Auto Train to College Program w/24hr at MK & SWW(new!SWW '14 rope drop/sci fi brkfst)

[poison ivy]

The Dream is just dreamy! But a double dip makes it doubly fabulous! Have a great trip!!

Cindy

Thanks for the great sendoff.

It was a fantastic trip!!!

So many highlights. So many memories. We loved it!!!

Really tough to be back in NJ right now.

We took the DVC members cruise 4nt double dip on the Dream - concierge style!! Two stops at Castaway Cay was the best. We also did a sail by on our at sea day and waved to the Wonder docked there on Oct. 1.

I just read through your entire report tonight. Thank you so much. I love the detail you provide. Traveling from NYS, I always have wondered about the auto train. You have given the best advertisement and review I will ever see. I don't think I can handle the small quarters since I am somewhat claustrophobic. I am envious of your 24 hour day. Your "24" quests were a fabulous idea. Thank you for sharing your Star Wars adventures and the start of your son's DCP. I'm excited to read the rest of this report when you have a chance to finish it and hopefully you will do a report on the trip you will be on later this week! Enjoy your family time!

Hi and welcome! Glad you enjoyed the report so far. I will be back on track asap now that we're home from our BIG 2013 Trip. I am debating a report on that one but it was so extensive - it may be too big to showcase. I would love to post on the Food and Wine Fest and the treehouse and Iron Man as Harry Potter at the MNSSHP. Maybe a mini version will do. I certainly have plenty of pics!!!

thanks for posting.

Where will Mark be working after the Member Cruise?


Jan
.

Hi Jan!

Iron Man is assigned at Cosmic Rays in the MK! I hadn't posted that yet, but he did get the Magic Kingdom after all!!

However, he is not there right now, which is bittersweet. Aramark held his position open for him to attend the program but only thru the Phillies season. He had to return in order to keep his job.

He had an amazing time which I'll share in more detail in my next few updates.

P.S. We loved the cruise!!! Missed you guys there.

 

[JLSE50]

.....

Hi Jan!

Iron Man is assigned at Cosmic Rays in the MK! I hadn't posted that yet, but he did get the Magic Kingdom after all!!

However, he is not there right now, which is bittersweet. Aramark held his position open for him to attend the program but only thru the Phillies season. He had to return in order to keep his job.

He had an amazing time which I'll share in more detail in my next few updates.

P.S. We loved the cruse!!! Missed you guys there.

We had a nice family week at WDW instead. DD-I-L walked a lot but did not ride fast or jerky rides due to the pregnancy that prevented us from joining you. Our granddaughter did not understand why Mommy could not go on Splash Mountain or Test Track until they told her that the baby was too small so Mommy had to sit out with the baby. Clever I thought.

I wondered if we would encounter Mark while we were there which is why I asked. We left on Sunday.

Have a great day,
Jan



.

 

[poison ivy]

We had a nice family week at WDW instead. DD-I-L walked a lot but did not ride fast or jerky rides due to the pregnancy that prevented us from joining you. Our granddaughter did not understand why Mommy could not go on Splash Mountain or Test Track until they told her that the baby was too small so Mommy had to sit out with the baby. Clever I thought.

I wondered if we would encounter Mark while we were there which is why I asked. We left on Sunday.

Have a great day,
Jan
.

Sounds like you guys had a great time. Mark would have loved a visit had he still been working there. He had some really great guest interactions I'll share.

Anybody local can catch him at the sports arenas in Philly though!

 

[poison ivy]

Day 6

Memorial Day

May 27, 2013

The Disney College Program
Check - In Day
Part II

DCP and Saratoga Springs Resort

Ok so I’m finally back from a long hiatus and a fantastic 12 Day multi-generation WDW Land, Sea and Tree Experience.

Let’s get this report moving!!

We left off with Iron Man checking in:

First - at Vista Way





Second - at Casting (Note to self – apply here for post retirement opportunities!)







Check out the doorknobs on their building!!



