Disney World...."Chowdah Style" *The official thread* 3/26 update

[bostonchowdah]

OOPS...I forgot to post a pre-trip...so here it is...please notice that I posted my pt. 1 first...then went back and edited it...the entire trip report will be on this thread...

Cast:
"B": Me, true chowdah head, still can't say my "r"s, I'm down to earth, have a good sense of humor, and like long walks on the beach....
"Matt": Fiance, not the biggest disney fan, but will go anywhere if it means he gets to miss work...
"Murph and Fitz": The "dumb and dumber" type, Matt's older brothers, it was a family trip so of course the boys had to come, plus we needed people to carry our luggage!
"Strudle": Fitz's fiance, my "right-hand-WOman", we're practically attached at the hip and have been nicknamed the "gruesome two-some", shes a true southener, complete with accent, and we rarely miss an episode of Desperate Housewives....
"Munch": Murph's wife, another southener and Desperate Housewives fan! True sweatheart, and definately the "mom" of the group...another one of my best friends....
"Skip": Matt's baby brother, recently turned 21 and is your typical frat boy. Girls love him, other men hate him, and dad's fear him. He's a wicked fun guy to hang out with though!

Ok...so...you got that? Other crew members come into play too...like Matt's sister, her husband, and their four kids...as well as Matt's parents. As you can tell...this was a huge family trip...with many months of planning!

We figured that the best thing to do was to stay as long as possible...I said a year...obviously...they thought I was kidding...in all honesty I wasn't....but oh well...it was worth a shot right! We agreed on a month, which I couldn't complain about (although when you compare it a year....). Right away I was swamped...how do you plan a month stay in orlando, the majority of which would be at Disney, for 15 people! Luckily Matt's mom is a travel nut like me and we spent many night on the phone or chatting online about the details.

We started with the basics...dates and flights...then moved on to tickets...APs....then moved on to rooms. With so much to choose from in Disney, I knew I wouldn't be able to pick just one resort (it's kinda like picking what child is you favorite..."we all love them equally...we may favor one because it has a better pool, but we still love them all the same!")...in talking with the group we decided to take advantage of the oppotunity and resort hop!
Heres where I stayed:
BCV: 3 nights
Vacation Home: 8 nights
ASmovies: 3 nights
PopC: 3 nights
CBR: 4 nights
GF: 6 nights
WL: 4 nights
Other group members also visited:
Poly, POFQ, AKL, SSR and the BW
(I'll be posting full resort reviews in a few days)

Matt's parents reside in Melbourne Beach, a few hours away from Orlando, and would be meeting up with us there upon arrival. The rest of us all live together (Think of the brady bunch meeting BH 90210..the later years...with a touch of Melrose Place added)...not only to we live together, but we all work under the same company (different departments, different locations)...none the less we are an extremely close group. I've always been a firm believer in the idea that just because your not of the same blood, doesn't mean your not family! My mom has raised me since I was a toodler, and the friends I have made along the way have become my family. These people are no different!

So I invite you all to read the following reports...from my family to yours! ​

 

[pumba]

seeing the look on little kids faces is worth the price of going to Disney.....even if they are no relation to me or that I dont' know them........it is something else.....thanks so much for your trip report and as always have fun

 

[valleygirl]

Hey Chowdah,
I'm lovin your report!! What part of Boston are you from? I'm a Southie girl livin on the Vineyard now and crackin up at the whole tonic thing. Everybody here calls it soda and it took me a while to stop saying tonic even when nobody knew what I was talking about. Keep up the reports. I can't wait to read the next installment.
Maura

 

[bostonchowdah]

"Well folks...I'd like to welcome you all to Hawaii....* *....but I can't....so welcome to Orlando!"​

The Pilot granted us clearence to leave the plane...and we took our first steps into the Orlando International Airport. Things kind of went into slow motion as I felt like Neil Armstrong taking his first steps on the moon (that is the guy right? ). Unlike Armstrong 's walk on the Moon, there were actually large objects obstructing my walking path, and I completely walked into a wheelchair (Who randomly leaves a wheelchair around in a high traffic area.... I guess thats new thing to do!). I was fine...and luckily it was only my group that saw me fall! I think I looked even more stupid though when I said: "I felt like I was walking on the moon...Gosh, doesn't that ever happen to you?" Apparently, NO...it doesn't happen to anyone else (liars).

