Such a great update! I"m so glad you decided to do a trip report for this trip! I am lovin' it!!
You made great time driving to Orlando, I must say! Would you stay at BWV again? I've read here on the Dis about other people having rooms really far away while staying there, too.
Thanks so much, glad you are enjoying it. You know, I don't know if we will stay at BWV again with the kids for our longer trips, but if/when Tim and I go by ourselves for Food n' Wine, etc. then we would.
Love your trip report so far!! Can't wait to read all about your Cruise adventures!
Thanks, cruise stuff coming up, get ready for a LOT of pics and details.
Enjoyed the update. Looking forward to riding the new Star Tours and finding out if Luke gets to do Jedi training as this is something Declan wants to try as well.
So glad yo uenjoyed it. I write a column for disney dispatch dot com (google it) and today's column that I wrote (my column is "Happiest Tips On Earth") is all about my Hollywood Studios touring tips and it includes Jedi Training Academy tips : )
Yay, I love a Tim and Lesley Trip Report!!! I think we may have been at AKL at the same time. We were there June 25-30th. We moved to BLT on the 30ths. Were you there then? We stayed in Jambo house. It was so much fun.
We live about 30 minutes from Cincy so I know what that drive to Disney is like. We drove it at night which made it a lot easier but coming home during the day time seemed to take forever.
Love your pictures of the Boardwalk. We are there the beginning of our Thanksgiving trip.
Love all the pictures of Epcot. I agree, the world showcase is so much fun at night.
Can't wait to hear about the Dream!
Too funny, yes, we were at AKL from the 26th-1st, must have just missed you, we were in Jambo in the concierge level. Yes, the drive is brutal. Boardwalk is a lovely area to stay. Cruise info/pics to come!!
Joining in just in time. Can't wait to read about your cruise.
Yes, just in time, cruise update coming soon, get ready for lots of pics!
lovin it!!! Always wondered if you met diane from the Dis and you answered my question!! Can't get over Tim telling that lady off over the cigarette incident, disney rage!!! lol people can be so rude and inconsiderate, it never ceases to amaze!! Can't wait to hear all about the "Dream" magic!
Thanks, yes, we met on the Dis, one little Dis meet turned into a great friendship.
Great update. I really enjoyed riding Star Tours in June. My nephew was picked as the spy and he was just elated about it. Toy Story Mania is such an awesome ride. I wasn't much a fan of Hollywood Studios but it really has grown on me.
I can't wait to be in Epcot this weekend. Such a beautiful park. I cannot believe that lady and her cigarette. I hate it when people are smoking when there are children everywhere. They have area's for that. Ok, now i'll get off my soapbox.
Back to Epcot...I ate at Teppen Edo in March and I didn't think it was very good. We have a hibatchi place here in S.FL that is just incredible and I have yet to find a place that can compare. I don't think I would eat at Teppen Edo again, but I wouldn't discourage people from eating there because it is such a neat and fun experience.
I can't wait to read more about the cruise. I want to go on a cruise so bad but at the same time I am terrified of being stuck on a boat for however many days. I'm sure one day I will eventually give in.
To fun that your nephew was picked as a spy for as many times as we rode it this trip that never happened. What did you have at Teppan Edo? We love it there, didn't have a great chef this year but the food was good. I love the salad with ginger and the steak/shrimp combo. I think the food is better than our local place. The cruise was AMAZING, when you read through my report you will see you are not "stuck on a boat" at all, it's such an amazing experience!!
Can't believe I missed this!! Joining in now!
Welcome!
Sorry you had to move rooms and had a less than great location. Glad though you were not waiting forever on your room, we had a long day our check in day at the BCV, but the location we had for the villa made up for it!
The Boardwalk pool did have fun pool games! Did you mind the lack of cs that took the dining plan, or did you not notice on your short trip? We lunched and swam there and it made it hard for me to get lunch especially for the kids... and I know what you mean about the mugs, thankfully the BC pool had a self serve refill for mugs spot!
Great report... can't wait for the cruise part,
I am itching for a cruise, you and Anita really have me hoping we do one someday!
You have to do a cruise, you and the kids would LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!! We didn't notice the lack of CS options while we were there since we ate most of our meals in the parks. Tons of pics of the cruise to come.
Another great update! Looks like a great view from your room although you can tell how far of a walk you had! That lady was rude at Epcot about the cigarette, good for Tim to say something! Looking forward to the cruise!
