We (Myself, DH, and almost 4 years old twins DS, DD) arrived back home the night of December 3rd from our first DVC trip and WE MISS IT ALREADY!! My trip report is as follows:
11/22 Fri: We arrived at the Orlando airport around 10:30am. We picked up the Avis rental car and checked in at our BWV studio. We were welcomed home and received our welcome package. Our room was located on the 5th floor. It was lovely as we had a lake view and we were able to see the fireworks at Epcot. After checking in, we headed for DD and had lunch at Rainforest Café. The food and service was average, but the atmosphere was great. We visited a few shops, walked around and had a great time in that part of town. We then decided to buy our park tickets. Late that afternoon we visited Epcot around 5pm til closing, We stayed for the 9pm Illuminations which was AWESOME. The BWV is located in a very convenient area. We were able to walk to Epcot or take the ferry.
11/23 Sat: We started our day in MK and got ourselves oriented for when the rest of our families arrive. My DHs folks were driving in from Louisiana with two grandchildren and my mom and her husband along with his two grandchildren were also driving in from Louisiana. We had plans to meet on Sunday. We headed back to BWV and freshened up for a 7:15 pm Hoop-Dee-Doo Dinner Show at Pioneer Hall. It was comical and entertaining. The young ones enjoyed it too.
11/24 Sun We had a 8:15am PS with Cinderella at her castle. Belle, Snow White, Mary Poppins, and the Prince was there too. Well, we met up with the other two families shortly after breakfast. We viewed the 3pm Share A Dream Come True Parade. It was great. We also viewed the 7 pm Spectromagic which was spectacular. The way the characters interacted with our two children during both parades was incredible. I will cherish every moment of seeing my DD and DS laughing, hugging, and kissing those characters.
11/25 Mon We had a 9am PS in Norway at Epcot with many Princesses. Belle, Snow White, Alice, Jasmine, Sleeping Beauty were there too. Again, we met up with the rest of the crew after breakfast and enjoyed Epcot for the day. We viewed the 6:10pm Tapestry of Dreams Parade and watched Illuminations at 9pm.
11/26 Tues We all met at MGM. Early entry day for us there. The coaster there was awesome. The kids loved Disney Playhouse and Under the Sea with Ariel. We viewed the 2:30 pm Stars and Motor Car Parade. I have to say we had been blessed on all the parades because we did not arrive at them as early as we should have but still was able to get front row so the kids could interact with the characters and get much attention. We got great video footage and pictures. We left MGM around 5pm to head for the Contemporary where we had a 5:45pm PS with Chef Mickey. GREAT character experience with Minnie, Mickey, Goofy, Chip and Dale. Donald did not come into the dining area, but we were able to see him up front. After dinner, we all went to the observation deck, where we were able to hear and watch 8pm Fantasy in the Sky. ENJOYABLE view. When we went back to BWV, we still had time to see the 9pm fireworks at Epcot from our balcony.
11/27 Wed We had an 8:30am PS with Donalds Breakfastosaurus. The Goofy character was not as friendly there he was at the other restaurants. We visited Animal Kingdom all day and even won a few stuffed animals for the kids in Dinoland. We viewed the 4pm Mickeys Jammin Street Carnival and headed back to BWV to freshen up. The rest of the family settled in, but we headed to MGM to see the Osborne Light Spectacular. Those magic glasses had angels everywhere. After that tour, we went to the theater to see the 8 pm Fantasmic show which was fantastic. We didnt get there but 35 minutes early and had wonderful seating.
11/28 Thurs Thanksgiving Day We visited MK to do discover what we did not cover on Sunday. We left around 5pm and took the ferry from MK to head for Whispering Canyon for Thanksgiving Dinner. We had to wait a long time for our table. We made reservations many months ago for a party of twelve. We were disappointed when they walked us to our two round tables (one seated 8 and the other seated 4). We were not dining as a family on this special day. THEN, the food was brought out to the table. We discovered that the chicken was uncooked. So we requested new chicken. GUESS WHAT? That chicken was uncooked too. TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE. Thank goodness that the facility had a wonderful atmosphere because that was the only good feature. From there we took the ferry back to MK and enjoyed the magic.
11/29 Fri We checked out of BWV and attempted to check in OKW. The room was not ready so we left and headed for Sea World. We stayed a little over a half day, came back to see our room and to freshen up. Our studio was in the back of the property 5020. It was very secluded and not being near the hospitality house didnt bother us. We then drove back to Sea World where we had a 4:15 PS to dine with Shamu. We enjoyed a few more shows and also rode Kraken (WOW!..what a coaster!) The 8pm fireworks at Sea World does not compare to Epcot Fireworks. Epcot is fabulous.
