I'm on my way - live updates

[mtmbyck]

So 4am at Montreal Airport. Flying Canjet and they did not weigh our luggage! it's a blizzard outside. Lines were non-existant checking in but customs which opens at 4:30 was about a half hour wait. bonus is, if you have a stroller or wheelchair, you have your own line (DG is with us in a wheelchair) flight is still showing on time. Forecast in Orlando isn't great. Rain and thunderstorms most of today. A real bummer as we will be at Beach Club Villas at around noon and assuming we won't get our room til 4ish. We'll have to figure out a new plan instead of the original lay by the pool plan. Forecast for the rest of the week is awesome

I'll post daily to let you know how life at WDW is.

Sorry for the typos. Sending from IPod.

 

[sjs314]

I love live reports so I am in! Plus I see you are staying at BCV in the Epcot area, we will be staying at BC in October. Have a safe flight

 

[Disney_Mama]

Safe travels. Can't wait to for your updates.

 

[phabric]

I will be looking forward to your review. Hope you have better weather than today.

Can you tell me about your flight with Canjet. I booked with Air Transat - Toronto - Ft Lauderdale and I found out they use Canjet for this flight. Can you do your boarding pass in advance or only at airport.

 

[mtmbyck]

Canjet issues boarding passes at the counter so day of flight. We tried going down the night before but every other airline has machines to print boarding passes and not Canjet. Flight was cramped - totally full and leg room about the smallest AI have seen. But made it here safely so all is well.

So by the time we de-iced and got on our way it was an hour past take-off so we landed an hour later. Still arrived at noon which was great - big storm had just passed and no rain but left Orlando about 20 degrees cooler than the day before. So 60's today and tomorrow but sun tomorrow so hoping to enjoy that.

Room wasn't ready so off to Beaches and cream for lunch. Great meal and wonderful milkshakes. Then wandered the resort to see pool - water is super warm (compared to the cool air here) and the beach. Then it hit us -= WE WERE EXHAUSTED.

Didn't get out room until 3:30 after much pleading with the front desk. They told me none were ready so I asked that she call mousekeeping to check and sure enough there was a room. We had had been up since 2:30am. We got in room, bell services had our luggage to us within minutes and lights out for a nap.

Woke up at 7pm!!!!! I don't want to sleep through my vacation!! Got dressed and off to explore the boardwalk for the evening. TOasted marshmallows at the campfire sing-a-long - poor castmember was all alone out there. Rescuers was the outdoor movie. Very quiet at the boardwalk tonight. Usually by 9pm it is busy but it was dead. Walked over to Int'l gateway to see fireworks.

Beach Club Villas - my verdict is still out on this resort. We stayed at SSR a few years ago and room was newer and we loved our view. We are the 3rd floor and look at the main entrance and a bunch of trees. So far, we have 3 broken elements on the stove, the dishwasher door is falling off, ethernet cable has the 3rd prong broken so if I jiggle computer I lose connection, and a lamp in master bedroom is not working. I am sure all are fixable so I will call tomorrow while we are out to get it all fixed. The room is tired looking (it's a 2 bedroom villa). The room smelled very musty on arrival and carpets were wet (guess they cleaned for new guests). But so happy to be here so no complaints!!

Cooler day than expected tomorrow so not sure what we are doing. Was going to lay by pool but high is only 69 so not sure - it's going down to 9 tonight!

Forecast looks good though so not to worry. Have a great night and updates again tomorrow.

 

[visitingapril09]

Wow, you are making me excited!

 

[sjs314]

I can totally relate to being up for what seems all night to catch and early morning flight as that is what we normally do. I am planning to check-in then head over to Epcot for lunch while we wait for our room to be done. Once I hit a Disney park I get my second wind , return later to nap then hopefully make it back out to DTD for dinner.
So sorry to hear about all the less than perfect conditions with your villa, I hope they can get it up to par for you today.

 

[Sue M]

Hope you get your room fixed up. I heard BCV are due for a refirb. We are staying at BC in Aug. Can't wait. Hope it warms up for you.

