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

[podsnel]

Sorry for the delay, everyone- life has been nuttier than usual around here! But now back to our regularly scheduled program....

We left the Poly (which is STILL the one resort both Pods & I have wanted to stay at our whole lives but never have...I'm going to have to do something about that someday when one of those codes comes out...anyway...)and hopped on the monorail to MK

We went straight over to Guest services to purchase 4 more DVC APs so we would all be covered not only for this trip, but also next year's BIG 9 night one. Very happy to save $100 per person with DVC, but yikes! Those passes are still expensive! Good thing most of it was covered by a Disney Visa rewards card. Anyway....it was time to go have some fun!

Ahhh...all decorated for Christmas on November 10th-

And look who welcomed us on Main St!

When talking with Sean about our trip for months beforehand, he made it very clear which ride he was most looking forward to- and T&T were very happy to make his wish come true-

This was actually the first time we couldn't all fit in one cup together as a family. Anywho...here's my happy boy-

Here's a little video of him, so happy at the end-click to play



I was having some tummy issues on this trip, and this was the one and only time the tea cups made me feel . I had to really make sure I kept my head up or else it was vertigo vomit city.

Sean's next favorite ride is Buzz, so that's where we headed to next. We passed an old friend on the way-

Sean was really happy, still-

Now, I don't know exactly what Timmy hit, but about 10 seconds after being able to play, this is what our scores were-

I think Timmy won! And apparently I lost it!

Pods was as exciting as ever-

At this point, Pods, T&T went on Space Mountain, and Sean and I went in search of some regular (as in not caramel) popcorn- which took us all the way to Frontierland to find-

But gave us a chance to see the progress over there in Fantasyland-

Pretty crunchy over there getting through. Can't wait until next year- I hope it will be finished by our November 2012 trip- have they announced an estimated date? All I have heard is late 2012.

Cont'd next post-

 

[podsnel]

Back to wait for the boys-

And for the first time EVER we saw Push!

Click to play-


Click to play-


Next, it was time to go to the Barbershop- I had made an appointment (before we left home) for both Sean & Timmy to get haircuts while we were there. Did I mention how AWESOME it is that you can book appointments now? Put us right to the front of the long line- we still had to wait, but not as long as we would have had to. On the way there we passed-

That Main St entertainment always puts a smile on my face. At the barber, we waited outside-

But before long they had to move, because it was time for Move it Shake it!

Click to play-


Somehow we always manage to get haircuts when the parade is on. Anyway, they finally called our name and inside we went. I took a pic of this because that was my maiden name-

Thrilling, huh? Sean was in desperate need of a trim, but Timmy? He was just getting cut because - he really likes it there. LOVES to get all Pirate dusted up! Even though he won't EVER admit it in front of Tyler.

There was a photopass photographer there, which I thought was a great idea- even if her pics didn't look any different than mine!

Click to play-


Click to play-


Voila!

The CM cutting Tim's hair was very nice- she pixie dusted me, too!

We put it all on our room EXCEPT the tip- that has to be in cash, so don't forget to bring some when you go.

Up next- more parade, more fun!

 

[ortholablady]

Nice haircuts! And I like how you got yourself in the mirror making the video. Intentionally or not haha!
I have to ask how hard is it to wash out that blue stuff?

 

[preschoolmom]

I love Timmy's hair! Sean's cut looks great, too!

How fun that you got pixie dusted, too!

 

[podsnel]

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

Thanks- and good luck with your (maybe) DVC purchase! It really isn't that much of a pain going over to a resort for breakfast, as long as you go to one near the park you're headed to afterwards. And in the case of Kona, it is most definitely worth the trip- can't get that breakfast anywhere else I know of!

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!

