BLT -- A Sandwich or a Resort? Nov 09 TR (12/9 Lessons Learned)

[Leger13]

Hey, if they have a BLT then I will!! Maybe I can get a picture of me eating a BLT in front of the BLT sign!! That would be and a great pic for my scrapbook!

heck yeah that would be an awesome picture!!!!

 

[leamom2princesses]

OH Leamom: Have an absolutely wonderful vacation!! I just re-read that you leave this weekend. Woo Hoo!!

My parents are at Boardwalk Villas right now and go over to Beach Club Villas next week. They said the weather is warm to hot but a nice breeze. They don't think it's that crowded -- some rides were 5-10 minute waits and other like TT and TSM were 30-45 minutes.

Thanks for the info! Looks like we will be there the same time as your folks. I'm so excited to go-the time is dragging. The idea of short lines makes me really, really happy. UG has been showing 8's and 9's for next week.

BTW, your trip report was the first I read and what got me hooked on the boards. I loved the airplane book you made. Inspired me to make some books for my girls. Thanks for the idea! You are so creative. I'm hoping your PTR will help with the post Disney depression.

 

[betsywdw]

Yes, I plan to give my pre-BLT thoughts and definitely will do so afterwards.

Oh, so you took an 8 month old to WDW? I need to know EVERYTHING. I'm wondering if it makes sense to do the dining plan or not...I'm figuring that an 8 month's old schedule will make it difficult to enjoy the dinner (sit-down at TS), so maybe we should just skip it.

Also curious how scared she may be of the noises, dark, etc. I know all babies are different but any advice would be greatly appreciated.

That was the one trip that I basically had set in my head to not go well. Turns out it was our best trip we have had! It was so good that DH decided to join DVC on that trip (after many years of begging from me!).

Honestly, there was nothing I can really put my finger on to say that we did other than follow her lead. We would get up early since that was her normal pattern and go to the parks and usually stay until after lunch then go back for a nap. Maybe swim in the late afternoon and then head back out to do whatever we wanted. We just didn't push her. It was a VERY different trip because we barely did any of our regular things but we still had the most awesome trip. She loved the characters so we did a few of the meals. We also met as many as we could the different meet n greets. DH and I had never really had a lot of character interaction at that point so it was a new thing for us too.

As a previous poster said, there are so many things to observe at Disney, I'm sure it will keep her occupied just watching and observing everything. I bet she will have a blast!

 

[Tat2ddisneymom]

Whoops, I'm slacking. I found you.

 

[Marshay]

You are too funny..

decisions, decisions

I did enjoy your trivia questions on your last report...will be looking forward to more

Deal! And I still owe Mickey Ice Cream bars to those who answer all trivia questions correctly! We just got to be at WDW at the same time...

Thanks for the info! Looks like we will be there the same time as your folks. I'm so excited to go-the time is dragging. The idea of short lines makes me really, really happy. UG has been showing 8's and 9's for next week.

BTW, your trip report was the first I read and what got me hooked on the boards. I loved the airplane book you made. Inspired me to make some books for my girls. Thanks for the idea! You are so creative. I'm hoping your PTR will help with the post Disney depression.

Hey, your trip is nearly here!!

Thanks for the compliments on the airplane book...it was a lot of fun to do and I think I'll just update that and for our next trip and do a small autograph book.

Not to brag (TOO MUCH ) but did you also see the Disney ABC book? That was fun to do as well.

If you have a link to your books, I'd love to see them. I love to get ideas from others.

That was the one trip that I basically had set in my head to not go well. Turns out it was our best trip we have had! It was so good that DH decided to join DVC on that trip (after many years of begging from me!).

Honestly, there was nothing I can really put my finger on to say that we did other than follow her lead. We would get up early since that was her normal pattern and go to the parks and usually stay until after lunch then go back for a nap. Maybe swim in the late afternoon and then head back out to do whatever we wanted. We just didn't push her. It was a VERY different trip because we barely did any of our regular things but we still had the most awesome trip. She loved the characters so we did a few of the meals. We also met as many as we could the different meet n greets. DH and I had never really had a lot of character interaction at that point so it was a new thing for us too.

As a previous poster said, there are so many things to observe at Disney, I'm sure it will keep her occupied just watching and observing everything. I bet she will have a blast!

Yes, since we are planning to get an AP again, I always feel so much more relaxed with it. And this trip will definitely be going at baby's speed.

Although I also see DH and I each taking a kid and doing something that they can enjoy.

Whoops, I'm slacking. I found you.

Yeah! You made it!

