No Ticker Needed, I Live 10 Mins From WDW!! (9/9/12)

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

KNOCKED CONTEMPORARY OFF MY LIST!!!

HI DIS FRIENDS!!!!

So sorry for the delay in updates!!! So much has been going on with life and it has taken over again!!! I will be doing a mini trip report for my birthday trip next week but first I have a surprise!!!!!

I FINALLY GOT TO STAY AT THE CONTEMPORARY!!!!!!

2 weeks ago, my brother had told me he was off for his birthday and the day after with no plans so I came up with a great idea to book a room at CR with dinner at the Poly Luau!!

Although the room was still $300, it was worth every penny and even though we were only there 24 hrs, it seemed like a week!!

HERE'S THE REPORT....

MARCH 3, 2012

The day began soooo early!! I was up at 7:45am (ON MY SATURDAY!!) but I was psyched to be staying at CR. I had booked the reservation just 3 days before so it didn't take long to sink in!!

By 8:30am, my roommate and I were on our way to CR to check in! She booked the room with her CM discount so she went with me to show her ID.

At 8am, I was packed and ready to go!

Traffic was good and in we went! When I told the guard I was checking in, he radioed to bell hops that I was coming...DID IT MEAN UPGRADE TO CLUB LEVEL??!!!

Nope.

Not sure why they had to radio, Poly and YC never did that?!

Anyways, I had them check my bag so it would be in the AC and not my hot car!!

We went right to the front desk and found out that the room was ready!! It was such a great surprise at 9am! Sadly we were not upgraded in any way shape or form but it wasn't until I hit the button for floor 11 that I realized how lucky we were even without an upgrade! The CM gave me Bro's birthday button and KTTW cards + QS DDP and off I went!!

Room 4718

I could not believe the view. You could see SeaWorld, Universal, Epcot, and beyond!! Right then and there, although it was not a MK view..it was still worth every penny!!!

After continuing to droll over the view and the fact that we were actually staying in the tower, I decided breakfast was in order!!

I was in love with the view out the door too!!

I got my mug with the QS DDP and paid with a gift card for the $7.00 waffle which was yummy!!

After breakfast, I realized I didn't bring any cash with me for tips so I was on a mission
#1 to get cash back somewhere
#2 find a good bakery
#3 to locate a good spot at the pool...

Any Ideas??!!!



STAY TUNED!!!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Hi there stranger!!!!

I am booked at Jambo for July, and looking at your pictures, I am worrying that we should do BLT instead...UGH! The difficulty in deciding on a resort!! I LOVE them all for different reasons.

Can't wait to hear more.

 

[akayek31]

I was there on March 3rd. I swear I missed so many Disers this trip. We just got home March 6th and I am in Disney Depression.

 

[creativeamanda]

So, I really want to stay at the Contemporary now. I had thought maybe, but now I'm on a mission for it!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Hi there stranger!!!!

I am booked at Jambo for July, and looking at your pictures, I am worrying that we should do BLT instead...UGH! The difficulty in deciding on a resort!! I LOVE them all for different reasons.

Can't wait to hear more.

I was glad we did it for one night in case we didn't like it but after leaving we wanted to stay longer!!!! The monorail use was pretty awesome

I was there on March 3rd. I swear I missed so many Disers this trip. We just got home March 6th and I am in Disney Depression.

Sorry!!! It was a last minute surprise for my brother and he often reads Dis so I didn't want to ruin his surprise!!

So, I really want to stay at the Contemporary now. I had thought maybe, but now I'm on a mission for it!

I LOVED IT!!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

KNOCKED CONTEMPORARY OFF MY LIST PART II

MARCH 3, 2012 (cont)

When I left off, I was on a mission to get some cash back to tip the bell hop for delivering my bag. I was also on a mission to find a birthday cake for bro!

On my way out of the resort, I stopped and had my Luau tickets printed and asked about the TIW refund from the discount. I only got $11 back which I'm thinking should have been way more than that but the tickets were already discounted based on what the price should have been online so oh well!

I stopped at Hess gas station outside BW, got my cash back, then headed for the BW Bakery.

I came back with this beauty...

It was $20 and I forgot to ask if they did an AP or TIW discount but oh well, it was good and yummy!!

