(Christmas) Lights, Decorations, Action ..A Post-Christmas PTR (update 12/22-page 42)

[marvali]

I dunno, I think it's ONLY me, but the theming at OKW just doesn't interest me IN THE LEAST! To condovillagesque looking to me. But, I'm super excited that you have a trip planned and know you'll love doing something different. Like Kathy, I'm curious to know your impressions of it.

You and Kathy need to check the link in the bottom of my sig! We have stayed there before. It was actually our first DVC stay after joining. I did the live TR while we were there. Really big rooms, so able to spread out and relax! We liked the location, and being able to ride the boats to DTD was a plus to us. Their TS restaurant, Olivia's, is a huge Disney secret I think. The food was very good.

 

[KatMark]

Yes on the ADRs. I did those as soon as the window opened. I will have to go back and look. I think they are all listed in the first 3 or 4 pages. I know when we do Epcot on the 29th we have dinner at Tutto Italia. MK day we are going to WCC at the Wilderness Lodge, DHS day we have a lunch at 50s PT, and dinner at Cape May Cafe I think. The AK day I have dinner ressies at Yak & Yeti and Boma. Have to cancel one of those. Will probably stick with eating at Y&Y before leaving the park. Oh, and on our final night when we have our full day at Epcot, we have one some place I can't remember.......let's see, what was it......oh yeah, Le Cellier!!!

Unless I decide to keep Boma, the only one of these we have done before is 50s PT, so lots of new experiences coming our way on this trip!!!

LOVE LOVE LOVE Cape May Cafe and Yak & Yeti and LeCellier. We've not done 50s PT in years; couldn't pay me to eat at WCC and we've never done Boma for dinner nor have we done Tutto Italia (from the reviews I've been reading Via Napoli is taking away a lot of Tutto's business!).

 

[marvali]

Why would you want to change out of the Hospitality House area? We usually request that area - only we have always been in a 2BR and requested the "new" buildings - buildings 62, 63 & 64 I think. They were the last ones built, and are actully located where the DVC offices and models used to be located. Those buildings are some of the few with elevators. And where the laundry room is - those have a door to the bathroom - so people in the living room don't have to go through the master bedroom to get to the bathroom - they can just cut through the laundry hall to get there. The rooms that I think are actually"classified" as Hospitality House are the 10's that are across the parking lot from the HH bus stop. They don't have that extra door-way. I think I have specifically requested building numbers before, then I think I switched to requesting a room with the 2nd door to the bathroom. Since they have added a Hospitality House booking category we haven't been there. That's about the time the Treehouses opened and we decided to venture on beyond the confines of our beloved Old Key West.

I guess the good part is there are as many choices as there are opinions about which area is the best, and I sincerely mean that isn't a shot at your opinion, just that I have read many supporters of pretty much all areas of OKW on the DIS. Hospitality House booking category is 11-14 and 23-26, which are the four buildings right around the bus stop on Peninsular Road, which is the first stop when you enter OKW. The Hospitality House bus stop is the last one, which is the one thing I would probably consider a drawback, when returning after a long, tiring day.

Our other stay we were in building 54, which is just down from the second bus stop at South Point. We liked it because we were away from the main roadway, and very quiet. We had maybe a five minute walk to HH, which wasn't bad and I actually enjoyed from the standpoint of getting in a walk.

A lot of people mention the bus noise in a lot of areas. The one area I would like to try is buildings 45 and 46. You can get off at the first bus stop since they are along Peninsular Road, but the good thing is the balconeys are along the waterway that the boat travels to SSR and DTD.

After looking further, HH booking in bldgs 23-26 might be a good choice.

Do you have any idea when you will know whether all the boys will get to go? I hope everything works out so he can go too. The first trip with one person missing is kind of strange.

Unfortunately, we won't know if Matt can go with us until close to the trip. He will graduate the first part of May and then receive his Naval commission. When he has to report will depend on what he will actually be doing (wants to do subs), and how soon they need people in those particular positions.

Since you will have AP's - whenever you buy anything ask if they offer an AP discount. Maybe you already knew about it - and maybe it's new - but in all the trips I have gone, this last trip was the first time a cashier asked me if I had any discounts. When I asked her "like what?" she said annual pass - this was at MouseGears. We also got the discount at the boardwalk gift shops and other in park stores. I had always thought it was only available at the Downtown Disney Stores. Wish I had that cashier earlier in the trip!

