3 Generations! 2 Resorts! 10 Days! DxDp! 3000 Pictures! - Saying Good-Bye!

[hstrickland]

Sounds like the perfect day in Epcot.....I am putting La Hacineda on our to do list for 2012.........I'm already planning

Why do I NOT find this surprising at all! And which resort?? Or have you gotten that far???

Yes! I'm really excited about our ADRs for this trip. My daughter wanted to return to CRT and Akershus, so we will be repeating those. But we are also going to try Crystal Palace, Le Cellier, Tutto Italia, Kouzzina, and more. I'm really so looking forward to staying at BWV and being able to walk into Epcot for the F&W Festival - amazing!!

Looking forward to your next update!

We did CRT last year and this year....the whole family loves it! Last year we did lunch after DD did BBB...this year we did breakfast so we could get into the park early! We haven't done Kouzzina, but it's on our list for sure. The other ADRs you listed are great! My favorite of those is probably Le Cellier...ya can't beat their steaks...we've always had GREAT service there, too.

Just being nosey again...but what made you decide to choose BWV? I'm always curious as to how people choose a resort....there's so many to choose from!!

Well, that was certainly a ringing endorsement from you and Dad! I almost feel like I should take DH there to get his opinion. I didn't think the food or service was bad in any way, I just felt the menu was very limited for a Mexican restaurant.

I know this didn't happen to you, but there was a woman who was some sort of certified tequila expert (CTE?) who made the rounds to every table asking guests to purchase tequila shots and offering advice and while I'm sure she was very knowledgeable, I wasn't in the mood for the tequila schtick. Maybe because I was there alone with DD.

Your photos are so lovely that I feel like they could be in a menu! And, I feel the exact same way about San Angel. We used to love eating there, but DH crossed it off the list for our next trip (that's why I should probably take hime to LH). SAI is my favorite "atmosphere," too! But, yikes, what happened to it the past few years? The service, the food - oh, those horrible chips. It's sad because I want to like going there again. I even love sitting near the "water" watching the boats go by, going into all the shops while we wait (and wait and wait) for our table.

Love the Wishes photo - great review!

I'm in total agreement about the limited menu...I was really a bit surprised. You would think they would have a few more choices And the menu seems to be fairly authentic...cactus leaves, mole, chorizo, those peppers my dad ate...but then what do I know? I'm not Mexican!

Thank goodness we didn't have the CTE making her rounds! I'm not very knowledgeable, nor do we do shots...that might have been annoying. I didn't see anyone there doing that. Were yall there when it first opened?? Maybe they were doing it for promotional purposes???

Ok...I can see that we would get along well....DH and I completely agree with you... a big to those horrible chips at SAI. The last time we were there, the chips were literally from a bag...I almost sent them back!! I was shocked...and the service was just so-so. We've thought about going back maybe for lunch...just to see if things have changed since Hacienda is next door. The tables were also so close together we could barely move. I haven't looked at any recent reviews lately....here's a little to help them out! It use to be one of my favorites!!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I loved La Hacienda too. SO yummy!! . Cannot wait to go back in October. Truly sounds like the perfect night. Isn't it cool walking around a nearly empty Epcot?!

 

[princessamie]

Mmmm...that food looks wonderful!!!
There is nothing better than a nice peaceful walk through an empty Epcot! We stayed at the lights in the walkway for a long time on this trip!!!!

 

[RGirl]

We did CRT last year and this year....the whole family loves it! Last year we did lunch after DD did BBB...this year we did breakfast so we could get into the park early! We haven't done Kouzzina, but it's on our list for sure. The other ADRs you listed are great! My favorite of those is probably Le Cellier...ya can't beat their steaks...we've always had GREAT service there, too.

Just being nosey again...but what made you decide to choose BWV? I'm always curious as to how people choose a resort....there's so many to choose from!!

That is almost exactly what we are doing with CRT - we have a before-park-opening BBB appointment and lunch at CRT. We did the same last year but without the super-early BBB appointment (did late morning instead - wasn't sure how we would feel getting up that early flying from the West Coast).

I am really looking forward to trying Kouzzina. I'm a big fan of all those celebrity chef types.

As far as BWV, I really wanted to stay DVC because I am kind of interested in buying in but can't see doing that without staying that way at least once. I narrowed it down to an Epcot resort because I love the idea of walking over for the F&WF whenever the mood strikes. I have a friend who owns DVC and she looked around for points for us at both BCV and BWV. When she was able to snag us a 1-bedroom with a Boardwalk view, I was sold!

What is your favorite resort?

