Disney over New Years? Are you insanely NUTS? (One last thing)

[cj9200]

You have my deepest sympathy. This ride is just too long for me.

Was this your revenge for having to sit through Ellen?

That was too funny. I almost spit soda on my keybord reading it.

 

[cj9200]

You have been pretty amazing in getting to rope drop in the mornings. I guess it's a must at that time of year though. Fortunately my kids are quite good at getting up early in WDW too (as long as its not every day!).

Thanks for the information about Mission Space too. I've never been brave enough to do it yet as I don't do teacups either! - it has given me some encouragement and maybe I will give it a go next time. Although I don't know how you can say Soarin' is boring - I love it (its so relaxing)

What a lovely thing happen - we were given one fast pass last year for Primeval Whirl. It was great - my DS was happy to go on his own and it meant I didn't have to ride with him (win-win ). We later gave away our own FPs for dinosaur as we decided we had had enough for the day. Its nice to pass it on too.

Looking forward to the MK report.

I am usually up very early and am ready to go. DD is another thing entirely. We stopped doing most breakfasts because it became a struggle to get her up in time. This trip she was a trooper though (for now).

Mission Space is intense. When you take off it is like a 30 second face lift because of the G forces. Maybe because you are enclosed and don’t see the spinning I can do it. Love that ride. Sorry about Soarin. As a Floridian, I might like it better if they redo it about Florida and not California. Maybe not. It just doesn't do it for me.

Primeval Whirl is another ride that I have to suck it up to do. After that person’s generosity and what it meant for our day, I will never leave a fastpass in my pocket. It was such a nice surprise.

 

[cj9200]

This was to be Early Entry at the Magic Kingdom. Told Princess it was up to her to get up. I made a wake up call and ended up going to bed kind of late. My head hits the pillow and soon I heard some far off voice…dad…dad…dad…DAD. Roll over and there is DD looking at me. Me: I’m up, I’m up. Her: Do we have to go to the park today? I just want to relax. It didn’t take long to say no and roll over to go back to sleep. It takes about 30 seconds before I realize I can’t sleep and am up.

OK, so change of plans. Relax a while and then go to Downtown Disney. We eventually got the car with plans to go see Bolt in 3-D. DD had seen it but was willing to watch it again. Got tickets and while we waited for the start time, we hustled to the Earl of Sandwich (a favorite counter service place). I had the Original (roast beef) and DD had macaroni salad. Good as ever.

Bolt was a funny movie. The 3-D effect enhanced it and you soon forgot you were wearing goofy glasses. It has become one of my favorite Pixar movies. Behind Monsters Inc. but either slightly ahead or behind Wall-E. We recently rescued a cat that reminded me of Mittens from the movie. Black and white, de-clawed, abandoned so she now has a new name. After the movie it was a quick trip off campus to purchase more supplies and spirits. We then decided on one last shopping trip at the Marketplace. Last time for souvenirs. I bought a couple of T-shirts then it was, you guessed it, back to chill at the resort.

We had dinner planned at Chefs de France but because the MK was skipped, the reservations were canceled so we did not burn a park admission ticket. After looking at some menus online, we chose to go back to the Captain's Grill.

On the way, I stopped and DD took this picture

Again, good food. I had the prime rib which was a good value at $21. DD had the Wild Mushrooms and Onion Tart.

We started with the wedge again. This time a picture before it was devoured.

Knot making 101

DD’s Onion Tart

My Prime Rib

Dessert

A close up of the dessert. Nice touch.

It was a good dinner, the prime rib was done well. All in all a good place to eat (both times). $61.70 with tip less discount.

The lighthouse on our way back

Spent the rest of our last night watching the street entertainment.

DD wanted to look at the Wayland Studio shop so we headed there. She fell in love with a necklace that is part of a “seasons” collection. Each season has a new design. This one was “fall.” Believe it or not it was affordable. While she was watching a performer, I went back and bought it for her birthday. She was surprised when she opened it.

She was off to bed and I spent some time on the patio soaking in our last night here. The tree all lit up.

Last night of fireworks

Couldn’t sleep right away so I went down to the lobby for one more look around.

Tink

Don’t care much for Stitch

Finally went back to the room and fell asleep at our last night at BWV for this trip.

 

[cj9200]

Woke up very early today. Depression over leaving had set in and I finished the postponed packing.

Woke DD at 8:30 and after a while she was out of bed getting ready.

Sad to leave

Last look

Bye Bye patio

We had the car loaded by 9:45 and after gassing up at the Hess station next door ($1.50 something a gallon) we were off back to the real world. It was a quick and uneventful trip and we were soon immersed with the mundane tasks of everyday life.