After getting back to CR, I called for my bag, unpacked, and headed for the pool!!

There were several pool hoppers there but I found a spot without a problem. A group of woman and all these kids got off the boat and came with their own towels and coolers to find that the pool slide was closed..so they left lol. A manager was called out and lurked around them till they left...$300 bucks a night for my room and you're trying to take over the pool!!??

I went inside around 1:30 and got some lunch from the food court. I got the fish sandwich, fries, brownie, and water. Thanks QS DDP!!!!

After lunch, I went back to the pool again! It was 85 degrees that day so I had to!!

At 5pm, bro finally called to say he was leaving so I sent him a pic of where he would be sleeping for the night and he was pretty thrilled!!!

When he got in the lobby, I surprised him AGAIN and said we were going up the elevator. I should have filmed his reaction with my iPhone!!!!!!!

He was overjoyed with his birthday surprise and fell in love with the 11th floor and the view!!

After he took it all in he noticed his cake and gifts lol.

It just occurred to me that I never sang to him haha! Oh well, he'll hear it enough next week at our meals!!!

Had I had more time, I would have done a custom from CR bakery but this one was still good!

After bro explored the resort, I took a shower to get ready for the Luau!! We did Facetime with my mom so she could see bro open the gifts she mailed.

I took night pics!!

We left for the Luau at 7pm and caught a monorail without a wait!! Before we knew it, we were off to the Luau!!


Would our table be upgraded from a Cat 3 to 2 or 1?!!

STAY TUNED!

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

How nice to be so close to the World. Day trips all the time .

I hope your brother had an amazing birthday.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

How nice to be so close to the World. Day trips all the time .

I hope your brother had an amazing birthday.

Thanks!!! He had a great birthday

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

SPIRIT OF ALOHA!!!!

MARCH 3, 2012

When I left off we were on the monorail heading to the Poly!!!

We got checked in, got the pic taken, and waited till they dropped the ropes!

When they ropes dropped we were escorted by our server and had to check in at another podium since our "seats" had changed. We were told they were "upgraded" except we were in the very last table in the back. I realize we are a category 3 but we were moved from a table one back from the railing to the very back. I'm guessing (maybe) that some VIPs took our table as they were escorted in after the show had begun. Oh well!!

I ended up with a fruity drink with the cup and bro got the coconut/bank drink lol. Both drinks were great! We also the other adult beverages that were included in the meal...we weren't driving so life was great!!

The food was as great as always but the dessert is always the best!!

The show was good as it had been 3 years ago but my fun in the sun had taken its toll because I was slightly bored, tired, and was in my happy place with all my drinks lol. The only nice thing about the back table was we were able to stand for some of the show!!!

After the show we took the monorail back to CR and ended up going to MK to ride Splash Mt and Peter Pan before it closed at midnight!

By 1am, we were home at CR and crashed!!!!

MARCH 4, 2012

We finally got up around 9:30 and I as sooo thankful I had gotten late check out (I called the day before) for 1pm!! We slowly got up and bummed around the resort. It had gone from the 80s the day before to the low 60s!! In the end we decided to head to MK before heading to our homes!

It was sad to leave our wonderful CR room!!

At MK we got lunch at Tonys

We ended up playing the Sorcerers of the MK game for 2 hours before returning to our cars and heading home!



Overall...

It was a great 2 days!!! I was so thankful the room was ready upon checking in and it felt like we were there a week! I had always been nervous to stay at CR as the decor does not appeal to me but it is 100% a front runner for Yacht Club!!!! Of course I can never stay in the garden after having stayed in the tower haha. We hope to stay there again some day!!

 

[creativeamanda]

The Spirit of Aloha looks like it is so much fun!

I can see why you would be so tired! I would be, too!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

The Spirit of Aloha looks like it is so much fun!

I can see why you would be so tired! I would be, too!

Thanks!!!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

TR: A DOUBLE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!!!!


HI DIS FRIENDS!!!!!!


I hope everyone is having a great week!! I'm back with a new PTR!!!

HERE GOES!!!!!!!

WHEN:
MARCH 22-26, 2012

WHO:
Mom, Dad, Bro, and I

WHY:
A DOUBLE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!! Bro's birthday was on March 3 (as you all know!) and mine was March 19 (just this past Monday! Thanks for the messages on facebook!)

