I Told You Driving Was Bad For Your Health! *2/2* NEW TRIP REPORT LINK P102

[MEK]

Mary Ellen, your pictures are fantastic! I've never been able to capture the misty figure on Pirates of the Caribbean. Good job

Thank you! I was pleased with my good luck with photos at POC. I know I didn't so nearly as well in October.

Isn't it funny how we catch ourselves taking the same picture trip after trip? John used to comment on it and now he just lets me snap away even though I "already have a thousand pictures of that".

It's a disease I tell you. Have camera - must take any and all pictures at Disney. Doesn't matter if you have one, ten, or a hundred, you still have got to take that shot.

I was secretly hoping for that too.

I didn't even know there was a remote possibility of that. That would sure make a lot of people happy! :good vibes I'll be happy if I get to ride it in May. That would be awesome!

One of these days, I'm going to go on Character's in Flight. I see the balloon, and each time I kick myself that I haven't done it yet!

Stick around for my next update because we finally rode it and it was wonderful. We loved it. It was a great experience. You won't regret it.

We're thinking of stopping at Splitsville in January, so I'll let you know if we go and how it is! My Dad LOVES to bowl, so I figured it would be a good addition to the trip.

Well, if Popadon likes bowling then you MUST go. I can't wait to see the faces he makes when he bowls. That's got to be a hoot!

People can shout "we wants the redhead" at me now!

I LOVE your new red hair. It looks great on you!

BTMRR is so much better at night!

SO. MUCH. BETTER!

It looks like a nice place. I still just can't bring myself to go bowling when I'm at Disney World. I can do that anytime, anywhere.

I know what you mean. I feel the same way, but the place does look really cool and the food and entertainment is supposed to be really good. So I'm keeping it on the bucket list for that!

It really is a neat effect.

Isn't it SO cool? I wish they had more of them in the different rides. I love the effect.

Always a goal of mine if I have a couple of evenings in the MK. Of course you have to just stand and enjoy Wishes one night, but if I get a chance to come back another night, I'm heading to Frontierland!

That is the ideal way to do it. I agree. It's always nice to have a night to totally watch the show. But its also so fun to be on the coaster with fireworks as a back drop!

Absolutely true!

It's unanimous. I haven't met anyone who doesn't prefer a night time ride on BTMMR. It's just perfect for night time!

 

[MEK]

Up, Up, & Away

With this update I think its time for a recap. Let's see now. I arrived in Disney late on Saturday June. 9 We are now up to Day 5, Wednesday June 13th. And we've got plans for today. You may remember that we are proud owners of a premium annual pass. So we decided that we pretty much "had to" visit a water park. And today was that day!

But before we hit the water park we decided that now was the time to take that balloon ride. Call it inspiration from the night before, call it the DVC reduced rate before 10am, call it whatever you want. We were going Up, Up, & Away!

Oh, and I'll warn you - this is going to be a long one!

We didn't get a spot right near our condo the evening before, so we had to walk over to the pool area to find the car.



In a few minutes we were already approaching the downtown Disney area. Off in the distance we could see the balloon. I noticed it had been up in the air every morning, likely as an advertisement.





Back to the bubble



We paid our fair. I think we paid $18 or $20 per two people with the DVC discount.



We were fortunate enough to get the first ride of the day.



Getting ready to go up. I'll admit, I was a little nervous but knowing that the balloon was tethered to the ground eased my fears.

































Just for the record - I have never eaten at Fulton's, but its on the list







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[MEK]

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So what else did I see besides Fulton's and Saratoga Springs?

Well, there's the Swan and Dolphin off in the distance.







Spaceship Earth





The Contemporary and BLT





The Grand Floridian





Caribbean Beach Resort maybe?



Hollywood Studios & ToT





Expedition Everest



Reedy Point Firehouse



The Nic Hotel



Some orange thing. anybody know what that is?



A building under construction



Our future destination



And coming back down. Boo!















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[MEK]

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Looking down through the platform of the balloon was a little dizzying







Our Tour Guide. He was awesome and, since we were the first ride of the day, we got to stay up 20 minutes instead of the usual 10.



Here are his next costumers. Tip - If you are the first ride of the day he will keep you up there until the next people show. 8:30am is the perfect time to ride!

A word about our tour guide. He was pretty cool. His parents sent him to Florida to go to school to be a golf pro. To pick up some extra money he started working for the company that runs the Flights in Wonder balloon. He said he loves his job so much that it will likely turn into a permanent career. His parents were skeptical, until the went up in the balloon. Now they are converts.



