If we can DREAM it, we can do it! ..... another 30 day vacation Update 02/07

[Mom&RN]

Hooray for BCV summer 2013! I know you will love it. We also fell in love with the area, but I understand what you mean about the price! My husband is retired military so we are lucky enough to usually get great discounts but I still won't usually spend the money to stay Deluxe, usually we end up choosing either moderate or value so we can stay longer. I have a suggestion - try Captain's Grille when you are at WDW this summer. It used to not be very good but when we were there in January we tried it one night (my husbands feet hurt and he didn't want to go far) and it was great. Found out from our server that they got a new chef about four months ago and he changed the menu and the food is so much better. We were pleasantly suprised and ended up eating there a second time during our stay because we were so impressed.

 

[KatMark]

Where did you find the bar and that piña colada at the Studios that is calling my name as I type this....even if it is only 745 am.

Some very nice pics around the Studios. We've not been to Mama Melrose in five years.

 

[dizneeat]

Hooray for BCV summer 2013! I know you will love it. We also fell in love with the area, but I understand what you mean about the price! My husband is retired military so we are lucky enough to usually get great discounts but I still won't usually spend the money to stay Deluxe, usually we end up choosing either moderate or value so we can stay longer. I have a suggestion - try Captain's Grille when you are at WDW this summer. It used to not be very good but when we were there in January we tried it one night (my husbands feet hurt and he didn't want to go far) and it was great. Found out from our server that they got a new chef about four months ago and he changed the menu and the food is so much better. We were pleasantly suprised and ended up eating there a second time during our stay because we were so impressed.

It was just unbelieveable that we were able to snatch the 1 bedroom villa at 7 months out! We had several other options, but that was our first choice!

We have eaten at Captains Grill before. I LOVED the breakfast there (while we stayed at the YC) and we had a horrible experience for dinner. Food was not bad, but service was just downright horrible. I always wanted to go back, but now that we are staying at BCVs this will creep to the top of the list again.

Where did you find the bar and that piña colada at the Studios that is calling my name as I type this....even if it is only 745 am.

Some very nice pics around the Studios. We've not been to Mama Melrose in five years.

Kathy, I had never noticed it before, but if you walk past TSM and right before you get to the Backlot tour there is a little stand on your left hand side.
The drinks were so nice and just sat the pace for a nice day at the parks.
We actually liked this visit to Mama Melrose very much. The food was really good and service was good too! We will gladly return there.

 

[jenseib]

yum. Lunch looked really good. I could go for some tomato and mozerella right now.

The park does look pretty crowded.

 

[Disney9.9.10]

Lovely DHS photos. Those drinks look so refreshing!

 

[Linda67]

I'm drinking hot chocolate with the rain lashing against my window and now I want a frozen margarita and some sunshine!

 

[RGirl]

I'm finally all caught up!!!!

I think you two really made the most of your CR stay! I enjoyed it so much.

And I can't believe it took you more than a day to get to WPE!!!! The food looked good as usual - someday, I will have to try it for myself!

Wow - I think the Mama Melrose meal actually looked very tasty. I haven't read a lot of great reviews of it, so it was a pleasant surprise to read yours and see your pics.

How nice to have a DIS meet, but too bad that EMH turned out so crowded later.

I just remembered that we are going on the same Fantasy cruise this summer!

 

[dizneeat]

yum. Lunch looked really good. I could go for some tomato and mozerella right now.

The park does look pretty crowded.

It was a very enjoyable meal. Great use of a Free Dining credit. The parks were a zoo during that time.

Lovely DHS photos. Those drinks look so refreshing!

The drinks were VERY good. I am looking forward to some more next summer.

I'm drinking hot chocolate with the rain lashing against my window and now I want a frozen margarita and some sunshine!

Me too, Linda.
It snowed heavily all last week and washed it all away this week - it's grey and depressing - I guess I need a vacation! SOON!!!!!!!