DETAILS:
CM 50% Room Discount Water View (I think lol) + Discount Regular DDP

TRAVEL PLANS:

Bro and I will have our cars. Mom and Dad are flying round trip from Cincinnati to MCO:

RESORT:

PORT ORLEANS FRENCH QUARTER!!!!

ADRS:
We all got to pick a restaurant to eat at so we came up with the following list...
Megan's Pick: Captain's Grill
Dad's/Mom's Pick: Princess dining at Norway
Bro's Pick: Hoop Dee Doo
Mom's/Dad's Pick: Tony's Town Square (will use the TIW card)

Mom, Dad and Bro have never been to HDD. Mom and Dad haven't been to Norway. Bro hasn't been to Tony's since he was a lil one and he hasn't been to Captain's Grill. They are all looking forward to the meals!!

SCHEDULE:

THURSDAY 3/22:

We did online check-in this morning so I'll be going to POFQ around 10am to check in and hope the room is ready!!

At 11am, I have an apt at Beach Club to have my hair braided!

I'll head back to POFQ after my hair, have lunch at the food court (using TIW discount + room charge), and head to the pool!

3pm the room should be ready and I'll unpack quickly and shower.

4:05pm Mom and Dad land from Cincinnati!

We'll unpack and drive over to our ADR at:

After dinner we will walk over to Epcot for Fireworks!!

FRIDAY 3/23

It's Epcot Day!!!

My goal this trip is to make Rope Drops, take afternoon breaks at the pool, and watch lots of fireworks!!!

Dinner ADR is at:

My roomie has a "surprise" fireworks viewing location for us which Dad does not know about!!!

SATURDAY 3/24

It's DHS Day!!!!!

Not sure if we will be going for AM EMH but we usually try to so we can ride TSM!!

Dinner ADR is:

We will be going to the 7:10pm show for the Category 3 seats. Not sure of the plans after that?? We might go to MK or call it a night and relax at the resort or do DTD.

SUNDAY 3/25

MK DAY!!!!

I really really really want to try and make Rope Drop for the park!!! It has been years and years since we have done an official rope drop!!

Dinner ADR is:

We will be paying for this OOP using TIW. We are hoping to be done by fireworks at 10 since our ADR is 8:10pm!!

The park is open till 3am for EMH so we'll see how long we last!!

MONDAY 3/26

AK Day!!!

We will ride early and possibly do lunch at the park or at the resort. We are hoping for late check-out at 1pm and we will have to leave for the airport around 2:45pm. Mom and Dad's flight is at 5pm.

AK Day is the only day we may drop if we are at MK late!!


**So that's the PTR!!! My nails are done, my bags are sort of packed, and I'm ready for a fun night at City Walk with friends followed by an early morning of my Disney Vacation!!!**

~SEE YOU NEXT WEEK!!!~

 

[Cinderella's slipper]

Wow I'm the first one to post a reply to this PTR. Megan, we love POFQ. It is great - love the size and atmosphere. Happy Birthday to you and your brother. Hope you have a great time!!

Linda

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Have a great time!!! I look forward to hearing about it when you get back.

 

[IheartDDuck]

Hey girlie! I've been so behind lately, I feel like it's been forever! Just everything seems to get in the way.

I read your post about the Grand Floridian valet thing and I'm like "oh heck no!" That's supposed to be the whole she-she resort and the CM was rude? I would have been all up on that!

Love the stay at the Contemporary. I love that resort myself. And you're so right about pool hoppers! I can't stand them! Go back to your own resort and get out of mine! You didn't pay to stay there.

Can't wait to hear about your upcoming trip soon.

 

[xoxoKissLina]

Hi Megan,

I recently applied for the DCP and have my phone interview tomorrow. I've been nervous and finding tips for the interview process. I came across your TR from your DCP back in 08 I believe and was inspired. BBB was one of my top picks next to photopass photographer and character attendant. However, I really want to work at BBB. Reading your past TR, I am amazed at your journey and it felt like I was on the journey with you. I felt the happiness and the tears reading certain post. I hadn't planned on making an account but I had to to post. I was going to PM you but I needed 15+ post xD I'm scared and nervous about the whole process but I'm excited if I do get the opportunity to go. Thank you for your time in writing all these TR's for us readers!