Bye Balloon. It's been real!



My Facebook picture for the morning



Already heading back up



A look at an empty DTD







Through the windshield of our car



Within 5 minutes or less we had arrived at our next destination, Typhoon Lagoon.













I took all those pictures with my phone, but I did bring my camera for later. Denny and I found a couple seats in the shade, I hid my camera, and we went to ride the Slush n Gusher. That was so fun. I'm not gonna lie - I was a little nervous, since I haven't to a water park in For-ever, but it was definitely more fun the frightening.

Next we went over to the family raft ride and another raft ride. Those were fun as well. We met this adorable little girl in line with her family. She really didn't want to go on the raft ride, but her family kept trying to convince her that she would love it. She was nervous the whole way, but when she finally finished the ride she was smiling ear to ear. How cute. I had to "high-five" her after watching her conquer her fears.

We lounged around for awhile and then we decided to be lazy in the lazy river. We actually made a circle and a half around which seemed like it took an eternity. It was very enjoyable. That is until we got out! Hopefully this is not TMI, but after I got out of that highly chlorinated water, I noticed that my body parts that had been submerged were really feeling the burn, literally. The chlorine immediately started to irritate my skin to the point where I could have literally jumped in a tub of cold water. It was almost to the point where it hurt and I was scared that I had really done some damage to my skin. I tend to have very, very sensitive skin and can only use certain soaps and laundry detergents. OUCH!

I had clothes to change into, but I really didn't feel like taking a shower at the water park. The plan had been to put some dry clothes on and leave for lunch and our DVC tour then go back to our condo and shower later. But now it looked like I might have to rethink the plan.

I really wanted to right at the moment. It stung that bad, but I endured the discomfort to take some pictures.







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[MEK]

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What resort is that? bonnet creek?





I really wanted to ride this again, but I was afraid to let my skin touch the water



















I know I shouldn't take pictures of random people but I just couldn't help myself. They looked so cute.







The longer I took pictures the better my itchy, burnt skin felt.

Nice that there is a sign for all the park hours



The wave pool sort of scares me. So many people. Too easy to crash into someone, so I skipped the wave pool altogether.



See what I mean. That's A LOT of people!





I zoomed in and was able to actually see one of the lines we stood in earlier in the day.



Time stamp














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[MEK]

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I hope if you're in a part of the country where its cold and dreary now, I hope those pictures made you feel a bit warmer.

I finally put my camera away and we packed up to go. The plan had originally been to hastily change at the water park, grab some lunch, and then head to our 12:30 appointment for our DVC tour. We were going to take proper showers later. But with my burning skin I decided I wanted to go back to our resort and shower now. I didn't want to take a shower at the TL. I just wanted to take a shower in total privacy.

So off we went with exactly one hour to shower, change, and grab something to eat. So for the second day in a row we grabbed some Chik-fil-a. Hey, don't judge me.

SSR here we come!



I'm not sure how we managed to do all that in an hour, but at our appointed time we strolled into the DVC preview center. I was really looking forward to seeing the VGF villas. On the way over Denny said, "what are we going to say when they try to get us to buy?"

I said, "Don't worry. We're not buying anything".

Famous last words.

Art Work at the preview center





I told the guide (not our guide - she was off) that we really were just interested in seeing the villas, not buying any points there. I did inquire about a small contract at BWV. The sticker price was a total shocker. The price per point at BWV was actually only $5 per point less than VGF.

Our guide was what I like to refer to as a "shiny person". That's what we always used to call the drug reps at work. You know the type - well groomed, well manicured, expensive shoes, nice clothes, and a very self-assured attitude. A lot of the guys actually put that shiny stuff in their hair to slick it back. Hence the term- shiny person! This particular guide acted like there were 1000 other things he would rather be doing than spending time with us. He bordered on pompous. I tried not to let it distract me.

VGF model here we come.



The coolest thing that caught my eye was the TV in the mirror in the bathroom. Really? WOW!



The master BR



Huge closet in the master BR



The studio





Of course Stacy was on TV in the background







The fake castle from the fake lake view room



I have to tell you that:

(1) I did not take nearly as many photos as I wanted to. I was feeling a little guilty about using "shiny man's" precious time
(2) The few photos that I did take can not even begin to describe the beauty of these rooms.

They are simply stunning. They really do take DVC to a whole new level.

Strolling back to shiny man's office Denny said, "What do you think? Should we consider it?"

My response

I was totally stunned. I couldn't believe Denny was even considering a purchase when I really only went there for research purposes.

So shiny man did the numbers, talked about the benefits, and gave us time to "talk it over".

