Disney Nomads ... 3 Resorts in 8 Nights! ALL NEW 9/2!

You speak of the awesome view yet you post no pictures! TSK! TSK!

And yet the picture you do post is of a closet door? or a corner wall?

TEASE!
 

Great chapter Laura! It's been a long day so I'll post comments later.


But... the interplay between you and monymony was hilarious. :lmao:
 
It’s a beautiful day and the walk to the Boardwalk Inn is lovely. The pathway straddles the river and it feels like we’re taking a stroll in a park. This is not at all like that tedious walk to Saratoga Springs from Downtown Disney.

Really? I think that walk from DHS to BWI can be really rough-especially in the afternoon. I still like having the option though.


I wouldn’t be surprised to see a game of croquet being played.

Exactly! Dignified without being stuffy. Love the BWI.


“Mommy, that looks like brains! EWW!”

Eww indeed.


:rotfl:


I walk up to the desk and with a winning smile say, “Hi! We’re the Squid family. We’re so excited to be here and celebrate my husband’s birthday. This is our first visit to the Boardwalk!”

Will we score an upgrade?


We've all done it.::yes::

We pass another sitting area. And we walk.

The seating areas are rest areas. Very long hallways.

This is a pretty room. It’s very cheery and a little bit girly. I head over to the balcony to check out the view. Not bad. We can see the Swan and Dolphin and even the Tower of Terror way in the background.

Nice!


He tells me he doesn’t think it’s as good as the others but still enjoyable. Then he mentions that he read the author wrote the books because she felt kids weren’t fighting the government enough. No one is getting involved and we’re just letting things happen … not voting, not staying informed. I thought that was interesting.

Hmmm. That is interesting.

We’ve been curious about that place for a while. I want to see if it’s as whacked out on the inside as the outside. It drives me crazy that that big fat goldfish is supposed to be a dolphin. I read that it’s a mahi mahi dolphin fish and was inspired by an Italian sculptor but it still looks like a goldfish to me.

Goldfish for sure. This is why I'm not an art critic.


We sit down and I put the napkin on my lap before they do it and see that I’m wearing orange shorts. The woman at the table next to me is wearing a sequined cocktail dress. What are we doing here?

:rotfl:

We give our order to another team member. They buzz around us like bees, filling water glasses, topping off wine, removing bread plates.


After our fancy dinner we head back (sashay, Ponzi?) to the boardwalk. Our plan is to pick up some cinnamon rolls for breakfast in the morning. Monkston and I are meeting my friend Bets, a part time cast member, early in the morning for Epcot.

A person should sashay at least once daily. ::yes::

The boardwalk area at night is so much fun. I could watch these buskers (are they buskers if they don’t take money?) every night. I try to get Monkston to move closer to the front so they’ll pick her as a volunteer but she’s not having any of it. We watch several acts and then decide to call it a night. We want to be refreshed for our big day tomorrow.

I love the Boardwalk at night.

And P.S.? I wear orange and blue a lot. You'd fit right in here in Illinois. Go Illini!

Great update Laura!
 
Yes! You made it to the Boardwalk! That clown slide really is awesome. Liam and I rode it a ton. It was a total blast. We had a great time the morning we spent there.

I am laughing at your long walk to the room. I think that's the area of the BW that Quinn and I got lost in when we tried to make our way back to the lobby from the Community Hall. We turned the wrong way or something.

When I lived in California, I had to use the Pacific as my point of reference anytime I went anywhere. "Okay, ocean to my left, that means I'm going north." Here in New Mexico, we have no ocean. I have no idea which way I'm going, ever.

Sad.

You did have a great view! Love the little video. Monkston is a cutie.

Oh, also, I had no idea the Swolphin was so nice inside!! We spent a good amount of time on the Boardwalk, but never went in either of those. LOVE the BW, love the bakery.

Il Mulina sounds delicious!! Who cares what you were wearing--i'm sure no one minded at all. Hooray for awesome food and a WAIT TEAM. Score.

Awesome update! Love it!
 
Man, just nuts keeping up with all these great trip reports, and I'm shortchanging some good ones through lack of time,,,, Especially, Shan,,, she's a great writer,,, and I also think Nilla is really good,,, wish my back was better and I could see better and be able to spend more time at the computer.


It’s a beautiful day and the walk to the Boardwalk Inn is lovely. The pathway straddles the river and it feels like we’re taking a stroll in a park. This is not at all like that tedious walk to Saratoga Springs from Downtown Disney.

