Our 1st DVC Trip 'Home' & DDP! 1-20 November 2007

[Treacle44]

Okay so this is us:

Me, Tracey, 29 (almost 30!) - one man band planner for everything we do, I'm a perfectionist so wouldn't have it any other way to be honest!
DH, Martin, 33 - Financial backer and all round 'yes' man - it's easier that way! (and he knows it!)
DD - Liberty, 5 (nearly 6) - Loves all things Disney, especially the princesses.
3rd trip to the magic.
DS - Noah, 2 (almost 3) - Tempremental but cute so he gets away with it!
2nd trip but the first one he'll remember.

So this how it all began:

Planning for this trip kind of began in May 2006. We were in Orlando on a 2 week holiday and decided to do the DVC Tour at Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. I was very keen from the start, I mean who wouldn’t want to own a piece of the magic??! Martin was his usual calm and collected self looking around, he gave nothing away as to whether he liked it or not.

When we sat down to talk numbers with our guide, the Bank Manager in him kicked in and he began asking all sorts of questions that went right over my head! I got the impression he wasn’t convinced that it was a worthwhile investment. We chatted afterwards and Martin said we’d seriously consider it once we got home. That’s the end of that I thought!

Imagine my surprise when on 14 May 2006, Mother’s Day in the US, Martin and Liberty came back to our room at Pop, after going to get drinks and Liberty was holding a SSR postcard. She then gave it to me and said “Happy Mother’s Day mummy”. Bit slow on the uptake I was, so Martin had to explain. We were going back that afternoon to sign contracts on 150 points at Saratoga Springs! :spin:

So anyway, back to the planning! We initially decided to go back ‘home’ in May 2008, but when we went for dd’s induction day at Primary school, the headmistress informed everyone that no holidays would ever be authorised between 1 May and Half term in any year, so that was May out!

We then discussed going in December or November, but decided on November in the hope it would be a bit warmer and well it would be here sooner! I got on the phone to the lovely Val back in July 2006 and she booked us a Virgin Fly Drive flying out on 1 November for 20 nights (wanted to leave Disney before Thanksgiving as the parks would be heaving on our last day otherwise). Only 16 months to wait, groan!

Fast forward to December 2006, 11 months before departure and therefore time to contact DVC Member Services to book 20 nights in a Studio at Saratoga Springs. We booked this day by day to avoid any disappointment. The plan was to wait until April, the 7 month window and then try to modify our reservation to do a split stay at Villas at Wilderness Lodge, Beach Club Villas and then onto Saratoga Springs. With lots of calls to Member Services, a bit of waitlisting and a fair amount of stress, we finally ended up with:

9 nights at Villas at Wilderness Lodge
6 nights at Beach Club Villas
5 nights at Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.

More than happy with that!

 

[Treacle44]

Started looking at Park tickets and ordered 21 Day Ultimate’s from Attraction Tickets Direct, they are excellent and I highly recommend them. Saw some photos of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and thought how magical it would be for the kids to experience snow on Main Street, so booked tickets for 15 December, using our DVC discount. We’re staying at VWL then, so it will be easy to get back afterwards.

One thing I’m very excited about is trying the Disney Dining Plan for the 1st time, we have it for the duration or our stay so have 18 Table Service restaurants to eat at! The whole ADR thing has taken the most planning, must do’s from the start are the Yachtsman Steakhouse, Crystal Palace, ‘Ohana’s and Chef Mickey’s. Liberty also asked to see the princesses at CRT again so I’ve booked this to coincide with an early appointment at the new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. The rest of the ADR’s were made after scouring the menu’s online.

We will be taking advantage of Disney’s Magical express for the 1st time too and then hiring a car for the last two weeks. Picking up a 4x4 at the Dolphin hotel.

Noah was only 14 months last time we went, so he’s going to get so much more out of it this trip now he’s nearly 3. He adores Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and will be thrilled to see Lightning McQueen in the flesh. Liberty is our resident High School Musical fanatic (rather partial to Troy myself!), so will love the HSM Pep Rally I’m sure.

Having seen some photo’s of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, I kind of wished we could fit this in as well. Then I realised the last show was 2nd November, the day after we arrive. So sod it, booked tickets for that too! It will be great to experience Halloween American style, doubt we’ll last until the end of the party but it doesn’t really matter.

With the colder weather drawing in now in the UK, I started clearing the summer clothes out of our drawers, whilst I was doing that I thought I may as well pack! So it all got bunged into holdalls, sort of pre packing! Then last weekend, it all came out on the bed and I packed properly. Had to send Martin out for another large holdall as the medium sized ones were filling up too fast!! We have ended up with two large holdalls, a medium one full of nappies, wipes and toiletries, flight bag and a rucksack. Haven’t even broached the subject with the kids about taking their Disney suitcases, not sure how we’d manage those as well! Oh and 2 car seats!