We had APs a couple years ago. It is a lot of fun juggling all the "discounts." Certain places get a DVC discount, some we can use the AP discount, and since we will have APs I will go ahead and get a TIW card for discounts on alcohol and other meal items. We have certainly forgotten to take advantage at times when not reminded. I have been a little luckier in having a couple more cashiers ask than just one.

Enjoy your trip! You have 2 lined up before I get back to my next one

Well, that is because we didn't go this past summer. With a second son heading off to college for the first time, we decided we better wait to see what a hit our budget took. The good thing is two trips so close make the AP a good way to go.

LOVE LOVE LOVE Cape May Cafe and Yak & Yeti and LeCellier. We've not done 50s PT in years; couldn't pay me to eat at WCC and we've never done Boma for dinner nor have we done Tutto Italia (from the reviews I've been reading Via Napoli is taking away a lot of Tutto's business!).

The boys love 50s PT, so that is typically a must do for them. Boma is great for dinner, we have done that one twice. Looking forward to trying the new ones.

 

[glennbo123]

Some day I'd like to try the various DVC resorts, but I'm not sure if I'm ready to leave Kidani yet. Adding that sleeper chair makes OKW a definite possibility though. I know two different families who own at Old Key West and they both love it there -- that's the only place they ever stay.

 

[Poolrat]

I don't think I can go wrong with either decision!
I think they actually refer to them as Storytellers. My understanding is that each country has someone dressed in traditional "Santa" attire and tells the story/history of Christmas in their particular country, and their particular version of Santa. I think it will be really interesting to hear the different traditions.

the norway one is really funny, we saw a few minutes of it.


and im sure you would like it glenn, a norwegian blond telling the story.

I enjoyed the Norway Storyteller too, but not for the same reason as the boys. The German one was fun too.

 

[mom3sonstt]

I guess the good part is there are as many choices as there are opinions about which area is the best, and I sincerely mean that isn't a shot at your opinion, just that I have read many supporters of pretty much all areas of OKW on the DIS. Hospitality House booking category is 11-14 and 23-26, which are the four buildings right around the bus stop on Peninsular Road, which is the first stop when you enter OKW. The Hospitality House bus stop is the last one, which is the one thing I would probably consider a drawback, when returning after a long, tiring day.

Our other stay we were in building 54, which is just down from the second bus stop at South Point. We liked it because we were away from the main roadway, and very quiet. We had maybe a five minute walk to HH, which wasn't bad and I actually enjoyed from the standpoint of getting in a walk.

A lot of people mention the bus noise in a lot of areas. The one area I would like to try is buildings 45 and 46. You can get off at the first bus stop since they are along Peninsular Road, but the good thing is the balconeys are along the waterway that the boat travels to SSR and DTD.

After looking further, HH booking in bldgs 23-26 might be a good choice.

I didn't mean to sound so critical of your idea of changing....and I guess by "talking" it out I probably wouldn't choose the Hospitality House booking category either. That said, we do like the "60" buildings. Sometimes the drivers would swing in and stop at HH first, or if we wanted off and didn't want to ride the whole route we would get of at Peninsular and walk back. And now that I think about it, I think at the time we liked being the last ones on - back when I was walking and didn't have to load the scooter. We would get on and out we would go. Coming home - it it was late and we were tired, we could either get off at Peninsular, or enjoy the air conditioned ride around the resort. Now that I have the scooter I think I would want an earlier stop.

Wherever you wind up staying I hope you have a wonderful trip. Are you in a 1 or 2 BR for your Christmas trip?

 

[englishrose47]

Hey! 'Sup?

So, you're going to buy some spoons there?? This is gonna be guuuuuuuuud. I want to see that first conversation when your wifey opens the suitcase and finds it. Please.

I want to see that too !!I did look for spoons last month but didn't see any!!! Of course I had a few people in tow to keep an eye on sooooo

Yes, I'm the ooooonly one.

I think all you BOYS is more like it Glen

Yes on the ADRs. I did those as soon as the window opened. I will have to go back and look. I think they are all listed in the first 3 or 4 pages. I know when we do Epcot on the 29th we have dinner at Tutto Italia. MK day we are going to WCC at the Wilderness Lodge, DHS day we have a lunch at 50s PT, and dinner at Cape May Cafe I think. The AK day I have dinner ressies at Yak & Yeti and Boma. Have to cancel one of those. Will probably stick with eating at Y&Y before leaving the park. Oh, and on our final night when we have our full day at Epcot, we have one some place I can't remember.......let's see, what was it......oh yeah, Le Cellier!!!

Unless I decide to keep Boma, the only one of these we have done before is 50s PT, so lots of new experiences coming our way on this trip!!!