 

[mtmbyck]

We let the kids sleep in today. No big plans. It was cold in the morning - bell services had touques on but then you see vacationers with Tshirts and shorts (must be Canadians). I think I saw 11 degrees. Colder tonight - they are issuing frost warnings. High today was 67 and nothing but sun so I have to say it was great tanning weather.

We headed to DTD to shop and have lunch. HATE this bus route from BC. You stop at Typhoon Lagoon both ways plus at least one of BW, DOlphin, Swan, or YC. NOrmally 2. So between your wait for the bus and the ride, you are committed to about 35-40 minutes. We were at DTD by10 and crowds were ok - except guest relations which was out the door! By the time we were leaving at 1pm, it was filling up. We ate at Wolfgang Puck cafe for lunch - love the food there and really reasonable.

SOmeone came and fixed most of our problems - two burner elements still are lopsided. But haven't seen anything else broken. We only chose to do this resort for 2 nights as a little treat. We move to Marriott Grande Vista tomorrow into another 2 bedroom (for significantly less money).

we layed by SAB once back from DTD. We got there around 2pm. By 4 there were no chairs to be found. There were activites every minute. The lifeguard dance (changing of the guards they call it) is at 3:30 and kicks off lots of activities. Dancing, Karaoke, games......there were at least 6 staff dressed like lifeguards that played with the kids - they had a huge Jenga game they brought out to play that kids really liked. For 67 degrees, it was warm. not hot. No need to cool off in the pool but you could sure feel the sun on your skin. Kids said the pool was cold at first but then realized it was warmer than the air so they liked it. Pool was 83 (can't be easy keeping that heat up with these cold nights). For my DDs (11 and 14), SAB wasn't as much fun as other pools. They only did the slide once and didn't love it (perhaps because of the enclosed portion). The sand bar is more for little ones.

We had dinner at Captains Grille and it was delicious. Steak (rib-eye for 27.99) was melt in your mouth good. DG said Mahi Mahi was amazing. Kids freaked when I told them what that comes from! After dinner we headed back to room thinking we'd drop off kids and grandma and walk the boardwalk and it was FREEZING out! you could almost see your breath. So DH and I had a few drinks at Martha's Vineyard and off to bed.

Today is a character breakfast at cape may cafe and then check out (kids want to swim first). FOrecast is getting warmer - 71 today, 75 tomorrow and then low 80's next week. No rain forecasted - MUCH BETTER THAN LAST YEAR!

See ya real soon...........

 

[sjs314]

We let the kids sleep in today. No big plans. It was cold in the morning - bell services had touques on but then you see vacationers with Tshirts and shorts (must be Canadians). I think I saw 11 degrees. Colder tonight - they are issuing frost warnings. High today was 67 and nothing but sun so I have to say it was great tanning weather.

We headed to DTD to shop and have lunch. HATE this bus route from BC. You stop at Typhoon Lagoon both ways plus at least one of BW, DOlphin, Swan, or YC. NOrmally 2. So between your wait for the bus and the ride, you are committed to about 35-40 minutes. We were at DTD by10 and crowds were ok - except guest relations which was out the door! By the time we were leaving at 1pm, it was filling up. We ate at Wolfgang Puck cafe for lunch - love the food there and really reasonable.

SOmeone came and fixed most of our problems - two burner elements still are lopsided. But haven't seen anything else broken. We only chose to do this resort for 2 nights as a little treat. We move to Marriott Grande Vista tomorrow into another 2 bedroom (for significantly less money).

we layed by SAB once back from DTD. We got there around 2pm. By 4 there were no chairs to be found. There were activites every minute. The lifeguard dance (changing of the guards they call it) is at 3:30 and kicks off lots of activities. Dancing, Karaoke, games......there were at least 6 staff dressed like lifeguards that played with the kids - they had a huge Jenga game they brought out to play that kids really liked. For 67 degrees, it was warm. not hot. No need to cool off in the pool but you could sure feel the sun on your skin. Kids said the pool was cold at first but then realized it was warmer than the air so they liked it. Pool was 83 (can't be easy keeping that heat up with these cold nights). For my DDs (11 and 14), SAB wasn't as much fun as other pools. They only did the slide once and didn't love it (perhaps because of the enclosed portion). The sand bar is more for little ones.