Well my dear, I"ve never made either walk, so I apprecitate the reviews.

(You can see a detailed look at the walk here.)
http://www.easywdw.com/uncategorize...he-new-procedure-september-22-2011/#more-5525)






I spot a door that looks like it could eventually lead to the lobby and head over. When we booked this resort, they only had preferred views available. This is different from the more expensive Boardwalk view so I guess it includes all other the views that are not of the parking lot.

Gasp! You shot a deer that could have led you to the lobby?
Wait.
Oh.
"Diane, have you seen where I left the Occuvite?"


Wow! This is pretty. The lobby is so inviting with it’s white wainscoted walls, oriental rugs and homey chairs covered in florals and stripes.

Hold it, hold it. What, are you Elmer Fudd now? What the heck is wainscoted?
" I wanted to hunt that pesky wabbit, but it wained and wained all day and now the walls are all wainscoted."


I walk up to the desk and with a winning smile say, “Hi! We’re the Squid family. We’re so excited to be here and celebrate my husband’s birthday. This is our first visit to the Boardwalk!”

just curious,, is there a such thing as a "placing" smile?



“Yes. Happy birthday! Here’s your packet with your keys to the world. Just take the elevator one flight up and it’s just down the hall.”

"Just down the hall is Disney speak for, " When the giant orange orb in the sky rises on the third day, you will then reach your room."

That sounds pretty convenient. Right by the lobby. Score!

We get off the elevator and follow the signs leading to our room. I’m sure it’s just ahead. We walk.

And we walk.

Still walking.

This is a long hallway. We’ve got to be close by now.

We pass another sitting area. And we walk.

It's never a good sign when there are restrooms at the sitting areas.
Not to mention, the rack of brochures and maps.

ANd a vending machine selling energy drinks.

Did you get to the St. Bernard with the cask around it's neck yet?


Yeah baby,,, the Boardwalk hallways are incredible!


We walk some more.

We pass the presidential suite with huge double doors. I wonder what that looks like.

Dont' know,,, you need a lot of dead presidents to stay in there.


After poking around the room for a bit we notice that one of the floor lamps isn’t working. I check to see if it’s plugged in and the plate is missing on the outlet. That’s pretty shabby looking for a deluxe room. I can’t get the lamp to work even after plugging it into the plateless outlet so we call housekeeping on our way to the pool. And this is another great thing about Disney. I know everything will be fixed when we get back.

I agree,, they are very quick about fixing things. Why back in '89, I got my vasec....oh,,, did I say that almost outloud?



Finally we get to the lobby and get into the elevator. I forgot that this is a convention resort so I’m surprised to see two women dressed in pencil skirts and 4-inch heels get in with us. I feel a bit self-conscious dressed for the pool.

Ok,, ya got me,, what are pencil skirts?


I head to the bar to get everyone’s mugs filled and the bartender brings our beverages in plastic cups. I must look confused because he explains that they’re not allowed to fill up the mugs themselves. Huh. That’s new. I don’t remember that at French Quarter last year.

It's gotten to every resort has it's own policy now, no idea why.

I settle in with my iPhone for more adventures with Katniss and Peeta when I notice the man at the next table is reading Mockingjay.

Oh, I miss Katniss and Peeta,,,, and Haymitch, too. That's funny cuz I was the guy reading Mockinjay on our last trip.

No doubt,,, the third was NOT the charm in this series,, interesting though on his comments fromt he author.

His wife notices I’m reading on my phone so we have a little discussion about the Kindle. I find it readable enough on the phone but I do wish I had gotten the nerve to tell Squid I wanted to bring my iPad to the pool. Somehow he’s gotten the impression that I’m a klutz and that something will happen to it.

DId you tell him,, "Your're right, I should give it to Nebo to take care of it right now." "He's not a Klutz and very responsible. As a matter of fact, he's so responsible, that everytime something goes wrong,, he's,,,"

Monkston and Squid come back with rave reviews of the slide.

“It’s the best slide Mom. Better than Bay Lake Tower’s. Better than the pyramid one!”

Definatlely better than BLT,,, but maybe just a wee bit better than the CS slide,,, not sure,, I would need to do them back to back, on the same day.
Ok, who wants to fund this intensive research that we all can benefit from?
Hello?
Anybody?








Everyone gets dressed. We’re very casual since we’re just hanging out on the boardwalk. And in case anyone’s wondering, I’m wearing orange shorts and a blue and white striped sweater. Might sound weird but orange is this season’s color.





