A rabbi, a priest, and a pastor board the Wonder: we're back!

[jedijill]

You make BWV sound very inviting and that's exactly what I was thinking; there are so many great options for dining but you're right, we won't be doing Epcot at all. I was surprised Joshua was totally happy with just a day at MK. I'm also very happy he chose MK as I asked him if he could do one park, which would it be?

Thanks for the reminder that we can watch fireworks at TOTWL even if we're not at BLT. I thought I had read that but am not up n my BLT facts.

I have no idea about this new FP+ thing either and how and if that will affect our one day.

I'm leaning towards VWL at this point. I think Joshua will like WCC but dang it's $$$. $65 just for dinner for us. It's all you care to eat I think which never pays off for us but I think the atmosphere looks fun. Plus I don't think we'll have BBQ anytime on the ship so that's good.

I applause you on our BFT dining efforts. You are a dining goddess! ​

How about Trail's End instead of WCC? I've not eaten there but heard it is really good.

Jill in CO

 

[eandesmom]

You make BWV sound very inviting and that's exactly what I was thinking; there are so many great options for dining but you're right, we won't be doing Epcot at all. I was surprised Joshua was totally happy with just a day at MK. I'm also very happy he chose MK as I asked him if he could do one park, which would it be?

Thanks for the reminder that we can watch fireworks at TOTWL even if we're not at BLT. I thought I had read that but am not up n my BLT facts.

I have no idea about this new FP+ thing either and how and if that will affect our one day.

I'm leaning towards VWL at this point. I think Joshua will like WCC but dang it's $$$. $65 just for dinner for us. It's all you care to eat I think which never pays off for us but I think the atmosphere looks fun. Plus I don't think we'll have BBQ anytime on the ship so that's good.

I applause you on our BFT dining efforts. You are a dining goddess! ​

Yeah, you guys eat like birds! But..you could get one skillet and then get one appetizer and share. Not sure if they'd be cranky about it as long as you are getting at least another appetizer. You will have BBQ at Castaway Cay but it's not really the same. You could just do Roaring Forks counter service but it's not that exciting. You are however just a boat ride away from MK, Contemporary or FW for additional dining options and I like Jill's idea of TE.

You could also consider Hoop De Doo Review, it's a riot if you haven't been and the food is good or the backyard BBQ both of which are at the Fort.

How about Trail's End instead of WCC? I've not eaten there but heard it is really good.

Jill in CO

Theoretically we will be trying it in Dec so I can let you know how it is. Theoretically at the moment, we will be dining at both so I can even let you know which one we like better!

 

[rentayenta]

How about Trail's End instead of WCC? I've not eaten there but heard it is really good.

Jill in CO

I'll check it out, thanks! I think it's at Fort Wilderness right? I remember reading good things about it.​

Yeah, you guys eat like birds! But..you could get one skillet and then get one appetizer and share. Not sure if they'd be cranky about it as long as you are getting at least another appetizer. You will have BBQ at Castaway Cay but it's not really the same. You could just do Roaring Forks counter service but it's not that exciting. You are however just a boat ride away from MK, Contemporary or FW for additional dining options and I like Jill's idea of TE.

I don't think we eat like birds but we don't get our money out of most buffets. You're funny!

The Wave is the only place we haven't been at the Cont. we've never stepped foot inside the GF so that may be an option too. I'm going to look at menus tonight while the boys watch a movie. Yay me!

If we could share a skillet and an app at WCC that'd be perfect. I can't imagine they'd get too frogged out. The kid looks 9 so I guess he could always get a kids' meal. ​

You could also consider Hoop De Doo Review, it's a riot if you haven't been and the food is good or the backyard BBQ both of which are at the Fort.

Hoop De Doo Review. What a good idea. I've always wanted to see it. That's also a very viable option. I'm liking the VWL better and better. Seems our best choices are close together. Is VWL and Fort Wilderness within walking distance of each other?​

Theoretically we will be trying it in Dec so I can let you know how it is. Theoretically at the moment, we will be dining at both so I can even let you know which one we like better!

