Just Back. First Trip As Members

[nydisney14]

Just got back from a 7 night stay at the BVC. It was our first trip home since buying at SSR a few months ago. We had rented points previously and decided to buy after we stayed at the Boardwalk. We bought at SSR because we just wanted to become members and the Disney financing made it so easy.

Just DW (Karen) and I (Anthony) at a BVC studio June 20 to June 27. We had room 555, the room was clean and it pretty good shape. We had a Epcot view. We had no complaints about the room. We checked in around 10am, we got a nice Welcome Home from the security guard. Sissy at the front desk was checking us in, not very personal and just said that the room wasn't ready to call back later. No big deal as the room was fine.

We did swim a few days at Storm Along Bay, don't see what the big deal is about it. We also swam at the villa pool which was alot less crowded. Maybe when we have kids we would appreciate Storm Along Bay more.

One night we got a call from the front desk and said that they were testing the 4th of july fireworks at Epcot around midnight that night so they were sorry about the noise. To our surprise the fireworks were awesome, we were able to see the whole 4th of july show from our balcony.

The weather was horrible, it was cloudy and it rained 5 out of the 7 days. We barely saw the sun. DW and I have been to disney in the months of August, September, Oct and May. We were not used to the June crowds. Needless to say we will never go to Disney in June again. Don't get me wrong but we did have a great time. Would prefer the off peak times.

We did the Keys to the Kingdom tour at Magic Kindom which was great as well. Our tour guide Brick (yes that is his real name) did a great job and was very informitive. I would reccommend this tour to someone who has been to disney several times and wanted to find out a little more how it all works.

Most of the rides had at least 60 minute wait times, thank goodness for fast pass! Soarin was awesome, strangely enough there were very little lines for Mission Space. Did see Lucky the Dinosaur, no big deal for me, kids would probably get a kick out of him.

As for dining, we always rent a car so we did most of our eating off site but had several meals at Beaches N Cream, good burgers, roast beef and turkey sandwichs, enjoyed Hotdogs at Casey's, good sandwich's at the Columbia House. We also ate Lunch at Kona Cafe (Poly) which was delicious and not too pricey. I had the Mahi Mahi and DW had the chicken sandwich, both were good.

We have now stayed at BW and BVC, to our surprise we enjoyed BW better. We'll probably try out all of the resorts. We visited SSR which looked really beautiful, can't wait to stay there.

Finally, my aunt, uncle and there 3 boys (14, 12, 10) came down for a few days, they stayed at the BCV as well. They had a 1 bedroom, room 305 which was nice as well, no complaints. The boys loved Storm Along Bay and the slide.

All in all we had a great trip but would not go back in June. Trying to convince DW to go back this Nov/Dec, we have yet to see Disney with all the Christmas decorations.

 

[JimMIA]

We were not used to the June crowds. Needless to say we will never go to Disney in June again. Don't get me wrong but we did have a great time. Would prefer the off peak times.

First of all, thanks for the thorough trip report, and I'm glad you had a great time in spite of the weather. The 4th fireworks had to be a pleasant surprise!

The June/July crowds are going to be a bigger problem each year. A lot of people with school age kids, and a lot of teachers, can't really go any other time. I don't know how it is elsewhere, but many of the Florida schools now return the first week of August, which really cuts down the summer break. It's getting like they just take three short breaks each year - Christmas, Spring Break, and a shorter summer break.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Thanks for your report, the fireworks sound wonderful! We were at BWV in December when they were testing the NYE fireworks, and yes, it was nice to see the rehearsals!

DH and I are planning a trip for next June. I'm looking forward to mostly enjoying VWL, not doing much in the parks. I'm sorry to hear about so much rain for you and no sun.

We agree with you about Soarin, we saw it in May, and we also enjoyed the Keys to the Kingdom tour as well.

Bobbi

 

[ErinC]

Thanks for the report! How cool to see the fireworks ahead of time. We stayed in the studio a few door down from you last year(563, I think).

DH and I did the KTTK tour with Brick in Feb. He made the tour! Great guy with tons of Disney knowledge. Can't wait to try some other tours when my kids get older. The grandparents babysat while we did the tour. Glad you had a great trip despite the weather!

 

[WDWLVR]

Thanks for the report. We were at Boardwalk last week and got to see the fireworks as well. They were awesome - even though it was 1 am!

I agree about the crowds etc. If it wasn't for the fact that DH had a trade show and our airline tickets and rental car were paid for by his boss we wouldn't go at this time of year.

The weather didn't bother us much as most of the time the rains came in we were back chilling in the room. Since we go at least once a year our down time is as important as our park time.

We loved Soarin', throught the stunt show at MGM was great, Lucky was cute but nothing too great, didn't care much for Cinderellabration (but think little princes and princesses would like it).

 

[Montana Disney Fan]

Great report. We always go in October for the Food & Wine festival at Epcot. We just love it and the crowds are thin. Never have to wait longer than 15 minutes for a ride. I heard someone died on Mission Space so maybe the lines are thin due to that.