 

[Marshay]

The main reason for taking this trip (besides just having fun at Disney, of course!) is to check out Bay Lake Tower. It is scheduled to open on Aug 4th so we'll be getting there about 3 months after it opens.

Hopefully, this is enough time to get all the "kinks" out and the resort will run smoothly.

My thoughts on BLT, prior to experiencing:

1. The ability to walk to MK is an AWESOME perk. This is truly the highlight for staying at BLT. No having to fold up a stroller. No waiting for a bus or driving to the TTC and then getting on yet another vehicle to get to the MK.

2. Playing devil's advocate: Will the walk from door to door (BLT room to MK entrance) become a hassle? You still have to negotiate the hallways, elevators, cross-over bridge, more hallways, more elevators, the parking lot, the road, pass the bus stops and boats to the entrance...

3. The room decor is rather UGLY. Most people who have seen the room in photos believe that Disney dropped the ball on the design/decor of the room. However, those who have seen this in person, say that the pictures don't do it justice and it is nice. We'll see.

4. The prime location at BLT is to get a Magic Kingdom view. Next is a Lake view. We are in a standard view which basically means overlooking a parking lot. Will the standard view be good enough?

When we go to Animal Kingdom Villas, we love having the savanna view to watch all the Watusi, Zebras and Giraffes. What about watching the Odysseys, Camrys and Cherokees??

5. Will we regret not having a car? Is Magical Express all that magical??

The last 4-5 trips or so, we've gotten a rental car and it was wonderful. We like to visit the restaurants at the resorts, we like to go to Wal-mart for essentials and groceries and I don't like waiting in line. I actually do like driving and it's nice to pack some extras like snacks, food, change of clothes, water stuff (ponchos, umbrellas, etc) if we need them.

6. If you don't get your own MK view at BLT, then you can go to the BLT Lounge to see the fireworks along with the piped in music. However, since there are more people who won't have MK view then will be allowed in the lounge, I'm wondering how crowded this will be. Will there be plenty of chairs or will it be SRO? If SRO, will there be a special place so the kids can see the fireworks?

I wonder if this is just a room or if there will be any amenities there like food or drinks to purchase.

7. Disney's newest DVCs are changing up the 1BR. They are now sleeping up to 5 (one bed, one sofa bed and one sleep chair). They are also putting in a 2nd bathroom in the 1BR. I'm sure we will come to love the 2nd bathroom. It will certainly make getting ready easier in the mornings and after swimming in the pool.

8. Amenities: BLT is going to have its own pool and slide. I'm hoping that we'll get a chance to use this...however, weather in November can start to get cool, and even if the pool is heated, it can be a long, cold walk back to your room. So we'll definitely pack a swimsuit and at least walk around the pool area.

Also BLT has all the water sports and beach area that the Contemporary Resort has, so I definitely see those "water mice" in our future!

 

[Leger13]

I'll be curious to see how it all turns out. I've never stayed at a resort while it's still in it's first few months of operation. I really hope they work out the kinks (if their are any). And I hope that if the rooms are ugly that the comfort of the beds make up for it.

 

[Marshay]

I'll be curious to see how it all turns out. I've never stayed at a resort while it's still in it's first few months of operation. I really hope they work out the kinks (if their are any). And I hope that if the rooms are ugly that the comfort of the beds make up for it.

yeah, the beds should be good...not too many will have used them.

We did stay at AKV the month that it opened and everything was fine so I'm not expecting any kinks, to be honest.

 

[Leger13]

yeah, the beds should be good...not too many will have used them.

We did stay at AKV the month that it opened and everything was fine so I'm not expecting any kinks, to be honest.

yes very true

oh that's good So there is hope.

 

[Tat2ddisneymom]

My thoughts...yes you will regret not having a car. Disney transportation is not all its cracked up to be. But you know what they say about opinions.

 

[Marshay]

My thoughts...yes you will regret not having a car. Disney transportation is not all its cracked up to be. But you know what they say about opinions.

I agree with yours already! But this trip is supposed to be a cheap one for us -- no dining plan, no rental car, no special tours, etc.

And if we hate Disney transportation that much, then we'll know not to ever do it again!

 

[Tat2ddisneymom]

I agree with yours already! But this trip is supposed to be a cheap one for us -- no dining plan, no rental car, no special tours, etc.

And if we hate Disney transportation that much, then we'll know not to ever do it again!

Well, here's the way I see it, and again, it's only my opinion. I've done it with and without a car. I'll NEVER do it without a car again. To have to rely on Disney transportation to take you everywhere you need to be is ridiculous. You have ADRs you need to get to and you have to wait and wait for a bus that never seems to come. Add to that the fact that you have a stroller that you need to tote along with you and that makes it more of a hassle. It really seems to have gone downhill over the last few years. I mean it is okay if you just take it once in awhile for a change of pace if you're sick of driving. But to have to do it all the time is such a waste of time and energy.

