Kidani, HRH & BLT in 6 nights- Yes! We are THAT crazy!Nov 04-10,2009 OBX 4/16/10

[arthur06]

I am looking forward to your "dark side" TR! We are doing a 4 night Disney Cruise in Dec and are going down the day before and have a 1 br at BWV. But, DS9 is a HUGE Simpsons fan and thinking that one night at Universal would be great. We still have a 1 br MK view at BLT for after our cruise!

 

[podsnel]

We were leaving the bubble and heading to HRH (Hard Rock Hotel) for two nights. We had decided 2 years ago that we would do this from now on, spend a couple of days at a Universal Hotel on every WDW vacation, probably on the weekend to save the points. We have visited Universal several times in the past, and always had fun- initially, we came here to go FOR Sean, because he has a GREAT love of DR. Seuss and Seuss Landing is(was) alot of fun for him. Last trip he wanted nothing to do with it, but we thought that was a fluke. Well. We pulled into the HRH, opened the van door....and Sean started to FREAK!! Screaming, screaming, screaming. He KNEW we were coming here, he never mentioned he didn't want to come to HRH, so we were taken aback. We tried to coax him out of the van, but he was having none of it. Eventually, we got him out, and inside the lobby where I went to check-in and Sean continued to freak. Horrible, horrible stuuf, this is the autism journey at the lowest point. ANd worse, we were at Universal instead of WDW. Not that they weren't as nice as could be, just that our comfort level there is not the same- KWIM? Well, we got him up to the room....where he continued to freak. It was about 7:30, so most people were not in their rooms (Thank-GOD!!) to wonder what the H was going on. We were able to calm him enough to go downstairs for our dinner ressie at The Kitchen, where....he stopped freaking out. Aaaaahhhhhh.......

We were seated in a little nook dedicated to Dee Snyder- apparently, one would think sitting at THIS table, a man who is a rock GOD! I had no idea there could even BE that much Twisted Sister memorabilia!! Anyway....

Great news! The Kitchen has a HUGE martini menu!! And I think we're ready for about 10, please!!

We explained that we were dining with the French Fry King, and within (literally) 2 minutes a giant serving of fries in a colander was placed in front of Sean. EXCELLENT!!!

We ordered some apps- Crispy Calamari with a sweet thai dipping sauce (I think)

And BBQ Shrimp and Cheesy Grits, which I could be very happy living on, OMG!!

It was already time for another martini (yes, that's right, I said ANOTHER, it was THAT kind of a night). I wish I had a copy of their martini menu so I could tell you what these were- but I don't, so i can't. This one, however, had pop rocks....and although the photo looks icky, the drink was not-

While we were waiting for our entrees, a magician was walking around to all the tables, entertaining the kids-

How cool is THAT? Then...dinner. I had Grilled Filet Mignon with roasted mushrooms, fingerling potatoes, spinach, bleu cheese butter anda red wine reduction-

This was an exTREMELY substantial dish- very rich, very delicious, and very filling. I also had a glass of red wine- because we were not ignoring the alcohol food group tonight. Pods had ordered Open Chicken Ravioliwith ricotta, goat cheese, mushrooms, tomato and marsala butter-

It was incredible!
One of Tyler's favorite meals is Chicken Pot Pie, so ordering that was a no-brainer for him-

Timmy got the kids' grilled cheese-

Chicken Pie- hats off!

Cont'd next post-

 

[podsnel]

The boys were having fun together-

Then it was time for dessert! Which we truly had no room for...but, alot of Universal restaurants offer dessert shots- and the Kitchen is one of them- so we ordered a couple. This one was S'mores-

The other one we tried was a tiramisu one. They were both a bit sweet for me, but the others enjoyed sharing them.
And in the interest of good food porn, the waiter brought over the entire dessert tray to pose for a photo shoot!

This was the new thing on the menu, some kind of stuffed with banana deep fried concoction that I would have pounded down if I had had any room!

All the dessert shots in a row-

What a great meal- I would go back to The Kitchen in a heartbeat...

