Basking in the Glow of the (not so) Creepy Clown -2/11-Pictures, Final Thoughts, PTR!

[that's nice]

I've never heard that about CT pizza! Joe and I want to visit all over the east coast, so when we head to CT I'll be calling on you to recommend some good eats!

Call me up. We'd meet you guys for pizza.

Joe picked the broccoli-rabe off, he wasn't a fan at all. I'd like to try something a tad more exotic there next time, but I'll probably have to go with the solo pizza!

I've been on an eggplant pizza and buffalo pizza kick lately, but I usually don't get too adventurous.

And YES, there will be pictures of the glowing clown!!!!!

I can't wait!

I've never had NY pizza, but Chicago is pretty well known for theirs as well, so back off Tim boy!

LOL I've had Chi-town pizza and I don't care for it. I am a thin crust type of guy.

Have you been living under a rock that you didn't know there was a film in France? Did you know about the others? They really are worth going to at least once.

LOL No rock... just 4 feet of snow!!!!!

I knew a lot of the countries had them, but I didn't realize that France had one too. I am usually looking for the next beer in the WS, not the next movie.

 

[gellybean]

*sigh*

Your last update is making me want to go back to BWI right this minute!!

I so loved that location. I think I am forever spoiled!

We always do the bakery in France. It's been a tradition since the late 80s. We knew it was there before it was in the guide books! Can't believe y'all've never done it before!

In Joe's defense, the eclairs, imho, are so much better from the bakery in France than anywhere I've had them. Course having never been to France or NYC, I don't have a lot to compare them too!

I love Impressions de France!! It's my favorite film. I like O Canada and the China one but we never do them because you have to stand up and I get dizzy with the 360 degree theater!

The Norway film is ok. We used to skip it but we actually sat through it the last two times. As I'm getting older, I'm starting to appreciate things I thought were so lame growing up.

Via Napoli!! So glad you guys got to try it! Can't wait to tell you about our experience there... but that'll be a while since I'm just now getting started on December's TR!

Can't wait to join in on your PTR ! Love planning along! Can't believe I'm already itching to plan another trip.

Wait... who am I kidding? Of course I can believe it! I'm so addicted!

It's a good thing I have something to plan for such as ....oh....a new baby coming in June?!


Hope you guys are doing well and staying warm!

 

[Flossbolna]

Resale on DVC is super cheap right now on some properties, and will probably go lower on all the properties since they just changed some rules about when you own re-sale points versus outright buying from Disney. Plus, if you are flexible on where you stay, home resort does NOT matter. Our plan next time for an add-on is to buy the cheapest out there, which is generally Vero Beach.

Great update Brook!! You mentioned resale points. Could you point me to a good site to check those out? It's probably not a realistic option but I'd love to look around for my wishlist.

So are you saying if you go with buying Vero Beach points you could still use them at DVC resorts?

So yes, if you purchase Vero/Hilton Head, you can stay at any DVC property at the World on your points! You would not have that 11 month advantage, but if you are flexible on where you want to stay, it's almost a non-issue to get a room. You might have to do the waitlist during peak times, but I've never heard of someone NOT getting a room anywhere. I know I have read of members over on the DVC board that own at Vero and have never visited it! LOL

I hope that helps!

I wanted to add something important to this which I learned during my own resale purchase. I just bought a resale contract in November and while I was waiting for Disney to decided on their right of refusal, the first rumors about a change for resale contracts appeared. Of course I was immediately rather woried and I learned two things from the discussions on the DVC board which I followed closely:

1) The only thing that is GUARANTEED is that you can stay at your home resort, being able to book other DVC resorts is only a "perk" which can be withdrawn by DVC any time they wish, regardless of you whether you bought direct or resale. It might be unlikely that they will do it, but in order to be able to vacation at WDW it is very adviseable to book at WDW.

2) Availability at WDW might decrease if and when they build even more resorts outside of WDW. People buying there might want to book at WDW more than WDW owners at those outside properties. The number of rooms at WDW is a fixed number and the more people can compete about it, the less availability there will be.

And finally unrelated to this, but regarding prices. When buying DVC it is really important to take dues into account as well. If you look at a timeframe of at least another 30 years (the first DVCs expire in 2042) it will make a difference wether you pay 6.78 $ per point for Vero Beach or 4.98 $ for Old Key West (2011 annual dues rates). Of course the dues might go up differently over time, but Vero Beach is expensive because of its beach location which has high insurance rates and needs lots of maintanance.

