DVC Mike Live from BWV/SSR (3/7-3/15/09)

[WoodysRoundup]

Just want to say (again) that your TR is fantastic. Thanks so much for keeping us all posted! Love the pics too!

I have a ques. for you.........We are thrilled to own at BLT but I still have an interest in VWL. Do you think your love for the Lodge will be surpassed by BLT? How will the two differ for you as far as MK resorts go? What will make VWL so special for you vs. BLT? I do appreciate the magnificence of the WL lobby. What else??? Just curious!!!

 

[DVC Mike]

We just had a very nice meal at Raglan Road Irish Pub at DTD. I had the Shepherd's Pie followed by the Strawberry and Apple Crumble for dessert.

They handled my DW's vegetarian meal (as well as her numerous food allergies) just as she wanted. The dish was cooked perfectly. It was her second best tasting meal of the trip, and it was only $8.99.

 

[DVC Mike]

A few night shots at SSR. I wish I had a tripod, so they would be clearer!

http://i235.*************************************20090316_0438.jpg
http://i235.*************************************20090316_0442.jpg
http://i235.*************************************20090316_0444.jpg

 

[DVC Mike]

Mike, what is your take on the crowds - I find it incredibly busy this week! Was at MK today and by noon Peter Pan was 45 min., SPace Mountian was 60 and Splash Mountian was 60, and you could harldy move on the streets for people. Seems like most of Texas is here mixed in with the Canadians.

It's more crowded this week than it was last week.

 

[DVC Mike]

I have one other question. In a long ago e-mail, I believe you mentioned you work for a financial institution in Charlotte. I was wondering if it is the same one I work for which is now headquartered in San Francisco or the one I used to work for when it was NCNB.

I understand if you choose not to answer, I was just curious.

BAC

 

[DVC Mike]

Just want to say (again) that your TR is fantastic. Thanks so much for keeping us all posted! Love the pics too!

I have a ques. for you.........We are thrilled to own at BLT but I still have an interest in VWL. Do you think your love for the Lodge will be surpassed by BLT? How will the two differ for you as far as MK resorts go? What will make VWL so special for you vs. BLT? I do appreciate the magnificence of the WL lobby. What else??? Just curious!!!

BLT and VWL will offer completely different experiences. VWL has a magnificently rendered theme -- the lobby still causes my jaw to drop and my eyes to look up each time we visit it. It has a quiet, peaceful, rustic and romantic setting. We love hopping on the boat to the MK.

BLT is a tower with a modern look and feel. It will offer unparalled views of the MK and Bay Lake. You can walk to the MK in just 5 minutes. You can hop the monorail for easy access to dining and parks.

I think I'm really going to love BLT. I won't know how much until my stay there this Dec. BLT won't replace VWL.

 

[sallysue66]

Why can't my husband be like DVC mike.

Mine too!

I can't get him talked into DVC. We have to go on rented points because he thinks DD will not be into WDW anymore. We keep telling him that just crazy talk!

 

[sallysue66]

Uh-Oh Mike, I just realized you are the competition. I'm fcnca.

Anyhoo, if you could you tell me how to get my DH on the DVC train I be eternally grateful.

 

[LisaS]

Thanks Lisa! I don't know how I managed to miss that one!

Maybe you were just distracted by that nice looking guy in post #92...

 

[LisaS]

We just had a very nice meal at Raglan Road Irish Pub at DTD. I had the Shepherd's Pie followed by the Strawberry and Apple Crumble for dessert.

They handled my DW's vegetarian meal (as well as her numerous food allergies) just as she wanted. The dish was cooked perfectly. It was her second best tasting meal of the trip, and it was only $8.99.

DH and I are vegetarians and have never been to Raglan Road because there didn't seem to be anything interesting on the menu. Given your comments, I would love to hear what your DW had for dinner there.

 

[Jillpie]

Maybe you were just distracted by that nice looking guy in post #92...

he's a ladies man alright!

 

[donaldsgal]

I already miss BWV!

OK, I'm going to preface this by saying that this is my personal opinion. It's just my own feeling. I know that since over 1/3 of DVC members own at SSR, I may be in the minority.

I'm not a big fan of SSR. When I got the BLT developer points, I used some for our DLR trip to California, used some more to give our neighbors a free trip, and I still had points left over. Since they're only good at SSR, that's what I booked.

I approached another stay at SSR with a fresh outlook, hoping I would enjoy it.

The positives are that I really like the elegant and sophisticated décor of the rooms. SSR is also a beautiful resort. And it is close to DTD, although I'm not a big fan of DTD.

