Live from Orlando (aka living like the locals)

[JaxDisneyFans]

My DD & I are really enjoying your posts. We can't wait to hear about SSR, our home resort.

 

[betsywdw]

I am really enjoying your TR. Thanks for giving such a great detailed report! Looking forward to more.

 

[iluveeyore]

I've really been enjoying your detailed report. Looks like you're having a wonderful trip. Can't wait to hear about your time at SSR.

 

[BroganMc]

Hi guys,

This part of the trip report will have to be very brief without pictures. When I get home next week I'll redo my days as longer story versions. The reason: this is our last week, we're onsite, so we tend to hop around more than offsite.

So what's up?

Sunday we checked out of Cypress Harbour and opted to go to the 9:30am mass. In past trips I had made a beeline for SSR so I could play with my room assignment, pick the area, deal with any screw-ups regarding my accessible room. But then I'd never go to church. So we decided to just trust Disney this time and be happy whereever they put us.

We got to SSR between 10:30 and 11am. Our room is in the Springs, 1st floor, 3525. It's a fully accessible 1bedroom in the center of the building overlooking the Springs lake (yes another lake). We stayed here our first trip home and have been in the HA studio and dedicated 2bedroom as well. I think it's becoming our building. Our room was also ready to move in so we did. (How do you like packing then unpacking 2 hours later?)

We took the ferry to OKW for lunch at Olivia's (very nice place and becoming a favorite stop for us) then walked back (loooong walk but scenic). Then we hopped in the pool (or rather jacuzzi) with the aid of the HA pool lift.

HA NOTE: I talked to the Lifeguard supervisor Ryan about the lifts. He tells me SSR has two now and they have mountings for them at all the pools. I haven't had time yet to check it out myself yet. Contemporary has pool lifts on order and all the hotels will be getting them eventually EXCEPT OKW. OKW's pools have a lip that prevent their use.

We did EMH at Magic Kingdom last night. The busses were full at Springs but plentiful. I had to pass up two busses which arrived together because Grandpa Mohawk was off getting refill drinks. The 3rd one arrived 10-15 minutes later and got us there as Spectro was going up Main Street. We took in the fireworks from our super secret spot then caught the second Spectro at 11. The crowd was big but not as bad as last two weeks. We only managed until 1:45am though because Grandpa Mohawk got pooped. I think it was the two games of Buzz I whooped him at that depleted his spirits.

Monday: I overslept so didn't get up for my morning SSR walk until 9:30. We went over to AP for our drink refills and discovered they have drastically improved the line situation. Yes, ladies and gents, AP staff put their heads together, listened to the guests and finally did something about the great divide. Now you enter via the gift shop and queue along the glass cases of the kitchen. They have the specials on display in the glass along with trays and serve in an assembly line style. It lets you out at the beverages and food cases or you can just walk over to the register. No more cross-cutting lines. They've also added tables and chairs outside by the rocking chairs to enjoy the nice air. I took pics and told the staff thanks (and that I'd report here). They are eager for some feedback, so if you have any questions or suggestions lemme know.

We also stopped in to say hi to our Guide. He wasn't busy so we chatted a while. He tells me SSR is expected to sell out by Memorial Weekend or June 1. It's very limited inventory. AKV Kidani officially opens June '09.

After that I did ceramics at COmmunity Hall (always wanted to do that), gave an impromptu history lesson to a couple girlscouts, and Dad hit the pool. I did the pool later. The water is warm and the jacuzzi is just right.

Now I gotta change for MGM EMH and dinner at 50's Primetime. I skipped the car stunt show for the pool but I'll try to catch it later.

Oh and they are doing movies at HRS pool. Mon, Wed, Fri at 8:15pm. I'm gonna try to make the Wed movie of Lil' Mermaid.

And internet is still not free but we've decided we'll just get it for the week. Being outa touch with work (who have been really good not bugging us overly so far) too long doesn't fit right.

One downside to checking in at SSR. I love walking the resort and the amenities, but the rooms are really small compared to CYpress. But then at Cypress I wanted to just stay in my room all the time.

