Anyone Game? 2 Castles and a Road Trip TR! Last Day and TR Wrap Up! #2796; 10/01

[PrincessInOz]

WDW Park and Room Hop Day 02 October 2013



Wake Up? Wake Up? No!!





Wake up? Wake up?? Not surprisingly, no takers at all this morning!



Day 20 of this vacay and it was time to get a little sleep in today. We'd had two pretty full days at WDW so far and it was time for a slower day. The pace that we had cracked on this vacay had finally gotten the better of us and even I didn't feel like getting out of bed early.


The lazy day was in keeping with my plans. When I had planned for the time at WDW, there were two days where I had decided to keep things flexible and this was one of those days. The reason for it was that this was the day that we were switching rooms and we had to check out.



So, I completely packed up this morning; it didn't take me long as we really never fully unpacked.




But first things first.




(Continued in the Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Previous Post)


Beach Club - The Solarium




As we weren't rushing out to a park this morning, it gave me a little time to grab more pictures around the resort. The last time we stayed here, this had been one of my favourite rooms to chill out in.







I walked in and found a spot to nurse my coffee.







I really needed a cup of Joe this morning. I'm a firm believer in first things first.








If you walk down to the end of the corridor......







......you’ll find this sanctuary.







It can get quite busy in here but at this time of morning, it was blissfully quiet and empty.








Whenever I think sun room now, this is the room I think of.








I don't know how they do it, but this room is both casual and elegant at the same time.












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[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Previous Post)


Beach Club - The Marketplace




So where did I pick up my coffee from?







The food section of the Marketplace is decent enough.







You can get a selection of pastries.







And there is a bain marie section for hot food.







I wish I'd gotten her name. She was so obliging!







For breakfast this morning, I got the Scrambled Egg platter with (the scrambled eggs) bacon, potato casserole, and a biscuit.







Hey! Who moved my bacon??? Judging from the fact that I got this picture in my collection and the bacon has moved, I guess DS got exactly the same breakfast.








DH got the oatmeal with raisins.








The boys had taken a little longer to emerge from the room than me and when we eventually met up, we sat outside in that area between the main building and the villa. Surprisingly, it was quite peaceful in this walkway.











(Continued in the Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Previous Post)


Racing Again in Park #1



Did I mention that we hadn't planned on getting to a park today?


Ha! Ha!




Despite not having any real plans to hit the parks, the OCD in me could NOT help myself during the planning phase. I had 3 FP+ to plan for today and as I really didn't have anything else better in mind, I booked them for Epcot. Afterall, it was the closest park.



So, when DS and DH asked what FP+ I had booked and found out, we made our way across the International Gateway and headed into Epcot.







We had to race ourselves to our destination as we were getting close to the end of our window. You know which ride I mean. I was really pleased that we did so. I don't look like Cousin It in this picture.







And because there was barely any wait time on the single rider side, we went round again. The boys managed to get into the same car.







I was not too far behind.







Whilst I did enjoy my spins around the track this morning without taking any....er....many pictures, I did end up with one picture. Afterall, it had been a goal to try and get a decent shot of that carpark and I couldn't resist.








Despite holding a FP+ for Soarin', we headed back to the resort. It was getting close to check-out time.

I missed taking a picture of the Yorkshire County Fish Shop last night. Not so this morning. DS and I really enjoyed the fish and chips from here for dinner last night.







This CM was surprised that we were leaving the park. Actually, she was more surprised that I took a picture of her!







As we walked back to the resort, I looked at the dock for the Friendships.







There was a boat coming but we didn't have too much time to spare at this point in time.







There was definitely no time to smell the roses....even if they last night's washed-up reeds.








There was definitely no time to hang around feeling the sand under our feet.







We were definitely racing back to the resort.






We were close to check out time and we needed to leave our bags with Bellhop. I did check at reception.







Our next room was ready; but as our next door room-mates hadn't made it to the resort yet, we declined checking in. For those wondering, we could have checked in; but that would have locked Fran and Alison out of their room at WL. I think it would have been pretty bad form to do that.

 

[Pinkocto]

The Solarium is gorgeous. What a peaceful nook to relax in.

The breakfast place looks quite nice, I'll have to remember that.

Love that you squeezed in two rides even though you slept in AND packed!

 

[mvf-m11c]

THAT is one great shot!

I have been FRC, front row center, ie, between the stores and it is the best, but unlike most places, best here is only slightly better than pretty much anywhere as long as you are on the fence. I have a secret spot that tends to be overlooked by others, gives me an unobstructed view, and usually is still empty at 8:45! That, and the HC area left of the center is where I do most of my videos from. The advantage of my secret spot is it is a bit more distant from the center and this I can get the whole show in the image. FRC is "too close" for the full image!

But again, great picture that!