I’ve forgotten to mention that I will reach the grand old age of 30 early in January, so this holiday is a pre celebration of that really. I’ve chosen the Yachtsman as my Birthday meal and Martin has promised to arrange a few surprises along the way. It’s not really his thing so I will be surprised and thrilled with anything he does manage to come up with.

With 5 days to go, the excitement is building now. We plan to enjoy every moment at Disney, not rush around at 100 miles an hour like we’ve done before. The plan is to do mostly half days at the parks, leaving time to relax and appreciate the beautiful hotels we’ll be staying at. I feel very lucky.

Sorry it got long, thanks for reading if you got this far.

 

[Treacle44]

THURSDAY 1 NOVEMBER - TODAY'S THE DAY!

The kids and Martin slept well but I didn’t, woke several times and the alarm went off at 6.30am, I had just drifted into a deep sleep! At that point it hadn’t really hit home we were actually going!! Got up and got ready and then the excitement began to build.

Breakfast was included at the Hilton and we’d heard good things about it so were looking forward to it. There was a huge amount of choice – fresh and dried fruits, cereals, breads, pastries, cooked items, porridge, continental cheeses and meats. It was very nice but quite steep at £18.95 per adult. You’d need a big appetite for it to be good value.

We checked out of our room and went to Departures. Went through smoothly and went to the Duty Free shops, I need some camcorder tapes so got those then we got some aftershave and perfume and a little Virgin plane and a teddy for the kids in the main shop.

Our Gate no. was up, Gate 21 so we walked there even though the screens showed a 30 minute delay. The queue was already long and the lounge was full. We bagged the last seat, which was by the window and had a great view of the plane. There she was, Ruby Tuesday.

We took off an hour late in the end. The flight was mostly uneventful, except for when the kid’s meals came round and their paper records showed there hadn’t been any meals allocated for ours. The air hostess went off to double check and I got all armed and ready with my confirmation, but luckily she came back and said they were showing on their screens so they were quickly dispatched, phew! Noah fell asleep with an hour and a half to go and as we prepared to for landing, I propped him up to fasten his seatbelt properly and then he proceeded to scream the plane down for 30 mins, until we landed. Everyone seemed sympathetic but I was still cringing. Kids eh!

Immigration took ages even though were only about 7th in line. Finally we got through and collected our luggage. For the second year running the buggy had been damaged despite having bubble wrap round most of it. Aarrggh! Must say it was so nice to drop our baggage off again at the Bag Drop knowing we wouldn’t see it again until we got to the Wilderness Lodge, thanks to the Magical Express service.

It was pitch black outside by the time we got to the Villas at Wilderness Lodge. Tired as were, it was still as impressive and welcoming as ever, we were ‘home’ for the 1st time ever!

Check in was fine until they gave me the room card and said you’re in room 1555. I said I asked for any floor except on the ground as we were worried about Noah escaping. She said go and see the room and if we didn’t like it to come back and she would change us straight away. The room was lovely, but we were right by the side of the trees except for a small path. Lions and tigers and bears sprang to mind! Martin had ordered a lovely vase of flowers for me, he had managed a surprise after all!

Martin rang Front desk to confirm we wanted to change and was told that no rooms were available until the next day and if we moved it would cost $30 to change anyway! What!! Told them what the CM had just said but he said again sorry no rooms available tonight. We were not impressed but were too tired to argue so said we’d think about it and let them know in the morning.

We went down to Roaring Forks for a bite to eat and used our Dining Plan credits for the 1st time. Got a cheese flatbread and fruit bowl which the kids shared and we shared a bacon cheeseburger and fries.

The food was fine, regular Disney fare. Bought 4 refillable mugs and then went back to the room to bed. Our luggage hadn’t arrived, so we asked Bell Services to keep it until the morning as we had nightwear etc. Finally got to sleep about 11pm, 3 am in the UK, groan.

 

[Treacle44]

FRIDAY 2 NOVEMBER - AK & MNSSHP

A little voice by the name of Liberty informed me she needed the bathroom at some obscure time. I looked at the clock, 4.40am, eek!! Naturally she couldn’t go back to sleep so we were all awake by 5am. 6 hours sleep, lovely!

Last night as we were so late and overtired, we’d decided not to bother with Animal Kingdom what with having the MNSSHP as well, but being awake so early, it was back on the agenda, what the hell!

