3 Generations Wandering the Wilderness from "Cabin" Camping to Club Level-FW & WL

[INPartyof5]

The CL offerings looked fabulous! Thanks for all the pictures. They make me anxious for our January stay!

 

[disneyquilter]

Wow! Just caught up on 6 installments!! You are one busy gal Your husband is a riot! My husband does crazy stuff like that and we've been together so long, I don't notice until I start looking through all the pictures.

We've never been to O'Hana, nor stayed at the Poly, but I think we, like you, will wait until construction is completed. But that will definitely not keep us away from getting a Lapu Lapu. Never had one of those either, but the man and I will surely take a trip over there for one. They look yummy in the pineapple.

OMGosh, I will say it again. The food in OFC looks AMAZING! Grilled cheese and tomato bisque are my FAVORITES!!! Sweet chili boneless chicken wings? Crab rangoons? Yes, please!

 

[FancyNancy]

This is the review I've been waiting for! The CL offerings at WL look exceptional. I had checked into doing CL for BC once but I'm not a seafood person and most of the hot dishes seemed to be seafood.

 

[pas130]

You are making me REALLY miss CL @ WL! We truly enjoyed our stay there in 2011. And we met Mike! He's such a nice & funny guy!

Me tooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

 

[pas130]

Y'all have to venture over there during your WDW trip just to check things out....you won't believe it all. CRAZY!

I get so nostalgic over stuff like construction, it may make me cry

 

[marymac123]

Hi Just been quietly lurking

Couldn't keep quiet though, We LOVE Loyda!! She is the best! Everything looks sooo yummy!! Enjoying your report.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Where to begin? I'll go (sort of) in order from where I last left off

~The new coffeemaker in the lounge makes a better cup of coffee, but has managed to confound many guests. I thought that the OFC was the only CL left with the ye olde Nescafé machine, but I noticed on our recent stay that YC-CL still has the ye olde machine and BWI-CL doesn't have a coffee machine at all. After the recent rehab, the ye olde Nescafé machine was removed and now there's only a coffee urn. So somehow the OFC has far surpassed some CLs and the pods make for a nice cup of Joe.

~Those enclosed balconies aren't ideal up on the 7th floor (and some of the 6th floor). It was so nice when we were in the Deluxe room on the 5th to be able to sit out and actually see through the railing. A rumor is spreading that like Poly and AKL, some non-DVC rooms at WL will be converted to DVC and DVC with CL. Maybe they'll move some of the non-DVC CL rooms to floors without solid balconies?

~Always love seeing those early morning photos. Prowling around in the dark gives you a different perspective on a resort

~So those sweet sleeping angels didn't have bunks? For some reason I thought you requested on room with bunks? I love how Faith and Jesse were cuddled up as close as can be, leaving the other side of the bed empty - so cute! Also relieved to see that your DD sleeps with her arms straight up, too.

~Bill sure got up late that morning when he was filming on the balcony - it would have had to be 7 or after for the geyser to be erupting and he would have missed the coffee service

~We rode 7DMT 4 times in June/July and it does have a bad habit of breaking down often. Hopefully, it's doing less of that now. The next time (always the optimist here and you've got that video camera sooo...) you ride 7DMT with those FPs, make sure you ask for the last car. They'll take you aside and you'll only wait an extra minute or two. It's worth waiting for the last car because the other cars decelerate a lot, especially before dropping. It's also more fun being in the back because you can rock back at forth, especially in the mine.

~Jesse was definitely runway ready! Did Faith teach him everything he knows or did he learn from TV?

~Just mentioning, because I think it's neat, that the cool crayon holder you have a picture of in the kid's seating area, was custom made by an Original Cast Member named Van. He works at WL in the wood shop, but he started out at the MK and worked on the utilidors.

~You took some really nice lounge/lobby photos which can be challenging because of the windows/ambient lighting and the low indoor lighting. Good work, Mrs. Canon or is it Nikon?

~You know DH and I are sad about Randy, the CL manager, leaving. It won't be the same without him. He put in for a TA (Temporary Assignment) and he's been training to work as the Recreation manager at POR/POFQ. Everyone has predicted that he won't return to WL. Managers usually only stay a couple of years and he was going on 4 at WL.

~I might have to exchange one of my photos for your Focaccia sandwich photo. They must be fairly new and we must have missed them. It looks yummy, was it just cheese?

