First ever trip report - Sept 2009 - Tues 22nd (11/11)

[Becx N Gav]

Hey there, well this will be my first trip report (hence the bad title) - hopefully I’ll keep it entertaining and interesting

We went to WDW with our 2 friends from 20th – 30th Sept 2009. It’s taken me a while to get all our pics re-named and moved onto Flickr after getting the Photopass CD last week. I could really do with copies of pics our friends took but I’ll add them if I get the chance.

So intros first – my name is Becx (Rebecca, Becky or any other connotation as long as you don’t call me Rachel ) I’m (only just) 29, life long Disney fan but only able to go to WDW as an adult. My Dad would just never take us to America let alone Disney – I’m guessing the cost was a factor but also his idea of a family holiday would be museums, sight seeing etc. Which I’m happy with but would have preferred WDW . I first went to DLRP in 2000 with my Mum who took me for my Birthday After meeting my DH I persuaded him to take a trip to DLRP too. Before that he didn’t really understand all that Disney encompassed and was pleasantly surprised – I’ll refer to myself in the first person.

DH – Gavin or Gav as I prefer! As I said he found his love for Disney at DLRP and after a trip to WDW he was hooked! –I’ll call him DH or Gav.

We were also with our friends Aaron and Charlotte who had been to DLRP with us too, in March 2008. They pretty much left the planning to us but wanted to see and do as much as possible in a 10 night trip. They had also agreed upon a few places to eat when we'd told them about the restaurants –I’ll call them A&C collectively or A and C separately!

Here we all are

We are DVC so we booked 11 months out at SSR resort, hoping to get 2 studio’s at BCV at 7 months out – which we did

We flew with Virgin Atlantic, having used them for all our trips to the US.

We decided on these restaurants:
Tokyo Dining - dinner
Kouzinna - dinner
Sanaa - dinner
1900 Park Fare - breakfast
Garden View - afternoon tea
Raglan Road - dinner
Boma - dinner
IHOP - breakfast
Cheesecake Factory - lunch
Pecos Bill - lunch
AK picnic - lunch
Studio Catering Co. - lunch
Bar at 50' Primetime - dinner
Beaches and Cream - lunch

I also tried to plan the park days without a need for the hopper option, DH and I have AP’s but our friends didn’t so we were trying to save them a bit of money. Luckily with 10 days and only 4 parks this wasn’t too tricky but we did have to make some compromises and we had some changes of plan but I don’t think we missed out on anything.

We were travelling to the airport with A&C and it made sense to stay the night before (Sat 19th) at their house so A’s Dad could pick us all up together – he is a taxi driver and was happy to take us and pick us up from the airport. Geezer.
We got there in the evening and got chinese take-out for dinner – the vacation had begun!

Day 1 part 1

Day 1 part 2

Day 1 part 3

Day 1 part 4

Day 2 part 1

Day 2 part 2

Day 2 part 3

Day 2 part 4

Day 2 part 5

Day 3 part 1

 

[Gav N Becx]

As you can probably imagine we had a few hiccups and plan changes along the way. I long for a holiday that is straightforward start to end!
However, I won't spoil it. I'll let Becx fill y'all in on the details!
We had a great time overall.

 

[Becx N Gav]

As you can probably imagine we had a few hiccups and plan changes along the way. I long for a holiday that is straightforward start to end!
However, I won't spoil it. I'll let Becx fill y'all in on the details!
We had a great time overall.

It really wasn't too bad, as I said we did most of what we planned to do. The problem was A&C weren't very well prepared for the heat and amount of walking - despite the advice before we left. They told us when we got there (not the night before when they were still packing) that they mainly brought jeans with them

 

[wdwgirl03]

I'm here! Didn't you have a PTR for last December? I remember we were going to be there around the same time.

Can't wait to hear about your trip!

 

[Becx N Gav]

I'm here! Didn't you have a PTR for last December? I remember we were going to be there around the same time.

Can't wait to hear about your trip!

Hey there yes we did go last Dec I just didn't get around to doing a trip report but I'm determined to keep this one going
Will add more tonight

Thanks for joining

 

[Becx N Gav]

Sunday 20th September

On the itinerary I had for today:
Flight VS015 12.45 - 16.55
Pick up hire car
Check in BC Villas
Dinner - in/near BC

Our plan was to leave at 7.30am with a (hopefully) 2 hour drive to Gatwick – possible on a Sunday . We were all up and about but A&C still had a few last minute bits to pack. A made us all sausage sarnies which kept us going until we got to Gatwick. A’s Dad was also there on time but A&C were still getting things together. We had 2 suitcases ourselves...