Our bags were delivered to our room so we could get ready and then we went to Roaring Forks for breakfast. We had bagels and Martin had a blueberry muffin. Then we spoke to Front Desk about our new room as we’d decided to change regardless of having to pay as $30 was nothing when we were there for 9 nights. We were told a room would be available on the 4th floor that afternoon. We mentioned the charge and said we wouldn’t have to pay anything an apologised. Result!

Bells Services moved our bags and stored them for us until our room was ready, so off to Animal Kingdom we went. We generally ambled around taking in the atmosphere. The only rides we did were Kilamanjaro safari, something or other in Dinoland and we saw Festival of The Lion King.

Liberty spotted some pink and purple Crocs so we got those for her, she was thrilled! Then got some pics of these furry friends.

We decided on Pizzafari for lunch as we like the Caesar salads here. Shared that and pizza, Noah had some pizza too and L had spaghetti and meatballs. The kids had our chocolate cakes and said they were good.

Having had enough we got back on the bus to have a rest for the MNSSHP that night. Our new room was ready so we let ourselves in and got our bags delivered. That’s more like it. Lovely balcony that was a suntrap with a lovely tranquil view. So glad we changed.

Contd. below...

 

[Treacle44]

We arrived at Magic Kingdom at 6pm by boat which was fun to do. The decorations looked great. Liberty went as a witch (with Mickey Pumpkin ears of course) and Noah was a skeleton.

We ate at Cosmic Rays as we fancied having the Chicken and Ribs Combo but that had been taken off the menu for the party so we hade to have a burger and the kids had nuggets. The burger was much nicer that the Roaring Forks one. The party started and we saw some great costumes, especially the adults. The Americans certainly do Halloween in a big way!!

We had fun stopping off at the Trick or Treat stations to get our candy. It was all very exciting getting American sweets and chocolate but in all honestly we didn’t rate very many of them. Do they like peanut butter in everything??! Soon it was almost parade time, but the weather had suddenly got very cold and we weren’t dressed as warmly as we should have been really. Combined with tiredness, Liberty suddenly announced she wanted to go home. Luckily the Headless Horseman came riding through Main Street then so it caught her her interest to watch the parade. Didn’t take any pics as I was cuddling her.

It was excellent especially Jack Sparrow but seemed quite short in length. We decided to leave then as were so cold and exhausted. Would’ve loved to have seen hallowishes but it was just too much to do on our 1st day.

The boat journey was much quicker on the way back as it didn’t stop at Fort Wilderness. Emptied out our stash from 3 Trick Treat stations and don't think we did too badly.

 

[Treacle44]

SATURDAY 3 NOVEMBER - MK & CRYSTAL PALACE BREKKIE

I was the first one awake at 5.45am groan, so I had a shower hoping it would stir the others. Nope, when I want them to get up of course they don’t! Martin finally dragged himself out of bed and we had to prise the kids from their bed to get ready.

We had a reservation for breakfast at Crystal Palace at 8.05am. We got to the bust stop and realized we’d missed the Mk bus by about 10 seconds, damn. They CM said there was a 20 min wait for another one to Martin took Noah to get some milk from Roaring Forks. 5 minutes after he’d gone, of course another bus turned up, aarrgghh!! The driver was very nice and when I explained he’d said he’d wait for a few minutes until they came back and luckily they came round the corner just after. Phew.

We arrived in good time and got in front of the Breakfast ADR turnstiles. Soon we were let through and onto Main Street. Managed to get a few decent photos of the castle minus the crowds and had a couple of Photopass photos taken.

We were seated on time at Crystal Palace, we’ve eaten lunch here several times before but never breakfast. Our server was really friendly and brought out juices and a teapot with a selection of about 7 different types of tea bag. The food was great, lots of choice. I had breakfast pizza, scrambled egg, bacon, sausage, potatoes and of course a piglet waffle. I really wanted to try the breakfast lasange too and it disappoint, not my usual type of thing but quite moreish. Yum! The kids loved the characters but Noah hadn’t gained his confidence enough to get up close and personal with them straight away so he wasn’t in any of the photos.

It was 9.30am when we left the restaurant so we went straight to Fantasy Land to ride Dumbo before it got too busy. The wait was only 10 minutes so before long we were on. We then went to see Ariel as it’s another thing we’ve never managed to do as the queues are so long. She was so lovely, really taking her times to talk to the children. I can see now why she’s so popular.