To complete his hiring paperwork and receive all this great stuff related to his CP – such as:

Work Assignment
Apartment Assignment
Housing Photo ID Card
Apt Keys

WDW Nametag – which is the pin they wear on their uniform every day

Vehicle Registration – (Note: Iron Man just had to show he was listed as insured on our policy – so no need to have the CP participant’s insurance be in their name only)

Training Schedule

“Traditions” dress code. (Traditions is the Company Wide Policies and Procedures Training)

And most important –

The Disney / Parks and Resorts / Internships and Programs – 2013 Program Guide!!

Your one stop information guru on all things related to the DCP.

NOTE: YOU DO NOT NEED TO PRINT OUT A TON of WEBSITE INFO PRIOR TO ARRIVAL.

This book has it ALL in an easy condensed reference guide format.

I cannot post any details due to confidentiality, but here’s the front and back of the book.
(with only general references to protect the innocent!)





So while Mark was busy processing and preparing to head to Casting via bus



We were busy leaving Vista Way around 8:30am to check in at Saratoga Springs for the next 5 nights.





We knew this whole process including Casting would take at least 4 hours and planned to meet up later at the apartments – to unload the pickup and help with moving in.

Saratoga Springs Resort

A “DVC Only” Resort – comprised 100% of DVC Units. It is located across the water from Downtown Disney

This would be the second half of our vacation.

An SSR Studio for 5 nts – May 27 to June 1, 2013
74 Points
No meal plan
Party of 2

We were lucky and managed to rent the 74 points @ $9.00/pt. at exactly the 30 day booking window for this part of our stay.
Total cost came to $ 133.20/nt for a studio.

We had 8 CS and 4 TS credits remaining to use up from the Pop.

Lunch today is at Sassagoula Float Works and Food Factory – French Quarter QS
Dinner tonight is at Monsieur Paul’s – Epcot’s France Pavillion.

Saratoga Springs is so beautiful - especially Congress Park - the section we stayed in.

We just love this resort.

It’s vast and always seems have the best availability to fill remaining vacancies on property, which makes it perfect for a last minute trip

Check out the size of this place!



There’s a temporary parking lot conveniently located near the lobby.



Aaaah – the DCL Bus! A great reminder that our Sept. 29th Land, Sea and Tree monster trip is quickly approaching.



Here’s the view walking up to their lobby – The Carriage House. (the main pool is just beyond that white picket fence)





And the convenient Airline check-in right outside – a fantastic Disney Resort Guest perk!



It was a very quiet check-in morning.



Our room was not ready so we had time to check things out.

Saratoga Springs has only one Quick Service Location – Artist’s Palette which is located down the hall off the main lobby.

This was our first stop.







It has an adjacent gift shop



Here’s what was on the menu this morning





We quickly grabbed one of JQ”s favorite snacks – the Cinnamon Bun – always fresh first thing in the morning here!
(sorry for the blur. It would have been one heck of a closeup)





Up next – 2 adults go on tour at SSR.

 

[poison ivy]

Day 6

Memorial Day - May 27, 2013

The Disney College Program
Check - In Day
Part III

Two adults on Tour at Saratoga Springs Resort

Iron Man was busy with processing all morning, and we just checked into SSR.

Our room wasn'’t ready yet.

So with time on our hands, we walk out the back door of Artist’'s Palette



And decide to go on tour.

Yes. There is a Beautiful Pool beyond that White Picket Fence!
(And you wish you were in it)





High Rock Springs Pool

What a great main pool this is! It's so vast with a ton of hidden places to relax.
A Bar. Two hot tubs. A kids splash zone.
A kiddie slide. A big main slide. A zero entry heated pool.

Plenty of Umbrellas, Tables, Chairs and Loungers.
And flick and float Movies at night.

you name it. This is the place!















The Spa was closed for refurbishment (I believe it’'s open now)



We took a walk down to the pool and bar area.









