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

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I'm around today! Working, but still manage to pop on to the boards. I love those "park icon" ornaments. Are they heavy? I have some that really weigh down the branches on the "real" tree.

Your son's air guitar was great! I bet he's pretty proud he did such a great job!

YAY Sheree is here too!

A few of the ornaments are a bit heavy. The Castle, the Tree, and the Epcot ball are probably the heaviest. They pull the branches down a little on my tree.

Thanks, I'll have to tell DS everyone is enjoying his performance!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Okay, back to business!


Day 4 – Tuesday November 9



Today was another sleep in day. No hurry to get up or be anywhere that morning. We were just waiting on it to warm up so we could head out to the pool! We messed around in the room until about 10:00 and then headed out to the Luna Park pool!

The kids went out on the balcony and said it was warm enough!!

We went downstairs and outside and found some chairs by the pool. There weren't too many people there! The kids went straight in the water while DH & I sat and soaked up the sun for awhile. DH forgot his sunglasses in the room and went back up to get them. In the meantime DS11 had gone down the clown slide about 4-5 times and was loving it! DS9 wanted to go down, but wanted a life jacket. We asked a CM and to get one we had to walk over to the community building and sign one out for our stay. I hate this, it's such a pain! I wish all the pools just had them out there in a bin like CBR. But anyway, you had to have your room card to do this and I didn't have mine with me. And DH was still gone. So I called DH to see what was taking him so long and he said there was something going on with the elevators and there were a bunch of people there waiting and he didn't know any other way to get to our room. To get to the pool we had to take the elevators on the Inn side to the lobby and then cross through the lobby and take the elevators on the Villa side down to the pool. So he was just waiting it out to go the way we came because he didn't know how else to do it.

So I told DS9 it was going to be awhile before we could go get his life jacket. He waited a bit more and decided he was just going for it! I guess those private swimming lessons I got him last summer were worth it. After he conquered the slide he did it about a dozen or so more times and was swimming all over the place!

Up Next: More Luna Park Pool
(continued in next post)

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I will spare you my swimsuit pics!! But here I am with my cover-up on testing the water! It was actually pretty warm.

Around 11:15 we were getting hungry. DH and the kids had some cereal bars in the room for breakfast and I hadn't had anything. So the kids got dried off and DS11 & I headed out to the BW to the To Go Cart. Sadly they weren't open. I had thought I saw them open another day around 11:00am. But since we've been back I have been told that they open at noon. So anyway - we went back to see what they had at the Leaping Horse Libations pool bar. The options were pretty limited there, but we made do.

We got DH a Turkey, Bacon & Swiss Sandwich and it came with a bag of baked Lays. DS11 got the kids PB&J sandwich which came with applesauce & carrots. I didn't really care for any of the 3 sandwich choices they had for adults, so I got a kids Ham & Cheese sandwich, which came with applesauce & carrots. I got the same thing for DS9, even though he doesn't like ham & cheese, I figured he could at least eat the bun, applesauce, and carrots. DS11 wanted some chips too, so we got a bag of regular Lays. The kids meals came with milk and DH & I had brought drinks from the room. The food was okay. Nothing great for sure!


Total Bill: $28.28
Rating: 2 out of 5


Lunch pics

After our lunch settled the kids headed straight back into the pool and now it was time for me to join them! Boy was that slide fun!!

Pretty soon DH joined us. He's not much for swimming or water, but he came in for a little bit. After awhile DS9 and I decided to head up to the room. He wanted to play with his Pokemon stuff and I wanted to shower and start getting ready for DHS!

Eventually DS11 and DH made their way back to the room and we all got ready to head to DHS!



Up Next: DHS and DS9's first ride on RNRC!

 

[mickeystoontown]

What fun pool pics! I don't really see why the clown creeps people out 'cause I think he's kinda cute.

Good for your younger son going down the slide without a life jacket. Like you said, the private swimming lessons paid off.

Too bad there's not much counter service foods to choose from at the Boardwalk. I've read several people post the same thing.

 

[drakes]

I'm here today too !

I really like the park icon ornaments, I'll need to look in the christmas stores for those!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! We had a busy one , and we all were fighting the stomach flu at some point. I am now fighting a sore throat and cough... interesting how Christmas still cheers you even through sickness.

The morning at the pool looks nice, glad it warmed up and you were able to enjoy yourself. I see you do have shorts on in your photopass pics, so it had to be warm for that!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

What fun pool pics! I don't really see why the clown creeps people out 'cause I think he's kinda cute.