Our suitcases had 2 more bags inside that we were planning to use coming home. A&C had 3, but with hand luggage and 4 bodies it was a bit of a squeeze (no boot/trunk in the taxi), but we managed it and didn’t really care as we were on our way!
Here’s us squished in like sardines but happy!

We got to Gatwick after about 2 hours on the road which was great as we slowed down for a few miles near the road works
First stop inside the airport was dropping off our bags as we had checked in online the day before.
Next up I wanted a Krispy Kreme doughnut or 6 as I knew they had a store before you went through security. I walked up to the end of the area but no Krispy Kreme Oh no I walked around the end of the stores to check the other side but no sign – I was very disappointed as I was really looking forward to an unhealthy snack for the plane
Oh well, no point in hanging around here so we went through to the security area, because we flew PE (Premium Economy) they gave us ‘fast passes’ to get through the security line
Unfortunately this was only the bit before you enter the room with all the x-ray machines and the line was about as far back as it could get, oh well – maybe in future we’ll be able to skip a few people at least
We all got through ok and were getting hungry again, it was about 10.30 at this point so we went to Bridges Bar to get breakfast.
I had the pancakes – trying to adjust to American foods – but they were pretty gross, dry and they had already poured over the syrup (don’t think it was maple) whereas I like to dip my pancakes in and control how much I have, plus I love those little jugs you get!

Gav went for Eggs Benedict which I think he enjoyed

The bar was ok but we were there at the end of the breakfast service as they were changing over for lunch – a couple of minutes after we got our food a waitress came over and just snatched up the brekkie menus – she didn’t even say excuse me or ask for us to pass them

DH and I wanted to get some duty free perfume/after shave and I wanted a sandwich for the plane as I don’t like the food much (also as I don’t eat fish and mushrooms I sometimes don’t have a choice of anything – I do like the other bits you get though )
I got one of the new Dolce & Gabbana The D&G Fragrance Anthology – number 3 which has notes of watermelon, kiwi, pink cyclamen and musk. DH got a Joop one.

Once we met back up with A&C we headed over to Shake A Hula

and I got a Double Decker (http://www.chocablog.com/reviews/cadbury-double-decker/) milkshake with a Flake (http://www.chocablog.com/reviews/cadbury-flake/) in it – yum me!
Making my shake

 

[Becx N Gav]

They had announced our gate by this point – for some reason (and I’m sure someone may know why) Gatwick don’t tell you which gate you will be going to when you check in At least not for Virgin flights. I slurped on the long walk there, which wasn’t so bad as there are a few travelators on the way.
This is my attempt at a self portrait with my shake

We joined the long queue and then I spotted a sign which said Upper Class and PE passengers – with no one waiting woo hoo So we scooted over and they checked our passports and boarding cards (they do this as you enter the gate area rather than as you are boarding the plane, saves a bit of time ).
There is then another bag check and lucky me got called over (I had far more stuff than DH and it was packed in very tightly) – the poor guy started looking through my bag of bags – I had the camcorder in my camera bag and a few bits in a make up bag, I was also carrying all our purchases. Then I got patted down, meanwhile the guy was still searching my bag and having trouble getting it all back in so I asked if he wanted me to put it in
Everyone else was waiting for me and it was pretty crowded in there so we just stood up but it wasn’t long before we started boarding and we were in the second group – We got inside the plane and headed upstairs – I love it up there in the bubble
Our seats were at the back on the left and A&C were across the aisle. They brought around the pre flight drinks but I was still full after my milkshake It didn’t take long to board everyone and we started taxiing – Orlando here we come
On Virgin instead of the stewards/esses doing the safety demo there is a video which plays in the seat back TV’s but none of these were working and no one said anything You could still hear it but no picture – I was glad we’d already seen it.
They had a good selection of films on the in flight entertainment (IFE) I started by watching Terminator but about an hour in the system was reset as some people’s TV’s were not working so it went back to the menu screen Then the food came around, as I got a sandwich earlier I asked for the tray without the hot option, good thing too as they had run out of chicken which is what I would have gone for! DH didn’t get anything. I didn’t eat the salad it looked a bit limp The white bun was really dry but the butter helped, the other things I ate were very nice though especially the Gu dessert.

(notice the real cutlery )

I read a bit of my book and played my DS, I tried to sleep but I can never get comfy enough in those seats (I’m not good at sleeping in different beds either – it takes me a few nights to get used to it). DH was watching Star Trek on the second cycle but the IFE again reset meaning he lost an hour before it came back on
When the next cycle came I started watching another film – New Town Killers which was just about keeping my interest when the IFE went off again Not amused. I had been given a questionnaire so I decided to fill that in, I made sure I left comments about the IFE

 

[Becx N Gav]

Here are a few pics I took along the way, this one was of the Atlantic just after we’d passed over Ireland,

I think this was over Boston (according to the map they show)

and this one was somewhere over Virginia!

