Smiles, Sand and Sunstroke!! A May 2012 Beach Club Trip of a Lifetime

[Feckless]

subscribing - another BC trip report - can't wait for more

Thanks for subbing! I'm so glad I'm not just talking to myself. (wouldn't be the first time - just ask my kids or my secretary!)

I am in! I loved your live reports and it has made me even more excited for our BC stay in 28 days! I am almost wishing we were starting the vacation there and not CR now!

Awwwh, thanks! Your trip is coming up soon! I'm totally doing a split stay next time...

I love the view you had from your room.

Enjoyed reading about your first day and am looking forward to reading about the rest of your trip.

Thanks! We loved our view as well.

 

[Checkers]

Enjoying your TR and congratulations on being upgraded. The view from your room is great! Thanks for taking us along, can't wait to read more.

 

[333disneymom]

I'm in. I just found your report. I am anxious to hear all about your trip, especially since we were there some of the same days you were.

We love Teppan, but haven't been there in years. My mother-in-law also loves the perfume in Norway. She bought it the last time she was there.

Looks like you had a great view!

 

[Feckless]

Enjoying your TR and congratulations on being upgraded. The view from your room is great! Thanks for taking us along, can't wait to read more.

Thanks for following! Made good headway into Day 2 so it should be up tomorrow...

I'm in. I just found your report. I am anxious to hear all about your trip, especially since we were there some of the same days you were.

We love Teppan, but haven't been there in years. My mother-in-law also loves the perfume in Norway. She bought it the last time she was there.

Looks like you had a great view!

We sure did love and enjoy our view! We loved looking up at our room as we came from SAB or the boat dock. We were pretty close to the lounge and elevators too. So where's your trip report??

 

[DT83097]

Great trip report! Can't wait to read more. Loved your room view and thanks for the info about Soarin

 

[Nermel9]

Love your BC room, that's what I was hoping for! And starting your trip at SAB sounds awesome!

Maelstrom is one of my favorite rides, I can understand wanting to go there first!

I kept forgetting Soarin' is now open until 10, I wish I took advantage of that!

 

[Feckless]

Great trip report! Can't wait to read more. Loved your room view and thanks for the info about Soarin

Thanks for joining in! Don't tell too many people about Soarin' - let it be our little secret. LOL

Love your BC room, that's what I was hoping for! And starting your trip at SAB sounds awesome!

Maelstrom is one of my favorite rides, I can understand wanting to go there first!

I kept forgetting Soarin' is now open until 10, I wish I took advantage of that!

We hadn't been on Maelstrom before but we were pretty happy to start there (except for our feet). Thanks for reading! I actually have never seen a room like yours - I'll bet they aren't too common.

 

[Feckless]

Day Two - Hollywood Studios and Meeting up with the Family!!!

After such a long day and late night, I knew that rope drop ANYWHERE was out of the question. DS had asked the night before to go to DHS and I was OK with that, even though I had planned the next day at Futureworld (see? I'm not still complaining about deviating from plan). DD crashed HARD, and I got stuck sleeping with her. Darn! LOL I didn’t sleep well, but not because the bed wasn’t comfortable! I loved the duvet cover, and the pillows and bed were fluffy and comfy. However, I don’t sleep well in hotel rooms regardless (has to do with me, not the rooms) so I was up early. I got up, got dressed and hit the lounge! I had a lovely bagel and cream cheese, and pushed button number 4 and tried the latte. Sold!!! LOL Then I had a bowl of fruit, while I was waiting for the family to wake up. It was so nice in there, great to be able to sit on the couch and watch GMA and people watch. The staff was great and kept the offerings looking fresh and full.

DS woke up at about 8 and after coming to see me in the Lounge went straight to the arcade - he loved it there!! I couldn’t believe how quickly the kids found their way around. Our two are very independent at home and are very sensible, and Disney was such a great place for them to exercise that independence. As long as I knew where they were going, we were OK with them going around the resort by themselves. As I expected, DH and DD slept in until 9, which meant rope drop was out of the question! Oh well! Once DS came back from the arcade, we all went and got breakfast in the lounge. The kids really loved it which was great, since I was worried about that. DS loved the oatmeal and we all loved the bagels and croissants.

