145 Middle Schoolers: Wicked Awesome or Epic Fail???DeParting-Such Sweet Sorrow p. 76

[natebenma]

I forgot to tell you we are definitely going to FL in July. Hoping to go 7/1-7/11. Flights come out Nov. 19. I'm sure the flights will be a lot better than April.

You've been in July before right?

Yes, our two trips to the Beach Club (2009 and 2010) were during the second week in July and in 2011 we visited Universal/IoA during the second week in July. We really like that time and have been pretty lucky with weather. Hot, but bearable. Each of those weeks had wicked late afternoon storms once or twice during the week, but not a washout by any means.

Best advice is EARLY, EARLY, EARLY! We always go to the extra magic hour park, and find that it is not crowded at all until about 10:30 or 11. You can get so much done in those first couple of hours and then you are ahead of the crowds for the rest of the day.

We will hopefully be looking at a July return to Florida this summer, too.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Yes, our two trips to the Beach Club (2009 and 2010) were during the second week in July and in 2011 we visited Universal/IoA during the second week in July. We really like that time and have been pretty lucky with weather. Hot, but bearable. Each of those weeks had wicked late afternoon storms once or twice during the week, but not a washout by any means.

Best advice is EARLY, EARLY, EARLY! We always go to the extra magic hour park, and find that it is not crowded at all until about 10:30 or 11. You can get so much done in those first couple of hours and then you are ahead of the crowds for the rest of the day.

We will hopefully be looking at a July return to Florida this summer, too.

Thanks Dee! We always go early too so I'm sure we'll be all set. I don't think the crowds are any worse than spring break.

 

[jwwi]

Love the WS pictures of you all soaked. Us disers sure know how to make the best of things, esp when we are at WDW!

 

[MEK]

That sushi looks good. Too bad the meal voucher didn't work there. That's a bummer.

I love the kimono that the student purchased and I am a big fan of the Pearl Ceremony. It's so fun!

 

[natebenma]

Thanks Dee! We always go early too so I'm sure we'll be all set. I don't think the crowds are any worse than spring break.

I have never visited during Spring Break, but I think it is busier then than it is in the summer. I would be willing to go and check it out!

Love the WS pictures of you all soaked. Us disers sure know how to make the best of things, esp when we are at WDW!

That's a great way to look at it! I would rather be soaked at Disney than dry at home.

That sushi looks good. Too bad the meal voucher didn't work there. That's a bummer.

I love the kimono that the student purchased and I am a big fan of the Pearl Ceremony. It's so fun!

I was kicking myself that I didn't pay more attention to which restaurants took the vouchers. I just assumed all of the counter service places at Disney accepted them. My bad!

The sushi was good, but it wasn't my first choice, especially since I had sushi for lunch the day before. However it was easy to transport in the rain and to eat. But I'm sure you can appreciate what I was craving- food from Tangierine Cafe! Mmmmmmm...

I hadn't been in the shop in Japan for many years, so I really loved looking around and I was really impressed by the Pearl Ceremony.

 

[natebenma]

I have a relatively quiet weekend coming up, so I hope to get another update to the report written.

We are in the home stretch! Just a few more updates before I'm done.

 

[pixarmom]

The food was fine, but I would have prefered something other than sushi since I had just had that for lunch the day before. I love the food at the Tangierine Cafe, and I love the roasted beet and goat cheese salad at Sunshine Seasons, but it was just TOO WET to manage stops at either of those places.

OK, I'm back! Given your enjoyment of things like roasted beets, goat cheese, and sushi, I'm even more convinced that we need to have lunch some day!

As I continue to read your report, I'm really looking forward to your ultimate conclusions regarding the trip and the chaperone opportunity. Our oldest has always wanted for me to chaperone, but his reason for hesitation now is the behavior of some of his classmates. And he's right - on their last overnight, 3 of eight boys were sent home for misbehavior. Very good school - not-so-good homeroom.

Cynthia, this is is OT, but if you're still reading, I'd love to hear your post-Alaska cruise advice! We had such an amazing time on the Wonder to Alaska in August that it's quite difficult to imagine that any other vacation will compare. We're planning returns to WDW, Florida and California (Newport) for 2013, and London/Paris/Rome in 2014. But we LOVED Alaska, so I'm feeling a bit "homesick" for the Wonder, and I'm wondering how you felt about cruising in other places after that incredible experience.

 

[eandesmom]

Cynthia, this is is OT, but if you're still reading, I'd love to hear your post-Alaska cruise advice! We had such an amazing time on the Wonder to Alaska in August that it's quite difficult to imagine that any other vacation will compare. We're planning returns to WDW, Florida and California (Newport) for 2013, and London/Paris/Rome in 2014. But we LOVED Alaska, so I'm feeling a bit "homesick" for the Wonder, and I'm wondering how you felt about cruising in other places after that incredible experience.