We were pretty tired when dinner was done, so we headed back up to the room to go to bed. We had just gotten a standard double, with a cot. So it was a little tight in there. Me thinks that's what set Sean off again. Gone was his seperate space to decompress... he was going to have to sleep with all of us in the same room. Never underestimate the power of the DVC 1 BDRM villa- sometimes, size really DOES matter. Uh-oh.....so the screaming began again. And we were exhausted. I tried to calm him and coax him into the bed-

But as you can see, he had his backpack on and CLEARLY had another accomodation in his head-

He wasn't screaming anymore, but he wasn't giving in, either. That took a while. As in a couple of hours. He went and laid on the floor by the door to the room, and we all got into bed...and waited...and eventually he got up, ran over to the bed I was in, and got under the covers. Thankfully, after this night, there were no more meltdowns as bad as this- just a little defiance at Aunt Irma's. That was it. But at this point, all we could think was, we should have stayed at Kidani...what's going to happen in two days when we check into BLT....Oh crap, oh crap, oh crap!! We are the worst parents ever!! What were we thinking???

Oh! And does anyone want to know how comfy the COT was??? I'll have to ask PODS. Poor, poor, Pods...

 

[podsnel]

I know EXACTLTY what you mean..........I hate knowing there are DVC resorts out there that I have yet to experience!!!! We also haven't done VWL ( have stayed at WL itself and hubby not very keen, so this one is unikely!), SSR, BCV or California. BVC is definitely on our list as we've had a walk round this one and loved the look of it, have also stayed at the Yacht Club previously. What are your thoughts about BCV?

We all loved BLT for different reasons..........hubby because it was light, airy and modern and not too 'Disney' , my son because he had access to two pools, two slides, refilliable mugs and the MK within minutes and me because it felt so classy, luxurious and can't beat watching Wishes from your balcony! We will definitely go back, although not for a long stay as the points are so steep!

The treehouses: They are beautiful inside and are much nicer than they look in pictures on the net. They are huge and we loved having all that extra space, and my son thought having his own room with bunk beds was fab! The downside of the units is that they are very, very dark inside, both in decor and the lighting and I also didn't like having to go out of the front door to sit on the deck! Small things!

The pool is sweet and was never very crowded when we were there......but there is nowhere to fill mugs, get snacks etc, so you have to come prepared. Also it was quite a hike from our villa in 90 degree heat if you forgot something, when we are used to OKW where we have always been seconds from the quiet pool at South Point.

Getting around is fine if you have a car but the bus service is a bit of a pain. I am really glad that we tried them but am not sure that we would stay there again.

Can't wait to hear your HRH part of the report as we have stayed at Portofino and Royal Pacific but not Hard Rock yet!
Debsxx

Hi Deb! We love BC, it's where we always stayed prior to purchasing points in 2008 at AKV. It's so close to Epcot, the back entrance of which is soooooo nice to enter Epcot from and leave from...the pool is a blast...you are withing walking distance of a TON of fantastic restaurants,DHS is just a boat ride away, it's pretty...and for us it's very sentimental. We added on there last year, because I wanted to make sure we would always be able to get in. This will be my first time at BCV, though, so i can't really say how I feel about the villas- although I am expecting them to be on the smaller side, especially compared to Kidani, and the photos of the decor don't thrill me, but I know it's being refurbed, so I hope I will like that more. Then again, most photos of DVC villas are never as nice as what you actually see when you are there.

I agree with all your reasons to love BLT!! If I could have the perfect WDW DVC points, I'd have AKV, BCV & BLT- but we eventually want HHI, so I'll just have to hope we can stay at BLT with other points again.

AHHH!! love that he was having so much fun! It really does show in his face that he is having a great time!

So sorry you didn't get to go on COP. I too love that ride. My kids enjoy it also so i'm good. if you ever need anyone to go with you on it, just let me know! OH, my youngest DS loves IASW. We, the others, don't really mind it at all but he loves it!

As always, can't wait for more!! Just got finished with the Dismom's TR and loved it! Sounds like so much fun!!

Thanks!! The DISmoms are a riot- that trip was great, can't wait for round 2 in April/May. And FWIW, my boys rode IASW when they were 7 without complaint- at 10 it became a "thing" for Tyler. Now it's our big joke with him. Hope your little guy loves it always!!