Good for your younger son going down the slide without a life jacket. Like you said, the private swimming lessons paid off.

Too bad there's not much counter service foods to choose from at the Boardwalk. I've read several people post the same thing.

Thanks Lisa! I don't get the whole being scared of the clown slide thing either. Actually I forgot to add the part in the TR where that day we were at the pool I was telling DH about how people won't stay at the BWI because they are too creeped out by the slide and he thought I was making it up because it sounded so absurd to him!

Yes, private swimming lessons were one of the best things I have ever spent money on!! DS9 is finally able to enjoy swimming!

Yeah, I was bummed the To Go place wasn't open yet. I guess we should have waited until noon. But we wanted an early lunch since we had an early dinner ADR that evening at DHS. If it had been open there would have been plenty of options, they have a lot to choose from. I just wasn't impressed with the sandwiches at the pool bar, or the bakery.

I'm here today too !

I really like the park icon ornaments, I'll need to look in the christmas stores for those!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! We had a busy one , and we all were fighting the stomach flu at some point. I am now fighting a sore throat and cough... interesting how Christmas still cheers you even through sickness.

The morning at the pool looks nice, glad it warmed up and you were able to enjoy yourself. I see you do have shorts on in your photopass pics, so it had to be warm for that!

YAY Joanne is here too!! OMG look at your ticker!!!! 25 DAYS!!

We had a wonderful Christmas. Other than the part where DS11 took me aside and thanked me and told me that he knew all the gifts were from us. Not that I didn't already know he thought that, but still it was hard to hear!! So then I had to explain to him how he did not need to express his disbelief to his brother!!!!

I'm sorry you guys have been sick. We have been pretty healthy for the most part. On Christmas day my throat started to hurt. And it still does and I barely have a voice. And when I do talk I feel like I sound like a man! I'm hoping this goes away and doesn't turn into anything worse.

Yes, it each day seemed to get a little warmer on the trip. Thankfully, since it started out so dang cold! That photopass pic was on that Wednesday, I haven't gotten to that day in the TR yet. That was the first day we headed out without jackets! Only because we knew we wouldn't be out past that afternoon. We still needed pants and jackets most evenings.

 

[drakes]

Wait a minute.... I see a ticker???!!! Did i miss that report- you made a final decision?

Nice to see you're returning to your favorite CBR ! That's a good sign for us... I am still a tad bit worried about staying there... I think it was when we stopped there via ME at the Customs House and I saw how large it was. I love the look and feel of the resort.... oh and we're also worried about not having a Queen bed

I am actually getting more worried as i sit here scanning the boards... actually more motivated to get busy packing.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Wait a minute.... I see a ticker???!!! Did i miss that report- you made a final decision?

Nice to see you're returning to your favorite CBR ! That's a good sign for us... I am still a tad bit worried about staying there... I think it was when we stopped there via ME at the Customs House and I saw how large it was. I love the look and feel of the resort.... oh and we're also worried about not having a Queen bed

I am actually getting more worried as i sit here scanning the boards... actually more motivated to get busy packing.

Yes!! I was going to wait until the end of the TR to tell about the trip, but I couldn't wait that long to get a ticker! So I got one on Christmas Eve and thought I'd wait and see if anyone noticed!! So -- you are the winner!!

I am actually not sure of where we are staying. And the dates are subject to change, depending on airfare. But as of right now we are booked August 26 - September 4 at CBR with Free Dining!!

We will likely end up sticking with CBR for most or all of the trip. I really would prefer a room discount over free dining, but FD was all that was available and it expired December 20th, so I booked at the last minute just in-case nothing better comes out.

IF a room discount comes out we may change to a split stay with the last 3-4 nights at the Poly.

We chose that time of year to go because DS11 starts middle school in the fall. It is going to be a big change for him. They still allow for up to 10 days out for 'educational trips' but I prefer to not take him out his first year. So since we don't start school until after Labor Day and most schools in the south start sometime in the first 2-3 weeks of August, I booked as late as possible in the month without running into Labor Day. I hear it is a very slow time, but VERY hot!! We are just going to take it easy and not plan to try to do much, as far as the parks. We will either go at opening or go late in the evenings. We won't even attempt to be there in the middle of the day when it is so hot. I added on the water parks and more option, so we plan on at least one day at a waterpark and one day at Disney Quest. Those will both be new to us!



Don't worry about CBR! It is wonderful! It's really not as large as it seems and it is laid out very nicely around the lake and the walks are very short. It is very fun and relaxing. I hope you enjoy it! And I hope it warms up so you can enjoy the pool, it is the best!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

WOO HOO Shelly!!!

