Just came back from the 4 night stay at the Beach Club with 2 1/2, 4 1/2 and almost 7 yrs old (and with very impatient husband).
I had a magical vacation. I came back yesterday, but my mind and heard are still in Orlando. I was crying this morning listening to Ariel's "Part of Your World."
I'm a mother of 3, who usually goes to bed at 9:30 exhausted. But during this vacation, I went out 3 out of 4 nights we stayed, to a spa, to theme parks. My energy level at the WDW surprised my husband. And I can't believe it myself! I laugh at myself. Why Disney does this to me? It's just because of the good memories attached to word "Disney" since my childhood? Is it because of their effective marketing strategy?
Anyway... here's my trip report.
Day 1
This vacation was a secret to my children till that day. My husband and I have been secretly packing for over a week. My 6yr old noticed what's going on when we got into the airport. They loved the surprise!
Flight
This was my first time to fly after 9.11. Security check wasn't too bad. But on the plane, I couldn't help thinking about the passengers in those flights. Kids behaved much better than I expected. Southwest Airline was great (my first experience). On the way back on the flight #661, the Pilot George invited our three kids to the cockpit!
Magical Express check-in was well-organized, but could have been better.
Hotel
We reserved the Beach Club. Art greeted us at the main lobby. When I introduced myself and told him that we have a concierge reservation, he guided us to the elevator and pushed the button for the 5th floor by using his master key to get an access to the floor.
Room
2 bedroom suite Room #2637. Not bad, but dated and worn. My request was the lake view with full balcony, which was granted. A fruit bowl with a greeting card was sent from the hotel, which was a nice gesture. But, towels are sooo thin! You call this a Deluxe hotel?! Water temperature of the shower was set low, too. I guess it's to save heating bill but come on! At the Deluxe hotel!?
Headed to the Epcot. (Even with 3 small children, it's faster to walk to the Epcot from the BC than riding on a boat). Saw "Turtle Talk with Crush". What a fun my kids had, especially my 2 1/2 yr old. Dinner at Garden Grill. It's too loud to have a conversation. Characters were nice to my children. Food and service were terrible. Rotating floor made my husband sick.
At night, we walked from the BC to the bridge near the International Gateway to see the fireworks at the Epcot. Good enough for small children when you don't have enough time or energy to see the full-fledged fireworks.
Day 2
Concierge room breakfast was so crowded. We couldn't have a seat for 5 minutes.
Planned to head to the Magic Kingdom around 9am, but bus was too crowded. We changed the plan and head to the MGM. It feels more crowded here than the Epcot due to the narrower streets.
Indiana Jones and Lights, Motors, Action! Stunt show were amazing! My kids, my husband and I all loved both shows.
Lunch at Biergarten at Germany. Fun, but I could do without.
Dinner was reserved at Whispering Canyon. But my husband wasn't feeling well and he got discouraged by "Meal at Disney" after his experience at Garden Grill the night before. I reluctantly went back to the hotel and we went to the Yacht Club Galley after making a reservation through Dining Desk at the BC in the main lobby. Food wasn't too good although the service was prompt and warm.
Extra hours at the Epcot at night- There were not too many attractions open. I was planning to see movies in France and China, but all I could was the Viking Ride at Norway.
Day 3
Magic Kingdom
We did It's a Small World. And Dumbo after waiting for 30 minutes.
Philhamagic was my favorite.
Stormalong Bay Pool at the BC is great. It's manageable for a mother like me, with 3 small children. Sand-bottomed area has it's own lifeguard, and the area is kind of contained. Beach towels are thicker than towels in the room. Why the BC use this kind of towel for the room, too??
Dinner at Le Ceilier in Canada. I'm not a steak-person, but it was a great steak. Loved the mushroom risotto! Wonderful service.
Mandara Spa @Dolphin 8pm
Service was great. But atmosphere wasn't a "relaxing Asia", but kind of too strong, demanding Asia. That's how it felt like when I was sitting there. I don't think I will go back.
