Back from BWV 5/11 - 5/16

[Starshine]

We got back late last Friday night, and I just now am getting caught up at work enough to post! I probably won't manage to find time for a full trip report, but I can cover some of the highlights.

We typically stay at BWV in May, it used to be for Star Wars weekends and DH's birthday, but since they've been moving SWW to June we're just calling it the birthday trip. We had a BWV studio, room# 4007 which was almost directly above the DVC office. The long walk nearly killed us!!!! Actually it wasn't a bad walk at all but don't tell. The room was in good condition (or at least we didn't notice anything that needed attention). It seemed like it took a really long time for the fridge to get cold, but once it got cold we didn't have any problems with it. We checked in on Sunday and out on Friday, so we got trash and towel on Wednesday. But we also got a full cleaning on Thursday! I'm not sure what happened, we realized it when we got back and the bed was made. I checked our bill and we weren't charged for it, so we just chalked it up to birthday magic for DH. We used Garden Grocer to have some snacks, water, soda, and beer delivered, and they were great. I had asked them to just deliver our stuff to bell services since we weren't sure when we would be in the room, and they still called to let us know when they dropped everything off.

Here are a few pics from the balcony:

And this one I took right at sunrise one morning (before heading to the bakery for a monster cinnamon roll ):

OUr first night, I surprised DH by taking him over to Universal to see the TNA wrestling PPV they were taping. We had to wait in line almost 3 hours, but we were right up against the rails ringside, and DH was beyond thrilled. For any wrestling fans, here is a pic of Sting and one of Big Poppa Pump face down on the floor at my feet:

We were able to hit the Toy Story Mania passholder preview, and we were both surprised at how much we liked it! Neither of us are fans of the Buzz Lightyear ride, but we both loved TSMania. It was loads of fun and much more interactive than Buzz. I got a few pics in the queue:

I deliberately wore my Indiana Jones shirt to DHS in the hopes that we could find time to see the show, and sure enough we did. And sure enough, I got picked as an extra. I hammed it up and had a great time on stage (DH says I'm a show off )

We spent a lot of time in Epcot (as is usual for us), and were surprised to find that Jamie from Off Kilter was away so we were treated to Jason on the fiddle instead.

We love Jamie to death, but it was a nice change to see Jason play. We also caught Billy on lead and some vocals one day when Randy was off, he looked like he was having a blast, which was fun to see.

We also tend to hang out in the Rose & Crown pub quite a bit, I'm a sucker for a cold pint of Strongbow! If you've never been in the pub while Leon Gregory is on the piano, I highly recommend checking him out- he's absolutely wonderful!

I just hit my image limit, so I'll continue on a separate post...

 

[Starshine]

This trip we ate at Tony's Town Square for the first time, and it was pretty good. DH said the spaghetti was good but nothing spectacular. I had the sausage calzone, and really liked it. I'm all about cheese, and the calzone had lots of it so I was happy. Princess Becky was our waitress, and we loved her- my glass never had a chance to be empty she was that on top of things.

Speaking of food, this was our first trip where the gratuity was automatically included when using the DDE card, and we actually liked it better that way! It saved us a little money since we used to add the 20% back on for the tip and this time we went with the 18 (although we did add extra for great service like from Princess Becky).

The only Flower Power concert we were able to catch was Davy Jones, but he was so great (as usual). For some reason, DH and I tend to be part of only a few that actually stand up and dance or sing along. Hmmmm, maybe we should stay out if the pub beforehand?

Does this look like a man thats had too many pints? (Please don't actually answer that question.)

The only other excitement was that I was lucky enough to run into both Chip and Dale together, and while I was wearing my Chip and Dale shirt!

On Samantha Brown's recommendation, I tried a Grand Marnier slushie for the first time, and holy cow was that thing good! I'm not usually a fan of fruity drinks (I'm more a beer or cider kinda gal), but I loved the slushie. It wasn't too sweet and you could definitely tell it had Grand Marnier in it. YUM!!!

The weather was nice all week, other than it started to get hot on Friday. We caught a last Off Kilter show before we left, and we were sweating just sitting there.

All in all, it was a great trip. Our room was perfect, we hit most of our old favorites, plus a few new things, and no one had a meltdown (yeah that happens to us too, apparently it's not just a kid thing!)

 

[Tiggery]

Great report and I love the photos Thanks for taking the time to post.

 

[CarolMN]

Wow! Wonderful report - thanks for sharing the photos!

Are you sure you can't manage a "full" report?

 

[DeeCee735]

Awesome report, I fully appreciate people who really know how to have a good time! I'm putting Rose & Crown Pub AND that pint of Strongbow on the next itinerary! Thanks for the report.....

 

[VrBchJ]

Thanks for your fun trip report and the photos. You gotta love those boardwalk view rooms.

 

[Boardwalker]

Hey Starshine, where did you get that slushy? That sounds like one I would like to try next time!

 

[las3888]

Thanks for the post...I almost feel like I am living vicariously through your trip report! I also appreciate hearing about our 'home away from home'!!

PS - I love the coordinating t-shirts!!!

 

[Starshine]

Thanks for the compliments everyone!

