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

[hstrickland]

I have to agree with you about the mornings being one of the best times at Disney. Your pictures are great. I could totally see me sitting down with my cup of coffee watching the sun come up. Beautiful!

I'm already looking forward to an early morning on our February trip...part of the fun will be checking out a new resort, too....getting new photos!

I love the early morning CR pics! Right now it's pretty quiet here at home with all the kiddos still sleeping. Really enjoying them! Nice to be able to look around when it seems like you've got the whole place to yourself!

My kids are wishing they could still sleep in! I've got to get back into the routine...I'm exhausted. Was going to catch up on the RC Thread...but my eyes are crossing Hope your weekend was uneventful at work.

Absolutely! If for no other reason than I want to drag it out long enough that I can show off some wedding pictures and then direct everyone over to my Honeymoon review on Cruise Critic

I'll be following along for sure!

Heather we are quite alike on enjoying the solo early morning walks before the family gets up and moving. I do this too. The Poly is my favourite place to do this, but the CR is my second fav.

Great photos, as usual!

You're right...the Poly is hard to beat, although the GF has some great views,too. Who am I kidding?!!....I'll take any of the resorts that have water views...all are wonderful for early morning walks.

I'm still enjoying your TR very much! Your pictures are gorgeous.

I love the style of the Contemporary. One of the reasons we chose BLT for our DVC membership was that the design is so completely different from our traditional, colonial style home decor. It really feels like we have been transported to a special, unique place. I can't wait to stay there this fall!

I know I have gushed before, but thank you so much for sharing your report with us. It is so exciting to live vicariously through you when I am waiting not so patiently for my own vacation. I can't wait to see more!

Thanks so much! I know your family is sooooo excited to go to BLT...you don't have much longer. Wish it were us DH really would like to try BLT in the future...hoping one day we can!!

All caught up! V & A's looks delicious, I loved the pictures. Your CR pictures are amazing as well! Such a beautiful sunrise.

Thanks so much!! Would you believe that I have more of those early morning pics?! Just couldn't decide which ones to post, so I decided to do 2 installments DH just rolls his eyes

Thanks so much for the gorgeous pictures!!!

Thanks a million! and

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

What amazing pictures!!!! I can definitely see the theme. Everything is so...well....contemporary/modern. I especially loved the sunrise picture. I took a second to pretend I was sitting there watching it myself. To bad a few seconds later I realized I was still in my basement on my computer. The thought was nice while it lasted.

I cant wait to see more

 

[RGirl]

WOW WOW WOW!!!! I am TOTALLY staying at The Contemporary someday. Someday soon!!!

Amazing pics - I get what you mean about the theme. Actually, I was talking to someone at work today about this - how, before I went there, I thought that the CR wasn't very "Disney," but after being there, seeing the murals, the shape of the building, etc., I got it.

 

[RGirl]

Holy moly!!! I just saw my ticker - look how close my trip is!!!!!

Oops - back to the TR.

 

[hstrickland]

What amazing pictures!!!! I can definitely see the theme. Everything is so...well....contemporary/modern. I especially loved the sunrise picture. I took a second to pretend I was sitting there watching it myself. To bad a few seconds later I realized I was still in my basement on my computer. The thought was nice while it lasted.

I cant wait to see more

I can totally see why people don't get the CR...and it's okay...just glad I do DH still likes the WL better

WOW WOW WOW!!!! I am TOTALLY staying at The Contemporary someday. Someday soon!!!

Amazing pics - I get what you mean about the theme. Actually, I was talking to someone at work today about this - how, before I went there, I thought that the CR wasn't very "Disney," but after being there, seeing the murals, the shape of the building, etc., I got it.

Hmmmm....I thought you said you didn't REALLY want to do that resort...... glad you've changed your mind. The convenience factor in itself wins it over for me. Even though DH likes WL better, he'll tell you that the CR beds are the best!!

Holy moly!!! I just saw my ticker - look how close my trip is!!!!!

Oops - back to the TR.

....does your little girl realize that time is approaching quickly? If she's like my 4 year old, he frequently ask when our Disney trip will be...he doesn't get the whole 'time' thing

 

[Sweetpeamd]

Heather,
Have you ever stayed at (or considered staying at) one of the Animal Kingdom resorts? I think that it would be such a beautiful experience but we are afraid of the transportation situation. We love to use Disney's transportation exclusively when on vacation b/c we drive so much in real life. I'm afraid the bus travel would be too much if we stayed at AK. What do you think?