Yes, we did! And we all shared! It was YUMMY!! You are going to love Hawaii- it has such a different feeling than the Caribbean. I adore the Hawaiian culture- very warm and welcoming, one big happy family. Not to mention how gorgeous it is! We are going at the end of August- 4 nights on Kauai, and then 6 nights on Oahu at Aulani. I hope. My 7 month booking window opens Jan 21st. We went to Hawaii for our honeymoon- that trip we visited theBig Island and Maui. You think you're sad getting on the plane after Disney? Wait. The plane home from Hawaii is the WORST. You will never want to leave. Where are you staying?

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.

I hope you are having fun on your trip!! I have been loving your updates on FB! Hope you do get to try kona, it is worth the trip. My kids ALWAYS want to go there. Good for you on the APs- I thought I had done well, too, because I had won 4 one day park hoppers at a silent auction at Sean's school- unfortunately, you can't use them to upgrade- quite a bummer. So we saved them in case we need them for a day next year. Our passes will expire a day before we leave- not sure what we'll do at that point- we may end up going over to Universal or SeaWorld instead. Although I think I might just renew my pass, we'll have to see-

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!

Hope your breakfast was yummy! I ended up buying some Kona coffee last week at TJ Maxx for $15 and have been savoring it all week. YUMMMMM.....When we go to Hawaii next year I think I may buy a bunch and ship it home at the post office-

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.

The pancakes are more nutty than fruity- he could easily get rid of the pineapple. Good luck deciding!

 

[podsnel]

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.

I really need to get over there for dinner- I REALLY want to try the sushi! And that tuna oscar....

Subbing! going back to catch up

Hi and THANKS for reading!!

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

Yea- that's it!!

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!

Good luck with your decision- I can tell you it is NOT an easy one, choosing a home resort! But they do all offer something unique, and I really do love trying them all! I bet the GF will be gorgeous- I'm looking forward to staying there one day, too!

 

[15isto2]

Timmys haircut rocks.... I am planning to celebrate my 40th birthdat at the world and might need to go for one of those cuts!

 

[podsnel]

Nice haircuts! And I like how you got yourself in the mirror making the video. Intentionally or not haha!
I have to ask how hard is it to wash out that blue stuff?

Thanks! I LOVE getting the kids haircuts on vacation- it's always sucha timesaver for when we get home and can't figure out how to schedule one in with our busy life. And it is not hard to wash out at all- unfortunately, Timmy had to do just that when we went back to BCV later that day- so we could go swimming in SB.

I love Timmy's hair! Sean's cut looks great, too!

How fun that you got pixie dusted, too!

Thanks! I love his hair, too! Tyler is too old (he thinks) for it now, but we could all tell he was jealous of Tim's do!

And I was very happy to get pixie dusted, too- she was a very cheerful and generous CM!

 

[podsnel]

Timmys haircut rocks.... I am planning to celebrate my 40th birthdat at the world and might need to go for one of those cuts!

Definitely do it!! And don't forget to post a pic!

 

[dizneeat]

Great update, Ellen!
Just what I needed today!

I am so with you on the teacups ....... they make me REALLY sick too! PLEASE don't tell me they are starting to sell caramel corn at WDW too ..... they have the same stuff at DLRP and it is yuck!

The haircuts look cool. I love that Timmy got the blue Mickey and that you got Pixie dusted!

 

[DisneyRegulars]

I'm loving your trip report. I also love how everyone likes something different at Disney. I didn't even know there was a barber shop at the Magic Kingdom, and would never in a million years choose to go there, but I love that you make it a tradition to do so.

 

[Wicket's Mom]

I just love Tim's hair cut, it's really cool. Sean really looks like he is enjoying everything so far.

Those teacups don't bother me at all. I had to take my granddaughters on them because my DH & DIL get sick on those kinds of rides. I really got them spinning!

I do have one question, does Tyler ever take those buds out of his ears?! LOL

 

[rndmr2]

Great start to your day at the MK!

I can't handle the spinning on the Teacups, DH and I went last year with the agreement that we wouldn't make it spin, I think I turned the wheel once or twice and that was it! I get a little dizzy without the extra spinning! LOL

Great Barber Shop pics! Timmy's hair is cool with the blue and sparklies. That's fun that you got some pixie dust, too.