~You're right that the wine-beer is listed as being served at all CLs from 5-7, but at the OFC, they conveniently leave the wine and beer out till 10

 

[Pinkocto]

Wow, the OFC looks fabulous! And the offerings super delicious. We'll be back to AKL's CL in December which I'm really looking forward to. I love not having to get somewhere for breakfast, makes for a much more relaxed morning.

 

[Marsheliz]

Man all the offerings look/sound great. I just had a little salad I made at home & now it seems like chopped liver. (((

CL sounds so amazing and I know those sweet looking CM's just add to the wonderfulness.. I know that's not a word but you get my drift!

 

[hstrickland]

You are making me REALLY miss CL @ WL! We truly enjoyed our stay there in 2011. And we met Mike! He's such a nice & funny guy!

Wasn't he a hoot!? He's so matter-of-fact and adds a touch of sarcasm in his comments (which I love). Mike always had a good story to tell!

Ok...time for y'all to return!!!

WL CL looks amazing!! Did you enjoy it more then AKL CL? We a AKL.

Well, they are so different that it's hard for me to say. If AKL wasn't so remotely located, it might have a slight edge. However, since we got to know some of the CL staff at WL, it made the experience that much better.

I think I like the lounge area better at AKL. And AKL had a nice afternoon tea with scones, jam & clotted cream.
I think the chips in CL are highly addictive all the food offerings look fabulous!! Bacon wrapped scallops

The lounge area was really nice at AKL, especially the kids area. But then I liked the WL because I could sit by the window and look out at Bay Lake. It's a total toss-up

The CL offerings look amazing!

To answer your questions. We flew from Rhode Island, home, to Charleston as we had points for Southwest. Next time we will likely drive.

Charleston is another beautiful historic city!

There are no characters at Disney's HHIR. Instead they have B'Lou and Shadow. B'Lou is an amazing guy who will entertain you with an array of talents, from juggling to magic to ukelele paying. Shadow is the yellow lab and the mascot of the resort. He is usually with B'Lou. He is the friendliest dog ever and all the kids fawn all over him.

In addition, all the CMs here are amazing, especially the life guards. They really get to know all the families and the kids love them. They organize all kinds of games and activites at both pools. There is a Pirate Night every Tuesday and it is rockin. It ends with all the lifeguards jumping in the pool and then the evening ends with fireworks over Shelter Cove.

I had no idea!!! Really??! A pirate night! And all this time I thought it was just a hotel. I'm wondering if the Vero Beach Resort is similar

Lastly, there is so much to do. Nature walks and naturalist talks are free. There are tons of crafts for a nomial fee, like Mickey tie dye shirts, pin boards, vacation pillows, etc. There are lots of sporty activities as well. Tomorrow we take a kayak tour. I hope we see some dolphins.

The main resort is on a marsh, with a great pool and slide. The beach is about 1 1/2 miles away. There is a separate gated pool house there with a counter service and pool bar.

Again, I had no idea!! The kayak tour sound great. I was wondering about the beach. That's why you said you were going to ride your bike to the beach. How do people get there is they don' have bikes? Is there a shuttle of some sort? Think I may have to do some more investigating!

The CL offerings looked fabulous! Thanks for all the pictures. They make me anxious for our January stay!

You're very welcome! If at all possible, take advantage of those nightly offerings....really good!!!

Wow! Just caught up on 6 installments!! You are one busy gal Your husband is a riot! My husband does crazy stuff like that and we've been together so long, I don't notice until I start looking through all the pictures.

That's even better!


I've slowed down with posts....none yesterday. Hopefully one later on this evening. But lots to do today with the kids.

We've never been to O'Hana, nor stayed at the Poly, but I think we, like you, will wait until construction is completed. But that will definitely not keep us away from getting a Lapu Lapu. Never had one of those either, but the man and I will surely take a trip over there for one. They look yummy in the pineapple.

Be glad you don't have a Southern accent. When I requested one at the bar, the guy looked at me like I had too heads and said..."you want a what??" I was totally pronouncing it wrong! How embarrassing! But...well worth the embarrassment. Those things are OUTSTANDING!!!

OMGosh, I will say it again. The food in OFC looks AMAZING! Grilled cheese and tomato bisque are my FAVORITES!!! Sweet chili boneless chicken wings? Crab rangoons? Yes, please!