I did not have another trip planned for the foreseeable future but there was a bonus by not going to the Magic Kingdom on Saturday. There was one day left on our 4-day park hopper that is good for another 6 months. On the drive home, I called member services for a short trip in June after school gets out. DD wants to bring the friend that came with us for a trip earlier this year. I told her I am not sure but I will give in. Right now we have a 1 BR at the Wilderness Lodge but are waitlisted for the Beach Club. Hopefully that will come through.

Final thoughts:

THIS WAS A GREAT TRIP! Everything pretty much went as planned. The room was fantastic. Mom has gotten to the point that she cannot travel any more so Victoria and Albert’s was a night we will always have in our memory banks. Yes, we did not spend a ton of time in the parks but it didn’t matter. I realize that much of the trip was food related but we had fun all the same. Wished we would have finally seen the updated Spaceship Earth and with the refurbishment closing of Space Mountain, it would have been nice to ride it one more time.

Now it is time to look forward to the June trip and begin planning DD’s Sweet sixteen next January. The plan is to bring a few of her friends for a weekend stay in a Grand Villa. The Villa is reserved, now she needs to work on the guest list. I know in the coming months guests will be moved on and off the list. Right now the idea is to let them loose in the parks for one day and the other day manicures at the spa (or something girly) and dinner at the California Grill (or some other restaurant she picks out). Should be fun. For them. Pass me the Prozac.

Hope you enjoyed our little odyssey, thanks for sticking with me and reading these meanderings.

 

[irenep]

Aha! now we can put a face to the words!

It has been a real pleasure reading your report - thank you for posting it. I am now really looking forward to our NY trip and I will definitely take a wander over to the BW at some point in the holidays to see the beautiful decorations - a very impressive resort.

Good luck with the sweet 16 weekend. Your daughter and her friends will have an amazing time, I am sure. What a lucky girl!

So sorry to hear of 'mom''s poor health - wishing you and your family all the best.

 

[dvc at last !]

cj9200,

I enjoyed reading your TR. You have a great style of writing.
Funny how when we return we must plan the next trip.
We will be at HHI when school is out in June. We will also
be at WDW in January. When is your January trip ? We will
be there in January for the Marathon.

 

[cj9200]

It has been a real pleasure reading your report - thank you for posting it. I am now really looking forward to our NY trip and I will definitely take a wander over to the BW at some point in the holidays to see the beautiful decorations - a very impressive resort.

Good luck with the sweet 16 weekend. Your daughter and her friends will have an amazing time, I am sure. What a lucky girl!

So sorry to hear of 'mom''s poor health - wishing you and your family all the best.

Thank you for the good wishes. It is tough. I knew this was probably a last trip to Disney for her so the reason for the splurge.

Also thanks for reading about our trip and responding. It was fun to do and I am glad you and others joined us. Hope your DD has a great 16th and you enjoy the July and NY trips. Let us know how it goes.

 

[cj9200]

cj9200,

I enjoyed reading your TR. You have a great style of writing.
Funny how when we return we must plan the next trip.
We will be at HHI when school is out in June. We will also
be at WDW in January. When is your January trip ? We will
be there in January for the Marathon.

We will be there over MLK weekend. DD loves to run and we are also thinking about the half marathon. Don’t know if these tired old bones can make it. Are you running?

I agree the need to plan helps ease the pain but not much planning to do for the upcoming trips. In June we are going to take it easy expense wise so we may not make any ADRs. They (yes I said her friend could go) are begging to do tea again. For the birthday trip we really only have one dinner planned and she needs to decide what girly thing she wants to do. Have to get a longer trip started. Now that is an idea.

Thanks for reading, I appreciate the nice comments.

 

[marvali]

Have really enjoyed going through your trip report as you have put it together. I could almost have written it since we went down on 12/30 and stayed offsite for two nights until our stay at AKV from 1/1-1/4 (I couldn't stand it and had to book two more nights so we could be there longer). We have so much in common from the description in your first post, to tea cups and Mission Space, although I do enjoy Soarin'. So glad you had that quality father/daughter time. Spending that family time before the kids are grown is always the best part (besides EE, MS, TT, RnR, ToT, SM, BTMRR, Splash....)

Thanks for the memories you brought back of the things we did on our trip. Unfortunately there are a few you mention we didn't get around to doing that I meant to, so at least you had some good pictures for me to look at so I can fool my mind into thinking we did them too. I am diligently planning our next trip over July 4th week in our new home Kidani at AKV (speaking of a glutton for punishment; New Years, July 4th..........must try Thanksgiving and Christmas next). I guess I need to sit down and do our trip report too. Mmm, find the time, yes, I must......