Jud

Thanks Jud. Watching Illuminations from the HC was very nice spot to watch. The only downside from that spot when we watch Illuminations that the speakers for the music of the show was far away from that spot and you can just hear it. The show is not the same without the music just like watching the fireworks. That is very neat that you have a secret spot when watching Illuminations. I will want to try that when I go back to WDW in the near future.

That's a great spot; and nice pictures, Bret. It's usually full by the time I get there.

Thanks PiO. It was a nice spot for my family and it was well worth the 30 minute wait. I will have to try different spots when I watch Illuminations just like what I will be doing at DL for RDCT in a couple of weeks.


The Solarium looks very nice place to relax after a long day at the parks.

Breakfast looks good that morning.

That was nice that you were able to go back on Test Track that day with FP+.

Looking forward to your next update.

 

[areweindisneyyet]

I am still keeping up to date. You do make me laugh. Shopping in Japan was a firm favourite of DD2. She parted with lots of her cash here. She is studying it at school and her teacher is always bribing them with little gifts from Japan. She loved buying her own bribes and practising her Japanese. Illuminations was an absolute highlight. You even have me planning a little drive from Vegas to Phoenix past the canyon and Sedona in November.

 

[dolphingirl47]

I love the solarium at the Beach Club. It was great that you got to do Test Track twice. Shame about having to miss Soarin though.

Corinna

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Good on ya! Fish and chips yum! Crepes yum!

Love your illumination picks. How nice of those Canadians to make room for you great pic of China at night!

I can tell you have been State side for a while now PIO this happens to me if we go for more than 10 days. The coffee starts to taste acceptable lol...

What happened when you got home and had a java? Party in your mouth lol.

 

[ACDSNY]

Looks like you had a nice relaxing morning for room change day.

 

[jedijill]

You call that a lazy morning?!?!?! Packing, getting 2 rides in on TT, and switching rooms...that's pretty good!

Jill in CO

 

[LegoMom3]

(Continued from Previous Post)


Beach Club - The Solarium
...........

I really needed a cup of Joe this morning. I'm a firm believer in first things first.



..... 

Ah, a girl after my own heart. Coffee first. All else comes later.

That solarium is really beautiful! I hope someday to stay at the BC.

(Continued from Previous Post)


Beach Club - The Marketplace
....
You can get a selection of pastries.



....

I love how the muffins are so big!! You're making me extra excited for all the NOMS I plan to indulge in next month!

(Continued from Previous Post)


Racing Again in Park #1
......
We had to race ourselves to our destination as we were getting close to the end of our window. You know which ride I mean. I was really pleased that we did so. I don't look like Cousin It in this picture.




.....

No you don't look like Cousin It but I'm over the kid in the front seat!! Too funny....


Y'know, as I've been reading this installment, I have Innoventions BGM playing on my computer. That combined with your Epcot shots just has me all kinds of giddy.

.

 

[Leshaface]

I wish I hadn't caught up on your TR so close to lunch time (or rather, not close enough!) That shrimp plate from the China booth was unbelievably delicious...and the treats at Karamell Kuche...stop the madness!!

I agree with you on the value of PP. I'm the picture taker so shots with me are rare.

Woah! Congrats on 80,000! At the rate i'm going, it will be at least 20 years before I reach that

F&C are too good to pass up, even with so many F&W booths around.

Illuminations is my second fave Disney show next to WoC! Thanks for the pics

 

[dgbg100106]

I had my very first DISmeet in that solarium, it will for ever hold a special place for me...

Glad you got at least one more trip around the track...

 

[eandesmom]

wow! I can't believe you checking in would have locked them out but I guess it makes sense. It seems they are more on top of that type of thing with the magicbands. When we checked in at THV they said we weren't checked out of BWV and they had to do that before they could check us in. I've always kind of assumed after check out time, you are checked out even if you didn't manually do it yourself at the desk. Guess not!

Nice morning, I love the solarium and YAY for not looking like Cousin It!

 

[PrincessInOz]

The Solarium is gorgeous. What a peaceful nook to relax in.

The breakfast place looks quite nice, I'll have to remember that.

Love that you squeezed in two rides even though you slept in AND packed!

I gather that the Solarium can get quite busy. It's near where Magical Express picks you up and I expect that when it's peak time for DME, people will come in and wait in the air conditioning.

Yeah......s-l-o-w morning.

Thanks PiO. It was a nice spot for my family and it was well worth the 30 minute wait. I will have to try different spots when I watch Illuminations just like what I will be doing at DL for RDCT in a couple of weeks.


The Solarium looks very nice place to relax after a long day at the parks.

Breakfast looks good that morning.

That was nice that you were able to go back on Test Track that day with FP+.

Looking forward to your next update.

Thanks Bret. I don't mind a 30 minute wait; but I never seem to get to that spot in any time to get to the front.

I am still keeping up to date. You do make me laugh. Shopping in Japan was a firm favourite of DD2. She parted with lots of her cash here. She is studying it at school and her teacher is always bribing them with little gifts from Japan. She loved buying her own bribes and practising her Japanese. Illuminations was an absolute highlight. You even have me planning a little drive from Vegas to Phoenix past the canyon and Sedona in November.