I kept staring at the point chart in a bit of a daze.



One thing about me you should know. - I am totally NOT an impulse buyer, especially with big purchases. I really need time to think things through.

But here was my DH ready to go ahead with this purchase. What was happening here people?

I started to see the logic - We could buy a 50 point contract and have 2-3 nights every year in a VGF studio. Or we could bank and borrow and take an entire week. And we have sons who will eventually settle down and get married. What a wonderful wedding present - a week at the VGF. This totally unselfish rationale towards a purchase really helped me lean towards a YES.

And the rooms, they were SO lovely.

Hey, we deserve a little luxury, right?

Shiny man came back, but I still hadn't completely decided.

He stepped out again and I finally turned to Denny and said, OK. Let's do it".

There was really only one down side to our purchase.

We have a March use year and the resort was not declared until April, so we could not get any 2013 points. That was SUCH a total bummer.

But we did get some free FP's LOL! Not exactly equivalent, but we took them.

We stopped for ice cream on the way out, but honestly, I was too excited and still too dazed to eat.



This is a hasty picture of the train they have that circles around the top of the room.



Once outside it was a gorgeous, hot day and I wished we had our bathing suits to do a little pool hopping. But we weren't staying DVC this trip, so that would have been so wrong even after making such a big purchase.

So we headed back to our off site location and hit the pool there.



Up Next - Hollywood Studios and our last evening in the world!

 

[jedijill]

Gorgeous pictures. Just what I needed when its 7 degrees here in Denver.

I should try the balloon some of these days. Ouch about the overchlorenated water! Glad you were able to get back to the resort to shower off.

Congrats on the VGF purchase! I'm so jealous!

Jill in CO

 

[MEK]

Gorgeous pictures. Just what I needed when its 7 degrees here in Denver.

7 degrees? What? That IS cold. Our cold weather is moving in over the weekend. I can only pray its not that bad.

I should try the balloon some of these days. Ouch about the overchlorenated water! Glad you were able to get back to the resort to shower off.

The balloon is awesome. It definitely will not disappoint. You'll love it.

Yeah - that shower was MUCH needed!

How was your trip, BTW? I hope you had a great time! What am I saying, of course you did!

Congrats on the VGF purchase! I'm so jealous!

Jill in CO

I was really excited about that and we have 3 nights booked for next October. Can't wait!

 

[jedijill]

7 degrees? What? That IS cold. Our cold weather is moving in over the weekend. I can only pray its not that bad.



The balloon is awesome. It definitely will not disappoint. You'll love it.

Yeah - that shower was MUCH needed!

How was your trip, BTW? I hope you had a great time! What am I saying, of course you did!



I was really excited about that and we have 3 nights booked for next October. Can't wait!

It was -7 when I drove to work this morning.

Jill in CO

 

[nowellsl]

Congratulations on the DVC purchase! Your balloon pictures are amazing! I might have to try it some day!

 

[MEK]

It was -7 when I drove to work this morning.

Jill in CO

Darn Jill. That is WAY too COLD! Yikes! So far it seems like the cold has started early this winter.

Congratulations on the DVC purchase! Your balloon pictures are amazing! I might have to try it some day!

Thanks!

and thanks! The balloon is wonderful. It was a great experience. Unless you are REALLY afraid of heights its just spectacular. And even though you are up there, it doesn't seem so high when you are looking out on the horizon.

 

[Wicket's Mom]

We are really afraid of heights, but the view is really great from up there. I've never been to TL, but have been to BBB. TL looks nicer than BB, May have try it someday. Fun to see DTD so empty, were any stores open at that time? We tried Fulton's, it wasn't worth two credits, not bad, just meh.

After looking at snow coming down all day and still coming, your pictures are lovely!

Congrats on the new contract, GF was my dream resort, but we've fallen in love with AKL!

 

[khertz]

The balloon ride looks so amazing! I didn't realize you could see so much from up there. It just never worked out the two trips we really wanted to go up in the balloon. Pretty good tip about the first ride of the day too.

I think I know just what you mean about your skin stinging from the chlorine, and it is definitely uncomfortable! Over the last year or so, the skin on my calves is super sensitive I guess from shaving, and for awhile it was getting really bad to where I had these red, raw patches of skin. When we went to the kiddie pool and wave pool on our trip to Tennessee, by skin was just burning! But otherwise, it looks like you had fun at TL. We are not big water people, so I doubt we will be visiting a Disney water park anytime soon.