The most common suggestion on the DVCboards seems to be: buy either where you really want to stay or buy where you would not mind to stay. I think the buy where you don't mind to stay is the best advice!!

And, Lovemy3babes, I used the Timeshare Store which Brook already recommended to you and they were wonderful to work with! I can highly recommend them!

 

[Flossbolna]

I wanted to post my reply to your wonderful update in a seperate post from all the technical DVC stuff!

Via Napoli looks really nice and I might break my rule about not eating at European restaurants in Epcot for it! I would have loved the pizza you got!

I had a good laugh on the t-shirt label! I think for it to be authentic it would have been cotton from Turkey, made in Romania. But I never saw the origin of the cotton to be labled seperately in any clothing bought here in Europe - I guess it is just written on the lable for the sake of the American consumer so that they can feel good about it. Like the "designed in California, assembled in China" on my IPhone.

 

[All7OfUs]

I'm bummed you didn't get to hang with LL this trip- but like you say, you're both there enough that I'm sure your paths will cross eventually.

That pizza looked mighty fine! but I agree... a hefty price for a pizza. It's the Disney way...

I absolutely enjoyed the France movie! Top notch in every way- especially that amazing music!!

Great update, Brook!

Oh! And that chandelier...totaly reminds me of that hideous thing in our room at the Moose Hotel in Nurnberg!

 

[PirateKate]

Via Napoli looks so good! I wanted to eat there in Dec., but it didn't work out. Maybe next time.

I didn't know the theater in France would let strollers in. We are always looking for things we can do during stroller naps. I bet Henry was surprised to wake up in France.

 

[wdwgirl03]

OK, I should not have looked at your update before dinner! Now I am even more hungry than I already am. I'm glad to hear Via Napoli was good. I'm so looking forward to eating there on our trip. And all the French pastries, mmmmmm.

 

[jenseib]

That pizza looks great. Every picture I see from there looks good. And the bakery. I must get some chocolate mousse!

 

[SoonerGirl]

I had mixed emotions sitting here reading your update, loved hearing about Via Napoli and your evening in Epcot, but depressed because I should totally be there right now! Don is in Orlando this week for his company's national meeting. I kicked around the idea of going with him, but we decided that there was just too much going on this week with the kids. Of course, I just got the call that we will have our 4th snow day in a row tomorrow - we ALL could have gone along and the boys and I should be enjoying Epcot ourselves right now instead of sitting in the house playing our 970th round of dominos

Ok, rant over

Seriously, your pizza looked really good! As did the goodies in the case at the bakery in France - yum!

Mom & I really enjoyed the movie in France, it was so beautiful, made me want to visit someday too.

Oh no, glowing clown pictures - yikes!

 

[PopArtGal]

I understand. I could eat all the time. Even when I just ate lol

So cool that you won the photo session!

I wanna go to WDW too. No fair!

 

[kschafer]

The chandelier in the lobby of Via Napoli.

This is WAY cool!

The pizza ovens.

I love these because...science geek info ahead... Stromboli, Vesuvio and Etna are all Italian volcanoes! Very nice touch for nerds like me

 

[PopArtGal]

I want New York pizza now. By the way, we are looking into visiting New York. No idea when but I'm researching and looking at things. We mostly settled into taking the train. Not the cheapest, but so not as expensive as a flight. We'd be arriving at Penn Station and might be staying at a Hilton on 34th street. Do you have the address of the new Disney store?

 

[onelilspark]

When we ate at Via Napoli in December we were in the outdoor section, but they had glass up. It was chilly outside, so maybe it was just temporary.

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Lovely evening in World Showcase! The best meals are the ones that aren't planned and you have to work your whole schedule around to get to. Glad you were able to walk-in to Via Napoli. Looks pretty good!

The crazy people that chose to sit outside in 382 degree weather!

Haha, that would so be me! I love to be in the heat! I soak in as much sun and heat as I can, even when it's 105 degrees JUST to be able to get through these winters!