Glad you're keeping up to date! Thanks.

Planning??? Are you heading back in November and what are your dates?

I love the solarium at the Beach Club. It was great that you got to do Test Track twice. Shame about having to miss Soarin though.

Corinna

I don't think the boys minded that we missed Soarin'. Between the times we got on at DLR and the 2 times we got on the day before, we were more than satisfied with what we had done. Besides....there IS more of this "lazy" day to come.

Good on ya! Fish and chips yum! Crepes yum!

Love your illumination picks. How nice of those Canadians to make room for you great pic of China at night!

I can tell you have been State side for a while now PIO this happens to me if we go for more than 10 days. The coffee starts to taste acceptable lol...

What happened when you got home and had a java? Party in your mouth lol.

Thanks Paula. Yes, this was day 20 and the coffee was tasting acceptable.

I couldn't wait to get home to that first java. Not only was it a party in my mouth, but my eyelids snapped right on back to the top of the eyes.

Looks like you had a nice relaxing morning for room change day.

Yes. S-l-o-w morning.

You call that a lazy morning?!?!?! Packing, getting 2 rides in on TT, and switching rooms...that's pretty good!

Jill in CO

If there was one thing I learnt as a result of this "lazy, no park plan" day, it is that next time, I have to schedule the heck out of lazy, no plan park days and scrub them right out of my plans.

Ah, a girl after my own heart. Coffee first. All else comes later.

That solarium is really beautiful! I hope someday to stay at the BC.


I love how the muffins are so big!! You're making me extra excited for all the NOMS I plan to indulge in next month!

No you don't look like Cousin It but I'm over the kid in the front seat!! Too funny....


Y'know, as I've been reading this installment, I have Innoventions BGM playing on my computer. That combined with your Epcot shots just has me all kinds of giddy.

.

I think 'someone' is counting down the seconds to when they get back to WDW.

I thought you were staying at one of the Epcot resorts? Did I get that wrong??

I wish I hadn't caught up on your TR so close to lunch time (or rather, not close enough!) That shrimp plate from the China booth was unbelievably delicious...and the treats at Karamell Kuche...stop the madness!!

I agree with you on the value of PP. I'm the picture taker so shots with me are rare.

Woah! Congrats on 80,000! At the rate i'm going, it will be at least 20 years before I reach that

F&C are too good to pass up, even with so many F&W booths around.

Illuminations is my second fave Disney show next to WoC! Thanks for the pics

Thanks Lesha! Glad you enjoyed the Illuminations pics and I hope you got something yummy to eat.

Yes, I was really glad that I got PP+ on this trip.

I had my very first DISmeet in that solarium, it will for ever hold a special place for me...

Glad you got at least one more trip around the track...

It's a good spot for a DisMeet.

wow! I can't believe you checking in would have locked them out but I guess it makes sense. It seems they are more on top of that type of thing with the magicbands. When we checked in at THV they said we weren't checked out of BWV and they had to do that before they could check us in. I've always kind of assumed after check out time, you are checked out even if you didn't manually do it yourself at the desk. Guess not!

Nice morning, I love the solarium and YAY for not looking like Cousin It!

Given how much money Disney is spending on the new human GPS tracking system, there has to be some other benefit in it for them.

Thanks.

 

[skier_pete]

Boy, I tell you, I really want to stay at the BC/YC/BCV someday, but I always find the decor there so....I don't know...blah to my tastes. Maybe that it sort of reminds me of New England, since that's where I grew up it is just not that impressive to me. The Solarium area does look like a nice spot to relax, though.

I don't think I would've run into the park for just one ride, though! I would've bumped those FPs to later. We weren't super efficent in using all our FP+ oppurtunities last trip, though.

 

[ejud]

Just for the record, if you want front row center on Illuminations, you have to claim it at least 60, and more usually 90 minutes ahead of time. And the whole time, not knowing if it will be opened on any given night (wind direction and Fire Marshall).



Jud

 

[franandaj]

Again, I really on the phone, think I'm gonna comment from the computer and time gets away from me. We didn't leave our room until 11AM that morning so even if you had checked in for the afternoon, we would have been waiting patiently for the Bell Services folks.

You guys sure got in a lot before checking out of the room. I think we packed up, I took a jacuzzi tub and we had coffee and breakfast.

 

[Aussie Wendy]

While I love them all, particularly liked the last pic on Part 2 of Illuminations with all the blue trails. Good on ya' with picking up some companions for your late night walk around the world. Love how empty it was for the pics. Also think The Solarium looks like a lovely place to sit in the early morn. I wish we could have done an Epcot area hotel for our next trip but DVC rental just wasn't practical for the short time and our circs this year-even less so now I have shifted things even tighter. Next time!