Geyser Gazer
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- May 4, 2001
- Messages
- 428
Just back yesterday. We ( DW, DDx2 as well as my Mom and Dad) spent 5 nights in a 2 bedroom at Vero followed by 4 at the VWL. We arrived around 9pm Thanksgiving eve via ATA and National mini-van. The girls were a little overwhelmed by the sounds of the dark ocean and opted for swimming in the pool rather than walking on the beach. With Publix closed and booked restaraunts, our Thanksgiving dinner consisted of pizza outside at the Green Cabin room overlooking the ocean. Non traditional? yes but after 40+ years of turkey is was fine for a change. We enjoyed playing in the ocean, swimming, mini golf, bingo, and the girls enjoyed making sand castings. Had one cold and windy day but had a good time anyway. We met up with some old friends which was fun but we discovered that combining such a reunion with our family vacation was not so easy.
After some outlet shopping, we checked into VWL 3537/3539 Monday around 2pm. It was a lakeside woods view which suited us fine. The girls and I went for a swim while everyone else settled in. We had HDDR scheduled for 5pm, and ended up walk/running to Ft. Wilderness afraid were going to be late. We made it in plenty of time and earned our meal of ribs, chicken, and strawberry shortcake. We had a good time, and the food was good but will probably be good for a couple years before needing a repeat. We saw MK fireworks from Ft. Wilderness boat dock on the way back, it was a great view and a first for us there. Tuesday we were off to AK and enjoyed the safari, Lion King, and Tough to be a Bug (which we had somehow forgotten how scary it is for our 4 year old). Had BBQ at Flame Tree lakeside, and could see the construction for Expedition Everest. On the way out, the girls got photos with Timon, Terk, Chip and Dale, and Rafiki before heading to EPCOT. My Mom and I went on Mission Space, I was really impressed with her bravery. I think some parts of this ride border on pain but love every second of it, DW thinks it borders on turning your stomach and inner ears inside out. We had Candelight Processional reservations at Lecellier which was wonderful. The mushroom filet was one of the best steaks I've ever had. The CP itself was incredibly moving. While I have heard the Christmas story and many of these songs since childhood, we were all weeping with joy and awe at some point during the show. God must have also made himself a PS for this event. Wednesday was spent at MK and we really enjoyed our first Spectromagic parade, and Mickey's Philharmagic. We had a great time with low crowds and nice weather. We missed the bulk of the Wishes fireworks as they were behind trees as we were sitting at the coffee shop to the left of the castle. Speaking of trees, there are no longer any in front of the castle. It kind of looks naked there but I'm sure allow for better views of the fireworks. Thursday we did shopped Downtown Disney, lounged poolside and resort monorail hopped later in the day. We enjoyed the view from the Contemporary 4th floor and the girls got to be monorail co-pilots. We returned home to about 4 inches of snow and traded sandcastle building for igloo construction, each magical in their own way.
After some outlet shopping, we checked into VWL 3537/3539 Monday around 2pm. It was a lakeside woods view which suited us fine. The girls and I went for a swim while everyone else settled in. We had HDDR scheduled for 5pm, and ended up walk/running to Ft. Wilderness afraid were going to be late. We made it in plenty of time and earned our meal of ribs, chicken, and strawberry shortcake. We had a good time, and the food was good but will probably be good for a couple years before needing a repeat. We saw MK fireworks from Ft. Wilderness boat dock on the way back, it was a great view and a first for us there. Tuesday we were off to AK and enjoyed the safari, Lion King, and Tough to be a Bug (which we had somehow forgotten how scary it is for our 4 year old). Had BBQ at Flame Tree lakeside, and could see the construction for Expedition Everest. On the way out, the girls got photos with Timon, Terk, Chip and Dale, and Rafiki before heading to EPCOT. My Mom and I went on Mission Space, I was really impressed with her bravery. I think some parts of this ride border on pain but love every second of it, DW thinks it borders on turning your stomach and inner ears inside out. We had Candelight Processional reservations at Lecellier which was wonderful. The mushroom filet was one of the best steaks I've ever had. The CP itself was incredibly moving. While I have heard the Christmas story and many of these songs since childhood, we were all weeping with joy and awe at some point during the show. God must have also made himself a PS for this event. Wednesday was spent at MK and we really enjoyed our first Spectromagic parade, and Mickey's Philharmagic. We had a great time with low crowds and nice weather. We missed the bulk of the Wishes fireworks as they were behind trees as we were sitting at the coffee shop to the left of the castle. Speaking of trees, there are no longer any in front of the castle. It kind of looks naked there but I'm sure allow for better views of the fireworks. Thursday we did shopped Downtown Disney, lounged poolside and resort monorail hopped later in the day. We enjoyed the view from the Contemporary 4th floor and the girls got to be monorail co-pilots. We returned home to about 4 inches of snow and traded sandcastle building for igloo construction, each magical in their own way.