Oh and the staff is really getting to know us. We've remet about a dozen people so far. That makes the "Welcome Home" all the more special.

Toodles!

 

[LIFERBABE]

Brogan

Really enjoying your Trip Report!

I love SSR and really miss everyone there. So great to hear all the good things and improvements!

I love the staff there! They really do look out for you.

Did you enjoy ceramics? I found it to be really relaxing and a nice way to chat and meet new people.

I feel the same way about SSR. It seems when Im at the other places, I want to stay in more unless I am going somewhere. SSR draws me out with no particular place to go. I really love just milling around and my morning walks.

 

[ChelleinNC]

I'm so glad you're able to give us updates from SSR I can't wait till I get home

 

[BroganMc]

I loved ceramics Liferbabe. I did the double dolphins and stayed the longest. I'm a perfectionist.

The kids and their mom were very nice folks. The kids had so much chatting to me (I'm like a big sister/cool Auntie Mame aunt type) they stayed in rather than head back to the pool. It was like girlscouts or summer camp all over again. I really want to do more of those things. Helps that Community Hall is so near the pool.

A few more notes before I go (really gotta leave so i guess we'll drive to MGM).... they're doing some construction at OKW along Peninsular Road. The buildings facing away from the main canal. There are green fences up all along the parking lot.

The lovebugs are starting to come out. First time in two weeks we've seen them. Crepe Mytrles are not blossoming at Grandstand yet but you can see the buds. Probably another week or so. Busses seem to be working fine so far though those signs don't always change when the drivers want them too.

Oh and who thought bronze/gold made a good color for EMH wristbands?! The CMs had a devil of a time seeing them at MK last night.

Gotta go. Fried chicken awaits me.

 

[dgaston]

Another fan of your writing BroganMc -- whether it's posts about walks at SSR or this lovely trip report. It's great reading about your vacation. When is the family trip with SILs scheduled?

 

[LisaS]

I'm glad you opted for Internet access this week. Like so many others here, I'm really enjoying your reports and look forward to reading each installment! I would like to hear more about the ceramics activity. What exactly do you get to do? It sounds like fun!

 

[GGOOFY1]

Brogan
Love reading your trip report. I keep coming back wanting more. We are heading to AKL and OKW in July/Aug and hope my report is as interesting. Love Grandpa Mohawk, the pictures are great. Can't wait for more.

 

[Chim Chiminy]

Still loving it Brogan, you're descriptions are making me homesick!

 

[BroganMc]

Grandpa Mohawk is sound asleep (snoring actually) and for some insane reason I'm wide awake. We spent last night at MGM EMH and were out till 2am again. Loved all the rockin' music they had going at the park. MGM was even more fun for EMH in the warmer months than NYE. We spent the last half hour on Star Tours. Grandpa Mohawk, a Yankee fan adult and about 15 kids on one Star Tours module. We just kept adding kids and the CM let us all ride out the night about 5 times consecutively. It was a hoot. The sound track provided by the kids made the ride hilarious. "Turn right Rex. No! Your OTHER right! Aaaaagh!"

It's early morning EMH at EPCOT today so I'm currently debating sneaking out while GM sleeps and ride Soarin'. Busses start running at what... 7:30am? Should I be bad?

When you come for weeks at a time or have frequent trips in a year, the most fun comes from being spontaneous. Get an AP and you can easily hop into any park just for a meal, buy something or ride something. You do enjoy hanging at the resort too. The pools are lovely, the CMs even happier when you're happy and there are lots of little activities you can do throughout the day. I find park marathons are a thing of the past and late night EMHs are the best fun. Lines are low, CMs funny and the crazy nightowls up with you are in a wild "I can't believe I'm still awake!" mood.

I'm glad you opted for Internet access this week. Like so many others here, I'm really enjoying your reports and look forward to reading each installment! I would like to hear more about the ceramics activity. What exactly do you get to do? It sounds like fun!

You go into Community Hall, check out the ceramics counter at the door and pick your piece. A CM will give you a selection of paints in your own little palette (you chose 6-8 among 20 some different colors).

