.... BTW, did I mention how much I am enjoying your TR! Can't wait to hear more! Henry is a lil' cutie! We stayed at the Boardwalk Villas Xmas 2009 (but our room location wasn't as nice as your view). We are due back for this Christmas, too!
BLT and BCV...How LUCKY are we???

So glad to meet you!!! We should get together, I love me some Dunkin' - just had some today. Henry asks "Can we go to the coffee shop?" He always gets free munchkins. I might be able to meet up next week sometime. Do you have kids? If so, we could hit up the park too.

I do plan to call that CFA and ask about the public getting in! I'll let you know and we can make a run over there together!!!

10 days at the World! How wonderful! I bet we were there at the same time, we were there Sept 2 - 9. I wonder if our paths ever crossed?! Wouldn't that be funny?

Are you going right over Christmas? I would love that sometime! We were there last year for NYE, and it was great! Busy, but great! We hope to do BLT on our next trip...we haven't booked yet, but are looking at March - hopefully we'll still get in there.

 

[dekkerdisneydreamer]

Ooooh goodness!!! She is ADORABLE! When I saw this earlier this morning I said "Awe!" out loud and Henry asked "What Mommy?" and I showed him the picture - he got a slight smile on his face and said "Oooh baby, she's cute." Thank you for posting! Congratulations!!!!!!!

Thanks Brook, I think she's pretty special myself.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Before I begin, I uploaded a couple videos that should have gone with the last update:

Here is a video of Henry on the Magical Express
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6lf83Tr3EQ (34 seconds)

And here is the one of him jumping - same as on Facebook (18 seconds)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=784-Ju5mEtg



You ready for some serious pictures??? Here we go!

We left off with me convincing Henry that we should go exploring around the Boardwalk. Originally I had a few things in mind, perhaps DTD...but knowing Joe was to arrive in a few hours I figured we could just explore the resort and see all it had to offer.

And we were off!

Our door

View from the window at the bank of elevators

Elevator area

He insisted on trying out the chairs

Not a good picture, but you can kinda see the Mickey on top

View on the 2nd floor in the elevator area - the pool is right outside, and the lobby is to the right

We went outside, we'll explore the lobby later!

-Insert scary music here-

A very well themed bar!

But none of this was of interest to us at that moment...on the other side of the pool we spotted...

A PLAYGROUND! H was ecstatic.

Driving his "helicopter"

A view from the playground area

After much playing we continued on our way.

Let's go the Boardwalk and find a treat!

Yep, this will do! A one scoop (more like 2.5!) of mint chocolate chip.

Our view from where we sat

Henry was running around here a bit - more wanting to run than wanting ice cream!

It was during this moment, sitting there in the shade on the Boardwalk, with it's wonderful music playing that I was swept away...I was hooked. I love the BW! I know I took a video to capture both music and pure loveliness, but I accidentally deleted it later in the week!

Continued in next post

 

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post

Okay, ice cream is done, let's keep exploring!

This is along the side of Flying Fish

We went back near the pool area because on the way Henry had spotted the arcade - and I knew it would be air conditioned!

I had him play for a while without buying a card - I had remembered back in December the cards were pretty expensive at Kidani and most all the games were 100 points or more! Other kids Henry's age had cards, and he figured out the difference with some of the games - he knew he was missing out, so I went to check out the prices again.

Either I'm not as cheap anymore , or it is way cheaper here! Plus all the games were MUCH cheaper, around 30 or 40 points each, so I caved and got him a 250 point card knowing he would love it, and he and Joe could have some fun here later in the week.

I have a feeling we'll be spending quite a bit of time in these arcades over the years.

First game - basketball!

He actually made several baskets! Joe and I are completely nonathletic, so it would be hilarious if he turned into a little sports star.

And if you read the little boys and guns talk on my PTR you'll find this funny...

I steered him over here instead.

This was a really neat bowling game!

Despite it being air conditioned in there, he had become one sweaty little boy during our adventures outside!

Woot! We got a spare!

Too bad we still STUNK at this game! It was only 5 frames, but 31?! Ya...lots of gutter balls...and I will say, Henry was better at it than me! All well, we had fun.

Next Henry found this little ride that you sit in and it's like a movie.

He wanted me to sit with him.

After we left the arcade we decided to explore the beautiful lobby.

He assured me that the chairs were quite comfortable.

Continued in next post

 

[Stasieki]

Henry jumping on the bed is what it is all about. Seriously... I am getting goosebumps thinking about our next trip when my 4 yo Abby will get to have that Disney bed jumping experience (well, off-site Disney bed jumping experience at Bonnet Creek - hahaha.

And, I have to comment about Chik fil A. I grew up in Atlanta, home of the original. There were many birthday parties there. We have a few in our TN town and we go every Tues night after school for family night. Next time dip those waffle fries in the Polynesian Sauce - YUMMY.

 

[Stasieki]

Thanks Brook, I think she's pretty special myself.

Dekker - she is adorable!!!! When was her b-day. My DD was born 4/4/10, and we are close-by in TN.