 

[CPer'sMom]

Hey Megan,

Hope you had a fun visit with your family and a terrific birthday celebration! As usual all your plans looked great. POFQ is our favorite mod I keep checking to see if you've added a new ticker for your cruise!! Have you and your Mom decided on that yet? (We just booked the Fantasy for next January ~ can't wait!)

Have a good week Looking forward to reading your TR.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

HEY DIS FRIENDS!!! We are back from a long weekend at Disney and had a blast!! It was a great trip..not the greatest of all time but we still had a great time and made some great memories!! We pretty much did it all from special fireworks viewing to changing the schedule!!!!! I'll be back within the next few days to post the TR. I didn't take as many pics as I usually do but I feel like a lot of the pics are repetitive!!! Thanks for following along!!

Wow I'm the first one to post a reply to this PTR. Megan, we love POFQ. It is great - love the size and atmosphere. Happy Birthday to you and your brother. Hope you have a great time!!

Linda

Thanks!! We did have a great time!!

Have a great time!!! I look forward to hearing about it when you get back.

Thanks!!

Hey girlie! I've been so behind lately, I feel like it's been forever! Just everything seems to get in the way.

I read your post about the Grand Floridian valet thing and I'm like "oh heck no!" That's supposed to be the whole she-she resort and the CM was rude? I would have been all up on that!

Love the stay at the Contemporary. I love that resort myself. And you're so right about pool hoppers! I can't stand them! Go back to your own resort and get out of mine! You didn't pay to stay there.

Can't wait to hear about your upcoming trip soon.

I agree with you although those people were locals which is even worse!!

Hi Megan,

I recently applied for the DCP and have my phone interview tomorrow. I've been nervous and finding tips for the interview process. I came across your TR from your DCP back in 08 I believe and was inspired. BBB was one of my top picks next to photopass photographer and character attendant. However, I really want to work at BBB. Reading your past TR, I am amazed at your journey and it felt like I was on the journey with you. I felt the happiness and the tears reading certain post. I hadn't planned on making an account but I had to to post. I was going to PM you but I needed 15+ post xD I'm scared and nervous about the whole process but I'm excited if I do get the opportunity to go. Thank you for your time in writing all these TR's for us readers!

DCP was one of the best experiences I've ever had!!! My goal was to move back to FL to teach after I did the DCP and I did it! I still wish I were seasonal to get all the benefits but in time perhaps!! Let me know if you have any questions!! GOOD LUCK!

Hey Megan,

Hope you had a fun visit with your family and a terrific birthday celebration! As usual all your plans looked great. POFQ is our favorite mod I keep checking to see if you've added a new ticker for your cruise!! Have you and your Mom decided on that yet? (We just booked the Fantasy for next January ~ can't wait!)

Have a good week Looking forward to reading your TR.

I took the ticker out for now!! I feel like there are so many "what-ifs" right now to go ahead and book it. Maybe by this summer we'll have a decision made (assuming I'm contracted for the next school year too!!) I will keep you posted

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

A DOUBLE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!!!!

YAY THE TR IS FINALLY GOING TO GET STARTED!!!! If you want to read the TR for this feel free (the link is on the first page)!

ENJOY!!!!

DAY ONE:THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012

The day began super early as I had been out at City Walk the night before but was responsible (even though it was my birthday celebration) and was up around 8am!

The day before I had called YC/BC to see about making a hair appt to get the island braids done since its easier to park there! I was able to make the appt for 11am so I had several hours to check in, get settled, and go to my appt!

By 9am I was ready to go!

Yes that's right, 4 bags for a 4 night trip!!

I had also gotten my nails done the day before!

I got to POFQ to check in, was given the green light at security and headed for the check-in!

Mom and I had done online check-in the day before with the hopes that the room would be ready and so that the stay was paid off before they arrived later that day.

I was not given pixie dust that the room was ready but I was confirmed in building 5 which was one of the two I had requested! I figured the room would be ready around noon which would be perfect timing after my hair!

I got my packet and headed for the car to drive to BC for my hair appt!