As I said, DS was desperate to get to DHS to get an Indiana Jones rifle so we went to the boat dock by about 10. Here are some pictures of us while we were waiting:

We loved the boat! It was so easy to get to DHS. We didn't find the boats to be very hot, but they weren't "air conditioned" (well, if they were, we couldn't feel it!). DD was pretty excited for the thrill rides, and she was a bit afraid as well. Last trip, she rode RRC with DH but had her eyes shut the whole time. On the way in, we got a few PP pictures. Here are two of them:

The minute we got there, DS wanted to go straight to Star Tours, since he is a huge Star Wars fan. We walked right on and were pleasantly surprised by the changes in the ride since our last time. We found it to be a ton of fun, especially the leap to hyperspace. DH is not fond of motion rides or rides in enclosed spaces, but he seemed to be fine after this one. Last trip DS wanted to spend all his time in Tatoinne Traders, but this time he went straight for the Indiana Jones guns. He picked out a smaller gun and a large rifle. He also got two tiny guns for family at home. The woman suggested we leave the tags on so that we won’t have any problem with the TSA on the way home.

I checked my Lines app and found that there was about a 20 minute wait for Rockin’ Roller Coaster so off we went. We ended up waiting for about 25 minutes to get in our “super stretch limo”. The kids were nervous, and I was concerned a bit about DS - this was going to set the tone for the rest of our trip - if he wasn’t into the thrill rides, one of us was going to miss out during the trip! I was thrilled when I heard him screaming “WOO HOO!!!!”
We came out and DD in particular was thrilled with the ride. Then came the next big test:

I took this picture because we used to live on a street with the same name. No hotels that looked like this there, though!!

We walked straight in the holding room. I had a feeling that DS would find this one harder, and he stuck close to me. But it turned out that he loved that one too! None of us had ridden this ride before, and I absolutely loved it. While we were riding, I heard a poor child behind me whimpering loudly, and then screaming her lungs out. I was upset about someone bringing an unwilling child in this ride, and I felt really bad. However, when the ride was over, she walked by and it was a grown woman! She had to be supported by her husband when she left - she was still whimpering!

We were all hungry, and DH wanted to see the Indiana Jones Stunt Show and Lights Motors Action, so we headed back over that way and hit the Backlot Express. I had a yummy turkey sandwich and DH had a chicken salad which was very fresh and delicious. Sorry, no pictures!

We got to Indy right before the show and found seats on the left side. The pre-show was actually underway when we went in. The show was as much fun as I remembered and we all really enjoyed it. We all headed over to see when the next show for Lights, Motors, Action was and were surprised to see that it was closed. Oh well, SAB was calling!!! We were happy with what we had accomplished in such a short time, were getting hot and tired, so we headed back to the BC.

Here is DS showing his military side on the balcony with his new Indiana Jones purchase:

Before we hit SAB, the kids wanted a snack so we went by Beaches and Cream for a sundae. I had the Frozen Sunshine and it was amazing!! The kids had the classic sundaes (DD got every possible peanut butter option and DS got every possible chocolate option) and DH got a caramel sundae. Here is DS at Beaches and Cream. He would not let go of his new guns! Ack!

DH was happy with the ice cream and I loved the environment:

DH and the kids went exploring, and I went to the Lounge and checked out the offerings: yummy chips and dip and a refreshing Arnold Palmer (iced tea and lemonade with lots of ice) hit the spot. Then I went to the balcony for a while and I realized how much I loved the location. I could see everything! Here is DD coming back to the room...

Kids and DH went to SAB for a while and I hung out in the Lounge and the balcony and then joined them. We got in contact with the other family (they had arrived late the night before - hadn’t arrived in the Villa until about 2 a.m.!) and made plans to meet to walk to our first big family ADR - Tutto Italia!

Next up: Tutto famiglia at Tutto Italia!!!

 

[CozumelDisneyFan]

Subbing!

Hope there will be lots of CL photos!