The tables are all set up with paper mats and holders of brushes. They give you a cup of water to wash your brush between colors and an unfired ceramics piece to paint. Just pick a seat, set down your drink and start painting. It's best to just go grab a seat next to someone else so you can socialize while you paint. That's how I met the kids yesterday, but adults are invited to come and bring their drinks (alcoholic if they wish).

CMs record your name, room number, checkout date and piece. You pay with whatever card you want (I used our room key). When you finish painting your masterpiece, Activity Staff takes your piece. They'll glaze and fire it for you in time for pickup before you leave. (That's why they record your checkout date... so sooner departures have their pieces glazed & fired first.) I believe it takes about a day before your piece is ready for pickup. They say to come at least the class before you checkout.

Ceramics are Mon, Wed, Fri between 12:30-2pm (I stayed until 2:30p cuz I'm a perfectionist but they didn't mind). So to get your piece when you check out Thursday, I'd go to the Mon class. Not sure exactly how long it takes them to fire it. (Past experience tells me it's an overnight thing at least.)

Pieces cost between $10-$30. My dolphins cost me about $17. They have everything from photo frames, piggy banks, tiles, mugs (that's what the girls did so I asume it was cheaper), etc.

From the looks of Horsin' Around schedule (and what I've glimpsed), they do a lot of these artsy things. Tonight they're doing Earth Day Tshirts and keychains.

The placement of Community Hall so near the HRS pool makes it an easy side venture for folks to escape mid-day sun. But it's air conditioned so you wouldn't want to come in with a wet bathing suit. A dry one is fine.

The whole time there was a big group doing a ping pong tournament in the next room having fun. And the CMs told the girls they could get Fox on the big TV in that game room so they could watch American Idol last night. (I asked why we can't in rooms and they can in CH. The answer: people want to watch a lot of sports games like the Superbowl so they needed to get Fox.)

Oh, I also learned they are buying new PS3's. Two of their PS2's broke so the 3rd one only remains. I requested they buy a Wii too. Will see how well I can push that one. My own experience with the Wii tells me it will be very popular but you need to keep an eye on those remotes.

 

[BroganMc]

Another fan of your writing BroganMc -- whether it's posts about walks at SSR or this lovely trip report. It's great reading about your vacation. When is the family trip with SILs scheduled?

SILs want to do it June '09 when the kids are out of school. Like 3rd or 4th week. I'm dreading it mostly because of the heat and crowds. But my guide was giving me a few tips for how to manage it (early 7-11am park touring and late night EMHs with days spent here at SSR lounging by the pool or other activities, most of all avoid 11am-7pm at the parks due to crowds and heat).

I'll have to get a definitive answer from them when I get home because I need to plan next year for us. We may have enough points with leftovers (got some helpful Developer Points with our add-on this year) to manage time in a studio next Spring and Fall as well. I gotta check my spreadsheet again. And Grandpa Mohawk has a conference next May he wants to attend so that may wreak havoc with our schedule. I doubt we'd manage 3 weeks next Spring but maybe we can swing 10-12 days with onsite/offsite.

Oh while I'm thinking of it, SSR also added a Photopass counter to Carriage House. It's right behind the gift shop where you exit to the ferry dock. I believe the CM there said they opened it last week? You can pick up your prints or arrange a photo session for your group. I saw the Photopass gal take a couple out on the golf course for a session. I'm keeping it in mind for a Grand Gathering photo shoot. CM said if you want to arrange something just stop by or call the Front Desk and they'll patch you through.

 

[Lady V]

You can pick up your prints or arrange a photo session for your group.


that sounds like something I would be interested in!!

I am loving your reporting! I think you are so lucky to travel with your dad!

 

[LisaS]

Thanks for taking the time to provide such detailed information about the ceramics activity. It sounds like fun and a good escape from the heat in the middle of the day.