That'd be great! I can't wait to see where you eat and what you think of your choices. Your family is lucky to have you. I know you enjoy the planning it but its still a ton of work.​

 

[Pinkocto]

Stalk away! No problem with me sounds like you're leaning towards VWL now. That's a great resort too. They have some kind of water parade every night you can see from the beach, and movies on the beach and all the great restaurants you guys are already talking about. Yes, you can walk to Fort Wilderness, it's not that far. And then catch a bus back to WL if it's too late/dark.

 

[Pinkocto]

197 days!!!​

 

[rentayenta]

196 days!!! ​

Hope everyone had a great Fourth of July!


We had a crazy busy but fun day! With just Joshua home we wanted to spoil him. We took him to the lake for the day which was awesome as usual and then too, him to a SLC Bees. baseball game. They're the farm club for the Anaheim Angels. It was a great game! I'm not a huge sports fan but the opposing pitcher walked two guys and load the bases in hopes if striking out this third batter. So with bases loaded, the pitcher throws the ball, the guy knock it out of the park; Grand Slam!! It was amazing! Then they did fireworks and they always out on a great show. Needless to say, I ma dragging today.​

Stalk away! No problem with me
sounds like you're leaning towards VWL now. That's a great resort too. They have some kind of water parade every night you can see from the beach, and movies on the beach and all the great restaurants you guys are already talking about. Yes, you can walk to Fort Wilderness, it's not that far. And then catch a bus back to WL if it's too late/dark.

I still can't decide. I keep going back to OKW. The two beds in the studio and the low points are such a huge draw. I need to decide stat! Or at least book and then change if I need to or want to. I love Olivia's too. Joshua hasn't been. During our first trip in 2007, Gabby was acting like a total pill so she and I stayed back which the rest of our gang went to DHS and Sci-Fi. We were staying at OKW and starving so we went to Olivia's. It ended up being one of my favorite meals of the trip. I didn't let her know that though. ​

197 days!!!​

Woot Woot!!! It's so close! I'm finally realizing that Joshua's bar mitzvah is even closer. He's been doing great. I'm the one that need to focus. ​

 

[eandesmom]

I'll check it out, thanks! I think it's at Fort Wilderness right? I remember reading good things about it.​

Yep, FW

I don't think we eat like birds but we don't get our money out of most buffets. You're funny!​

Compared to the vultures in my house...birds. Totally.

The Wave is the only place we haven't been at the Cont. we've never stepped foot inside the GF so that may be an option too. I'm going to look at menus tonight while the boys watch a movie. Yay me!

If we could share a skillet and an app at WCC that'd be perfect. I can't imagine they'd get too frogged out. The kid looks 9 so I guess he could always get a kids' meal.

He does look 9 and if you aren't on the DDP, who would know? I'd do that.

Hoop De Doo Review. What a good idea. I've always wanted to see it. That's also a very viable option. I'm liking the VWL better and better. Seems our best choices are close together. Is VWL and Fort Wilderness within walking distance of each other?​

You can walk, take a boat or a bus. I've not done the walk myself but I know Mary Ellen has run it often. It is such a pretty boat ride and it drops you right near all the dining.

That'd be great! I can't wait to see where you eat and what you think of your choices. Your family is lucky to have you. I know you enjoy the planning it but its still a ton of work.​

I think TE will be fun and I'm glad it worked out as it did so we can see it all decorated for the holidays! It's a little bit of a bummer as I don't know when they de-decorate WL but it could be down by the date we are there but...since it's the most like home anyway, maybe that's ok. Can't do it all, right?

Hope everyone had a great Fourth of July!


We had a crazy busy but fun day! With just Joshua home we wanted to spoil him. We took him to the lake for the day which was awesome as usual and then too, him to a SLC Bees. baseball game. They're the farm club for the Anaheim Angels. It was a great game! I'm not a huge sports fan but the opposing pitcher walked two guys and load the bases in hopes if striking out this third batter. So with bases loaded, the pitcher throws the ball, the guy knock it out of the park; Grand Slam!! It was amazing! Then they did fireworks and they always out on a great show. Needless to say, I ma dragging today.​

Fun! I'm quasi working, quasi not...

I still can't decide. I keep going back to OKW. The two beds in the studio and the low points are such a huge draw. I need to decide stat! Or at least book and then change if I need to or want to. I love Olivia's too. Joshua hasn't been. During our first trip in 2007, Gabby was acting like a total pill so she and I stayed back which the rest of our gang went to DHS and Sci-Fi. We were staying at OKW and starving so we went to Olivia's. It ended up being one of my favorite meals of the trip. I didn't let her know that though. ​

I love love love Olivia's!

