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

[PrincessInOz]

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.

For someone that doesn't live in New England, I find it charming.

Bumping those FP+ to later? Well.....remember......this was MEANT to be our lazy no park day.

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

It's always been pretty full the 3 or 4 times I've looked at this spot.

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.

I really didn't want to chance locking you out of your room; and it was fine leaving our bags at Bell Services and waiting till you arrived.

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!

Sounds like you have a change in your plans for your next trip. Thanks....and my companions were fun. I still need to see if I can find their contact details....somewhere!

 

[PrincessInOz]

All Washed Up in Park #2



Did I mention that we were planning a lazy day and hadn't planned on getting to a park today?



Ha! Ha!



Food and the spin around Test Track had made the natives restless. And I did have rough plans for the day in the event that the boys wanted to head somewhere.

When we were planning for this trip, DS had two things that he wanted to try out and I had promised him to build it into the agenda. It was time to make good on the first promise. So after checking out of our room, we hopped on Disney transport.







Our destination for the day; and the second 'park' we were hitting today. Over 2 million visitors make it to this park per year.







I'm sure you all know that there is a dedicated Disney marketing television channel 24/7 at the flick of a button in your room. Stacey J Aswad SOLD the water parks to DS in 2010 and this had been on his list to do for when we came back here.

So, he was a happy boy this morning and happy to pose with Lagooner Gator.







As was the big boy!







After hitting the change rooms....







....laze about was all we did here.







Castaway Creek is over half a kilometer long and most people enjoy floating down on the inner tubes.







On the ride round, we drifted past lush waterfalls......








.....and sprays cascading down 'rock faces' as we entered darkened tunnels.








It was our first visit to a Disney water park and we were all blown away with the Disney details.








X marks the spot on the map!







Our family favourite was Hideaway Bay where we spent a great deal of time walking up the Crush N Gusher tower. We found that this slide had 3-man rafts and invariably the line for these rafts was short. Heck - they were non-existent on this day so we made full use of these 3-man rafts. Loved this slide!






The Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool was also another family favourite.







It was near impossible getting the boys away from the booming surf.







And we spent a lot of time enjoying the waves here and watching Miss Tilly erupt.







And because I'm naturally curious, I went looking. I think the wave machine is located behind here and I'm sure one of you will correct me with the appropriate information. But you gotta admit....the theming really is impressive.







The water slides were also a firm favourite. We did try out a couple and spent a bit of time around Mount Mayhem.







Although, there were some that we all chickened out on.








We found Shark Reef too late in the day.







We definitely have to come back to experience this!







For this day, we needed to head back to the resort. Although I did check out the events board with interest.








There are no food porn pictures of lunch today. All the pictures taken on this post were taken after we had gotten dressed and were nearly ready to leave. But I did take pictures of some of places where you can get food.























I personally thought the food was sub-par here. And I did NOT like the price that Disney charges for lockers here either.







One other point to note in the wash-up. I spent a bit of time musing over the collection of bathing beauties at Typhoon Lagoon. I don't know about you but I think I'm fairly normal in my personal body issues and internal imperfections. I'd like to think that I’m like most people in having likes and dislikes of my body shape, muffin top (beer gut for you guys) and thunder thighs or lack thereof. I had approached Typhoon Lagoon with misgivings about walking about in my bathing costume amongst comparative strangers. Not that I'm a prude or anything but you know....!

In reality, I found being at a water park to be fairly liberating. It didn't matter what internal body issues I might have had because when I got to the park and walked in to see every body shape in their bathing suit, I had no qualms about walking about in my swimming costume at all. And after the first two minutes, I stopped sucking in that muffin top of mine and just let it all hang out!

I did consider this point on the way back to the resort on Disney transport. Afterall, if I could walk around with wet skin tight clothes at the water park, I should not have any concerns with walking around and wondering how big my bottom is in everyday clothes. It is definitely a revealing thought to muse over in the wash-up.





(Continued in Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Previous Post)


Room Hopping



I don't think I fully explained why we were room hopping today before, did I?


You may remember that this trip started out because a bunch of us on the Games section of the Dis decided it might be fun to meet in 3D. We had planned this Gamer's Meet for the better part of 18 months. When we were discussing where to stay, it turns out that a number of the Gamers were DVC members at the BCV. I was always going to look to stay here and was really glad when franandaj suggested we share a 2-bedroom villa with them. So, we ended up with two reservations for our stay here; one for the first 3 nights and then another one held by franandaj.


Today had been room-changeover day and we needed to wait for our hosts to arrive and check in. Our timing worked out great today. We made it back to the Beach Club to find Fran and Alison just checking in at reception. We were delighted to see them again and we pretty much picked up the conversation from where we left off 2 weeks prior.