 

[Leger13]

Well, here's the way I see it, and again, it's only my opinion. I've done it with and without a car. I'll NEVER do it without a car again. To have to rely on Disney transportation to take you everywhere you need to be is ridiculous. You have ADRs you need to get to and you have to wait and wait for a bus that never seems to come. Add to that the fact that you have a stroller that you need to tote along with you and that makes it more of a hassle. It really seems to have gone downhill over the last few years. I mean it is okay if you just take it once in awhile for a change of pace if you're sick of driving. But to have to do it all the time is such a waste of time and energy.

I think the reason Disney transportation seems to have gone down hill in the last few years is because they did away with a lot of the buses they had running in previous years. A bus driver in '07 told us that Disney was doing that to cut costs. It totally sucks and we haven't used the Disney transportation since then.

 

[Marshay]

Well, here's the way I see it, and again, it's only my opinion. I've done it with and without a car. I'll NEVER do it without a car again. To have to rely on Disney transportation to take you everywhere you need to be is ridiculous. You have ADRs you need to get to and you have to wait and wait for a bus that never seems to come. Add to that the fact that you have a stroller that you need to tote along with you and that makes it more of a hassle. It really seems to have gone downhill over the last few years. I mean it is okay if you just take it once in awhile for a change of pace if you're sick of driving. But to have to do it all the time is such a waste of time and energy.

I think the reason Disney transportation seems to have gone down hill in the last few years is because they did away with a lot of the buses they had running in previous years. A bus driver in '07 told us that Disney was doing that to cut costs. It totally sucks and we haven't used the Disney transportation since then.

Well, since we'll only need the bus for DHS and AK (and we may not even go to AK), maybe we'll be ok. We can walk to MK and monorail to epcot and I think those are the two parks we'll be at most of the time.

The last time I took a Disney bus was to go to Pleasure Island since we planned to drink...and that was about 6 years ago...i'm sorry to hear that cuts have made the waiting worse. You'd think Disney would want to run more busses to get everyone into the park sooner, so they can spend their money!

 

[Leger13]

Well, since we'll only need the bus for DHS and AK (and we may not even go to AK), maybe we'll be ok. We can walk to MK and monorail to epcot and I think those are the two parks we'll be at most of the time.

The last time I took a Disney bus was to go to Pleasure Island since we planned to drink...and that was about 6 years ago...i'm sorry to hear that cuts have made the waiting worse. You'd think Disney would want to run more busses to get everyone into the park sooner, so they can spend their money!

Yeah you should be fine. And if you're not, you can always take a taxi if you really don't want to deal with the buses.

 

[Marshay]

Yeah you should be fine. And if you're not, you can always take a taxi if you really don't want to deal with the buses.

Good idea! I need to remember that.

 

[Leger13]

Good idea! I need to remember that.

Thank ya Glad I could help! I know those Taxi's are everywhere. Especially down at DTD. They wait for all the alcoholics to need a ride I also know they sit in the valet area of the deluxe resorts too. I see them there every time I go to visit/drool over what I haven't experienced yet

 

[Trentmom]

I will be curious to see how it all pans out

I know I am in the minority here, but I never had a major problem with the buses.

Like you said, you will have walking access to MK and then can hop monorail to Epcot

That only leaves DHS and AK, if you even go to them

so, I think u will be fine on this trip

 

[Marshay]

Thank ya Glad I could help! I know those Taxi's are everywhere. Especially down at DTD. They wait for all the alcoholics to need a ride I also know they sit in the valet area of the deluxe resorts too. I see them there every time I go to visit/drool over what I haven't experienced yet

"YET" being the key word!

 

[Marshay]

I will be curious to see how it all pans out

I know I am in the minority here, but I never had a major problem with the buses.

Like you said, you will have walking access to MK and then can hop monorail to Epcot

That only leaves DHS and AK, if you even go to them

so, I think u will be fine on this trip

This is good to know! I forget...do you still take a stroller to the parks? I know it'll be a lot easier once we don't have to drag that around anymore.

Speaking of strollers, we need to decide if we are taking one or two strollers. Obviously Elie will need a stroller at 8 months but even Rae who will be 4 in Nov will most likely need one too if we don't want her to be cranky and tired of walking.

We have a single jogging stroller and a single McLaren...I wonder if we should bring both of them...I also see on the budget boards that there are stroller swaps that you can participate in for free...this might be something to consider, too...

Looks like another thing to add to the research!