Oh It's A Jolly Holiday With Katie! - Beach Club / Grand Floridian

[jennynyholm]

Just discovered your TR, and I have loved vacationing vicariously through you -- thanks!! You two win the award of being "the most adorable Disney couple," by the way! I'm super impressed you got your boyfriend to fall so hard for Disney! Give me some tips for my DH!!

 

[pkondz]

(But it's OK because tomorrow we move to the GRAND FLORIDIAN!)

Uh.... yeah.
Sorry, just not feeling too bad for you here.

So I apologise that this is a boring update!

Hardly!

We went in the lazy river first and there were ducks floating along beside us! So cute!

Huey, Duey and Louie?

she just kinda FELL BACKWARDS INTO THE WATER AND WENT COMPLETELY UNDER.

Kinda like this.

Of course I'm laughing with her, not at her....

Then we went in the main pool for a while and played some volleyball over the net, which was MUCH more difficult than it looked.

Next time try volleyball under the net.
Less strenuous.

After spending some quality time with Stormalong BAE (omg I did not just say that)

Yes. Yes you did.

“What are you smiling about?”
And he replied,
“That’s just how my face is!”
I think that completely sums up life at Disney.

Love that.
And it's so true. I never see more people with smiles on their faces than at Disney.

On the way over I realised my camera had some pretty snazzy effects. I really like this colour catcher one.

Cool. I'd never seen a camera with that effect built in.

Plus, it looks like Jamie is walking into our new mansion

But he is! (At least it's your mansion for the next little bit, right?)

No offence USA, but your system is really weird?!
Like, just please tell me the ACTUAL amount that I need to pay.
Surely that’s easier for everyone?!

Unfortunately, we have it too.
I so much prefer when we travel to Europe and you know at a glance exactly what you're going to pay.

Please someone tell me the logic behind displaying one price, then adding on tax once you get to the register!

Okay.
Take two stores, side by side. They both sell shoes.
One shoe store displays the prices with the tax, the other without.
They both put up posters in their windows with the price of an identical pair of shoes.
One store shows $149.49 the other shows $129.99. Which shop are you walking into?
You walk in and find out that the price doesn't include tax, it's $149.49 with tax.
Well, it's the same price and you're here now, so... you buy.

That's the logic.

Stupid, but that's it.

Of course it could be worse.
Airlines were particularly bad for this, although it has improved somewhat over the last few years.

Airline price from Toronto, Canada to London, England $489!!!!!
(Price is for one way fare of a round trip flight and does not include tax, fees, fuel charge, seat charge, breathing charge, charge on the charge, charge of the light brigade, charge card and possibly an airplane)

So you book your "$489" flight and are delighted to be told it costs over $1500.

On my way up to the room, I shared the elevator with a man who looked EXACTLY like Cobra Bubbles from Lilo and Stitch. He was wearing a suit and shades and everything.

And he turned to me, looked at my Eeyore backpack, and said,

“Oh my God, I LOVE your bag!”

SNEAK PEAK.

I've never been.... but I'm dying to go... so I took one look at that floor and yelled out "Their going to Beaches and Cream!"

The rest of my family looked at me like I was nuts, but oh well.

Beaches and Cream! YAY!

See????

Well that was until we noticed the strange looking growth that is depicted on this hot dog…

What? You won't eat a hotdog with fur growing on it?

BUT NO ONE CARES ABOUT THAT.

What we care about is this.

That thing's as big as your head!!

We did pretty well!

Were you guys able to walk after eating all that?

but there were people sat just two to a row really spread out, it was kind of rude, but whatever.

Ah yes, people love their space. Even at your expense...

Day 7, Part 3 - Coming soon!

Can't wait! Thanks for the update!

 

[saintstickets]

Nice update and love the time at Beaches & Cream. I just wish it didn't require an ADR now.

This just captures it perfectly...

Jamie was lying down while I was sorting out my towel, and he had a big grin on his face, so I asked him, “What are you smiling about?”

And he replied,
“That’s just how my face is!”
I think that completely sums up life at Disney.
I’m not even smiling at anything in particular, but I’m at Disney, so that’s just how my face is!​

​

 

[STLMickeyMom]

I just watched that episodes of friends! Unfortunately it just makes me think of sitting at home enjoying some quiet after the kids were in bed, not anything awesome like being at Disney!