We landed safely and it wasn’t long until we got to the gate and were allowed off The first thing you notice is the strength of the sunshine, considering we didn’t get much sun over the summer it felt really good. The next is the air-con which I like in moderation but DH loves it.
We got to immigration and as we were almost first off the plane we only waited a few minutes until we got called to a desk. The guy was very nice and it didn’t take too long.
We waited at the carousel and a lot of people were taking pics and using their cell phones The police/security were onto them very quickly, unfortunately I don’t think C noticed and proceeded to switch her phone on! I was just about to say something but one of the officials noticed and told her to put it off We were standing on the left of the carousel and the guy catching the bags told us they would be traveling to the right so we quickly moved around. It didn’t take long to get our bags and we got to the monorail, first ride of the vacation

 

[suzycute]

Hi Becx! Yay - your first trip report! You've made a great start - I'm loving it and will be looking forward to reading lots more!

 

[Becx N Gav]

Hi Becx! Yay - your first trip report! You've made a great start - I'm loving it and will be looking forward to reading lots more!

Hi ya Sue! There will be more - I've written quite a lot but I was having a lot of trouble getting the link to work for my photos - think I've got it sussed now

Thanks for stopping by

 

[Becx N Gav]

We headed down to the rental desks, we had gone through Budget with a code DH found for a free upgrade if you paid using a visa credit card (mine). However when we got there the Budget guy told us there were no cars in the class above the one we booked! Typical. Also the driver had to be the one paying by credit card so I couldn’t use mine. Luckily DH had brought along one of his in case of an emergency. The agent did offer us an upgrade for a bit more each day and we decided to go for it (as we needed a large enough car for all our bags – each way as well!).
We got a Jeep Laredo. If we do decide to rent a car again we would go for the right size at the time of booking, saves all the hassle. I thought the guy behind the counter was a little bit rude and not very helpful. When he told us we could not get the free upgrade, he didn’t offer us anything else at first even when we explained we needed plenty of room for all our bags
We got all our stuff in the car and headed out of the airport, which we found pretty easy and were soon at WDW.
This is the first time I’ve been able to take this picture as we’ve either been on ME or in a town car during previous visits (sorry it's a bit dark)

We thought the Beach Club was easy to find - we were getting our stuff out of the car before we knew it The CM outside greeted DH by name which we thought was a little strange but realized the front gate must have radio'd ahead He took us around to the check in desk and despite us having checked in online we went to the regular desk, it was nice and quick and we were given room 440 (I requested a room not on the ground floor and that we got 2 studios near each other) but it took a little longer for A&C to get their room assignment as they were trying to find one close to ours. In the end they got 475 which was ok – they just had a bit further to walk than us.

The room was lovely, I especially loved the bed spread! (shame it wouldn’t fit in any of our bags – joking)
Here are a few pics

We quickly got changed and we had decided on heading to Epcot for a spot of dinner as it meant A&C could pick up their park tickets too. We took a slow walk around to China and ate in the Lotus Blossom which DH and I had tried last December. I got pot stickers as I wasn’t very hungry – I’d been snacking all through the plane ride and DH got egg rolls and shrimp fried rice plus a beer

As we were finishing dinner, Illuminations was starting so we walked and watched (we didn’t want A&C seeing them too much as we had the Illuminations boat cruise planned for the next night ) We wanted to get a drink in the new tequila bar Cava de Tequila but the Mexico pavilion was already roped off.
We headed back to the International Gateway (I love how close the BC is to that exit) trying to beat the end of Illuminations as I knew we’d be fighting the crowds (which weren’t too bad ).
When we got back to the room we unpacked a little and went to bed (at about 3.30am our time )

 

[suzycute]

Beach Club looks lovely - can't wait to stay there someday! Shame about the rude guy at Budget
I'm going to send Kate the link to your report - she's at Uni but I know she'd love to read it!

 

[Becx N Gav]

Beach Club looks lovely - can't wait to stay there someday! Shame about the rude guy at Budget
I'm going to send Kate the link to your report - she's at Uni but I know she'd love to read it!

We love the Beach Club, probably our favourite resort that we've stayed at - although for me WL is a close second

Yey it'll be great to get some more posters it looks like a few people have read it but you're only my second poster - apart from DH who doesn't count

I do need to update it a bit more regularly though, just don't seem to have much free time at the moment and with Christmas round the corner it's gonna be even harder

Thanks for dropping in

 

[praisehisname]

Hi! I'm really enjoying your report so far!