I wanted to see Fantasmic at MGM 10:30pm. But after Manadara Spa, I was too late. Maybe next time!
Day 4
Animal Kingdom on a bright sunny day in 95 degrees. But it doesn't feel that hot because of the natural shade the trees create in the park.
Kilimanjaro Safari was wonderful although my 2yr old was taking her nap on my shoulder throughout.
Lion King show was phenomenal. But could have been better. (I'm a bit picky about shows.)
3D movie, Tough to Be a Bug was too scary for my children. Too loud and too much special effect.
Dinner at Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Took a 10 minute cab ride since my husband is a man with NO patience. I knew he couldn't handle the bus transfer.
I took a risk by making this meal the last dinner of our vacation. Many people raved about this restaurant, but there were some other people who hated it.
How was it for us?
I, an adventurous eater, loved it. Coconut curry soup, cous cous salad and zebra dome were my favorite! Our server, Joe from Morocco, was wonderful. We had the best meal of our vacation.
Extra hour at Magic Kingdom till 1am!
Fireworks! This was my highlight of the trip. Maybe because I was all by myself without any children crying and clinging (I have been sacrificing my 6 1/2 yrs to my children). Because I was standing right in front of the Cinderella Castle. Maybe because the fireworks was so well-crafted. Either way, I couldn't help purchasing a Disney CD "Wishes" which is a soundtrack for the fireworks, on the way out.
Day 5
Magical Express bus was reserved for 10:40. Couldn't do anything in the morning.
Little problem at the Beach Club
In the Animal Kingdom, we found our key cards (ticket also) don't work because they were magnetized. So when we came back to the BC, I asked the staff to de-magnetize the cards.
Then, boom!
Computer erased all the info on the card. They had to reboot our reservation. So, here we were, so exhausted from walking in the park in 95 degrees, but can't get in the room! Our 2BR concierge room at Deluxe hotel! My impatient husband was waiting during this whole process for 10 minutes in the lobby. He's getting really mad. So, I asked them to take us to the concierge level with their master key. ( I should have asked them to take us to the ROOM by their key, instead. Or, they should have done that without ME suggesting it). It took about 30 minutes till we finally could get in our room. There was NO apology from the management later. My husband is really upset about this incident. I don't think we can go back to the Beach Club again in the future.
Other useful information to share
Stroller Rental
I brought my own single stroller. But having 6, 4 and 2 yr old, I rented a double stroller there (about $13/day). I'm so glad I did! You can rent at every theme park, including the International Gateway entrance at the Epcot.
Pick up a schedule at the hotel lobby and the entrance at the park! Especially for the MGM.
You have to have a show time schedule.
ADRs
It's a MUST, even for a lunch if you have a spouse with NO patience. Even though we were staying at the Deluxe hotel, we couldn't have a lunch when we wanted without ADRs. It is ridiculous but that's how it works in the Disney World. You have to follow their rules, I guess.
PhotoPass
What a great new business for Disney. You will see photographers everywhere in the parks. They will take a pictures (with or without you asking). And they will store the image digitally. You can view and purchase when you come home through the internet, using the information written on the card the photographer gave you. I don't know why I didn't know about this service till I got there.
The Beach Club
Thank you, Phyllis, Lindsay and Chris in Concierge Dept for your help.
Vacation with KidsNow my kids are bigger, this vacation was the best I've had since I had my first child.
My expectation for "vacation" is very low these days. But still, I accomplished about 20% of what I planned to do during this Disney vacation. If you are a parent, you know what I mean.
My 2yr old took naps in the stroller and on my shoulder, not in a crib in the hotel. But she was ok! We didn't stay in the theme parks till 10pm or even 1am like other families.
Be prepared to change diapers anywhere anytime. I always had to changed my 2yr old's diaper while we were eating at the nice restaurants.
To view some of our pictures, visit
http://www.jimmydaviderica.shutterfly.com
Thanks for reading. I didn't mean to write my first novel here.