 

[onelilspark]

I love it when you're one of the last to leave a park, so peaceful!

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

If you can talk your family into it, try to get a ressie around the time of illuminations...so neat for the kids! Some of the reviews on Hacienda have been less than favorable Although, I will say, I can understand why. If you are use to Tex-Mex kind of food, then you might not like it. There aren't any burritos, enchiladas, etc. on the menu. I would like to go back and try the tilapia...it sounded really nice. Our waiter was the one of the best we had while on our trip....just a really friendly person that seemed to love his job.

If you go...and it's horrible...don't blame me I'll plead the 5th!

I would never blame you..... I just was looking at the ddp 2012 participating resturaunts and there is a bunch from epcot-WS not on there. I wonder if it was a misprint. I cant imagine them taking off half of the WS. Hacienda was not one of them listed.

 

[hstrickland]

I loved La Hacienda too. SO yummy!! . Cannot wait to go back in October. Truly sounds like the perfect night. Isn't it cool walking around a nearly empty Epcot?!

Mmmm...that food looks wonderful!!!
There is nothing better than a nice peaceful walk through an empty Epcot! We stayed at the lights in the walkway for a long time on this trip!!!!

I love it when you're one of the last to leave a park, so peaceful!

I think I have found a 'new' something to do at WDW....wait to be the last to leave!! Seriously...it was so cool! Since my dad and I love taking pictures, it's the perfect opportunity to get great night shots. The park has an entirely different feel....love it!!!! I can hear my husband now....."great!! Early morning and LATE nights!!!"

I would never blame you..... I just was looking at the ddp 2012 participating resturaunts and there is a bunch from epcot-WS not on there. I wonder if it was a misprint. I cant imagine them taking off half of the WS. Hacienda was not one of them listed.

Not sure if this still holds true, but in recent experience, some of the EP restaurants are not owned by WDW, so they have to come to agreements with the DDP....they will usually be added before the year begins. If this is incorrect, somebody help me out. It happened with Yak and Yeti last year....wasn't on the DDP, then showed up

That is almost exactly what we are doing with CRT - we have a before-park-opening BBB appointment and lunch at CRT. We did the same last year but without the super-early BBB appointment (did late morning instead - wasn't sure how we would feel getting up that early flying from the West Coast).

I am really looking forward to trying Kouzzina. I'm a big fan of all those celebrity chef types.

As far as BWV, I really wanted to stay DVC because I am kind of interested in buying in but can't see doing that without staying that way at least once. I narrowed it down to an Epcot resort because I love the idea of walking over for the F&WF whenever the mood strikes. I have a friend who owns DVC and she looked around for points for us at both BCV and BWV. When she was able to snag us a 1-bedroom with a Boardwalk view, I was sold!

What is your favorite resort?

We've thought about DVC, too. We haven't been convinced, yet. This past trip, they were offering a really great incentive....a cruise and $200 gift card or something like that. I would like to sit through one of those 'talks' just hear what they have to say. After your trip, you'll have to let us know what you decide. I'll be interested to see how you like it!!

As far as my favorite resort....hmmmm....this is going to sound strange, but I have a few. Most people have one that they completely love and that's where they go every trip. I really like the Poly and GF because of atmosphere....size of rooms, monorail, great theme...both really feel like 'resorts'. Neither of these resort feel 'hetic' to me. I like the CR for sentimental reasons...we stayed there as children...brings back great memories. I also REALLY like the actual room...beds are great!!!...The CR is a little hetic feeling, but I still like it. So if I had to rate them it would be 1-GF, 2-Poly, 3- CR....they are all so different, but each has something special to offer. Also, I like to try something new each time we go....I know....strange We have never stayed at the EP resorts, but the BC/YC is on the list of must dos.

 

[emma212010]

Hi Heather! Just like I promised, I'm subbing in!! Now I have to go back to read!

 

[tinkgurl]

Wow, looks like you guys had such a great day at Epcot! And you've shown me 2 new restaurants for me to try!

How neat you guys had such a nice view of Illuminations! I love that pic of the kids watching it up close to the window.

 

[Zuzu03]

La Hacienda looks sooooooo nice! Way to score for Illuminations view!!!!! Can't wait to try it!!!

 

[hstrickland]

Hi Heather! Just like I promised, I'm subbing in!! Now I have to go back to read!

Glad you came over! Take your time! It only took me a week to read yours

Wow, looks like you guys had such a great day at Epcot! And you've shown me 2 new restaurants for me to try!

How neat you guys had such a nice view of Illuminations! I love that pic of the kids watching it up close to the window.