You have your next trip scheduled to start on my birthday!! It's bound to be a good one! I have also heard the same about that time of year. Too many people are going back to school so the crowds are lighter.

Love the pool pics. How great that your DS9 was able to use the slide. I may have to invest in some of those private swimming lessons.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

WOO HOO Shelly!!!

You have your next trip scheduled to start on my birthday!! It's bound to be a good one! I have also heard the same about that time of year. Too many people are going back to school so the crowds are lighter.

Love the pool pics. How great that your DS9 was able to use the slide. I may have to invest in some of those private swimming lessons.

Well it is sure to be a good trip then!!

Hopefully the crowds are light, I won't be able to take the heat plus lots of sweaty people!

Private lessons are definitely worth it, I wish I would have done it years ago! They learned so much more than they ever learned in all those years of group lessons.

 

[mickeystoontown]

I totally forgot to mention that I saw your ticker earlier! Our schools here in Louisiana start around the middle of August and I think some of the other Southern States start around that same time. So, hopefully, it won't be too crowded. As far as the heat goes, we've been twice the second week of August and once over Labor Day and it was hot. But, it didn't stop us from doing anything since we are used to hot weather in Louisiana. I'm sure if you build in breaks you'll be fine.

 

[lala3291]

I'm here too Shelly! Congrats about the new trip being booked! It is always exciting to have a trip to WDW in the works.
Love the pics of the BWI...wish I was there right now! We got eighteen inches of snow overnight...crazy! It sounds like you guys had a great Christmas!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I totally forgot to mention that I saw your ticker earlier! Our schools here in Louisiana start around the middle of August and I think some of the other Southern States start around that same time. So, hopefully, it won't be too crowded. As far as the heat goes, we've been twice the second week of August and once over Labor Day and it was hot. But, it didn't stop us from doing anything since we are used to hot weather in Louisiana. I'm sure if you build in breaks you'll be fine.

I have read that it is a very slow time at WDW, so that will be nice. The heat on the other hand will be hard for us to take. So any hot weather tips you (or anyone else) have - please share!!

The kids want to get those mister fans. I will plan plenty of breaks. And like I said, we probably won't spend all that much time at the parks. Plus one waterpark day and one Disney Quest day (inside the air conditioning!).

I'm here too Shelly! Congrats about the new trip being booked! It is always exciting to have a trip to WDW in the works.
Love the pics of the BWI...wish I was there right now! We got eighteen inches of snow overnight...crazy! It sounds like you guys had a great Christmas!

Hey Lauren! Yes, I am very excited and hope to get on the planning after the new year. Hopefully the trip won't end up to be too miserably hot.

Although hot sounds pretty good right now. It's 25 here. But at least we haven't gotten any of that awful snow storm this time. I hope you don't get anymore!! Stay safe!

 

[THEVACATIONFAMILY]

DW and 2 DD's 5 and 3 are going for 8 Days at Disney World and 2 Days at Universal. The in-laws are going too, so DW and I can go on some dates at Downtown Disney and actually go on some rides together. Will be an awesome VACATION for our FAMILY, just hoping to have a dining code by then or at least some kind of discount. If anyone should know about discounts, please, please let me know. Thanks and have a Magical Day.

 

[sjs314]

Great Update! I am here burried under 12-14 inches of snow.

You hear everyone talk about SAB over at the Yacht and Beach Club but I do have to say I have fallen in love with the pool there at the BWI from your pics, it just seems so very festive.

Congrates on the new ticker , we went late August , I forget the exact dates now but I now it was for DS Birthday which is August 21 and yes I remember it being hot but I do not recall crowds so they had to have been light. I studied weather charts, read trip reports when trying to plan our trip for 2011 but for every person who says a time period is hot you find one who says the weather was perfect.
In the end I have decided Florida weather can not be predicted since it is too dependant on any tropical storms/huricanes etc that might blow in from somewhere

I have a question for you, do you know if you book the FD if you can change resorts or room catagory after the booking period closes?

I wish I would just get another darn pin for 40% off I did get a second new planning dvd the numbers by the label are different if that makes any difference but still no email from Disney Destinations, last year mine came around mid-January I think.

We had a plesant Christmas, DS#1 and wife came over early before heading up to Ma, then DS wife came over with their dogs in the afternoon.

I got 2 Disney books too The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World Resort and The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World.