 

[Laffites Landing]

Awesome start to day 2, Feckless. I think that picture of your son on the balcony was so awesome! Although the Mickey shirt kind of spoiled the whole feel of the shot! He was looking like quite the bad a $$ in that shot, so awesome.

I also liked the "Stop" in the Tower of Terror shot. As though you were supposed to follow that instruction (but thankfully didn't). My kids go on Tower of Terror and have for some time here in California. I have to admit that my son doesn't really like it that much but we "make" him go on it. He's fine on it and really finds the theming scarier than the drop sequences. I don't know if it's the same in Florida but he gets freaked out by the pre show and the ghosts in the ride.

I look forward to the next installment.

 

[cmcadoo66]

Great information!! Sounds like it was all off to a pretty good start. The upgrade was really nice too!

Your kids are really brave. My two were brave enough to give it a try but it literally made my son sick. He kept everything down but we did have to return to the resort for a while for him to settle.....bad thing is it was the first ride of the morning!!

Can't wait to read the next installment!

 

[cindydare]

Count me in too!

We stayed in room # 5661 on our first trip...just a few doors down from you. I think those rooms have one of the best views in all of Disney!

 

[Max & Sam's Mom]

Well, what a surprise to find your trip report while one of my many hours spent browsing the disboards! So glad I found it though, because I had been wondering how your trip went!

 

[natebenma]

Great update! Looks like you had a really nice morning with a little bit of alone time then a really productive visit to Hollywood Studios.

Legos and guns are my boys favorite souvenirs. The past two years we have purchased the wooden rifles from Adventureland in MK, but we have spent more than a couple of minutes playing with the ones by Indiana Jones.

I'll have to get to Beaches and Cream one of these days!

 

[Feckless]

Subbing!

Hope there will be lots of CL photos!

Oooh, I hope you aren't disappointed, but I didn't take any pictures of the Lounge! I will talk about it though. Hope that's enough! LOL!!!!

Awesome start to day 2, Feckless. I think that picture of your son on the balcony was so awesome! Although the Mickey shirt kind of spoiled the whole feel of the shot! He was looking like quite the bad a $$ in that shot, so awesome.

I also liked the "Stop" in the Tower of Terror shot. As though you were supposed to follow that instruction (but thankfully didn't). My kids go on Tower of Terror and have for some time here in California. I have to admit that my son doesn't really like it that much but we "make" him go on it. He's fine on it and really finds the theming scarier than the drop sequences. I don't know if it's the same in Florida but he gets freaked out by the pre show and the ghosts in the ride.

I look forward to the next installment.

It's the theming that will freak out my DS too. He was a real trooper - soooo proud of him this trip. It will be strange for your kids to see some of the same rides in a totally different place! I am SO looking forward to hearing about your trip.

Great information!! Sounds like it was all off to a pretty good start. The upgrade was really nice too!

Your kids are really brave. My two were brave enough to give it a try but it literally made my son sick. He kept everything down but we did have to return to the resort for a while for him to settle.....bad thing is it was the first ride of the morning!!

Can't wait to read the next installment!

Thanks for tuning in! Yes, I think my DS was totally brave.

Count me in too!

We stayed in room # 5661 on our first trip...just a few doors down from you. I think those rooms have one of the best views in all of Disney!

How lovely to hear!!!! Thanks for reading!

Well, what a surprise to find your trip report while one of my many hours spent browsing the disboards! So glad I found it though, because I had been wondering how your trip went!

Well, Dawn, I'm not supposed to know any of you "in real life" so you can tune out now! How did I know you'd be on Disboards too??? Look back to one of my earliest posts - I think I posted a picture of Max and Tinkerbell because I loved it so much!

Great update! Looks like you had a really nice morning with a little bit of alone time then a really productive visit to Hollywood Studios.

Legos and guns are my boys favorite souvenirs. The past two years we have purchased the wooden rifles from Adventureland in MK, but we have spent more than a couple of minutes playing with the ones by Indiana Jones.

I'll have to get to Beaches and Cream one of these days!

Yes, Dee, I listened to your gun advice... And next time you HAVE to go to Beaches and Cream. You have to!!