The girl braided my hair in less than 20 mins, I paid the $40 + $10 tip using room charge, and headed back to the resort. (Hair pics to come later). I was in love with the convenience of BC but was not too happy with how my hair turned out. Both the girls at GF and Vero Beach did a much better job with the braids. Oh well, lesson learned!! I ended up taking it out after a week instead of 2 weeks.

Once back at the resort, the room was not ready and it was 11:30 so I went to the pool bathroom and changed for the pool!! I was glad I had set my swim stuff aside!

The pool water was FREEZING the entire time we were there. I was convinced their heater was broken as it was in the mid to upper 80s the whole time but the pool was literally freezing!

By 1:00pm, the room was STILL not ready and I was hungry so I went to the food court for lunch.

I used room charge instead of our DDP.

The Po-boy was really good but too much bread for me! I ended up picking at it as I was beginning to get nervous as it was nearing 1:30pm, the room was not ready, mom and dad were about to board their plane and I had to leave at 3 for MCO!!

FINALLY at 1:45pm, the room was ready! We were in building 5 on the first floor!!!!

I quickly turned on Stacy and began to decorate our window which was very difficult to do and I don't recommend doing it at POFQ lol.

Room View:

We had paid for a Riverview and that is what we got! After decorating, unpacking, and a shower, I was on the move to MCO to collect mom and dad from the airport!!!

UP NEXT:

~WILL MOM AND DAD'S PLANE BE DELAYED??
~WHAT BIRTHDAY GOODIES DID I GET??
~WILL BRO BE IN LOVE WITH CAPTAIN'S GRILLE LIKE THE REST OF US?!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

BIRTHDAY GIFTS GALORE!!!!

HI DIS FRIENDS!! I'm hoping I still have some readers out there!!! I'm counting down the days till Summer Vacation (for the kids May 25th for teachers June 1st) and then I will be Dising like you wouldn't believe!!!! As you can see I have 2 tickers in the works and both will come with PTRs!!! My friend that I worked with at AK is coming for a long weekend with me followed by a weekend with her mom. My parents are coming for 5 nights a few days later (mostly to help me move but fun too!). I'll let you know when I start those!! Tomorrow we're taking 31 kiddos to LEGOLAND!!! We got a great school group rate so we'll be there from 10am-2pm!! Pray for me haha.

Now for the report...

DAY ONE: MARCH 22, 2012 cont.

When I left off, I was on my way to MCO to collect mom and dad! I wasn't sure what to expect at the airport but it was PACKED!! I was so thankful this was not our yearly family vacation because it would involve lots of waiting in lines!!

Mom and dad landed 20 mins early but their gate was not ready!! 1/2 hour later they finally made it to me!! We got down to baggage and their bags were just sitting on a still belt just waiting to be collected..odd ya? Oh well!! We made it to the car and in 20 mins we were back at POFQ lugging bags to the room!

After getting the bags to the room, Dad decided he wanted to go get his mug so off to the food court we went! We got back, they unpacked, and I opened birthday gifts!

I had decided to buy a ton of clothes from Old Navy and Target for my birthday but I was thankful and over-joyed at what I got to open!

By that time, bro had arrived, got his drink, and we were changing for dinner at Captain's Grille!

We drove over to YC, parked, and checked in 45 mins early but they seated us right away which was good because it ended up being an almost 2 hour meal!!!

We all decided on the 3 course (all food pics are of just my food..sorry!!)

Apptz:

Delicious!!

Entree:

Good but I was filled after 2 and wished I had gotten the steak which was my gut feeling and I didn't go with it!

Dessert:

AMAZING!! I would drive 15 mins over there right now to get one!

I also got:

It was very rich but good!

We rolled ourselves out of CG full and satisfied. Bro gave it 2 thumbs up and wished we had gone sooner..we had..he had not! lol.

We rolled over to Epcot and walked around WS and finally found a spot for Illuminations near Germany.

It was a good end to the day!! We drove back to POFQ, got drinks, showers, and passed out. I was excited and ready for the next day...

BUT DID I SLEEP??!!!

STAY TUNED!!!!

UP NEXT:

~WILL WE MAKE ROPE DROP AT EPCOT??!!!