Ashley

 

[pas130]

Work was OK....how's everything at the school so far???? So not ready for back to school. We have backpacks and new kicks...(stride ride BOGO 1/2 off) but that's it...too obsessed with vacation

 

[hstrickland]

Heather,
Have you ever stayed at (or considered staying at) one of the Animal Kingdom resorts? I think that it would be such a beautiful experience but we are afraid of the transportation situation. We love to use Disney's transportation exclusively when on vacation b/c we drive so much in real life. I'm afraid the bus travel would be too much if we stayed at AK. What do you think?

Ashley

I'm laughing to myself because that's exactly how we feel! We've been over there to eat, visit...look around...and love it! However....I'm not sure how I feel about the bus being my only mode of transportation. We drive down, but DH doesn't like to get in the car at all. So...staying there for a week or more scares me. In fact, last year I booked AKL CL, then switched over to the CR when I realized that so many of our ADRs were located around the MK area....silly, I know...but I got cold feet I would like to try it for a long weekend and see how it goes. It's ridiculous, I will admit, but I'm sooooo attached to the MK resorts. People keep telling me I need to venture out and try more

Work was OK....how's everything at the school so far???? So not ready for back to school. We have backpacks and new kicks...(stride ride BOGO 1/2 off) but that's it...too obsessed with vacation

Love, love, love Stride Rite!!! DS4 has such wide feet, we don't have a choice...usually. And I can't imagine why you're so obsessed with vacation...makes no sense! Are you like crazy excited??!! You'll get one trip over with, then have another to look forward to! Hmmmmm....I'm still seeing WL on your ticker??? That's what you decided on?

 

[amandaw]

With all of your wonderful pictures of CR, I have not been able to get it out of my head! And I keep showing Ed how nice it is (even though I don't really have to convince him since it's the only resort he REALLY wants to stay at). Well, this morning before he was going to work, Ed starts asking me about Disney deposits & cancellation policies. So, I explained it all to him (even though I go over & over this during every one of trips). After I patiently explained their policies to him, he looked at me & said, "Well, just go ahead & book our trip for October 2012 in the tower @ CR. We can always change or cancel if something happens." I was so excited! Before he was out the door, I had our package booked! I have so long until this next vacation that I will probably drive him nuts with all of my planning. I'm already working out all the possible different itineraries & ADR's along with them. I have just a little ways until I can do ADR's....April!

Okay, so I have us booked in the tower with a bay lake view. Is there a floor that is best to request?

 

[hstrickland]

With all of your wonderful pictures of CR, I have not been able to get it out of my head! And I keep showing Ed how nice it is (even though I don't really have to convince him since it's the only resort he REALLY wants to stay at). Well, this morning before he was going to work, Ed starts asking me about Disney deposits & cancellation policies. So, I explained it all to him (even though I go over & over this during every one of trips). After I patiently explained their policies to him, he looked at me & said, "Well, just go ahead & book our trip for October 2012 in the tower @ CR. We can always change or cancel if something happens." I was so excited! Before he was out the door, I had our package booked! I have so long until this next vacation that I will probably drive him nuts with all of my planning. I'm already working out all the possible different itineraries & ADR's along with them. I have just a little ways until I can do ADR's....April!

Okay, so I have us booked in the tower with a bay lake view. Is there a floor that is best to request?

Amanda, that is awesome!!! Y'all will absolutely love it...especially the view! In the afternoons, the sun is on the other side of the Tower, so the balcony is shaded...I sat out there a couple of times while DS4 was napping. JMO, but I was glad to be away from the Chef Mickey area...I never really heard anything, but can see why people say it can get loud. I believe Chef Mickey's opens at 7am. Ask for the opposite end, away from CM. DH wanted to be on an upper level floor... not sure why, other than he said the view would be better...and it was pretty good The rooms start on the 5th floor, also. Have you checked out the CR Thread, yet? Tons of info over there. And I'm sure you already know, but when a discount comes out, just call and apply it to your room....I have all ideas they will offer something! As you know, too, you have tons of great dining options all around you....so super convenient...ya never have to travel far to eat! And by the way....getting ready to post some more CR pics for ya

Congrats again!!
Heather

 

[hstrickland]

The Contemporary
Early Morning Pictures – Part 2
Day 8​

If you are wondering why I have yet ANOTHER early morning picture post….it’s because WDW is so very beautiful at the dawn of the day……I just can’t help myself!

