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

[hstrickland]

First let me say that I love your blobs that you are putting on your pics they are cracking me up.

This is such a gorgeous resort and very ummm contemporary. Those beds looked super comfy. oh and the view was breath taking. I would love to stay there some day.

I cant believe you did all of this all before rope drop. Wow you are my idol.

I cant wait to hear more!!!!!!!

I told you I'm a little obsessive! If we don't get there by rope drop, I feel like my whole day is messed up DH and I are up at the crack of dawn at WDW. We keep saying we need to take a vacation that is relaxing. A couple of years ago, Bill and I went on a cruise with a group of friends (no kids) and guess what....we were STILL up at 7am sitting on the veranda watching the sun come up, and then first in line at breakfast....I know...we have issues, don't we?!

Oh...and would you believe that this bronchitis is still with me? Thought I was going to be able to start running again this weekend, but no such luck. Precious time is slipping away and I'm going crazy thinking about it. Are you planning on running the Princess Half again this February?

I would LOVE to stay in the Contemporary some day!! Beautiful rooms--it is definitely on my list along with AKL and BC

These are two resorts we definitely want to try!!!! In fact, last year when were at WDW, we were all in agreement that we wanted to stay at BCV...get a 2 bedroom for all 7 of us. I even went as far as booking the room! Then, on our October trip, on our way home, we stopped by AKL just to look around. DH and I said...hmmmm...maybe we should stay HERE!? So...when we got home...I called...cancelled BCV and booked AKL CL. Then when all the ADRs were made, I started looking at the locations and REALLY started thinking about the monorail that I ....so guess what....I called again and booked a CR GV. THEN...after I started reading the CR thread and looking at all the pictures, I had to call once again and book the Tower BLV. Are you exhausted, yet?! I'm sure the poor Cast Members that kept talking to me on the phone were! Told yall...I have issues....DH has just learned to go with it and smile.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I can't believe how much you've done before 8am!!! Your check-in excitement is contagious! i am probably in the minority but the Contemporary has never really appealed to me. The more i see pictures of the rooms, however, the more intrigued I become.
that you've trained your oldest so well in Disney touring.

Can't wait for more!

 

[hstrickland]

I can't believe how much you've done before 8am!!! Your check-in excitement is contagious! i am probably in the minority but the Contemporary has never really appealed to me. The more i see pictures of the rooms, however, the more intrigued I become.
that you've trained your oldest so well in Disney touring.

Can't wait for more!

Nope...you're not in the minority! In fact, my mother and DH weren't crazy about the idea of going to the CR. DH says it doesn't have the 'resort' appeal like the Poly or GF It has sentimental value for me...I went there several times as a child, so I really love it...great memories there with my sister and parents. DH did say, though, that the actual room at the CR was his favorite. Don't get me wrong...both my mom and husband had a ball there! I always find it amusing when people get upset because someone doesn't agree with their taste in resorts Bill and I don't even agree with our 'favorite' resort WDW has done a great job with offering a wide variety of resorts...there's something for everyone! Thank goodness we don't all like the same one!!!! Can you imagine how far in advance we'de all have to book

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

I told you I'm a little obsessive! If we don't get there by rope drop, I feel like my whole day is messed up DH and I are up at the crack of dawn at WDW. We keep saying we need to take a vacation that is relaxing. A couple of years ago, Bill and I went on a cruise with a group of friends (no kids) and guess what....we were STILL up at 7am sitting on the veranda watching the sun come up, and then first in line at breakfast....I know...we have issues, don't we?!

Oh...and would you believe that this bronchitis is still with me? Thought I was going to be able to start running again this weekend, but no such luck. Precious time is slipping away and I'm going crazy thinking about it. Are you planning on running the Princess Half again this February?

Dh and I are similar too. I wouldnt say we are up by 7 every day but close to it. Why sleep when there is so much to do and see right????

Sorry you are still feeling crappy. You will do yourself more good to wait it out and rest vs. trying to run through it. Maybe as you feel up to it take a few brisk walks to just keep your legs going.

