BLT, Kidani & Jambo; a mini live trip report

[quirty30]

Just thought I'd take a minute to post something. This is our first stay in a standard view....and the view is....well, let's call it "obstructed theme park/parking lot/monorail/CR view." I try to keep my field of view high and watch the monorail and it makes it almost tolerable. I think I miss my Bay Lake View, which is what we always have booked in the past.

I just got a good shot of the monorail with my phone:

We had a simple 1st day; arrived at MCO just after 11. Got to BLT just before 1 and our room was ready. At first I was excited to see we had an even number room and weren't on the 1st floor. Our Garden Grocer order arrived just before we did, so bell services brought them up. I only got breakfast stuff, some hot dogs & salty snacks. Kids asked for hot dogs rather than going to Contempo Cafe - I happily obliged. We headed to Contempo afterwards to fill our mugs, and the 3 of us shared 2 cupcakes.

Then we walked over to the MK to get DS a short buzz cut at the Harmony Barber Shop. Was surprised to only have a short wait of 5 minutes or so. I usually cut his hair myself but just couldn't find time before we left. So DD & I are watching DS get his haircut & chatting with the stylist. DD is 10 going on 20 and has attitude to spare - she was visibly bored and grumpy. Out of nowhere, one of the other barbers runs over, throws glitter all over her and says, "you look like you needed some pixie dust!" Oh do I wish I could have caught her expression on camera, but I wasn't fast enough. But suffice it to say, I think I have new favorite Disney memory!!!!

I better run for now....ADR's at Narcoosee's in an hour followed by Wishes viewed from TOTWL. Tomorrow is a full MK day - but a mid-day pool break might be required!!!

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

That view is better than the view from home!

Congrats on the new memory, sounds like it would have been fun to be there.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Enjoy your vacation. What a unique barber shop experience!

 

[Candy Orlando]

It sounds like fun! Enjoy!!!

 

[ffcheff]

Just came home last week from BLT, your standard view is better than my lake view. Enjoy your stay.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Just came home last week from BLT, your standard view is better than my lake view. Enjoy your stay.

BLT lake view?

 

[MiaSRN62]

Seeing the monorail ? Standard points ? Not shabby at all ! Have fun !

 

[HotdogDncrs]

Then we walked over to the MK to get DS a short buzz cut at the Harmony Barber Shop. Was surprised to only have a short wait of 5 minutes or so. I usually cut his hair myself but just couldn't find time before we left. So DD & I are watching DS get his haircut & chatting with the stylist. DD is 10 going on 20 and has attitude to spare - she was visibly bored and grumpy. Out of nowhere, one of the other barbers runs over, throws glitter all over her and says, "you look like you needed some pixie dust!" Oh do I wish I could have caught her expression on camera, but I wasn't fast enough. But suffice it to say, I think I have new favorite Disney memory!!!!

Hilarious!!!!

 

[4DisneyAddicts]

I just booked my first DVC stay and was told that there are only 5 2BR standard view rooms.... I had to book lakeview, which was a
lot more points. Seems like there should be more standard rooms available, considering lower rooms, parking lot views, etc.

 

[moredisneyplease]

i wish someone would come throw glitter all over me when i'm grumpy!

 

[quirty30]

Oh wow, what a fabulous day we had today. For the first time ever, we ALMOST made a rope drop (this was a major accomplishment for my little night owls and me!!) Walked over to MK. It was about 9:05 when we arrived. By 10:30 we had been on Space Mtn twice, and also Buzz, Astro Orbiter, People Mover and the Speedway. Walked over to Frontierland and did Splash Mtn, BTM RR, and Tom Sawyer Island. Lunch at LTT, then over to Adventureland. HIt every attraction there. Then over to Liberty Square for the Liberty Belle, Haunted Mansion & Hall of Presidents. At HoP, when it got to the part about the Space Shuttle crew that was lost, I just started tearing up uncontrollably. The more I tried to stop, the more the tears just rolled down my face. (I've cried at both Wishes and Illuminations, but this was a first for me - I was just overcome with emotion.) Then we were off to Fantasyland for IASW, Peter Pan and Pooh. Got stuck on there numerous times and were late for our ADR at the Plaza. Finished up around 7:30 and hopped on the Monorail back to the CR.