We had dinner at Captains Grille and it was delicious. Steak (rib-eye for 27.99) was melt in your mouth good. DG said Mahi Mahi was amazing. Kids freaked when I told them what that comes from! After dinner we headed back to room thinking we'd drop off kids and grandma and walk the boardwalk and it was FREEZING out! you could almost see your breath. So DH and I had a few drinks at Martha's Vineyard and off to bed.

Today is a character breakfast at cape may cafe and then check out (kids want to swim first). FOrecast is getting warmer - 71 today, 75 tomorrow and then low 80's next week. No rain forecasted - MUCH BETTER THAN LAST YEAR!

See ya real soon...........

I read your review with great interest. First I want to say I am glad you returned to your room and maintenance had taken care of the issues.

As we are planning on visiting DTD during our stay I thank you for the honest review about the bus especially the time it takes do to all the stops, I will be sure to allow at least and hour travel time to be on the safe side for our ADR

I have read about the "changeing of the guard" at SAB made note of the time, maybe I will be in the vacinity and catch it. Sorry to hear your DD's did not find SAB as exciting as all the hype we read about it.

Good to read about Captain's Grille we are planning on eating there on our trip and ribeye is my favorite

Can not wait to read your review of Cape May since we are planning on a breakfast there as well

Have a wonderful day today

 

[Sue M]

Surprised to hear the weather is so cold there now. It was when we were there in Jan, first few nights were really cold, then toward the end of the week it started to warm up, a couple of days before we were leaving After we left I think it got to 80

Can't wait to go to BC in Aug, and enjoy SAB. Surprised to hear your kids didn't think it was that great.

Enjoy Cape May, we have dinner ADRs for it. One night we were thinking of Capt. Grille, but decided on LeCellier. I'll have to try it next trip.

 

[SplashMom]

Sounds like you are off to a good start--hope your weather improves. We were there Feb 17-28 and it didn't go below 80 and beautiful sunshine. I guess we had perfect timing. I thought maybe that it would stay that warm but I guess it was just a temporary thing. The weather forecast looks like it will be warming up soon!

 

[mtmbyck]

Florida weather is a bit wacky this year. Woke up to record lows of 40 degrees but by 10 am it was 65 and by noon it was almost 70! Made it to 74 today which felt hot and wonderful to us. Forecast is 79 on Sun and 82 on Mon and then 80s all week!

Cape May Cafe was great. Disney sure knows how to do breakfast. Only 3 characters which I thought was less than most character meals - Minnie, Donald and Goofy. I was going to tease Goofy because he is the perfect shape with the big beer belly but then I hugged him and it was real I think. LOL. Excellent meal but struggled with wether it was worth 174.00 for 6 of us (4 kids but all over 9). Sure wish there was free dining! I would have given it a 8 (but needs more characters).

Packed up our things - bell services are amazing. They came to the room within 10 minutes, had it all loaded and in our van within 30 minutes. Short drive to Marriott Grande Vista and we were checked in to our new home for 8 more nights. I have to say I didn't like splitting our stay. We lived out of suitcases at BCV and I didn't buy groceries to last as I knew we would have to move and wait til 4 for the Marriott room (which we did). I would rather land, unpack, and settle in. Just my take-away from this trip.

Ok folks, I got a great deal at BCV. I rented a members points for $6ea so I ended up getting the 2 bedroom for a fraction of the price. BUT.......when we walked into this new Marriott unit I was thrilled. It is HUGE - at least twice the size of BCV and the furniture is regal ( there's this luscious chaise in the master bedroom I would love in my home). I love Disney as much as all of you but for a fraction of the price and this much more space and higher quality amenities, I would not bat an eye to stay here again! In fact, DH and I said this might be our spot from now on (we've tried Floridays, Sheraton Vistana Villages and a number of homes and Disney properties.

I have been told by other guests that crowds are very high a Disney right now. This is obviously why they extended all of their hours til midnight and 1am. Don't know if we'll make it to a Disney park - typhoon Lagoon on Monday and we have passes I got with Aeroplan for Universal to see Harry Potter.