Woot Woot!!! It's so close! I'm finally realizing that Joshua's bar mitzvah is even closer. He's been doing great. I'm the one that need to focus. ​

You are focused...on the cruise part! LOL.

 

[Pinkocto]

196 days!!! ​

​

Hope everyone had a great Fourth of July!


We had a crazy busy but fun day! With just Joshua home we wanted to spoil him. We took him to the lake for the day which was awesome as usual and then too, him to a SLC Bees. baseball game. They're the farm club for the Anaheim Angels. It was a great game! I'm not a huge sports fan but the opposing pitcher walked two guys and load the bases in hopes if striking out this third batter. So with bases loaded, the pitcher throws the ball, the guy knock it out of the park; Grand Slam!! It was amazing! Then they did fireworks and they always out on a great show. Needless to say, I ma dragging today.​

Sounds like a wonderful day!

I still can't decide. I keep going back to OKW. The two beds in the studio and the low points are such a huge draw. I need to decide stat! Or at least book and then change if I need to or want to. I love Olivia's too. Joshua hasn't been. During our first trip in 2007, Gabby was acting like a total pill so she and I stayed back which the rest of our gang went to DHS and Sci-Fi. We were staying at OKW and starving so we went to Olivia's. It ended up being one of my favorite meals of the trip. I didn't let her know that though. ​

I loved the two beds in the studio, and I must say they were the most comfortable I've slept on at WDW. Olivia's is on my list post cruise, I've heard nothing but great things about the place. No don't tell her

Woot Woot!!! It's so close! I'm finally realizing that Joshua's bar mitzvah is even closer. He's been doing great. I'm the one that need to focus. ​

What does he need to do? Classes?

 

[rentayenta]

Yep, FW

Cool. Thanks! I just checked again and VWL are still open. I ran the plan by M last night and just got an eye roll. ​

Compared to the vultures in my house...birds. Totally.

You'd be surprised if you saw us in our normal habitat. Usually on vacation we're just so busy. Also none of us like that too full feeling so we graze a lot. We always seem to be at Disney when it's piping hot too.​

He does look 9 and if you aren't on the DDP, who would know? I'd do that.

Oh no, no DDP for us. I read in your trip report that you may be doing the DDP? I think with a group that size and your amount of ADRs, you may end up making money off the deal. And no tip headache which is heavenly. Doesn't Disney just add it on?​

You can walk, take a boat or a bus. I've not done the walk myself but I know Mary Ellen has run it often. It is such a pretty boat ride and it drops you right near all the dining.

I'd totally opt for the boat or walk. I need to look into the seating tiers.​

I think TE will be fun and I'm glad it worked out as it did so we can see it all decorated for the holidays! It's a little bit of a bummer as I don't know when they de-decorate WL but it could be down by the date we are there but...since it's the most like home anyway, maybe that's ok. Can't do it all, right?

I think it stays decorated that entire first week right? I bet you won't miss any of the holiday decor. I'll be curious as to what you think of Trail's End.​

I love love love Olivia's!

Me too. I love the OKW, laid back, Jimmy Buffett vibe. I'm just really wanting to stay somewhere new, somewhere we may not stay as a family.​

You are focused...on the cruise part! LOL.

True true. No really we did a lot last night. He works 30 minutes a day. We'll Skype with the rabbi tomorrow night. He's actually doing really well. This is the least stressful of the 3 so far.​

​

Sounds like a wonderful day!




I loved the two beds in the studio, and I must say they were the most comfortable I've slept on at WDW. Olivia's is on my list post cruise, I've heard nothing but great things about the place. No don't tell her



What does he need to do? Classes?

He's been in religious school for years. He has to chant in Hebrew, lots to do. www.jewfaq.org can explain better. Just put bar mitzvah in the search engine. He's been working for a long time on this. We're really proud of him. His sisters have set a good example for him.


Olivia's is so good. Joshua has never been either. I really need to make some decisions.


My friend leaves for a 4 night Dream cruise to the Bahamas next Saturday. I can't find her cruise online, does that mean it's booked? Do cruises really book at 100% capacity? That's going to be one crowded ship.