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Thanks so much for sharing your trip. I'm sad to see that it's over. I will look forward to the next one!

I have to say, V&A has never been on my "list" before... too "frou-frou", I feared. I think you've changed my mind!!!

Soarin is borin... Don't agree but

I've also never been that excited about Boardwalk I'm a Beach Club kind of gal but you have intrigued me. Plus I really just want to go and demand "the room."

Thanks again for sharing your magical trip!

 

[cj9200]

Have really enjoyed going through your trip report as you have put it together. I could almost have written it since we went down on 12/30 and stayed offsite for two nights until our stay at AKV from 1/1-1/4 (I couldn't stand it and had to book two more nights so we could be there longer). We have so much in common from the description in your first post, to tea cups and Mission Space, although I do enjoy Soarin'. So glad you had that quality father/daughter time. Spending that family time before the kids are grown is always the best part (besides EE, MS, TT, RnR, ToT, SM, BTMRR, Splash....)

Thanks for the memories you brought back of the things we did on our trip. Unfortunately there are a few you mention we didn't get around to doing that I meant to, so at least you had some good pictures for me to look at so I can fool my mind into thinking we did them too. I am diligently planning our next trip over July 4th week in our new home Kidani at AKV (speaking of a glutton for punishment; New Years, July 4th..........must try Thanksgiving and Christmas next). I guess I need to sit down and do our trip report too. Mmm, find the time, yes, I must......

Thanks for reading and I am glad it reminded you about your trip. Father/child time is important and I agree it is the best thing about going. One of the reasons to write a trip report is to keep the memories alive. Not that I am putting any pressure on you to write one. (Wink, wink, nudge, nudge.)

I have done most of the major holidays and they are doable as I am sure you found out. Christmas was the year before and July 4 last year. Our biggest dilemma over the 7/4 trip was where to watch the fireworks (I think you can tell I like fireworks). The MK was reported to be unbelievable but we decided on DHS because fireworks there are a rare event. They did the same show at the MK on 7/3 but we missed that (doh). We were at POFQ and it took forever for the bus to get back to the resort. Oh well, we just had to go to bed later that night.

July 4, before the fireworks

Have a great time over the 4th. I love the AKL and can’t wait to book a DVC trip there. Hmm, that gives me something to think about.

 

[cj9200]

Thanks so much for sharing your trip. I'm sad to see that it's over. I will look forward to the next one!

I have to say, V&A has never been on my "list" before... too "frou-frou", I feared. I think you've changed my mind!!!

Soarin is borin... Don't agree but

I've also never been that excited about Boardwalk I'm a Beach Club kind of gal but you have intrigued me. Plus I really just want to go and demand "the room."

Thanks again for sharing your magical trip!

I am also sorry the TR is over. It seems that I am falling into this Disney trap. Plan a trip, take the trip, write about the trip, begin planning the next trip, take the trip, write about the trip, begin planning the next trip…..

V & A is expensive but an amazing experience. It is not snooty at all.

I know that I am part of a small minority that thinks Soarin is borin. Maybe I would like it better if they added a couple of 13 story drops to it.

I just love the Boardwalk. Beach Club is great too. Still waitlisted there for our June stay. Can’t beat Stormalong Bay during the summer.

Thanks for reading and letting me know how you liked it.

 

[MiaSRN62]

cj9200....
Thanks for taking the time to post your TR. I thoroughly enjoyed reading and looking at all the photos. Your room was fantastic....never read such an in-depth report on V&A's......love your Divequest story.....and much more.

Good luck booking the GV for your dd's Sweet 16. I have a 15 yo dd too. I know she would just love a gift like that

 

[dvc at last !]

cj9200,

We are sad your TR has ended.. waiting for the PRE-TR !

This old bod will not be in the Marathon ( lucky I can make it to
the treadmill and to the gym ).

We are doing HHI in June - first time there.

When we go to WDW in October our son and daughter will
run in the Race For The Taste (10K).

Our son will be in the Marathon in January.

Nice meeting you and your daughter on this board.

All we need is more points, cash and time for this habit.

 

[dgaston]

What a lovely Trip Report -- thoroughly enjoyed your posts and wish all of you well. Great memory making...

 

[irenep]

Thank you for the good wishes. It is tough. I knew this was probably a last trip to Disney for her so the reason for the splurge.

Also thanks for reading about our trip and responding. It was fun to do and I am glad you and others joined us. Hope your DD has a great 16th and you enjoy the July and NY trips. Let us know how it goes.