Denise

 

[Becx N Gav]

Hi! I'm really enjoying your report so far!

Denise

Hi Denise thanks for joining in I think I'm just getting a bit paranoid, when I read other TR's (admittedly they're usually the ones posted by 'famous' TR writers) I see their first post and then at least a page of people joining in I'm sure mine will be more like a snowball - starts small then gets bigger (then I'll be annoyed that I have to reply to soooooo many posts I guess you can't win )

I'm actually writing our first proper day up now but will post when I get home tonight as I have to check my notes and add in lots of pics.

 

[wdwgirl03]

I love the Beach Club! Those comforters were so cute with all the Little Mermaid characters.

 

[Becx N Gav]

I love the Beach Club! Those comforters were so cute with all the Little Mermaid characters.

It's my favourite movie, I wanted a picture with the statue at the Villas too but we never did it But at least we can do it next time (or else )

 

[Becx N Gav]

I forgot to mention we got refillable mugs on Sunday night when we got back from Epcot I love the new designs and we use them for our coffee every evening

Monday 21st September

On todays itinerary:
7am - Brekkie & groceries - take back to BC
10am - Mall at Millenia
Lunch - 12:30pm - Cheesecake Factory
2pm - Premium Outlets (Crocs Store and Disney Outlet)
3pm - Leave Mall
4:30 - Leave for Epcot
Dinner - Tokyo Dining 5.20pm
Illuminations Boat Cruise 8pm

As I knew we’d be awake very early – I think I was wide awake at 5am I thought we should get up early and make the most of the day. I put away the rest of our clothes and stuff and had a quick shower.
We were all ready and heading out to the car by 7am - I love the time difference going west but it's amazing how quickly you can adapt to the time in Florida sometimes.
I was fairly confident about finding our first stop – IHOP for brekkie. I was doing all the navigating whilst DH was the driver – it worked out ok over the course of the vacation, there were a few wrong turns and missed exits but we never went too far out the way, C was very helpful too which was handy. I think I could have done with a more detailed map as I found the exit ramps a bit confusing and then when we missed the turn it wasn’t all that easy to turn around. If I had been able to see all the smaller roads it might have been easier. I had also been looking on google maps with the street view to look at the surrounding area - the trouble I had was it took so long to go down the road. It would be better if you could travel along a route like a video.
I was pretty good on Disney property as we had travelled around most of it by bus before and I had a good general sense of direction. When we got to DTD I knew we were supposed to head along towards the crossroads and make a U turn. I saw IHOP and said to DH we need to make a U turn (which is usually illegal to do in the UK ) but to go to the far right as it was really close to where we were turning. Unfortunately some guy behind us was a bit impatient and kept sounding his horn but due to the traffic coming at us from the left we couldn’t turn (he was turning left I think) – we got there in the end but as it was our first time driving around (other than from the airport which isn’t too tricky) DH was getting a bit frazzled by this guy.
As we were there so early it was almost empty inside the IHOP. The waitress came over to take the drinks order and remembered to mention Pepsi – for breakfast, that cracks me up We all got juices and some coffee. I ordered the pancakes with apple and caramel

DH got the eggs Benedict again – can you tell he likes this LOL

Mine was huge I had 2 plates worth of food, the hash browns were really good, over here they more like a potato cake in one piece rather than shredded. Mmmmm, American bacon how I have missed you I was so engrossed with my bacon HB’s and eggs I almost forgot my pancakes, I ate a couple and the apple but was so stuffed

We took some pics of the car here before setting off to Publix.

We went towards the Publix near the Premium Outlets Mall and again as we were there early, it was quiet. We were only going in for a few snacks and some candy for DH to take into work but we spent over $100 About $20 of that was on one of those tuner things for DH’s iPhone / C’s iPod so we could listen to something in the car (we have loads of those leads at home which connect through the head phone sockets but DH never reminds me to put them on the list So we always have to buy one ) it worked ok but you could hear a bit of static. I really need to make sure we stick to a list when going grocery shopping (it would have helped if I had brought the list I’d already made in the first place but what cha gonna do eh ). As we had some chilled items we took them back to the BC – I wish I had popped an empty suitcase in the trunk to put some of these bits into – maybe next time! It seemed a shame to get the valet to park our car as we literally went up to the room put the food away and then came back down to get in the car again. We totally would have self parked if it wasn't for the free valet with DVC. I’m so glad we got to make use of that before they took it away

 

[wishspirit]

Great trip report Becx!!

My mom sent me the link, and I am glad she did! I love the photos, and the quilt at the Beach Club. I am considering renting points there for my holiday in June, you may just have convinced me!

