Jan '12 It's Cold, Let's Go to Disney!!(NEW 3/27 EP, DHS, AK & Pouts)

[Marshay]

Post Trip Report begins on Page 10, #138. Table of Contents is in 2nd post.

Glad you could join! We are going to WDW Jan 19-29 and staying at Old Key West. This is our first time at this DVC and the first time to stay in January for more than 2 days.

Let me introduce my family:

First there is DD6, she is my little artist and photographer. She is in 1st grade and loves school and Disney. She has been to WDW 7 times and her favorite ride is Splash Mountain. On our trip last year, she conquered Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids and Primeval Whirl. She does not like Tower of Terror nor Space Mountain but I give her great credit for at least trying them!

Next is DD2, she turns 3 in March and hence the reason for this trip in January -- to get one more "free" trip for her. She is my little athlete and fashionista. I will often find her wearing 3 skirts at one time and playing "soccer" in the house. Her favorite rides are The Magic Carpets of Aladdin and Triceratop Spin. She is now tall enough to ride Soarin', Test Track, Dinosaur, Kali, Mission Space green and Splash Mtn...we'll see what she wants to do.

DH is in his upper, upper 40s and is the reason we own DVC since he suggested purchasing once we had DD6. He is a self-defined computer geek. He likes Disney but does not love it. His ideal vacation is sleeping in and hanging out -- obviously so not Disney but in general he is a good sport about a WDW vacation. DH loves wild rides like ToT, RnR, EE and Space Mountain.

I am in my lower, lower 40s and am the Disney addict. I am a SAHM who loves to scrapbook and do other crafts but I also play competitive volleyball. My favorite thing to do is plan a Disney trip and then go on it! I love all the wild rides, too. Disney just fills me with a sense of joy, comforting familiarity and thrills.

 

[Marshay]

Table of Contents

PreTrip Report
Introduction, Post #1
Autotrain, Page 2, #30
Disney Days, Page 3, #31
Updates and Photos, Page 4, #53
Schedule Change, Page 6, #78

Post Trip Report
2/27: Autotrain, Page 10, #138
2/28: Check-in at OKW, Page 10 #148
3/6: DHS, Page 12, #170
3/20: Balloons and Dinosaurs, Page 13, #192 and Page 14, #196+
3/21: AK and EMH Dismeet, Page 15, #219+
3/22: Princesses, Page 16, #240
3/23: Fun MK Day, Page 17, #251
3/26 & 27: Epcot, DHS, AK and Pouts, Page 19 #273, #275, #277

 

[Marshay]

Ok, so this trip was originally supposed to be the one where we took along some friends, but the first cancelled due to $$ and the second cancelled b/c they decided to go to disneyLAND instead. Then I invited my parents, but they didn't want to go in January.

Sooo, we are going by ourselves, staying at Old Key West since we haven't tried this one yet and saving the points we would have spent on the 2BR for a 3 night DREAM cruise to the Bahamas next year, January 2013.

Original plans included Sea World, then changed to Legoland, but after some horrible reviews, we switched back to Sea World, but with no great discounts for SW and a 2nd trip to WDW planned within 365 days, we decided to upgrade our tickets to Annual Passes.

We are not adding the dining plan due to $$$ and the ridiculous new dining policy to charge $10/pp for no-shows. Life with 2 young kids in unpredictable weather for January is too uncertain, so I won't risk having to pay $10/pp for nothing. (ok, stepping off soap box on that bomb).

 

[kaoden39]

I'm first!!

 

[kaoden39]

Ok, so this trip was originally supposed to be the one where we took along some friends, but the first cancelled due to $$ and the second cancelled b/c they decided to go to disneyLAND instead. Then I invited my parents, but they didn't want to go in January.

Sooo, we are going by ourselves, staying at Old Key West since we haven't tried this one yet and saving the points we would have spent on the 2BR for a 3 night DREAM cruise to the Bahamas next year, January 2013.

Original plans included Sea World, then changed to Legoland, but after some horrible reviews, we switched back to Sea World, but with no great discounts for SW and a 2nd trip to WDW planned within 365 days, we decided to upgrade our tickets to Annual Passes.