Hope Nine Dragons and Hacienda are great for y'all, too. When we requested a table next to the window, she told us that everybody else did also (which I kinda suspected) Just make sure you ask them to be seated in the big room with all the windows...not the smaller room

La Hacienda looks sooooooo nice! Way to score for Illuminations view!!!!! Can't wait to try it!!!

And I can't wait to try The Dolphin! Of course that might change, too! Do you remember last year on my TR that I swore we were going to stay at the BCV??!! That didn't happen! I change my mind from day to day....by the way...loved y'alls pictures, especially the Poly pics! Just beautiful!!!

 

[Zuzu03]

And I can't wait to try The Dolphin! Of course that might change, too! Do you remember last year on my TR that I swore we were going to stay at the BCV??!! That didn't happen! I change my mind from day to day....by the way...loved y'alls pictures, especially the Poly pics! Just beautiful!!!

I know, it's sooooo hard to decide on a resort - they're all so perfect! Emma and I are constantly back and forth about where to stay! And thanks! The Poly is extremely photogenetic!

 

[leshunlenese]

You have opened me up to nine dragons and Hacienda! The food looks so good and i have never been to wither of them! You know Disney should pay you! You have sold me on food that i want to try and fort wilderness.

 

[hstrickland]

You have opened me up to nine dragons and Hacienda! The food looks so good and i have never been to wither of them! You know Disney should pay you! You have sold me on food that i want to try and fort wilderness.

Wouldn't that be nice??!! A job with Disney...promoting their restaurants and resorts!...guess I better not hold my breath

 

[Tink rules]

Wouldn't that be nice??!! A job with Disney...promoting their restaurants and resorts!...guess I better not hold my breath

Get in line baby... ya gotta beat out a couple of thousand others of us who want that job!!! (and would gain weight to do it ) (such a sacrifice...)

 

[hstrickland]

Early Morning at the CR
Day 4​

Well...I told you that I love getting up early at WDW...and this was true on Day 4! We actually didn't have a breakfast ressie until 8:45, but I was awake at 6am sharp. I popped up and quietly slipped out onto the balcony to take in the beautiful day!

Immediately, I noticed the peaceful pool 9 floors below...so cool to look at it with not a soul around!...that's where we would be in a few hours!

Then, over to the right....there was.....

I couldn't get over how clear it was on this bright morning! I really wanted to wake up DH, but that wouldn't have gone over too well.

One thing that I did not get to do was watch the EP fireworks from my balcony...oh well...maybe there will be a next time

So as I was observing the....

I made a few mental notes....while we almost stayed in this part of the CR, I'm glad we made the decision to stay in the Tower. I REALLY, really liked being up high...I like having a balcony...not sure I would want the faux balcony (or whatever you call that thing) I liked being in the middle of it 'all'...watching the monorail journey through the center of the CR, being an elevator ride away from the Contempo Cafe, etc.....don't get me wrong...I would take the GW in a heartbeat if that was the only option. I'm certainly not going to turn down a WDW trip

It was time to slip out and grab a few more shots before breakfast...which happens to be at Chef Mickey's!!!!!!!!!!

This was directly outside of our room. Call me a Disney Dork or whatever you want, but I just love seeing Space Mountain from my resort!!! And I got to see it every time I went in and out of my room!!!!

As I get off of the elevator on the 4th floor, this is what I see....

I was already excited about being at WDW....then I was doubly excited because it hit me....next year this time I'll be getting ready for our Disney Dream cruise!!!!!

I don't go a morning without coffee...first thing I do is grab a cup...so I knew I couldn't walk around the CR without any....then I saw this....

The small things in life....a place to wash out my mug!!! It made me happy...what can I say?!

I thought this was so Disney neat!....

It's small things like this that make WDW so special!

I will tell ya....these shops at the CR put a big dent in my wallet! I could have spent hours in there just looking at all of the Disney stuff!!! One would think that I would tire of all the Disney hoopla....hmmmm...hasn't happened, yet!

I bought sunscreen here that cost me an arm and a leg!...but hey...what do you expect?! I shouldn't have forgotten it!

I decided to venture out to the....

I read several things about the observation deck and of course wanted to see for myself. We had contemplated watching the fireworks from here, but I decided against it after looking around.

Not that there was anything horrible about it...however it was very industrial looking...does that make sense? You could see the big metal boxes that house cables...kinda looked like air condition units. Also, there was trash on the ground(I'm guessing from the night before) cigarette butts, empty coke bottles, wrappers...I was actually a little shocked because this isn't Disney fashion at all...in fact I almost made pictures...but didn't. HOWEVER....all you CR lovers will be happy to know that since I was so surprised, I decided I would go back another day just to see....and guess what??....no trash, no nothing! all clean. Guess it was just an off morning for someone.

