Following Dr. Seuss to BCV- a November 2011 TR Updates 6/11

[podsnel]

umm yes that was a great way to stall cleaning. I sympathize for the christmas that threw up on your house. I have nutcrackers everywhere. Once upon at time they were all in their assigned place and now the mouse king is doing battle with the legos and fishing tackle. Love that Katie. But I loved looking at the FF app. yummmy. We did scallops last Saturday and they just weren't the same as the Blue Zoo ones. The apps in WDW just can't be beat.

I can't even begin to explain the picture I have in my head of your Christmas house, but it really makes me !!! I love that Katie, too!!

YUM that tuna tartar sushi looks amazing. Adding that to my Feb Must-Do List!

Good decision- it's really delicious!

We had Brian when we went last week. LOVED him !! He really was the best !! We had the Milky Way Sundae and it was sooo good. DH and I shared and I couldn't finish and he couldn't either. Sooo yummy though.

It makes me so happy to hear that Brian is so well known- he is the epitome of a Disney CM, isn't he?

Wonderful update!!!! But it made me a little sad - all of the pictures and stories of the BW, we were living it just back in October. I wish I was there now.

FF always looks so good to me. We did Kouzzina this year, but I would love to try FF - maybe when DD is a little older. As soon as I saw the menu you posted, I thought, "man, I'd like to try that pumpkin martini, but would it be good or gross?" I guess now I know!

I just booked a 1bdrm at the BWV for next November's vacation- BW view! Four nights there after 5 nights at AKV in a Jambo GV! I am SUPER excited for next year's vacation!!! We are really looking forward to going back to BWV- can't wait to be in the middle of all that fun!

And you might like that martini- if you like eggnog- it was a little thick for me, though-

So, I forget.....is there a bar at FF? I've eaten there, but I'm drawing a blank. That app and martini look amazing. Yum!

I love Sean's aerobed and how he feels cozy with all his stuff around. I have nights like that too. So great that he seems so happy and actually wanted to go swimming.

Oh yeah - I could totally see my boys bouncing that basketball in the room.

I really didn't know that all the 1 BRs sleep 5. That's great!

There IS a bar at FF- it's like a super secret bar- shhhhh.....

I knew they would bounce the ball, too- but I know they didn't, they really understood how bad it would have been below us. They did later think of something else to do with it- but that's another post....

 

[podsnel]

Never fear.... there's a McSparkleson here!!!!

Uh-oh...here it comes....

Better late than never, right? OK, so here are my two very important observations.....
1) Did you take Sean to see Tinkerbell and the fairies because when you do that, you know you have to SHRINK down to their size. And it appears that Sam I Am shrunk before going to B&C.....
2) Tyler is definitely "wired."

Ahhh...I have missed your infinite wisdom, Miss KJ...

Now on to other comments, because we all know I'm not one to keep my yap shut.....

REALLY!

The tuna tartare is to die for!!!! I'm hoping to have it in 8 days....... just sayin....

YUM!!!

And now I know why your pics are blurry on our DISmoms trips.... because you are just too focused on.... ME!

Of course!! I love me some Kara Jean! ANd SOMEONE needs to watch you in WDW! (I guess I'd better call Jeff and remind him, huh...)

Wow! I thought you were just joking when you said you were eating a kitchen sink! I didn't realize they had something actually called that! I would do my best, ice cream lover that I am!

Oh, it's a VERY fun challenge!!

You are such a patient mother to deal with all of Sean's quirks. I don't know if I would have that much sanity left! You managed to get him the fries he loves, his books, his friends (hello Blue & Thumper!) and even brought mac & cheese? Superwoman!

Who said I was sane?

Also - happy Belated BDAY!

Thank-you!

How did you have room to eat sushi after the ice cream? Me personally, dinner would have been only ice cream. Forget sushi. If it swims, I don't eat it!

I quit early on the ice cream due to Sean, and I was VERY motivated to have that tuna- I knew it was my only chance.

A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do- KWIM?

Sorry for the double post, but I forgot the most important thing! If you ever come to OH, I know the BEST location for an ice wine martini, made with real Ice Wine, and it too has the frozen grapes. First time I got one though, I thought they had put an olive in it, turns out it was a frozen green grape! Super Delish!

Ok- so last night I totally forgot to reply to you when I was replying!! I REALLY need to get rid of this everlasting cold, it's making me nuts!!

That ice wine martini sounds yummy- I have a really nice bottle of ice wine I got from Peller Estates when I was up in Niagara in Canada. Hmmmm.....

Is it wrong that I know want one of these at 7:30 in the morning?

No! Nothing wrong with that!!

 

[RGirl]

I just booked a 1bdrm at the BWV for next November's vacation- BW view! Four nights there after 5 nights at AKV in a Jambo GV! I am SUPER excited for next year's vacation!!! We are really looking forward to going back to BWV- can't wait to be in the middle of all that fun!