Hi! I know exactly what you mean, Jeff would do Alaska again in a heartbeat! I will say, overall our summer trip (OKW, Vero, Dream, AKV) which only had 1 park day, equalled the Alaska trip for us. It was amazing. But comparing the cruises only we'd give it to the Wonder and Alaska. That may not be fair since the Dream was a 4 nighter. We vastly pretended the longer cruise. Ship wise there were things we liked better about each.

Dream: staterooms, meridian, theater set up/seating , shops, royal palace (versus Tritons), head server, palo server, castaway cay.

Wonder: adult pool, our dining servers, stateroom host, ports, excursions and Tracy arm, layout of palo (food was equal on both)

I was pleasantly surprised to feel so at home on the Dream, it was familiar yet not overwhelmingly bigger which I had worried about. We don't care for Nassau but hasn't expected to.

We will cruise again, my preference would be Magic or Fantasy for a 7 nighter but going back to Alaska isn't out of the question either. I did book a dummy so we'd have that option. I doubt we will be on the Dream again unless its an add on, even though we did the 4 instead of 3 you are just settled when it's time to get off. 5 could be ok but 7 seems just right! That said, Castaway Cay was everything everyone said it was and the kids are dying to go back. They preferred the Dream due to Castaway Cay.

We are considering the Magic in Europe but in all cases it's no until 2015 or 15. Europe would tie it into a bigger and longer trip. We have NO desire to cruise with any other line.

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi Dee! Happy belated birthday - what a great day to celebrate you! The moment of levity for your mom's mass sounds like it was the perfect light-hearted touch. I'm glad that you were able to smile despite the circumstances.

Continuing with the saga of the 145 middle schooler's adventures.... I'm glad that you were able to grab some sushi (oops! reading the fine print on the back wouldn't have been on my radar) and be entertained with the how big is the pearl in this oyster show while the boy was getting his kimono fit and purchased.

Looking forward to the last few chapters of this adventure!

 

[natebenma]

OK, I'm back! Given your enjoyment of things like roasted beets, goat cheese, and sushi, I'm even more convinced that we need to have lunch some day!

As I continue to read your report, I'm really looking forward to your ultimate conclusions regarding the trip and the chaperone opportunity. Our oldest has always wanted for me to chaperone, but his reason for hesitation now is the behavior of some of his classmates. And he's right - on their last overnight, 3 of eight boys were sent home for misbehavior. Very good school - not-so-good homeroom.

Cynthia, this is is OT, but if you're still reading, I'd love to hear your post-Alaska cruise advice! We had such an amazing time on the Wonder to Alaska in August that it's quite difficult to imagine that any other vacation will compare. We're planning returns to WDW, Florida and California (Newport) for 2013, and London/Paris/Rome in 2014. But we LOVED Alaska, so I'm feeling a bit "homesick" for the Wonder, and I'm wondering how you felt about cruising in other places after that incredible experience.

I agree- you and I would have a fine time eating our way around the World! Can we skip Cosmic Rays, though?

When I post my conclusions about the trip, they will probably sound very familiar to you!

Hi! I know exactly what you mean, Jeff would do Alaska again in a heartbeat! I will say, overall our summer trip (OKW, Vero, Dream, AKV) which only had 1 park day, equalled the Alaska trip for us. It was amazing. But comparing the cruises only we'd give it to the Wonder and Alaska. That may not be fair since the Dream was a 4 nighter. We vastly pretended the longer cruise. Ship wise there were things we liked better about each.

Dream: staterooms, meridian, theater set up/seating , shops, royal palace (versus Tritons), head server, palo server, castaway cay.

Wonder: adult pool, our dining servers, stateroom host, ports, excursions and Tracy arm, layout of palo (food was equal on both)

I was pleasantly surprised to feel so at home on the Dream, it was familiar yet not overwhelmingly bigger which I had worried about. We don't care for Nassau but hasn't expected to.

We will cruise again, my preference would be Magic or Fantasy for a 7 nighter but going bak to Alaska isn't out of the quezon either. I did book a dummy so we'd have that option. I doubt we will be on the Dream again unless its an add on, even though we did the 4 instead of 3 you are just settled when it's time to get off. 5 could be ok but 7 seems just right! That said, Castaway Cay was everything everyone said it was and the kids are dying to go back. They preferred the Dream due to Castaway Cay.

We are considering the Magic in Europe but in all cases it's no until 2015 or 15. Europe would tie it into a bigger and longer trip. We have NO desire to cruise with any other line.

Cynthia, thanks for sharing your comparison about the two cruises with us!

Hi Dee! Happy belated birthday - what a great day to celebrate you! The moment of levity for your mom's mass sounds like it was the perfect light-hearted touch. I'm glad that you were able to smile despite the circumstances.

Continuing with the saga of the 145 middle schooler's adventures.... I'm glad that you were able to grab some sushi (oops! reading the fine print on the back wouldn't have been on my radar) and be entertained with the how big is the pearl in this oyster show while the boy was getting his kimono fit and purchased.