We had Fast Passes for Peter Pan so that was next and then joy of joys Liberty spotted It’s a Small World, so we just had to go on that! :confused2

Next was my favourite, Philharmagic, I love this show soooo much! It’s such a magical Disney thing to see.

The kids wanted to get a Minnie and a Mickey so we went to Mickey’s Toontown fair. One baby Mickey and Minnie in blankets later and they were happy. Within two minutes Noah fell asleep cuddling his. Martin and Liberty went on the Winnie the Pooh ride whilst I sat with Noah in the sunshine. The weather during the day is lovely at this time of year, lovely and hot but not humid at all.

We were a bit peckish so I suggested a jacket potato from Liberty Square which Liberty jumped at as their one of her favourite foods. We decided to share one as well and they were lovely. They came with butter, grated cheese and sour cream. Yum! Noah woke up and asked for some fruit so he had the healthier option, devouring a banana and an apple. Great place for a quick lunch.

It was then onto Adventure Land where we flew on the carpets and went in the Tiki Rooms. We were flagging by now so it was back to VWL for a rest. We picked at some of our Trick or Treat sweets, none of which I liked, but I kept trying it!

Liberty wanted to go for a swim so Martin took both kids and I followed down once I’d had a look round the Mercantile store and bought Martin some DVC souvenirs, a beer glass and money wallet. We had fun round the pool for a while then went back to the room.

We were too tired to go anywhere for dinner so ate at Roaring Forks again. The kids shared pizza yet again, Martin had a turkey and brie roll and I had a tuna salad sandwich, freshly made and absolutely lovely.

Back to the room for bed. Martin was going to read his book but managed half a page before snoring and I was determined to write my diary up but even I was head nodding at 9pm! :d:

 

[Treacle44]

SUNDAY 4 NOVEMBER - DHS & 'OHANA

Today was supposed to be a rest day but the clocks went back in the US so we gained an extra hour. Liberty was very bright and breezy and asked where we were going today so we decided to go to MGM.

We only planned to go for a few hours so didn’t take much with us, but as soon as we got off the bus, Noah fell over badly grazing his knee. A nice lady came running over with a plaster but he wasn’t having any of it, he couldn’t walk and of course this was the day we’d decided not to take a buggy so it was a great start!! Tears were wiped away and he was happy sitting on daddy’s shoulders.

Then we saw it, the Christmas tree was up!! It seemed so weird seeing it when the temperature was in the 80’s!!

Got through the turnstiles only for Liberty to start crying and showing me her purse she’d been fiddling with and the fact that she’d lost her $10. She was inconsolable, so back I went out of the park in the hope I’d find it. No such luck, people never hand in money, even in Disney! Cue more tears, poor thing, she felt so grown up with her money. I mouthed to Martin we’d buy her something later to cheer her up.

We went straight to Tower of Terror where the Stand by wait was only 15 mins, so off Martin went whilst I took the kids to get fast passes for Rock n Roller Coaster. Turned round and Martin was back, the ToT sign was wrong, the line was actually 35 mins wait when he got in there, so he decided to skip it.

On our Times Guide, there was 20 minutes until the next High School Musical 2 Pep Rally so we wandered over to Streets of America where it was taking place that day. However when we got near we were puzzled to hear the music already, and once we turned the corner we saw the float disappearing. We spoke to a CM and she told us we had the wrong Times Guide (it had changed that day) and gave us a new one. Not very impressed as we’d got that at the main entrance and now had two disappointed kiddie son our hands. So we had another 25 mins wait until the next one so we passed the time by doing Meet n Great with Noah’s favourite Disney character, Lightning McQueen. He was enthralled, the look on his face when he saw Lightning coming down the road was priceless.

(excuse me looking dodgy, Lightning was trying to lift my skirt up! )

The sun was beating down where we waited for the Pep rally to start, I was melting myself and I love the heat. Was getting a bit worried about the kids and kept that as sheltered and armed with water as we could. It was worth the wait though, we had a great view and really enjoyed the show.

To cool down afterwards we spent some time in the Honey I shrunk the Kid’s playground. It’s a great place to take a breather, lovely and cool with water shooting out here any there. Liberty and Noah loved the slides and generally tearing around everywhere. We realised we’d missed our R & R fast passes but it didn’t really matter.

We split up as Martin took Noah to see Playhouse Disney and Liberty and I went so see Beauty and the Beast.

Contd....

 

[Treacle44]

We met up again at 12.30pm for some lunch. The kids just wanted fries so I got those and Martin and I shared a turkey leg. I hate faffing about with them but boy do they taste good! I got some chocolate ice cream for us to share whilst Martin rode ToT. Ice cream was lovely but two tubs were far too much for the 3 of us. Great value for a snack credit.