Too bad about the weather but I guess that's the norm for this time of year down there. If you check avg rainfall for June July and Aug down there it's incredible! In Montana we get less rainfall all year than Orlando gets in one month!

BWV are awesome! WE love them also. We watched the fireworks nightly from Illuminations and loved it. It may be my favorite DVC resort. I really can't decide as they all have unique things about them I like.

 

[Danthesand]

The June/July crowds are going to be a bigger problem each year. A lot of people with school age kids, and a lot of teachers, can't really go any other time. I don't know how it is elsewhere, but many of the Florida schools now return the first week of August, which really cuts down the summer break. It's getting like they just take three short breaks each year - Christmas, Spring Break, and a shorter summer break.

This is why mid to late August is one of our favorite times to visit. Yes, it's hot, but the benefit is a huge drop in crowds, with park hours and show schedules still decent.

 

[Danthesand]

Too bad about the weather but I guess that's the norm for this time of year down there.

Any experienced WDW guest or CM will tell you June is the heaviest rain month of the entire year. July is dry in comparison, and August even better.

 

[NJOYURLIFE]

Glad to hear you had a great time. Seeing the "preview" must have been awesome.

 

[billyb1]

I was right next door from you last Thursday and Friday (06/23 - 06/25).
Was in 2BR lockout 557 and 559, with my wife, and my 4 adn 2 year old girls, and my BIL and 6YO neice.

Sorry about the noise.


What night were the fireworks? I would be very upset if I missed it. I didn't even get a chance to watch Illuminations from my balcony because I was at the parks both nights.

 

[OneMoreTry]

Thanks for the report. It's easy to have a good time at WDW.

It sounds like you bought at SSR because DVC made it convenient, but that your intent is to stay at other resorts. I wonder how many new members feel the same way.

 

[tjkraz]

It sounds like you bought at SSR because DVC made it convenient, but that your intent is to stay at other resorts.

I'm sure just about EVERY DVC member has the intention of staying at resorts other than their Home. Great how DVC allows us to do that, eh?

Thanks for the great trip report, nydisney14!!!

 

[Buzz's Buddy]

Thanks for the trip report!

It sounds like you bought at SSR because DVC made it convenient, but that your intent is to stay at other resorts. I wonder how many new members feel the same way.

Gee, that's funny, I could have sworn that the OP said he couldn't wait to stay at SSR.......oh, that's right, he did.

Speaking for DW and I, we purchased at SSR because we like the location and the feel of the resort. Does that mean we will only stay there? Absolutely not! In fact, we've already tried out VWL and BWV and plan to stay at every resort at least once. And while we liked both VWL and BWV, SSR is still our favorite! Imagine that.

 

[OneMoreTry]

Thanks for the trip report!



Gee, that's funny, I could have sworn that the OP said he couldn't wait to stay at SSR.......oh, that's right, he did.

If I misunderstood, the OP can clear it up if they like. The post gave the impression that SSR was not their preferred resort to stay at, but they purchased there due to convenience of DVC financing.

My interest was sparked because there have been several threads on how the new SSR members will impact getting reservations at the 7 month window.

 

[Beca]

I'm sure just about EVERY DVC member has the intention of staying at resorts other than their Home. Great how DVC allows us to do that, eh?

Thanks for the great trip report, nydisney14!!!

hee hee...not me!!! But, I bet you already knew that!!



Beca

 

[CRSNDSNY]

One night we got a call from the front desk and said that they were testing the 4th of july fireworks at Epcot around midnight that night so they were sorry about the noise. To our surprise the fireworks were awesome, we were able to see the whole 4th of july show from our balcony.

That is awesome!
So glad you had a nice vacation. You'll love SSR! And there is nothing like Disney decked out for the holidays!

 

[athenna]

hee hee...not me!!! But, I bet you already knew that!!



Beca

Oh yes, Beca, we all know how you feel

 

[MJTinNH]

Sounds like you had a good trip! Too bad about the rainy weather. It seems to be that way for everyone East of the Mississippi this year.

The fireworks must have been awesome! Thanks for the report!

 

[nydisney14]

Just to clear a few things up, it's amazing how things can snowball.
We bought SSR just to get in b/c the financing was easy through disney. Yes i am excited to stay at SSR b/c it is our Home Resort. Plus SSR is close to 535 where we do most of our eating. Do plan on staying at all of the DVC's eventually. i didn't think of doing HH but after hearing so many good things about it on the boards that we might try it next year.

billyb1: I am pretty sure the fireworks were Sunday, June 26. Don't worry we didn't hear any noise at all coming from your direction.

 

[kathleena]

Sounds like you made a great choice for you! I sure got your original post - no mistaking your intentions here! You wanted the easy financing, but you also say you can't wait to stay at SSR AND intend to try out all the DVC resorts! I think that's great and that's the beauty of DVC - to be able to try out all the resorts and have a variety when you want to visit.

Awesome about the fireworks!

And I love BWV too!

Great that BCV was good for you!

And you will love Christmas!!!!!

Thanks for the report!