We are not adding the dining plan due to $$$ and the ridiculous new dining policy to charge $10/pp for no-shows. Life with 2 young kids in unpredictable weather for January is too uncertain, so I won't risk having to pay $10/pp for nothing. (ok, stepping off soap box on that bomb).

How fun to try a new resort. Too bad about your friends, I hope they hav e a good trip to Disneyland.

 

[Marshay]

We have a few TS planned that are favorites:

Cinderella's Royal Table -- we ate here in May 2011 and just loved it -- from the delicious food to the atmosphere to the architecture, we felt like royalty!

Not the best pic but the only one we have showing the inside w/o a princess blocking the path!

Despite DD2 not wanting her pic taken above, she really did enjoy this meal

Garden View Tea Lounge -- Tea anyone? I took my mom and daughter to this for a belated Mother's Day last year. We had a great time. DD6 wanted to do again but asked if DD2 and Daddy could join. So we are all going.

 

[Marshay]

I'm first!!

Congrats!! You made it!!

Now I feel like I'm not just talking to myself -- thank you!

 

[Marshay]

How fun to try a new resort. Too bad about your friends, I hope they hav e a good trip to Disneyland.

Yeah, they went this summer and had fun. Her family lives out there, so I can't blame her.

I was just disappointed b/c they said yes and that was exciting for me (and DD6). But I completely understand.

And if they didn't say no, we wouldn't be doing a cruise next year!

So it all works out.

 

[kaoden39]

Yeah, they went this summer and had fun. Her family lives out there, so I can't blame her.

I was just disappointed b/c they said yes and that was exciting for me (and DD6). But I completely understand.

And if they didn't say no, we wouldn't be doing a cruise next year!

So it all works out.

Then I say its a win win for you.


I was hoping you were going to do the tea again. I know that you guys really enjoyed it.

 

[Marshay]

and then some new restaurants

Hollywood and Vine -- we ate here for lunch but this time we are going for Breakfast. I actually breakfast so am really looking forward to this. Also, Jake, from Jake and the Neverland Pirates and Special AGent Oso are at this meal and we haven't met either of them yet.

And it's just a very fun restaurant for young "Disney Junior" kids. They sing and dance to all the DJr songs. You pay for the atmosphere here too.

We are also doing this as a late breakfast (~10:30am) on a EMH-AM. My plan is to get up early, eat a little, go do the big rides and then have a TS breakfast that is also sort of like an early lunch.

Garden Grove -- I got one of those restaurant.com gift certificates for here to try, based on another friends' recommendation. She went 2x and loved the Seafood Night (other one was Italian) so much. Since she couldnt stop raving about it and we love seafood and it is still a character meal (w/o $10/pp no-show), we are going to give it a try. This is located at the Swolphin.

Olivia's -- I don't have an ADR for here but on DVC boards, this gets great reviews. This is located at Old Key West and I hope to walk up for a meal.

The rest of the meals will either be CS or we'll eat in our room. When we first got DVC we just did Breakfast in the room. Each trip we are eating more lunches and dinners in the room -- saves us money and is just more relaxing sometimes.

Next up -- Transportation and Our Disney Days!

 

[Marshay]

Then I say its a win win for you.

I was hoping you were going to do the tea again. I know that you guys really enjoyed it.

Yep! And yes, you remember correctly! The tea just helps you step away from it all and relax. Plus it was good food!

Not sure if DH will like it but that's ok.

 

[kaoden39]

I like the idea of eating a meal in the room. I think it helps you to relax from the frantic pace in the parks.

 

[danimaroo]

I'm here, too... I've seen you post in the January thread but had no idea you were going the exact same dates as me! We technically leave the 18th but won't get in til the 19th (Seattle is a long flight!), and then fly back the 29th. We stayed at OKW during our honeymoon last January and I really loved it! My husband has stayed there many many times, but it was my first time and I loved the whole vibe of the resort as a whole. It was a very relaxing and comfy place to come back to after a long day at the parks.

 

[okw19]

I'm here! We are arriving in WDW on the 20th but not checking into OKW until the 21st. Hope you guys love OKW! I have stayed there 15+ times and I love it so much.
Maybe we will run in to each other at the bus stop! If you see a brunette in her 20's wearing Disney clothes and looking like she's 16 that'll be me. I'll be toting around my 2 year old, my fiance and about 5 other family members as well.