I have never done any trip reports in the past as I have never been organised enough to do so but who knows maybe I'll have a go? Having read this one it really is a great way of keeping the memories alive - I really ought to do some retrospective ones for the kids to remember the times they went with their dad (he passed away a few years ago).

July will be strange as its just me and youngest son going (he'll be 9). He really takes a lot of stick from his brother and sister because he doesn't do the thrill rides (DS1 is holidaying with friends and DD is off on a school trip) so we are planning on having a 'quiet' trip just doing what he wants to do and some quality mum/son time. I am sure Stormalong bay will figure highly here and we also have a few days at Kidani. We stayed at Jambo last year and love being so close to the animals. I just hope that the new pool here is good. Should be nice and relaxing inspite of it being July! Mind you I deliberately booked it to avoid the July 4th crowds but now that you say the fireworks are unbelievable I am beginning to wish we were going sooner - just have to do it next year eh? NY will be completely different though and I am still trying to persuade eldest DS to join us for that one - at 19 he doesn't think Disney is cool enough

Now time plan some ADRs....

 

[cj9200]

cj9200....
Thanks for taking the time to post your TR. I thoroughly enjoyed reading and looking at all the photos. Your room was fantastic....never read such an in-depth report on V&A's......love your Divequest story.....and much more.

Good luck booking the GV for your dd's Sweet 16. I have a 15 yo dd too. I know she would just love a gift like that

Thanks for joining us on our little trip. For anyone that dives, Divequest is a must do. The second time we went there was a whole family from the Midwest. Two of the kids got certified just so they could do this. They loved looking at the fishes while we loved looking at the people. We have the GV booked! You have my deepest sympathy for raising a 15 YO daughter. Although I think it must better than a 15 YO boy. Stay tuned about the room.

cj9200,

We are sad your TR has ended.. waiting for the PRE-TR !

This old bod will not be in the Marathon ( lucky I can make it to
the treadmill and to the gym ).

We are doing HHI in June - first time there.

When we go to WDW in October our son and daughter will
run in the Race For The Taste (10K).

Our son will be in the Marathon in January.

Nice meeting you and your daughter on this board.

All we need is more points, cash and time for this habit.

PRE-TR? I have to let the keyboard rest for a while before that happens. Thanks for the encouragement though. I discovered this board by posting the TR. Nice also meeting you. You guys are great and I even stopped posting on the TR Board because it got lost in all the other posts.

Don’t know if I am going to be able to do the half Marathon (knee issues). DD really wants to do it and she will be far ahead of me as soon as the race begins. The other day she ran 7 miles at one time. We shall see. Good luck to your son and daughter for the 10K and the Marathon.

Have been to HH a few times but it was before HHI opened. We actually thought about buying a condo there. If you are into golf the place is heaven. Enjoy the trip. And I agree all I need is more points, cash and time.

What a lovely Trip Report -- thoroughly enjoyed your posts and wish all of you well. Great memory making...

Thanks for the wishes and letting me know you enjoyed joining us on the trip. Great memories are right. Here is to many more for all of us.

 

[cj9200]

I have never done any trip reports in the past as I have never been organised enough to do so but who knows maybe I'll have a go? Having read this one it really is a great way of keeping the memories alive - I really ought to do some retrospective ones for the kids to remember the times they went with their dad (he passed away a few years ago).

July will be strange as its just me and youngest son going (he'll be 9). He really takes a lot of stick from his brother and sister because he doesn't do the thrill rides (DS1 is holidaying with friends and DD is off on a school trip) so we are planning on having a 'quiet' trip just doing what he wants to do and some quality mum/son time. I am sure Stormalong bay will figure highly here and we also have a few days at Kidani. We stayed at Jambo last year and love being so close to the animals. I just hope that the new pool here is good. Should be nice and relaxing inspite of it being July! Mind you I deliberately booked it to avoid the July 4th crowds but now that you say the fireworks are unbelievable I am beginning to wish we were going sooner - just have to do it next year eh? NY will be completely different though and I am still trying to persuade eldest DS to join us for that one - at 19 he doesn't think Disney is cool enough

Now time plan some ADRs....

So sorry to hear about your loss. One of the reasons I did this was so DD can say I remember when….

You and your son will have a blast. Mom/son time is important. Enjoy. As to older DS, my DD did not want to go last Christmas. I informed her that if she wanted her presents, she would have to be in Orlando. She then asked if we could at least have a tree. I relented. Can you imagine at their age and you were given the opportunity to go to WDW? Kids today.

Here is the tree from our 07 trip

 

[cj9200]

For anyone interested, here is THE ROOM. I will keep it up for a few days. Shh, don't tell anyone.