Off to TOTWL for after dinner drinks and kiddie cocktails. As crowded as I've ever seen it. Found a seat but couldn't get service. I was kind of aggravated. They HAD to know it would be busy and should have had better staffing. By the time I got our drinks, I just asked for the check and a go cup and we headed outside right around 8:55. Had no problem finding a good spot to view the special fireworks show and it was awesome. Looks like they had a barge in 7 Seas Lagoon over by the GF so the fireworks just lit up the sky all around. I teared up yet again!!!

We headed out immediately and went back to the villa to get on our bathing suits and head to the pool. Is the firepit fairly new? Don't ever remember seeing it before. We really enjoyed it. Kids played some ping pong; I spoke with some nice DVC'ers in the hot tub. We all swam and the pool was like a lukewarm bath which felt so good after a long day! We watched the Water Pageant from the firepit area. What a wonderful full day - I think it was our best day ever here at WDW; on a day I thought might be dreadful.

Favorite little observations of the day:

1) Little boy at Mickey's Star Traders upon seeing the array of Star Wars merchandise, "WOW, STAR WARS!" He was just awestruck. A few seconds later I heard a father calling for his son....I asked him, "does he like Star Wars?" He said "yes" and I pointed him in the right direction.

2) A young Japanese boy at the Hall of Presidents was working his way through the crowd until he got to the George Washington painting near the theater entrance; I think it depicts the signing of the Declaration of Independence. He stared for a while, then made his way back to his mom who was behind me. He exclaimed to his parents, "I found 3 other presidents; James Monroe, James Madison and John Adams." He was SO proud and just precious. I talked to him mom briefly and her English was somewhat broken; but her little boy was clearly fascinated and VERY knowledgeable about the US presidents. It warmed my heart and it's probably why I was so emotional once we viewed the program. I think we sometimes take our freedom for granted. Sometimes we need to see things through the eyes of another to be reminded of how fortunate we are. So that's my little sentimental story for Independence Day. And on that note, I'm calling it a night!!!

 

[quirty30]

i wish someone would come throw glitter all over me when i'm grumpy!

I think we could all use that once in awhile to "snap out if it!!!!"

 

[MrsBlovesDisney]

Oh wow, what a fabulous day we had today. For the first time ever, we ALMOST made a rope drop (this was a major accomplishment for my little night owls and me!!) Walked over to MK. It was about 9:05 when we arrived. By 10:30 we had been on Space Mtn twice, and also Buzz, Astro Orbiter, People Mover and the Speedway. Walked over to Frontierland and did Splash Mtn, BTM RR, and Tom Sawyer Island. Lunch at LTT, then over to Adventureland. HIt every attraction there. Then over to Liberty Square for the Liberty Belle, Haunted Mansion & Hall of Presidents. At HoP, when it got to the part about the Space Shuttle crew that was lost, I just started tearing up uncontrollably. The more I tried to stop, the more the tears just rolled down my face. (I've cried at both Wishes and Illuminations, but this was a first for me - I was just overcome with emotion.) Then we were off to Fantasyland for IASW, Peter Pan and Pooh. Got stuck on there numerous times and were late for our ADR at the Plaza. Finished up around 7:30 and hopped on the Monorail back to the CR.

Off to TOTWL for after dinner drinks and kiddie cocktails. As crowded as I've ever seen it. Found a seat but couldn't get service. I was kind of aggravated. They HAD to know it would be busy and should have had better staffing. By the time I got our drinks, I just asked for the check and a go cup and we headed outside right around 8:55. Had no problem finding a good spot to view the special fireworks show and it was awesome. Looks like they had a barge in 7 Seas Lagoon over by the GF so the fireworks just lit up the sky all around. I teared up yet again!!!

