3rd Annual We are "NEVER" going to Disney in the summer again"

[natebenma]

Not at all! We're still getting mileage out of Ariel trying to ask my (very shy) 6 year old out on a date!

Amanda

I wonder where Ariel would take him? She probably know some excellent seafood places!

I know I keep saying how great your pictures are - especially your water pic's - but wow, your pic's from Mexico are so pretty. I just can't get over how well your underwater ones came out.

One year we were positioned under Tinkerbell during "her" flight, I looked at my DH as Aerosmith started playing in my ear, "That young dude looks like a lady". Now I know I'm not crazy

Thanks again for the compliments on the photos. I don't get tired of hearing it, so don't feel like you need to stop writing it!

Got to love when you can work in an Aerosmith quote. Very funny!!!

 

[natebenma]

BRINNNGGGG!

Alarm goes off at 3:30.

I showered, woke Mark and then woke the kids at 4.

The car service was scheduled to pick us up at 4:30. We have used the same service for about 20 years, I can’t count the number of times. We almost always have early flights and an early morning pickup. They have never been late. I trust them. I recommend them. But every time we travel I can’t stop worrying that they might not show, until I see the headlights coming up the driveway.

4:30 The car arrived, right on time. We loaded it up with our suitcases and hit the road. Not much traffic at that time in the morning, so we cruised to Logan airport and got there in about 45 minutes. We waved goodbye to our checked luggage “See ya at the Beach Club!” - Don’t you just LOVE Magical Luggage Delivery?!?

We had time for a quick breakfast from Dunkin’ Donuts. We enjoyed that last cup of DD coffee we would have for the next 7 days.

Here are a couple of shots from the airport.

Notice the 3 boys on the escalator. They weren’t actually going anywhere. Ben just LOVES riding the escalator.

Our travel day continued to go smoothly. Boarded the plane and had an on-time departure at 7 AM. Quiet, uneventful flight. The boys rested, I was able to read (Percy Jackson, Battle of the Titans) and we landed in Orlando about 20 minutes prior to our scheduled arrival time of 10:10. Made our way to the Magical Express bus, boarded immediately, and it was not long before the bus was on the road. One stop at Port Orleans, a stop at Boardwalk and then we arrived at the Beach Club!!!

Yes, I know this is the back. Somehow I missed taking a picture of the front of the BC.

Lobby:

Vic the Greeter said hello to us (Teena was still in Vegas visiting with Jeanne) and we headed up to the checkin on the 5th floor. The boys immediately took a few pieces of salt water taffy from the desk. We’re home!!!

Vicki and Neil check us in. Vicki remarks about our great dining reservations! Oh, I already mentioned that, didn’t I? They gave anniversary buttons to Mark and me (24 years, July 19) and a birthday button to Nate (age 12, July 5) and an I’m celebrating button to Ben, so that he was not left out. Wasn’t that sweet! Whenever we wore our buttons we got lots of “Happy Birthdays” and “Congratulations” from CMs.

Note: This photo does not depict Vicki and Neil

Our day continues to be magical- our room is ready! We are glad we will be able to ditch our travel bag and we are excited to check it out. Do we have a full balcony, like I requested? How will the view be? Although we had an incredible, spectacular view last year (overlooking the BC back entrance, SAB and Boardwalk), we just booked a standard view this year. The view is not a big deal to any of us, as long as I have a balcony to escape to with my coffee and book in the early morning hours.

We go in, open the curtains and see…

Left view

Right view

We won’t be doing much people-watching this year, but the location is awesome! We are maybe 7-8 rooms from the Concierge Lounge and close to the elevator.

The room gets thumbs up from us!

I snapped a few quick pictures before we totally trashed the room

Hi Stacey! Hi Mickey! We missed you!!!



Headed to the lounge for a few cookies and a cold drink




Next: off to the Magic Kingdom!

 

[DrMomof3]

I am SO glad to know that I'm not the only completely neurotic person who worries obsessively about getting to the airport late! Thank you for writing that!!!!
LOVE your fabulous pics of BC. Just gorgeous! I miss it already!!!

Amanda

 

[natebenma]

I am SO glad to know that I'm not the only completely neurotic person who worries obsessively about getting to the airport late! Thank you for writing that!!!!
LOVE your fabulous pics of BC. Just gorgeous! I miss it already!!!

Amanda

Flying doesn't bother me at all, but I am a nervous wreck before trips! Are the dishes done? Is the laundry put away? What did I forget to pack???

Then the "What if the car service doesn't show up" thoughts start. Although I have no reason to doubt them, I can't stop thinking that.

This year was amazingly calm. The day before we left, my husband's workplace had a well-organized "take your kids to work day" with lots of activities and demonstrations, so the house was quiet. I finished all of my packing and trip activities and was able to get to bed by 9:30. Last year, I was up late putting finishing touches on Teena's photo album.

Before I get to my next post, I'll throw in a few more BC photos.