Baggage claim was a disaster. The "bag-bringer-belt-thing" started goin long before the bags came, and of course my darling fiance (notice the sarcasim) had to show his nephews how to ride it. Yes, thats right, and then...if it wasn't bad enough, his brothers had to hop on there too! By now I have walked away...doing the whole.."I don't know these people" act. Sadly, I had walked in the same direction the belt was going, and not even a minute later, here came the boys rounding the corner, now with a sign reading " Hotel Room: $150/night...Tickets: $400/person...Riding the baggage belt at Orlando Airport: PRICELESS." clever guys...real clever.

It took us a while to get our bags...a months worth of luggage for 13 people doesn't exactly fit in your carry-on. While the guys waited for the last of the bags, the rest of us headed over to the rental car area. We got our 3 SUVs we asked for, and we went back to meet up with the group! We loaded all the luggage in, hooked up the carseats for the youngin's, and headed to Disney World.

We arrived at the BCV at around 1pm and checked in. We had two 2-bedroom villas reserved and had asked that they be relatively close to eachother (I'll be posting full resort reviews soon!). Sure enough they were pretty close! I was able to look to the right of our balcony and see my SIL and her kids on theirs. The rooms were nice, My Fiance and I were in the second bedroom with his brother and his fiance, his younger brother was on the pull-out, and his older brother and his wife had the master. Suprisingly the 7 of us fit comfortably in the villa. It did get cramped, especially when it came to seating when watching TV.

We were only going to be here for 3 nights, so we didn't even bother fully unpacking! I called the front desk and asked where the closest grocery store and "packie" was , she gave me directions, and I was off with the girls to pick some food up for the weekend! I found the food store easily, and picked up the basics, Easy Mac, Ramen, and Chex Mix (who wants to cook on their vacation!). I was planning on going to a BJs/Sam's Club when we switched into our Vacation Home, so I didn't pick a lot up! Trouble came when I went looking for the "packie", the directions she gave me took me to the local UPS store. Obviously, there was confusion, as a "packie" to me is a liqour store, not your local neighborhood packaging store. No sweat though, I asked a guy at one of the gas stations and he pointed me in the right direction!

Arriving at the resort, it was now closer to 4pm and everyone was hungry. We were all going to the Magic Kingdom to eat dinner and watch the parade and show, but that wasn't for another hour! Matt, my fiance, kept complaining. Geeze, he's by far worse than his 2yo nephews! After about 10mins of listening to him whine, I chucked a box of Easy Mac at him, and nearly took his eye out, but I think he got the message. He still whined, now about how hungry he was, and how much his head hurt. He did finally get up to make it and sadly, this was a big mistake on my part.

Matt began dumping the noodles into the bowl, placed the bowl in the microwave, and set the time. About a minute later we smelled something burning, and Matt opened the microwave door releasing a large cloud of smoke. Want to know what he did? This genius forgot to add water, and had he read the directions, he would have seen that he needed to add water, heck all he had to do was look on the back of the box, they have pictures to show you! By the time we stopped cracking on him, we were all ready to go to the Magic Kingdom to have dinner all together.

We drove to the Magic Kingdom, presented our tickets, had some minor issues with the finger things, nothing big though, and headed through the train station. I'll never forget the look on my 4yo niece's face when she saw the castle down main street. It was at this point that I realized what disney was about. I held her hand, and we walked together down Main Street. She never said a word, and would occasionally look up at me and smile. I got that "lump in my throat" feeling...like the one you get when you watch Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, and a tear began to fall down my cheek. Of course I practically started balling when Matt grabbed my other hand and wispered into my ear, "Welcome home..."

By the time I reached the castle the tears were gone, but I'll never forget that feeling or memory. We met up with Matt's parents (they live about 2 hours away on the coast) and had a great dinner. Afterwards, I took my neice to Fantasyland to go on a ride or two, while the rest went to save seats for the parade! She was a big fan of the Fantasyland rides, and we went back to sit on the curb. That feeling came back when I noticed my 2yo nephews eating those mickey ice creams, feet dangling from their stroller, and their little brother sitting in Matt's lap with ice cream all over his face. I took a picture, and I think it completely sums up what Disney is about! The rest of the evening was a blast, and the entire way back to the resort we sang the Wishes song! Ah, good times in deed!

*I'll post some pictures as soon as I upload them*

 

[LindaBabe]

Love it! Can not wait for the next installment!

 

[GrumpyC.Hook]

Great Trip Report So far sounds like a good time ....i have to admit that i actually lol when i read about the mac and cheese incident...guess he won't do that again!

