BEASLYBOO
OKW/Disney... my happy place.
- Joined
- Oct 5, 2007
- Messages
- 5,849
Fantastic Trip!
DS(11) and I arrived Fri 6/6 and checked in to a Studio in Bldg. 15 (up front). The room was immaculate, seemed freshly painted. Went with friends to Timpano's Chophouse for dinner, excellent but expensive meal.
Sat 6/7 checked in ( 9am) to GV #1523 above the studio where we were staying, convenient. The Grand Villa was in great condition, everything in good working order. The only signs of distress and over usage showed on the coffee table corners and the wood floors (they needed to be stripped and re-sealed). I was a little worried having read quite a few threads re: maintenance etc. but I was thrilled with the conditions of the grounds and the villa. From the balcony we had a view of the golf course and the pond w/ fountain seperating the two golf holes. Quite a few golfers miss the other hole and land in the water. One poor soul missed it 4 times! Not a big golf fan, so I got quite the chuckle out of it. I was a little concerned that building 15 is on the front of the resort but we did not find the noise to be an issue, though in future I prefer to stay further in the back. It was close to HH, a plus for the pool and Olivia's. The other 8 in our party arrived throughout the day and each and everyone was really impressed by the GV accomodations! Our family from TN used Disney's Magical Express and were very pleased with the whole trip to and from. We had our 1st communal dinner comprising of Winn Dixie's Rotisserie chickens and salad! We generally see each other only once a year so it was good to catch up! It's really great to stay in one villa, it's like one big sleep over! The adults can talk in the lving room while the kids play and watch t.v. upstairs.
Sun 6/8 Went to EPCOT at rope drop and we were done w/ all the rides by noon (even did Soarin and Test Track twice), DS(11) and DU(46) did Mission Space(Orange) (once was more than enough for me) and then we went on to the world showcase. It was warm but very breezy. At 5:20 we went to Le Cellier for dinner, fabulous meal. DS(11) had a bowl of cheddar cheese soup with pretzel breadsticks (His favorite) and most of us had either the Filet w/ Mushooms or the Primerib. The Spinach au Gratin is also really delicious, however we had no room for desert. We then all headed to the EPCOT/ Boardwalk waterway and went to the Yacht Club marina to take the boat for the Illumination Cruise. It was $292 Inc. tax plus we tipped Danny our Captain $50 ( he was very nice and informative, and let DS(11) pilot the boat). I've waited many years to do one of these and it was worth every penny. Our group of 10 really enjoyed this special treat.
Mon 6/9 Typhoon Lagoon-Great fun. Had the Baby donuts and coffee 1st thing at 10am. The park was not overly crowded. Spent most of the time in the wave pool with the 3 kids. Went home at 3pm as they were making an announcement about weather issues, however they never developed and it did not rain. The 10 of us did Medieval Times for Dinner. 8 new members to the Medieval Times experience and everyone had a great time, even if the Yellow Knight bit the dust early, oh well, you can't win them all. Note: Well, You can, if you upgrade to the premium package, not worth it in my mind! Yet another wonderful day!
Tues 6/10 - Magic Kingdom - Missed rope drop and boy what a mistake, it was so hot, by far the hottest day of the whole trip. We decided to put an end to it after the parade. By the end of the parade a humongous storm hit w/ lighting and thunder seldom seen but thank goodness when it was over the weather was reset to warm and breezy and downright pleasant for June. We headed back to the resort. Hit the pool for several hours, then went to Olivia's for a really nice dinner. DS(11) had his usual Pork Chop, several of us had the Steak and Carbernet Mushroom Sauce w/ Olivia's Potatoes (Yum). The sauce always gives me heart burn but that's why they make Tums. After dinner, off to Downtown Disney by boat. Hit Ghirardelli's for desert and then walked around, cool breezy night. Took the boot back to OKW at 11:30, great day, great night, other than being terrozized by a tempermental tree frog who should know better than to jump on people, especially me. Niece and nephew never knew I could move so fast!