I love Jamie's "that's just how my face is." Perfect for disney!

Once we found it, we LOVED beaches and cream! Next time you'll have to get them grilled cheese and tomato soup. Sssoooooo good!

Our youngest would love your jolly holiday mickey! She asked Mary Poppins where Bert was when we met her. I think she might like Bert more then Mary.....

A whole day just chillin at a Disney resort? Sounds perfect, not boring at all!

 

[ursalita]

Hi there Katie! What a great lazy day you had at BC. It sounds absolutely divine. This update was far from boring. I was loving all the pics of BC and Stormalong Bay. I can't believe I'm going to be there in less than a month.

I was laughing at that gif of the lady falling into the pool. I hope I see that in real life when I'm there. Also Jamie walking into your mansion and your elevator conversation.

That Mickey is so cute. Sammy loves stuffies, I can't wait to see which ones he chooses.

Beaches and Cream looks so good. I'm glad I know now that I can skip that sandwich you had. OMG, the fudge in that sundae. We can't wait to try the No Way Jose.

 

[beckyx3]

I think sitting on the ground is totally acceptable at the food and wine festival! Although we'll have to be careful not to get trampled
Aw well if you ever get time to do Finding Nemo I definitely recommend it!
We've saved our little glow cubes too! Although I've only ever put one in a glass of water though.. (can I join your lame squad?!)
Even just standing in Goofy's Candy Co and smelling all of the sugar is a great experience! Although you should definitely get something in September
I've just seen that you have a PTR going, yay!

Uhm yes!! All are welcome in the lame squad! And I'm definitely looking forward to a treat there in September. Hopefully free dining comes out and I can use one of my snack credits

SO onto your report!
Napping at the quiet pool sounds perfect to me. And Stormalong BAE...I love it!
But yes, the taxes are the worst!! And some states charge taxes on things that other states don't, so it gets even more confusing!
And that Mickey is so cute!!
Thanks for dropping by my PTR and I can't wait to read more about your trip!

 

[Dentam]

LOVED reading your latest update! Spending the day relaxing at the resort sounds so perfect and that dessert is crazy! Makes me wonder what the "kitchen sink" looks like since yours already looked enormous!

 

[MarieLightning]

Reading this update makes me realize just how badly I want to be able to do a hotel/rest day in one of my trips sometime.

Well, we should be able to when we take my wife's family next November, since we do have one less park ticket than days we're there, but thing is we always seem to be going somewhere anyway. Like, we'd probably head over to Downtown Disney and spend the day walking around anyway.

The Beach Club is such a gorgeous resort. I really want an excuse to go there (because I don't know when we'd ever be able to afford thinking of staying there) and we've talked about eating at Beaches and Cream before, but somehow it never pans out. Maybe once we go back with our ice cream crazy friend, so we can successfully achieve the Kitchen Sink challenge.

EMHs is a great way to end a relaxing day! And ToT at night must be so cool. We've never done it before because, well, for one Amber already has close enough to a heart attack in day time, but also, we're always seeing Fantasmic by the time it gets dark, and we've rarely done much of EMHs in Hollywood Studios for some reason.

Also, we're with you on the hat! Besides, seeing as they put it up because there were legal issues with the Chinese Theater being so prominent, I doubt there will ever be a fully unobstructed view of that theater. Besides, the stage is not going anywhere. They're apparently changing it up, but it's still gonna be in the way.

 

[liloo]

I have just discovered your trip and i love it! thank you!!

 

[Cando86]

What a nice relaxing day!!! Those are some of my favorite days in Disney. And they are much needed after hardcore park touring for days.

The Beach Club...ahhhh my favorite resort. It is gorgeous and you captured its beauty in your pictures so well!

Looking forward to hearing the rest and to hear about your stay at the GF! (So jealous by the way - ONE DAY)

 

[FantasiaMagic]

I love all of your pictures from the BC! It is one of my favorite resorts! Spending a day at the pool is always so great as well! That whole area is always so much fun! I honestly think they have the best resort pool on property.
I am so happy you and Jamie ate at B&C! That is one of my family's favorite places to go! That sundae looks wonderful!

Your Mickey is awesome!!!!!!! So cute!!!

I am so excited to see your upcoming pictures from the GF!