I'm finally all caught up!!!!

I think you two really made the most of your CR stay! I enjoyed it so much.

And I can't believe it took you more than a day to get to WPE!!!! The food looked good as usual - someday, I will have to try it for myself!

Wow - I think the Mama Melrose meal actually looked very tasty. I haven't read a lot of great reviews of it, so it was a pleasant surprise to read yours and see your pics.

How nice to have a DIS meet, but too bad that EMH turned out so crowded later.

I just remembered that we are going on the same Fantasy cruise this summer!

We LOVED staying at the CR. Unfortunately those two days were over far too fast.

Yes, it took us a day to make it to WPE but then we had breakfast there right on our first day.

We have always had good food at Mama Melrose, but the service had lacked quite a bit. Luckily that visit we had a great server!

I am so looking forward to getting to talk to Ann face to face and to see Michelle and her family again. And doing the Wishes cruise together should be the icing on the cake.

 

[dizneeat]

Day 10, August 20

Fun at the Studios and a change of plans - Part 3


When we headed over to the boat landing we saw a Friendship coming in and walked quickly over to join the line.
We really were lucky as they asked to stop boarding two groups behind us. The boat was packed and we had to stand in the middle. We were halfway on our way to the Boardwalk and it was then that the captain pointed out the best use of an ECV. On the walkway along the canal there was a man riding an ECV with a little boy sitting in his lap. The stroller was fixed at the back and mum was riding IN the stroller. They waved at the boat and we all waved back laughing hard. I wish I would have been able to take a photo, but there were too many heads in the way. It did not take long to arrive at the Yacht and Beach Club again and we headed back to our car and were back at Old Key West in no time.
I started another load of laundry, Tom took a dip in the Jacuzzi and I was checking my mail. The clouds had started to roll in on the way home and while we were at the resort it started to rain.

It ended up being a really heavy downpour, and it was fun to see that Disney did not stop to water the grounds during the downpour.

It rained for quite some time and by 5pm we decided that we both didn’t really care for returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Instead we drove to Kissimmee to pick up a few more items for our Fish Extender exchange. Then we stopped at Publix to pick up a few more items, some drinks to take on the cruise and some salad for dinner. Lastly since we were already in Kissimmee we decided to drive to Krispy Kreme. Tom has an app on his mobile, that shows if their “Hot Now” signs is on or not and it was on, so we hit the road. Needless to say that we needed to try some right there and then.

We ordered a Diet Coke, sat down and while watching the production line we happily munched our doughnuts.

Around 7pm we arrived back at our villa and set the table and had dinner.

After dinner we started packing and at around 9.30 we sat down in front of the TV, to chill for some more time and watch a little TV. It was around 11pm that we decided to go to bed.

To be continued ............

 

[KatMark]

We had one of those nasty storms in September too...we watched out our patio door.

I'm not getting jealous this time about the Krispy Kreme because we went this past Sunday morning for breakfast and our own.

 

[jenseib]

Boy I could really go for a donut right now. I need to lick the computer screen!

 

[KatMark]

Boy I could really go for a donut right now. I need to lick the computer screen!

 

[englishrose47]

I will have to stop in April for Krispy Creme Donuts !!! I don't think the kids will object

 

[MEK]

Boy I could really go for a donut right now. I need to lick the computer screen!

OMG - sorry Karin - was trying to post but this just struck me as really funny. Jen - I hope you restrained yourself, although those donuts do look pretty yummy! And I'm sure they taste a heck of a lot better than your computer screen!

Dinner looks good, too! I always love seeing what you guys eat in the villa. Always a great variety of yummy thing!

 

[dizneeat]

We had one of those nasty storms in September too...we watched out our patio door.

I'm not getting jealous this time about the Krispy Kreme because we went this past Sunday morning for breakfast and our own.

Kathy, we saw plenty of those "rain showers" during our stay. Thankfully we saw most of them from the veranda.

for having Krispy Kremes! I can't wait to have some more in just two more weeks.