When you first enter the Dolphin there’s a small lobby area with a couple restaurants off to each side. Ahead is the escalator leading to the main lobby and wow, is that impressive! It’s really opulent with marble floors, soaring ceilings, a grand piano playing. If we hadn’t bought DVC, I would love to stay here.

We like the Dolphin, but only if there's a super deal going on. Again,, main issue is inside, except for the lobby,,, the hallways are boring with your typical indoor corridor thing going on.
And balconies do NOT come standard,,, most rooms don't have them,,,, also,,, no fridge's,, and if I remember right, you also have to pay a daily parking rate, just to stay there.


We browse around the shops ending with the art gallery. I always feel a little uncomfortable looking around galleries. The salesperson is always bored and reading a magazine when you walk in and then they jump to attention and want to know if you need help and to please let them know. And then you just feel their eyes on your back the entire time you’re in there. I feel a little guilty because I know walking in that there is no way I’m buying anything.

Laura,, I'm sure you found it eventually,, but there is a great art gallery on the Boardwalkd site,,, great meaning , "fun to look around in, but, no, not byeing anything today, thank you very much."



We walk over to the Swan which is smaller and more intimate but just as elegant. Mr. Squid reads the menu in front of Il Mulina and says, “Hey, these prices aren’t bad. Look at the family style section. Do you want to see if they have a table?”

small interjection here,,, the restaurants at the S and D, are WAY more expensive than normal Disney restaurants,,, our motto has always been,, stay at the Dolphin, fine,,, but eat in Epcot.





We sit down and I put the napkin on my lap before they do it and see that I’m wearing orange shorts. The woman at the table next to me is wearing a sequined cocktail dress. What are we doing here?

No, as long as you have money, you can wear any,,,, hold it,,, did you just say ORANGE shorts?
Orange?
Oh Gawd.
Please tell me you weren't also wearing white flip flops too, girl, with a blue blouse!
And where did you get that blouse?
Oh,,


Our waiter arrives and tells us that he’s part of our wait team. Team? We order some wine and they bring over an amuse bouche.

Oh Laura,,, come on. How can you do that to me, be fair.
I know the word "amuse". No, I don't know the word " Bouche".
But I DO know the word "douche".
So, from the words I,, know,,,geesh.




I take a look at the menu and I see that the family style items are per person, for four or more people. But there are quite a few items in the $25 range so it’s not outrageous. But it’s not exactly eating cheap on the boardwalk either.

Um, yes, it's borderling outrageous.



Our food arrives and smells heavenly. Monkston’s pizza is the best she’ll have this trip. I try a bite and it’s delicious with a crispy crust that has air bubbles like only real pizza does. My herbed chicken with escarole is also very good.

You weren't kidding about her and the pizza, were you?



http://www.friendlysuggestions.com/?p=691

Oops. I guess I gave away another super secret identity. Oh well. Nicknames are more fun.

Why are you asking me about nicknames? What would I know?

After our fancy dinner we head back (sashay, Ponzi?) to the boardwalk. Our plan is to pick up some cinnamon rolls for breakfast in the morning. Monkston and I are meeting my friend Bets, a part time cast member, early in the morning for Epcot.

YOur friend sounds nice, even sounds familiar, think I might have met her,, hmmm,,, now, where can I place Bets?

Yes, I know, I should be soundly beaten for that,, but I just can't for some reason bring myself to delete it, you'll have to do it for me.


The boardwalk area at night is so much fun. I could watch these buskers (are they buskers if they don’t take money?) every night. I try to get Monkston to move closer to the front so they’ll pick her as a volunteer but she’s not having any of it. We watch several acts and then decide to call it a night. We want to be refreshed for our big day tomorrow.

last think and "ll leave you alone,,, what are buskers? never heard that word.

Thanks Laura,,, great stuff, ya still got it!
 
Love the update--somehow I missed it yesterday! Yeesh! Falling behind on my DIS-ing duties!

We stayed at Boardwalk in 2010, when DS was 22 months. We were at the end of the longest hall known to man, so I completely understand where your room was! :rotfl2:

I had to laugh about your comment about the Dolphin. DH & I call the Swan and Dolphin, the "Duck and Tuna"--I have no idea how that started, but there is no way that that thing on the top of the Dolphin is a Dolphin. Hmm. . .perhaps I am dolphin-uneducated!