The bar was still closed. Too early for a drink?
(that refillable mug price is no good)



FYI - This is not where any bathrooms are. (It should be.)
It'’s just lockers, a phone and pass thru to the bus stop.





There are some great shaded areas with loungers and umbrellas set up around this pool.



You can rent bikes right next to the bar.



And if you keep walking, Community Hall is right behind it.





A very peaceful and beautiful resort.



Keep on walking and you'’ll eventually arrive Here!







JQ says, "“let’s go tour the sample Grand Floridian Villas.”"

“absolutely”.


Continued...........

 

[poison ivy]

DCP/SSR check-in continued........................

A Grand Tour of the GFV Models at Saratoga Springs Resort - Take I

Right now, members are just beginning to complete their first stays at the actual units over at the Grand Floridian.
But back in late May, they were just rolling them out in a sneak preview at Saratoga Springs Resort.

So we casually went to check out the sample units on Memorial Day.



We walked in without an appointment and were invited to wait for the next group tour, in this very comfortable seating area.



Feels like you're in someone's living room.
"Welcome Home."



Complete with complimentary refreshments: coffee, tea, lemonade, water, cookies.

I see a pattern here - same reception we just left this morning over at Vista Way.





JQ never likes to pass on the word "free." Too funny.



Finally a guide escorts a group of us over to the "Sample House."
Oh good. It appears everyone is holding a gratuitous beverage in this photo.
The plan must be working!



Here we go!




The waiting area has these great models of several more recent DVC resorts.
(sorry for the quality but its tough to capture the moment thru plexiglass)

Aulani

Side View



Top View



Animal Kingdom Villas Kidani and Jambo
(I never realized how big this Resort really was)




And finally - we arrive at the Grand Floridian Villas.

This is a Two Bedroom Lock-off, which means it combines a stand alone Studio and a One-Bedroom unit into a two-bdrm villa.

Here is the Layout:

2-Bedroom Lock-off

Two-bedroom Villas:

Views: Standard or Lake
1232 square feet of living space
Sleeps up to nine (dedicated) or ten (lockoff: 1-bedroom + studio).

Dedicated has one king bed, 2 queen bed, one queen sleep sofa and one pull-down bunk-size bed.

Lockoff has one king-size bed, one queen-size bed, two queen-size sleeper sofas and two pull-down bunk-size beds

2 Bathrooms
Living Room
Fully equipped kitchen
Dishwasher
Dishes, glasses and utensils
Pots and pans
Refrigerator
Stove and oven
Toaster
Washer and dryer
Victorian style tub with bubble jets
Walk-in shower

This is the hallway with both the studio and one-bdrm exterior doors open as you arrive.



We walk thru the door to the studio

Studio unit - Sleeps 5



1) There are dual pocket exterior bathroom doors
2) Plus an inside pocket door to open or close off the two sides of the bathroom.
3) You can see the adjoining door on the right is open to the one-bedroom unit.

The 1st door on the left side of the bathroom contains:

A walk-in shower and
A sink and vanity with in-mirror TV







The other side of the bathroom (2nd door on the left)
has the standard toilet with combined tub & shower common to most Disney guest rooms.





The studios look beautiful.









They sleep 5 - including a trundle bed located beneath the TV.





this is actually a photo of the trundle located on the one bedroom side - but they're both the same.
(there are two trundles in a 2 bdrm lock-off)




Part II continued in the next post

 

[poison ivy]

continued ...............

A Grand Tour of the GFV models at Saratoga Springs Resort - Take II.

Let's keep going!

One common complaint regarding the Studios has been that the added trundle to sleep 5
replaced a main bureau or armoire, leaving no place to unpack clothing.

Not sure if the actual units have corrected this but the sample Studio we toured seemed to confirm this to be true.
**update: the actual studio units have installed one full and one partial drawer under their beds. Also the closets have a small storage cubicle inside.**

Here is the only storage space we found:

1.) An elevated Queen frame with under bed storage



2.) One small nightstand between the bed and sofa.