I had a magical vacation. I came back yesterday, but my mind and heard are still in Orlando. I was crying this morning listening to Ariel's "Part of Your World."
I'm a mother of 3, who usually goes to bed at 9:30 exhausted. But during this vacation, I went out 3 out of 4 nights we stayed, to a spa, to theme parks. My energy level at the WDW surprised my husband. And I can't believe it myself! I laugh at myself. Why Disney does this to me? It's just because of the good memories attached to word "Disney" since my childhood? Is it because of their effective marketing strategy?
Anyway... here's my trip report.
Day 1
This vacation was a secret to my children till that day. My husband and I have been secretly packing for over a week. My 6yr old noticed what's going on when we got into the airport. They loved the surprise!
Flight
This was my first time to fly after 9.11. Security check wasn't too bad. But on the plane, I couldn't help thinking about the passengers in those flights. Kids behaved much better than I expected. Southwest Airline was great (my first experience). On the way back on the flight #661, the Pilot George invited our three kids to the cockpit!
Magical Express check-in was well-organized, but could have been better.
Hotel
We reserved the Beach Club. Art greeted us at the main lobby. When I introduced myself and told him that we have a concierge reservation, he guided us to the elevator and pushed the button for the 5th floor by using his master key to get an access to the floor.
Room
2 bedroom suite Room #2637. Not bad, but dated and worn. My request was the lake view with full balcony, which was granted. A fruit bowl with a greeting card was sent from the hotel, which was a nice gesture. But, towels are sooo thin! You call this a Deluxe hotel?! Water temperature of the shower was set low, too. I guess it's to save heating bill but come on! At the Deluxe hotel!?
Headed to the Epcot. (Even with 3 small children, it's faster to walk to the Epcot from the BC than riding on a boat). Saw "Turtle Talk with Crush". What a fun my kids had, especially my 2 1/2 yr old. Dinner at Garden Grill. It's too loud to have a conversation. Characters were nice to my children. Food and service were terrible. Rotating floor made my husband sick.
At night, we walked from the BC to the bridge near the International Gateway to see the fireworks at the Epcot. Good enough for small children when you don't have enough time or energy to see the full-fledged fireworks.
Day 2
Concierge room breakfast was so crowded. We couldn't have a seat for 5 minutes.
Planned to head to the Magic Kingdom around 9am, but bus was too crowded. We changed the plan and head to the MGM. It feels more crowded here than the Epcot due to the narrower streets.
Indiana Jones and Lights, Motors, Action! Stunt show were amazing! My kids, my husband and I all loved both shows.
Lunch at Biergarten at Germany. Fun, but I could do without.
Dinner was reserved at Whispering Canyon. But my husband wasn't feeling well and he got discouraged by "Meal at Disney" after his experience at Garden Grill the night before. I reluctantly went back to the hotel and we went to the Yacht Club Galley after making a reservation through Dining Desk at the BC in the main lobby. Food wasn't too good although the service was prompt and warm.
Extra hours at the Epcot at night- There were not too many attractions open. I was planning to see movies in France and China, but all I could was the Viking Ride at Norway.
Day 3
Magic Kingdom
We did It's a Small World. And Dumbo after waiting for 30 minutes.
Philhamagic was my favorite.
Stormalong Bay Pool at the BC is great. It's manageable for a mother like me, with 3 small children. Sand-bottomed area has it's own lifeguard, and the area is kind of contained. Beach towels are thicker than towels in the room. Why the BC use this kind of towel for the room, too??
Dinner at Le Ceilier in Canada. I'm not a steak-person, but it was a great steak. Loved the mushroom risotto! Wonderful service.
Mandara Spa @Dolphin 8pm
Service was great. But atmosphere wasn't a "relaxing Asia", but kind of too strong, demanding Asia. That's how it felt like when I was sitting there. I don't think I will go back.