Oooh I am scared/excited to go to the dark side!
What a wonderful afternoon you both had....love the PP pictures! Who the heck was that guy? at least he was smiling!!
Love your Buzz pictures too!!
You can really tell what a great time Sean was having
Even though Cinderella is facing the other way it is still a great picture!!
for the Dole Whip! Next time you will have to try the Dole Whip Float! Mmmmm

Tracy

Don't be scared! The dark side is fun!! Especially after the first couple of posts!!

And thank-you, Tracy, for all the kind words!

I am looking forward to your "dark side" TR! We are doing a 4 night Disney Cruise in Dec and are going down the day before and have a 1 br at BWV. But, DS9 is a HUGE Simpsons fan and thinking that one night at Universal would be great. We still have a 1 br MK view at BLT for after our cruise!

Well, please don't let these first couple of posts deter you....we had a great time in the parks, and the pool and all the food was great. And the Simpsons ride is incredible- so is the nickolodeon ride, and shrek...and many, many others. It's a very, very fun park(s). Is it your first cruise? I hope you will love it as much as my family did- we're going on our 2nd Western in October. Thanks for reading, and enjoy BLT!!

 

[kid-at-heart]

Ellen,
Oh my, what a way to start your HRH trip. My heart goes out to all of you. Poor Sean. It must have been so stressful for him - and for all of you. I do hope things improved. Thank you for sharing with all of us the ups and downs of your vacation. You have such a beautiful family. Your family seems very in-tune with one another and all seem to be willing to go the extra mile to make sure everyone has what they need.

 

[manntra]

Okay Ellen...I am thinking I might need to travel to the dark side. I think I will definitely do it next year...and like you said to save on points for the weekend!
The Kitchen looks like a great restaurant to check out! Especially for the dessert shots and the martinis!
That is one big hunk of meat!!! Dee Snider is supposedly a very smart man Was never a fan of his music though!
Poor Sean especially after having such a great day together. You can really tell that everyone pulls together to make it all work.

Tracy

 

[KirstenB]

Ellen,
I'm glad you 2 had such a great day at the MK. I love that park, by far my favorite. We've never stayed at Universal, but I love how they brought Sean his fries ASAP!! Everyone's dinner looked yummy. Our dd Zoe had a 4 hr meltdown in the Holiday Inn in Darlington SC on our way home, for the exact same reason. I am definitely packing Benadryl next time!!

She needs her space, and had it all week during our stay at Jambo House. I guess we're back to booking either 2 rooms, or some type of suite, when we're not at DVC.

 

[podsnel]

Ellen,
Oh my, what a way to start your HRH trip. My heart goes out to all of you. Poor Sean. It must have been so stressful for him - and for all of you. I do hope things improved. Thank you for sharing with all of us the ups and downs of your vacation. You have such a beautiful family. Your family seems very in-tune with one another and all seem to be willing to go the extra mile to make sure everyone has what they need.

Thank-you!! That is all so sweet! We do try to do what we can for each other, usually. But there are definitely times where we wish things were different. Well, Sean was GREAT after this, so

Okay Ellen...I am thinking I might need to travel to the dark side. I think I will definitely do it next year...and like you said to save on points for the weekend!
The Kitchen looks like a great restaurant to check out! Especially for the dessert shots and the martinis!
That is one big hunk of meat!!! Dee Snider is supposedly a very smart man Was never a fan of his music though!
Poor Sean especially after having such a great day together. You can really tell that everyone pulls together to make it all work.

Tracy

The Kitchen was really, really great- even for the kids. Pods' ravioli was 2die4!!! I really need to add the pics over on the Universal food porn thread- they have food on that thread that will make you do the drool!! That thread was very helpful when I was ordering the whole time I was at U! YUM!

Dee Snider is a smart man?? Who knew? I saw him at Hammerheads on LI when I was in my 20's- Twisted Sister was a very....creatively dressed band.

Don't worry- that was Sean's only meltdown- which is great!

Ellen,
I'm glad you 2 had such a great day at the MK. I love that park, by far my favorite. We've never stayed at Universal, but I love how they brought Sean his fries ASAP!! Everyone's dinner looked yummy. Our dd Zoe had a 4 hr meltdown in the Holiday Inn in Darlington SC on our way home, for the exact same reason. I am definitely packing Benadryl next time!!