3.) A sink, microwave and small fridge area with upper and lower cabinet space.

(JQ's wheels are spinning in the direction of a future stay. He knows I'm in!)



4.) And finally a hall closet.



That's really all the storage they have for a Studio. There was no bureau.
So you may need to live out of a suitcase to some extent.

Moving right along to the One - Bedroom Suite side of the Unit.

This is a photo of the entire length of the 1-bdrm hallway/foyer looking back toward the Studio.
You can see the 1-bdrm exterior entry door is open along with the connecting door to the Studio.



That closet contains a stackable washer and dryer.



And looking forward toward the master bathroom. (kitchen is on the left)
Check out the window. What a great design.




The kitchen is amazing.



Love the sink!



A very inviting table and seating area



A couple of far shots.
You can see the exterior door in relation to the kitchen/living room area.






Notice the small counter area off to the right in the background of that last shot.
I thought this was a great feature.



What an amazing Unit!! I am so jealous of those who are enjoying these right now.

Sleeper Sofa in the living room.
There is also a trundle bed under the TV.

So again, no main bureau in this area



Storage in the 1 bdrm. living room was limited to:
a couple of end tables and 2 footrests










continued in the next post: Part III The Master(s)

 

[poison ivy]

A Grand Tour of the GFV models at Saratoga Springs Resort – Take III.

The Master(s) – Bed, Bath and Beyond!

We are now at the part of the tour where we venture into the master qtrs of the
1 and 2 bdrm Grand Floridian Villas.

I don’t quite know where to begin here.
There are no words.

We entered the Master Bedroom thru a doorway connected to the living room.

And this is what we saw. Just Beautiful.







Huge walk-in closet!



This bedroom has a bureau.
(You can barely see the door that’s open to the living room on the far right)





Now let’s check out the bathroom!
It’s a beautiful design and very different from the other DVC properties.

Here’s the view from the Master Bedroom.
.


Which doesn’t even begin to show the scope and size of this place.
I’m reposting the layout one more time to give a better idea of just how big
this Master Bathroom really is.

2-Bedroom Lock-off



It’s huge! Check it out!!

The first section has a “Victorian style tub with bubble jets” and vanity with in mirror TV.

This room can be completely closed off with a pocket door at either end.







Which leads us into the other section of the bathroom.
Look left and you will see the walk in shower and toilet.





The shower is ridiculously long.
It extends the entire length of that back wall next to the toilet.

These photos don’t begin to show how big it is.
(there is a rain shower head in the ceiling as well)






Look right and you will see how this section of the master bath comes off the main hallway.
And has a second sink and vanity.



I love this photo - all the components reflecting off the mirrors.
(there's that rain shower head)




And that officially concludes our tour of the Grand Floridian Villa Sample Units
at Saratoga Springs.

As I mentioned, tours of the actual DVC units have been happening over at the Grand Floridian, including a 3-bedroom Grand Villa.
Would love to see one of those!

Plus, guests are now staying there. Just in time for the holidays!
So great.



Up next: Our Saratoga Springs Studio

 

[ProudMommyof2]

Awesome tour! Would love to stay there!

 

[poison ivy]

Awesome tour! Would love to stay there!

We loved the tour and can't wait to see them in person over at the Grand Floridian.

We'd love to stay here too! The pictures just don't do them enough justice.
It may take some doing, but we're confident we'll get the opportunity.

I remember when the Bay Lake Towers were built and rumored to be impossible to book if you didn't buy in. Look how that's changed!

 

[poison ivy]

Day 6

Memorial Day - May 27, 2013

The Disney College Program - Move In Day

Our morning at Saratoga Springs (while we wait )
continued.....

Let's recap:

We dropped off Iron Man and left Vista Way around 8:30am to check in at Saratoga Springs for the next 5 nights.

We had the entire morning to ourselves as we waited for Mark to finish up with his Check-in / Day 1 processing at Vista Way and Casting.

