dgaston
Proudly wears a "Believes in Fairies tshirt"
- Joined
- May 23, 2001
- Messages
- 5,883
We just got back from Don's Extravagant Birthday Trip II. Two nights at Pop (we bought three) and one at OKW in a one bedroom thanks to the generosity of Lisa S (Debbie and Stan). Thanks to the *free* dining, we ate at Teppanyaki (very entertaining chef) and the California Grill.
We used CS at Pop on our arrival night and also at Flame Tree Barbeque in AK. We ate in the rear of the restaurant down the hill near a pool, with us the only customers in sight.
We were able to walk onto boarding areas throughout the parks. Standby waits were often posted at 20 minutes, but we would walk right into boarding areas, except for Buzz Lightyear. We only had to wait about 5 minutes there.
On Saturday we met friends Tommy and Michelle for Illuminations at Norway, and later joined them at VWL where they were staying. We spent some time in the leisure pool and hot tub.
Sunday morning Tommy and Michelle treated us to breakfast at the Crystal Palace. Love that breakfast lasagna--and Don joined the parade and got a cupcake and birthday card! MK was very quiet and we did everything we wanted to by 1:30. That meant 2 rides on each of the mountains, 2x on Buzz, once each at HM, JC, and Tiki Birds. I did get my Pineapple Float at Aloha Isle.
Then we moved to Old Key West. We spent time in the villa whirlpool, and enjoyed the space (Don kept getting lost in the bathroom). We checked in about 2:30 and had our choice of several villas. A supervisor helped our CM pick out the best view for us, and we ended up in 3111 with a view of both a canal, lots of ducks and waterfowl begging at the patio, and the golf course.
We had dinner at the California Grill. At first I was disappointed we didn't get a MK view, but we were seated in the Wine Room, and I think this was more enjoyable. It was much quieter, and we just got up and went out to the observation deck to watch Wishes. We had ravioli, a flatbread, and each order the filet. When Don's birthday cake arrived he was just too full! Our server was very reserved, but professional. After dinner we traveled over to MGM (evening EMH) and rode RnR and ToT twice. We even had time to get in one Star Tours where 3 people were celebrating a birthday, and were each sung to before MGM closed at 11 pm.
We enjoyed the feature pool on our departure day, and think the pool slide is pretty neat (just don't lay your head down, you'll clunk your head). We did some DTD shopping and used up our extra counter service meals at Earl of Sandwich (highly recommended) and bought one last Minnie bar and Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich and 2 waters at a DTD kiosk. The CM told us many families buy 8-9 waters to use up their snack credits.
Wonderful long weekend! Didn't get to Soarin' this time, but there's always the Family December trip!
We used CS at Pop on our arrival night and also at Flame Tree Barbeque in AK. We ate in the rear of the restaurant down the hill near a pool, with us the only customers in sight.
We were able to walk onto boarding areas throughout the parks. Standby waits were often posted at 20 minutes, but we would walk right into boarding areas, except for Buzz Lightyear. We only had to wait about 5 minutes there.
On Saturday we met friends Tommy and Michelle for Illuminations at Norway, and later joined them at VWL where they were staying. We spent some time in the leisure pool and hot tub.
Sunday morning Tommy and Michelle treated us to breakfast at the Crystal Palace. Love that breakfast lasagna--and Don joined the parade and got a cupcake and birthday card! MK was very quiet and we did everything we wanted to by 1:30. That meant 2 rides on each of the mountains, 2x on Buzz, once each at HM, JC, and Tiki Birds. I did get my Pineapple Float at Aloha Isle.
Then we moved to Old Key West. We spent time in the villa whirlpool, and enjoyed the space (Don kept getting lost in the bathroom). We checked in about 2:30 and had our choice of several villas. A supervisor helped our CM pick out the best view for us, and we ended up in 3111 with a view of both a canal, lots of ducks and waterfowl begging at the patio, and the golf course.
We had dinner at the California Grill. At first I was disappointed we didn't get a MK view, but we were seated in the Wine Room, and I think this was more enjoyable. It was much quieter, and we just got up and went out to the observation deck to watch Wishes. We had ravioli, a flatbread, and each order the filet. When Don's birthday cake arrived he was just too full! Our server was very reserved, but professional. After dinner we traveled over to MGM (evening EMH) and rode RnR and ToT twice. We even had time to get in one Star Tours where 3 people were celebrating a birthday, and were each sung to before MGM closed at 11 pm.
We enjoyed the feature pool on our departure day, and think the pool slide is pretty neat (just don't lay your head down, you'll clunk your head). We did some DTD shopping and used up our extra counter service meals at Earl of Sandwich (highly recommended) and bought one last Minnie bar and Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich and 2 waters at a DTD kiosk. The CM told us many families buy 8-9 waters to use up their snack credits.
Wonderful long weekend! Didn't get to Soarin' this time, but there's always the Family December trip!