I dont think I will be getting to the princess this year I would love to and right after I finished I insisted I would find a way to get back but financially we really need to get ourselves ahead again before anymore vacations. Also my kids would kill me if I went without them again so I feel guilty even trying to make it a short inexpensive trip by myself.

I hope to do it again one day. It was amazing and you will love it.

 

[02AggieGirl]

These are two resorts we definitely want to try!!!! In fact, last year when were at WDW, we were all in agreement that we wanted to stay at BCV...get a 2 bedroom for all 7 of us. I even went as far as booking the room! Then, on our October trip, on our way home, we stopped by AKL just to look around. DH and I said...hmmmm...maybe we should stay HERE!? So...when we got home...I called...cancelled BCV and booked AKL CL. Then when all the ADRs were made, I started looking at the locations and REALLY started thinking about the monorail that I ....so guess what....I called again and booked a CR GV. THEN...after I started reading the CR thread and looking at all the pictures, I had to call once again and book the Tower BLV. Are you exhausted, yet?! I'm sure the poor Cast Members that kept talking to me on the phone were! Told yall...I have issues....DH has just learned to go with it and smile.

I think we would be good friends

 

[hstrickland]

Dh and I are similar too. I wouldnt say we are up by 7 every day but close to it. Why sleep when there is so much to do and see right????

Sorry you are still feeling crappy. You will do yourself more good to wait it out and rest vs. trying to run through it. Maybe as you feel up to it take a few brisk walks to just keep your legs going.

I dont think I will be getting to the princess this year I would love to and right after I finished I insisted I would find a way to get back but financially we really need to get ourselves ahead again before anymore vacations. Also my kids would kill me if I went without them again so I feel guilty even trying to make it a short inexpensive trip by myself.

I hope to do it again one day. It was amazing and you will love it.

If you change your mind, let me know!! We'll be there for sure. I will most definitely have plenty of questions before the race...so be prepared I'm coming to you!

I think we would be good friends

Glad to know there are others out there like myself!!!

 

[bsredfish]

Continue on

 

[hstrickland]

Epcot Morning
Day 3​

Finally! Finally! Finally! We are on the beloved monorail and heading to Epcot!!! If you are wondering why I chose EP for the first day...well...I usually go by Tourning Plans and their crowd counts. This particular site said that EP would be the best park to visit. We've used them in the past and for the most part...they are fairly accurate. Click on the following link for more great information about WDW......

TourningPlans.com

Since we missed rope drop, I was in a hurry!!! I'm sure you are all surprised...right?!

We decided that we would head straight for....

I was sitting in the back with camera in hand...trying to make pictures and enjoy the ride at the same time!

Time to head over to Soarin' and grab FPs for the afternoon, then hit one of our favorite rides....

This is one of our all time favorites! Last year they did the Behind the Seeds Tour...even Stephen and Faith...Jesse was too young. Everyone LOVED it! Perhaps next time we go, the entire family can do it again. If you are interested in the Seeds Tour, click on the two links below for more info.

Behind the Seeds Part 1

Behind the Seeds Part 2

Check out this Jack Fruit (on left)....huge!!!!! Or at least I think that's what it's called. And then the famous lemons on the right...weighing all of 9 pounds! Now that's a lot of lemonade!!!!

And what do you see here????

That's right...a Hidden Mickey! DS9 and Pop took the Hidden Mickey book everywhere. It was actually really cool to try and find them on all the rides.

Moving on....time for.....

This is probably one of my least favorite rides, but the kids love it!!! I will say, though, that Turtle Talk is super cute!! Faith and Jesse just ate this up, hook, line and sinker!

Moving on to....

Notice the crowds....that's right....NO CROWD! It was really a great morning. We were all a bit shocked because it was Memorial Day Weekend...who knew?!

Journey Into Imagination has an 'ok' ride, but the activities that you can do after are pretty cool...for kids anyway. We spent a fair amount of time letting the kids run around and play...of course we joined in, too.

Epcot has great interactive games for kids! DS9 is at the perfect age to really enjoy and understand them more-so than DD5 or DS4...but nevertheless...all 3 of them enjoyed this.