Perhaps you’re interested in water activities???...then the CR is the place for you! Be warned, though…..those SeaRaycers are super-fast! Whiplash could occur when throttling forward….I do hope you hear the sarcasm.

Check out this sunrise! And who said Disney is just for kids??!! Honestly….I can’t imagine NOT getting up early to see this….especially those of us who are Disneyaholics.

Unfortunately I did not get a chance to experience the quiet pool….wonder why??!! My parents went over here for a bit and they said it was nice….no kids!

The CR does have a path to run…however I didn’t follow it very far….and honestly…not sure where it leads. If you are into walking/running, then the sidewalk that leads to the MK is a great place to exercise.

This is part of the ‘Jogging Path’….and I’m thinking it goes behind the CR, between the CR and BLT…does anybody know for sure??

Since time was drawing near, I had to hurry….rope drop was at EP…can’t be late for that! I quickly grabbed a few shots of the beach area. We never saw too many people occupying the beach... it was mostly adults.

Like I said earlier, the pool at the CR never felt overly crowded at all. At some points there were tons of people, however ….there were still lounge chairs available and plenty of room in the pool.

If you’re like me, you probably assume that the CR is free of flowers and beautiful foliage. I was pleasantly surprised to see gorgeous palms and even flowers…….yes…flowers! Now I will admit that it doesn’t have the vegetation that the Poly or the GF has, but it’s still nice.

You didn’t believe me, did you??? Flowers, yes…at the CR!!

Another gorgeous morning at the CR! I honestly could have stayed outside a bit longer, but rope drop was of utter importance! So….I had to make my way back upstairs….hoping everyone was up and ready to go!



Next up….Epcot and the Rose & Crown Pub for lunch!

 

[4forWDW]

Heather,
Great updates and great pictures.
I didn't think I would like the CR that much - but your pictures are changing my mind - maybe one day when we decide to splurge on a deluxe.
Amy

 

[amandaw]

First of all, those early morning pics you posted today are gorgeous! I think my favorite is the one of the pier with the sunrise off to the left. I really want to try & get some early morning shots on our next trip. My family wakes up so early, so it shouldn't be a problem. I could go out while Ed & Reid get ready. That way, I won't feel like I'm being rushed while taking my pics.

Amanda, that is awesome!!! Y'all will absolutely love it...especially the view! In the afternoons, the sun is on the other side of the Tower, so the balcony is shaded...I sat out there a couple of times while DS4 was napping. JMO, but I was glad to be away from the Chef Mickey area...I never really heard anything, but can see why people say it can get loud. I believe Chef Mickey's opens at 7am. Ask for the opposite end, away from CM. DH wanted to be on an upper level floor... not sure why, other than he said the view would be better...and it was pretty good The rooms start on the 5th floor, also. Have you checked out the CR Thread, yet? Tons of info over there. And I'm sure you already know, but when a discount comes out, just call and apply it to your room....I have all ideas they will offer something! As you know, too, you have tons of great dining options all around you....so super convenient...ya never have to travel far to eat! And by the way....getting ready to post some more CR pics for ya

Congrats again!!
Heather

Thank you! I'm so super-excited!!! I think I am going to try & get a higher up floor for sure. I did go ahead & subscribe to the CR thread & have read thru it. Now, I'll be tuned in for only the next 14 months! I'm so excited about being at CR, especially since we will do at least 2 days at MK, if not 3 & if we don't do 3 @ MK, then that means we're going to do 2 days of Epcot. I was thinking on this trip next year that we would skip Chef Mickey's & try some other character meals (CP, H&V & TH). But, if we are staying in CR & Reid see's the sign for Chef Mickey's, he may be very upset we're not eating there. Thinking about doing it instead of TH. Oh, decisions, decisions. I only have until April to decide on my ADR's so I can be ready to pounce on my 180 day!

I can't wait to read your next update to see what y'all thought of Rose & Crown. We loved it when we ate there for dinner on our last trip.