She needs her space, and had it all week during our stay at Jambo House. I guess we're back to booking either 2 rooms, or some type of suite, when we're not at DVC.

We gave Sean Benedryl- we had also given him a xanax to calm down (he's allowed to take this because of his age, and it usually really helps). But it never would have occured to me that this was why he didn't want to go away- the size of the rooms!! Glad we know now!! You too!!
Sorry you had sucha rough time coming home...

 

[KirstenB]

Don't keep us hanging!! Especially if things are going to get much better!!

 

[podsnel]

The morning came...and Sean woke up, his usual happy, noisy, laughing self! What a relief, to have Happy-Sean back!! So we were going to go ahead as originally planned- get our great big 'ol butts outta bed and spend a 1/2 day in Universal, come back to HRH for lunch and swimming at the pool, then drive out to see Aunt Irma for dinner. From HRH, you can either walk to the parks or take a boat. Pods wanted to take the boat, so that's what we did.

Look who's happy!

The new coaster,Rip Ride Rockit!

Arriving at the park, crowds seemed to be pretty minimal. We had a pass because we were staying on-site that allowed us to get into the "fast pass" line, all we had to do was show our room keys. However, we have always had a pass like this when we have come here because of Sean- Universal offers their equivalent of a GAC which serves the same purpose. There are a couple of rides Sean will always go on here, and thankfully, that had not changed. We rode Jimmy Neutron & Shrek 4-D. Both are some of my favorite rides EVER!! They combine 3-D with special effects (like Mickey's Philharmagic) but take it one step further because the seats themselves move. It's really a lot of fun, and you totally walk out of both thinking How do they do that? The wait time for RRR was nearly 2 HOURS, and there are no passes allowed on this ride!!!! Which is really sayin' something, because the park was soooo empty. I guess it was empty because everyone was on line for RRR! Tyler & Pods were really anxious to try it- I told them their best bet was to try to be at "rope drop" or whatever it's called here and run right for it.

We walked on...

Because we couldn't wait to hit the Simpson's Ride which was on the opposite side. It had opened between our last visit and this one, and we were REALLY looking forward to it! But before we even got there, we spotted...The Simpsons!! With a line of TWO PEOPLE!!!!

I love that picture! Timmy had something to say to Bart-

After that, we walked over to ride The Simpsons! Sadly, Sean wouldn't go on, so Pods waited with him outside.

That ride was INCREDIBLE!!!! Totally worth the wait (which was about 20 minutes). Then Tyler was dying to get Timmy to ride the Mummy, which Timmy was feeling a little apprehensive about- but they talked him into it! Sean and I waited outside, Sean running around in the "park" in "NY" across the street.

We had only planned to stay in the park til lunchtime, because we really wanted to have lunch and go for a swim in the HRH pool.

This time, we walked back. The landscaping is very pretty!

A nice clean room!

Soon we were on our way to the beachclub for lunch....and some of the world's BIGGEST & BEST nachos!!

 

[manntra]

Okay....I really like all of your U pictures

Love the Simpsons picture!!! Awesome!! I know I read about that when it first came out...is that like an interactive game or more of a ride? Not that I ever plan on going there or anything.

Tracy

 

[dvc4life]

Sounds like you and Sean had a GREAT MK day. Loved all the photos you took.

Sorry your day didn't end as good as it started. The love and patience you and Pods have with Sean are just remarkable. As I read your reports I just think, wow, you two are amazing people. I'm glad that Sean was happy the next morning when he woke up.

 

[arthur06]

Okay....I really like all of your U pictures

Love the Simpsons picture!!! Awesome!! I know I read about that when it first came out...is that like an interactive game or more of a ride? Not that I ever plan on going there or anything.

Tracy

There is nothing interactive about the Simpsons Ride. If you ever Rode Back to the Future, it is simply a modification of that. You are seated and rasied to look at a HUGE screen. And the whole "car" moves to the video. The closest that I can even think at Disney (and Im going to get killed for this) would be Soarin. A ride that raises your seat to view a screen and moves you to the movie. Hope that Helps

 

[Flossbolna]

You met the Simpsons!! I am so impressed!

