I Can See Epcot From Here! ~ A November Trip and Dining Report ~

[pinkxray]

Thanks for sharing your trip with us. Your trip reports, along with dining reviews are always so informative and give me some great ideas for our trips.

Loved the final thoughts DD6 said no character meals this trip even though she loved them last trip. At first I had none booked, but I recently decided I really enjoyed them and added two just so I could get the pictures.

Your August split stay sounds lovely. CBR/POLY is a great combo. Can't wait to see your plans for that trip.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

That video is great! The dancing in there is hilarious.

 

[seacrestpromo]

Awesome video and recap Shelly!!!

Thank you for sharing this with us

 

[JoBird]

Awwww what a wonderful video!!!!!

I loved it-- and the music you chose was so perfect! It's like it was written just for you to use.

So sweet.

Loved you guys dancing--- your DH made me -- he was really getting into it!!


Thanks again for sharing all you did-- it's been wonderful.

 

[drakes]

I love the video!!! It really sets a great recap of the memories!
I too love the dancing piece, how fun...

I wish I had the time and skill to create all these things...

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

awe so sad that your TR is over it was so awesome to live vicariously through you and your family!!! love the overview at the end to, and that you tell it how it is that video was really great too!!! I was planning on going at the end of August before but we have changed ours to the end of September, hopefully not as hot and less crowded! I shall keep an eye out for a PTR sometime in June can't wait!

Thank you for reading! Have a great trip in September!

You did a wonderful job of writting that summary of your lastest trip. I think it is normal to compare each new trip to ones taken previously, which I guess does raise expectations and sets you up for some disappointments.
I know our first trip was the best and at that time there was on MK and Epcot but everything was so new it was just great and we did not even stay on property but at the Hotels in DTD.
No two trip are alike and that is what makes the memories so special.

Thanks to you we all learned that not all rooms at BW have balconies and that everyone must enter the park to get fast passes...both good things to know.

I can see where you could easily spend less money paying OOP than with the dining plan, your family are light eaters, but in a few years those boys will be eating you out of house and home and you may have to revert back to the DP.

I hate to see your TR end but like they say all good things come to and end. I will miss reading about your trip but will have to settle for some laughs with you and Jo over on the September thread.

Your little video made me smile and then tear up a bit there is nothing better than taking the family to Disney.

Thanks Sheila! No matter how many times we go to WDW we always learn and experience new things, so I like to share them!

Yes -- you, me, and Jo will have a fun time on the September thread this spring & summer for sure!!!!!

That was a great trip report! And a fun video, my DD must have said every 5 seconds "that looks fun, I love this song!" I had to say I know

Thank you! So glad you and your DD enjoyed the video!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I haven't been able to read TR's in a while because I've been so busy, but I just found out that yours ended! so i finished it up... and I just wanted to tell you that I really really enjoyed it! Your stories and pictures were great and this was one of my favorite reports to read! I hope you're doing one for your next trip because I will look forward to reading that when the time comes! Thanks for sharing your story!

Glad you are all caught up, but sorry it is over! Thanks so much for reading along. I'll probably do another one next time, but it might be a little boring since the heat will be dragging us down!

I'm sorry to see your TR coming to an end but I've really enjoyed reading along. Your trip recap was great and your family vacation video amazing! I'll have to give it a try one of these trips because it's a great way to look back at all of the highlights.

Can't wait to follow along on your next trip.

Thanks Amy! My laptop has Windows Movie Maker on it, so once you play with it a little it's pretty easy to make the videos.

I had this computer for over a year before I even realized I had the movie maker!

The video is awesome! You did an amazing job with it! The music was perfect, and the way you transitioned from picture to picture was so creative. I love how more people are doing these vacation videos to capture their trip memories. I don't know if I could ever pull it off, but I would sure give it a try for my next vacation!

Thanks Teri!!

I love making/having the vacation video, such a great memory!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Thanks for sharing your trip with us. Your trip reports, along with dining reviews are always so informative and give me some great ideas for our trips.

Loved the final thoughts DD6 said no character meals this trip even though she loved them last trip. At first I had none booked, but I recently decided I really enjoyed them and added two just so I could get the pictures.

Your August split stay sounds lovely. CBR/POLY is a great combo. Can't wait to see your plans for that trip.

Thank you! I'm glad you found the TR helpful.

Yes, always throw a character meal in there just in-case!

I think CBR and the Poly will be a great combo too. Time to get planning now!

That video is great! The dancing in there is hilarious.

Thanks Kelli!

Awesome video and recap Shelly!!!

Thank you for sharing this with us

Thanks Sea!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Awwww what a wonderful video!!!!!

I loved it-- and the music you chose was so perfect! It's like it was written just for you to use.

So sweet.

Loved you guys dancing--- your DH made me -- he was really getting into it!!


Thanks again for sharing all you did-- it's been wonderful.

Thanks Jo!!