Our lunch reservation wasn't until 1pm, but we were hungry so we decided to start walking over early. As many of you know...it takes a WHILE to walk across EP!!! The place is huge!

Would you like to know where our first ADR will be??!!!.....

Stay tuned....up next....Nine Dragons Review...and you just might be surprised!

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

If you change your mind, let me know!! We'll be there for sure. I will most definitely have plenty of questions before the race...so be prepared I'm coming to you!



Glad to know there are others out there like myself!!!

I will be more than happy to answer any questions and provide all the advice I can.

I loved your update. I cant believe how empty the park was on mem day wkend. wow. I think we need to get a hidden mickey book. the kids will most likely be around 9 and 7 when we go so they would probably really enjoy searching for them....I know my dh will like that too.

I cant wait to hear your review of the nine dragons. I have not tried many of the TS places in epcot other than italy. My family is pretty plain when it comes to eating but I am hoping to broaden our horizons next trip.

 

[onelilspark]

Was that Sunday of Memorial Day weekend?!

We were at Epcot too!!

 

[hstrickland]

I will be more than happy to answer any questions and provide all the advice I can.

I loved your update. I cant believe how empty the park was on mem day wkend. wow. I think we need to get a hidden mickey book. the kids will most likely be around 9 and 7 when we go so they would probably really enjoy searching for them....I know my dh will like that too.

I cant wait to hear your review of the nine dragons. I have not tried many of the TS places in epcot other than italy. My family is pretty plain when it comes to eating but I am hoping to broaden our horizons next trip.

The Hidden Mickey book was a hit with DS9...actually with all of us! They took it everywhere!! In fact, when we found a Hidden Mickey, we tried to make a picture of it....I think I'm going to do a Hidden Mickey post with pics of the ones we found. I honestly would like to go with DH and Stephen and JUST look for Hidden Mickeys....you could probably spend a week in one park and still not find all of them!!!!

Was that Sunday of Memorial Day weekend?!

We were at Epcot too!!

We were there on Saturday. And I thought for sure the place would be packed but not the case at all! Guess everyone was at MK!! We usually try and avoid the park that has Extra Magic Hours in the evening...in the past, this has helped...who knows?! Maybe it was just good luck

 

[hstrickland]

As promised......a review on....

Nine Dragons in China!
Day 3 Lunch - 1pm reservation

I was hoping to see the Chinese Acrobats, but no such luck...they weren't there.
So....how many of you think Nine Dragons is just so-so...bland...nothing special??? Honestly...I wasn't overly excited. The last time we ate here was when I was in high school....obviously years ago. DH wasn't excited either...when I told him we were eating lunch in China, he said...."oh....hmmmm."

Inside, there were some very ornate pieces of work. I thought it was tastefully decorated...not overly done. The host and hostess were very friendly and greeted me immediately when I walked in.

This is one of those restaurants that aren't too hard to get a ressie...generally speaking. Our ressie was at 1pm, but we arrived early and were immediately seated.

I'm always a little leery of posting dining reviews...what one person loves, the next might hate....ya never know! Anyway...here it goes....

The waitress was very nice, very pleasant and smiled quite a bit. We didn't ask for recommendations...we just started ordering! First up....appetizers!! YUM!!!

This was VERY tasty!!!!

Another tasty treat...DHs favorite appetizer! And they were really big, too...not like the small ones that we're use to.

Now....these were my favorite!!! They were 'Holy Cow!' good!!! They did take a little longer to come out which the waitress did tell us when we ordered them.

The children actually had decent appetizers and not just the usual kid appetizer.

The Main Course.....

This was good, but not like super duper outstanding. I was also soooooo full from all the appetizers, that I could barely eat my entree.

Pop had the fish...can't rememeber what he said about it...however...there was nothing left on his plate!!!!

Mom had this...I think she said she really liked it. If that's not right, I'm sure my parents will tell us!

Children's Main Course

The kids seemed to like this...nothing outlandish...just your basic Chinese food.

Up next...Dessert

Haha! There was no dessert! Nothing sounded really good and we had had enough!!!

So...would we return???? Probably for lunch, but not for dinner. I would really like to go back and just order appetizers...seriously! I could make a meal of it! The appetizers were great, the entrees were good...but couldn't tell ya about the desserts! Let me know if you try any!