I am so sorry that you got into so much trouble when you moved to another hotel. I don't know anything about autism, but I think the space issue you mentioned makes a lot of sense. I guess everyone would feel a bit depressed about going from a 1-bedroom-villa to a standard hotel room for five people!! I know I would be.

 

[podsnel]

Okay....I really like all of your U pictures

Love the Simpsons picture!!! Awesome!! I know I read about that when it first came out...is that like an interactive game or more of a ride? Not that I ever plan on going there or anything.

Tracy

Thanks! There are a lot of fun rides at Universal and IOA- but the Simpsons is great because it's...The Simpsons! So it's not just fun, but it's funny! The boys LOVED it!! (See below for more of an answer)

Sounds like you and Sean had a GREAT MK day. Loved all the photos you took.

Sorry your day didn't end as good as it started. The love and patience you and Pods have with Sean are just remarkable. As I read your reports I just think, wow, you two are amazing people. I'm glad that Sean was happy the next morning when he woke up.

That is so nice of you, Chris! Thanks! We try very hard to have as much patience as possible, but we are FAR from perfect!!! FAR, FAR, FAR!! ANd we do love him so much, of course- what a relief, though, when he woke up in a cheerful mood. The whole family was overjoyed!!

There is nothing interactive about the Simpsons Ride. If you ever Rode Back to the Future, it is simply a modification of that. You are seated and rasied to look at a HUGE screen. And the whole "car" moves to the video. The closest that I can even think at Disney (and Im going to get killed for this) would be Soarin. A ride that raises your seat to view a screen and moves you to the movie. Hope that Helps

You're not going to get killed for that here!! That's pretty accurate- it's a different kind of ride, like Spiderman and Jimmy Neutron- very hard to explain. It does look like it would be interactive, we all thought it was going to be, but each car is in it's own "room" and when you get in there the 1st time you really have no idea what to expect. Sideshow Bob is wreaking havok, and Homer is screwing things up as usual- so, very funny!!

You met the Simpsons!! I am so impressed!

I am so sorry that you got into so much trouble when you moved to another hotel. I don't know anything about autism, but I think the space issue you mentioned makes a lot of sense. I guess everyone would feel a bit depressed about going from a 1-bedroom-villa to a standard hotel room for five people!! I know I would be.

Yea- that was pretty cool- I would have used that pic for our Christmas Card if :

a. We didn't have the whole tie-dye-Sean-is-in-the-park pic and
b. I wasn't such a Disney geek!!

And I think you're right- anyone would have been depressed going from the 1 BDRM to that reg. room. Autism or not!

Today we are going to do our "Give a Day" in honor of MLK day- we have to attend the opening ceremonies here in town at the JCC, then I'm interviewing a Senior Citizen on a video, followed by T&T& I clearing a trail at the Fanwood Nature Center. Pods is making sandwiches tonight for the homeless. Have to run!!

Ellen

 

[Mom2BCCC]

Just caught up with your report - our PC was infected with some dreadful virus - no disboards for over a week

I'm toying with venturing over to the dark side on our next trip with the whole family. My boys would love it!

Looking forward to the rest of your report.

 

[5forDiz]

Glad to hear that Sean got some sleep & woke up refreshed And please, you and your DH go easy on yourselves you are wonderful parents !


WOW!! your meals at The Kitchen look amazing ! We may have to pay a visit to the dark side during our trip in August and give it a try. Martinis and dessert shots sounds like my kinda place !!

btw Ellen, we decided to do split stay between 2 resorts. I drew the line at 2, I don't have the courage to split between 3 like eldest DD & her 2 BFFs aka the "keep it fresh girls" were proposing. This morning I got our last 2 nights at BLT at 7mos window (got 2br Lakeview ); we're actually booking in reverse order here (don't ask) so I need to book our resort for the beginning days of trip after a FINAL CONSULTATION with team keep it fresh & DS & youngest DD Fortunately for DH & I we will get to spend last 2 nights of this trip relaxing at Top of The World Lounge because I think we're sure going to need that

laura

 

[podsnel]

Yesterday we did our community service for the new Disney promo. Our local JCC (Jewish Community Center) was running a day of service in honor of Martin Luther King. 500 people showed up to volunteer (although not all were registered with Disney), and we were among them. It was actually a lot of fun, and educational as well. We just had to sign up with Disney by 10 am the day before, after signing up with the Hand on Network, which was the organization running the program. The only thing that makes me a little nervous is that (of course) the Disney website wouldn't let me put in my age as head volunteer, and it wouldn't take us doing one of the activities unless Pods was included with us- even though he did something else. The local running the program assured me this would be ok (and tried to tell me how screwy they thought Disney's website was to deal with- I just laughed). Anyway, after an opening ceremony, we were all off to do whatever it was we were doing.