I'm putting Rose & Crown Pub AND that pint of Strongbow on the next itinerary!

Definitely give it a try (the pub and the Strongbow!) It's a great place to make friends too, because there isn't a lot of seating so it's easy to share a table.

Hey Starshine, where did you get that slushy? That sounds like one I would like to try next time!

The Grand Marnier slushies were from the kiosk in France, right next to where they sell the painted parasols. They were SO good!

I love the coordinating t-shirts!!!

Thanks! I have way too much fun doing things like that (maybe I'm really an 8 year old in disguise?)

 

[Nikki_Mouse]

I watched the Samantha Brown special the other night and wanted one of those slushies too!!! I guess I will get one in December!

 

[Pig Pen]

We got to see three Flower Power concerts in April. They are great fun and I am always amazed at how many of those old songs I know. We saw Davy Jones a few years ago and he is definitely my favorite.

Love the pic of your DH at the concert!

 

[Sandy321]

I watched the Samantha Brown special the other night and wanted one of those slushies too!!! I guess I will get one in December!

the Grey Goose Slush is more citris-y but dh and I are great lovers of Gran Marnier - such opposite flavors!! When its truly HOT, I want the cool citrus flavor -

but I love the Gran Marnier Slush!!

 

[melanie18]

Hey Starshine...we were at BWV the same dates! We were in a 1 bdrm on the complete opposite wing closest to Hollywood Studios (room 3029). The walk was ridiculous. I actually counted the steps one day to the elevator. 289 steps to be exact.

 

[Starshine]

Hey Starshine...we were at BWV the same dates! We were in a 1 bdrm on the complete opposite wing closest to Hollywood Studios (room 3029). The walk was ridiculous. I actually counted the steps one day to the elevator. 289 steps to be exact.

Too funny! I know where you mean on your room, we walked that way to get to the Studios several times so we could stay inside as long as possible, and it's waaaaaaayyy down there.

 

[cseca]

On Samantha Brown's recommendation, I tried a Grand Marnier slushie for the first time, and holy cow was that thing good! I'm not usually a fan of fruity drinks (I'm more a beer or cider kinda gal), but I loved the slushie. It wasn't too sweet and you could definitely tell it had Grand Marnier in it. YUM!!!

I wanted to try that too ever since I saw that show on TV. BTW, we were there during that particular taping. We were eating in Les Chef's and saw Sam Brown in front of the kiosk with her entourage...

 

[kgc07]

I also tried my first slushie after watching the show. They were really good, but I did find it a little sweet.

 

[thelobstershanty]

the Grey Goose Slush is more citris-y but dh and I are great lovers of Gran Marnier - such opposite flavors!! When its truly HOT, I want the cool citrus flavor -

but I love the Gran Marnier Slush!!

Do they sell the Grey Goose Slush in France also??? That sounds like something I would like.

 

[LSchrow]

Do they sell the Grey Goose Slush in France also??? That sounds like something I would like.

yes they do

as DH was doing laundry at the BWVs, i had the sudden urge to sit by the quiet pool with a GG slushie, calling a few friends & making them envious
strolled over to france, then remembered they don't let you bring alcohol out of the parks (yeah, i thought of trying to sneak it out, but just couldn't bring myself to do it (dang ethics lol)).

second best: slowly savoring the frothy slushie, i relaxed on an off-to-the-side bench in france's garden, immersing myself in the sights, sounds & smells of "france".....

i only wish the slushies were larger, or at least available as a double....they are so refreshing & tasty that the little martini "glass" is not nearly enough (& it's too difficult to carry two of those dinky plastic "glasses"......a large beer stein would be perfect )

 

[BEASLYBOO]

All in all, it was a great trip. Our room was perfect, we hit most of our old favorites, plus a few new things, and no one had a meltdown (yeah that happens to us too, apparently it's not just a kid thing!)

Maybe you could ghost write my Trip Report when I get back! You're hilarious! Looks and sounds like the two of you had a great time! Thanks.

 

[Starshine]

Love the pic of your DH at the concert!

Thanks! We were singing along loud enough that Davy even noticed!

I wanted to try that too ever since I saw that show on TV. BTW, we were there during that particular taping. We were eating in Les Chef's and saw Sam Brown in front of the kiosk with her entourage...

How cool is that? We ran into her producer in Downtown Disney one day at the Christmas store. We were chatting in line, and he said he produced a show for the Travel Channel. I mentioned how I loved Samantha Brown, and he fessed up that he produces her shows. She wasn't around though, that would have been even better!

i only wish the slushies were larger, or at least available as a double....they are so refreshing & tasty that the little martini "glass" is not nearly enough (& it's too difficult to carry two of those dinky plastic "glasses"......a large beer stein would be perfect )

Me too! DH and I each got one to take back to the Rose & Crown to watch Leon, and by the time we got there they were pretty much empty!

Maybe you could ghost write my Trip Report when I get back! You're hilarious! Looks and sounds like the two of you had a great time! Thanks.

Thanks, I'd ghost write for you anytime! The only problem is that like any other 8 year old in a grown up body I have a short attention span... I'm only good for a page or two trip report. I'd love to write one of the really long detailed ones, but I always get about 2 days in and then never finish!