So we toured Saratoga Springs and the Sample DVC units for the new Grand Floridian Villas.

At 12:15 we received a text our room was ready.
We were in Congress Park – which is a great section!



Walk out your back door to the most beautiful views of Downtown Disney.











Gorgeous Walking Paths Align the Waterways.







Now this is what I call a great place to sit and relax!!!




Congress Park has its’ own Quiet Pool







With adjacent playground and picnic area



And Hot Tub



Congress Park is Just Beautiful!








As previously mentioned, we rented pts from a DVC member for an SSR Studio
I highly recommend this for any non-DVC owners considering any of the Vacation Club resorts.
Very reasonable and very easy to do thru the Rent/Trade board here on the Dis.

Total pts for this studio for 5 nts – May 27 to June 1, 2013 = 74
We were lucky and managed to rent @ $ 9.00/pt + paypal fees = $ 685.98

The Studios are just perfect and very spacious for 2.











Complete with a mini kitchenette.



and balcony



Congress Park also has a walking path to Downtown Disney.

We took this walk during our stay and encountered my first Snake on Property.

Stay tuned for those pics!

Saratoga Springs really is a great place to stay!
We just enjoyed 5 nights in a treehouse last month. Can't wait to go back!



next up: DCP Housing and Chatham Square

 

[JLSE50]

.....
Second - at Casting (Note to self – apply here for post retirement opportunities!)

Can people apply here in person or only with on-line applications?
Jan


.

 

[wiigirl]

Great update!

 

[poison ivy]

Can people apply here in person or only with on-line applications?
Jan


.

Hi Jan,

Everything is automated now with Disney, so if you walk in to the Casting Bldg, you will be directed to a computer to apply.

I remember a DVC rep telling us her hiring story about walking in out of curiosity during a WDW visit just to "see" if there were any openings.
She was encouraged to apply and attach her resume.

Well it turned out to be a good idea since she was called in to interview within a week of returning home. So she turned back around to head down there and the rest is history.

I've also read where it may benefit if your address is local.


They were hosting a job fair when we were there in May along with processing a wave of Fall Advantage College Program CM's.

So there was a lot of activity in and out of the building the day we visited.

You can read about it here.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/General...ld_uses_online_job_fair_to_hire_employees.htm

Just an FYI for anyone else who is interested -
It's always a good idea to check with Disney Careers often to find the latest news.

here's a more recent fair they hosted for the Fall

http://disneycasting.net/specialevent/jobfair_wdw.html

and here's a current program for our veterans.

http://disneycareers.com/en/working-here/heroes-work-here/

Great update!

Thanks again wiigirl. Glad to have you along.

 

[Johnny Quest]

I've been checking and checking...could you please finish this report. I forget what happened!

 

[poison ivy]

I know it's so sad! This should have been long finished. The Spring Candidates have already started and the 2014 Fall Advantage program is right around the corner.

Day 6

Memorial Day - May 27, 2013

The Disney College Program
Check-In Day

Part III

Check-In for the DCP is a long process.

Here’s a recap of how much we accomplished that morning.

1) 7:30 am -– left The Pop Century and drove to Vista Way
2) 7:50 am -– arrive at Vista Way and drop off Iron Man and his roommate
3) 8:30 am - left Vista Way to check in at Saratoga Springs for the next 5 nights.
4) 9:00 am to– 12:00 pm - we had the entire morning to ourselves waiting for Iron Man to finish up with the Day 1 processing at Casting. So we toured Saratoga Springs and the Sample DVC units for the new Grand Floridian Villas.
5) 12:15pm - we received a text our room was ready.
6) And Finally! At 1:00 pm - Iron Man was en route to his apartment at Chatham Square.

So again, processing takes a minimum of 4 hrs for DCP’ers.
Any friends and family members accompanying them to check-in can safely drop the candidate off at Vista Way and leave.

Go ahead and make plans that morning.

Complimentary Busses are waiting to transport all candidates only from Vista Way - to Casting –- to the Housing Apts.

