One Glorious Week in the Sun/Beach Club this time.

[chepic]

Well, sadly we had to return to the land of reality and I have unpacked the bags and uploaded the pics and washed, dried, and folded the clothes, and got homework together, and.....well, you all get the picture!

We had a wonderful time at the Beach Club this year. Although there were some bumps, all went well and we left for home relaxed.

My wonderful husband, Dave, is such a great man letting me indulge in my Disney time as I whine each year....I NEED A DISNEY TRIP!

We left RI on early Saturday am, 1 am to be exact, Yes...I mean 1 am....and headed south. We did change our usual routine by leaving at 1 so that we could arrive in Disney the same day without our usual stop in South Carolina. I just felt that I really really really needed to get there that extra 8 hours earlier.

I must say, DH did a fabulous job and with short 15 minute pit stops, we were at our "home" for the week by 7:30pm. We checked in and sat out on the veranda to watch the fireworks from Epcot.

When checking in I asked for as high up as possible with an Epcot view. The CM said we have you in a 4th floor garden and it looks like a good view. Well, we could see the fireworks just over the trees, but I wouldn't say it was good....more like fair.

When we got to the room we started spreading out and I found a Mickey waiting for me


As were were unpacking, we opened the sink area and found a smelly puddle of water that was leaking from the garbage disposal. How the family before us did not notice this was beyond me. We immediately called MS and they sent up an electrician. He said they needed to replace it and could we wait until tomorrow. Sure, as long as you clean up the smelly puddle, I thought. He proceeded to clean the puddle...hmmm, maybe he was a mind reader.....and we agreed not to use the sink until the morning when they came to fix it.

We all got ourselves cozy and headed for a good night sleep so we could spend the week relaxing by the pool!!

Next up: Sunday was the planned DTD day so the kids could spend their saved money. Each saved close to $200.00 and it was burning a hole in their pockets.

 

[chepic]

Our groceries arrived at 9am on Sunday morning, so we unloaded them all and got dressed. On our last trip in Aug of 2012, the boys really wanted to build a car in DTD. So they saved their money and we headed out early in the morning to build their car. We took the yearly picture in front of the fountain,
Shopped around first
and then went over and they each built a Mater. They were thrilled. By the time we left, it was mid afternoon and it was hot..
We went back to the resort and to the pool to cool off.

I was fully expecting the sink to be fixed, so I was surprised that nothing was changed, the pile of towels that the young man had placed underneath the sink was still there. At this point I figured I would use the sink and just make certain that there wasn't a waterfall coming out. As the afternoon wore on, my little one kept complaining of being dizzy, and tired. Of course this is the trip I forgot my "medical supplies" and I didn't have a thermometer, but I just knew it....he had a temp. On Friday, he had come home with a note in his folder that someone in his class had strep....well why were they in class?!?!?!?!? Anyway, I called the front desk to inquire about a nearby walk in, and to remind them about the sink.

There are 4 walk in clinics in the general area which was good to know. We were able to call ahead and basically make an appt to come in. We get there and it is clean, the staff is wonderfully nice, they were efficient, and took our medical. The doctor just took one look into his throat... and she pronounced it as strep....as well as the fast test!!! They filled the antibiotic right there for $15 dollars and in 1 hour we were headed back to the resort. Now that is service!!


Monday was more of the same....relax at the pool. I have to say that was the reason we booked Beach Club. We knew we were only going in the park one day this trip so we wanted a pool that would totally keep the boys busy.


Tues was the day I was waiting for....Magic Kingdom!!! I, like many others, waited by the computer to book my dinner reservations at Be Our Guest. A few things came up since booking the reservation and we were going to change our MK day, but couldn't change our reservations for dinner so I politely told everyone that we would not be changing anything....I wanted in the castle!!! We did our usual walking around, inspecting the new Fantasyland, got a cinnamon roll at Gaston's Tavern Crazy big!!!! Had fun on the rides
and when it was time we headed over to BOG. Now, the check in system is a bit crazy with not a real clear indication as to where to go. They had CMs by the entry gate so you can't stand on the bridge without clearance. There was a check in booth with a rope separating people into 2 lines, but no one telling you what the lines were for. The one on the left was for standby and the one to the right was for reservations. We checked in, got a pager, and stood on the bridge.
They called us in and we sat in the ballroom....it was beautiful. Our waiter was fantastic and even had the chef come out and talk to me since I asked not to have the creamy Lobster sauce since I am lactose intolerant. She wanted to be certain I could eat all the other things....never had that happen before. The beast was announced and he came through then went to the study to have photos taken. We did walk over to the West Wing and saw his room and the rose in the glass. It was truly an enchanted experience. We ended our dinner with yummy dessert and I even had a taste of the Grey Stuff...and yes, it is delicious.