Glad you are enjoying it, yes, nice view, NOT a nice hike each time.
Yay!!! Another Tim and Lesley, and Luke and Lauren TR. Can't wait to hear more.
Seeing the picture of the Flipper's pizza box made me miss them so much. I need to get back to FL for that pizza soon.
Ohhhhhhhhh Flippers, YUM!!!
Wow...Boardwalk looks really beautiful!!! So excited for your next morning!! I noticed you did the CS plan...what are your thoughts on the price increase for the dining plan for next year....especially the TS one/regular one?? I just don't see how we'll save any money with it!?
The Boardwalk area IS really beautiful! Well, we kinda "cheated" this time around. We didn't claim Luke on our reservation since we were staying DVC and have annual passes so we only had 2 adults and 1 child for the CS plan to pay for which ended up saving us money. With the increase next year, no, for CS I don't think it will be worth it.
Subbing in! I was so excited to see that you working on another TR, I always LOVE following along on your Disney Journeys! Would also love to hear more about your newest TA career.
Welcome! Thanks for reading/ posting. I'll send you a PM : )
Great update! I love the laid back way of touring that going every year gives you. Strolling through World Showcase is my favorite nighttime activity as well!
I know, it definitely has changed our touring style that's for sure. AhhhhhhWorld Showcase at night, wish I was there right now!
Oh wow your room location does seem like a hike! That's one of the reasons I've been hesitant about staying at the Boardwalk, some of the rooms are practically located at the Dolphin!
Yes, it was a hike indeed!!!
Ugh, you KNOW that room sat empty all night long. I just don't GET those things!!
LOVE being able to walk to two parks!!
Sweet! Maybe they are starting to recognize you guys and rewarding you for your Disney awesomeness!
Lauren is SO brave!!!
He sure did! But I couldn't get past how long his legs are! That boy is just growing like a weed (as my grandma would say!)
Wow... it must've been brutal out there!
Nice strategy guys!
Yes,I bet that room DID stay open all night, burns me up. Yes, Lauren is quite brave, I love that ride photo. I know, Luke sure is shooting up tall! It was BRUTALLY hot before the cruise, after the cruise, not so much (but you would know that wouldn't you : )
Those pool games are the best. So glad Luke and Lauren were able to enjoy them!
Disney spends so much time talking about all its conservation efforts...then they continue to be wasteful like this. It makes no sense!
My goodness, you really WERE far away from the elevators, weren't you! But pretty spectacular view!!
OMG... first of all... YAY TIM!!!! I'm so glad some people have the guts to say things to rude, trashy people! Second of all... WHY do people like this exist?! Who teaches them such a complete lack of etiquette and respect? It scares me how the world is filling up with trash like this! ugh!
Of COURSE you did!
I am SO excited to hear all about the ship!!! And I'm SO glad you guys did the cruise before we do... because I know I'm going to learn so much about the ship and will feel so prepared! (You already taught me about the alcohol.. so thanks!!)
Thanks again for your great reports, Lesley!
The pool games were super fun. Yes, that lady with her cigarette was ridiculous! TONS of updates on the sihp with lots of pics, I'll be sure to explain everything in detail for those of you who haven't cruised yet, it was a learning process for us and we had a blast so I hope you can learn a bit from us and have a fabulous time as well (well, you WILL for sure!!)
Great update! I'm excited to see you guys head to the Dream
Coming up soon! Thanks for reading/posting
I love that Tim said something to the lady with cigarette! Too bad she just doesn't get it.
She just DID NOT get it : )
A fun day, but so much walking! I don't blame Lauren for wearing down! I can't wait to experience the new Star Tours. That is one of my grandson's and my favorite rides, and we will never forget riding it first thing in the morning and having a storm trooper come in and look us over! The changes will make each experience a little different, so we will have to spend some time getting them all! I won't be at WDW for a while, but the one in DL is supposed to be the same so I will get to try it in October.
I can't wait to hear about the cruise. I REALLY want to do that.
Yes, the walking was crazy, especially for the kids. Star Tours is wonderful, you will love it!!! The cruise was AMAZING,lots of pics to come!
I am so excited for you Disney Dream update!!!! Can't wait!!!!!
Coming soon!!!
Wow! DHS was crowded!
Yay for not having to wait long to ride Star Tours. I can't wait to ride it next month.
It stinks that your room was so far away from everything. On the bright side, you were only there one night and it is Disney.