 

[momof3cuteboys]

So I will be arriving at the BC in 18 days and am already worrying about getting to the airport, forgetting things etc... Dee can you let me know the name of the car service that you use. Thanks a bunch!

Your tr is getting me so excited for our trip.

 

[jmskinner]

I love your comment about the "Magical Luggage Delivery". Yes, I get to go a lot, but I miss out on that little bit of magic. It really isn't the same driving over for a day trip, but I'm not complaining.

The BC looks beautiful, and I wouldn't complain about that view. Don't have to worry about a lot of people "people watching" you.

Car service on time, flight uneventful and room ready, the magic has begun!

 

[eandesmom]

This is why I avoid morning flights, so stressful! But it's working well for you and great room!

 

[janloz]

still following along, it was a busy weekend of packing. We finally leave on Saturday for our 1st stay at BC. DH just gave in for my mother/daughter trip for next May with my mom for her 70th bday. Looking at renting points for BCV or hoping for good AP rate. Upgrading park hopper to AP this trip.

 

[ProudMommyof2]

UTD with your report-LOVE THE PICS!!!

We are fellow New Englanders & Pats fans!! We were at BCV in 5/09 and loved it!!! I am also the addicted planner.

We just came back from a trip to D.C. 2 weeks ago. Let me know if you need any tips. My kids had so much fun that - shudder the thought- they both said it was more fun than Disney!!! (I think I need to not be quite such a good planner on non-Disney trips!!)

 

[MommyMcQueen]

Hi Dee! Catching up on yout TR! Great pix! BC looks beautiful!

Glad your flights and transportation all went well! Such a nice start when it all goes smoothly!

Looking forward to reading more!
Karen

 

[natebenma]

Well, we are having a little plumbing emergency here at home today (let's be honest, there are no "little" plumbing emergencies), so I won't get to posting more photos or an update for another day or so, but I wanted to do some quick replies.

So I will be arriving at the BC in 18 days and am already worrying about getting to the airport, forgetting things etc... Dee can you let me know the name of the car service that you use. Thanks a bunch!

Your tr is getting me so excited for our trip.

Sorry that Walkey's was not able to help you out. I hope you are able to find a service you are happy with.

I love your comment about the "Magical Luggage Delivery". Yes, I get to go a lot, but I miss out on that little bit of magic. It really isn't the same driving over for a day trip, but I'm not complaining.

The BC looks beautiful, and I wouldn't complain about that view. Don't have to worry about a lot of people "people watching" you.

Car service on time, flight uneventful and room ready, the magic has begun!

Nope, no complaints from me! The tree blocked the view of the parking lot.

Lots of magic that first day, we were so pleased with how smoothly our travel to Orlando was.

This is why I avoid morning flights, so stressful! But it's working well for you and great room!

We don't mind the morning flights at all, we are morning people. Truthfully, I would be a basket case about the details no matter what time our flights leave.

You have a whole other set of reasons to avoid early flights, especially to Orlando!

still following along, it was a busy weekend of packing. We finally leave on Saturday for our 1st stay at BC. DH just gave in for my mother/daughter trip for next May with my mom for her 70th bday. Looking at renting points for BCV or hoping for good AP rate. Upgrading park hopper to AP this trip.

You must be going out of your mind with excitement!!! How fun will it be if you see some of your pins around? Will you get a chance to see Teena on Sunday or Monday?

UTD with your report-LOVE THE PICS!!!

We are fellow New Englanders & Pats fans!! We were at BCV in 5/09 and loved it!!! I am also the addicted planner.

We just came back from a trip to D.C. 2 weeks ago. Let me know if you need any tips. My kids had so much fun that - shudder the thought- they both said it was more fun than Disney!!! (I think I need to not be quite such a good planner on non-Disney trips!!)

Thanks for following along! Wow, sounds like we have a lot in common! I will definitely be interested in any tips for DC. We do already have tickets for the Archives and Washington Monument. Who knew you could buy "fast passes" in Washington?

Our kids are close in age, so I am thrilled to hear they loved DC!

Hi Dee! Catching up on yout TR! Great pix! BC looks beautiful!

Glad your flights and transportation all went well! Such a nice start when it all goes smoothly!

Looking forward to reading more!
Karen

Hi Karen- glad you are enjoying the report. Perhaps coming attractions of Disney trips when your boys are older!

 

[ProudMommyof2]

Hi-
Best DC tip- contact your senator or congressman. It may be a little late, but with 6 weeks notice our senator's office got us tours of the White House, Capitol and Library of Congress. You can stand in line to get tickets for the Capitol & LOC but the tours are a cut above if arranged by Congress member. The White House can only be arranged by a Congress member.

Pam

 

[natebenma]

Hi-
Best DC tip- contact your senator or congressman. It may be a little late, but with 6 weeks notice our senator's office got us tours of the White House, Capitol and Library of Congress. You can stand in line to get tickets for the Capitol & LOC but the tours are a cut above if arranged by Congress member. The White House can only be arranged by a Congress member.