 

[podsnel]

Great update, Ellen!
Just what I needed today!

I am so with you on the teacups ....... they make me REALLY sick too! PLEASE don't tell me they are starting to sell caramel corn at WDW too ..... they have the same stuff at DLRP and it is yuck!

The haircuts look cool. I love that Timmy got the blue Mickey and that you got Pixie dusted!

Hi Karin! Yes- they are selling caramel corn instead of the regular at many of the stands- we always get popcorn at the one in front of SM while the others ride- we ended up all the way down in front of Hoop de Do! I really need to catch up on your TRs- I have been reading, but at night and can't type replies because I'll wake Pods!

I'm loving your trip report. I also love how everyone likes something different at Disney. I didn't even know there was a barber shop at the Magic Kingdom, and would never in a million years choose to go there, but I love that you make it a tradition to do so.

Hi there! Thanks for reading along! I love that there are so many things to do at WDW, there is always something new to try- not that the haircuts are new for us, but other things are-so many different vacations to enjoy in the same wonderful place!

I just love Tim's hair cut, it's really cool. Sean really looks like he is enjoying everything so far.

Those teacups don't bother me at all. I had to take my granddaughters on them because my DH & DIL get sick on those kinds of rides. I really got them spinning!

I do have one question, does Tyler ever take those buds out of his ears?! LOL

The teacups have never bothered me before- I thnink it was because my tummy was already bothering me that day (prior to Kona- not because of Kona!).

And yes, he does take those earbuds out- they were driving every one of us crazy!! It just happens he had them in when I was taking the pics-

Great start to your day at the MK!

I can't handle the spinning on the Teacups, DH and I went last year with the agreement that we wouldn't make it spin, I think I turned the wheel once or twice and that was it! I get a little dizzy without the extra spinning! LOL

Great Barber Shop pics! Timmy's hair is cool with the blue and sparklies. That's fun that you got some pixie dust, too.

I normally am fine on the teacups, so this gave me a whole new appreciation of what everyone else experiences.

 

[podsnel]

Haircuts finished, we headed back towards Fantasyland. Move it Shake it was STILL going on- just how long IS that parade, anyway?

I wonder how much longer it will be before one Dumbo becomes two?

Next, Sean wanted to ride Winnie the Pooh- I have to say we tried before the haircuts, but even with the GAC, the line was just not moving at all. Sean was thrilled we were finally going on-

I have to say- his smiles were such a wonderful gift to all of us- there had not been alot of Sean smiles before this trip, we had been having a rough fall. To see him so happy was GLORIOUS!!

We were on the FP line with our GAC, but we noticed all the new activities that were set up on the stand-by line. I LOVE that Disney seems to be doing this for so many rides across the parks- really helps pass the time while you wait.

Soon we were riding-

Next we decided to go for a drive on the Speedway. Look who we passed AGAIN!

Sean said he wanted to drive- which is a first- so I did the pedals while he did the steering-

My other two boys followed behind-

Next it was time to hit the other two mountains, Splash & BT. On the way, I took the only character/kid pic of our trip-

Sean is such a good boy- he walked right over when I asked him to- the other boys sure didn't! Poor White rabbit- he had no line- I told him i guess everyone ELSE was late, this time! We noticed that the building was now gone-

And we passed some pretty birds-

Sean and I went to get him some fries at Pecos bill's while the others went on the mountains.

I have to say, the park was feeling very crowded, so once the boys were back, we all decided to return to BCV and go for a swim. Next!

 

[karajeboo]

Hey girlie!

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!

I actually asked about this last week at BW and they told me that they are all on the same system and didn't understand this. No matter what, they have your AP# on file so with proper ID they can reissue it to you, no matter where you got it. My AP became demagnetized during the trip so I asked this same question AGAIN at guest services at Epcot IG and they said the same thing. So either they just changed it, or it is typical Disney right hand/left hand.....