Friends and Family will be able to meet back up with the candidates at the apts. in the late morning/early afternoon but must rely on their own transportation to get there.

Moving on to Housing!!

LIVING

Disney spells it out in detail here: http://cp.disneycareers.com/en/onboarding/fl/housing/overview/

As part of the Disney College Program, participants live in housing complexes located near the Disneyland® Resort or the Walt Disney World® Resort.
Each complex features a variety of offerings to make participants feel right at home.

Here is our list of amenities included in the housing costs for every participant:

• Fully furnished apartment
• Kitchen appliances, utensils, and dishes
• All utilities, including water, electricity, and waste disposal
• Maintenance of the apartments
• Computer labs (Walt Disney World ® Resort in Florida only)
• High-speed internet access in all apartments
• Cable ready
• Each complex and apartment layout is unique. Amenities may differ between apartments.

Alternatively, some participants may have family near the Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resorts, and may prefer to live off-site.

Please note off-site participants are unable to utilize Disney Housing sponsored transportation.

Once a participant joins housing, they agree to stay in the apt. through the duration of the program.

Information on how to request to live off-site.

Disney College Program (Florida): Participants will have the opportunity to request off-site housing after receiving their offer to participate on the program.
Disney College Program (California): Participants should discuss their interest in living off-site during their interview, as they must make this decision pre-offer


With 4 apartment complexes and various apartment sizes, the choices are endless.

1. Vista Way – where all candidates must report at check-in for the program (shown in detail in previous posts)

2. The Commons

- used in the past to house the international participants, but is no longer segregated and now all 4 complexes are open to everyone.
- smallest of the 4 complexes with only a few buildings centered around a cul-de-sac.

3. Patterson Court

- Newest / Most expensive / Larger living space
- does not have its’ own bus stop - you must walk to the stop at Chatham Square

4. Chatham Square
(Iron Man’s Preference)

- Also Houses a CP administrative office.
- Convenient bus stop right at the complex
- Mid range for rent
- Closest to Mickey’s Retreat


Some other basic housing guidelines:

Anywhere from 1 to 4 bedroom apartment sizes are available.
Two people must share each bedroom. *** Update**** beginning in 2014 - three people are now being placed in some of the bedrooms

A 4 bedroom apt. may have dual appliances – two stoves/two refrigerators

All under 21’ - must room together in “wellness” apts.
All over 21’ - must room together in “non-wellness” apts.
These apts. are all commingled together within each complex.

The more bedrooms, the cheaper the rent -– but not by much

All roommates must be the same sex –- unless the two CP participants happen to be married. A married couple can only room together in the Housing complex if both are in the program.

Each complex has its’ own pool, workout center and laundry facilities.
Other items -– vacuums, mops, irons etc are available onsite and can be loaned out from the office.

Moving In

We were stuck in the worst traffic that afternoon. Everyone was headed to the outlets. Remember, it’'s Memorial Day.





This is the most expensive gas station in the area. It is strategically positioned right outside the Apartment complexes and near the outlets. I hope nobody patronizes it.





Turn Right here on Little Lake Bryan:





You will first pass The Commons –- each complex has its' own guard booth and is surrounded by fencing and hedges which results in termination if anyone tries to jump it!






Approaching Chatham Square



Which is just past the Recreation Area



And turn right into



Ok so let’'s tour Chatham Square.

As you turn in, this is what you see. The road dead ends.

Guard booth is up ahead on the left. So is the DCP bus stop (in front of the green awning)












Guard House






There is a small parking area in front of the guard house. We decided to wait for Mark here but the complex was open to all visitors today and we could have driven on thru. On any future day, you will need to be listed as a day guest which can only be done in person by the DCP participant either prior to or upon your arrival that day.








Up next – The 2 bdrm. at Chatham Square

 

[poison ivy]

Day 6

Memorial Day - May 27, 2013

The Disney College Program
Move-In Day

Part V

Housing Apartments

With 4 Housing Complexes and 1 to 4 bdrm. apartments, the choices are endless.