Wed 6/11 - Animal Kingdom -Hit the park at 8:15, went straight to Africa to get FP for the Safari. Hit Tusker house for Character Breakfast, got in early. We all danced with Mickey, Daisy, and Goofy, buffet was good, the kids had a great time. We then headed off to the Safari, the animals were out and it was cool and breezy. Only the lions were hiding, we jut saw their heads. Then off to Khali River Rapids where 3 of us got soaked through and through. Imagine, we all wore khaki shorts and apparantly blue panties as well (khaki's quite transparent when soaked). People asked us, Where did you sit? Does it matter, no the boat turns and circles around. DS(11) next to me barely got sprinkled while I took on the full tidal wave! Not a pretty site! I will admit it cooled me off! We then did Expedition Everest and unfortunately I still didn't get to see the Yeti ( Eyes slammed shut, Roller Coasters aren't my favorite thing, maybe next time!) Did the whole park by 2pm, stood in line for Dinosaur for 20 minutes and then they shut it down so we headed back to the resort. For dinner we did take out from a local Italian restaurant (Maggiano's), baked ziti, chicken cacciatore and salad. Good but nothing to write home about!
Thu 6/12 - Our NY family of 2 went home, 4 of us went back to Magic Kingdom for rope drop. I booked DU and DS(11) a Bass Fishing Tour from 10 -12 noon, they both love (obsession more like) to fish.($250 + Tip, money well spent if you love to fish, DS(11) caught 4 bass and DU 5. By 1pm we were done w/ Fantasy Land, Liberty Square and Tommorow Land. The 2 fishermen joined us at 1:15 for lunch at the Starlight just before the 2pm Space Mountain FP's and another go at Buzz Lightyears. Then as we headed off to do Big Thunder Railroad another storm headed our way so we called it quits and headed back to OKW. It rained for an hour or so, we relaxed and decided what to do about dinner. We decided on pizza and the resort pool for the evening. Time to do laundry etc.
Fri 6/13 It's over, it took a year to plan and in one flash it's already over. Left our TN family at 11am to take the Express back to the airport and DS(11) and I drove home. What a great vacation! I'm already preparing the photo albums for the grandparents and family who couldn't come.
By luck, we've been invited to the Star War's week-end so we will be back on Thu 6/19 till 6/21. I just love Summer vacation. Next trip, middle of October, DS(11) wants Disney Quest for birthday week-end w/ 4 friends, still in the planning stages!
Sorry, it was a little long!
DS(11) and I arrived Fri 6/6 and checked in to a Studio in Bldg. 15 (up front). The room was immaculate, seemed freshly painted. Went with friends to Timpano's Chophouse for dinner, excellent but expensive meal.
Sat 6/7 checked in ( 9am) to GV #1523 above the studio where we were staying, convenient. The Grand Villa was in great condition, everything in good working order. The only signs of distress and over usage showed on the coffee table corners and the wood floors (they needed to be stripped and re-sealed). I was a little worried having read quite a few threads re: maintenance etc. but I was thrilled with the conditions of the grounds and the villa. From the balcony we had a view of the golf course and the pond w/ fountain seperating the two golf holes. Quite a few golfers miss the other hole and land in the water. One poor soul missed it 4 times! Not a big golf fan, so I got quite the chuckle out of it. I was a little concerned that building 15 is on the front of the resort but we did not find the noise to be an issue, though in future I prefer to stay further in the back. It was close to HH, a plus for the pool and Olivia's. The other 8 in our party arrived throughout the day and each and everyone was really impressed by the GV accomodations! Our family from TN used Disney's Magical Express and were very pleased with the whole trip to and from. We had our 1st communal dinner comprising of Winn Dixie's Rotisserie chickens and salad! We generally see each other only once a year so it was good to catch up! It's really great to stay in one villa, it's like one big sleep over! The adults can talk in the lving room while the kids play and watch t.v. upstairs.
Sun 6/8 Went to EPCOT at rope drop and we were done w/ all the rides by noon (even did Soarin and Test Track twice), DS(11) and DU(46) did Mission Space(Orange) (once was more than enough for me) and then we went on to the world showcase. It was warm but very breezy. At 5:20 we went to Le Cellier for dinner, fabulous meal. DS(11) had a bowl of cheddar cheese soup with pretzel breadsticks (His favorite) and most of us had either the Filet w/ Mushooms or the Primerib. The Spinach au Gratin is also really delicious, however we had no room for desert. We then all headed to the EPCOT/ Boardwalk waterway and went to the Yacht Club marina to take the boat for the Illumination Cruise. It was $292 Inc. tax plus we tipped Danny our Captain $50 ( he was very nice and informative, and let DS(11) pilot the boat). I've waited many years to do one of these and it was worth every penny. Our group of 10 really enjoyed this special treat.