I wanted to see Fantasmic at MGM 10:30pm. But after Manadara Spa, I was too late. Maybe next time!
Day 4
Animal Kingdom on a bright sunny day in 95 degrees. But it doesn't feel that hot because of the natural shade the trees create in the park.
Kilimanjaro Safari was wonderful although my 2yr old was taking her nap on my shoulder throughout.
Lion King show was phenomenal. But could have been better. (I'm a bit picky about shows.)
3D movie, Tough to Be a Bug was too scary for my children. Too loud and too much special effect.
Dinner at Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Took a 10 minute cab ride since my husband is a man with NO patience. I knew he couldn't handle the bus transfer.
I took a risk by making this meal the last dinner of our vacation. Many people raved about this restaurant, but there were some other people who hated it.
How was it for us?
I, an adventurous eater, loved it. Coconut curry soup, cous cous salad and zebra dome were my favorite! Our server, Joe from Morocco, was wonderful. We had the best meal of our vacation.
Extra hour at Magic Kingdom till 1am!
Fireworks! This was my highlight of the trip. Maybe because I was all by myself without any children crying and clinging (I have been sacrificing my 6 1/2 yrs to my children). Because I was standing right in front of the Cinderella Castle. Maybe because the fireworks was so well-crafted. Either way, I couldn't help purchasing a Disney CD "Wishes" which is a soundtrack for the fireworks, on the way out.
Day 5
Magical Express bus was reserved for 10:40. Couldn't do anything in the morning.
Little problem at the Beach Club
In the Animal Kingdom, we found our key cards (ticket also) don't work because they were magnetized. So when we came back to the BC, I asked the staff to de-magnetize the cards.
Then, boom!
Computer erased all the info on the card. They had to reboot our reservation. So, here we were, so exhausted from walking in the park in 95 degrees, but can't get in the room! Our 2BR concierge room at Deluxe hotel! My impatient husband was waiting during this whole process for 10 minutes in the lobby. He's getting really mad. So, I asked them to take us to the concierge level with their master key. ( I should have asked them to take us to the ROOM by their key, instead. Or, they should have done that without ME suggesting it). It took about 30 minutes till we finally could get in our room. There was NO apology from the management later. My husband is really upset about this incident. I don't think we can go back to the Beach Club again in the future.
Other useful information to share
Stroller Rental
I brought my own single stroller. But having 6, 4 and 2 yr old, I rented a double stroller there (about $13/day). I'm so glad I did! You can rent at every theme park, including the International Gateway entrance at the Epcot.
Pick up a schedule at the hotel lobby and the entrance at the park! Especially for the MGM.
You have to have a show time schedule.
ADRs
It's a MUST, even for a lunch if you have a spouse with NO patience. Even though we were staying at the Deluxe hotel, we couldn't have a lunch when we wanted without ADRs. It is ridiculous but that's how it works in the Disney World. You have to follow their rules, I guess.
PhotoPass
What a great new business for Disney. You will see photographers everywhere in the parks. They will take a pictures (with or without you asking). And they will store the image digitally. You can view and purchase when you come home through the internet, using the information written on the card the photographer gave you. I don't know why I didn't know about this service till I got there.
The Beach Club
Thank you, Phyllis, Lindsay and Chris in Concierge Dept for your help.
Vacation with KidsNow my kids are bigger, this vacation was the best I've had since I had my first child.
My expectation for "vacation" is very low these days. But still, I accomplished about 20% of what I planned to do during this Disney vacation. If you are a parent, you know what I mean.
My 2yr old took naps in the stroller and on my shoulder, not in a crib in the hotel. But she was ok! We didn't stay in the theme parks till 10pm or even 1am like other families.
Be prepared to change diapers anywhere anytime. I always had to changed my 2yr old's diaper while we were eating at the nice restaurants.
To view some of our pictures, visit
http://www.jimmydaviderica.shutterfly.com
Thanks for reading. I didn't mean to write my first novel here.
