BLT, SSR, BWV, MNSSHP, F&W trip

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I had problems connecting to my studio room at BWV as well. I know it wasn't my computer, I connected via the port in our other room there.

Enjoying your review so far!

 

[dizfan]

We went to DHS for the morning. Rushed to TSM for FP and then rode it. After the first TSM, we wandered toward Star Tours. Talked with a few CMs along the way. Then we rode the new Star Tours for the first time. DW was a bit nervous, but a young couple helped reassure her. After it was over, she wanted to go on again. Again, kudos to the imagineers for the the attraction changes.

Then, we wandered back toward TSM. We had some time before our FPs, so I rode Rock 'n Roller Coaster via the singles line. The wait for single is very short. In fact, several people rode via the singles line multiple times while their friends were in the regular line.

Our FP time for TSM arrived so we rode it again.

After this, we decided to head back to the resort for a break. We stopped in the shop and met a couple from Britain that we traded pins with. It worked out very well for both of us, as we helped them complete a set and they helped us get closer to completing our set.

After a break, we headed to MK so DW could get a few character autographs for some kids who will be going to WDW later this year.
After MK, we rode the monorail to Epcot. One of my favorite things is to ride the monorail around Epcot at night.

We hurried to the countries and enjoyed some more of F&W. We split up since it was nearly 9pm and we weren't sure which countries would be open for EMHs. I enjoyed the shrimp and noodles in China. Also enjoyed the ravioli in Italy. I tried something else, but can't remember what it was.

Then, DW and I met in America and watched the fireworks. Afterwards, we went to Germany where DW loves the caramel corn from the store. At this point, we were a bit tired and the crowds were a bit rowdy with a lot of cussing and swearing, so we headed back to enjoy the BW for our last night.

We met a couple on the BW who were also from Wisconsin. They told us about the Badgers/Cornhusker game and the crowd level. Their son is an intern for MLB.com and they were hoping the Brewers would advance so their son would continue to have a job for a little longer. Their hopes came through.

After being entertained on the BW, we went to the sweet shop for an ice cream cone. For anyone staying at the BW who enjoys ice cream, we recommend trying (at least when it's warm). We felt like kids walking on the boardwalk.

 

[dizfan]

We went to MK for the opening so DW could get another princess autograph for a child. Then we headed back to the BWV room to finish packing. We had our luggage stored while we waited for the Magical Express. We had a couple hours, so we again went to Big River Grill. Again the food was average.

We wasted a bit more time, then departed via Magical Express.

Here's what we liked about BWV...
The location is great for access to DHS and Epcot.
During the day we enjoy the quiet of the boardwalk.
At night, it's fun that they have entertainment.
We enjoyed the bakery and the sweet shop.
The layout of the room was very good and we enjoyed the newness of the room.
The location of our room was great, 5th floor and close to elevator. (That location was probably one reason we heard so much noise).

Here's what we didn't like about BWV...
It would be nice to have another food option in the morning.
The resort can be a bit noisy. Not sure why, but even with the doors closed the hallway noise seemed louder than AKV, BCV, and BLT. In addition, we could routinely hear people screaming at the pool even with our balcony door closed.
The lack of working Internet in our room and a power outlet not working was a bit surprising. (While we could have moved, we liked being so close to the elevator).

 

[dizfan]

One of the things we are learning is that simple things like room location can change many perceptions for us. For us, if a resort is a bit noisier, we will try to be further from the elevators.

Each person should try a resort before deciding a resort isn't for them. Even then, a bad experience one day could turn out to be a positive another day. I truly believe all resorts have positives and negatives.

We have two more WDW properties to try. Perhaps next September will try OKW or WLV. One thing is for sure, we aren't planning on another split stay for awhile.

For those who are planning on the WDW 50th anniversary, be prepared and plan well in advance. Also, be prepared for crowds. We thought it was worse than our only NYE WDW trip.