Pam

Thanks Pam! We did contact our congressman when we booked several months ago and requested a tour of the White House. I understand that we won't find out until a week or so before the trip if it is possible due to security checks and scheduling/events at the White House. We will be there for a quick 3 1/2 day trip, so we are just hitting the highlights. The kids have a 4 day weekend off from school.

When I told my DH about your trip and response, he asked me where you stayed. We are booked at the JW Marriott, which is about 3 blocks from the White House, so the location should be really convenient.

Hope you don't mind if I post further questions if I think of them!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Still following along. Your travel day seemed to have gone very smoothly. The Beach Club is absolutely gorgeous. For a standard view room, that wasn't too bad of a view.

 

[ProudMommyof2]

Thanks Pam! We did contact our congressman when we booked several months ago and requested a tour of the White House. I understand that we won't find out until a week or so before the trip if it is possible due to security checks and scheduling/events at the White House. We will be there for a quick 3 1/2 day trip, so we are just hitting the highlights. The kids have a 4 day weekend off from school.

When I told my DH about your trip and response, he asked me where you stayed. We are booked at the JW Marriott, which is about 3 blocks from the White House, so the location should be really convenient.

Hope you don't mind if I post further questions if I think of them!

Ask away-love to share any travel info. We stayed at the Embassy suites at Chevy Chase. We love suite type hotels- don't have to go to bed with the kids, separate space, kitchette,free full made to order breakfast etc. You can look on tripadvisor.com for pics and reviews. Not as close to the action as JW Marriott (which I have read great things about) but situated in an upscale neighborhood in a small mall called the Chevy Chase Pavillion. The Metro is actually right in the basement- so super convenient. Navigating the Metro was one of my sons favorite things. Recommend getting a Smart Card for the Metro- can load with $ and not try to figure out the fare all the time- simply swipe & go! The hotel has a great pool, hot tub, fitness center and laundry facilities. There was a CVS in the mall as well as restaurants. Also, a grocery store(and liquer store) across the street that we used to get snacks, water and lunch makings.

Check out "Bike & Roll" as a great way to see the monuments without killing your feet. Most things are very accessible by Metro- except the Monuments!!

Any further questions- just ask!
Pam

 

[dtr_angel]

sorry to hear about your plumming issue, I hope it all goes well.

If you have any questions about DC, I live very close and was just there in June, I've been there a bunch of times. 2 of our good friends are now lawyers in DC (although they commute) so if you have any questions I can hopefully help too

 

[natebenma]

Thanks again Proudmommyof2 and dtr_angel for the information and offers to help with questions of about our DC trip.

Sorry I have been missing for so long! As I mentioned, we were dealing with a sewer saga. On Monday we discovered a damp rug our basement, not the whole rug but an approx 5 by 10 foot section up against the wall. The waste pipe that goes through the house to the outside through the foundation had a small leak, and the pipe was flaking away and ready to breach at any time! The pipe was hidden behind an access panel, so we didn't see it until we opened the wall.

As of Tuesday, we were advised not to run any water- toilets, showers, dishwasher, laundry, etc... Fortunately, Tuesday was also the first day of school for the boys, so they were gone most of the day. I stayed home to deal with the plumbers and relied on the hospitality of neighbors when necessary. We stayed at a local hotel on Tuesday and Wednesday night. It was no Beach Club, that's for sure!

As of about noon yesterday, services are up and running There is some cleanup that will need to be done, but it appears that there was minimal damage. We will make sure to check for mold potential, etc, but I don't think the drywall got wet at all.

Big mess. We are on the upswing, but now will be sorting out how much of this mess we are financially responsible for.

Of course all financial transactions can be viewed in terms of Disney Dollars "We could have used this money for a trip!" My DH responded "Being able to use the bathrooms in your own home is nice too." Point taken.

Anyway, I hope to put up a few more photos and get an update about the MK portion of our arrival day. soon soon soon!

 

[dtr_angel]

sorry to hear about your situation, I'm glad you are on the upswing now, hopefully it won't eat too much $$ that Disney could've had instead

 

[chunkymonkey]

Hi Dee! Thanks for visiting my TR! I am loving your TR so far, I like that it is like 2 TRs (for 2 trips) in one! We love Epcot too! You guys are so lucky to stay in the Beach Club! We stayed at the Swan last year and loved the location. Being able to walk to our favorite park is so awesome. Your pictures are great too! Hope everything is ok with the plumbing issue. Sounds like it is!
Looking forward to more!

 

[TwiddleDeeTwiddleDum]

Plumbing issues, uuuggghh What a way to spend Labor Day. Glad you got it all taken care of.

By golly my next trip I am going to remember to take even MORE pictures! I wouldn't have thought to take airport pic's I like the yacht club pic's, what a pretty resort. We've been to the beach club for a meal at cape may's but have not had the chance to stay there. Those queen size beds look like heaven compared to the dinky doubles we had over at ASMusic