Can't wait to read more

Amy

 

[bostonchowdah]

"I was out cold....I think I woke up swimming in my pillow"​

In deed the beds at the BCV are very nice! We woke up the next morning and had a resort day! We headed over to the ESPN cafe for lunch (yea....we kinda slept in a little bit...maybe a little too much). The walk to the boardwalk isn't that long at all and it's really neat to see the resort areas.

I grew up spending summers on Cape Cod, the Vinyard, and now the Outer Banks (NC), and it was like I was there all over again (only this time I paid four times as much!) I will say that the Swan and Dolphin tend to "ruin" the atmosphere...don't get me wrong....I think the resorts are amazing (although did you notice that the swan has waves on it...and the dolphin has grass on it? I think they accidently misplaced the statues that go atop each resort! oops!)...it just doesn't really go into the BW and Y&BC themes!

The ESPN cafe (or whatever it's called) is by far the best deal for your money. The food isn't outrageously priced, and its pretty darn good. The burgers and salads are unbelievable. This place is usually my favortie to go eat at! Because our group was so large, and it was peak time for lunch, we had to wait a few minutes.

They have a bar, so the guys went there, and they had a gift shop, so the girls went there. We didn't wait too long and had a really great lunch. I love the atmosphere their....it's very laid back and fun. Heck they even have TVs in the bathrooms!

As I was walking back, it was at this time that I got the urge to ride one of those water boat thingys...like the little ones that go wicked fast? In the past I have had Jet ski issues, although they weren't all my fault...who puts rocks at the bottom of a lake, and then leaves them there? Ok maybe that one was my fault...but still...these weren't jet skis. I figured I would settle my urge on the seven seas lagoon later.

Arriving back at the resort, the pool area wasn't too crowded. We were easily able to find chairs, it looked at first like the slide area wasn't even open...we were bummed...we decided to just sun bathe and relax. The pool area itself is amazing! My neices and nephews played in the sand bottom pool for hours! It was getting crowded pool-side...so we headed out to the beach area. It worked out good because the beach area ajoins the kiddie pool with the slide! The beach is the best. You saw the EPCOT and MGM boats go by and couls see people walking along the boadwalk. You can sometimes forget that your in Disney World...thats how natural looking it is!

But of course...OF COURSE...I should've known something was up. Murph asked for the one of the room keys...I gave it to him...he then asked for $34.....yes...exactly $34....I told him that the room key had charging privledges and if he was buying something in Disney World, he could use the room card....let me just go ahead and say that passing this information along was a HUGE mistake...anyways about 45mins later....Matt gets a call on his phone....a few minutes later....they say they're going to get a drink...and if we wanted anything...obviously, now typing this scenario out, this looks awfully sketchy, but you have to understand that we girls were pretty pre-occupied...thats what happens when your on a beach with cute babies and a cosmo in hand!

The kids were playing in their pop-up beach tent thing (very cool by the way), and we were just laying on the chairs. Out of no where...and I mean no where...came the boys complete with squirt guns in hand. Where they got them...I dunno...why they were now attacking us...I dunno...why they were smart enough to put ice in the water...I dunno...but when someone comes after me with a gun (the water kind)...I fight back...unfortunatley I was the only one fighting back...and had no chance in heck of staying dry. Luckily...I can run fast...so I ran...and ran...and then they ran after me...and ran...and I ended up at the other end of the beach...and so did they...I guess they can run fast too! The overall outcome was a victory for the boys and a very sandy chowdah....

 

[LurkerLisa]

Keep posting! I'm lovin' 'em

Lisa

 

[Keokagal]

Oh so funny! Last yr when we asked a driver to take us to the "packie" it was a hoot. I had to explain package store where you purchase booze before he got it. He was from Brazil originally. I'm from the noth shoah neah Danviz!

 

[rileyroosmom]

I lived outside of Boston for a few years when growing up. The Boston definitons made me laugh. I forgot about a few of them. Never forgot the first time a friend offered me a frappe! Don't forget jimmies are sprinkles, another thing that I had no idea of.

 

[DVCTiff]

A MONTH?!?!?! Are you serious? OMG, I'm so jealous. Was that company you all work for still functioning when you got back?

Can't wait to read the rest of the story!

 

[tmq2766]

I can't even imagine being in Disney for a month......

Your reports are cracking me up.... Keep them coming!

 

[Wickedmom75]

Great reports keep em coming!!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

great reports cant wait ot read more

 

[WolfpackFan]

Hi Fellow Caryite - Great trip report. Keep them coming.

 

[richard_andmel]

Great report. And thanks for keeping it in one thread! It's a lot easier to find that way.