Looking forward to the last few chapters of this adventure!

Thanks for the birthday greetings. I do love the festivities that surround my special day! I am also thankful for the funny moments at my mom's service. Humor is a really important part of my life, and it is a great coping mechanism for our family!

I wish I had paid attention to the valid restaurants on the vouchers.

As it turns out, there really weren't very many World Showcade options. Had I known, I probably would have gotten something while I was still at the food court at All Star Movies. As it turns out, I would have had plenty of time while waiting for the other chaperones to show up for the bus.

I did enjoy the time I spent in Japan. Lots of really cool things to look at and watch.

 

[natebenma]

We left Japan and headed toward the International Gateway so we could take a Friendship Boat over to Hollywood Studios. I was really excited, because although I hadn’t had a chance to visit my beloved Beach Club during this trip or meet up with Teena, at least I would have a glimpse of home.

Thankfully, the rain had either stopped or had really let up.

First, we passed by Morocco. I told the other chaperone about a certain phallic photo-op I had seen in trip reports (a hidden “dickie”), but I didn’t know exactly where it is, so we didn’t find it. Could someone who knows the location let me know how to locate it (I’m looking at YOU, Lisa!)

Here’s a couple of pictures across the World Showcase

We passed by France

When we got to the International Gateway, there was a photopass photographer, so I stopped for a photo.

And we arrived at the Friendship Boat Dock

When the boat arrived, I decided I would sit out back on the bench so my view would not be obstructed by windows. The seats were wet, but that didn’t really matter because my seat was already wet anyway. The worst part about my seating decision was the diesel smell throughout the ride, but I stayed where I was and took in the beautiful views of the Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boarwalk and Swalphin.

Continued in Next Post: A Picture Perfect Ride

 

[natebenma]

Beach Club:

Yacht Club:

Boats Leaving the YC dock, heading to BW

Boardwalk:

Swan/Dolphin

Next up: A Mostly Fantasmic Finale

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Oh Dee those pictures of the beach club are just amazing I think if I'd been you I might just have jumped ship

 

[Queila]

The pictures came out great. I love that it was the end of the day and you can see the lights on in some of the rooms.
Good girl for braving the rain. Hope you did not end up with a cold.

Q

 

[eandesmom]

I hadn't heard about that site in Morocco...but do know where it is now thanks to Pat. I did take pictures. Though I'm not sure if the DIS would block or not. I mean...it's part of the building, right?

For future reference, it's in the way back, behind the store.

You poor thing, you were wet! No wonder sitting outside on the boat wasn't an issue. Worth it though, you got some lovely nighttime shots! I swear, it's one of the prettiest places in the world at night...the entire Boardwalk area.

 

[natebenma]

Oh Dee those pictures of the beach club are just amazing I think if I'd been you I might just have jumped ship

Thank you!

It was nice to see the resorts, even if I didn't stop in.

The pictures came out great. I love that it was the end of the day and you can see the lights on in some of the rooms.
Good girl for braving the rain. Hope you did not end up with a cold.

Q

It is neat looking at the pictures and seeing some lights on and some off. I noticed that too!

I didn't end up with a cold, but boy was I worn out by the end of the trip! Early mornings. Late nights. Rain. Rollercoaster emotions.

I hadn't heard about that site in Morocco...but do know where it is now thanks to Pat. I did take pictures. Though I'm not sure if the DIS would block or not. I mean...it's part of the building, right?

For future reference, it's in the way back, behind the store.

You poor thing, you were wet! No wonder sitting outside on the boat wasn't an issue. Worth it though, you got some lovely nighttime shots! I swear, it's one of the prettiest places in the world at night...the entire Boardwalk area.

Thanks for the help with the directions. I have seen the picture posted on the DIS, so it slipped by the censors at least once.

Yes, I was pretty wet. Drastic measures were taken by the end of the night. Tightwad Dee actually opened her wallet. More about that later.

I enjoyed taking the pictures from the boat. It really was beautiful!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

It's to bad you weren't able to get over to the BC to see Teena, but at least you rode by and saw
it.

Happy belated Birthday Dee!! I thought I had posted earlier but I guess not.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

I forgot to say we were right near your neck of the woods. DH and I went to NH for the weekend.

 

[MEK]

Yeah - we found it. It's pretty obvious once you are standing in front of it and know what you are looking for.

You really are soaked. That rain - yuck.

Thank for all the great picture of the Beach Club and the surrounding areas. I love seeing it get duskier and the lights come on. It looks so pretty.

 

[333disneymom]

Hi Dee - just caught up. Love your pics of the Beach Club! Pick a pearl is always one of our favorite locations in World Showcase. I think I have 4 items from there and my daughters have just started their collections. The kimonos are beautiful! Love the Photopass pic. No rain is going to stop you from enjoying Disney!