just back from BWV!

[tigger2esq]

got back late Saturday from a week at BWV and a few thoughts...

1) changing hotels just to save points sucks. we arrived Sat around 7:30 and stayed at Pop century. checked into BW on Sunday. our DVC has us so spoiled for sure because it was all I could bear to be in that place for the 14 hours or so we were there. Also--we checked out of BW on friday and moved to AKL. now I LOVE the AKL hotel but even my 3 year old immediately noticed the difference by pointing out our new room "didnt have a kitchen".... (or a "big bath") next time--I am spending the darn points....

2) while we had an entrance/parking lot view at BW--the view was PERFECT for watching illuminations each night from our balcony (we were in rooms 4111 and 4109). nothing like kicking back with a glass of wine on your balcony each night to relax with the fireworks (and we could even hear the music!)

3) we tried the dining plan. we would probably do it again. after adding up all our receipts we figured with tax and tip we saved approximately $220 on food. now if we were paying cash we probably would have skipped dessert with many of the counter service meals and about half the snacks but even subtracting those--we still would have saved over $100. one of our favorite deals--the fruit plate w/ yogurt (its HUGE!) at the boardwalk bakery that counts as a snack. we ended up getting 3 and eating them for breakfast. the only issue--finding a half decent counter service restaurant in MGM. ugh.

4) first time going to the candelight prosessional--it was beautiful. a perfect night with the weather. 8pm performance on monday (Mario Lopez) probably my favorite part of the trip. (we did the dinner package at the coral reef and had a really great meal as well!)

5) my 3.5 year old had the time of her life. we werent sure how she would react (we went for her 2nd birthday and the only rides she tolerated were its a small world and the carrousel and she hated all the characters including snow white). this time she went on a bunch!!! loved dumbo and the barnstormer and the teacups etc. and LOVED meeting the princesses and minnie mouse. (the others were slightly questionable). I also gave her a bunch of pins to trade and she had a blast doing that.

6) I thought the crowds were totally managable. hardly any lines. would definitely go back this time of year. it was cool with the decorations. we were in the magic kingdom on Sunday and there were no holiday decorations. we came back on Thursday to complete christmas regalia. very cool.

now to plan next years trip!!!!

 

[tigger2esq]

oh and one more thing--my friend donna and I splurged on the peppermint pedicure at saratoga springs spa---I highly recommend it--probably one of the best/most relaxing pedicures I have ever had!!!! (and oh so nice after several days of hiking around the world)

 

[bobbiwoz]

Thank you for the information about the fruit plate/yogurt at the BW Bakery. We had no idea, and I know that this will augment our cereal for breakfast.

Meeting the characters was the biggest hit for our DGD this August, and she was 3 1/2 at the time. We all can't wait to see the changes/growth when we go to WDW with our DGC next October. They'll be 2 1/2, 3 1/2 and 4 1/2 then.

I don't know about pin trading for the youngsters. I'll bet our DGS, the one who will be 3 1/2 may go for that. How many are a "bunch" of pins? Approx. cost? They are kept on a lanyard?

Bobbi

 

[LIFERBABE]

Sounds like a great trip!! I can read your smile

We stayed at a Fairfield Inn once and mine thought we were camping out!! Definitely spoiled by DVC.

I completely agree with you on the moving thing. I cringe when people say it is soooo easy. You have to really experience it to appreciate it. Some still dont mind, but I do everything in my power to not have to move, even borrow. My point plan is out the window, I book each trip like it was my last. So far so good!

I am really looking forward to my SSR pedicure in 2 weeks!! I really enjoyed my last 2 and they really do take their time. ( I still laugh at the 10 minute a toe quip one of the guys posted)

 

[colleen costello]

It does suck to move. I am the Mom so that means I am the "Official Coordinator of Relocation." Getting everyone packed up, loading the vehicle, and then stressing about check -in all over again (I obsess about getting in a HC room with no tub or closet) is just TOO stressful... Thank goodness my Mom and Dad moved to Florida! Now we stay with them for a while then hit Disney and stay put at ONE resort.

