At BWV now. Trip report.

[jekjones1558]

Did anyone tell you the east coast (Maryland and north) are getting 6+ inches of snow Saturday!!

OMG! This is WAY too early to have that much snow. Please let the winter be easier this year than last in Minnesota!

 

[Disney Princess]

I'm so glad you've had fun and that the weather is cooperating with your need to do laundry and pack. I hope you all have safe travels home.

I forgot to post earlier that our Welcome Packet contained a really nice color printed, double sided flyer listing pool games, nightly movies near the main pool, a nightly campfire, Community Hall activities and other recreation activities. I don't remember seeing this done so well in the past.
We leave for home tomorrow. It has showered lightly off and on today but no complaints because the rest of our vacation weather has been ideal. And this makes it easier for me to do laundry and start organizing for packing. Never did get to Toy Story Mania (haven't the last few trips), even though it is my favorite ride. One of the wonderful things about DVC is knowing that there is always a "next time" right around the corner, and for us that will be January.
This family gathering has been wonderful but tiring. If I were being honest it probably was not a good idea to come here with so many young kids. The parks aren't really that much fun for them. But it will soon be very hard to take the older ones out of school, so therein lies the rub. This may be our last trip with the whole family. I think sub-groups is the only way it will work from now on. Perhaps some of you out there have also faced this bittersweet reality.

We love our family too, but we are bringing my parents with us in December - no one else. While individually my siblings and their spouses are fine, it is SO HARD to coordinate a large group of people. Even when you try and keep it low key, no one is obligated to participate, etc. there always seem to be hurt feelings. It is bittersweet to think about, but also will avoid truly bitter possible problems in the future. I hope you've enjoyed the big trip and can look forward to smaller groups in the future!

 

[jekjones1558]

I'm so glad you've had fun and that the weather is cooperating with your need to do laundry and pack. I hope you all have safe travels home.
We love our family too, but we are bringing my parents with us in December - no one else. While individually my siblings and their spouses are fine, it is SO HARD to coordinate a large group of people. Even when you try and keep it low key, no one is obligated to participate, etc. there always seem to be hurt feelings. It is bittersweet to think about, but also will avoid truly bitter possible problems in the future. I hope you've enjoyed the big trip and can look forward to smaller groups in the future!

Thanks. I needed that. I have been on the verge of tears all day. We have really had no hurt feelings except mine! We have done fun things as a whole group, like Chef Mickey's and a 38th wedding anniversary dinner for my DBr. We only did one ride together--the Safari, our first ride on the first day. We had to split up because of baby schedules and because 21 people is just unmanageable. I feel like I missed a lot with the kids. Maybe I am also feeling sad because we will not be here in December for the first time in 7 years and I am packing up all my Disney Xmas stuff in a locker to not be used at all this year. Or maybe I am dreading the long winter ahead when I get home. You are absolutely right. I think I will enjoy smaller family groupings that will make it possible to do a few more things together and I am going to focus on that! Pity party over.

 

[LisaS]

I have been on the verge of tears all day.

I think it's hard to keep your spirits up when you are packing up at the end of ANY trip to WDW. One big problem with DVC accommodations is that you can get really comfortable and feel like it is your home and it just feels wrong somehow that you have to pack up and leave. Plus, when you've had spectacular weather and you know what you will be facing over the coming months, it just adds to the feelings of sadness that you can't stay longer (like maybe 5 more months!) and that another great stay is coming to an end.

You worked so hard to organize and plan this big famiily vacation and it sounds like it was a great success. Thanks for sharing it with us too!

 

[Disney Princess]

Thanks. I needed that. I have been on the verge of tears all day. We have really had no hurt feelings except mine! We have done fun things as a whole group, like Chef Mickey's and a 38th wedding anniversary dinner for my DBr. We only did one ride together--the Safari, our first ride on the first day. We had to split up because of baby schedules and because 21 people is just unmanageable. I feel like I missed a lot with the kids. Maybe I am also feeling sad because we will not be here in December for the first time in 7 years and I am packing up all my Disney Xmas stuff in a locker to not be used at all this year. Or maybe I am dreading the long winter ahead when I get home. You are absolutely right. I think I will enjoy smaller family groupings that will make it possible to do a few more things together and I am going to focus on that! Pity party over.

I'm glad that I could say anything to encourage you. Sadly, it is usually the planner (me with trips) or the mother whose feelings get hurt! My mom is the same especially at holidays - you want everyone to be happy, to spend quality time with each person, and when that doesn't happen, it is discouraging.

I also agree with Lisa - the last day of vacation is always hard, but looking ahead to a Disney drought can be even more unsettling.

Hang in there! You can pity-party here all you want. There is always someone to encourage you along. Enjoy your last day and night! Safe travels tomorrow.

 

[granmanh603]

I have a question! Is there also an ethernet jack, or was that taken out when they went to WiFi?

Funny I just came on to look and see if anyone had the same experience...we are here now and have used the wifi but had also brought a new mini router that we had just purchased...and connected it because wanted to try and worried about security... so the jack is still active at the moment but yesterday the came to the door and wanted to take the ethernet cord that hangs in the closet out of the room and basicly I told her we were using it. so I do not know if they are going to keep the jack active or not but they were trying to remove the cord from the room. My husband say one came with the router so we will have one in the future if they keep it active...
I am not computer savvy but how secure is the wifi it had no lock symbol on it?

 

[BUDDYBEAR]

THANKS FOR THE REPORT HAVE FUN

 

[dgaston]

I Know the feeling of trying to orchestrate too much for an extended group of family. My oldest DS31 tells me I worry too much about other people having fun, and he is going to let me know when he sees me stressing next week. Thanks for sharing your report with us. DH and I won't be back at the world until May at AKV. We are going to HHI for NYE and the first week in January, but while it'll be r and r, it's not WDW.