I was surprised to learn that it was not a whole day we would have to give- it was actually just however long our qualifying activity lasted- and we only had to do one to get the free day. So, while Pods took the kids home (because they were doing something later in the day) I stayed at the center and interviewed 2 senior citizens- one, an elderly man with some funny stories to tell, the other, and elderly woman who recounted the Japanese invasion of the Phillipines (where she lived) during WWII. Very interesting listening to both of them! It lasted about 1 1/2 hours.

At 1:00, T&T& I were signed up to clear a path at the local nature center- for an hour we lugged wood chips and the boys (along with many other kids) spread the woodchips on the path. We were all so happy it was such a beautiful day here, it was great to be outside!! Here are a couple of pics-

We made it to the end!

Pods was working yesterday, and fortunately there was even something for him to do in the town he works in- at 5:30 he went to a local church there and made sandwiches for a 1/2 an hour. The sandwiches are then distributed in a nearby town to needy people who are very, very appreciative. (This is something that is done every week, but Pods was just a part of it this one day for the qualification).

Anyway, I thought I'd share the story with you because I'm sure there are people wondering what kinds of things are done for the day of service. They say we will get vouchers to hand in within a couple of weeks. The $ value is $79, and can be applied to new APs or upgraded to parkhoppers or whatever (at our cost). Pretty good, huh? I love this promotion of Disney's- it is such a great idea.

 

[podsnel]

We headed down to the pool for lunch. Timmy was being....a bit of a challenge since getting off that Mummy ride. See, I think he really did NOT want to ride, and once he did ride, he was scared....and extremely cranky. Which is what Timmy does when he is scared...and very hungry. He is a kid who is the very best day you've ever had, and the very worst day you've ever had! Fortunately we knew that his WORST day personna is usually due to a lack of food, so we had high hopes he would be back to his old self soon....

feel the joy of all that is cranky tim....

I invited rita to lunch....hellooooooooooooooo Rita!!

And can I just say, that was one fine Rita!! Perfectly tart and yummy. Tyler had a smoothie-

And Sean got his fries almost before we sat down!! Look at how HUGE they are!! Love that about Universal- when they bring out "And he'll have fries- lots and lots of fries" they really deliver!!

Crazy Tyler demonstrates his love of limes-

And Timmy continues to do his thing....

I am miserable, and I will not quit until you are all miserable with me!

I kid you not- literally 2 french fries later-

Now, I knew what I was having even without looking at the menu- all because of the Universal food porn thread on the DIS. I mean, how could I be within snarfing distance of this lovely, humongous creation, and NOT partake?? I give you the WORLD'S most GIANT nachos!!

Holy Jalepeno, Batman!!

Are they beautiful, or what?? Pods had a burger-

T&T both had chicken fingers-

The squirrel had a few fries-

Seriously- this squirrel was like a begging dog at the table!! He would grab a fry (dropped by one of the kids) then run under a bush, then run back out to beg at the table. Very funny. Lunch was really good- I would go back JUST for that Rita and those nachos anytime!!! Yum!!

Next up- hangin' in the coolest pool, and do they play any games with the kids there? Does a bear sh....oops, sorry! See you later!

 

[kid-at-heart]

Well, well, I also have one of those children who is the easiest child in the world - unless she needs to eat. She would become so cranky in pre-school/elementary school when she needed to eat that in her early years at school her teachers decided to have "snack" time for the class mid-morning and MID-afternoon. The same as with Timmy, it only would take two French fries (or two bites of whatever) and she would be back to her sweet self. Crazy thing is, hubby is exactly the same and our family was created through adoption, not genetics. We have been with our daughter since she was 4 months gestation and I swear she could be a clone of our genes.