 

[pas130]

Hi Heather! That was Princess Madison's sticker for the morning. 19 days til the beach. I am absolutely loving the CR Beach pics. I've never been around the outside of the CR ever! So much at WDW I have never done. I was perusing free dining dates for Feb/March I really need to concentrate on one trip at a time. There would be no way I could afford a Feb 2012 trip

I keep coming back to WL for our girls trip, but the Poly seems very appealing as well...so does BWI....so does CR

 

[Sweetpeamd]

Gorgeous photos!! Yea for lunch at the Rose and Crown, too! It is a must do for us on our first day in the parks. We always do Epcot the first day including lunch at R&C. We all end up getting the Fish and Chips, so why don't we just order at the Counter Svc location??? We just can't resist the authentic atmosphere and the servers' beautiful accents. We love the whole experience!

 

[hstrickland]

First of all, those early morning pics you posted today are gorgeous! I think my favorite is the one of the pier with the sunrise off to the left. I really want to try & get some early morning shots on our next trip. My family wakes up so early, so it shouldn't be a problem. I could go out while Ed & Reid get ready. That way, I won't feel like I'm being rushed while taking my pics.

Good idea! Getting up early to a beautiful sunrise is a great way to start the day You'll have a wonderful time by yourself snapping pictures! It would be a terrific time, also, to get some family shots (since they get up early) when people aren't around...you'll basically have the outside to yourself

Thank you! I'm so super-excited!!! I think I am going to try & get a higher up floor for sure. I did go ahead & subscribe to the CR thread & have read thru it. Now, I'll be tuned in for only the next 14 months! I'm so excited about being at CR, especially since we will do at least 2 days at MK, if not 3 & if we don't do 3 @ MK, then that means we're going to do 2 days of Epcot. I was thinking on this trip next year that we would skip Chef Mickey's & try some other character meals (CP, H&V & TH). But, if we are staying in CR & Reid see's the sign for Chef Mickey's, he may be very upset we're not eating there. Thinking about doing it instead of TH. Oh, decisions, decisions. I only have until April to decide on my ADR's so I can be ready to pounce on my 180 day!

If you want a convenient character meal, Ohana (breakfast) and 1900 Park Fare (Breakfast) have great ones!! Of course CP will get you into MK early That's why we did it. You might be right about Reid getting upset with not going to Chef Mickey's Are y'all going to try the MNSSHP?

I can't wait to read your next update to see what y'all thought of Rose & Crown. We loved it when we ate there for dinner on our last trip.

Going to try and work on that one now....we got off early today because the students start tomorrow. DH is out of town on business, so I'll have plenty of time to work on the post.....IF the kids don't kill each other....it's raining now, so they are stuck inside!

Hi Heather! That was Princess Madison's sticker for the morning. 19 days til the beach. I am absolutely loving the CR Beach pics. I've never been around the outside of the CR ever! So much at WDW I have never done. I was perusing free dining dates for Feb/March I really need to concentrate on one trip at a time. There would be no way I could afford a Feb 2012 trip

I keep coming back to WL for our girls trip, but the Poly seems very appealing as well...so does BWI....so does CR

Miss Madison! How cute that she likes the DisBoards!!

Free Dining??!!! Where have I been?! Obviously not keeping up with Disney like I should I'll have to check those dates...we go that last weekend in February. You're like me...always looking for the next trip What's wrong with us??

Okay...so WL is looking good, huh? CL, right? As you know, the rooms will be bigger at CR & Poly...you'll be able to tell a difference....not sure how many you have in 1 room. Lots to do over at the Boardwalk. Are y'all actually going to all the parks or just hanging out at the resorts relaxing? I've never been to the CR CL, but the rooms are my favorite thus far!!...just some food for thought....as if you aren't confused enough

Gorgeous photos!! Yea for lunch at the Rose and Crown, too! It is a must do for us on our first day in the parks. We always do Epcot the first day including lunch at R&C. We all end up getting the Fish and Chips, so why don't we just order at the Counter Svc location??? We just can't resist the authentic atmosphere and the servers' beautiful accents. We love the whole experience!