I did get some awesome shots from the deck....I'll only share a couple...don't want to bore you with castle shots that you've seen 101 times!

I noticed that the door to BLT would not close, so I thought I would sneak over and take another couple of shots from the walkway...not sure what was wrong with the door...it was just open!....inviting me in These next few shots were taken from the bridge that connects the CR and BLT.

I could have spent another hour walking around snapping photos, but I realized it was time to get back and make sure everyone was up....we had a meeting with Mickey and friends very shortly! If you like early mornings...this is a great way to start your day at Disney...and if you don't like early mornings...give it a try just once! It will give you a whole different perspective on Disney!


Stay tuned....up next....Chef Mickeys...THEN the CR pool!

 

[RGirl]

We've thought about DVC, too. We haven't been convinced, yet. This past trip, they were offering a really great incentive....a cruise and $200 gift card or something like that. I would like to sit through one of those 'talks' just hear what they have to say. After your trip, you'll have to let us know what you decide. I'll interested to see how you like it!!

Wow - that is quite an incentive! I really want to hear the "talk" too. I just booked a cruise for 2012, so I figure I will decide then. If we are still as Disney-crazed then as we seem to be now and love the cruise half as much as we loved WDW, then it might be a good fit for us (we will probably sneak in a quick trip to DLR in 2012 too since we are on the West Coast and therefore can almost justify it . )

As far as my favorite resort....hmmmm....this is going to sound strange, but I have a few. Most people have one that they completely love and that's where they go every trip. I really like the Poly and GF because of atmosphere....size of rooms, monorail, great theme...both really feel like 'resorts'. Neither of these resort feel 'hetic' to me. I like the CR for sentimental reasons...we stayed there as children...brings back great memories. I also REALLY like the actual room...beds are great!!!...The CR is a little hetic feeling, but I still like it. So if I had to rate them it would be 1-GF, 2-Poly, 3- CR....they are all so different, but each has something special to offer. Also, I like to try something new each time we go....I know....strange We have never stayed at the EP resorts, but the BC/YC is on the list of must dos.

I would love to stay at the Poly someday and CR. Not sure about the GF, but that just may be because I haven't been there - we did hit the Poly and CR for meals last year, and they were great - I was actually really surprised that I liked CR so much; it never seemed very "Disney" in the pictures I had seen, but I had the opposite feeling when there in person.

 

[RGirl]

Ha! Posted at the same time - love your CR pics. I am sold! Can't wait to hear about Chef Mickey's. We had breakfast there last year - I did not love the food, but it didn't matter because we had so much fun.

I will tell ya....these shops at the CR put a big dent in my wallet! I could have spent hours in there just looking at all of the Disney stuff!!! One would think that I would tire of all the Disney hoopla....hmmmm...hasn't happened, yet!

I spent so much money in those shops near Chef Mickey's last year.

 

[hstrickland]

Get in line baby... ya gotta beat out a couple of thousand others of us who want that job!!! (and would gain weight to do it ) (such a sacrifice...)

...now that's funny!

Wow - that is quite an incentive! I really want to hear the "talk" too. I just booked a cruise for 2012, so I figure I will decide then. If we are still as Disney-crazed then as we seem to be now and love the cruise half as much as we loved WDW, then it might be a good fit for us (we will probably sneak in a quick trip to DLR in 2012 too since we are on the West Coast and therefore can almost justify it . )

I would love to stay at the Poly someday and CR. Not sure about the GF, but that just may be because I haven't been there - we did hit the Poly and CR for meals last year, and they were great - I was actually really surprised that I liked CR so much; it never seemed very "Disney" in the pictures I had seen, but I had the opposite feeling when there in person.

We're doing the Dream next June...can hardly wait! It will be the kids first cruise. Did you book a cruise on the West Coast? Doesn't Disney leave from a port out there?? I wouldl really like to take the family to CA one day and of course do Disney Land!! We could not go to CA and miss that!

The GF might surprise you...seriously. DD5 loves it...she is constantly saying she wants to stay at the hotel with the pretty red roof! They have a great pool area, too. We've eaten at all the restaurants at the GF and love each of them! The resort can get a bad rap for being stuffy...but I don't see that at all.....decisions, decisions...WDW offers TOO MANY!

 

[tinkgurl]

I really think you were in our room or a room close to ours! What floor were you on again?