I loved the slide at the Boardwalk, but clowns CREEP me out to NO end, so I had to just not look back at it!

Can't wait to read more!
 

I’m a fast walker by nature. Slowly strolling has been a huge challenge for me this week. As many times as I tell myself that I’m only as quick as the slowest member of my party, I can’t seem to slow down enough to match their pace.

Now that I have a mission, I’m even faster. I pull my daughter quickly through the crowds, weaving in and out of the slowpokes, the strollers, the lost and confused. I take a quick look back for Mr. Squid and he’s right behind us.
me too! me too! I swear, I CANNOT walk slow! feels like I'm going backwards Nebo complains that he gets tired off looking at my backsode the whole trip. (a hint to nebo.. complaining about looking at your wife's backside is NOT a good idea! :lmao:

weaving in and out of the slowpokes, etc. yes! yes!! to me, the exit from world showcase after illuminations to the bus stop is a mission! a quest, if you will!








The final contestant is a middle-aged woman, attractive, but certainly not glamorous. The host asks her who is in the audience to cheer her on and she says her ex-husband. Immediately I think of my unmet friends, Nebo and Smidgy. I lift my arm to elbow Mr. Squid and then I remember he has no idea who they are. He has no idea of the depths of my DIS board involvement. No idea that I may write a trip report.
you mean what nebo is striving to be again, if he complains about my backside again?:lmao:





We go into the dining room and man is it dark! It’s darker than the San Angel Inn! For the second time today, I think of my unmet friend Nebo and wonder how he would fare walking around here.
I agree. very diark. don't get the ribs. not so good.

What is a picnic burger you ask? Here’s allears’ description: flame broiled Angus burger patty topped with grilled hot dog, sauerkraut, and sauteed onions, drizzled with ketchup, mustard and crowned with a pickle spear, served with a choice of cucumber salad or french fries.
this sounds really good to me!!
Sounds pretty weird, doesn’t it? I’ve heard good reviews though, so what the heck.




We take a walk through the Animation Academy hoping to get into a class but the next class is full. Monkston decides to play with the games downstairs for a while. I try to get her to pose with some characters but she’s not interested.
we did the class! I thought it was fun, and my mickey the csorcerer drawing looks prtty cool!
The Great Movie Ride, Mr. Squid’s second favorite attraction after Carousel of Progress. Hey, he walks to the beat of a different drum.
we just LOVE COP!
Take a look at Mary Poppins.


And it’s not just at the Great Movie Ride. All of the females seem to have the same dead-eyed face.
I know! like zombies!
deadeyedwomen.jpg


Except for this one. She’s awesome.

awesome.jpg

I love the "get christie Love animatronic!


“Hola heverone. Hwelcome to Great Movie Ride. Hyll be takeen you hright eento thee haction hove thee greatess feelms hever made.”

Mr. Squid and I look at each other. Charo is our tour guide! First Lucy Ricardo’s hobo voice at Ohana and now Charo at the Great Movie Ride! Awesome.

“Ole on yer hwallets a porses folks. Theese don’t look like ha good neighborhood.”

“Mommy, I can’t understand what she’s saying.”

“Sshhhhh.”

We spend the rest of the ride not understanding anything Charo is saying. I think maybe she would have been better suited to playing Pooh over at the Animation Academy.

ok, here's where I get falsely accuse of being racist. If "speaking" ie, narrating, etc. is an integral part of the job, someone with a strong accent is not an appropriate person for the job.

we had a guide on jungle cruise: a female (the guys are always better anyway) from the new hong kong resort, training. good thing we know the schpeil for memory! or we would have had NO idea what she said!.. um, when the corny jokes are the most importatn part of a ride, the person should be able to ennunciate the script.

as long as I'm complaining, a female doesn't work for the gangster, either (I'm back to Great Movie Ride) it's just dumb. there weren't female gangsters wearing pin stripes. there were gun molls. I think if they remake "angels with Dirty Faces, I'm trying out for the James cagney role:confused3


great chapter Laura!I'll bet if you and I did a park together, we'd "knock it off in half the time!
 
Exactly! Dignified without being stuffy. Love the BWI.

So pretty!

We've all done it.

Did it work for you?

The seating areas are rest areas. Very long hallways.

:rotfl:

And P.S.? I wear orange and blue a lot. You'd fit right in here in Illinois. Go Illini!

See that Sandy Mouse? It's not just me.

Great update Laura!