Our room was on the first floor; or, in my speak, the ground floor. I was momentarily confused by the first floor thing and started to head towards the elevator; or, in my speak, the lift. I think Alison and Fran had a little chuckle at my misunderstanding.


Our room was almost a carbon copy of the one we had occupied for the last 3 nights. We were staying in the studio section of the 2-bedroom configuration.







Seeing this welcome 'mat' never gets old!







It didn't take us long to settle in. And before anyone comments, we did get a lot messier than this. This picture was taken after we'd been in the room for about 10 minutes.







There was one major difference in the new room we had hopped to.....we were now in a HA room and the bathroom facilities were appropriately configured.







No bath; which we really didn't even notice or miss.







I know that there is always the possibility of the unexpected snake visitor to rooms on the first floor; but I was delighted to be able to open the balcony door to this view.






Okay. Perhaps this side is more impressive.








DH and DS were also pretty pleased with the room hop benefits and new view.

 

[dolphingirl47]

OK, your idea of having a lazy day and my idea of having a lazy day seem to be very different. Sounds you had a great day at Typhoon Lagoon. I would love to try Crush 'n' Gusher, but for the last couple of trips Typhoon Lagoon was always closed for rehab when we were there.

I like your new view. That was well timed that Alison and Fran were just checking in when you got back to the resort.

Corinna

 

[Pinkocto]

I'm so glad you got to Typhoon Lagoon and enjoyed yourselves! Mom and I love that park. Totally agree with all your thoughts, locker prices, food choices, and the fabulous details. Love the Crushin Gusher, Wave Pool, and lazy river!

Fun that you shared a room with Alison and Fran. I like a ground floor room.

 

[rentayenta]

First visit to a Disney water park? The water parks are a must
for us. Typhoon Lagoon is our favorite. Castaway Cay in the Bahamas reminds me of TL on steroids. Love TL and I'm so glad you went. It's a perfect down day for us too. The waves are so fun and the kids love the slides. We much prefer TL over BB. The glaring white at BB gives me a little headache after a while. We've never got a locker at the water parks but I agree on the food.

Your villa looks awesome and fun that you shared a two bedroom. It looks like a lock off? That's what we are hoping to do with our friends in December at Disneyland.

 

[skier_pete]

I'm sure you all know that there is a dedicated Disney marketing television channel 24/7 at the flick of a button in your room. Stacey J Aswad SOLD the water parks to DS in 2010 and this had been on his list to do for when we came back here.

Good 'ole Stacy! Our DD still frequently watches the original Disney Top 7 with Stacy ALL the time. Way better than the current/shorter "Must Do-s" version. Her delivery on all that stuff was just perfect.

....laze about was all we did here.

.

To Quote a favorite Stacy quote: "Look at all the LAZY people in the LAZY river" Except...not so many people after all.

It was our first visit to a Disney water park and we were all blown away with the Disney details.

No PUN intended, right? We try to get to a water park every trip. They are so much fun. I am surprised how many people skip them. Of course, they can't handle the crowds that the parks can, so this is probalby a good thing!

Although, there were some that we all chickened out on.

OOOHH...Humunga Cowabunga is soooo much fun though. You don't know what you missed!

I personally thought the food was sub-par here. And I did NOT like the price that Disney charges for lockers here either.

Would agree that it is generally not great food - but if you missed out on the mini-donuts you missed out on one of the greatest snacks at all of Disney World. A reason alone to go to the water parks.

We try not to bring anything of value to the water parks we can't keep on our person. This way, we don't have to worry about a locker. We once hopped to the water parks and DID have to rent one, but I can't say I remember the cost. Personally, I do agree that ALL water parks should make lockers available for free/cheap, but I find it is more common in the USA to charge (a lot) for the lockers. Only our local amusement/water park has a cheap locker rate ($1).

One other point to note in the wash-up. I spent a bit of time musing over the collection of bathing beauties at Typhoon Lagoon. I don't know about you but I think I'm fairly normal in my personal body issues and internal imperfections.

In reality, I found being at a water park to be fairly liberating.

There's not a lot of supermodels hanging around at Disney, that's for sure. It helps that it's mostly other Mom's and Dad's and kids. I think when EVERYONE is in their swimwear, it's harder to be self concious about it.

Looks like you had a great day at TL.

 

[jedijill]

I've never done a water park...maybe I should some of these days.

Jill in CO

 

[ACDSNY]

We seem to travel to WDW when TL is always closed hopefully one of these days we'll get the timing right as it looks fun.

 

[mvf-m11c]

Very nice pictures from Typhoon Lagoon. I haven't been to Typhoon Lagoon in a very long time. Looks like it hasn't change as much since I have seen it in person the last time back in the 90s.

The room looks very nice.