 

[manntra]

What a fun day in the MK! Love the T is excited (but won't admit it) to have his hair cut and pixied.
Cute videos and pictures on Buzz
Nice to see the earbuds out for awhile That would drive me insane! I won't let my niece even bring her phone when we are on vacation Too much texting etc. I mean it IS okay if I am updating facebook or texting but that's different

For our May trip we have the Chef's bar at the Flying Fish ...they don't have a table I know it won't be anywhere near what we had at the Chef's table at V&A..that has ruined me for life but I am sure it will be a blast...and of course there is a wine pairing. I am just hoping I don't fall off the stool at the bar

Tracy

 

[podsnel]

Hey girlie!

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!

I actually asked about this last week at BW and they told me that they are all on the same system and didn't understand this. No matter what, they have your AP# on file so with proper ID they can reissue it to you, no matter where you got it. My AP became demagnetized during the trip so I asked this same question AGAIN at guest services at Epcot IG and they said the same thing. So either they just changed it, or it is typical Disney right hand/left hand.....

Welcome back!! I am going to hope that it has been changed and now everyone can track them- I have to say that of the two people I got info on APs from that morning, the guy at the booth at IG and the concierge in the hotel- the guy had all kinds of bells and whistles on his little CM badge. The woman at BCV? Just had her name, and barely cracked a smile. KWIM?

What a fun day in the MK! Love the T is excited (but won't admit it) to have his hair cut and pixied.
Cute videos and pictures on Buzz
Nice to see the earbuds out for awhile That would drive me insane! I won't let my niece even bring her phone when we are on vacation Too much texting etc. I mean it IS okay if I am updating facebook or texting but that's different

For our May trip we have the Chef's bar at the Flying Fish ...they don't have a table I know it won't be anywhere near what we had at the Chef's table at V&A..that has ruined me for life but I am sure it will be a blast...and of course there is a wine pairing. I am just hoping I don't fall off the stool at the bar

Tracy

OMG, Tracy- those freakin ear buds!! He knows better at home- he also knows if he kept them in 24/7 at home that thing disappears. I guess we were cutting him some slack because of Sean- we were very focused on him. And later on in the vacation, Sean was having a little bit of a rough time, I think Tyler was usuing them to cope.

But, Tracy- look at our countdowns- they are the same! When is your May trip? Joan & Loni & I arrive on May 4th- You?

 

[Beth D]

Looks like a great time! I'm glad Sean was doing well! I never knew about the haircuts. We may have to try it with DS. He got a fauxhawk at a baseball game last summer, complete with spray paint in the team colors and loved it.

A tip on Buzz Lightyear - right when you go out and at the very end, spin the car all the way around (do a 360) and get the way out of the way targets right over the archways. Those give you the biggest points, as does killing the alien at the very end.

Love the teacups! Only me and DS on that one, everyone else doesn't have the cast iron stomach for circles. You either have it or you dont!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Yes, we did! And we all shared! It was YUMMY!! You are going to love Hawaii- it has such a different feeling than the Caribbean. I adore the Hawaiian culture- very warm and welcoming, one big happy family. Not to mention how gorgeous it is! We are going at the end of August- 4 nights on Kauai, and then 6 nights on Oahu at Aulani. I hope. My 7 month booking window opens Jan 21st. We went to Hawaii for our honeymoon- that trip we visited theBig Island and Maui. You think you're sad getting on the plane after Disney? Wait. The plane home from Hawaii is the WORST. You will never want to leave. Where are you staying?

Oh you have me Sooooo excited! It's a work trip for Jim, so we'll actually be staying at Hickam AFB, but Jim will have time to play, so we plan to visit Aulani and of course Pearl Harbor, and whatever else I can plan. We can book alot of excursions on base, so I'm probably going to play it by ear according to what he has time for, but I want to rent a convertible and just tool around when we can.

If I don't get back here in the craziness, have a HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS I will contact you next week for your order - it's going in on the 30th Love ya!