And you might like that martini- if you like eggnog- it was a little thick for me, though-

So jealous!!!! I think AKL is beautiful - would love to stay there someday. Except that I fell so in love with BWV, I don't know when we could possibly fit in another resort! Seriously - I really NEED to buy DVC; I can't imagine trying to stay in a "normal" hotel room after our trip in October.

Gack - eggnog grosses me out, and the thought of a thick martini gives me the shivers. I am so glad you tried it for me first!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Oops - I haven't been on much - I'm excited that you are reporting - I'm going back to read! (Oh, and check your FB - I'm offering my December Deal again!)

ETA : All caught up- Yay for Dr Suess!! He's a hero! I noticed a smaller book works, too! I was thinking it's a good thing you don't need to travel ith a 4 ft bear or something - a book is a great companion! I'm so happy Sean is settling in well and is having a good time!

BCV is so nice! On my list for sure!

Your dinner made me hungry but your late night snack looks divine! I think I would vote for the Caramel Apple martini outside!

 

[podsnel]

Enjoying your TR as usual. It's making me very anxious for my next trip end of Jan. into first week of Feb. Can't wait! I'm spending the first 4 days at ASMusic then 2 days in one of my favorites - BC! My brother and nephew from FL are meeting me for the week. I think after reading all your TRs I've finally been inspired to write my own. So I plan on taking tons of pictures.
Oh and next time you're looking for sangria in that Epcot resort area try Hurricane Hannah's. I had time to kill on the last day of my last trip while waiting for the ME so I got one there and sat in a rocker at the YC. Awesome! Then on my way back to BW I got one at the pizza window. The pizza window one was good but I think premixed. The bartender at HH's mixed it right there in front of me.

Oh- I'm SO happy you are going to do a TR!! Please make sure you post here when you start!

And thanks for the sangria tip! I agree- the one on the BW tasted pre mixes (as in it was bought as Sangria, not red wine that they created sangria with).

I just found your new TR today, I had been following your cruise one over on the Community board but somehow I lost track of it. can't wait to hear about this trip...........going back to read.....

Lost track of my cruise TR- Oh NO!!! Here's a link-
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2784989

I have two more days to write about still from our 9 night cruise!

Sounds like a great start to your trip! Glad Sean likes Dr Suess enough to follow him anywhere. That's awesome that you ended up getting the same room you had last time.

That Kitchen Sink looked good. Wow! there's a lot in it, did I see brownies and twinkies? Crazy, no wonder nobody can finish it, LOL! My Dh could probaby put a good sized dent in one, though, we'll have to pay B & C a visit next time we are there.

There were brownies and bundt cake as well as milky way bars. Just a little bit of sugar...

That's good you brought that aerobed and linens for Sean, it probably made him feel more at home. I have that same Thumper! I got him on one of my trips when I was a teenager.

That's so funny you have the same Thumper!! He has had him since birth- there is no replacing that guy!

Can't wait to read more!

Edited to add a Belated Happy Birthday!!

Thank-you!

Mmm, that Caramel Apple Margarita on the menu at Boardwalk Joe's sounds lovely!

If you ever get to try it, let me know what you think! I LOVED that there were different cocktails at many of the venues this trip- I really hated it when they made all of WDW one generic cocktail menu- that was no fun at all.

 

[podsnel]

So jealous!!!! I think AKL is beautiful - would love to stay there someday. Except that I fell so in love with BWV, I don't know when we could possibly fit in another resort! Seriously - I really NEED to buy DVC; I can't imagine trying to stay in a "normal" hotel room after our trip in October.

Gack - eggnog grosses me out, and the thought of a thick martini gives me the shivers. I am so glad you tried it for me first!

The prices are very good on the resale market- as long as you are not planning to use your points for anything other than WDW stays, that's a good way to go. Makes a GREAT Christamas gift!

Oops - I haven't been on much - I'm excited that you are reporting - I'm going back to read! (Oh, and check your FB - I'm offering my December Deal again!)

ETA : All caught up- Yay for Dr Suess!! He's a hero! I noticed a smaller book works, too! I was thinking it's a good thing you don't need to travel ith a 4 ft bear or something - a book is a great companion! I'm so happy Sean is settling in well and is having a good time!

BCV is so nice! On my list for sure!

Your dinner made me hungry but your late night snack looks divine! I think I would vote for the Caramel Apple martini outside!

Hi Tammie! I will definitely check out your sale- thanks for letting me know! Have they come out with any SPF 15 sunscreen yet? I REALLY miss that!

Ok- another vote for that caramel apple martini! You all better let us know how it was- it sounds a little too sweet for me-

 

[disneydevil]

Looking forward to hearing about your trip! Hope Sean, as well as the rest of you had fun! I saw him at the holiday shop & he was proudly sporting his Mickey shirt !!