The BWI/BWV are so beautiful. The whole Epcot area is amazing.
I think I need to try Flippers...
Can't wait for the cruise portion to start!
It was REALLY crowded on all of our DHS days this trip. You are going to love Star Tours, such fun. Yes, do try Flippers, be sure to order the garlic bread sticks, YUM!
Another great update, Lesley!
Epcot has got to be my favorite park. There's just so much to see and do!
I'm glad Tim said something to that lady! That kind of attitude (on her part) irritates me to no end.
I can't wait to read about your posts on the Dream! We are in Orlando this week and as we drove to Cocoa Beach on Tuesday, we saw the Dream docked at Port Canaveral. I SO wanted to just take that exit and get on board!!!
Thanks again for writing such entertaining and interesting trip reports. It's been fun seeing your family grow up in your reports. Cheers to you for a fabulous job!!
Epcot has become our favorite too. I know, the Dream is AMAZING, I bet you did want to get on, I'm going through Dream withdrawl myself : ) Thanks for the compliments, I truly appreciate it.
I'm subbing!!! Yea!!! I just LOVE your trip reports, Lesley. I was so excited to find your new one this morning. I always get emotional reading your reports because your family shares our enthusiasm for the world so completely! I enjoy seeing how much you all love everything about your vacations. I can't wait to see your next update! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your memories with us!
Welcome! Glad you found us again. We just LOVE the World. Thanks so much for reading/posting.
Wonderful update! Sounds like a wonderful start to your trip. Well, except for having a room three miles away 
It was a GREAT start, yes, despite the LONG WALK!!
Love your BW pics! I've always wanted to stay there and now I want to even more
Also, cant wait to ride Star Tours! Your TR is making me more excited about our upcoming trip! TFS
It's a lovely place to stay. Glad I can help get you excited!!
How did I miss seeing your TR?!! Love reading all about your adventures and can't wait to read about your cruise aboard the Dream
BWV is our favorite resort (as you can see by our siggie) and last trip we rented DVC points for a 2-bedroom villa right next door to you (to your left as you are standing on the balcony). It was a long trek to the elevator - many times we just ran down the stairs and walked to Swan/Dolphin to catch the boat to HS or just walked. For some silly reason, we felt it was quicker to walk down the hallway to the stairs that come out behind Screen Door to catch the boat to Epcot. This was the second trip that I requested close to the elevator and got rooms way down at Crest O' Wave (in Dec 2008 I had a foot brace on and got room #2001 but luckily I got moved between Thimbles and Threads & Screen Door on the third floor).
You have such a beautiful family - so fun watching your videos, looking at pics and feeling like we are right along on your journey!
Glad yo ufound us again. Yes, we did the stairs some times too. Thanks so much, I appreciate your nice comments.
Another fun installment!
Oh EPCOT at night ----
heavenly! Teppan Edo is one of our favorite places to eat too. So YUM! My DD was craving Teppan Edo a few months ago so we went to our local Benihana (not the same, but it was tasty). As I sat there watching the chef I wished that after we were done eating we'd be walking around World Showcase and not getting back in our car to go home!!
OK, I need to try one of those Grey Goose slushies.....so many people rave about them. I'm actually allergic to alcohol (yes, it's a curse!) but I can usually get by with one drink and feel OK.
And BRAVO to Tim for saying something to the lady with the cigarette. How rude was she???!!??
Looking forward to reading about the Dream.....
Debbie
Glad you are enjoying the updates. I agree, just love Teppan Edo!! Yes, try a Grey Goose for sure, one and you should be o.k they are to die for! She was SOOOOOo rude! She told him to "f" off a few times too really loudly for my kids to hear, REALLLLLLL classy! Updates on the Dream to come with a TON of pics!
I can't believe this. If you look behind your daughter, you will see the butt of my youngest sticking out behind her. If you have other photos of the group my oldest is on the other team wearing goggles over her eyes out of the water.
Too funny!!!!!
yay made it in time for the cruise part!!!
))) I'm sure it was amazing.
Coming up soon, it was beyond amazing, can't wait to share it with you guys.
Sounds like a great Disney day to me. Loved seeing all the pics of DHS, Epcot and the Boardwalk. I really like your Mickey American flag shirt. Can't wait to hear all about the Dream.
It was a great Disney Day! The Mickey flag shirt was actually an Old Navy Find, Tim got one too. : )