 

[Leshaface]

've had no experiences that justify being so terrified of sharks, but I know exactly when my phobia started..... When I was 4 years old and I went on the Jaws ride at Universal....!!!! It sounds so stupid, but as a 4 year old, it was HORRIFYING!

I sooo remember this at Universal Hollywood...when the shark when come up to the side of the boat multiple times looking like it was gonna chomp on you?! I hated it. And I was on the outside...but I was 13 so kinda embarrassing comparing a 4 year old to a 13 year old.

Did you finish Breaking Bad yet?!! Eeeep the last 6-8 episodes were just... INCREDIBLE! I've watched the last few episodes over a few times, SO GOOD!

Yes! We finished it 2 weeks ago and I wasn't sure how to feel. I knew Walter was probably going to die, but I was hoping he was going to die with his infamous bowler hat on. And I don't know, I was ever so slightly hoping that Jessie was going to turn the car around as he was driving off to say goodbye to "Mr. White" (which, BTW, loved that Jessie always referred to him as Mr. White, like he was still his teacher!) Had we not binged watched the whole series in under 2 months, I probably would have shed a tear at the end. I'm sure fans that were there from the very first episode of season 1 cried!

Yep, I would not have been able to contain my laughter either!

Stormalong BAE (omg I did not just say that)

“That’s just how my face is!”
I think that completely sums up life at Disney.
I’m not even smiling at anything in particular, but I’m at Disney, so that’s just how my face is!

So perfect, wow!

Absolutely gorgeous shot.

No offence USA, but your system is really weird?!
Like, just please tell me the ACTUAL amount that I need to pay.
Surely that’s easier for everyone?!
Please someone tell me the logic behind displaying one price, then adding on tax once you get to the register!

I've always hated this! I wish they would put the TOTAL price on all price tags. They're like gotcha! It's not 9.99, it's 10.83! (Well in CA it would be that, but in FL I think it's 10.63...why am I doing this? Why am I doing math right now..)

EXACTLY like Cobra Bubbles from Lilo and Stitch.

DS's favorite movie right now is Lilo and Stitch, mainly for the intro song and all the Elvis Presley songs. But i've always loved this movie and loved the interaction of Mr. Bubbles and Lilo when he's at the house talking to Lilo.

Aw, fun hidden Mickey!

(DISCLAIMER: We are not on anything. Just high on life.)

Maybe you're just prepping for the sugar high you're about to get?

Ew, what the heck? A furry dog? Yuck Unless it's supposed to be sauerkraut, I have no idea what's happening.

Yep a definite sugar high about to take place. Is it really that big? It looks as big as your head!

JOLLY HOLIDAY MICKEY MOUSE!!!

Adorbs!

Side note: RIP hat!! I know most people prefer the view of the Chinese Theatre. I’m fairly indifferent if I’m honest, but I do really like the hat and the stage in the background of this picture.

I've only ever known DHS to have the hat so personally, i'm going to miss it.

 

[disneyguy4life]

On the way up I checked my Instagram, and saw the Joe and Ashley from the See Ya Reel Soon videos had been in Beaches and Cream just AN HOUR before us!
I wish we’d have seen them, I love their Disney vlogs and I would’ve loved to have said hello!
If you haven’t heard of them you should definitely check them out, they’re just adorable.

Agree to agree on this one. They are brillant. It is how I get my Disney fix between vacations. I love how they are themselves and don't worry about anything else but having a good time. I recommend them too.

 

[courtneybelle]

I don't blame you for spending the day at the Beach Club, it's so beautiful!

Hahaha after spending time in Italy and Spain, I'm totally with ya, the U.S. makes a poor choice by not including tax in prices!!

Ughhhh I LOVE Beaches and Cream. I actually have to tell my mom I want to book that for the weekend we're down there before my DCP starts, so thanks for the reminder

Oh my gosh the Jolly Holiday Mickey and Minnie are TOO CUTE!!

 

[kellyfam03]

Following along... love your report! Can't wait to read more!

 

[NJlauren]

Saying Hey! Been following along and am looking forward to the next update!!

 

[starousse]

Really loving your report. It really seems like you guys got so much accomplished on your Universal day. We're going to Disney in August and are contemplating doing a full dual day in Universal but are not sure if it's worth the $$$$. We haven't seen any of HP worlds yet and I still wanna be able to do the major rides.

Also love the pillow you bought "Mine, Mine". I hope to pick one of those up too.