You'll love it!! I'm so excited for y'all!! Hopefully they'll still be doing the focaccia sandwiches next year.....sooooo yummy!

This is the review I've been waiting for! The CL offerings at WL look exceptional. I had checked into doing CL for BC once but I'm not a seafood person and most of the hot dishes seemed to be seafood.

Of course I've never been to BC CL...just seen pictures...but WL looks a little better to me (JMO). The atmosphere, anyway. The BC lounge looks relatively small.

I get so nostalgic over stuff like construction, it may make me cry

Oh no! Don't cry! Although you might when you see it. Bill and I were wondering if the Poly will still have that very distinct smell. While some hate it, we LOVE it. I'm guessing no, since they're removing most of the plants. Sad.

Hi Just been quietly lurking

Couldn't keep quiet though, We LOVE Loyda!! She is the best! Everything looks sooo yummy!! Enjoying your report.

Well....glad you came out of lurkdom I always like to say "hi" And don't feel bad about lurking....Bill is the best at that!

And yes...Loyda is such a sweet thing, isn't she?! It's people like here at the WL that made our trip special.

Where to begin? I'll go (sort of) in order from where I last left off

You're back from the dead....you must have had a few extra minutes between shuttle services

~Those enclosed balconies aren't ideal up on the 7th floor (and some of the 6th floor). It was so nice when we were in the Deluxe room on the 5th to be able to sit out and actually see through the railing. A rumor is spreading that like Poly and AKL, some non-DVC rooms at WL will be converted to DVC and DVC with CL. Maybe they'll move some of the non-DVC CL rooms to floors without solid balconies?

Interesting. But not shocking in the least. The balcony isn't a deal breaker for me, however......don't like it.

~So those sweet sleeping angels didn't have bunks? For some reason I thought you requested on room with bunks? I love how Faith and Jesse were cuddled up as close as can be, leaving the other side of the bed empty - so cute! Also relieved to see that your DD sleeps with her arms straight up, too.

And then they wake up! Faith isn't a morning person....Jesse is. So you can only imagine.

No bunks. And glad I didn't request that since our room location was PERFECT!!!

~Bill sure got up late that morning when he was filming on the balcony - it would have had to be 7 or after for the geyser to be erupting and he would have missed the coffee service

~We rode 7DMT 4 times in June/July and it does have a bad habit of breaking down often. Hopefully, it's doing less of that now. The next time (always the optimist here and you've got that video camera sooo...) you ride 7DMT with those FPs, make sure you ask for the last car. They'll take you aside and you'll only wait an extra minute or two. It's worth waiting for the last car because the other cars decelerate a lot, especially before dropping. It's also more fun being in the back because you can rock back at forth, especially in the mine.

Pictures to come! And a video!!!

~Just mentioning, because I think it's neat, that the cool crayon holder you have a picture of in the kid's seating area, was custom made by an Original Cast Member named Van. He works at WL in the wood shop, but he started out at the MK and worked on the utilidors.

Had no idea....you're a wealth of knowledge. Think I'm going to add this to my report! Thanks!!

~You took some really nice lounge/lobby photos which can be challenging because of the windows/ambient lighting and the low indoor lighting. Good work, Mrs. Canon or is it Nikon?

Dad is Mr. Canon....I'm more of a Nikon person.

~You know DH and I are sad about Randy, the CL manager, leaving. It won't be the same without him. He put in for a TA (Temporary Assignment) and he's been training to work as the Recreation manager at POR/POFQ. Everyone has predicted that he won't return to WL. Managers usually only stay a couple of years and he was going on 4 at WL.

I really hate it for the WL because he was so great. It will be hard to fill his shoes. But, POR gained one fabulous employee. Would love to go over there and find him.

~I might have to exchange one of my photos for your Focaccia sandwich photo. They must be fairly new and we must have missed them. It looks yummy, was it just cheese?

Yep! Sooooooo good! Wish we had not been going out for dinner because I could have totally made a meal off of them.

~You're right that the wine-beer is listed as being served at all CLs from 5-7, but at the OFC, they conveniently leave the wine and beer out till 10

Thanks! Will have to make some corrections. And I knew that....I did partake in these after 7....

Wow, the OFC looks fabulous! And the offerings super delicious. We'll be back to AKL's CL in December which I'm really looking forward to. I love not having to get somewhere for breakfast, makes for a much more relaxed morning.