Thanks Shannon!

yes, like nebo, he is technically challenged!!!!

Did you make that large because he's also optically challenged?

Yes! You made it to the Boardwalk! That clown slide really is awesome. Liam and I rode it a ton. It was a total blast. We had a great time the morning we spent there.

Let me guess. Quinn wouldn't go on it because of the drop.

When I lived in California, I had to use the Pacific as my point of reference anytime I went anywhere. "Okay, ocean to my left, that means I'm going north."

I do the same thing here but if the ocean is on my left, I'm going south.


You did have a great view! Love the little video. Monkston is a cutie.

Thanks!

Oh, also, I had no idea the Swolphin was so nice inside!! We spent a good amount of time on the Boardwalk, but never went in either of those.

There's a Starbucks in one of them if you want a change from the not-coffee Disney serves.

Awesome update! Love it!

Thanks!

Man, just nuts keeping up with all these great trip reports, and I'm shortchanging some good ones through lack of time,,,, Especially, Shan,,, she's a great writer,,, and I also think Nilla is really good,,, wish my back was better and I could see better and be able to spend more time at the computer.

So sorry your back's bothering you. I hope it feels better before your trip. At least the heat wave seems to be subsiding.

Gasp! You shot a deer that could have led you to the lobby?
Wait.
Oh.
"Diane, have you seen where I left the Occuvite?"

:lmao:

Hold it, hold it. What, are you Elmer Fudd now? What the heck is wainscoted?
" I wanted to hunt that pesky wabbit, but it wained and wained all day and now the walls are all wainscoted."

Wainscoting is the white board with decorative moulding that sually just goes halfway up the wall.

Did you get to the St. Bernard with the cask around it's neck yet?

Maybe if we'd gotten an upgrade...

Ok,, ya got me,, what are pencil skirts?

This is becoming very educational for you Nebo. A pencil skirt is a tight fitted skirt that goes to just above the knee. You need a slit in the back to be able to walk. Not really casual wear.

We like the Dolphin, but only if there's a super deal going on. Again,, main issue is inside, except for the lobby,,, the hallways are boring with your typical indoor corridor thing going on.
And balconies do NOT come standard,,, most rooms don't have them,,,, also,,, no fridge's,, and if I remember right, you also have to pay a daily parking rate, just to stay there.

Good to know. They do have the heavenly beds at the Swan though.

small interjection here,,, the restaurants at the S and D, are WAY more expensive than normal Disney restaurants,,, our motto has always been,, stay at the Dolphin, fine,,, but eat in Epcot.

Also good to know. I have looked at the online menus and Shula's is especially expensive. I guess it's one of those steak houses where everything is a la carte, so you can pay $45 for a steak and if you want a potato it's extra.

No, as long as you have money, you can wear any,,,, hold it,,, did you just say ORANGE shorts?
Orange?
Oh Gawd.
Please tell me you weren't also wearing white flip flops too, girl, with a blue blouse!
And where did you get that blouse?
Oh,,

Left my pencil skirt at home.

Oh Laura,,, come on. How can you do that to me, be fair.
I know the word "amuse". No, I don't know the word " Bouche".
But I DO know the word "douche".
So, from the words I,, know,,,geesh.

Those are those little appetizers that come compliments of the chef at fancy restaurants.


You weren't kidding about her and the pizza, were you?

Sadly, no. Most of the things she eats are in the beige food group. It's not a battle I'm willing to wage though. I was a picky eater when I was a kid and no amount of cajoling would make me like a brussels sprout. I grew up and learned to love vegetables eventually.

YOur friend sounds nice, even sounds familiar, think I might have met her,, hmmm,,, now, where can I place Bets?

Groan.

last think and "ll leave you alone,,, what are buskers? never heard that word.

Those are the street performers you see in the city or the subway with a hat or guitar case out to collect money from onlookers. Disney has buskers without a tip jar.

Thanks Laura,,, great stuff, ya still got it!

Thanks Nebo! Great comments as usual.


Love the update--somehow I missed it yesterday! Yeesh! Falling behind on my DIS-ing duties!

I know what you mean about falling behind.

We stayed at Boardwalk in 2010, when DS was 22 months. We were at the end of the longest hall known to man, so I completely understand where your room was! :rotfl2:

Soooooo long.

I had to laugh about your comment about the Dolphin. DH & I call the Swan and Dolphin, the "Duck and Tuna"--I have no idea how that started, but there is no way that that thing on the top of the Dolphin is a Dolphin. Hmm. . .perhaps I am dolphin-uneducated!