Terri (Hannah's Mom)

That tuna app. looked great!! Do you ever go to Fujiyama Mama in Westfield??

 

[NMW]

Awesome tr so far DH and I are really enjoying it

 

[podsnel]

On Thursday, I got up before everyone else to go take care of some business- we needed APs for all of us, and we needed a new TIW card as well. I thought I would just get my own AP right now, and we could get the rest of the family's when we went to MK later that morning. I wanted to try getting the AP from the BC Concierge desk with the hope that maybe things had changed and they would also be able to issue my TIW card- but, no such luck. I did get my AP though- and was handed the plastic card that looks just like a KTTW card. The concierge said that this was all they were able to issue at the hotels, they were not set up to print the tyvek cards. After that, I strolled over to the IG to get my TIW card- and asked the CM if I could get a tyvek AP from him to replace the plastic one I had just gotten moments before- I was worried that I might throw it out at some point after the trip, thinking it was an old room key.

I am so, SO glad I wanted a tyvek card and I said something.

The CM at the IG (International Gateway- the back entrance to EPCOT) shook his head and said, "I can't believe they are still doing this."



He went on to tell me that the problem with getting an AP at the hotel is that their system is not interfaced with the parks' system, and if you lose an AP issued at BCV or any other hotel on property- they have no way of tracking it, and you are out of luck. WOW- is THAT good to know!! Lesson learned- I will ALWAYS buy my AP at the park!

Back at the room, everyone was just about ready to go- we had a breakfast ADR at Kona. So off we went, and our very most excellent transportation mojo followed us to the bus stop, where we walked up, and a MK bus pulled in-

When we got off and were walking to the monorail at MK, the most excellent transpotation mojo follwed us AGAIN as a boat pulled right up and we got on her instead-

First we stopped at-

So excited they are building a DVC there!! I LOVE having options of trying more resorts (hopefully)! I wish it was being built at the Poly, though- I think I would have to add on a few of those points....anyway, we were arriving...

Look MEK!!

We checked in and were handed our pager. Meanwhile, we perused the pastry selection at the sushi bar-

After about a 15 minute wait, we were seated.

This is tied for my favorite breakfast at WDW- with Kouzzina, and wait- there's a new contender (for me) WPE- but for Tyler THIS is the one place he HAD to come to on vacation- Tonga Toast may just be his favorite brekkie of all time!!! First things first- even though it was only me drinking coffee, I HAD to have-

We placed our order, and waited VERY PATIENTLY to be served. The food is really, really yummy here, but I can promise you Kona will NEVER be confused with any fast food type of restaurant. Good thing the food is worth the wait.

We had asked Sean what he wanted when looking at the menu, and he said french toast- so we had him order the kids portion.

As you may have heard, Sean really only eats french fries when we are in WDW restaurants. So we weren't expecting him to actually eat this when it came out. But guess what? Sean LOVES french toast! Surprise surprise!!! He gobbled up every bite!

We were ecstatic- and also mad at ourselves for getting the kids portion (we would know better next time!). After reading Mickiniki's recent food report, I had been in a dilemma for weeks over whether or not to get the Pumpkin Pancakes that was a special when she was at Kona, or the Macadamia nut pancakes I had been craving all year. Well, I had worried for nothing, because they were not being offered the day we were dining at Kona. So I convinced the hubby to split our breakfasts. I had The Samoan - Poached eggs with Hollandaise served over smoked pulled pork hash - $9.99

And umm, yea, in case you were wondering, this is very, VERY delicious- although I would have liked for it to be a little hotter. Pods got Macadamia Pineapple Pancakes - Served with Macadamia nut butter, pineapple sauce, and your choice of ham, bacon or sausage. - $9.99

We split our entrees right down the middle and shared- OMG, those pancakes are the BEST!!! I can't WAIT to get to Hawaii this summer, I am going to OD on Mac Nut pancakes while I am there! Tyler couldn't wait to have Tonga Toast - Banana-stuffed sourdough bread, rolled in cinnamon sugar with your choice of ham, bacon or sausage. - $10.99

He was moaning the whole time he was eating!! He really loves that stuff!! Timmy went with Pancakes - Served with your choice of ham, bacon, or sausage. - $8.99

Which he couldn't pick which of the meats to have, he wanted them all, so we all shared ours with him. We all loved our breakfasts, and we will be back, most definitely, next year for more.

Up next- it's a beautiful day in MK!

 

[Mysteria]

I am soooo hungry now!

 

[podsnel]

Looking forward to hearing about your trip! Hope Sean, as well as the rest of you had fun! I saw him at the holiday shop & he was proudly sporting his Mickey shirt !!