Boy I could really go for a donut right now. I need to lick the computer screen!

Hm, Jen, I prefer the taste of the actual doughnut!
Just picturing you, licking the screen.

I will have to stop in April for Krispy Creme Donuts !!! I don't think the kids will object

Really good idea, Rosie! Just get plenty of them, they somehow "vanish" into thin air.

OMG - sorry Karin - was trying to post but this just struck me as really funny. Jen - I hope you restrained yourself, although those donuts do look pretty yummy! And I'm sure they taste a heck of a lot better than your computer screen!

Dinner looks good, too! I always love seeing what you guys eat in the villa. Always a great variety of yummy thing!

I was picturing Jen licking the screen and

We just love those leisurely "picknicks" in the villa. That's what I love about DVC - having a nice large living quarter with all the amenities.

 

[dizneeat]

Day 11, August 21

A fun day and extra magic at night - Part 1


We got up at around 7.30 and were discussing how to spend the day. There were still counter service credits to use up, so it was decided we were going to Wolfgang Puck’s Express for breakfast.
We got ready and then drove over to Downtown Disney. Parking was easy that early in the day and found a spot right behind the Once Upon A Toy store. We slowly walked over to Wolfgang Puck’s, doing some window shopping along the way.

There were a few people in line ahead of us, but we saw someone we hadn’t seen in a year, Maritza, our all time favourite Wolfgang Puck Express employee. She was working a till

and a little before it was our turn she looked up and immediately recognized us and waved. We placed our order and she came over to hug us and we all got a lot of funny looks from the other customers. We spoke very briefly as she was busy, but she promised to come over to our table lateron.
We both picked up our Diet Cokes and then walked over to the seating area to find a table. It didn’t take too long until our breakfast was brought out by Maritza, who now stayed to chat for a little bit.
She then left, telling us to enjoy our breakfast while it was still hot. This time Tom had chosen

the Smoked Bacon Pizza, topped with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, mozzarella and cheddar cheese and Ranch Dressing, which he really enjoyed and I had ordered

the Three Cheese, Tomato and Fontina Omelet, with mozzarella, goat cheese, and basil, which came with breakfast potatoes. We both enjoyed it a lot and once we were done, Maritza came over again and we chatted some more.
Far too soon it was time for her to go back to work and for us to get on our way again. We strolled through Downtown Disney before we went back to our car and went offsite. The outlet malls were where we were heading. The first one we went to was the former Beltz Mall.

We were happy to find a Fossil shop, as one of the straps of Tom’s watch were broken and we wanted to ask if they could replace it. After quite some time someone was finally helping us, telling us that they would have to send it in and it could take up to 8 weeks. Well, we stay for a long time, but not that long. They were very helpful and looked up an Austrian store where we could have it repaired and then we went on to look around the store. Luckily Tom discovered a watch he liked enough to replace the broken one and we got in line again to pay for it. All in all we had spent nearly an hour in the shop and were happy to get outside again. We walked on a bit and found a Samsonite store. We still wanted to replace on of our bags and went inside to look for something. I am not really a brand name buyer, but when it comes to luggage Samsonite mostly wins. And this time was no exception. We really found a bag we liked, but I was unsure it was within Lufthansa’s limits, so we got the measurements down and were sure to be back. Next stop you ask? The Disney outlet store of course. We just love the one in that mall, it has really good merchandise and if you find lots of bargains. So we spent quite some time there, browsing and we even picked up a few items. By time we were done it was already 2pm and we decided to head back to Old Key West. Once we had arrived there, we stopped at the General Store and I picked up some Carrot Cake. And after putting everything into the room and having a quick drink we headed out to the quiet pool to relax. While enjoying the pool we noticed the skies becoming a bit greyer and greyer and then it finally started to rain. Very light drizzle first and everyone stayed in the pool. Then, when it became much heavier everyone fled the pool and we stayed under the roof of the bar.