che

 

[chepic]

The ceiling of the ball room.One of the mosaic tile pictures on the wall
The Grey Stuff.
The new "mine" roller coaster they are building.

 

[chepic]

Wed. we spent the day at the pool. Then, mid afternoon we jumped into the car to surprise our youngest. We drove over to the Art of Animation resort. We got to the gate and I told the man that we were here to take a look around. The security man at the gate was very good at not saying anything that would spoil the surprise, once he saw the 2 boys in the back. Said he completely understood, gave us a map and just pointed in the right direction.

The kids were wondering what we were doing. As we walked through the lobby and seeing all the drawings they were pretty interested. Our 8y.o. wants to draw for Pixar one day....says he is going to draw Cars 4!

I have to tell you that it was priceless watching our little guy see RT 66 when we rounded the corner.


Loved the cozy cone pool and the cabanas. It was so hot, I wouldn't have minded getting one and taking a dip!!

After exploring the resort, we went over to Pop Century and poked around over there....squished a few pennies, got some ice cream and then went back to BCV and jumped in the pool.

We wandered over to the beach later to watch Tarzan. The kids dug in the sand, and then watched the fireworks.


[URL=http://s261.photobucket.com/user/chepicard/media/disney%202013/basketball431.jpg.html]

[/URL]



We get back to our room and what do we find???? A CM fixing our sink. Each day a new engineer came to look at and "put a work order in", but never to fix. It was funny.

Overall, a very nice day with lots of fun.

Thurs was the day we set aside to head over to the Canaveral Seacoast National Park. Our 12 y.o. had to do a project on a national park and this was a great opportunity to go and see it live, pick up sea shells, see the manatees for a personal encounter to help with his poster and report.

It took us about an hour and half to get there. We stopped at the office and grabbed some pamphlets and the woman that was running the desk was very helpful with some great ideas. She gave each of the boys a junior park ranger kit including a badge and patch!! She said that some people take 2 days to explore the entire park, and although we weren't going to do that, I can see why, it is very large and the beach was just beautiful.

We started at the Manatee observation area.

After, we went up to Turtle Mound: a large over 1000 year old mound of shells that the native Americans created. They really don't know why, but the views were pretty cool from there. Some of the shells
The view.

Then, we went for a ride and ended up on the northern beach area to collect some shells. There were a few people fishing from shore. The waves were really rippin'.

Saw Pelicans diving for fish....

Ended up soaked and hungry!!!! Went back to car, snacked, then headed back to the resort. Later that night, left the boys in the condo and we headed over to the Blue Zoo for a drink. We had this flat bread pizza thing with little necks/bacon/and other stuff that was like having Clams Casino....ooo it was yummy. And of course I had the zooberry!!!!

Walked back to the room and fell into bed, silently dreading our last day.


Up next, Friday the pool and some strange encounters.....some people just don't get it!!!

 

[DisneyMotherOf2]

Hey fellow New Englander! I'm from NH and we'll be staying at BCV in less than 2 weeks. Can't wait!! We'd love to do a relaxed vacation like you at some point, but can't seem to control our park enthusiasm yet to kick back and enjoy the resorts more. Sorry to hear about your youngest being sick. for us it isn't a Disney trip without someone getting sick or a trick to urgent care.

Looking forward to hearing more about your trip!

 

[chepic]

Hey fellow New Englander! I'm from NH and we'll be staying at BCV in less than 2 weeks. Can't wait!! We'd love to do a relaxed vacation like you at some point, but can't seem to control our park enthusiasm yet to kick back and enjoy the resorts more. Sorry to hear about your youngest being sick. for us it isn't a Disney trip without someone getting sick or a trick to urgent care.

