been there - loved it - Day 3

[BonSchwe]

Today is the day!! Checking into Disney POR this morning. Repacked everything last night and the car is picking us up at 8:00am. Once again, Happy Limo is right on time with great service. Arrives at POR at approx. 8:30 am. When we first walk in we are all blown away on how beautiful everything is. I've been reading everything I can about this place but nothing prepares me for actually being there. It's so exciting to get that packet with all the schedules and information regarding the resort and everyone getting their resort keys. I had requested a smoking-optional building for DH (#18) but alas we were put into building #38 which is not smoker friendly but they did send up ashtrays and said that he could smoke there but he didn't feel comfortable doing that. So that kinda bummed him out. Went and bought each of the kids a resort mug and got settled into our room (yes, it was available at 9:00 am - BONUS). Then we headed out to Blizzard Beach. The bus came right along with hardly any wait and we were off! We arrived later than we thought so there were very few seats left but we managed to find some chairs in the shade. DS13 and DD12 headed out for themselves, DH went to Summit Plummet and DS4 and myself went and played in the kids area (which were close to). We took turns during the day spending time with DS4 so we all had a chance to expierence the attractions. I have to say I was not to impressed with Blizzard Beach. We pretty much all agreed that we really didn't want to go back again. But we were glad we went. Headed back to the resort around 3 for a quick nap. At 5:15 we headed out for our dinner PS at Cape May Cafe. DD12 was not feeling well as I think she had gotten to much sun that day. Being from up North we were not used to it. I asked if she wanted to stay at the room with me but she insisted on going. We grabbed a taxi at the front because time was ticking away and we arrived in time for our 6pm PS. When we arrived at the Beach Club we were all dazzled by how everything looked so pristine. We were taken right in and take about an awesome dinner. Even DS4 who is the pickiest eater found plenty. Disney's kid buffets are so nice - even their size!! Who could ask for more? The one drawback was DD12 wasn't eating so our server wasn't going to charge for her but toward the end she had two bites of applesauce and half an ear of corn on the cob and we were charged for the adult buffet. BUMMER! Oh well, we're at Disney!! After dinner we walked around to the Boardwalk where we inquired as to where we would pick up our Illuminations Cruise. We had arrived early but our ship captain (Stu - WE LOVE YOU STU) took us out. We went all over the place and he even let the kid take turns steering. He told us all kinds of neat information about Disney's history and about 15 minutes before Illuminations started we pulled up underneath the bridge where the boats park. Some people on the bridge tossed down some glo bracelets to the kids and shortly after the show started. It was so wonderful. It was everything I thought it was going to be. At some point Stu had given DD (who was feeling much better) and DS4 a blanket and they had snuggled up in it. It wasn't chilly, I think it just made them feel cozy. After the show Stu took a leisurely cruise back to the Boardwalk Marina where we were dropped off. Thats when the kids got their first glimpse of a surrey bike. They wanted one that night but DH and I were whipped and you had to have a driver older than 21 after 8:00 pm on the Boardwalk. We told them another time. Walked back over to the Yacht and Beach Club and grabbed another cab back to the POR. Talk about a great night. The Illuminations Cruise was so worth every penny but if we do it again were going to grab a family off the Boardwalk to go with us (on us) because it's already paid for and we would have been able to have seven more people on board. What a feeling Disney gives you - like there's no place else on earth at that time and no cares. And it only the begining of our vacation!! Oh the possibilities. Well, EE tomorrow at MGM. Everyone to bed as soon as we get back to the resort.

 

[tcfdick]

BonSchwe,

My family likes Typhoon Lagoon much better than Blizzard Beach. My DS (11) and DD (18) love the wave pool there and spend hours in it. They also like the Castaway Creek and the Shark Reef. Have you tried TL?

 

[Minniespal]

Great report ~ Thanx for sharing.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Gee you will make some family really happy next time. You can also post on the dis board that you have a cruise you want to share. Most disers are willing to chip in too for their share. Glad you enjoyed your trip.