However, I just can't get past the size of SSR. It's a large, very spread out resort. I don't like having to get in my car to drive to the lobby, feature pool, or onsite dining (of which there are few options).

Walking the grounds does not give me the same feeling as the Epcot resorts or VWL. Entering the lobby does not give me the same awe-inspiring feeling as when I enter the lobby of the Wilderness Lodge or Animal Kingdom Lodge. The understated, subdued theme of SSR doesn't do it for me.

The apartment/condo-style setup is also not to my liking. I don't like so much asphalt. I don't like busses driving by me. I prefer the DVC resorts that are attached to the Deluxe resorts.

Buy hey, it's still Disney and I'm going to enjoy my stay at SSR.

Are your thoughts the same with OKW? We own at SSR and AKV - haven't stayed at AKV yet. Maybe the next trip. We have stayed at BCV, too, and enjoyed the convenience of being so close to Epcot. For us, we love the sheer size of the rooms at OKW. We prefer OKW and don't own there. I like the colors of OKW because it feels very beachy and vacationy, which we love. I'm excited to try BLT someday, AKV, BWV, and VWL. I LOVE that lobby!

 

[Moeluv4u7]

I really appreciate the pictures Mike! Especially considering you are obviously taking the photos of SSR for "us"- This will be our first stay since it is developer points- I figure first impressions of actually being there will tell the tale- But rather than book our nect trip in July at our home resort- AKV- I booked OKW and that was because I am like donaldsgal, I guess- It looks so beachy and I love the colors I have seen of the resort! Also, the great reviews of the resort and room size! We plan to book AKV next year AFTER we stay at BWV!
DH & I may be getting another couple nights at SSR on our own w/ the last few developer points- We will see- Hope the availability is there- Just can't get anyone else to use our last 20 points - so... we will add a few of the points left over this year before I bank and add to SSR and book 2 nights for just us! No kids- which will be a first after 18 years! Excited about it but we haven't even booked yet- Hope we can!
Thx again for the pics!

 

[AnnaS]

Thank you so much again for your wonderful pictures and trip report. Keep them coming.

We have owned a little over 8 years and so far have stayed only at OKW, BCV and BWV. Each time I am in one resort, I love the one I am currently staying at and terribly miss one of the other ones.

We will be staying at AKV (Kidani) and HH this August and I have a feeling will feel the same way. I hope soon my dh and I can come down a bit more so I don't have to wait so long to experience them more than once a year.

 

[stopher1]

Thanks again Mike for all of the pics and time you've put into this while on vacation. It's been such a nice way to start the day.

 

[MiaSRN62]

It's more crowded this week than it was last week.

I'm flying in on Thursday. One of my co-workers is flying in Friday. She told me she's coming down with her dd for the national cheerleading competitions. This, combined with spring breakers---- be prepared this weekend for a large influx of cheerleaders & crowds period. The cheerleading group is staying at All Star Sports from what my friend told me.


Maria

 

[granmanh603]

I'm flying in on Thursday. One of my co-workers is flying in Friday. She told me she's coming down with her dd for the national cheerleading competitions. This, combined with spring breakers---- be prepared this weekend for a large influx of cheerleaders & crowds period. The cheerleading group is staying at All Star Sports from what my friend told me.


Maria

INFLUX of Cheerleaders they have been here for the last 2 weeks that I have been here!!!!!!! along with HS band and school trip kids...this place is packed this weeks already. I just wonder where the recession is?

 

[MamaCrush]

Mike-- I must add my voice to the many who have already thanked you for your tremendous commitment to giving us addicts our fix! Having just come back ourselves, your reports-- and especially your pix-- have eased my re-entry into reality!! (I work in Charlotte for a law firm in one of those big financial buildings that make up our skyline!).

 

[LilGMom]

I'm flying in on Thursday. One of my co-workers is flying in Friday. She told me she's coming down with her dd for the national cheerleading competitions. This, combined with spring breakers---- be prepared this weekend for a large influx of cheerleaders & crowds period. The cheerleading group is staying at All Star Sports from what my friend told me.


Maria

Ugh! Hopefully the groups will be busy during the day and won't impact the parks that much.

 

[DVC Mike]

DH and I are vegetarians and have never been to Raglan Road because there didn't seem to be anything interesting on the menu. Given your comments, I would love to hear what your DW had for dinner there.

It was just a simple plate of grilled vegetables, but it was cooked to perfection. She loved it.

Besides being a vegetarian, she is allergic to gluten, soy, all vinegars except apple-cider vinegar, strawberries, watermelon, etc.