Totally agree!!! Love not having to stand in line or look for a table somewhere!

Man all the offerings look/sound great. I just had a little salad I made at home & now it seems like chopped liver.

CL sounds so amazing and I know those sweet looking CM's just add to the wonderfulness.. I know that's not a word but you get my drift!

I like it!!! And I totally get your drift!!!

 

[BarbP]

Loving all the pictures. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

 

[Sue M]

Kook I'm surprised to hear WL may add DVC rooms since they already have a DVC WLV. I know AKL has DVC in Jambo but that was added before Kidani was built.

 

[pas130]

Oh no! Don't cry! Although you might when you see it. Bill and I were wondering if the Poly will still have that very distinct smell. While some hate it, we LOVE it. I'm guessing no, since they're removing most of the plants. Sad.

Sad, but hoping the end result will be amazing, I haven't been thrilled with many of the ch-ch-changes at Disney in general

~I might have to exchange one of my photos for your Focaccia sandwich photo. They must be fairly new and we must have missed them. It looks yummy, was it just cheese?

Ooooh I saw this and it does look yummy!!! DVC CL at WL, sign me up

 

[kastoney]

OMG club level looks so awesomely. Breakfast, alcohol, snacks, alcohol, dinner, alcohol, dessert, and more alcohol. Yes please and thank you. And just to kea sure did I understand you correctly that even when beer and wine isn't out, they will get it for you. Just want to clarify before I suggest nirvana.

 

[hstrickland]

Loving all the pictures. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

Happy to have you pop in! And you're very welcome. TRs always help our family kind of "relive" the trip...fun for us to share the pictures.

Kook I'm surprised to hear WL may add DVC rooms since they already have a DVC WLV. I know AKL has DVC in Jambo but that was added before Kidani was built.

I'm obviously not KOOK , but just chiming in on your comment. The Poly is doing the same thing with their rehab...adding DVC rooms. One of the existing buildings will be converted. I feel quite certain KOOK has more info She's a wealth of Disney knowledge!

Sad, but hoping the end result will be amazing, I haven't been thrilled with many of the ch-ch-changes at Disney in general

I'm skeptical, too but hoping for the best. One of the things I loved about the Poly was the atrium area with all the plants. Now that's going to be gone

Ooooh I saw this and it does look yummy!!! DVC CL at WL, sign me up

This will totally work for your family!!!

OMG club level looks so awesomely. Breakfast, alcohol, snacks, alcohol, dinner, alcohol, dessert, and more alcohol. Yes please and thank you. And just to kea sure did I understand you correctly that even when beer and wine isn't out, they will get it for you. Just want to clarify before I suggest nirvana.

Yep all day! So if you want a beer with your oatmeal, feel free to ask

 

[pas130]

I'm skeptical, too but hoping for the best. One of the things I loved about the Poly was the atrium area with all the plants. Now that's going to be gone

This will totally work for your family!!!

It is very sad about the Poly to me The positive..glass half full..when they open Poly DVC they may make VGF more affordable and ideally I would LOVE to do Deluxe CL with a guaranteed connecting King room that would be AWESOME! I know Kook's Deluxe room stay was meh..but for my clan...it would totally work

 

[annie170]

All caught up!

The food on club level is amazing! I suppose I could rationalize with my husband the savings on breakfasts, snacks, and my after parks glass of wine. WL is on my bucket list and I'm enjoying your photos.

 

[hstrickland]

It is very sad about the Poly to me The positive..glass half full..when they open Poly DVC they may make VGF more affordable and ideally I would LOVE to do Deluxe CL with a guaranteed connecting King room that would be AWESOME! I know Kook's Deluxe room stay was meh..but for my clan...it would totally work

I have a feeling y'all are really going to like OKW simply because of all the space. The bigger our kids get, the smaller the rooms feel I can totally see us moving to a villa!

All caught up!

The food on club level is amazing! I suppose I could rationalize with my husband the savings on breakfasts, snacks, and my after parks glass of wine. WL is on my bucket list and I'm enjoying your photos.