This was our first ever experience! I've been wanting to try it for years, but never got around to doing it. Hopefully I'll get the post done tonight! We'll see if you agree with my food choices

 

[momabbate]

Love your morning pics. Have to remember to get out one morning and take some in Sept. As a side note. Just opened my first photo bucket account today, wanted to say thanks for posting with borders they add alot to the photos am having fun with them.

 

[hstrickland]

Love your morning pics. Have to remember to get out one morning and take some in Sept. As a side note. Just opened my first photo bucket account today, wanted to say thanks for posting with borders they add alot to the photos am having fun with them.

Welcome...and thanks! Photobucket is quick and easy, isn't it?! You'll be able to do lots with the pictures you bring home in September....and how much fun....a mother/daughter trip! I bet she's excited, to say the least. Hope y'all have an awesome time together.

Heather

 

[hstrickland]

Epcot – Rose & Crown
Reservation 12:15pm
Day 8​

After my early morning stroll around the CR, I quickly headed back up to the room in hopes that everyone was ready to hit rope drop at Epcot!....but not everyone was ready to go.

We grabbed a quick bite at the Contempo Café and then quickly walked to the monorail…had to do a transfer at the TTC. One of the cast members told us that the Tron monorail was taken off for a while, but because of popular demand, they brought it back.

Not sure if we were getting tired…(it is Day 8)…or if we were just ‘slap happy’ or if Pop was surely losing his mind….

So…the game plan for rope drop is always this….I take all the tickets, RUN (no lie) to a particular ride, get the FPs, then jump in line with the rest of the family…usually by the time I get the FPs they are there. I weaseled my way up to the front of the rope drop line…when you’re one person, you can do that

The flowers and greenery at EP were beautiful as always! I’m forever amazed at the variety and the amount of foliage that is displayed throughout EP….tons of work goes into maintaining this, I’m sure!

We rode several things before lunch…Soarin, Test Track, Energy, Mission Space….it wasn’t too crowded. After all of this, we make the long trek over to the WS for lunch at ……

We arrived a bit early and there was a long line waiting for the hostess. I realized after a few minutes why the line was so long….one irritated man was arguing with the poor hostess. They couldn’t find his reservation…he didn’t actually have the reservation number with him…he wanted to be seated right away…it just went on and on. Everyone was a bit exasperated with him.

While we waited for our table we had front row seats to this act….

In all my years of visiting WDW, I’ve never seen this. It was hilarious, to say the least!!! They of course use people from the crowd…and this particular gentleman that they grabbed to be the King was awesome…he really hammed it up!

We finally received our page and headed to the hostess stand to be seated. I was extremely pleased when they sat us outside with a great view. Even though it was hot, it was super comfortable on the veranda with the fans blowing.

Not quite sure what is going on here…it appears that my family has just had the worst news ever! You would never guess that we were a cheerful family at the most Magical place on Earth!! What in the world??!!

Of course I was curious about the inside of the restaurant…shocker, right. I was a bit surprised that it was so small…I expected it to be bigger, I guess.

We’ve always wanted to try Rose & Crown, but have never gone out of our way to get a ressie…there’s always been a more pressing reservation to get. I wasn’t overly excited about this restaurant, but that was about to change.

Our waiter was super friendly!!! Such a nice guy! We ordered an appetizer…of course…this was outstanding! It might not look to appetizing, but looks can be deceiving.


Golden-fried Hard-boiled Egg wrapped in Sausage Meat with Mustard Sauce.

For the main course….

Traditional English sausages, with braised cabbage and bacon, mashed potatoes and shallot gravy…and once again…it might not look good…but it was.

And who can go to Rose & Crown without this……

All of the above was really good, but I was sooooo stuffed with all the fried food. We weren’t going to order dessert, but then a couple of us couldn’t resist.


Pop ordered this….and I don’t remember what he said about it. And to be quite honest, I’m not even sure I have the right name on this dessert???

This was my dessert and oh so tasty!!!

The kids had fun building their ice cream sundaes!

So….the big question….would I return to the Rose & Crown??? Most definitely for lunch!!! Probably not for dinner, but certainly on my lunch list now. Great food, terrific service, and excellent atmosphere…worth a try for anyone who hasn’t visited before!



Up next…..afternoon at Innoventions then Mickey’s Backyard BBQ!!

 

[Cinderella's slipper]

What a treat to find another update. We've never had lunch or dinner at Rose and Crown but you made it sound soo good. Thanks again.