08 DEC 2007 - 7 Day Eastern Magic Part 2

[TheTXTaylors5]

The Taylor's October WDW & DVC Tour Trip Report

Tuesday (October 23, 2007):

We woke up planning on going to Cape Canaveral to see the space shuttle launch. But, no one was budging before 8 am that morning. We were all tired from the night before. We noticed the night before a note slipped under our door regarding a $100 gift card for attending an Open House. So, we planned to show that later to our Vacation Guide in hopes of getting another nice little gift. We had a quick breakfast in the room and checked out of the BCV. Then, we headed to the Wilderness Lodge to check it out before our meeting with our DVC Guide later that day. WL has DVC Villas there. We fell in love with the WL. It is a beautiful resort. We are staying there in December before the cruise and can't wait! A CM from the front desk took us over to the DVC Villas so we could see a room. Pictures do not do the rooms justice. From the pictures we saw it looked old, but in person it looked quaint.

After looking at the Villas, we had lunch at the Whispering Canyon Cafe. Bill and Jennifer munched on the skillet. It was gooooood. But, way too much food. We wouldn't get it again. DS7 and DD5 raced around the restaurant on pole horses with the other kids. They had fun! After lunch, we found the geyser and got to see it blow.

Then it was time to make our decision whether we were buying into the DVC or not. Our first choice would have been Beach Club Villas, but none were available at this time. So, we wanted to make the most of the current incentives and bonuses and went with the Animal Kingdom Villas knowing we could always stay at the BCV in the future too. The best of both worlds. We went to SSR and signed on the dotted line (many times) and are now DVC Members. We can't wait to take the kids to WDW and the other DVC properties. We look forward to many fun-filled family vacations in the future.

- Jennifer

 

[brack]

OK, the kids are fed. Is it time for dinner and a ?

- Bill

OOOOPS ..... Sorry Bill

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Done in true wench style.

- Bill

 

[Cruise]

I've always wanted to go to WDW with just a small rolling case but my DW want let me.

You could always just do all your stuff in one carryon just to see if you can! We'll be doing Christmas at my Grandmother's right after the cruise and we'll just do carryon for that. Always makes it so much easier getting in and out of the airport.

And even though I just do carryon, I refuse to get the "maximum allowed" size one. Even though they allow up to 22", I find the overhead compartments won't always fit them comfortably. With the 18", it can go in either sideways or front to back and they still close. I hate seeing people taking the biggest bags possible and then still trying to sneak on an extra bag!

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Okay, I am back only one day and am already the wench again!

- Jennifer

 

[brack]

After lunch, we found the geyser and got to see it blow.

- Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Okay, I am finally done with the Trip Report. It is time for dinner. I am off for the evening. Everyone have a great evening and for those in CA keep safe!

- Jennifer

 

[Cruise]

Do you guys know what kind of incentives they offer on the cruise for signing up with DVC? And, is there any way to spin it as an "investment" rather than a vacation club? DH is talking about investments.... but he never talks about vacations.

 

[brack]

Do you guys know what kind of incentives they offer on the cruise for signing up with DVC? And, is there any way to spin it as an "investment" rather than a vacation club? DH is talking about investments.... but he never talks about vacations.

The incentives change I'm sure but they are usually as good as you can get when you're onboard.

It's an investment in your health and well being because vacations are vital to the family. Don't wait until you get as old as I am to find that out. Investing in DVC finally made sense to me and I wish that it had 15 years ago!

 

[Cruise]

I'm hoping if we ever do take the plunge and have a little one that he'll see more value in spending time out of the office. In which case, I think Disney makes the most sense for vacations.

 

[brack]

I'm hoping if we ever do take the plunge and have a little one that he'll see more value in spending time out of the office. In which case, I think Disney makes the most sense for vacations.

Sometimes we learn too late how important family vacations are. I am so glad that my 34yo DS still wants to go on a vacation with us ..... with or without his DW.

 

[AmberDaClown]

No brunch or high tea available as of 8:30 EDT.