There are 2 persons assigned per bedroom. So a 4 bdrm would house 8 roommates.

***UPDATE***
BEGINNING 2014 ALL 2 BDRM UNITS IN CHATHAM SQUARE NOW HOUSE 6 PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS - NOT 4.
EACH BEDROOM IS NOW FURNISHED WITH 1 STAND ALONE SINGLE AND 1 SET OF BUNK BEDS

Iron Man chose a 2-bedroom Apt at Chatham Square for both of his programs.

This living arrangement works best for him, with minimal dynamics.

Entering Chatham Square






There are NO ELEVATORS. So be prepared to climb several flights of stairs every day for an upper floor apartment.



Balconies are typically reserved for Non-Wellness Participants.



Here are two of Mark's roommates Carlos and Cameron and getting dropped off in front of the apt. by bus once casting was finished. (Cameron flew in and has his luggage with him which he had to cart to check-in, but we brought Carlos' stuff with us in the truck)



Let’s tour the 2 Bedroom Apartment

Looking back toward the front door, the door to bathroom #1 is right by the front door to the right in this photo.

A shared desk and workstation is in the hall (partially seen here on the right) and the kitchen is here on the left.





Desk/Workstation. With plug in Ethernet cable. (No wireless router)

Notice the phone on the counter – we made a note of the phone number as an alternate way to contact Mark.



Kitchen

Electric 4 burner stove + fridge + dishwasher + microwave on the counter (left of stove)

No coffee maker, toaster or other electric appliances.

Has a complete set of pots and a frying pan plus dishes and one or two serving bowls, glassware, mugs and flatware for at least 4.

There were some basic kitchen utensils as well that you may want to replace or add a few items of your own.

(I don’t seem to have any photos - sorry!)

No kitchen towels or cleaning products.





Huge walk in storage closet off the kitchen
(now has a 2nd refrigerator and additional shelving placed in there for the 6 roommates)



Mark’s first apt had a balcony. So the Living Room was set up like this.
(you can see the door to bedroom #2 on the right)



Mark’s second apt did not have a balcony. (which they found out later was by mistake)
So the living room was larger. (you can see the door to Bedroom # 1 on the left)






Table for 4
(now seats 6 due to the recent changes)



Each bedroom contains the following:

2 twin beds +2 small endtables + 1 main dresser to share (3 drawers each) + 1 shared walk-in closet w/2 personal lockers + wall pegboard. (bring a lock for your locker and pushpins)

There are very few outlets – so be prepared.

***update*** again effective 2014 this configuration no longer applies to the 2 BDRM in CHATHAM SQUARE which are now triple occupancy units. 1 of the twin beds has been replaced with a twin bunk bed = 3 to a bedroom.
here's a great video highlighting the changes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBd2zmvMcfU

Bedroom # 1



Shared dresser. (door to bathroom on the left)



The front bedroom has a much smaller bathroom and closet.

Bathroom #1 – has a door at each end (connecting to hall and bedroom) I am standing in one doorway to take this photo.

Sink/toilet on one side and tub/shower combo on the other.



Closet #1 – is basically one big square complete with a single set of shelving and two side by side lockers




Bedroom # 2

Before



After – Iron Man brought the mini stand (at the end his bed) and a small lamp and alarm clock from home.



The back bedroom has a larger private bath and walk-in closet thru the bathroom. (you can see the door to it inside on the right)

Again, there is one shared main bureau – 3 drawers each.




Bathroom #2



Walk in closet #2 – is confusing. Enter thru the bathroom and you can see the front half



Walk in and you quickly realize the shelving extends all the way to the back

Closet all moved in!





next up: Sassagoula Float Works feeds the crew

 

[Nora03]

Hi
Just found this report and I've read it and now your other reports and enjoyed them so much. Love your writing style, detail and pictures. I also love how much JQ likes going to Disneyworld, and anywhere you are! While so many men seem to just tolerate Disney, he, and your son both seem to love it as much as you.