 

[TheLittleKatie]

Your TR is so fun to read -- subbing!

And just a tip for those going to Uni from WDW -- Uber is usually faster and cheaper than a cab

Hey, thanks! I'm really glad you're enjoying it

It feels like we've NEVER found an easy way to get to and from Universal, so thanks for the tip about Uber! I'll definitely look into it!

Um, yeah... so kinda hard to feel bad for ya there Katie leaving the Beach Club to go slumming at the GRAND FLORIDIAN!! Just sayin'.

Also, FYI, I don't think you could do a boring update if you tried.

I don't blame you one bit taking a bit of an R&R day to get the most out of the beautiful Beach Club. Especially given the length of your trip, I totally would do that too. Heck, on this past trip we made a point to go over there and we weren't even staying there.

I was laughing at the woman and the dingy and I wasn't even there.



I so love that!!!

HAHAHA, you are too cute with your sales tax rant. I can't argue though.

Gotcha!

Beaches and Cream... Good Call, especially being so close. Sadly I still haven't eaten there.

My GOD look at that Sundae. I totally would have gone for the No Way Jose. That does sound good. But this bad boy ain't no slouch either.

OK, my official opinion on the hat. I too am honestly indifferent, but I do also prefer the Chinese Theatre view. I really would have been happy if they could have just found a different location for the hat.

I have always heard there was a 15 minute grace period at the end but never tested it. I did, however, test the 5 minute before grace period, and that does indeed seem to be true.

Haha I know right, I deserve no sympathy at all!

It's such a beautiful resort I'm so glad we took a lazy day. Although it goes completely against my natural instincts..! I really just want to be in the parks ALL THE TIME! But looking back, I'm glad I let myself chill

Hahaha that picture made me laugh so much Although, I think the reason it was memorable was because Kristin Davis guest stars in that episode, and Jamie was like, "Hey look, it's Charlotte from Sex and the City!" ... erm, yes, but how do you know that?

Ahh, you're not missing much with the food at Beaches and Cream, but the ice cream is sooo good! You can even get it to take away if you're just passing through

I would've gone with the No Way Jose too! But at times, compromises must be made. Hopefully I'll get to try the No Way Jose in the future

I think I'll have to wait until I see it in person in September to decide which view I prefer. I'm a little sad to realise that the hat is actually gone, but it won't be a big deal when I'm there, and I'll probably start to enjoy seeing the theatre. I guess it just kinda sucks for all the merchandise with the hat on it that's out there!

I have been enjoying reading about your adventures. Our family trip is in June and Beaches and cream is on the list!

Gail

Hi Gail I'm really glad you're enjoying my trip report That sounds great, June is right around the corner now!

That is the biggest Sundae I have ever seen!!! Can not wait for August!!!

And it was sooo delicious! I need to work up my stamina to one day take on the kitchen sink!

I'm so sorry I fell behind Katie! I'm back and going to stay current.

I would totally get enjoying the Beach Club. On long trips, I love taking a day to just enjoy my resort.

I'm staying at the Beach Club in May and I'm totally excited about enjoying Stormalong Bay! It's a short trip, but still.

OMG, I go to the water parks, just to enjoy watching people fall like that in the lazy river. Yes I'm evil, but at least I get a laugh out of it and no one is injured in the process.

Those pictures are too cool! I love that kind of stuff. I'm sure my camera does it, I just haven't dug around enough yet to see.

Believe me, I hate the stupid sales tax thing! Every time I've traveled internationally, it's just so much easier. It says it's 10 euro/pounds, that's what you pay! I hate our system. Complication though, just to make it even worse. Sales tax is different in every state. It can even be different from city to city! We're just idiots.

"Wait. Your name is Cobra Bubbles?"

Beaches and Cream is my favorite for sundaes! But the No Way Jose is my favorite. I wouldn't have compromised on that. LOL.

That's no problem my love! I don't mind at all - it's hard to keep up with everything on these boards alongside everyday life!

I'm so glad I forced myself to stay at the Beach Club. As I've just said above to Rob, it completely goes against my natural instincts, because I love to be in the parks all the time! But I'm glad we did it, the resort is amazing.
That's so exciting! May, as in a few weeks from now! Yes, you should definitely make some time for Stormalong Bay. Even if it's just for an hour in the morning / afternoon / evening. It's a lot of fun

Ahh I'm kinda annoyed I didn't go for the No Way Jose! We could've just had one each. Like, we were abroad, so calories don't count, right?!