 

[LIFERBABE]

Oh while I'm thinking of it, SSR also added a Photopass counter to Carriage House. It's right behind the gift shop where you exit to the ferry dock. I believe the CM there said they opened it last week? You can pick up your prints or arrange a photo session for your group. I saw the Photopass gal take a couple out on the golf course for a session. I'm keeping it in mind for a Grand Gathering photo shoot. CM said if you want to arrange something just stop by or call the Front Desk and they'll patch you through.

This is an excellent idea!! Your TR just gets better and better!

I was really wishing they had something like this last year for our Family Reunion Group photo! We ended up taking a great group photo in our Grand Villa living room but I wish we could have had a PhotoPass

Thanks for sharing

 

[BroganMc]

Just a quick note while I cool off from the heat (boy is it good to say that after the cold we had last week).

I did sneak out this morning for EPCOT EMH but not totally w/o my dad's knowledge. I invited him along but at 7am all he wanted to see was the inside of his eyelids.

Missed the first two EPCOT busses because they drove off as I pulled up. The 3r arrived about 10 min later. I got to the park at 8:09am. Soarin' had a huge line (going up the staircase) but a wait time of 20 min. It is freaky how that queue works. I rode that, Living with the Land (boat ride) and Figment by 10am. I coulda done Test Track and Mission:Space instead but they are too hard for me to do solo. I was leaving as the crowds were coming around 10:30am. Got back by 11, took a nap while Dad dressed and then we went out for a walk.

We just got back from our Grandstand/Carousel/Paddocks loop. I love that walk. Very peaceful though it is hot out there in the sun. Best to do this walk early morning or later evening if you have stamina issues. Lots of golfers out and about. I took lots of pics (which explains why the walk took me roughly 90 minutes). And I can confirm that there are pool lift mounts at Grandstand and Paddocks pools and hot tubs. I took pics of that too. Not sure how they work it with the lifeguards ferrying them out yet. Gotta ask. Oh and we were greeted along the way by yet more staff that remember us. It is becoming like a home here.

Met the mom of those two girls I did ceramics with yesterday. She tells me the girls and her 11 yo son are addicted to all the Community Hall activities. They're staying here at the resort instead of heading to the parks. Kid's choice too.

Oh and I discovered something new on my walk. There's a horseshoe pit next to the Grandstand bus stop. Some familes were out playing today. They said the horseshoes were just left for them there. Good way to kill time while you're waiting for a bus.

If anyone has any questions I can answer, just post here. I'm glancing back whenever I have a free minute or two.

 

[dgaston]

Even more good info -- enjoy your down and hopefully cool time.

 

[BroganMc]

Here's a tip for you. Don't burn the candle at both ends if you're over 21. After 4 hours sleep, an early park morning, long walk around the resort and relaxing late lunch at Turf Club I promptly conked out. Afraid I missed meeting my little girl friends at the pool and CH later. (They stopped me en route to Turf Club and made play dates with me. Apparently I'm popular with 11 yo's?) I fear I never made it to the pool or bead keycard holder making. Woke up at 9:30pm but I was still too wiped to visit Adventurer's Club.

I think I'm getting old. :eek

10:30am is giant jenga at CH. Being repeat champions at home (I've never lost a game), Dad and I plan to challenge the girls.

The weird thing is I have yet to meet fellow DISers who planned being down here. They must be park commando-ing. Poor guys.

Oh and my mini review of Turf Club. We walked right in at 3pm for lunch. (Hours are 12-5p lunch, 5-9p dinner.) They were turning folks away for dinner last night. We sat on the veranda overlooking the ferry dock, golf course and West Side. Had a couple drinks (that probably explains why I conked out soon after). Tried the crabcake appetizer. Being Maryland crab snobs we were very critical of that dish but it was a definitely thumbs up. Nice crispy coating and just the right seasons for we Old Bay veterans.

Dad had the reuben and I tried the burger. Both delicious but we did bring leftovers back. We plan to go back for the hot lava cake later.

 

[ChelleinNC]

We plan to go back for the hot lava cake later.

Make sure you do! I finally got to try it in December and Now if you don't love chocolate or rich desserts, well, .. than just save it for me