195 days!!! ​

 

[eandesmom]

Cool. Thanks! I just checked again and VWL are still open. I ran the plan by M last night and just got an eye roll.

Of course you did! Lol we were talking about the possible marching band trip to DL which the school has timed to be over spring break. Evan has gone from "you can't go" to "some families are turning it into a family vacation and staying there longer" I'm like, of course they are!

Can we? He says. Mom and me trip? Maybe, I say, meantime Eric just has this sour look on his face and I'm like dude..,what do you think, it's spring break. I'm going to just leave you home alone? You should have seen the look on that kids face, it was priceless!

Of course this is assuming the trip happens but I think it likely will. Question will ten be whether Jeff is going an 1b versus studio.

You'd be surprised if you saw us in our normal habitat. Usually on vacation we're just so busy. Also none of us like that too full feeling so we graze a lot. We always seem to be at Disney when it's piping hot too.

I hear you, we actually don't graze for the same reason, too busy!

Oh no, no DDP for us. I read in your trip report that you may be doing the DDP? I think with a group that size and your amount of ADRs, you may end up making money off the deal. And no tip headache which is heavenly. Doesn't Disney just add it on?

Yes, maybe. Disney adds on the tip, mandatory 18% but you have to pay it, it isn't included so does have to be budgeted for. TIW is mandatory 18% too.

It will likely come down to who all ends up in our room and whether they are up for doing it. It actually pencils pretty well with our line up. Nice thing with DVC is you can add it up to 3 days before the trip,

 

[rentayenta]

Of course you did! Lol we were talking about the possible marching band trip to DL which the school has timed to be over spring break. Evan has gone from "you can't go" to "some families are turning it into a family vacation and staying there longer" I'm like, of course they are!

Woot woot sounds like a trip to Disneyland in the making!


Would you do WDW for 2 nights/one day post cruise?


I know Pam's answer even though she has until Wed now! ​

Can we? He says. Mom and me trip? Maybe, I say, meantime Eric just has this sour look on his face and I'm like dude..,what do you think, it's spring break. I'm going to just leave you home alone? You should have seen the look on that kids face, it was priceless!

Like he doesn't know you better than that! Would K and Jeff go too?​

Of course this is assuming the trip happens but I think it likely will. Question will ten be whether Jeff is going an 1b versus studio.

'Id save the points and do amStudio. The GCV points are high especially over the weekends. It's hard to go without a kitchen and that whole other bedroom and washer dryer but sometimes, for shorter trips, it's worth it.​

I hear you, we actually don't graze for the same reason, too busy!

Funny how every family is different. As long as we're all healthy, I don't care how the nutrients get taken in; 3 large meals vs 6 small vs grazing.​

Yes, maybe. Disney adds on the tip, mandatory 18% but you have to pay it, it isn't included so does have to be budgeted for. TIW is mandatory 18% too.

It will likely come down to who all ends up in our room and whether they are up for doing it. It actually pencils pretty well with our line up. Nice thing with DVC is you can add it up to 3 days before the trip,

Right but then at least you don't get stuck leaving the entire tip. Disney outs it in there. I'm guessing you'll do separate checks per family?

That is a great deal, the three days. What happened to adding the DDP for only the days you wanted it? That seems short lived with DVC. Great idea though. It would so pay off on $$$ buffet days.​

 

[MEK]

Stalk away! No problem with me sounds like you're leaning towards VWL now. That's a great resort too. They have some kind of water parade every night you can see from the beach, and movies on the beach and all the great restaurants you guys are already talking about. Yes, you can walk to Fort Wilderness, it's not that far. And then catch a bus back to WL if it's too late/dark.

I know I'm hopelessly behind, but Yay! for being under 200 days.

And I second the VWL stay. I have run from VWL to FW many times. It's about a mile. It's a really pretty walk with great views of the Contemporary and Bay Lake. In the nice weather I would not hesitate to walk there.

I just missed the ELP on the girl's trip, but you can watch it from the beach. The beach at night is just so peaceful.

Would this be your first stay at WL?

 

[franandaj]

The VWL are sounding better and better to me.I've been working on my day to day plans for the PTR and our few days there sewm like they are going to be very peaceful and rekaxing. Not that the rest won't be, but I imagine once we have gathered with the others, there will be a littke more pressure to be places and do stuff.