Mon 6/9 Typhoon Lagoon-Great fun. Had the Baby donuts and coffee 1st thing at 10am. The park was not overly crowded. Spent most of the time in the wave pool with the 3 kids. Went home at 3pm as they were making an announcement about weather issues, however they never developed and it did not rain. The 10 of us did Medieval Times for Dinner. 8 new members to the Medieval Times experience and everyone had a great time, even if the Yellow Knight bit the dust early, oh well, you can't win them all. Note: Well, You can, if you upgrade to the premium package, not worth it in my mind! Yet another wonderful day!
Tues 6/10 - Magic Kingdom - Missed rope drop and boy what a mistake, it was so hot, by far the hottest day of the whole trip. We decided to put an end to it after the parade. By the end of the parade a humongous storm hit w/ lighting and thunder seldom seen but thank goodness when it was over the weather was reset to warm and breezy and downright pleasant for June. We headed back to the resort. Hit the pool for several hours, then went to Olivia's for a really nice dinner. DS(11) had his usual Pork Chop, several of us had the Steak and Carbernet Mushroom Sauce w/ Olivia's Potatoes (Yum). The sauce always gives me heart burn but that's why they make Tums. After dinner, off to Downtown Disney by boat. Hit Ghirardelli's for desert and then walked around, cool breezy night. Took the boot back to OKW at 11:30, great day, great night, other than being terrozized by a tempermental tree frog who should know better than to jump on people, especially me. Niece and nephew never knew I could move so fast!
Wed 6/11 - Animal Kingdom -Hit the park at 8:15, went straight to Africa to get FP for the Safari. Hit Tusker house for Character Breakfast, got in early. We all danced with Mickey, Daisy, and Goofy, buffet was good, the kids had a great time. We then headed off to the Safari, the animals were out and it was cool and breezy. Only the lions were hiding, we jut saw their heads. Then off to Khali River Rapids where 3 of us got soaked through and through. Imagine, we all wore khaki shorts and apparantly blue panties as well (khaki's quite transparent when soaked). People asked us, Where did you sit? Does it matter, no the boat turns and circles around. DS(11) next to me barely got sprinkled while I took on the full tidal wave! Not a pretty site! I will admit it cooled me off! We then did Expedition Everest and unfortunately I still didn't get to see the Yeti ( Eyes slammed shut, Roller Coasters aren't my favorite thing, maybe next time!) Did the whole park by 2pm, stood in line for Dinosaur for 20 minutes and then they shut it down so we headed back to the resort. For dinner we did take out from a local Italian restaurant (Maggiano's), baked ziti, chicken cacciatore and salad. Good but nothing to write home about!
Thu 6/12 - Our NY family of 2 went home, 4 of us went back to Magic Kingdom for rope drop. I booked DU and DS(11) a Bass Fishing Tour from 10 -12 noon, they both love (obsession more like) to fish.($250 + Tip, money well spent if you love to fish, DS(11) caught 4 bass and DU 5. By 1pm we were done w/ Fantasy Land, Liberty Square and Tommorow Land. The 2 fishermen joined us at 1:15 for lunch at the Starlight just before the 2pm Space Mountain FP's and another go at Buzz Lightyears. Then as we headed off to do Big Thunder Railroad another storm headed our way so we called it quits and headed back to OKW. It rained for an hour or so, we relaxed and decided what to do about dinner. We decided on pizza and the resort pool for the evening. Time to do laundry etc.
Fri 6/13 It's over, it took a year to plan and in one flash it's already over. Left our TN family at 11am to take the Express back to the airport and DS(11) and I drove home. What a great vacation! I'm already preparing the photo albums for the grandparents and family who couldn't come.
By luck, we've been invited to the Star War's week-end so we will be back on Thu 6/19 till 6/21. I just love Summer vacation. Next trip, middle of October, DS(11) wants Disney Quest for birthday week-end w/ 4 friends, still in the planning stages!
Sorry, it was a little long!
It's fun to watch. I love building #15. Great report-thanks!