Looking forward to hearing more about your trip!

Thanks for reading. We love NH, and have seriously looked into buying a campground up there and living there!!!

It has taken us quite a few years to tame down our park time. We are at the point where we only go in 1-2 parks each trip. I have to buy new passes for all of us next trip so that will be an investment!!!

che

 

[chepic]

So Friday morning comes and we ask the kids where they want to go....pool hop or stay. They chose to stay. We head down to the beach area for an hour and at 10 walk to the main pool.


We get a nice table with an umbrella and 1 lounger next to it and settle in for the day. Lunch time I head up to the room and make burgers with my left over meat loaf.....not taking anything home!

So here comes the crazy part, and even now Dave and I have to shake our heads at this entire encounter. It was hot. The boys are swimming. I said to Dave, lets take a dip. We are in the pool maybe 20 minutes. We are cooled off and head back to the table. I look and there is someone sitting there....all our stuff on the table and the chairs, and yet here is this gentleman having a conversation with someone else, all settled in. Dave turns to me and says, "is that guy really sitting there?" We we go over, grab a towel and sit down. He starts to say that he hopes we don't mind he sat there, wanted the shade. Now, there was a table right next to us with no one there under a tree with shade, so why he wouldn't sit there is beyond us. So then, as I am trying to soak up the last moments of my vacation, he chats!! Then the pool waitress comes over and he gives her this huge order; his wife comes over and gives more. I look at Dave and say I am going to check on the kids and leave him with the man, still chatting! I tell the kids 30 minutes, having a bad feeling about this guy and head back over. Now his wife, his daughter, and his dripping wet grandson are all around the table discussing lunch. Remember, all my crap is all over the table....5-6 towels, 2 sand buckets, remains from the lunch, cups....and I turn to Dave and give him the "look." He shrugs at me so I said, well we are gone. I grab my bag and start shoving things in. I go get the kids and we walk out feeling completely flattened.

Now I know, I should have said something, but truly at the time I was so barreled over by their complete lack of manners that all I could do was shake my head.

So we end up heading to DTD and grabbing a sundae at Ghirdirelli....that is the way to cheer up.



We are glad we did, because about 15 minutes after we get there the sky opened up and rained for the 1st time the entire trip. Lasted only 5 minutes, but it made me feel better that we weren't at the pool.


And so ends another wonderful week at Disney.

Beach Club vs OKW review:

Pro's: The pool is fun; nice walk to Epcot (fireworks) and night time fun; good bars there and a walk away; beach to dig for kids

Con's: They keep the hall ways waaaayyyyyy too cold. We froze every time we entered in. The resort seems big and unending with confusing hallways. OKW is easier to manipulate, find your building, climb the stairs, you are there. The hotel atmosphere is present, not quite as "homey" as OKW

We will be heading to our home next year....Old Key West, here we come!!

Thanks for reading.

Cheryl

 

[BEASLYBOO]

What a lovely trip you had! As Floridian's we fit in quite a bit of non Disney/park activities, since we come here quite often. It breaks up the year nicely to do a few 3-4 days trips! How great is it to be able to intergrate some school work and have it be fun too!

We tried BCV once and it's one of my least favorite resorts, SAB has never been much of an attraction for my son and his buddies, they prefer to horse around the "not so" quiet Turtle Pond pool. It was the 2nd resort I tried after several OKW stays, and it felt so small, little to no balcony and little to no view! The boys however do like BWV, and I have to admit there's a lot do, more than OKW but we love DTD so kind of makes up for it!

Now, Bluezoo! You're talking my language, we love this place, whether it's just drinks and appetizers at the bar or full on dinner, love it!

I can't say say I've ever had anyone take over my table while all my stuff was there! How bizzare! But as Mom used to say, "It takes all kinds to make a world!"

 

[chepic]

What a lovely trip you had! As Floridian's we fit in quite a bit of non Disney/park activities, since we come here quite often. It breaks up the year nicely to do a few 3-4 days trips! How great is it to be able to intergrate some school work and have it be fun too!

