DISBUG's Grand Adventures & pictures (Cont...from the SWAN/DOLPHIN FAQ thread)

[Disbug]

Thanks, Muffy! I have been fiddling with my camera and will defintely be buying a bigger Smart Media card! Maybe next time I will have some better pictures! Have a great night!

 

[splashfamily]

Disbug~ i'm finally caught up with your trip reports now that the power is back and the frig is cleaned out -- yuck

I really loved the photo of your daughter in the fringed outfit. How I wish my DD11 could be dressed like that again. Then again, I have seen some teens dressed like that. lol

So out of all the hotels you stayed at during this trip which was your favorite?

 

[Disbug]

Interesting question... how to compare? I LOVED the Swan for it's location, service, and using points and cash!

I adored the BWV because it was BEAUTIFUL and we had a 1-BDRM, 2 bath, with kitchen, living room/ dining room, and laundry! Lots of space and a great pool... This was my DD14's fave!

I also loved the theming and grand style of the WL! How to choose?

If I had to pick, it would come down to value... the SWAN has the best value.

For extra space and if I received a great deal on renting DVC points, I would be back at the BWV in a heartbeat!

Choosing WL would also depend on receiving a great discount, since it had the smallest rooms and we are a family of 5! (That being said, we are staying at the VWL just before Thanksgiving in a studio!)

 

[Disbug]

Invited over to my folks house today for a cookout and swim and it was a surprise "special occasion" / "Thank you for the Vacation" party! (AW... you shouldn't have!)

I had told my family that I didn't want to celebrate my birthday this year, thus the "special occasion" party!

It was SO sweet, and the cake even had a western themed Mickey and Minnie, (ala Hoop de Doo) that said "Happy Special Occasion Day!" Too Funny! My family is too much!

 

[#1hockeymom]

You deserved a party for all that work you did! I know you enjoyed yourself and loved doing all of it, but you also deserved a party as a thank you! Beautiful flowers! I bet everyone had a great time. Your family really seems to know how to enjoy themselves and each other!

Debbie

 

[Mouseteacher]

Beautiful flowers! And, I agree, with your family - you deserved such a special thank you for arranging and providing "surprise" gifts for everyone to make the trip so special even though you didn't want to celebrate your bd.

 

[Disbug]

1hockeymom and mouseteacher

I was both embarassed and delighted! It was my pleasure to do and "thank you" was quite enough, after all I had a great time, too! In fact, we were planning to just go for lunch (cookout), but ended up not getting home until 9 PM!

As we get older, I think we are appreciating being together more.... (where did that group of squabbling, mischievious children go??) LOL! Thanks for sharing my fun with me!

 

[splashfamily]

Disbug~ I am still considering a trip down during Christmas, and need to decide where to stay. I know you are a family of 5 like us... was the Swan a bit small. Also did you buy DVC points for the BWV Maybe I should look into something like that? Too many choices.

 

[Disbug]

spashfamily Hello! If you are considering the BWV or another DVC resort using points, you need to get on the DVC rental board right away, because it is probably hardest to get a reservation around the Christmas holidays. When we stayed at BWV we had a Std view 1 BDRM and not only was it plenty of room, it had those extra conveniences of the kitchen and laundry. I loved that! If you are not renting points, you might also call Disney directly and inquire as to the cost/availability to rent directly from them.

I did NOT feel the SWAN was too small however (and I was worried about that). We had all of our luggage and a crib, plus DD wheelchair/stroller to deal with plus a special chair for her to sit in. I was able to stack things in corners, under the crib, under the sinks, and in the closet not to mention the drawer space at the Swan. We had PLENTY of room. We were on CL level so that also played a part in me not having to get up and fix breakfast for everyone (like I usually do)!

Can't go wrong with either location! I will say I did feel a little cramped in the WL. But we are going to try a studio at VWL this Thanksgiving... so we'll see how that turns out having a little kitchenette and hopefully more room!

 

[firstmickey]

Now that I have finished all of my trip reports, I have caught up on all of yours. I am glad that your family threw you a wonderful party for all of your hard work that you put into planning your trip!

We had a wonderful time. There is something to be said for spontanaity (sp?) and no planning, but I think next trip I will continue to be the obsessive planner!

I really enjoyed reading your adventures and while I really enjoyed POR, I think I am ready to try the Dolphin for my next trip. If only so I can be a part of the nice Swan/Dolphin thread!

If you would be interested in reading my reports:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=424941

thanks for posting,
Donna

 

[ozziewags]

Firstmickey......go to the Dis Yearbook thread(last page) and look at your logo! It is on the community board, Just for Fun!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=4046126#post4046126

 

[firstmickey]

thanks ozzie,

I actually read thru that thread a while ago and didn't see myself.
Thanks for finding me! it is good!

Donna

 

[Disbug]

for all your nice words, firstmickey! And thanks for the direct link. Believe it or not, I'm ahead of you... not only have I already ready your entire trip report, I've made comments I think on each segment! Love your "picture" in the Disyearbook!

ozziewags, I just posted a request for help from Loubon and Montessori! Thanks for the suggestion. I hope they come up with something perfect we can use!!

 

[KayleeUK]

Disbug

Wonderful, wonderful trip reports brilliant pictures - your family looks like they had so much fun.

Thanks for sharing

 

[KayleeUK]

Disbug

Wonderful, wonderful trip reports brilliant pictures - your family looks like they had so much fun.

Thanks for sharing

 

[Disbug]

WE SURELY DID! Thanks for enjoying with us!

LOVE your siggee!

 

[Disbug]

Bump

 

[Credit Man]

Great report and pics. Thanks for posting.

 

[Disbug]

I enjoyed sharing the adventure!

 

[WDW Poly Princess]

Thanks for the amazing trip report & photos! Its obvious you put a LOT of work into planning the trip for such a big group, and it sounds like it paid off!