I must post pictures of this resort. It's breathtaking. Very big so you'll have a walk to most areas but the resort is around lagoon with a bridge to cross. Main pool is like a Caribbean resort with artifices daily. There's another themed pool but it loses all of its sun by 4pm. There a beach with volleyball and boat rentals, fishing, ping pong, pizza hit and an ice-cream shop. Last night was a campfire with a movie on the beach. It was packed with people.

So today is high 70s and men are golfing today ( we have met up with a few other families here) and then poolside this afternoon and tonight dinner at Maggianos. My kids love eating here with the family style pasta meal.

Tomorrow off to Typhoon Lagoon. Ta Ta For Now!

 

[sjs314]

Good to hear about the Cape May Breakfast, I plan on sneaking in one breakfast there and dinner too.

It seems your transition between resorts went smoothly, we have never done a split stay, DH likes to "settle" in once we get anywhere.

Looking forward to seeing the pics of the Marriot Grande Vista. We have only stayed offsite twice our first 2 trips but who knows what the future may bring especially if we to Universal again someday.

You got a great deal renting points for only $6 a point

 

[iluvwesties]

Love your reports so far

 

[who's ur daddy?]

Is it warm enough to swim? Wondering what it's like at the waterparks...

 

[pooksma]

Enjoying the live updates.

Interesting comment on the split-stay. This trip we are doing it backward from you, Offsite first 3, then on for 7. I am curious to see how it works out.

Keep the info coming

 

[Sue M]

Love the updates. I think my brother stayed at the Marriott Grande Vista if it's the one near SeaWorld.
I know some of the off site hotel accom. can be much nicer, and less cost, but when I go to WDW, I do enjoy staying on site, for all the ammenities, dining plan, DME, and we like to take mid day breaks. Then go back to a park later.
Staying off site, that's hard to do. And I prefer Disney do the driving but that's me. I love staying in the Bubble

Looking forward to the pics!

 

[mtmbyck]

I understand the benefits of staying insure. We have done this for years, especially when DDs were younger ( now 11 and 14 ) . Now we find we need the added space so 2 bedrooms are the best way for us and that can get pricey. We've done the dining plan before also. Excellent deal but now that kids are "adult age" but still eat like kids it isn't. On the dining plan I'd pay an adultnpackage but without, I can dine at these restaurants and order the child meal at the child price for them. So it just works better for us.

Yes we are right across from Sea World. I will post pictures if someone gives me a brief lesson on how to do that. Do they need to be in a photo bucket?

Ok, on to the report.........woke up to a slightly cool morning. Needed a sweater but shorts were fine. By 8am it was getting warm, by 11am it was HOT. Temperature was calling for high 70s but it felt like 80's. DD and I did a quick Target run and then hit the pool all day. Holy man it was hot. The pool at this resort is much warmer than the BCV but perhaps this is because they were trying to heat it after evenings of 40 degrees. Pool here is about 86. I think Disney keeps there's at 83. Not too much to report today other than blue skies, heat and sunshine galore.

Had dinner reservations at Maggianos for 6:30 so out for dinner. They do great family style dining and who doesn't love a big bowl of pasta to share. It was excellent and cost the same as my Cape May Cafe breakfast! As we were leaving the restaurant at 8:30ish, the evening was WARM! Finally a warm evening.

Forecast is still the best I have ever seen for March with consistent sun and 80's until at least Saturday. But this is not typical March weather. It is warmer and drier than usual and the news indicates they need the rain. Not on my vacation!

So off to Typhoon Lagoon in the morning. Our friends are renting a cabana. I couldn't justify the 159.00 given you are rarely sitting down. Evidently today is the last day of " low season". Tomorrow cabanas are 259.00 because it is hig h season.

Have a great day.

 

[DisneyFreak06]

Enjoying the live TR...

As for pictures, you need to post them on a special site like photobucket or flickr. I'm sure there are others, but I can't remember them. Here's a video tutorial about how to post pictures.

Posting Pictures

I hope that helps. Once you get going it's really quite easy.

Here's a thread about it too.