We’d had enough then so wandered to the exit, stopping on the way to purchase myself some pale pink crocs and Liberty a Minnie Mouse book to make up for her losing her money earlier. Back to VWL, stopping at Roaring Forks for drinks and to ask if they had the cap Liberty had left there the day before. They did have it so she was happy.

Noah didn’t want a nap so we slowly got ready and then travelled to ‘Ohana’s by bus and monorail. I love the Polynesian resort, it’s such an exotic, beautiful hotel, although it seems to have got much noiser than last time we ate there in 2006. There was a football game on so it was even more crowded than usual.

10 minutes later we were seated, our table was just to the side of the fire pit so we were very pleased.

Everything was served quickly, it looked yum!

Noah was flagging by now, having missed his sleep and after a few chips, he was soundo, bless him!!

Contd...

 

[Treacle44]

The food was as good as last time, except the sausages which tasted a bit dry. I fancied a cocktail so ordered a Blue Glowtini, Martin had an Long Island Ice Tea.

I sat back cuddling Noah whilst Martin took Liberty to do Hula Hula dancing as she desperately wanted a garland. Dessert then arrived and it was absolutely gorgeous!

After a very pleasant evening, we went back to the hotel for yet another early night, lights were out at 9.25pm!!

 

[Caskbill]

Thread moved to UK Trip reports, at request of OP.

Caskbill

 

[suzycute]

I'm really enjoying your trip report. Your photos are fantastic and your kids are so CUTE!! Looking forward to reading some more!

 

[irongirlof12]

fab report resorts look amazing- love you photo's from balcony

 

[jockey]

Your reports are excellent, can't wait for more

 

[Jets fan]

Am really enjoying this report and love the photo's especially the blue glowtini one. I could justdrink one of those now!!

 

[jjk]

really enjoyng your report

 

[Treacle44]

Thanks everyone. Will add some more now.

x

 

[Treacle44]

5 NOVEMBER - EPCOT & WCC

As Noah was asleep by 6.30pm last night, he was up with the larks at 4.30pm, luverly! He had no intention of going back to sleep so in the end my lovely hubbie took him for a walk at about 5.45pm to get the morning drinks. We were off to Epcot today, and unsurprisingly were there for opening!!

Test Track was first on the agenda, where we did the parent switch thing which worked very well. We stayed at the Kidcot station so the kids were kept entertained colouring. Nemo & Friends next, and as soon as we walked into the dark waiting area, Noah screamed and threw a tantrum about going into so Martin took him out. I later found out that as soon as they got outside Noah screamed to go back in again! Ah the toddler years! It was a great ride, one we will do again.

Noah was getting tired so we put him in the buggy where he fell asleep immediately and we had a wander around World Showcase. We’ve never actually done this during the day and it was lovely to just leisurely wander about there.

Liberty asked for chips from the Yorkshire Chip Shop so we obliged. Oh they were gorgeous, beats French fries hands down!!

We walked round to France and Martin and I decided to get some lunch from Boulangerie Patisserie. I chose a ham and cheese baguette with a crème Brule and Martin went for a Ham and cheese croissant with a cream slice. Liberty chose chocolate cake. Poor Noah was missing it all! It was all delicious and fresh.

Liberty wanted to try one of those brightly coloured things in Japan, but after one lick, she declared it "disgusting!" so daddy got it!

It was soon time for our fast pass on Soarin, Liberty was feeling brave and had also agreed to come on it with me. It was a lovely experience, my new favourite ride at Epcot. Flying over Main Street was magical. Noah woke up once we’d done this and ate some lunch and then we did Living with the Lands, like this ride it’s really interesting and educational for the Liberty too. Noah was just happy to be on a boat!

Contd.

 

[Treacle44]

We returned to the hotel for our reservation at Whispering Canyon Café. Wasn’t sure what to expect with this one and felt a bit nervous to be honest.

It was fine, a really nice experience, we joined in the ketchup antics, had straws thrown us etc and the kids joined in with the hobby horse rides. I was glad I didn’t cancel it!!

(My strawberry milkshake!)

Food was really nice, but I chose the skillet and it filled me up so much that we decided on dessert to go.

I chose Smores Cheesecake and Martin went for apple pie. I ate mine later in bed and it was sooooo good, Martin saved his so I’ll tell you what that was like in another report!

 

[pablackwell]

lovin it,
can`t wait for the next part
keep it coming

 

[mark&sue]

Really enjoying your report. Looking forward to reading about your stay at Saratoga Springs as is my favourite resort.



Susan