11/30 Sat We slept in and had breakfast in the room. We visited MK for half day. We later visited Epcot and had a 5:30pm PS at LeCellier. VERY DELICIOUS and we hope to make it a tradition every time we come to Disney. We enjoyed the world showcase and even caught a few glimpse of the Candlelight Procession. And of course, we viewed Illuminations at 9:30pm.
12/1 Sun We slept in and had a late breakfast at Olivias. Great Breakfast. At the childrens request, we drove to MGM to catch their favorite shows and we rode the coaster one more time. We then drove back to OKW and took a nap so we could be rested for MMCP from 7 til midnight. We arrived at MK around 5:45pm. We had a great view of Tinker Bell flying from the castle. We enjoyed Christmas shows such as Mickeys Twas the Night Before Christmas, Country Bears Christmas Show, and Mickeys Merry Christmas Parade. We also enjoyed short and fast lines, and of course, cookies and hot cocoa.
12/2 Mon This is our last night at Disney. We got an early start and drove to the Grand Floridan for an 8:30am PS at 1900 Park Fare. We dined with Mary Poppins, Pooh, Tigger, and Mad Hat. We then to the monorail to MK to ride the kids favorite, Thunder Railroad, Splash Mountain and Goofys Barnstormer. DS and DD enjoyed being assistant conductor on the train ALL ABOARD. We even got to sit up front in the monorail with the driver. We then set off to Epcot to see the tree ceremony at 5:55. and later was fortunate to have seats to see the Candelight Procession in its entirety. DH, DS and DD wanted to ride Test Track. So along the way, we found a great spot around the Mexico Cantina to view the 9:30 pm Illuminations. I saved a great spot, while they went to ride. They came back and we had dinner at the Cantina while waiting. I overheard people saying they had been holding their places since 7 pm to view the show. Unbelievable! IT WAS A GREAT WAY TO END OUR LAST NIGHT!
12/3 Tue We slept in and had breakfast in the room. We then drove to a few shops and then drove to Kissimmee to the Walmart. We ate lunch at an Olive Garden and shopped a little more. We then called it quits, and started driving toward the airport. But first, we made one last stop at Steak n Shake for a few shakes. We turned our car back early at the Airport and flew back home.
The two worse things that happened to us on this trip was Whispering Canyon and Disney transporation from MK on late nights. Not enough buses was available to bring us back home.
We had a grand time and cant wait to do it again. As a matter of fact, were thinking about visiting between June and August. I know that is a busy time of year, but out of those three months, which one would be the best as far as weather, crowds and events?
Thanks.
Tammy
11/22 Fri: We arrived at the Orlando airport around 10:30am. We picked up the Avis rental car and checked in at our BWV studio. We were welcomed home and received our welcome package. Our room was located on the 5th floor. It was lovely as we had a lake view and we were able to see the fireworks at Epcot. After checking in, we headed for DD and had lunch at Rainforest Café. The food and service was average, but the atmosphere was great. We visited a few shops, walked around and had a great time in that part of town. We then decided to buy our park tickets. Late that afternoon we visited Epcot around 5pm til closing, We stayed for the 9pm Illuminations which was AWESOME. The BWV is located in a very convenient area. We were able to walk to Epcot or take the ferry.
11/23 Sat: We started our day in MK and got ourselves oriented for when the rest of our families arrive. My DHs folks were driving in from Louisiana with two grandchildren and my mom and her husband along with his two grandchildren were also driving in from Louisiana. We had plans to meet on Sunday. We headed back to BWV and freshened up for a 7:15 pm Hoop-Dee-Doo Dinner Show at Pioneer Hall. It was comical and entertaining. The young ones enjoyed it too.
11/24 Sun We had a 8:15am PS with Cinderella at her castle. Belle, Snow White, Mary Poppins, and the Prince was there too. Well, we met up with the other two families shortly after breakfast. We viewed the 3pm Share A Dream Come True Parade. It was great. We also viewed the 7 pm Spectromagic which was spectacular. The way the characters interacted with our two children during both parades was incredible. I will cherish every moment of seeing my DD and DS laughing, hugging, and kissing those characters.
11/25 Mon We had a 9am PS in Norway at Epcot with many Princesses. Belle, Snow White, Alice, Jasmine, Sleeping Beauty were there too. Again, we met up with the rest of the crew after breakfast and enjoyed Epcot for the day. We viewed the 6:10pm Tapestry of Dreams Parade and watched Illuminations at 9pm.