Terri (Hannah's Mom)

That tuna app. looked great!! Do you ever go to Fujiyama Mama in Westfield??

Hi Neighbor! Was the Holiday shop fun? I couldn't work it this year because it conflicted with a PTA Council Presidents meeting that lasted all day. I love that event- the kids really seem to enjoy it.

Yes, I LOVE Fujiyama Mama! The lobster parfait, the Bomb, and another one that's spicy that I have forgotten the name of are my favorites. What do you like there? Diamatsu is less creative but very good in Mountainside, too- plus, there you can use Restaurant.com certificates. Have you been to the all-you-can-eat sushi place? We went with 16 of us from town- had a BLAST!

How's Hannah doing?

Awesome tr so far DH and I are really enjoying it

Thank-you SO MUCH!!

I am soooo hungry now!

Sorry darlin!! I really do love those mac pancakes- they were my favorite this time- last time the Somoan was. I guess I'm fickle!

 

[RGirl]

The prices are very good on the resale market- as long as you are not planning to use your points for anything other than WDW stays, that's a good way to go. Makes a GREAT Christamas gift!

I have actually been looking at the resales lately and thinking, "someday, someday very soon......"

Love the pics from your boat ride. So beautiful. And breakfast looked so yummy. I always think that it would be too much of a pain to go over to another resort for breakfast prior to heading into the parks, but maybe it is worth it. Hmmmmmm

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I'm drooling now! You collectively had all the best things on the menu! I love that Kona coffee! Where will you be in Hawaii? We will be on Oahu in March! I'm so excited -haven't been there before!

 

[MEK]

Look MEK!!

What? Did he leave the HHI fishing pier just to come see you at the Poly?

Breakfast look A-mazing. You got the perfect assortment of goodies. YUM! Makes me want to go there for breakfast, oh......in just a few days. I think Nick would love that, but right now we have too many ADRs. Maybe on our last day we could do a late breakfast there. I know Nick would love Tonga Toast and I've been trying to make ADRs at places where he can try new food. He loves to eat. What teenage boys don't?

I'm glad you told me about the AP thing at the resorts. I have to get APs for all three of us and TIW. Did I tell you I already bought 2 four day base tickets with all AAA visa rebate certificates, so I basically shaved $500 off the price right there. I am very proud of my cost saving efforts this trip.

So glad Sean found a new breakfast food he likes.

 

[Beth D]

MMM nothing like breakfast food porn on a Sunday morning to motivate me! I was thinking cereal, but now I'll have to whip up some blueberry muffins or something!

I've got a small bag of Kona beans saved from someone who vacationed there last spring, hidden, just waiting for a special morning. Those photos of your coffee are making me think it might be today!

I would probably go for the Tonga toast too!

 

[rndmr2]

Thanks for the link to your cruise TR, I'll go catch up when I finish this reply.

Kona breakfast looks so good, I would have such a hard time deciding between the mac nut pancakes and the Tonga toast. I wouldn't be able to get both and share with my hubby, though because I don't think he would like either, he's not a fruit person, unfortunately. Glad Sean liked his french toast. Can't wait to read about your MK day.

 

[JKSWonder]

Love Kona!

We had dinner there too at our last Poly stay in October 2009 and we were really pleasantly surprised at how good it was. If I remember correctly, Mike got some sort of teriyaki marinated steak that was excellent.

 

[Chicago Mo]

Subbing! going back to catch up

 

[Must C Mickey]

You must be trying to build up the suspense for one BIG update.

 

[meggiebeth]

Great update! Kona looks great! The french toast looks delicious. We ate at 'Ohana for breakfast in August but it was very different food-wise.

Thanks for all your information about DVC- it's really helpful! It's great to hear positive thoughts about it, seeing as we're a little unsure. *Well*, I'm not, I would join now if I could!

If we did join, we'd have to take out a loan, which is what makes my family so reluctant to try it. I think BCV looks amazing- and being so close to Epcot and Hollywood Studios is a great bonus. We've stayed at SSR which we loved but when we looked around BC we loved how convenient it was, and it felt like a 'community' being so close to the Boardwalk. We checked out the pool which we were impressed by. There were people guarding the entrances- shows how popular it is lol.

We visited AKL but overall, I think I prefer the BC's 'feel'. Like you say about the DVC extention being built onto the GF, I'm SO excited about that. My family is crazy about the GF, so maybe when it's built that will convince us to finally join.

We would probably get 320 points a year and go once every two years so we could stay for two weeks, then holiday in Europe every other year. It would also mean we could visit places like Disneyland California and Aulani in Hawaii which we just couldn't afford otherwise. Lol. I NEVER thought we'd even be considering DVC at all considering my family was all so opposed to WDW and Disney before we went. Weird how one trip can totally change your mind.

Can't wait for the next update!