All week I kept saying that we needed to do some dancing clips so I would have them to piece into our vacation video. Finally one evening we were in the room with the radio on and Jessie's Girl came on and that was it -- it was dancing time!! Well except for DS9, he wanted no part of it. Little did he know I had already taped him dancing at MVMCP!

I love the video!!! It really sets a great recap of the memories!
I too love the dancing piece, how fun...

I wish I had the time and skill to create all these things...

Thanks Joanne!

(Still waiting to hear about your trip. . . )

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

Great finish Shelly!! You guys had a GREAT trip all things considered! Your family has a slow and easy pace that I envy!!! I guess this summer will teach me how to slow down!

 

[tdollar]

I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your fantastic trip report! I have enjoyed following along because we were there the exact same week! And I totally agree about the crowds at Epcot, especially World Showcase... although I am bummed we missed the Rick Springfield concert!

 

[caa1277]

Thanks for sharing your trip with all of us. I really enjoyed it all. It was fun to follow along with you and your family. It made me feel as if I was there and brought back memories of the trips we have taken.

I agree with you about expectations. Each and every trip will be different and you shouldn't go into expecting something to be the same as a previous trip. It can make your trip miserable if something isn't the same as it was before.

Again, thanks for sharing your trip!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Great finish Shelly!! You guys had a GREAT trip all things considered! Your family has a slow and easy pace that I envy!!! I guess this summer will teach me how to slow down!

Thanks Kim! Maybe we'll run into to you while you are relaxing at the Poly pool!! (Did you see that the September hours are out?!)

I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your fantastic trip report! I have enjoyed following along because we were there the exact same week! And I totally agree about the crowds at Epcot, especially World Showcase... although I am bummed we missed the Rick Springfield concert!

You're welcome! So glad you enjoyed it. Wasn't Epcot crazy??? Oh well, now we know. I'm sorry you missed the concert.

Thanks for sharing your trip with all of us. I really enjoyed it all. It was fun to follow along with you and your family. It made me feel as if I was there and brought back memories of the trips we have taken.

I agree with you about expectations. Each and every trip will be different and you shouldn't go into expecting something to be the same as a previous trip. It can make your trip miserable if something isn't the same as it was before.

Again, thanks for sharing your trip!

Thank you!

I know I will be going into this next trip with no expectations. Only expecting it to be HOT and I don't think that expectation will be let down.

Have a great trip to WDW and CBR!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Hey there! I'm just now getting caught up on your report and you are done!!! I'm so sorry that I missed the second half! I got so busy with work and the holidays that I just couldn't keep up. But I still wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed reading it. I wish I had been there that week but it was nice to read about it through your perspective since we couldn't. All in all, it looked like a wonderful trip. No trip is ever perfect. Both our trips were as perfect as I think one could be, but none are 100% magical. That's just not reality. We all get a bad meal, or bad service from time to time, but Disney is just so much better about keeping that stuff to a minimum than anyone else is! That's why we all keep going back!

Your boys are REALLY growing up fast! I remember your younger son looking so babyish in the face in the first report of yours that I read and now he is a little man! They are both so cute and look like they enjoy Disney so much, as well as your husband. That is great b/c WDW does seem to cater more to the girly stuff sometimes. I hear that complaint from people with boys a lot. I loved all the pictures with them with the boardwalk performers though!

Your vacation video was great too! Loved the balcony dancing! I would have been dancing too after all that trouble!

I loved seeing all your pictures of the Boardwalk! What a beautiful place! I'd love to stay there someday. And I am very glad to hear that you enjoyed not being on the DDP as we may not be on it next time if they don't extend FD into the fall/winter like they have in the past. Right now we are planning to go from Oct. 27th-Nov. 6th and the FD doesn't go out that far (yet). I really want to stay at one of the nicer resorts this time though so a room discount may be better.

I also just finished reading your review of CBR, which was very informative! Thank you for that! I've always loved the theme over there, but I've been very hesitant to stay there because of the long walks (I just don't want to walk a mile at the end of a long park day... if that makes me lazy, so be it ). But I think if we get a preferred room in Martinique we will be ok. I just hate the added cost. I read that you stayed in a standard room. Did you think it was a really long walk up to the pool and food court? I just think the room starts to get sort of pricey when you add things on (like preferred location, etc.) You could almost stay at the Wilderness Lodge for what they cost. Also, now that you have stayed at a deluxe resort, how do you think it compares to CBR? Did you like BWI a lot better, considering the cost? I can't remember now what I read about your upcoming plans.... I think you are doing a split stay at CBR and the Poly???? Is that right? I'd love to know your opinion on staying at CBR now that you have "gone deluxe"!

Anyway, thank you so much for all the time and effort you put into your report. You did a fantastic job and you are so detailed with all your receipts and stuff! That was VERY helpful! I really enjoyed the whole report and am looking forward to the next one!

 

[Monny2AE]

Wonderful ending to a great TR! I loved the video and the pic the boys took of themselves being sad was too funny. Good thing you have another trip in the works or you'd be feeling WAY guilty after seeing that picture.