I like the Duck and the Tuna!

I loved the slide at the Boardwalk, but clowns CREEP me out to NO end, so I had to just not look back at it!

Can't wait to read more!

Thanks!

me too! me too! I swear, I CANNOT walk slow! feels like I'm going backwards Nebo complains that he gets tired off looking at my backsode the whole trip. (a hint to nebo.. complaining about looking at your wife's backside is NOT a good idea!

Ha ha! Really, Nebo!

this sounds really good to me!!

It was a fun change.


we did the class! I thought it was fun, and my mickey the csorcerer drawing looks prtty cool!

We did it twice last year. The first time Monkston was very unhappy with how her drawing turned out so we had to go back. Luckily, she was happier with the second. It's a fun time.

I know! like zombies!

Yes. Or Stepford Wives!

we had a guide on jungle cruise: a female (the guys are always better anyway) from the new hong kong resort, training. good thing we know the schpeil for memory! or we would have had NO idea what she said!.. um, when the corny jokes are the most importatn part of a ride, the person should be able to ennunciate the script.

Agreed! They're pretty strict about who gets to be a princess or a character so I don't know why they wouldn't have the jungle cruise people try out.

as long as I'm complaining, a female doesn't work for the gangster, either (I'm back to Great Movie Ride) it's just dumb. there weren't female gangsters wearing pin stripes. there were gun molls. I think if they remake "angels with Dirty Faces, I'm trying out for the James cagney role

I agree. The women gangsters don't work.


great chapter Laura!I'll bet if you and I did a park together, we'd "knock it off in half the time!

Thanks Smidgy!
 
I made the type really big so Nebo didn't miss the video because I am sweet and pure and nice like that. Just looking out for my dear friend.

Hey if I type Nebo the auto correct on my Kindle wants to change it yo Jehovah. Interesting and there is no obivious freaking button for a comma!!!!!!
 
I wanna come!

I just had a picture of us charging through the park at top speed.

I made the type really big so Nebo didn't miss the video because I am sweet and pure and nice like that. Just looking out for my dear friend.

Hey if I type Nebo the auto correct on my Kindle wants to change it yo Jehovah. Interesting and there is no obivious freaking button for a comma!!!!!!

If you want a laugh about autocorrect go here.

http://www.damnyouautocorrect.com/
 
What? you didn't lean over and elbow one of the beaded cocktail dress ladies to get some food porn pics? For Shame! :rotfl:

Sometimes I ask the host if we are dressed okay to eat there when presented with that dilemma - of course since they want our $$, they always say yes! :goodvibes

Enjoyed your update!
 
We stayed at Boardwalk in 2010, when DS was 22 months. We were at the end of the longest hall known to man, so I completely understand where your room was! :rotfl2:

Was he 22 months when you left the lobby or when you got to your room?

If you want a laugh about autocorrect go here.

http://www.damnyouautocorrect.com/

OMG Laura, don't do that to a person while they are work! I'm pretty sure my face is purple now from supressed laughter. Better let it out now...
:rotfl2::lmao::rotfl::rotfl2::rotfl::lmao:

Better now... Nope,

:rotfl2::lmao:

Okay!

I have not seen anything that funny in years!! Just be sure to click on the "best of lists" to the right.

Added July 13th: Still laughing. I can only handle a couple of months of "best of's" at a time. It hurts too much if I read more...
 
It’s a beautiful day and the walk to the Boardwalk Inn is lovely

Won't you be my neighbor?

. The pathway straddles the river

I can think of at least three things to say right there.

And I can't put any of them on the Dis.

As the resort comes into view I’m amazed at how large it is.

What you don't want to be is amazed at how tiny it is. "How are we going to squeeze through those teeny tiny doors?"

Back here are rolling lawns, trees and gardens. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a game of croquet being played.

That's where the flamingoes from Epcot went! They're using them for mallets over at the Boardwalk!

This is the pool that has the infamous clown slide that spits squealing children out of its mouth.

Well, of course. You don't wanna swallow them when they're small. Ever notice you hardly ever see an adult come out?

Makes you wonder, doesn't it?

As we round the corner of it we can just see the side of the clown’s hair.

“Mommy, that looks like brains! EWW!”

Eww indeed.

Really, how much could it cost to refurb that thing? Really?
Heck if they charged everyone just an extra dollar for staying there a) you'd never notice the expense and b) they'd pay for it in less than a week.