After lunch we visited Norway, looked around the gift shops then headed to Soarin' to use our FPs. Every time we go to WDW, we get a picture with this troll....not sure why???

Can you say tired???? The two little ones were hot and tired!

On our way out, we look over and see two characters with very few children in line...very few! Within seconds I had the autograph book out and the camera in hand!

It was time to head back and unpack the clothes...and hit the pool!!!!! And can I just tell you how much I love the monorail??!!! So easy!!!

And see....I told you...minimal crowd this day...look...no one going to the monorail!

By the time we got back to the CR, Faith and Jesse were out!!!!!

It was finally time for me to get.......

DH gives me a hard time about my mugs! When a new one comes out, I go crazy!

Before heading to the room, DS9 was steady looking for Hidden Mickeys...next time you're at WDW...take the book and try it. Honestly, it becomes addicting!

Stay tuned...up next.....dinner at the all new HACIENDA!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I think it's fair to say we are both equally big fans of the Contemporary.

But, one of us (BWIResortFan4Life?) has strayed a teensy weensy bit from the CR

:

Oh...and would you believe that this bronchitis is still with me? Thought I was going to be able to start running again this weekend, but no such luck. Precious time is slipping away and I'm going crazy thinking about it. Are you planning on running the Princess Half again this February?



These are two resorts we definitely want to try!!!! In fact, last year when were at WDW, we were all in agreement that we wanted to stay at BCV...get a 2 bedroom for all 7 of us. I even went as far as booking the room! Then, on our October trip, on our way home, we stopped by AKL just to look around. DH and I said...hmmmm...maybe we should stay HERE!? So...when we got home...I called...cancelled BCV and booked AKL CL. Then when all the ADRs were made, I started looking at the locations and REALLY started thinking about the monorail that I ....so guess what....I called again and booked a CR GV. THEN...after I started reading the CR thread and looking at all the pictures, I had to call once again and book the Tower BLV. Are you exhausted, yet?! I'm sure the poor Cast Members that kept talking to me on the phone were! Told yall...I have issues....DH has just learned to go with it and smile.

I hope you're feeling better, Heather. I have to mention that you would be an excellent candidate for posting to the Resort Changer's thread. Come and visit us anytime: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=41551761#post41551761


I love how your DD covered her eyes before the doors opened to the outside on TT - so cute. And, Daisy Duck is one character I've never gotten a photo with yet. I'll have to be on the lookout for her.

Those BRITE pink and blue mugs are the bomb! Just wish they still had the resort names on them

That's one issue I have with the DDP - all those desserts we never want. We prefer a dessert in the lounge or as a snack so I feel like they just get wasted on the DDP. I thought your 9D review was excellent as are the photos.

DD and I had a not-so-great dinner at La Hacienda in December so I'm not taking DH there. I felt there was hardly anything on the menu and they were just pushing all that tequila. I'm looking forward to hearing about your experience

 

[jwwi]

Your lunch looks really good. Now I'll have to order some takeout this week. I too am amazed at your reports of the low crowd levels. Hope this trend continued on your vacation.

 

[hstrickland]

But, one of us (BWIResortFan4Life?) has strayed a teensy weensy bit from the CR

I hope you're feeling better, Heather. I have to mention that you would be an excellent candidate for posting to the Resort Changer's thread. Come and visit us anytime: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=41551761#post41551761

I love how your DD covered her eyes before the doors opened to the outside on TT - so cute. And, Daisy Duck is one character I've never gotten a photo with yet. I'll have to be on the lookout for her.

Those BRITE pink and blue mugs are the bomb! Just wish they still had the resort names on them

That's one issue I have with the DDP - all those desserts we never want. We prefer a dessert in the lounge or as a snack so I feel like they just get wasted on the DDP. I thought your 9D review was excellent as are the photos.

DD and I had a not-so-great dinner at La Hacienda in December so I'm not taking DH there. I felt there was hardly anything on the menu and they were just pushing all that tequila. I'm looking forward to hearing about your experience

I'll be checking out that thread tomorrow! I'm notorious for changing resorts, then making upgrades!