Don't worry about the lack of subscribers, they will come when the days start adding up! Its a great start and maybe send a link over from the DIsUnplugged board too (that's what I did with my mom's one). I am sure all your fans from there would love to read your report!

Can't wait for the next instalment! (mainly cause I might be in it! )

 

[Becx N Gav]

So back in the car and instead of doing Mall at Millenia (MaM) first C suggested we do the Premium Outlets first as we should be fairly quick and then we could take our time at MaM.
There were only 2 stores I had to go in – Crocs (I needed some flip flops) and Disney Outlet – of course C wanted to have a look for a clutch purse for her sis so she went into a couple of places but there was nothing suitable.
We all went around the Disney Outlet and I found a few bits, a couple of pins for trading and a Flower and Garden Fest pin as I didn’t get one in May when we last came. I traded a couple later on and these are the ones I kept.

I got some Christmas decorations (they are all soft so no worries about them breaking)

A pair of jogging bottoms, a picture and coin set $4.99 down from $15

and a light up Halloween necklace (which I never got around to wearing and I don’t think is working properly anyway – oh well )
DH found a golf shirt he liked so he got that. We didn’t spend too much at all, I was impressed but then I was also going around really quickly and not looking as thoroughly as I would have liked as A&C were just wandering around and didn’t get anything.
We headed in French Connection next C was looking at dresses and picked up a nice one, the clothes weren’t really my style (not that I have a style but they weren’t what I would wear). While they were doing that I said DH and I would head around to the Crocs store as I knew roughly what I wanted and could be back in 5 – 10 minutes. I got there and saw some flip flops which weren’t quite what I wanted but I thought they’d do, I had a quick look around and was really tempted with the Nadia boots – so cheap But thought no, I’ll be good! I was also hoping to see some Disney ones but no, none here I wasn’t too bummed as I thought I should be able to pick up a pair at Disney anyway.
I was about to head to the register when I saw a load more flip flops and they looked much nicer so I found a pair in my size and I was all set
We headed back to FC and they were just paying. Then we went back to the car – it was getting pretty hot by this time so we were glad of the AC when it came through (although I think it was a mixed blessing for me as I would come to find out). As we weren’t too pushed for time I had decided that we would stick to the local roads and avoid the tolls (saved a bit of money too) – I’d spent a while on google maps beforehand and compared the routes and it didn’t seem to vary too much. We did quite well getting to MaM, it seemed further away than I thought from looking at the map but still it wasn’t too far. We saw loads of big black clouds going over and were glad we weren’t in a park :yes: I think the parking lot there was more confusing than the actual roads to get to the mall, you go in and then it’s so massive you have to choose which end you want (I had no idea!) and then you go along and you’re still not in the parking lot But we just headed for the big building and aimed for a parking spot near an entrance (I think we were near Bloomingdales which was handy as we knew which way to come out too – I hate when you go out the wrong door and have to walk all the way around )
I wasn’t too bothered about any stores in particular here – I wanted a new DS game but that was all. DH wanted a cable for his iPod in the car as the tuner thing was annoying him C wanted a Chanel bag and A had mentioned he wanted to get a PSP. First stop was Starbucks
I got a frozen caramel macchiato – love these DH went for a frozen one too

I think A got a pumpkin latte I have no idea why he would choose a hot drink and C got water.
We consulted the map and were heading towards the Chanel shop so that was our next stop once we’d finished our drinks (I did not want to spill in Chanel ) C went in ahead as I put my drink in the trash, she’d spotted the bag she wanted and the lady was ringing it up for her. C gave the lady her credit card but (I think due to the amount and C hadn’t told the c.card company we would be in Florida) the card got declined. I offered to use my card if she had the cash at home as I was already going to pay for something (our spa treatments so we could use my discount) for C and get the money when we got home. C said no, she’d just call the c.card company and ask them to allow transactions from now on. The lady was really nice about it and put the bag behind the counter with a note on saying that we’d be back later or tomorrow to pick it up. We left the shop and boys wondered why we didn’t have any thing – we explained about the c.card being declined and then C said she’d noticed the price when it was being rung up (the stuff in there didn’t have any price tags on but she’d seen it online and in other stores for about $400-500) and claimed it was























$2000 Which is why she’d said no when I offered to pay – sensible girl! I think she was in shock a bit and was pretty quiet as we carried on. Personally I could not believe how much it was just for a bag – I don’t care who made it We looked in some of the department stores for both another Chanel bag or one for C’s sis. We didn’t get anything and were getting a bit hungry so headed for the Cheesecake Factory for a spot of lunch.