 

[scottmel]

Enjoying your report. We check into BC CL in 3 weeks..hoping for some lounge shots!! Never stayed at BC...I am a YC CL gal and worried about the change!!!!

 

[Feckless]

Enjoying your report. We check into BC CL in 3 weeks..hoping for some lounge shots!! Never stayed at BC...I am a YC CL gal and worried about the change!!!!

Oooh, sorry I didn't take any shots of the lounge I don't think! I will give you my mini-lounge review though:

I spent most mornings in the lounge by myself, drinking coffee. I went on the balcony exactly one time (it was very small for a lounge, I found) one morning to watch the sunrise. The view from our room was nicer so I spent more time there. Otherwise, it was a big room with the seating divided in an L around the food area. Even at busy times I always found a table. Sometimes there were a few people ahead of me at the coffee station, but otherwise I found it perfect. There is a big couch with an end table facing the flat screen adult TV, and around the corner there was a kids area with another flat screen. I didnt find the noise from either TV interfered with the other, which is a pet peeve of mine. Mornings were definitely the busiest times, with no issues of crowds for me at any other times. My favourite food offering was the lobster salad, and I enjoyed the bacon wrapped scallops as well. Didnt get into the cheese plates but enjoyed having the olives and artichokes as well. I only made it to two dessert times, just because of the timing of our ADRs, but the desserts were wonderful. I often carried a glass of wine and a plate of appetizers back to the room and enjoyed them on the balcony. As you can imagine, I am back on the grass back home now to get rid of the extra 5 pounds I put on in Disney, along with the weight I took with me!

 

[Feckless]

Day 2, Part 2 - Tutto Italia

Our Tutto Italia ADR was for 7:30, and so we met up in the BC lobby at 6:45. It was so nice to see our family in such a lovely place!!! They had spent the day in MK, and they were a bit tired, but everyone was game for a big meal. All the kids were super excited to see each other and to have friends in Disney World.

We didn’t have to wait long, and they showed us to a gorgeous round table in the back. We hadn’t been here prior to the renos, but BOY is it lovely now! Here’s a shot of everyone:

The service was AMAZING from start to finish. I think they had a team of at least three servers that appeared to be dedicated only to us. Well, if they were serving other people it seemed like they were only serving us... First thing they brought around was bread, bread and more bread. Here’s a picture:

The kids obviously enjoyed the bread:

I ordered the chicken (pollo con forno), which came with some kind of quinoa risotto with ham. The chicken was dry AND fatty (quite an accomplishment). The risotto was quite good (but I prefer my risotto with rice not quinoa. DH ordered the polenta with a sausage and meat ball, and that looked and tasted delicious (I sneaked a taste). DD loved the mozzarella sticks and DS loved the ravioli. I was pleasantly surprised that they allowed DD to order off the kids’ menu, which was a good positive reinforcement for our choice to not get the dining plan. Here we are, enjoying the evening:

We were stuffed when dessert came around, but not too stuffed for canolli. Never too full for that! Here it is:

Yuummmmm...

I think that is the only picture I took of food the whole trip! Sorry to disappoint those here for the food porn.

Our glasses were never empty, and they kept bringing more and more bread. If we needed more silverware, it was presented to us on a linen wrapped tray. I have been to many expensive restaurants all over the place, but I have to say that this was right up there with the best service I’ve ever had. Certainly I’ve never come close in a place where children were permitted/encouraged to be there. Two thumbs up for the service! More thumbs if I had em to give! And if I had ordered what DH ordered, then this would have definitely been a dining highlight.