 

[skier_pete]

Very nice pictures from Typhoon Lagoon. I haven't been to Typhoon Lagoon in a very long time. Looks like it hasn't change as much since I have seen it in person the last time back in the 90s.

The room looks very nice.

TL has changed very, very little except for Crush N Gusher, the water coaster, installed about 8 years ago now.

 

[areweindisneyyet]

We had a great time at the water parks. We rode everything before lazing around. I also agree on the food. Beach Club is on my list for next time but the girls really loved Boardwalk. I just love staying so close. We are heading over mid Novfor 2 weeks without the kids. Yay.

 

[franandaj]

I went to Typhoons Lagoon 21 years ago. It would be fun to go back, but it wouldn't be much fun for Fran.

We were also texting while you were on the bus back. I think we both had the bright idea to get to the resort right at check in. We were a little tired and tipsy from eating our way around world showcase that afternoon.

 

[dhorner233]

Thank you for the tour of Typhoon Lagoon! I will probably never make it there. I have no desire to walk around in front of everyone in my bathing suit It looks great though!

 

[zanzibar138]

Ah yes the water parks. That's another reason for me to eventually go to WDW I'd love to see Disney theming at a water park.

It's funny what you said about the bodies at TL. All the water parks I've been to over here are full of skinny teenagers parading around in little bikinis and make me feel soooooo self-conscious! Sounds like I'll feel much more comfortable at TL!

And I think we have similar ideas about a lazy days on holidays. Still gotta do something!

I had to laugh when you got lost in translation. The first floor thing always gets me too!

 

[ejud]

All Washed Up in Park #2

Good on being comfortable in your own skin. And a newbie, eh? hehehehee... Well, here's a little tidbit for you and the boys for your next visit: early in the day, they have as a special added ($$$) option, surfing lessons in the wave pool!



Jud

 

[maryr1oz]

Great photos from Typhoon Lagoon!

 

[dgbg100106]

I've never done a water park...maybe I should some of these days.

Jill in CO

We have never done them either!

 

[PrincessInOz]

OK, your idea of having a lazy day and my idea of having a lazy day seem to be very different. Sounds you had a great day at Typhoon Lagoon. I would love to try Crush 'n' Gusher, but for the last couple of trips Typhoon Lagoon was always closed for rehab when we were there.

I like your new view. That was well timed that Alison and Fran were just checking in when you got back to the resort.

Corinna

Corinna - This was NOT my idea of a lazy day. It just turned out this way.

I'm so glad you got to Typhoon Lagoon and enjoyed yourselves! Mom and I love that park. Totally agree with all your thoughts, locker prices, food choices, and the fabulous details. Love the Crushin Gusher, Wave Pool, and lazy river!

Fun that you shared a room with Alison and Fran. I like a ground floor room.

I'm really glad I picked TL over BB. It was a hard choice but I think it was Crush N Gusher that tipped the scales for us.

Next time, I'm going to have to see if I can make it to BB.

First visit to a Disney water park? The water parks are a must
for us. Typhoon Lagoon is our favorite. Castaway Cay in the Bahamas reminds me of TL on steroids. Love TL and I'm so glad you went. It's a perfect down day for us too. The waves are so fun and the kids love the slides. We much prefer TL over BB. The glaring white at BB gives me a little headache after a while. We've never got a locker at the water parks but I agree on the food.

Your villa looks awesome and fun that you shared a two bedroom. It looks like a lock off? That's what we are hoping to do with our friends in December at Disneyland.

We were very pleased with our first visit to a Disney water park. When we left, it was the only time on this trip that DH mentioned 'coming back'.

Our room was a lock-off configuration. It was the reason why sharing the 2-bedder was fine with my DH; and I'm pretty sure it was the reason why Alison/Fran offered the share arrangement. We all knew we would have our privacy and also be able to go visit when we wanted to. It worked out great for us.

Good 'ole Stacy! Our DD still frequently watches the original Disney Top 7 with Stacy ALL the time. Way better than the current/shorter "Must Do-s" version. Her delivery on all that stuff was just perfect.

We only watched the Must Do's twice during the last trip. I completely agree - the original Disney Top 7 was way better. Both DS and I could easily spend an afternoon watching that original version whereas the Must Do was not quite as engaging.

To Quote a favorite Stacy quote: "Look at all the LAZY people in the LAZY river" Except...not so many people after all.


No PUN intended, right? We try to get to a water park every trip. They are so much fun. I am surprised how many people skip them. Of course, they can't handle the crowds that the parks can, so this is probalby a good thing!

I think if we ever make it back to WDW, we will be making sure we include a water park visit as well. We all had a lot of fun. In the past, we've always thought about it but never quite made the time to hit the water park. We've finally hit the point where there are a number of rides that are no longer on the burning must-do for us.