Congrats on the DVC purchase! That sounds a lot like when DH and I bought Wyndham. We were just going for the free Halloween Horror Nights tickets, and ended up spending a LOT more than we would have just buying the darn tickets OOP. And VGF, that's amazing!! I have heard nothing but rave reviews from the people who toured. Can't wait for the TR from your first trip there. I know you will take TONS of pictures for us!!!

 

[MEK]

We are really afraid of heights, but the view is really great from up there.

The view is spectacular and it really isn't scary at all. You go up so gradually you just sort of get used to it.

I've never been to TL, but have been to BBB. TL looks nicer than BB, May have try it someday.

They are different, but they are both pretty parks. I guess if I had to pick the one with the most tropical theme it would be TL. We just visited BB last month and it was really fun as well and I didn't get the chlorine burn.

Fun to see DTD so empty, were any stores open at that time? We tried Fulton's, it wasn't worth two credits, not bad, just meh.

I've heard that a lot, which is probably why I have never tried it. But it is still on my bucket list. I intend to eat at every disney restaurant!

After looking at snow coming down all day and still coming, your pictures are lovely!

I saw you snow pic on FB. It does look pretty, but its a little too early for snow IMHO!

Congrats on the new contract, GF was my dream resort, but we've fallen in love with AKL!

Thanks. I can't wait to stay there next October. I am really looking forward to it.

The balloon ride looks so amazing! I didn't realize you could see so much from up there. It just never worked out the two trips we really wanted to go up in the balloon. Pretty good tip about the first ride of the day too.

The balloon ride was wonderful. I highly recommend it, especially for your DH who is so into photography. It just feels great up there. Such a free feeling. I hope to do it again soon. I don't think I could ever get tired of it.

I think I know just what you mean about your skin stinging from the chlorine, and it is definitely uncomfortable! Over the last year or so, the skin on my calves is super sensitive I guess from shaving, and for awhile it was getting really bad to where I had these red, raw patches of skin. When we went to the kiddie pool and wave pool on our trip to Tennessee, by skin was just burning! But otherwise, it looks like you had fun at TL. We are not big water people, so I doubt we will be visiting a Disney water park anytime soon.

We had a great time at TL. We haven't been to a water park in forever. With the water park feature on our APs it seems really silly not to. Even if we just wanted to go and sit in a chaise it would have been worth it.

Fortunately, I did not have the same trouble with the lazy river at BB last October. I think the chlorine mix may have been different because of the cooler fall weather. But OUCH! That really hurt for awhile.

Congrats on the DVC purchase! That sounds a lot like when DH and I bought Wyndham. We were just going for the free Halloween Horror Nights tickets, and ended up spending a LOT more than we would have just buying the darn tickets OOP. And VGF, that's amazing!! I have heard nothing but rave reviews from the people who toured. Can't wait for the TR from your first trip there. I know you will take TONS of pictures for us!!!

I can see why you went for Wyndham. It's a good product and I would love to stay at Bonnett Creek. It really looks like a perfect resort.

The rooms are just stunning. I really can't wait to stay there. We will be celebrating an anniversary and its a perfect location to do that.

 

[rndmr2]

Awesome pics from the balloon! I really really want to go up in that balloon someday.

Congrats on your DVC buy! Those new villas really are beautiful.

I hope you didn't have any lasting effects of that skin irritation.

 

[dizneeat]

Your photos from the balloon ride are awesome. Great trip about the first ride of the day. We usually go later in the day and with MORE people on it gets tricky to walk around and see everything.
Sorry the chlorine hurt your skin so much. We have been to TL quite often and yip, I do smell it, but thankfully am not bothered by it. But it was awesome to read that you were able to fit in a few "rides" (esp. Crush'n'Gusher). IF you go again, you HAVE TO try the wave pool. It is awesome, even with so many people in there. Great fun.

You know what got me? Your report about buying into VGF! When we bought, it was about the same. I did NOT want to buy going into the presentation, but somehow it DID make sense, even for us and look where we are now. I'll even promise to take A LOT of photos of our studio at the VGF in February!

Oh, and btw - we are currently having a winter storm with wind speeds up to 100mph and are DUMPED with snow - your pics helped a lot to take my mind of the cold and snow.

 

[teekathepony]

It's not particularly cold here, but it's been raining and dreary for so long, I can't remember what the sun looks like! So I very much enjoyed your pictures of the water park.
Yikes, not cool that the water made your skin burn! I have tough skin, nothing bothers it, but the chlorine is still never pleasant, makes my skin feel too tight. I'm glad that it got a little better and you had time for a good shower. One of my favourite things about coming home after a trip is coming home to my fresh well water!
Well the VGF looks beautiful and I can absolutely see how an impulse buy could happen! I'm so happy for you and can't wait to read about your first trip there!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[MEK]

Awesome pics from the balloon! I really really want to go up in that balloon someday.

