AO, Bday 10/27-10/31

[Fatalbie]

Just back from an AO trip to the BWV. First AO, first BWV, first time opening the previously packed OL. Glad to report that all the first were better than expected!! We arrived on 10/27, Tues. at 11:30 am, and no room ready. Did online check in and not sure if this is the reason, or if the resort was really sold out the night before, being food and wine.

Got the call for the room ready at about 3:30. It was a bottom floor studio by the pool and lobby. We asked if there was anything else and they said yes but it is at the end of a very long hallway, 3008. I found the long hallway to be the same as the SSR huge factor, no big deal. You walk all over the place anyway; certainly not as bad as people make it out to be. We traveled carry on with no toiletries. This makes things much easier, made possible by OL. The ceremonial grand opening of the OL was lots of fun. Happy belated Bday to Jon from OL, I think he is 10/30 or close to it. With the notifications that it is shipping and the notification that it is safely back in the warehouse, these guys are doing it right. Keep up the good work!!! We actually did a good job packing it and the only things missing were toothbrushes, which we promptly corrected. 3008 is right around the corner from the Attic. We had no problems with noise or anything else and found the back exit convenient on several occasions. The room had just been rehabbed and was in excellent condition, although I had no previous BWV stays to compare to. The new color theme and finish in the halls is very nicely done.

Spent the day at DTD and taking in the sights. Went to 6pm Cirque with a great DVC promo of 35% off cat 2 seats. Sat three rows from the back and on the isle either 204 or 205, GREAT SEATS!! Turf Club for dinner at 8:15. Not the biggest menu in The World, but consistently a quality dining experience. Had the same waitress we had last year with my family and she remembered us. It’s nice to see familiar faces. Hit the scary clown pool for a swim and a cigar, Black Pearl Maduro, before bed. DW goes to sleep early so I sneak them in when she is not looking.

Day two was an early walk to DHS for a ½ day and Epcot w/pm emh for a very full second half of the day. I loved Toy Story Mania!! It didn’t hurt that I won every time. Did a few shows and repeatedly rode ToT and RnR. Lines were practically walk on for most of our stay. Fastpass didn’t yield much of an advantage. Dinner at Morocco was surprisingly good, reviews on the DIS were miserable but I found it enjoyable. The atmosphere is clearly not romantic but the food was good, at least our choices. Another cigar at the pool late night, Rocky Patel 1992, and I met a couple of other DVC members who had done just about the same day I had. Even though she was a Pittsburg Steelers fan, she wasn’t all that bad, lol. Loved the ability to walk to both DHS and Epcot on this day.

Day three was a chill day. Hit the bakery for a snack and brewed our “home” coffee in the room. I’m not even a big coffee snob, but the stuff at DWD is not good. We rode some transportation and checked out some of the other resorts. Ate at Peppers Market for lunch and had a great meal; big portions for lunch. Dinner was at Kona Café. I am not much of Sushi eater, but after watching them prepare it I gave some a try. I had the sampler at dinner with mama nori, the whimpy white nori, and it was phenomenal. I had the pork chop and DW had scallops, both EXCELLENT. Dessert was banana/chocolate crème brulee and kiki coconut tart; again, both excellent. DW joined me at the pool for a quick dip in the hottub, followed by a CAO Brazil maduro when she went to bed. What can I say, I like a cigar when on vacation and the kids are not around.

Friday we celebrated our B-days, both 10/30, and did a full day at the MK. Lunch at Cosmic Rays, so so, and a tour of the BLT rooms. I like the location and the views but am only so so on the theme of the rooms. We went back to Kona for dinner because we liked it so much the night before. With both of us wearing B-day buttons they sang happy bday to us everywhere from Cosmic Rays to in line at the Astro Orbiter and other random places throughout the day. Corny but nice!! I thought it was pm EMH and was getting all ready for some rides after Wishes. Nope, park closed moose out front should have told you!! (Vacation reference) No cigar tonight!!

My opinion, great resort for our AO trip!! Not sure this is the resort I would want to go back to with the kids at 2 and 6, maybe when they get a bit older. I did find the sharing of busses to be a bit annoying, but being able to get off at the Swalphin and walk made up for it on most occasions.
I feel a bit more in tune with the SSR resort, but the choice of different venues makes DVC fun. I vow to try them all and give each an honest effort.

Many thanks to all who gave advice and suggestions for our AO trip. We did lots of stuff we have not been able to do with the kids and discovered many, many new things at each park.

DW carried the camera the whole trip. I think we took 3 photos.

Jim

[wdrl]

Originally Posted by Fatalbie

I feel a bit more in tune with the SSR resort, but the choice of different venues makes DVC fun. I vow to try them all and give each an honest effort.


Jim

Thanks for sharing your trip report. We are new members and, like you, are looking forward to trying all of the DVC resorts in the years to come.

[allflgirl]

[Hit the scary clown pool for a swim and a cigar, Black Pearl Maduro, before bed.]

This is too funny. I think the clown at the main pool is scary too. I always think about Stephen King's "IT" when I see that clown. It's even scarier at night with the eyes all light up.

Great report. Thanks for sharing.

Julia