I'm sure you and Joshua will enjoy whatever resort you go to. Now to get Michael on board!

 

[Pinkocto]

Me too. I love the OKW, laid back, Jimmy Buffett vibe. I'm just really wanting to stay somewhere new, somewhere we may not stay as a family.​

Is VWL not on the list fora family trip?

He's been in religious school for years. He has to chant in Hebrew, lots to do. www.jewfaq.org can explain better. Just put bar mitzvah in the search engine. He's been working for a long time on this. We're really proud of him. His sisters have set a good example for him.​

Thanks, I'll definitely check this out, I've always been curious about this subject.

Olivia's is so good. Joshua has never been either. I really need to make some decisions.

My friend leaves for a 4 night Dream cruise to the Bahamas next Saturday. I can't find her cruise online, does that mean it's booked? Do cruises really book at 100% capacity? That's going to be one crowded ship.

Right, it won't show up if its sold out. It might not be at capacity though, that would have to be if each room was booked to hold the max.

195 days!!!

​

 

[Pinkocto]

I know Pam's answer even though she has until Wed now! [/CENTER]

I took away that post, felt like I was bragging which I didn't mean

 

[rentayenta]

I know I'm hopelessly behind, but Yay! for being under 200 days.

And I second the VWL stay. I have run from VWL to FW many times. It's about a mile. It's a really pretty walk with great views of the Contemporary and Bay Lake. In the nice weather I would not hesitate to walk there.

I just missed the ELP on the girl's trip, but you can watch it from the beach. The beach at night is just so peaceful.

Would this be your first stay at WL?

It will be out first stay at VWL. Still trying to decide if its worth the drive but I have decided on VWL. I showed Joshua both BLT and VWL and he didn't hesitate towards the Wilderness Lodge.

You ready for week #2 at the new job?​

 

[rentayenta]

The VWL are sounding better and better to me.I've been working on my day to day plans for the PTR and our few days there sewm like they are going to be very peaceful and rekaxing. Not that the rest won't be, but I imagine once we have gathered with the others, there will be a littke more pressure to be places and do stuff.

I'm sure you and Joshua will enjoy whatever resort you go to. Now to get Michael on board!

Peaceful and relaxing are great. Your trip seems like it'll be a good mix of that, good food, and fun meets! I can't wait to read about Victoria and Albert's.

I agree. I've never been attracted to the VWL but the more info I gather, the more appealing they become.

Michael is totally in board now; it's me who's hesitating....if it weren't for the drive it'd be a no brainer. The drive is only one way thankfully.​

 

[rentayenta]

Is VWL not on the list fora family trip?

Thanks, I'll definitely check this out, I've always been curious about this subject.

Right, it won't show up if its sold out. It might not be at capacity though, that would have to be if each room was booked to hold the max.

For the next family trip I think SSR proper and BWV were in the lead but collectively Epcot is our least favorite park so we'll see. Now I just need to get some dates for a family trip. We'll make it back to Disneyland before WDW. I know that they'll all want AKV regardless of when the trip is. They are AKV junkies!​

 

[rentayenta]

I took away that post, felt like I was bragging which I didn't mean

You're too funny! It's awesome you have until Wednesday. I'd be shouting from the rooftops. It didn't come across as bragging at all; just excitement. goodvibes:​

 

[franandaj]

Peaceful and relaxing are great. Your trip seems like it'll be a good mix of that, good food, and fun meets! I can't wait to read about Victoria and Albert's.

I agree. I've never been attracted to the VWL but the more info I gather, the more appealing they become.

Michael is totally in board now; it's me who's hesitating....if it weren't for the drive it'd be a no brainer. The drive is only one way thankfully.​

We stayed at the lodge in a suite on our first vacation to WDW together. It was magical! I went out to the geyser and watched it go off so many times! I loved it. We took the boat launch to a bunch of places as Fran was still able to walk wherever she wanted on that trip. It was the next one we realized she needed a wheelchair and broke down and got a scooter. When we got home she bought one so we never had to rent again, except we did until we understood the replacement of batteries.

Now we are good with it all and don't need to worry about batteries because we replace them often enough.