 

[TheLittleKatie]

Best thing ever... until we see the Minnie version

Love the update!!

I know!! I'm looking at them both right now, they're ADORABLE!

The Beach club is such a pretty building and your photos of it are gorgeous, i remember walking around there the day after our wedding and thinking how stunning it was.
Haha I started laughing as soon as I read the first few words in the sentence about the woman trying to get on the ring, I knew exactly what was coming I think a lot of people have all been there at some point, its not as easy as it looks getting on those haha

It's going to be weird walking into HS and not seeing the hat anymore, personally I always loved it and it's all i've known.

Looking forward to your next instalment

It really is amazing! I'm so glad we took the day off from the parks to relax at the resort

Absolutely, those rubber rings are much more difficult than they look! I've definitely done something similar when trying to get out of one I hope she could see the funny side.

I think it will be weird without the hat too! I kind of like the hat. Since visiting WDW as an adult it's all I've known. I'll have to see it for myself before I decide which view I technically 'prefer', but right now I don't really have any strong opinions about it

I should be posting a couple of updates later on tonight!

Your last day at the Beach Club sounds lovely! I think many of us don't take enough time to relax and enjoy our resort.

The lady that fell into the pool by mistake? I know for a fact that I wouldn't have held it together!

Your interaction with the Cobra Bubbles look-alike is also hilarious! Disney turns manly men into character fanatics! I love it!

BEACHES AND CREAM! I've attempted to get here TWICE on past trips, but this was on Anika's short list this time so I'm looking forward to finally eating here! I hope I can talk Anika into the the No Way Jose!

It's sad that your time at the Beach Club has nearly come to an end, but I look forward to hearing about your experience at the Grand Floridian!

It was kinda difficult to force myself to stay away from the parks for the day but I'm really glad I stayed at the hotel especially since it was a long trip, we could afford to relax for the day

Hahaha I know right! I'm so glad I wasn't right next to her as it happened. I watched in horror/hilarity as the lazy river took me away from the scene I sure hope she could laugh at herself.. We've all been in similar situations, I'm sure!

Yay I'm glad you're finally eating at Beaches and Cream! The food was nothing to write home about, but the ice cream was spectacular! I'll be so jealous if you get the No Way Jose, it looks soooo nice. Maybe next time Jamie and I will just order a sundae all to ourselves so that I don't have to compromise

Hi Katie,
I'm loving your TR! It makes me smile to read. I love your humor and you two seem to find the good in all things. It's refreshing to read! Can't wait to see the Grand Floridian.
Lindsey

Hey Lindsey, thanks so much! This was really nice to read
I've got the last couple of updates for this day coming tonight, then it's Grand Floridian moving day I'm going to try to post a bit more frequently so hopefully you won't be waiting too long

 

[BibbitybobityLu]

Hi Katie All caught up with your trip so far. First off I must agree as a fellow Brit that the UK does not smell like fish and chips...unless you are in Whitby. Or the fish counter at Morrisons . Also I agree that even though we share a language with America so much does seem to get loss in translation and I still forget that when ordering chips will get me crisps Or get many blank stares is you ask where the loos are!
I must say I share Jamie's issue when I comes to water rides, the last time I went on Kali River Rapids I had the misfortune to pick the one seat that got soaked by what felt like half the river! Seriously everyone else was bone dry. It was only me not ever sure how that works. I was so wet I had to change ALL my clothes I also seem to get the wet seat on Pirates. Every. Single. Time.
The Beach Club looks amazing we are staying there in September 2016, plus I am intrigued to see how you found the Grand Floridian as we are staying there too ! As far as your views on Gaston go I couldn't agree more. I think Belle made the wrong choice! He's just a fixer upper! Plus he is well fit! That Gaston in the Beauty and the Beast show? No need for padding there!
Oh my gosh Jamie singing `Do you want to build a snowman?' to a total stranger! That is just too adorable! And something I would do....and may have done similarly in the past
I haven't been to Beaches and Cream (I know what is wrong with me?) but I think you should have gone with a sundae each because as we all know calories don't count when you are on holiday or when you eat eat chips (fries) off someone else's plate! It's just a fact.