Thanks for sharing your trip so honestly! Can't wait for your August PTR to start!

 

[mari360]

Ok now that you are done I can go and read the rest of what i missed...... Before i even finish i know i'll enjoy it since you ALWAYS write such great TR's.....

Just finished it up..... all i have to say is Shelly Bravo!!!!

Great end to a wonderful trip..... i LOVE LOVE LOVE the video..... I LOVE your TR's .... cant wait for the next one..... the boys are getting so big.....

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Hey there! I'm just now getting caught up on your report and you are done!!! I'm so sorry that I missed the second half! I got so busy with work and the holidays that I just couldn't keep up. But I still wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed reading it. I wish I had been there that week but it was nice to read about it through your perspective since we couldn't. All in all, it looked like a wonderful trip. No trip is ever perfect. Both our trips were as perfect as I think one could be, but none are 100% magical. That's just not reality. We all get a bad meal, or bad service from time to time, but Disney is just so much better about keeping that stuff to a minimum than anyone else is! That's why we all keep going back!

Your boys are REALLY growing up fast! I remember your younger son looking so babyish in the face in the first report of yours that I read and now he is a little man! They are both so cute and look like they enjoy Disney so much, as well as your husband. That is great b/c WDW does seem to cater more to the girly stuff sometimes. I hear that complaint from people with boys a lot. I loved all the pictures with them with the boardwalk performers though!

Your vacation video was great too! Loved the balcony dancing! I would have been dancing too after all that trouble!

I loved seeing all your pictures of the Boardwalk! What a beautiful place! I'd love to stay there someday. And I am very glad to hear that you enjoyed not being on the DDP as we may not be on it next time if they don't extend FD into the fall/winter like they have in the past. Right now we are planning to go from Oct. 27th-Nov. 6th and the FD doesn't go out that far (yet). I really want to stay at one of the nicer resorts this time though so a room discount may be better.

I also just finished reading your review of CBR, which was very informative! Thank you for that! I've always loved the theme over there, but I've been very hesitant to stay there because of the long walks (I just don't want to walk a mile at the end of a long park day... if that makes me lazy, so be it ). But I think if we get a preferred room in Martinique we will be ok. I just hate the added cost. I read that you stayed in a standard room. Did you think it was a really long walk up to the pool and food court? I just think the room starts to get sort of pricey when you add things on (like preferred location, etc.) You could almost stay at the Wilderness Lodge for what they cost. Also, now that you have stayed at a deluxe resort, how do you think it compares to CBR? Did you like BWI a lot better, considering the cost? I can't remember now what I read about your upcoming plans.... I think you are doing a split stay at CBR and the Poly???? Is that right? I'd love to know your opinion on staying at CBR now that you have "gone deluxe"!

Anyway, thank you so much for all the time and effort you put into your report. You did a fantastic job and you are so detailed with all your receipts and stuff! That was VERY helpful! I really enjoyed the whole report and am looking forward to the next one!

Hey there! I'm glad you were able to get all caught up.

Glad you enjoyed the TR. You are right - no trip is perfect, but Disney is as close as you can get I think!!

I know, my babies are growing up. I miss them being little, but I am enjoying this stage of their lives too!

Yep, after all the trouble to get the balcony we just felt like doing a little dancing on it!

Congrats on your fall trip!

The walk from our standard room at CBR (both times we have stayed there) was about 3-5 minutes to OPR. No big deal at all. The longest walks are from the pirate rooms in Trinidad South and still it's only a 7-8 minute walk. The distances there are greatly exaggerated sometimes! So no, I would never pay for preferred!

We definitely loved the BWI, but I would say that CBR is a better value considering it is half the price! So we would/will go back to the moderates anyday. . . Well, CBR and POR anyway!

Yes we are doing split with the Poly and CBR this time. I can't wait!

Let me know if you are doing a PTR and/or TR!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Wonderful ending to a great TR! I loved the video and the pic the boys took of themselves being sad was too funny. Good thing you have another trip in the works or you'd be feeling WAY guilty after seeing that picture.

Thanks for sharing your trip so honestly! Can't wait for your August PTR to start!

Thanks Kim! Yes that picture is a little easier to take knowing that we are taking them back this summer!!

How is your trip planning coming along?

Ok now that you are done I can go and read the rest of what i missed...... Before i even finish i know i'll enjoy it since you ALWAYS write such great TR's.....

Just finished it up..... all i have to say is Shelly Bravo!!!!

Great end to a wonderful trip..... i LOVE LOVE LOVE the video..... I LOVE your TR's .... cant wait for the next one..... the boys are getting so big.....

Thanks Mari! I'm glad you were here reading along and enjoyed it!

 

[momtoBrandon&Jacob]

Great report as usual Shelley. Always look forward to your TR's! I think it's because my boys are about the same age as yours. I like that you update quickly and don't let it drag out too long