I also really liked your early pictures (from the 70s). It reminded me about our first trip to the World in 1980 with my parents and our two young daughters. So, I was 30 on my first trip to the World and we still love it 34 years later. We've made some great memories.

We had the book of tickets A - E on our first trip, and I remember searching through the books for the four of us and finding the right tickets to use. Our very first ride was the Submarine ride - so much fun. On our next trip in 1987 when our daughters were pre-teens we had the great fortune to get "Canadian passports". You had to show your real passport and then could buy a Disneyworld Canadian passport which allowed us to enter the parks as many times as we wanted for a whole month and ride everything over and over. It was a two week trip and we couldn't stay away, even though there were only two parks - the Magic Kingdom and Epcot.

We've been lucky to take our grandkids and also to visit on our own. We plan to go again, but the size of the parks is becoming daunting for us at our age, especially me. Thanks for helping us relive the memories, and keep up the good work.

Nora

 

[poison ivy]

Hi
Just found this report and I've read it and now your other reports and enjoyed them so much. Love your writing style, detail and pictures. I also love how much JQ likes going to Disneyworld, and anywhere you are! While so many men seem to just tolerate Disney, he, and your son both seem to love it as much as you.

I also really liked your early pictures (from the 70s). It reminded me about our first trip to the World in 1980 with my parents and our two young daughters. So, I was 30 on my first trip to the World and we still love it 34 years later. We've made some great memories.

We had the book of tickets A - E on our first trip, and I remember searching through the books for the four of us and finding the right tickets to use. Our very first ride was the Submarine ride - so much fun. On our next trip in 1987 when our daughters were pre-teens we had the great fortune to get "Canadian passports". You had to show your real passport and then could buy a Disneyworld Canadian passport which allowed us to enter the parks as many times as we wanted for a whole month and ride everything over and over. It was a two week trip and we couldn't stay away, even though there were only two parks - the Magic Kingdom and Epcot.

We've been lucky to take our grandkids and also to visit on our own. We plan to go again, but the size of the parks is becoming daunting for us at our age, especially me. Thanks for helping us relive the memories, and keep up the good work.

Nora

Nora,

First let me say hello and

I am so glad to have you along and appreciate your kind words.

I had to smile when I read your post!

I'll let JQ tell you about his Disney past firsthand, but safe to say it's very different from mine. And you are so right! James and Mark really love the place as much as I do. I'm glad that was noticed and shines through.

I'm really happy to hear you enjoyed the vintage photos! They are classic from my childhood.

Sounds like your first trip was really special! Having waited so long to finally make the journey with your own family. We must have had similar experiences with those ticket books. We really had to choose carefully. My parents were generous enough to sacrifice a few of their own for our enjoyment.

Love the story about the "Canadian Passport"! How great were those!

I hope you do visit again. I'm finding that we have to budget more for a few extra amenities when my parents are involved, but it really seems to make a world of difference. It allows us to incorporate a lot more Rest and Relaxation among all that fun!

We've travelled with all ages and certainly can relate to how taxing the parks can be. I've been debating a full report on our land sea and tree adventure, just to showcase the group. We had scooters, seniors, and multi generations in tow for the vacation of a lifetime. Everybody still talks about it. It was amazingly very low key despite all the activity.

Thanks for sharing

 

[Nora03]

Hi Christine
I'd love to read a trip report about your big group trip. I know that I'd learn a lot with the detail and pictures you provide.

I keep flip flopping on what we should do. Should I rent a scooter, or will I feel too guilty about it? I know that last time my feet and back were so sore and it took a while to recover. We actually went to Forida last year (Gulf Coast) for three weeks and didn't go to WDW at all. But I miss it and DH loves it too.

Looking forward to reading more about this trip and hopefully your group trip too. Thanks for writing these. So much fun to read.

Nora