During supper, we had told the other family about Soarin’. Neither had ever even heard of the ride, but were up for it. As I had mentioned in my pre-trip report and other posts on the BC YC FAQ thread, the other family had been to Disney before, but did not plan. I recall the mom telling me that they ended up just walking around MK, thinking everything was too long a wait. I was hoping that my insane planning might help them have a better vacation and Disney experience. I consulted them on ADRs and other plans, but they decided just to go with the flow with me, and do what I had suggested. Since I tell people what to do for a living, this was A-OK by me!! LOL It turned out the other family was very laid back (as we are, with the exception of my planning!) and we meshed well for the trip. Anyway, the other dad was a bit concerned about Soarin’, because he has serious motion sickness. I told him that it was gentle, and that he would be fine. He was still a bit apprehensive! We walked while looking at Illuminations again, and got in to the Land at about 9:35. We took over the entire front row in Concourse A. We used our “ride barefoot” tip again. I think the other family thought we were nuts but it really was a better experience with no shoes! LOL

The kids were all sitting together, and I heard my DS say to the other little boy, “Try to catch the golf ball!!” I was so happy that I had set the stage for this the night before... I made sure I was sitting next to DS, and when I showed my DH the golf ball I had in my pocket (thank you Dis!) he couldn’t believe his eyes. He just looked at me and said, “You’re incredible.” (and not in a mean way. LOL) It was a fantastic moment, where my crazy planning was actually appreciated, and I kind of teared up! Soon, we were flying. When I said I caught the golf ball and passed it to DS, he just about FLIPPED. He started screaming, “I caught it! I caught it!” The other kids’ eyes almost bugged out of their heads. Once we finished the ride, DS ran over to the CM and showed him that he caught the golf ball. The CM made a fuss, and DS was beside himself. The other mom couldn’t believe it, since she hadn’t even heard of the ride until that night! The dad felt great, and everyone wanted to ride again. We got ready to go out and come in again, and the CM said that it was the last flight of the night so if we wanted to just stay in our seats, we could! So, we had back to back front row rides on Soarin’ without even leaving the Concourse. I can hear Elaine’s boyfriend from Seinfeld now: “Soarin’ to tower...” (yes, I know his name is Patrick Wharburton or something, but he will always be Elaines boyfriend to me. LOL) What an incredible experience. The other dad was so excited - he said that he has had dreamed of flying since he was a kid, and that was as close as he has come to it in real life. We left, everyone completely satisfied and happy and DS especially completely full of Disney magic. It really was an awesome night.

We made it back to our rooms, feet intact this time! I think this was the first time that I just inhaled the BC smell in the lobby and thought, “Ahhhhh, I’m home.” I did that every time I went in the lobby after that though!

Next up: Day Three: Rest Day with a late buffet. Or is it????

 

[Ninja Mom]

Go Feckless, Go feckless!
Nice job sweetie, keep it coming!!

 

[scottmel]

Oooh, sorry I didn't take any shots of the lounge I don't think! I will give you my mini-lounge review though:

I spent most mornings in the lounge by myself, drinking coffee. I went on the balcony exactly one time (it was very small for a lounge, I found) one morning to watch the sunrise. The view from our room was nicer so I spent more time there. Otherwise, it was a big room with the seating divided in an L around the food area. Even at busy times I always found a table. Sometimes there were a few people ahead of me at the coffee station, but otherwise I found it perfect. There is a big couch with an end table facing the flat screen adult TV, and around the corner there was a kids area with another flat screen. I didnt find the noise from either TV interfered with the other, which is a pet peeve of mine. Mornings were definitely the busiest times, with no issues of crowds for me at any other times. My favourite food offering was the lobster salad, and I enjoyed the bacon wrapped scallops as well. Didnt get into the cheese plates but enjoyed having the olives and artichokes as well. I only made it to two dessert times, just because of the timing of our ADRs, but the desserts were wonderful. I often carried a glass of wine and a plate of appetizers back to the room and enjoyed them on the balcony. As you can imagine, I am back on the grass back home now to get rid of the extra 5 pounds I put on in Disney, along with the weight I took with me!

Thanks Feckless for the mini club report. I have heard offerings are identical to YC so why I am nervous is beyond anyone's guess...I don't do well with change!!! I only eat clean food but last summer I had a bite of that lobster salad and it was quite good!!!!! Though DD and DH make up for my clean eating - good Lord they eat their weight in those chips! Did you notice if the lounge is 24/7? Meaning if you came home from the park at midnight could you grab a drink? That is one of my fave memories from last summer at YC. Sitting in the lounge at 3 am from MK emh....I sure hope it is the case this summer....