I've done them all except Dape May sooo pix please !!!

 

[vamassey1]

Now on to important stuff......who you pulling for in the SEC Championship game since LSU didn't make it???

Football in the SEC is very important stuff.

I'm going to have to go the selfish route. If LSU wins the rest of their games I'm going to have to pull for Auburn (if they beat Alabama). If Auburn wins and goes to the National Championship game than we(LSU) would go to the Sugar Bowl and play in a BSC game. I am happy the USC beat our Florida to go to the SEC game. You do realize if we had made it to the SEC Championship game we would have beat USC?

 

[All7OfUs]

You and Kathy need to check the link in the bottom of my sig! We have stayed there before. It was actually our first DVC stay after joining. I did the live TR while we were there. Really big rooms, so able to spread out and relax! We liked the location, and being able to ride the boats to DTD was a plus to us. Their TS restaurant, Olivia's, is a huge Disney secret I think. The food was very good.

OK, my bad. I rarely read siggies, and since I started this TR, I haven't been on the Dining REviews Board!! IN fact, I love the Reviews, but just doesn't seem like that there's enough time on the DIS anymore to read them. UGH!

I do like big, but to me theming is so much more important. I'll have to take a closer look at the resort and its rooms to see how it stacks up against Kidani- that'd sure be my first choice.

Boats to DTD are a major +!!!! LOVED that from POR!!

 

[KatMark]

You and Kathy need to check the link in the bottom of my sig! We have stayed there before. It was actually our first DVC stay after joining. I did the live TR while we were there. Really big rooms, so able to spread out and relax! We liked the location, and being able to ride the boats to DTD was a plus to us. Their TS restaurant, Olivia's, is a huge Disney secret I think. The food was very good.

I tend to "skip" the siggies and pay attention to the important part -- the report.

OKW has never held any appeal to me, but then neither have a lot of the other resorts (the GF, Caribbean, BLT, etc.). But as long as you are happy with your selection that is what counts.

 

[marvali]

I didn't mean to sound so critical of your idea of changing....and I guess by "talking" it out I probably wouldn't choose the Hospitality House booking category either. That said, we do like the "60" buildings. Sometimes the drivers would swing in and stop at HH first, or if we wanted off and didn't want to ride the whole route we would get of at Peninsular and walk back. And now that I think about it, I think at the time we liked being the last ones on - back when I was walking and didn't have to load the scooter. We would get on and out we would go. Coming home - it it was late and we were tired, we could either get off at Peninsular, or enjoy the air conditioned ride around the resort. Now that I have the scooter I think I would want an earlier stop.

Wherever you wind up staying I hope you have a wonderful trip. Are you in a 1 or 2 BR for your Christmas trip?

No problem! I didn't take it personally. The beauty of Disney, at least as far as I can tell, is that there are enough choices that everyone should be able to find something that suits their personal preferences! We actually are staying in two different studios this upcoming trip. It helped save enough points vs. a 1-BR, that we could book the June trip for a little longer! Since we are going to do the DDP for the first time, we weren't as worried about having the kitchen, plus more beds, bathrooms and overall room for everyone.

I've done them all except Dape May sooo pix please !!!

My goal this trip is to get lots more Holiday pictures than I took my previous trip! I couldn't believe how little I took of those when I went back and looked through them. I did have lots and lots of character meet pictures of Drew and his BFF who went with us. I made a really nice CD for his parents at least......

Football in the SEC is very important stuff.

I'm going to have to go the selfish route. If LSU wins the rest of their games I'm going to have to pull for Auburn (if they beat Alabama). If Auburn wins and goes to the National Championship game than we(LSU) would go to the Sugar Bowl and play in a BSC game. I am happy the USC beat our Florida to go to the SEC game. You do realize if we had made it to the SEC Championship game we would have beat USC?

I would LOVE a shot at LSU this year! All I'm gonna say about that...... Don't be surprised when we knock Auburn off. We had them beat the first time around until 4 fourth quarter turnovers. Don't expect those again.

OK, my bad. I rarely read siggies, and since I started this TR, I haven't been on the Dining REviews Board!! IN fact, I love the Reviews, but just doesn't seem like that there's enough time on the DIS anymore to read them. UGH!

I do like big, but to me theming is so much more important. I'll have to take a closer look at the resort and its rooms to see how it stacks up against Kidani- that'd sure be my first choice.

Boats to DTD are a major +!!!! LOVED that from POR!!

Yeah, it was a very nice ride in the evening when the temps were a little cooler. Nice and relaxing after long, hot days in the park!