And here in New England I had a snow day from the university today

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Your pictures are lovely, as are the little cutie patuties peaking through the rails of the balconies. It's hard to compete with toddlers, nap times, schedules, family and theme parks etc. I've found it hard at times when things didn't go as I planned but with that many people (21) yikes I think you did great, even if it didn't all happen according to plan.

We've enjoyed the GV's at OKW several times, but the BWV GV's look very nice. We love the Turf Club as well, my son is hooked on that rack of lamb. Thanks for sharing your vacation!

 

[jekjones1558]

I Know the feeling of trying to orchestrate too much for an extended group of family. My oldest DS31 tells me I worry too much about other people having fun, and he is going to let me know when he sees me stressing next week. Thanks for sharing your report with us. DH and I won't be back at the world until May at AKV. We are going to HHI for NYE and the first week in January, but while it'll be r and r, it's not WDW.

And here in New England I had a snow day from the university today

Hi, Debbie,
I am home and recovered from my pity party. I think the problem was that I was constantly pulled between doing parks with extended family and staying with DH, who has multiple health issues that make parks difficult. The last time we did a big gathering was 4 years ago and we have added 4 kids since then and DH's health issues have worsened.
Today I put up Halloween decorations all over the front yard (can't wait to see the 300 goblins who come to our door) and started my list for our January trip. That is the best part of DVC: no matter what goes wrong on any given trip, there is always the next trip to anticipate.
Thanks, Debbie, and others who have indulged me with sympathy. 64 years old and still working on the grown-up thing!

 

[DenLo]

. . . . . If I were being honest it probably was not a good idea to come here with so many young kids. The parks aren't really that much fun for them. But it will soon be very hard to take the older ones out of school, so therein lies the rub. This may be our last trip with the whole family. I think sub-groups is the only way it will work. Perhaps some of you out there have also faced this bittersweet reality.

I've been wondering about that. We have a family gathering planned for 2013. We just learned that two of my nieces are expecting and another is hoping to be blessed. So now instead of 21 we'll definitely be 23 or more.

We decided to stay at BLT because children under age 10 really prefer MK over any of the other parks. Right now we are thinking about doing only one and two bedrooms because I have the same fears as you about the stairs and the little ones. Since we'll be staying at BLT a one story GV is not an option.

We are in the same predicament that the older children are nearing the age that summer activities will start to interfere with vacations and since the families don't live in the same city vacation dates are hard enough to coordinate. I guess in the future we will be taking your advice and limiting vacations to subgroups or sadly just booking a villa for a family to use on their own.

Based on your observations, perhaps it would be best for the families with small children not to get park hoppers and plan for them to spend more time at the resort. Of course, that will be their decision.

Thanks for posting. And try not to be too sad, just think about all of the wonderful memories this trip has given you. And soon you'll remember mainly the good times. And during future trips you'll have a chance to get to know each family better.

 

[jekjones1558]

I've been wondering about that. We have a family gathering planned for 2013. We just learned that two of my nieces are expecting and another is hoping to be blessed. So now instead of 21 we'll definitely be 23 or more.

We decided to stay at BLT because children under age 10 really prefer MK over any of the other parks. Right now we are thinking about doing only one and two bedrooms because I have the same fears as you about the stairs and the little ones. Since we'll be staying at BLT a one story GV is not an option.

We are in the same predicament that the older children are nearing the age that summer activities will start to interfere with vacations and since the families don't live in the same city vacation dates are hard enough to coordinate. I guess in the future we will be taking your advice and limiting vacations to subgroups or sadly just booking a villa for a family to use on their own.

Based on your observations, perhaps it would be best for the families with small children not to get park hoppers and plan for them to spend more time at the resort. Of course, that will be their decision.

Thanks for posting. And try not to be too sad, just think about all of the wonderful memories this trip has given you. And soon you'll remember mainly the good times. And during future trips you'll have a chance to get to know each family better.

DISers are THE NICEST people in cyberworld. Thanks, Denlo and everyone else, for all the happy thoughts.

 

[jekjones1558]

Your pictures are lovely, as are the little cutie patuties peaking through the rails of the balconies. It's hard to compete with toddlers, nap times, schedules, family and theme parks etc. I've found it hard at times when things didn't go as I planned but with that many people (21) yikes I think you did great, even if it didn't all happen according to plan.

We've enjoyed the GV's at OKW several times, but the BWV GV's look very nice. We love the Turf Club as well, my son is hooked on that rack of lamb. Thanks for sharing your vacation!

Thanks, Beaslyboo. I am focusing on our great time watching the kids interact with characters at Chef Mickey's and the heartwarming individual moments. I am putting the $1000 price tag for MNSSHP, when the kids were so tired that most of our group had to leave very early, out of my mind. I also am SO GRATEFUL to the wonderful mousekeepers at BWV, especially Alcina, who went WAY above and beyond to make all of our rooms so clean and inviting.

 

[dgaston]

300 little goblins! We rarely get trick or treaters any more, and miss that. I grew up in MN and have a favorite Halloween story about losing most of my candy from the bag dragging on the snow-covered road (I was in first grade), but we're the locale with snow tonight.

My DH retired from teaching hs social studies for 38 years and occasionally subs. He too has health issues and I often think we're a bit like you and your DH, just not with the scooter yet. And only our new grandbaby.

Now you get to look ahead to the holidays and plan another great WDW trip for the two of you.

Here's the and I know how to send.

 

[jekjones1558]

I live just 2 blocks from the school where I taught for 34 years. On Halloween I look forward to seeing my former students, some of whom bring their kids now. Soon I will be seeing their grandkids!