 

[brady961]

When I went in Sept there were no brunch, or tea available on the website. However, once we boarded we went and made ressies for brunch, and was third on the waiting list for tea. we got called for the tea but since had brunch on the same day we didn't do the tea.

so first thing to do is go check on ressies for brunch, tea etc.... or at least get on the waiting list.

I thought for sure there was no way we would get brunch but we did even without being put on a waiting list although online nothing was available.

so check first thing once boarding. good luck

 

[coastgirl]

Really enjoyed the TR, Jennifer. Congratulations, it sounds like a nice step for your family. And if you guys can get there in one day well I guess you'll get fair value from your investment! That drive was...awesome, especially given the kids in tow. I could probably do something similar with my two with the DVD player in full use, but a 2 yo in the mix definitely increases the level of difficulty!

 

[coastgirl]

When I went in Sept there were no brunch, or tea available on the website. However, once we boarded we went and made ressies for brunch, and was third on the waiting list for tea. we got called for the tea but since had brunch on the same day we didn't do the tea.

so first thing to do is go check on ressies for brunch, tea etc.... or at least get on the waiting list.

I thought for sure there was no way we would get brunch but we did even without being put on a waiting list although online nothing was available.

so check first thing once boarding. good luck

Thanks for the reassurance Marsha. I know this is perverse, but I'm actually enjoying the constant checking.
And now I'm peeking at my room assignment constantly too, waiting to see it change from "gty" to something else I can obsess about! (Forward? Aft? Which deck?? )

 

[brack]

Thanks for the reassurance Marsha. I know this is perverse, but I'm actually enjoying the constant checking.
And now I'm peeking at my room assignment constantly too, waiting to see it change from "gty" to something else I can obsess about! (Forward? Aft? Which deck?? )

The first one who spots a room assignment has to post it quick. Maybe we can have a prize for the first post of a GTY assignment!

 

[coastgirl]

heh heh heh. Maybe I'd have a better chance at that than a second pirate!

 

[mommyoftwinfants]

I knew that I wasn't going crazy in thinking that Airtran was part of DCL onboard check-in. Already booked with AA though


Disney Cruise Line Announces Onboard Airline Check-in Service

CELEBRATION, Fla. -- Disney Cruise Line strives to offer guests a hassle-free vacation experience by providing extra services, such as Disney's Magical Express, that help eliminate some of the stresses of family travel. And beginning this fall, select guests sailing with Disney Cruise Line will find their vacation experience has been made even easier with the introduction of Onboard Airline Check-In. This new service will allow qualified guests to check-in for their post-cruise flights while on board the Disney Magic or Disney Wonder, eliminating the need to do so at Orlando International Airport.

Guests participating in Onboard Airline Check-In will enjoy the ease and convenience of not having to collect their luggage upon debarkation--checked luggage will be transported directly from the ship to the guest's flight. While on their cruise, guests' boarding passes will be delivered to their staterooms the day prior to disembarkation. Upon the ship's return to Port Canaveral, participating guests can proceed directly to Customs and then to Orlando International Airport where they bypass check-in and continue straight to airport security and on to their assigned departure gate.

In order to take advantage of this service, guests will need to meet certain requirements and be booked on a domestic flight on one of the seven participating air carriers: AirTran Airways, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Northwest Airlines, or United Airlines/Ted. Eligible guests will be able to enroll for Onboard Airline Check-in by completing pre-registration information received at Orlando International Airport or one of the Disney Cruise Line Hospitality Desks at the Walt Disney World Resort and turning it in during check-in at Port Canaveral.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a Disney Cruise Line vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at (888) DCL-2500. Travel agents can call Disney Cruise Line at (888) 325-2500 or visit disneytravelagents.com.

 

[mommyoftwinfants]

Glad y'all had a nice trip to see the mouse. When we drove we didn't have the slightest problem with the boys because they were just dying to meet Mickey and on the way home they slept almost the whole way because we were at the parks late every night and they were up by 7:00 everyday ready to see the rest of the characters.

Congrats on DVC
"Welcome HOME!!!"

next June will be our 1st stay as members, only wish we would have held out for AKV

 

[mommyoftwinfants]

The first one who spots a room assignment has to post it quick. Maybe we can have a prize for the first post of a GTY assignment!

How about "5"