Wow! This is pretty. The lobby is so inviting with it’s white wainscoted walls, oriental rugs and homey chairs covered in florals and stripes.

I was just hangin' with one o' my homeys yesterday. I noticed his chairs were missing. Now I knows where they got to.

I walk up to the desk and with a winning smile say, “Hi! We’re the Squid family.

Which of course brings up the question... What's a losing smile?

We’re so excited to be here and celebrate my husband’s birthday.

Not enough... keep working it.

“Did I mention that we’re celebrating a birthday?”

Good, good. Just mention it one more time and you'll get the most amazing upgrade of your life!

“Yes. Happy birthday! Here’s your packet with your keys to the world. Just take the elevator one flight up and it’s just down the hall.”

Oh. So close. You almost had it.

Still walking. I’m starting to feel like I’ve fallen down the rabbit hole. Does this hallway ever end?

Yes, it ends at the croquet lawn where the flamingoes are.

“Mommy, I’m tired.”

“I know. I’m sure we’re almost there.”

Did you pass any remains of visitors who didn't make it?

Is this Disney’s idea of training for the parks?

Well ya gotta admit, that's pretty considerate of them.

Click below for a video tour.

I like the part with Monkston...
"Ok Dad. You got me. Ok, I'm waving, now can you get the camera out of my face? Please?"

We call bell services for our luggage and it arrives within minutes. So far this resort hopping is pretty easy.

I'm reeeeeaaal curious to see if it'll last. Standing by.

I check to see if it’s plugged in and the plate is missing on the outlet. That’s pretty shabby looking for a deluxe room.

The wall plate was missing? That's not shabby, that's dangerous. "Sorry your daughter stuck her finger in there and got electrocuted, here's a couple of fast passes to make up for it."

Actually... might be worth it.

At least this is working off that picnic burger.

And the two meals before that!

I forgot that this is a convention resort so I’m surprised to see two women dressed in pencil skirts and 4-inch heels get in with us.

Hah! I know what a pencil skirt is! Because I had to ask my DW what it was a few months ago.

I feel a bit self-conscious dressed for the pool.

Really? I would've thought you'd be more self-conscious if you were undressed for the pool.

Good for you.

I wonder if it’s not crowded because people are afraid of the much maligned clown slide or if the place is filled with convention attendees who don’t have time for swimming.

Don't look a gift clown in the mouth.

Really.

Don't.

I’ll admit the slide is a little creepy but it looks like it would be fun with its rollercoaster turns.

And you never tried it. I know. 'Cause you're still here.

I head to the bar to get everyone’s mugs filled and the bartender brings our beverages in plastic cups. I must look confused because he explains that they’re not allowed to fill up the mugs themselves. Huh. That’s new. I don’t remember that at French Quarter last year.

Somebody, somewhere, sometime must've complained that it wasn't 'sanitary'. Don't know why not, but there ya go.

He tells me he doesn’t think it’s as good as the others but still enjoyable. Then he mentions that he read the author wrote the books because she felt kids weren’t fighting the government enough. No one is getting involved and we’re just letting things happen … not voting, not staying informed. I thought that was interesting.

Soapbox time! And this set of books, while enjoyable, won't change a thing. I doubt very much that these books will inspire kids to vote or stay informed. They did have an effect on DD11 though. She wants to take archery.
Pretty sure that wasn't the effect the author was going for.

Somehow he’s gotten the impression that I’m a klutz and that something will happen to it.

Well, yeah. If you drop it in the pool, it'll sink like a stone. Then you'll freak out and dive in after it. Then your hair just ain't gonna look right.

I understand.

“It’s the best slide Mom. Better than Bay Lake Tower’s. Better than the pyramid one!”

Whoa. And CSR's slide gets lots of votes for best slide, too.

If we do find an entrance closer to our room, there’s no guarantee that we’ll find the same one again.

Oh, that's easy. The same one is the one that your room key opens and has all your stuff in it.

Oh, you meant same entrance. Never mind.

After we get in the room, I check the lamp, and good old Disney, it’s working. You can’t fault the service here.

And the thought of getting sued for electrocuting someone probably had nothing to do with the speed in which it was repaired.

Everyone gets dressed.

Oh, so everyone was undressed for the pool. My! You are an adventurous group!

We’re very casual

I'll say!

Might sound weird but orange is this season’s color.

Orange is this season's black. Check. Then what is black?