Thanks! And you should - its really beautiful and an amazing view. I think its great for a Disney fan because it allows you to see so much of the property. I haven't had that much fun looking at landmarks since I was on the roof of the WL.

Congrats on your DVC buy! Those new villas really are beautiful.

Thanks. They are really beautiful. I absolutely can't wait until our stay there next October. I almost borrowed the points and stayed this year but Denny convinced me to wait.

I hope you didn't have any lasting effects of that skin irritation.

Thankfully no, nor did I have any problems when I hit the lazy river at BB in October. :good vibes

Your photos from the balloon ride are awesome. Great trip about the first ride of the day. We usually go later in the day and with MORE people on it gets tricky to walk around and see everything.

I think I am totally spoiled now from going up as the first ride of the day. That was so awesome to have the extra length and all that room, although I wasn't really brave enough to go anywhere then the spot I started out in.

Sorry the chlorine hurt your skin so much. We have been to TL quite often and yip, I do smell it, but thankfully am not bothered by it. But it was awesome to read that you were able to fit in a few "rides" (esp. Crush'n'Gusher). IF you go again, you HAVE TO try the wave pool. It is awesome, even with so many people in there. Great fun.

We knew it wasn't going to be a long stay, so we did just the right amount of riding. Once the lines get long I am less inclined to stand in them. We hit up BB in October and it was awesome. There were virtually no lines and we had a great morning.

I have been in the wave pool. I don't know why I don't love it, but you're right - I need to give it another try.

You know what got me? Your report about buying into VGF! When we bought, it was about the same. I did NOT want to buy going into the presentation, but somehow it DID make sense, even for us and look where we are now. I'll even promise to take A LOT of photos of our studio at the VGF in February!

I absolutely can't wait to see your pictures. I am very excited to stay there, as I'm sure you are too. That small add on was sort of like an "empty nester" present to ourselves. I say I am going to bank and borrow and take a week at some point, but its just too enticing right now to do the short stay. I booked standard view this time, but next time we'll do lake view. I always want to have something to look forward to!

Oh, and btw - we are currently having a winter storm with wind speeds up to 100mph and are DUMPED with snow - your pics helped a lot to take my mind of the cold and snow.

Karin, that sounds TERRIBLE! YIKES! I know a lot of states in the west/midwest are getting snow here right now, but 100mph winds. That sounds downright dangerous. I hope you are not at risk for losing power. In the meantime, might as well stay on the DIS boards.

 

[MEK]

It's not particularly cold here, but it's been raining and dreary for so long, I can't remember what the sun looks like! So I very much enjoyed your pictures of the water park.

That's exactly how it is here. Not cold, but just so winter blah. It's downright depressing. So focusing on my summer Disney pictures is a great way for me to beat the winter blues.

Yikes, not cool that the water made your skin burn! I have tough skin, nothing bothers it, but the chlorine is still never pleasant, makes my skin feel too tight. I'm glad that it got a little better and you had time for a good shower. One of my favourite things about coming home after a trip is coming home to my fresh well water!

My house actually has well water too. We have a geothermal heat pump which is actually pretty cool and energy efficient. Our house was built before developments starting going up in this area and it was once rather rural, so I know what you mean.

We visited BB in October and I had no trouble with burning, so I wonder if the summer chlorine mix is stronger. Seems logical that it would be with the outside temps top out at 90 degrees.

Well the VGF looks beautiful and I can absolutely see how an impulse buy could happen! I'm so happy for you and can't wait to read about your first trip there!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

I struggled with that impulse buy for a few days, but now I am obviously cool with it. Imagine that! I can't wait to stay there. It's going to be such a treat!

 

[rentayenta]

The photos are gorgeous. Love seeing the aerial shots of SSR. Michael really likes SSR so I'm going to show him your pics. It seems like the time to go is early morning, first in line too.

Fulton's reminds me of a place we'd go eat in high school before dances. The name escapes me but it was a big docked boat in Newport Beach I believe. If any So Cal peeps are reading this, let me know if you know the name. It's driving me nuts.

Some of those *off* property resorts seem very close to *on* property.

Woohoo on the new VGF points and home. Send whatever spell Denny was under over this way because that's exactly what I'd like at the GCV; a 50 point contract that would allow us a week every other year at Disneyland.

What's the construction like in DTD?