We headed out immediately and went back to the villa to get on our bathing suits and head to the pool. Is the firepit fairly new? Don't ever remember seeing it before. We really enjoyed it. Kids played some ping pong; I spoke with some nice DVC'ers in the hot tub. We all swam and the pool was like a lukewarm bath which felt so good after a long day! We watched the Water Pageant from the firepit area. What a wonderful full day - I think it was our best day ever here at WDW; on a day I thought might be dreadful.

Favorite little observations of the day:

1) Little boy at Mickey's Star Traders upon seeing the array of Star Wars merchandise, "WOW, STAR WARS!" He was just awestruck. A few seconds later I heard a father calling for his son....I asked him, "does he like Star Wars?" He said "yes" and I pointed him in the right direction.

2) A young Japanese boy at the Hall of Presidents was working his way through the crowd until he got to the George Washington painting near the theater entrance; I think it depicts the signing of the Declaration of Independence. He stared for a while, then made his way back to his mom who was behind me. He exclaimed to his parents, "I found 3 other presidents; James Monroe, James Madison and John Adams." He was SO proud and just precious. I talked to him mom briefly and her English was somewhat broken; but her little boy was clearly fascinated and VERY knowledgeable about the US presidents. It warmed my heart and it's probably why I was so emotional once we viewed the program. I think we sometimes take our freedom for granted. Sometimes we need to see things through the eyes of another to be reminded of how fortunate we are. So that's my little sentimental story for Independence Day. And on that note, I'm calling it a night!!!

Jeez!! Now I'm crying too!! Glad to hear your first day was Magical!!

 

[dvcblt93]

They HAD to know it would be busy and should have had better staffing. By the time I got our drinks, I just asked for the check and a go cup and we headed outside right around 8:55.

Ya cant walk in 15 minutes before the biggest fireworks show of the year and expect stellar service! Plan on getting there are least 60 minutes before the show on big holiday nights if you want a drink with great service!

 

[goofylovers]

Ya cant walk in 15 minutes before the biggest fireworks show of the year and expect stellar service! Plan on getting there are least 60 minutes before the show on big holiday nights if you want a drink with great service!

How do you know she only got up to the TOTWL 15 minutes before the fireworks? She did not state this at all. She left the MK at 7:30 and headed to the lounge. I don't understand why so many people on these boards feel they can be so critical of other people. The OP is correct. They should have had more people working on a night where they were sure to have a large crowd. I will be there in 13 days and hope that they are staffed when we go as well. But I am sure it will not be as busy when we are there as it was last night.

OP I am so glad you had such a magical day and hope you continue to keep us updated on your trip.

 

[dvcblt93]

Not trying to be critical, its just a matter of fact. When 300 people decend on that lounge in a half hour period its physically impossible to provide good service, no matter how many extra staff they bring in. Just plan your visit accordingly!

Would you show up on Main Street 5 minutes before the parade and expect to get a front row seat?

 

[goofylovers]

Absolutely not. But was just stating that the OP never said she got there 15 minutes before the fireworks and expected to get a drink right away.

 

[Disney Princess]

OP -

I'm happy you're having a great trip. It sounds like you've made some wonderful new memories. I hope the rest of your time there continues to be magical.

 

[DenLo]

I can understand why they don't automatically throw on extra CMs at TOTWL for a holiday because there's no rhyme or reason to when it will be crowded or not. Last year on July 3rd and 4th there was no crowd there at all, same with several other holidays. Also many guests go into the lounge to get out of the heat or cold and don't order anything, they are just waiting for the fireworks.

To the OP, thanks for sharing your special moments. The pixie dust incident sounds priceless and I understand fully that sometimes those sentimental or emotional moments can overcome you. I felt the same way watching the flag retreat at MK during our June trip.

 

[bbluvsdis]

Thanks for your posts so far. We stayed at BLT in May for the first time and loved it there. We did go to TOTW one night and there were about 20 people there. We didn't get very fast service then either.
I too am one who always tears up at the Hall of Presidents film and also in the American Adventure at Epcot. It does make me proud to be an American!

Happy 4th!