We tried BCV once and it's one of my least favorite resorts, SAB has never been much of an attraction for my son and his buddies, they prefer to horse around the "not so" quiet Turtle Pond pool. It was the 2nd resort I tried after several OKW stays, and it felt so small, little to no balcony and little to no view! The boys however do like BWV, and I have to admit there's a lot do, more than OKW but we love DTD so kind of makes up for it!

Now, Bluezoo! You're talking my language, we love this place, whether it's just drinks and appetizers at the bar or full on dinner, love it!

I can't say say I've ever had anyone take over my table while all my stuff was there! How bizzare! But as Mom used to say, "It takes all kinds to make a world!"

We so want to move to Florida.....2 years, when the oldest is going into High School. I can work anywhere, being in physical therapy, and Dave is a school bus driver, so he can work for Disney so we can get in for free!!!!!!!!

Talking about the balcony, when we checked in the CM said oooo, you are getting a large balcony. Now, I am thinking, wow, bigger than OKW that would be something. Then we got in the room and I chuckled...it was big enough for 2 chairs and a table....even the Animal Kingdom Safari view was bigger than this!!!

I love the Bluezoo too. And, last time we found it on Restaurant.com for a discount. Forgot to look this time.

And it does take all kinds!!

che

 

[DisneyMotherOf2]

I can't believe those people confiscated your table!! And when you returned they still stayed there and just settled in. So rude!! I'd like to say I would've said something, but depending on my mood I might have just checked out like you.

Sounds like you had a wonderful trip! Enjoyed reading your TR!!

We'll be at BCV in another week. I LOVE this resort!!!

 

[BEASLYBOO]

We so want to move to Florida.....2 years, when the oldest is going into High School. I can work anywhere, being in physical therapy, and Dave is a school bus driver, so he can work for Disney so we can get in for free!!!!!!!!che

DVC ownership in FL is great, you drive to the resort, no plane fares, we bring a lot of stuff from home, no need for owners locker! We use DVC for 3-4 day stays when the kids are off from school! We vacation else where to cool off!

Good luck on the 2 yr plan!

 

[chepic]

I can't believe those people confiscated your table!! And when you returned they still stayed there and just settled in. So rude!! I'd like to say I would've said something, but depending on my mood I might have just checked out like you.

Sounds like you had a wonderful trip! Enjoyed reading your TR!!

We'll be at BCV in another week. I LOVE this resort!!!

I know, crazy huh? And they were staying at the hotel part and he was just yacking up a storm about how he was paying for everything and blah blah blah...and actually insulted us a bit by saying....Oh, I would never own DVC, why limit myself!!!

Honestly it was all I could do, I just said a Hail Mary and walked away.

che

 

[chepic]

DVC ownership in FL is great, you drive to the resort, no plane fares, we bring a lot of stuff from home, no need for owners locker! We use DVC for 3-4 day stays when the kids are off from school! We vacation else where to cool off!

Good luck on the 2 yr plan!

Thanks, I think I am going to take a travelling job next summer and check out the weather to see if we are all compatible. Dave will come down with the boys for a week or two and we can check it out.

che

 

[miprender]

Followed over from the OKW thread. I remember you from the Drving thread too. We were almost going to drive to Disney but we ended up taking a flight out of Long Island for $120/pp The funny thing is almost everyone on our flight was either from MA, RI or CT

We had such perfect weather that week and luckily for us we were back in our room when the sky opened up on Friday.

But it was so hard coming back home. I want to be in Disney but at least our RI weather is getting a little warmer.

 

[chepic]

Followed over from the OKW thread. I remember you from the Drving thread too. We were almost going to drive to Disney but we ended up taking a flight out of Long Island for $120/pp The funny thing is almost everyone on our flight was either from MA, RI or CT

We had such perfect weather that week and luckily for us we were back in our room when the sky opened up on Friday.

But it was so hard coming back home. I want to be in Disney but at least our RI weather is getting a little warmer.

WOW....wish I had seen that price for the flights, but to be honest, so used to the drive now that it really doesn't bother me so much. Total cost for gas was $360, so we can't get a flight for 4 for that.

I know about wanting to go back. By Tues I was already whining about being back here.

che