Mel

 

[bostonchowdah]

*Glad to see we are all enjoying the report...sorry its taking me a long time...I'll try to get better at posting!*

"On your left, you'll see a green wall, and on your other left, yes, thats right folks, another green wall. Aren't you glad you visited Disney World at this time!"​

After our resort day, we decided it would be best to actually go to the parks. One of my tid-bits is to go to the parks at opening times. Crowds are usually on the lighter side and it's a lot cooler (weather cool, not like the other kind of cool). Also, I like to avoid that whole extra magic hour thingy. Those usually attract resort guests, and then by the time the park actually opens, and the public is allowed thorugh, you see much greater crowds then you would if you went on a day without the extra hour. Thats just my opinion though!

The girls decided to go to the MK with the kids, and the guys were going to sleep in and check us into our vacation homes. Since they knew they could sleep in the next morning the guys spent the night over at City Walk and didn't come home till wicked late. Yea guys....smart move! They were calmly sleeping while we a) Placed toothpaste under the exterior door handles of the rental car they would be driving... b) took all the suitcases with all items packed in our two cars and c) His the right shoe of the pair we left them...leaving them with nothing but the clothes, or lack of clothes, on their backs....haha....I'm still laughing about it...

We arrived to the MK around 9ish...and right away when looking down main street we were greeted by the green bubble hub...yea...not so attractive...as well as the castle with construction materials all around it. It definatley took away the ambiance and we joked that Cinderalla was updating her castle the "real people way" because Tinker Bell wouldn't help out and use her magic, darn fairy!

Crowds were minimal, we didn't see too many people until around 11am and even then I didn't think it was horrible. We did the majority of Fantasyland attractions, complete with green wall viewing area, and was heading over to Splash Mountain when I recieved a call.

Me- "haay Budday!" *cheereful, friendly manner*
Matt- "where are my clothes" *angry, tired, hungover manner*
Me- "In the truck why?" *happy-go-lucky tone*
Matt- "and where is the truck" *ticked off and frustrated tone*
Me- "Why it's in the MK parking lot silly!"
Matt- "*Click*" *silence*

By now I am bending over laughing, complete with tears in my eyes, and gasping for air. (don't worry...they weren't left "High and Dry" we left some clothes and their "right" shoes in my SIL's room with her husband) By the time I caught my breathe, my phone was ringing again...

Me- "I love you.."
Matt's dad- "Why I love you too sweatheart..."

WHOOPS! Thought it was matt (Matt's name come on my cell caller ID...but it gets cut off...so all it said was Matt, and not Matt's dad)...but thats ok...like I said...were a close family....so some more laughs and jokes later, we decide to go check out the house (My SIL called her husband to see if they checked out at the BCV, and checked into the Vacation homes....the guys hadn't called us since the one phone call...an it was now around 1pm...the answer was yes...they had checked in)

Laughing still, we proceeded to leave the park. I had no idea where the vacation home was...so we followed my SIL to hers. Both were in one of the subdivisions about 15 mins from Disney. The guys weren't picking up there phones, but Big Bubbah (My SILs Husband) knew what number the house was. As we pulled up to the house we noticed the other rental car sitting in the drive-through. We exited the car, walked up to the door, and knocked, knocked again, tried to open it, and with little success sat on the front porch. We left Munch at the front to keep knocking and complaining. Me and Strudle went into Mission Impossible mode. Crouching next to the guys car, I noticed the toothpaste smeared all under the handles with fingerprints in it! Another 5 mins of laughter, and we were back into stealth mode.

The back of the house was fenced in with a high stone fence (your kidding me right)and I knew we would have some issues. I was the stronger of the two, and attempted to scale the wall spiderman style...no...it didn't work...we tried stepping on eachother...another no...and by now we had to go to the bathroom bad and the neighbors were all looking at us weird. We went back to the front...and Munch was gone!! They had let her in! Here we were "attempting" to scale stone walls, and she sits there knocking and they let her in!! By now I had just had it...but at the same time I couldn't stop laughing. The whole situation was halarious to me.

By now I had to really go the bathroom. FINALLY...after about 30mins of begging and offering anything we had, they let us into the house...I reached the bathroom, went, and was about to grab a piece of toliet paper..when I noticed that there was no roll to be found.....I hate "pay back"

 

[tmq2766]

TOO FUNNY!!!!!!

 

[pozey]

*I'll post some pictures as soon as I upload them*

Pictures! I want to see the Pictures!!

I am trying to visualize in my head these events happening. I need the Pictures to go along with the story!

 

[berly1657]

You are having too much fun! You would be a riot to be on vacation with!

I may have missed it, but when what were your vacation dates?