A few background facts:
--This trip was my dd's high school graduation present. The friend (Friend A) she had initially invited was not allowed to go unless an adult went. Well, alright, I guess if I really HAVE to I can tag along.
--Friend A and dd have a falling out and even though plane tickets are already bought, opts out of the trip. This proves to be a blessing in disguise. DD now needs to invite someone else with the trip only 2 weeks away. Friend B steps in. I tell dd that since Friend A is no longer going that I really don't have to go with them. She insists I still come so ....alright twist my arm.
--We are DVC owners and will be staying at BWV for the first time.
--We are on the Disney Dining Plan.
--We usually fly out of NYC but decide to fly out of Hartford this time.
--When we left Connecticut, it was approaching 100 degrees for the past week. We were actually looking forward to going to FL where it was cooler.
--This is the longest I have ever been away without DH and DS. He is the chief navigator and I am usually just a tag-alonger. The prospect of having to find our way around with myself at the helm is actually laughable. We somehow managed, though.
My observations:
BDL is sooooo much better to fly in and out of rather than the NY airports. This will be our "home" airport from now on. Leaving MCO on our return home went much easier and quicker than I had thought. The BWV sent us a letter the previous day telling us not to put certain items in our carry-ons, etc. They were never even checked at the airport, however.
BDL rating = A
Magical Express was AWESOME! Since all of us were directionally/geographically challenged, just navigating the airport was a bit daunting. When we got off the plane at MCO, however, and before I even had a chance to ask for directions, there was a rep holding a ME sign directing us where to go. We felt very special.
(even though our names weren't on there). Disney has its own counter similar to an airline counter for Magical Express. Very impressive. We checked in without a hitch and were directed to go right across the hall to the line for buses. We boarded our bus instantly and were on our way within a few minutes. I absolutely LOVED the idea of not having to drag our luggage around. I think this service is fabulous! We watched the Disney propaganda film on the way and got totally psyched for our arrival. After going to dinner at Ohana (an adventure of its own!) our luggage was waiting for us on our return to the villa. Yeah! For the return trip, we checked it right at the BWV and they printed our boarding passes right then and there. Way cool Never touched our luggage until we got to Hartford.
Magical Express rating = A+
The Boardwalk Villas are beautiful and the location can't be beat. I booked a standard view as I didn't want to spend the extra points on a preferred view. Our room location, however, left a lot to be desired but in the end was really not bad at all. We were in room 1121 which was at the far end in the rear of the BWV. It was a loooooong walk to the elevators, but very, very close to the bus stop and literally right outside our door to the quiet pool. Our room was in good condition except for some missing tiles on the outside of the shower. No biggie. It took us awhile to get acclimated (remember we are all directionally challenged) and actually took the elevator up to the lobby, then down to the boardwalk a couple of times before we realized how ridiculous that was.
By the end of the trip, we mastered the BWV! (literally the last day ) The only thing I found lacking at BWV was its lack of counter service restaurants. Besides Spoodles pizza window (eh), a hot dog cart and the Boardwalk Bakery, there was nothing else. Having said that, however, the sandwiches at the BB were very good. The proximity to Epcot and MGM is unbeatable and we walked to Epcot several times and I ended up spending much more time there than I normally would have because of the ease of getting there. The pools were nice but we actually ended up spending some time at the Swan/Dolphin pools because they're so much nicer and bigger with less little kids running around. Staff was generally helpful but not overly friendly with the exception of some of the cast members in the shops who were very, very nice.
Boardwalk Villas rating = A-
(continued tomorrow)
--This trip was my dd's high school graduation present. The friend (Friend A) she had initially invited was not allowed to go unless an adult went. Well, alright, I guess if I really HAVE to I can tag along.
--Friend A and dd have a falling out and even though plane tickets are already bought, opts out of the trip. This proves to be a blessing in disguise. DD now needs to invite someone else with the trip only 2 weeks away. Friend B steps in. I tell dd that since Friend A is no longer going that I really don't have to go with them. She insists I still come so ....alright twist my arm.
--We are DVC owners and will be staying at BWV for the first time.
--We are on the Disney Dining Plan.
--We usually fly out of NYC but decide to fly out of Hartford this time.
--When we left Connecticut, it was approaching 100 degrees for the past week. We were actually looking forward to going to FL where it was cooler.
--This is the longest I have ever been away without DH and DS. He is the chief navigator and I am usually just a tag-alonger. The prospect of having to find our way around with myself at the helm is actually laughable. We somehow managed, though.
My observations:
BDL is sooooo much better to fly in and out of rather than the NY airports. This will be our "home" airport from now on. Leaving MCO on our return home went much easier and quicker than I had thought. The BWV sent us a letter the previous day telling us not to put certain items in our carry-ons, etc. They were never even checked at the airport, however.
BDL rating = A
Magical Express was AWESOME! Since all of us were directionally/geographically challenged, just navigating the airport was a bit daunting. When we got off the plane at MCO, however, and before I even had a chance to ask for directions, there was a rep holding a ME sign directing us where to go. We felt very special.
(even though our names weren't on there). Disney has its own counter similar to an airline counter for Magical Express. Very impressive. We checked in without a hitch and were directed to go right across the hall to the line for buses. We boarded our bus instantly and were on our way within a few minutes. I absolutely LOVED the idea of not having to drag our luggage around. I think this service is fabulous! We watched the Disney propaganda film on the way and got totally psyched for our arrival. After going to dinner at Ohana (an adventure of its own!) our luggage was waiting for us on our return to the villa. Yeah! For the return trip, we checked it right at the BWV and they printed our boarding passes right then and there. Way cool Never touched our luggage until we got to Hartford.Magical Express rating = A+
The Boardwalk Villas are beautiful and the location can't be beat. I booked a standard view as I didn't want to spend the extra points on a preferred view. Our room location, however, left a lot to be desired but in the end was really not bad at all. We were in room 1121 which was at the far end in the rear of the BWV. It was a loooooong walk to the elevators, but very, very close to the bus stop and literally right outside our door to the quiet pool. Our room was in good condition except for some missing tiles on the outside of the shower. No biggie. It took us awhile to get acclimated (remember we are all directionally challenged) and actually took the elevator up to the lobby, then down to the boardwalk a couple of times before we realized how ridiculous that was.
By the end of the trip, we mastered the BWV! (literally the last day ) The only thing I found lacking at BWV was its lack of counter service restaurants. Besides Spoodles pizza window (eh), a hot dog cart and the Boardwalk Bakery, there was nothing else. Having said that, however, the sandwiches at the BB were very good. The proximity to Epcot and MGM is unbeatable and we walked to Epcot several times and I ended up spending much more time there than I normally would have because of the ease of getting there. The pools were nice but we actually ended up spending some time at the Swan/Dolphin pools because they're so much nicer and bigger with less little kids running around. Staff was generally helpful but not overly friendly with the exception of some of the cast members in the shops who were very, very nice.Boardwalk Villas rating = A-
(continued tomorrow)
Sorry for the rant. 
,well maybe more like
anyhoo,
my kids don't have a clue.. 