Club Level is one of those things that is hard to justify cost wise, but I can totally justify it with the convenience factor. Actually if you have 4 to a room and add up the breakfast, snacks, appetizers, desserts, and drinks it's not bad. It's nice to have another quiet place besides the room to just sit and relax

 

[hstrickland]

Day 7
An Epcot Morning with lunch at Le Cellier
Part 1




Because we almost missed roped drop at MK, I wasn’t about to let that happen again. No Sir-Ree! We were going to be early! Just look how close we are to turnstiles






Everyone was ready to make the mad dash to the first ride!!! It's like survival of the fittest! I love Rope Drop!!!!








Once they let us go, we were off…like a bunch of crazy people! You would think we’ve never seen Soarin’! And Bill was in the lead…







Because of our persistence and determination, there was no wait at Soarin’….ok a little wait, like 5 minutes. After we exited, the line was enormous!! Of course The Land was completely empty as we suspected it would be…








This was one of their new Hidden Mickey’s…or at least new to us. I could actually do this ride multiple times because I always see something new…something I missed the previous trip.











We were able to knock out Nemo and Turtle Talk with Crush (so love that little guy!) Found some new Hidden Mickey’s …or I guess I should say a “Hidden Goofy” …in the tanks at the Living Seas.











Next up, Figment!







Stephen decided he wanted to run over to Test Track, so Bill accompanied him. They did the single rider line which is fairly quick. Just make sure you don’t mind being separated. They were fortunate that they ended up in the same car.



And would you look at this picture??!! How about Bill was NOT the instigator of the communal “wave”. John Doe in the front initiated this shot!







Moving on towards Canada! Can I tell ya how much I adore this area?! It’s absolutely gorgeous!



















If you like photography just a tad bit….then this is the photo spot for you!











They're excited…






Our lunch ressie wasn’t until 12:30. For some reason I thought Le Cellier opened at noon. Wrong! We were early and it was closed. Not a big deal…we’ll get some more pictures, right?!







Ok…so I’ve been to this area tons of times....BUT…I’ve never noticed these rocks.







Seems odd to me in the midst of all the beautiful flowers….odd in a good way, though.



The kids wandered over to this spot….







A great way to kill time!!!....and get out of the heat.







The two cast members working this area were extremely friendly and quite knowledgeable of their beautiful Canada.




Continued to next post…




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[hstrickland]

Day 7
An Epcot Morning with lunch at Le Cellier
Part 2



We made our way back over to the restaurant a little before 12:30….and sooooo glad we did!



Right before the servers start seating people, they welcome everyone with a Canadian song. And I can’t - for the life of me - remember what it was. But nevertheless it was very nice, and a great way to start the dining experience.







We were seated right away. Jesse was being Jesse ...







Our server was totally awesome! She quickly brought us the basket of bread and butter…..yummy good!









Appetizers

Mom had the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup made with Moosehead Beer, “Nueske’s” Applewood-Smoked Bacon. Excellent!







Bill decided he needed to try the…

Le Cellier “Poutine” with Canadian Cheddar, Black Truffle, and Red Wine Reduction. Basically this is a type of French fry…..and it’s absolutely DELICIOUS!!!! I probably could have made a meal off of this!









Main Course


Dad had fish…at a steak house … I think he said it was really good.

Wild King Salmon with Zellwood Corn Cakes, Grilled Corn, Watermelon Radish, Raspberry Vinaigrette, Citrus Blend.








Mom enjoyed the Angus New York Strip with Caramelized Onion Pastry, Flora Nelle Cheese, Ramps, Wilted Kale, Cabernet Butter. Very good!!








Bill had the Sumac-crusted Sirloin with Roasted Bone Marrow, Grilled Spring Onion, Fried Onion Petals, Harissa Sauce. He said it was good but ours was much better






Jesse and Faith enjoyed the kid’s sirloin.






Stephen and I shared the Dry-aged Bone-in Rib-eye - aged for 21 Days - with Fingerling Potatoes and Roasted Garlic Butter. SUPER good and big enough to share!







Dessert

Of course I had dessert! There was Maple Crème Brulee! Always delicious!!!







The lunch was really, really good…..HOWEVER…this type of food was too heavy for lunch. The waitress told us that the lunch/dinner menu is basically the same. So when we return, we’ll have to do dinner instead. I definitely wanted a nap after this huge meal!



Outside of Canada, there were a few ducks that took a liking to Bill…literally following him.







We found a photo person with some interesting props, so we decided to stop and see what he could do.















Did I say how hot it was??? Definitely time for a dip in the pool, or better yet, a nap. Snapped a couple of pics on the way out!













Up next…DHS at night!





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