OOOHH...Humunga Cowabunga is soooo much fun though. You don't know what you missed!

I did think about it; but really chickened out!

Would agree that it is generally not great food - but if you missed out on the mini-donuts you missed out on one of the greatest snacks at all of Disney World. A reason alone to go to the water parks.

We try not to bring anything of value to the water parks we can't keep on our person. This way, we don't have to worry about a locker. We once hopped to the water parks and DID have to rent one, but I can't say I remember the cost. Personally, I do agree that ALL water parks should make lockers available for free/cheap, but I find it is more common in the USA to charge (a lot) for the lockers. Only our local amusement/water park has a cheap locker rate ($1).

Next time, we'll try the mini-donuts. We were saving our appetites for later.

Unfortunately for us, we have a fortune in camera gear and as we were changing rooms, we couldn't leave it behind in the room (didn't have one) and we didn't want to leave it with bell hop. So, we ended up with all that gear with us and didn't want to worry about having it lying around....so our only option was the lockers.

I don't mind paying for lockers; but it was highway robbery here.



T

here's not a lot of supermodels hanging around at Disney, that's for sure. It helps that it's mostly other Mom's and Dad's and kids. I think when EVERYONE is in their swimwear, it's harder to be self concious about it.

Looks like you had a great day at TL.

Yup. It was real easy to lose that self-conscious feeling. Mine didn't last long.....I was perfectly comfortable by the time I got to the change rooms.

I've never done a water park...maybe I should some of these days.

Jill in CO

I was surprised at how much fun I had, Jill. It will definitely be a must-do from here on end.

We seem to travel to WDW when TL is always closed hopefully one of these days we'll get the timing right as it looks fun.

Have you been to Blizzard Beach? Usually when one water park is closed, the other is still opened.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Very nice pictures from Typhoon Lagoon. I haven't been to Typhoon Lagoon in a very long time. Looks like it hasn't change as much since I have seen it in person the last time back in the 90s.

The room looks very nice.

Thanks Bret. Maybe you'll get to a water park next time you go.

TL has changed very, very little except for Crush N Gusher, the water coaster, installed about 8 years ago now.

Is it the same for BB?

We had a great time at the water parks. We rode everything before lazing around. I also agree on the food. Beach Club is on my list for next time but the girls really loved Boardwalk. I just love staying so close. We are heading over mid Novfor 2 weeks without the kids. Yay.

2 weeks without kids? I'm totally envious!

I went to Typhoons Lagoon 21 years ago. It would be fun to go back, but it wouldn't be much fun for Fran.

We were also texting while you were on the bus back. I think we both had the bright idea to get to the resort right at check in. We were a little tired and tipsy from eating our way around world showcase that afternoon.

It would be challenging for Fran. We did a lot of climbing up stairs for the rides and slides.

I remember texting. It was a great idea to get to the resort right on check-in. Besides, we had somewhere else to get to later as well.

Thank you for the tour of Typhoon Lagoon! I will probably never make it there. I have no desire to walk around in front of everyone in my bathing suit It looks great though!

Denise - There are so many body types and shapes in their bathing suits at TL that it really doesn't make any difference after the first 2 or 3 minutes. And because EVERYONE is in their bathing suits, it felt like walking down Main Street after that initial embarrassing self-conscious period. If you ever consider doing a water park, Disney would be the place to go.

Ah yes the water parks. That's another reason for me to eventually go to WDW I'd love to see Disney theming at a water park.

It's funny what you said about the bodies at TL. All the water parks I've been to over here are full of skinny teenagers parading around in little bikinis and make me feel soooooo self-conscious! Sounds like I'll feel much more comfortable at TL!

And I think we have similar ideas about a lazy days on holidays. Still gotta do something!

I had to laugh when you got lost in translation. The first floor thing always gets me too!

We did see a few skinny teenagers; but Disney water parks were full of parents and old fogies as well. You'll definitely be comfortable there.

Glad you got the lost in translation thing. It did make me laugh at myself for about 10 seconds or so.

Good on being comfortable in your own skin. And a newbie, eh? hehehehee... Well, here's a little tidbit for you and the boys for your next visit: early in the day, they have as a special added ($$$) option, surfing lessons in the wave pool!



Jud

Thanks Jud. I did know about the surfing lesson. But we live in Melbourne; and we have surf beaches within an hour or two from us. My BiL heads down to a place called Jan Juc at the weekend. It isn't far from Bell's Beach and we have an open invitation to go visit him anytime and go surfing with him. We've taken up the offer a few times so I figured we would pass on the wave pool option.

Great photos from Typhoon Lagoon!

Thanks! Glad to see you're still reading along. Thanks for popping in again.

We have never done them either!

Glad to see that I'm not the only one not have gone to a Disney water park before.