 

[drakes]

I had forgotten about the Dec 20th cut off.
We're hoping for November 2011- after US thanksgiving. So far I don't think there are any discounts. But I have to admit, i haven't looked into it too much. It would be 7 of us going, and I am actually not looking forward to the planning

I think late August will be a good time for your family, and doing the Water parks and more is a great add on for new things. I've been told the mister fans are a must.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Hi Shelly - Finally finding some time to get caught up! You update so quickly, which is usually a good thing, but I got so far behind!!

I'm glad you got the room situation all squared away - so funny that you were in the room next to the room I had been in a few weeks before!

MVMCP looks like so much fun - I'm glad you ended up going since you don't plan to be back during the holidays again soon.

Glad the kids finally got some pool time!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Great Update! I am here burried under 12-14 inches of snow.

You hear everyone talk about SAB over at the Yacht and Beach Club but I do have to say I have fallen in love with the pool there at the BWI from your pics, it just seems so very festive.

Congrates on the new ticker , we went late August , I forget the exact dates now but I now it was for DS Birthday which is August 21 and yes I remember it being hot but I do not recall crowds so they had to have been light. I studied weather charts, read trip reports when trying to plan our trip for 2011 but for every person who says a time period is hot you find one who says the weather was perfect.
In the end I have decided Florida weather can not be predicted since it is too dependant on any tropical storms/huricanes etc that might blow in from somewhere

I have a question for you, do you know if you book the FD if you can change resorts or room catagory after the booking period closes?

I wish I would just get another darn pin for 40% off I did get a second new planning dvd the numbers by the label are different if that makes any difference but still no email from Disney Destinations, last year mine came around mid-January I think.

We had a plesant Christmas, DS#1 and wife came over early before heading up to Ma, then DS wife came over with their dogs in the afternoon.

I got 2 Disney books too The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World Resort and The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World.

Hey Sheila! I hope you don't get anymore snow from that blizzard. We actually haven't gotten any this time!

Yeah, the BWI pool is the main reason I booked the BWI over the YC/BC.

You are right, Florida weather is very unpredictable. Every time I think I have found the perfect time to go weather wise I find out I'm wrong! We went the second week of May 2007 and the weather was near perfect - highs in the mid 80's, cooling into the 70's in the evenings. We went the very same week the following year and it was 92-94 each day we were there. Then last November was perfect with highs right around 78-80 each day and still warm enough for shorts in the evenings. Went the same week this year and nearly froze our behinds off half the week!

You just never know.

Yes, I think once you book with a special or code you can make changes after it expires, as long as there is availability. We added on that extra night to this trip we just took months after my 40% off PIN expired and they honored it.

Sounds like you had a very nice Christmas. How did the family like the scrapbooks you made?

Your Disney books sound great too!

I had forgotten about the Dec 20th cut off.
We're hoping for November 2011- after US thanksgiving. So far I don't think there are any discounts. But I have to admit, i haven't looked into it too much. It would be 7 of us going, and I am actually not looking forward to the planning

I think late August will be a good time for your family, and doing the Water parks and more is a great add on for new things. I've been told the mister fans are a must.

I don't think there are any discounts out for next Nov/Dec yet. Last year the Nov/Dec discounts for the general public came out in August. . . I hope you get something great! .

As far as I can see the August 'specials' usually come out for the general public in May or June. . . So I guess I just wait. . . Which will make making ADR's difficult in February when we aren't exactly sure where we will be staying. . .

Hi Shelly - Finally finding some time to get caught up! You update so quickly, which is usually a good thing, but I got so far behind!!

I'm glad you got the room situation all squared away - so funny that you were in the room next to the room I had been in a few weeks before!

MVMCP looks like so much fun - I'm glad you ended up going since you don't plan to be back during the holidays again soon.

Glad the kids finally got some pool time!

Hi Amy

Glad you are all caught up! I like to keep things rolling here. I know when I am reading a TR and it goes on for too long I lose interest! I had hoped to report on each day in a week or less, but that day of the MVMCP lasted for 2 weeks!

I'm glad we got to go to the party too. It was a lot of fun and we may not get back to WDW during that time of year for awhile.

The pool was so awesome!

Looks like you have a trip coming up very soon.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Great update Shelly! A sleep-in day is really nice when on vacation for sure. What a nice morning, having fun at the pool.

Congrats on booking your next trip!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Great update Shelly! A sleep-in day is really nice when on vacation for sure. What a nice morning, having fun at the pool.

Congrats on booking your next trip!

Thanks Kelli! We love sleep in/pool days on vacation!! Those days seem to last much longer than the rope drop/park days for some reason!