It drives me crazy that that big fat goldfish is supposed to be a dolphin. I read that it’s a mahi mahi dolphin fish and was inspired by an Italian sculptor but it still looks like a goldfish to me.

Yeah, I don't know anyone that thinks it's a good fit.

It’s really opulent with marble floors, soaring ceilings, a grand piano playing. If we hadn’t bought DVC, I would love to stay here.

Sounds pretty nice. Maybe someday I'll have the time to check it out.

But I doubt it.

I feel a little guilty because I know walking in that there is no way I’m buying anything.

Does anyone? Is there really somebody out there that thinks, "Hmm. I need some art for the vestibule, perhaps a visit to a hotel in Disney World is in order."

Does anyone purchase expensive art at Disney World? I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone buy something at any gallery I’ve been to.

See above.

“I don’t know if we’re dressed properly. It looks pretty fancy.”

But you were dressed this time, right?

I see two women in cocktail dresses walk out and nudge Mr. Squid. “See?”

Why did those two women nudge Mr. Squid? Were they holding cigarettes and wanted a light? And what did they want him to see?

This does not faze Mr. Squid. He shrugs. “It’s Disney. People are casual.”

I'm amazed. If two women in cocktail dresses walked over and nudged me, I'd be very flustered.

As it happens they have a table for us. I can’t believe they’re letting us in. We’re all in shorts and flip flops and this restaurant is place-the-black-napkin-on-your-lap-for-you fancy.

For some reason, I'm reminded of the fine dining restaurant scene in "Blues Brothers"

If you've seen it, you'll know what I mean.

Otherwise, don't worry about it.

We sit down and I put the napkin on my lap before they do it and see that I’m wearing orange shorts.

I bet you just cost somebody their job right there. And how is a napkin placer supposed to find work in today's economy?

The woman at the table next to me is wearing a sequined cocktail dress. What are we doing here?

I for one had guessed 'eating'.

Our waiter arrives and tells us that he’s part of our wait team. Team? We order some wine and they bring over an amuse bouche.

I know what that is too! I'm smarter than Nebo! I'm smarter than Nebo!

Sorry, that was childish and uncalled for.

I'm smarter than Nebo!

Sorry.

We give our order to another team member. They buzz around us like bees, filling water glasses, topping off wine, removing bread plates.

If you tell me that there was a team member who cut your meat for you, you'll have made my day.

Oops. I guess I gave away another super secret identity. Oh well. Nicknames are more fun.

Now we'll track you down and come over for dinner unanounced.

After our fancy dinner we head back (sashay, Ponzi?) to the boardwalk.

Saunter.

Monkston may skip if she chooses.

The boardwalk area at night is so much fun. I could watch these buskers (are they buskers if they don’t take money?) every night.

That's a good question. I had to look it up. The definition says that it's 'usually for money'. Doesn't say always. So the judges will allow the term 'busker'.

Please continue.

I try to get Monkston to move closer to the front so they’ll pick her as a volunteer but she’s not having any of it. We watch several acts and then decide to call it a night. We want to be refreshed for our big day tomorrow.

Can't wait to read all about it. Thanks for the chapter Laura! :goodvibes



Yes, as Laura was saying, there are few things more intimidating than walking into a restaurant underdressed.

Like walking into a restaurant undressed. But you already did that at the pool.

check.

I'm fine with going to a higher-priced establishment, but I need to be BRACED for it. We went out looking for hot dogs and ended up at Il Mulina.

You could probably still get the hot dog... except it would've been $148 more.

If we're going to run, we need to do it after the greeter seats us and before the next person takes our drink orders. But these guys were hot (they drew first and shot) and the waiter was on us immediately.

Where you were quickly and efficiently dispatched.

I've never returned a bottle that was just opened in front of me, and I doubt I could ever bring myself to do so (but we never choose anything that expensive anyway).

And what would happen if you did? Would someone come over to explain that "Non, monsieur. Zee wine is perfect. You 'owever, are not."

At that point, like the great thespians, I picture everybody in their underwear ... and I don't care.

Still more clothes than you people seem to normally wear.

I made the type really big so Nebo didn't miss the video because I am sweet and pure and nice like that. Just looking out for my dear friend.

That is so like you. (Still ensuring to stay on your good side.)

Hey if I type Nebo the auto correct on my Kindle wants to change it yo Jehovah.

You had to put that in there. Now we'll never hear the end of it. :sad2:
 















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