11/26 Tues We all met at MGM. Early entry day for us there. The coaster there was awesome. The kids loved Disney Playhouse and Under the Sea with Ariel. We viewed the 2:30 pm Stars and Motor Car Parade. I have to say we had been blessed on all the parades because we did not arrive at them as early as we should have but still was able to get front row so the kids could interact with the characters and get much attention. We got great video footage and pictures. We left MGM around 5pm to head for the Contemporary where we had a 5:45pm PS with Chef Mickey. GREAT character experience with Minnie, Mickey, Goofy, Chip and Dale. Donald did not come into the dining area, but we were able to see him up front. After dinner, we all went to the observation deck, where we were able to hear and watch 8pm Fantasy in the Sky. ENJOYABLE view. When we went back to BWV, we still had time to see the 9pm fireworks at Epcot from our balcony.
11/27 Wed We had an 8:30am PS with Donalds Breakfastosaurus. The Goofy character was not as friendly there he was at the other restaurants. We visited Animal Kingdom all day and even won a few stuffed animals for the kids in Dinoland. We viewed the 4pm Mickeys Jammin Street Carnival and headed back to BWV to freshen up. The rest of the family settled in, but we headed to MGM to see the Osborne Light Spectacular. Those magic glasses had angels everywhere. After that tour, we went to the theater to see the 8 pm Fantasmic show which was fantastic. We didnt get there but 35 minutes early and had wonderful seating.
11/28 Thurs Thanksgiving Day We visited MK to do discover what we did not cover on Sunday. We left around 5pm and took the ferry from MK to head for Whispering Canyon for Thanksgiving Dinner. We had to wait a long time for our table. We made reservations many months ago for a party of twelve. We were disappointed when they walked us to our two round tables (one seated 8 and the other seated 4). We were not dining as a family on this special day. THEN, the food was brought out to the table. We discovered that the chicken was uncooked. So we requested new chicken. GUESS WHAT? That chicken was uncooked too. TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE. Thank goodness that the facility had a wonderful atmosphere because that was the only good feature. From there we took the ferry back to MK and enjoyed the magic.
11/29 Fri We checked out of BWV and attempted to check in OKW. The room was not ready so we left and headed for Sea World. We stayed a little over a half day, came back to see our room and to freshen up. Our studio was in the back of the property 5020. It was very secluded and not being near the hospitality house didnt bother us. We then drove back to Sea World where we had a 4:15 PS to dine with Shamu. We enjoyed a few more shows and also rode Kraken (WOW!..what a coaster!) The 8pm fireworks at Sea World does not compare to Epcot Fireworks. Epcot is fabulous.
11/30 Sat We slept in and had breakfast in the room. We visited MK for half day. We later visited Epcot and had a 5:30pm PS at LeCellier. VERY DELICIOUS and we hope to make it a tradition every time we come to Disney. We enjoyed the world showcase and even caught a few glimpse of the Candlelight Procession. And of course, we viewed Illuminations at 9:30pm.
12/1 Sun We slept in and had a late breakfast at Olivias. Great Breakfast. At the childrens request, we drove to MGM to catch their favorite shows and we rode the coaster one more time. We then drove back to OKW and took a nap so we could be rested for MMCP from 7 til midnight. We arrived at MK around 5:45pm. We had a great view of Tinker Bell flying from the castle. We enjoyed Christmas shows such as Mickeys Twas the Night Before Christmas, Country Bears Christmas Show, and Mickeys Merry Christmas Parade. We also enjoyed short and fast lines, and of course, cookies and hot cocoa.
12/2 Mon This is our last night at Disney. We got an early start and drove to the Grand Floridan for an 8:30am PS at 1900 Park Fare. We dined with Mary Poppins, Pooh, Tigger, and Mad Hat. We then to the monorail to MK to ride the kids favorite, Thunder Railroad, Splash Mountain and Goofys Barnstormer. DS and DD enjoyed being assistant conductor on the train ALL ABOARD. We even got to sit up front in the monorail with the driver. We then set off to Epcot to see the tree ceremony at 5:55. and later was fortunate to have seats to see the Candelight Procession in its entirety. DH, DS and DD wanted to ride Test Track. So along the way, we found a great spot around the Mexico Cantina to view the 9:30 pm Illuminations. I saved a great spot, while they went to ride. They came back and we had dinner at the Cantina while waiting. I overheard people saying they had been holding their places since 7 pm to view the show. Unbelievable! IT WAS A GREAT WAY TO END OUR LAST NIGHT!
12/3 Tue We slept in and had breakfast in the room. We then drove to a few shops and then drove to Kissimmee to the Walmart. We ate lunch at an Olive Garden and shopped a little more. We then called it quits, and started driving toward the airport. But first, we made one last stop at Steak n Shake for a few shakes. We turned our car back early at the Airport and flew back home.
The two worse things that happened to us on this trip was Whispering Canyon and Disney transporation from MK on late nights. Not enough buses was available to bring us back home.
We had a grand time and cant wait to do it again. As a matter of fact, were thinking about visiting between June and August. I know that is a busy time of year, but out of those three months, which one would be the best as far as weather, crowds and events?
Thanks.
Tammy