I never have a single point left over at year's end.

 

[tigger2esq]

a few things---1) on the fruit plate--I dont believe it is actually available during breakfast so remember to pick one up the night before and stick in the fridge. it had strawberries, grapes, cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple and kiwi and a small cup of berry yougurt for dipping. it rocked!!!!
2) pins--there are good starter sets of pins for the younger kids to trade--I think there was one with 6 pins in it for about $25. we did not acutally buy any this trip for DD. I had a large stash from my pin trading heyday about 6 years ago so I gave her a bunch of miscellaneous one I picked up along the way (Many for 99cents or less each at the disney store on clearance after the millenium celebration.) evidently you can find them cheap at the disney outlet there in orlando if its still there. or try ebay before your trip. I kept her traders on a lanyard but kept it in a small baggie in my purse and pinned the ones she traded for to her sweater. less likely of her to lose them that way. (she ended up trading about 15 pins over the course of the week)

 

[bobbiwoz]

Thanks for the additional information!

Bobbi

 

[SleepyatDVC]

Thanks for your thoughts, Renee.

I agree that moving around to save points is a PAIN! Especially if you have kids. 15 minutes after unpacking, my 2 darlings manage to spread all their stuff into the far corners of each and every room!

We need to do a thorough inspection of the entire unit including EVERY drawer and cabinet and under the bed and behind the curtains before checking out to make sure nothing gets left behind. NOT doing that more than once per trip anymore.

We did an add-on to ensure our need to stay put once we check in.

 

[starbox]

I don't know about pin trading for the youngsters. I'll bet our DGS, the one who will be 3 1/2 may go for that. How many are a "bunch" of pins? Approx. cost? They are kept on a lanyard?

Bobbi

I watch Disney Shopping for deals on pin sets. The Disney Stores in Atlanta have Haloween and Thanksgiving pins on sale for 2.99 with a 15% off coupon right now - I bought a handful yesterday!

 

[castleri]

Am not looking forward to changing places in 2 weeks but it has enabled me to extend the trip from 5 nights to 11- 5 in 2BR OKW - 2 off site (weekend) 1 in a 1BR SSR and then studio SSR 3 nights. Am hoping for waitlist to come through for studio instead of the 1 BR for NYE . Hate using that many points for a room that we will be in a very short amount of time. Originally had 2BR for NYE and 1/1- Got the first 5 nights at the 11 month point and then started adding additional nights a couple of months ago. - for all you doubters out there the waitlist does work if you are flexible. I think maybe they put more rooms into inventory for SSR - I could have had BWV for one of the nights but really didn't want to change resorts yet again. Got the 1 BR today when I called to add another night in the studio after snagging a DING fare for the 4th which saved $111 a ticket for our return trip. I now have points in holding - gee guess I'll have to look into a trip this spring with flight credits available and points that need to be used before Aug . It will make for an interesting trip Christmas week and I will try for early check in so even if we don't get the room right away we won't lose time for other activities. Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday

 

[crisi]

Thanks for your thoughts, Renee.

I agree that moving around to save points is a PAIN! Especially if you have kids. 15 minutes after unpacking, my 2 darlings manage to spread all their stuff into the far corners of each and every room!

We need to do a thorough inspection of the entire unit including EVERY drawer and cabinet and under the bed and behind the curtains before checking out to make sure nothing gets left behind. NOT doing that more than once per trip anymore.

We did an add-on to ensure our need to stay put once we check in.

If you just have a "check in night" (sometimes that expensive Saturday) at a different resort it isn't too bad - but the key is to pack the "Saturday Suitcase" - one suitcase for the whole family for the one day - and not touch any of the other suitcases.

Packing up wholesale mid trip (day three or four of a week) seems slightly insane.