I tend to "skip" the siggies and pay attention to the important part -- the report.

OKW has never held any appeal to me, but then neither have a lot of the other resorts (the GF, Caribbean, BLT, etc.). But as long as you are happy with your selection that is what counts.

To steal a phrase, I look at it like this.......A bad day at Disney is better than my best day at work, regardless of which property we're staying at!

 

[englishrose47]

Hi Marv !!!I am amazed that you didn't pick on me for DAPE May !!!Which of course I meant Cape May!!!

 

[marvali]

Hi Marv !!!I am amazed that you didn't pick on me for DAPE May !!!Which of course I meant Cape May!!!

I wanted to Rosie, but WOODen you know, it's Respect Your Elders Day!

 

[KatMark]

I wanted to Rosie, but WOODen you know, it's Respect Your Elders Day!

OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[vamassey1]

I would LOVE a shot at LSU this year! All I'm gonna say about that...... Don't be surprised when we knock Auburn off. We had them beat the first time around until 4 fourth quarter turnovers. Don't expect those again.

Sounds like the SEC Championship game should be interesting.

Good luck next week with Clemson.

 

[onescgirl]

Congrats on the OKW trip! Hopefully Matt will be able to make it.
Which restaurants are you going to in Dec?

 

[marvali]

OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah, I'm surprised Rosie hasn't been back to spoon out some retribution for that one...

Sounds like the SEC Championship game should be interesting.

Good luck next week with Clemson.

If we play like we are capable, I don't expect we will need any luck. If we are looking ahead to the Auburn rematch, luck might not help us much........

Congrats on the OKW trip! Hopefully Matt will be able to make it.
Which restaurants are you going to in Dec?

Right now I would say the odds are against Matt getting to go, but hopefully it will work out.

When we do Epcot on the 29th we have dinner at Tutto Italia. MK day we are going to WCC at the Wilderness Lodge, DHS day we have a lunch at 50s PT, and dinner at Cape May Cafe planned. The AK day I have dinner ressies at Yak & Yeti and Boma. Have to cancel one of those. Will probably stick with eating at Y&Y before leaving the park. On our final night when we have our full day at Epcot, we have a dinner ADR at Le Cellier!!! Unless I decide to keep Boma, the only one of these we have done before is 50s PT.

We are staying five nights, and you might notice there are more ADRs than that. Drew typically doesn't eat that much, so I may use TIW discounts and just pay OOP for him, and use his credits for an additional TS meal. I may also add breakfast at Boma for our departure morning since I hear so many good things about breakfast there!

 

[Flossbolna]

Breakfast at Boma is really wonderful! I have been there twice and it is great breakfast buffet with quite a few not so common items (but still has the normal things as well). However, I was really shocked that the latest menu at allears actually has the price of breakfast at 24 per adult. And I think that this is extremely overpriced! We payed 16 when we were there in January and I thought that this was already quite a lot of money.

I will be looking forward to your live report! I read your OKW report and was really impressed that you did manage to write a report while on vacation! I think I would not have the energy to do that.

 

[onescgirl]

Those look like great restaurants! I've only been to 50's out of your dining.

Here is Levi this morning before school.
He's growling like a tiger in the picture. I told you people say he's confused.

 

[marvali]

Breakfast at Boma is really wonderful! I have been there twice and it is great breakfast buffet with quite a few not so common items (but still has the normal things as well). However, I was really shocked that the latest menu at allears actually has the price of breakfast at 24 per adult. And I think that this is extremely overpriced! We payed 16 when we were there in January and I thought that this was already quite a lot of money.

I will be looking forward to your live report! I read your OKW report and was really impressed that you did manage to write a report while on vacation! I think I would not have the energy to do that.

Thanks for the kudos on the OKW report! Breakfast at Boma does sound quite high, especially since it isn't a character meal, but if we can save some TS credits to use there, then at least it won't SEEM so bad!! I've heard so many good things about the breakfast there. We have done dinner twice and loved it both times!

Those look like great restaurants! I've only been to 50's out of your dining.

I was really pleased with the ADRs I was able to get! Looking forward to trying all the new places. We enjoy 50s, and it is the ONE that DSs always ask if we are going back to, so I have to try and work that one in for sure! Since this may be Matt's last trip for a while, and he is probably the biggest fan.........

Here is Levi this morning before school.
He's growling like a tiger in the picture. I told you people say he's confused.

In all your wonderful pics, I've never seen Levi look better!!! Just glad there isn't any sound to spoil it......