 

[MeMom]

Of course, I just got the call that we will have our 4th snow day in a row tomorrow - we ALL could have gone along and the boys and I should be enjoying Epcot ourselves right now instead of sitting in the house playing our 970th round of dominos

That's what Jill said when we had all those snow days! If we had known, we could have gone to see Trent.


Brook, great pictures - all of them. The pizza does look good, but you're right, a bit costly.

I took a picture of the fish doorknobs once. Glad to see others appreciate Disney doorknobs.

I very much enjoy Impressions de France. The music is so soothing. I can't go when I am tired, or I almost fall asleep.

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

I want New York pizza now. By the way, we are looking into visiting New York. No idea when but I'm researching and looking at things. We mostly settled into taking the train. Not the cheapest, but so not as expensive as a flight. We'd be arriving at Penn Station and might be staying at a Hilton on 34th street. Do you have the address of the new Disney store?

It's in Times Square. Impossible to miss, really. Not sure what Avenues the Hilton is between but just walk up 7th Ave to about 46th street, 47th street and you'll be in Times Square. (The "streets" are short blocks so it's not that far of a walk at all)

 

[tinacaplan]

You know Mrs. Pizza Snob... CT pizza is BETTER than NY pizza. Write it down, quote me, throw it back it my face in 20 years... IT IS A FACT!

That pizza does look very good... I could do without the broccoli rabe though- it is too bitter for me.

Once again, I love all your pictures.

I didn't realize there was a film in France either.

I NEED to get in the bakery in France. So many goodies in there that need to be eaten.


I hope you took pictures of the glowing clown!

Yup...gotta agree with Tim on this one. Italian girl, born and raised in CT...New Haven pizza is the best. Now, I am looking forward to our ADR at Via Napoli, as I can appreciate pizza in many different forms, particularly if there's broccoli rabe involved... but I heard they took that off the menu because it wasn't selling. Too bad. I love broccoli rabe.

I've never heard that about CT pizza! Joe and I want to visit all over the east coast, so when we head to CT I'll be calling on you to recommend some good eats!

Joe picked the broccoli-rabe off, he wasn't a fan at all. I'd like to try something a tad more exotic there next time, but I'll probably have to go with the solo pizza!

Aren't those France goodies delicious looking? I don't remember ever going through that bakery before. It's tiny in there, and BUSY, but the line moves fast. I hope to hit it up again in just a few weeks! This time I'm going for something more interesting.

And YES, there will be pictures of the glowing clown!!!!!

I completely agree about the bakery in France...best use of a snack credit ever.

Call me up. We'd meet you guys for pizza.


I've been on an eggplant pizza and buffalo pizza kick lately, but I usually don't get too adventurous.


I can't wait!


LOL I've had Chi-town pizza and I don't care for it. I am a thin crust type of guy.


LOL No rock... just 4 feet of snow!!!!!

I knew a lot of the countries had them, but I didn't realize that France had one too. I am usually looking for the next beer in the WS, not the next movie.

Again, I agree on the thin crust...and a pizza Dismeet would be awesome!

Brook, I also have to comment on your experience with the films. They are beautiful and one thing I'm hoping Max will sit through when we go. We only saw the one in China last time, but I really want to see the French one this time. They are so cool. One of my lasting memories of EPCOT from when I went in the 80's as a little kid.

 

[glennbo123]

My daughter Marlene has a thing for France for some reason. She's taking French class and has Eiffel Tower items decorating her room (a picture, jewelry tree, etc.). If I had taken her into that France movie, she would've been begging me for a plane ticket, I'm sure. But we may have to check it out next time.

 

[MEK]

I think that pizza looks delish!

Via Napoli has some really cool and creative decor. I am looking forward to my visit there in May.

You got some great shots of Italy. Those pillars remind me of exactly the same thing - the Segway tour. That was so fun.

I am glad you liked the movie in France. I love all the movies. I think they are all so well done. I like France best because you can sit down!

Yeah for a night time swim!

Another great update. I feel bad that you and LL never hooked up. I also feel pretty special that I got to meet her.

 

[Poolrat]

Oh! And that chandelier...totaly reminds me of that hideous thing in our room at the Moose Hotel in Nurnberg!

I thought the same thing!!!!



I enjoyed the France movie as well. The Canada movie is hosted by Martin Short so it is funny.


When I did the the Segway tour, Italy was being used for a wedding so we went through Morocco. Those tiny alleys were interesting to navigate.