The shower didn’t last long and after about 10 minutes we were able to head back to the pool. Only to have to leave it again about 20 minutes later, when the rain started up again. This time we dried ourselves off as much as possible, headed to the bar and picked up

a Mickey bar and a Frozen Banana

and sat under an umbrella until we had finished our treats. The rain was still light and we headed back to our villa. Once inside, after having had a shower, we both had a snack, I had my

Carrot Cake and

Tom had some Cinnamon toast with butter and some coffee. We chilled for a while in front of the TV, hearing the rain outside. Lateron Tom went to enjoy the Jacuzzi, while I did a load of washing and checked the internet. By 5pm the rain had stopped and we got ready to head out again, this time for dinner. We had a reservation at Kouzzina and were cutting it close for our ADR, but made it to the Boardwalk just in time.

To be continued ............

 

[KatMark]

Great update, Karin. Des insisted on paying for one meal for us as a thank you for taking her along on Mark's 60th birthday trip, and she treated us to breakfast at Wolfgang's. The kids and Mark enjoyed it; my food was okay.

Where is the Belz Outlet? I'm trying to think if that is the one we go to.

Sorry the rain kept chasing you from the pool, but I do love that pool you were at...isn't it great?

 

[MEK]

Karin - thank you for pm'ing me that link. I totally forgot to thank you.

I have to say that everytime I see that breakfast pizza I want one. It really looks amazing.

So glad you took some time to go shopping. Glad Tom got a new watch and your found some other goodies. I never take the time to go outlet shopping, but I should.

 

[englishrose47]

The breakfast pizza looked awesome, I am hoping we have time to go to the Disney Outlet in April when we are ther for 4 days !!! It will be the firtst time we have a car there , so I am hoping our first day we can go , if I can pry them away from the pool!!!

 

[dizneeat]

Great update, Karin. Des insisted on paying for one meal for us as a thank you for taking her along on Mark's 60th birthday trip, and she treated us to breakfast at Wolfgang's. The kids and Mark enjoyed it; my food was okay.

Where is the Belz Outlet? I'm trying to think if that is the one we go to.

Sorry the rain kept chasing you from the pool, but I do love that pool you were at...isn't it great?

What did you order that was just okay? But I am glad the rest of your party enjoyed their food.

We call it the "former" Belz Mall. I looked it up, it is called Orlando Premium Outlets on International Drive and it is past Universal. You take the Sand Lake Road exit, then follow the I-drive towards Orlando. It's a pretty large Mall.

We didn't mind the rain too much. If you travel in the summer you need to live with it. It was just so funny to see people waiting for the rain to leave off and as soon as it stopped that pool was "occupied" again.

Karin - thank you for pm'ing me that link. I totally forgot to thank you.

I have to say that everytime I see that breakfast pizza I want one. It really looks amazing.

So glad you took some time to go shopping. Glad Tom got a new watch and your found some other goodies. I never take the time to go outlet shopping, but I should.

No problem. I really hope that the link will be of any help.

You have to try the Breakfast pizza. It is just SOOOOO good! Perfect way to start the day. You can even easily share it. It fills you up fast.

For us visiting Malls and doing some shopping is part of the "American" experience. Since we usually stay 4 weeks in the summer we always take some time to go offsite and do some shopping.
Even going to Publix is an experience to us. Sure we have large grocery stores too, but there are so many things that are new to us, so it usually takes us quite some time to check things out.

The breakfast pizza looked awesome, I am hoping we have time to go to the Disney Outlet in April when we are ther for 4 days !!! It will be the firtst time we have a car there , so I am hoping our first day we can go , if I can pry them away from the pool!!!

You really need to try that breakfast pizza, Rosie. They do an awesome pocket and omlettes too!
There are several outlets, Rosie. The closest one is Premium Outlets on Vineland Road. The other one we go to is at the very other end of I-drive.