If we do the DxDP next time, DS will be 10...that means an adult price As the kids get older, not sure what we will do??? For us, dining on vacation is part of the whole experience...I'll try any food once! We prefer the signatures, so DxDP works out well. Our friends think we are crazy for wasting so much time sitting in a restaurant........perhaps I'm in the wrong profession! Maybe I should be a food critic!!! And trust me...I don't eat ALL the food...but I do usually try some of each course....hence the weight gain by all of us!

Sorry yall had a bad experience at Hacienda. It just goes to show you...ya never know. We've been to Yachtsman's a couple of times...the first time was much better than the second. Maybe after my review, you'll give it a 2nd chance....or not

Your lunch looks really good. Now I'll have to order some takeout this week. I too am amazed at your reports of the low crowd levels. Hope this trend continued on your vacation.

As I was looking at pictures of those Shrimp Tazo lollipops, I got really hungry!! Well...as one can only imagine...the crowd fairy wasn't with us EVERY day, but it wasn't terrible. I had pumped myself up for horrendous crowds, so anything below a 10 was good with me!

 

[leshunlenese]

Great updates! I love EPCOT i may be a little bias since i use to work there and yes the monorail is sooo great. me and my little one stayed at the poly last December and it was so great to not have to fold a stroller especially since it was just us two!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Yours is the second good Nine Dragons review I have seen recently. I have been so conditioned to hearing bad things I have barely given it a thought when planning ADRs. Good to know it is a viable option - perhaps even a walk-up option!

I can't get over the lack of crowds! This was a holiday weekend, right? Or am I confusing your TR with someone else's?

The little ones are so cute snoozing in their strollers.

 

[twob4him]

Hello! What a great trip report! I am loving it! I too am a family of 5 and have been wondering what the cabins were like. We love to "camp" in cabins with running water and electricity! hahaha! Sounds like a split stay is the way to go....you can get a little of everything that way! Thanks so much for all of hte details!!
Your family is so cute and I am loving how into Disney they are! How cool that Epcot was practically empty!

Can't wait to hear more!

 

[hstrickland]

Great updates! I love EPCOT i may be a little bias since i use to work there and yes the monorail is sooo great. me and my little one stayed at the poly last December and it was so great to not have to fold a stroller especially since it was just us two!

DH and I often say that we will retire in FL, and I'm going to work at WDW just so I can get passes for the grandkids! Of course it would have to be very part time Last year we were at the Poly...the whole monorail/stroller thing was sooooooooo great!!!!

Yours is the second good Nine Dragons review I have seen recently. I have been so conditioned to hearing bad things I have barely given it a thought when planning ADRs. Good to know it is a viable option - perhaps even a walk-up option!

I can't get over the lack of crowds! This was a holiday weekend, right? Or am I confusing your TR with someone else's?

The little ones are so cute snoozing in their strollers.

I would think Nine Dragons would be a definite walk-up option! And like I said, it wasn't like outstanding, and not our favorite of the week, but good. I would certainly go again for lunch.

And yes, can you believe it was Memorial Day Weekend???!!! I have a feeling that lots of people were at DHS for Star Wars. Who knows?!

 

[hstrickland]

Hello! What a great trip report! I am loving it! I too am a family of 5 and have been wondering what the cabins were like. We love to "camp" in cabins with running water and electricity! hahaha! Sounds like a split stay is the way to go....you can get a little of everything that way! Thanks so much for all of hte details!!
Your family is so cute and I am loving how into Disney they are! How cool that Epcot was practically empty!

Can't wait to hear more!

Yep...I'm not much on tent camping like my DH. I'm still trying to figure out a way to go back in October to FW! I keep hoping some kind of great deal will come out. I have a friend that wants to go, too...FW would be a great place for all of the kids to play and hang out.

Thanks for the nice comments! I'm raising the kids to be loyal Disney Fans We'll see what happens when they're 18 years old! I can hear them now...."Mom...ANOTHER trip to WDW??!! Seriously??!!"

Glad to have another Disney Fan following along!
Heather