A cruise sounds amazing! I'd be kind of glad my friends cancelled if that was the outcome.
Tea at the GF sounds SO fun! Also, we love Olivia's!

 

[betsywdw]

I love winter trips! We stayed at OKW in 2008 and really liked it. Are they finished with the refurb yet? The pics in the DVC magazine looked gorgeous! Can't wait to follow along!

 

[Trentmom]

I am here

Sorry your friends cancelled, but that is awesome about a cruise next year

My friend stayed at OKW a few months ago and loved it

Your adrs sounds great. That is nice DH and E going to tea with you and R.

 

[pld5]

We'll be at Disney at the same time. We don't arrive until the 22nd and leave on the 28th and are staying at WL.

I look forward to reading your post trip report to see if any of our park days overlap.

 

[Marshay]

I'm here, too... I've seen you post in the January thread but had no idea you were going the exact same dates as me! We technically leave the 18th but won't get in til the 19th (Seattle is a long flight!), and then fly back the 29th. We stayed at OKW during our honeymoon last January and I really loved it! My husband has stayed there many many times, but it was my first time and I loved the whole vibe of the resort as a whole. It was a very relaxing and comfy place to come back to after a long day at the parks.

Yeah!! I hope we have overlapping days! I just joined your PTR and will go back and read it all. Love seeing pics of people we might see in the parks!

Where are you staying this trip? Glad you loved OKW!

I actually prefer hotel DVCs like BLT and BCV but when we stayed at SSR, it really surprised us so I'm thinking we will like OKW, too. If nothing else, the extra large room will be wonderful!

I'm here! We are arriving in WDW on the 20th but not checking into OKW until the 21st. Hope you guys love OKW! I have stayed there 15+ times and I love it so much.
Maybe we will run in to each other at the bus stop! If you see a brunette in her 20's wearing Disney clothes and looking like she's 16 that'll be me. I'll be toting around my 2 year old, my fiance and about 5 other family members as well.

A cruise sounds amazing! I'd be kind of glad my friends cancelled if that was the outcome.
Tea at the GF sounds SO fun! Also, we love Olivia's!

I'll keep an eye out for you!!

Once we have our room number, I'll come back and post on here, just in case we are anywhere close by!

Yeah, we are psyched now about the cruise.

Anything Olivia's is known for?

I love winter trips! We stayed at OKW in 2008 and really liked it. Are they finished with the refurb yet? The pics in the DVC magazine looked gorgeous! Can't wait to follow along!

Hey what are you dates again? Do we overlap at all?

I didn't know you already stayed at OKW. Yes, I believe they are done with the refurbs only bc I heard some people complaining about the refurb since they didn't do the "nasty tiles" or something like that.

I am here

Sorry your friends cancelled, but that is awesome about a cruise next year

My friend stayed at OKW a few months ago and loved it

Your adrs sounds great. That is nice DH and E going to tea with you and R.

I forget, did you guys get switched to SSR for one of the trips?

Glad your friends loved OKW, too!

Since we have our own vehicle with us, it won't be too bad if we are all spread out. That's my only complaint (pre-staying there).

We'll be at Disney at the same time. We don't arrive until the 22nd and leave on the 28th and are staying at WL.

I look forward to reading your post trip report to see if any of our park days overlap.

Welcome to DIS!! Looks like you are new here. Hope you find some great threads and friends. DIS is a great resource for Disney info, too!

We stayed at WL once and just loved it. It was a very relaxed vacation for us. WL just lends itself to relaxing. I remember having ducks sit outside on our deck everyday!

Hope to see you in WDW, too!

 

[mousescrapper]

Hi Marsha

I'm here glad you started a PTR even though I won't be able to read the end since well already be down there getting the place warmed up for you all...still so sad we won't be able to meet up on this one

Looking forward to reading your plans as I finalize getting ready...

J

 

[okw19]

I'll keep an eye out for you!!

Once we have our room number, I'll come back and post on here, just in case we are anywhere close by!

Yeah, we are psyched now about the cruise.

Anything Olivia's is known for?

I'll be looking for you guys! Definitely let me know your room number!

Olivia's is known for having great CMs! They have consistently been awesome for 15+ years. We have always enjoyed breakfast there, I know some people like their banana bread french toast, though I've never had it. I've only been for dinner a few times, but I remember liking it then too.