Our Summer 2011 "Girls Only" TR - PICTURES ADDED 8/19/11

[Sandisw]

Sorry for not doing daily updates but we were just having SO much fun and up until all hours that there was simply NO time!

When I say going on a girls trip with my DD's and the rest of my family was a blast, it would be an understatement! We decided that this will now be a yearly thing..and I convinced my cousin to be a DVC member!!! I will be helping her find a BWV contract via the resale market soon!!!!

Back to the trip. We woke up on Thursday, August 10th to beautiful skies and heading to DHS. Me, my DD's, and Emily (DD's friend) decided to walk while my Aunt, Jen, and Gia (her DD 6) took the boat. While it was a bit hot, it only took us 11 minutes from when we got to the walkway until we were at the security tables. Not bad at all.

Unfortunately, the other part of the group just missed the boat and had to wait for another one and it took them about an hour to get there from the time we both left.

The park crowds today were not that bad and we were able to do all the great rides. TSM, of course, was the busiest, but with FP's we were able to ride. But, by 10:15, the return time was 6:30 pm!!!

Our lunch at Sci Fi was great. I got the black and blue salad and it was very tasty. Of course, I have never had a salad served in a wedge like that (will post picture later). We all started laughing when I struggled a bit to eat it. Sci Fi is dark and at my age, the dark and trying to see just don't mix!!!!

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When we finished, it was about 1:00 pm and REALLY hot so we all decided it was better to head back to the resort to relax and swim. My other cousin, Deb, and her DD were arriving at 7:00 pm so we thought it would be good to have some downtime. Deb is a riot and we knew once she arrived, the real fun would begin!!! To be continued...

 

[Sandisw]

Deb arrived right on time and the fun times began. We spent the night hanging out on the boardwalk, enjoying a few adult beverages and just had a wonderful time.

The girls decided to rent one of the bikes. I didn't know when I said yes that an adult has to be on the bike. So, Jen and Deb offered to do it with them. I sat back and just watched and laughed as they cursed me at the workout (apparently there are some great hills!!!). Even my little cousin asked how come I made them do it and of course, I replied because I was smart!!!

We knew we needed to be up early so we could move to BLT so made it a fairly early night (11:00 pm). And, the 9 of us survived in terms of sleeping without issue!

 

[Sandisw]

We woke up early so that we could get everything ready for the change to BLT. We had a lot of extra food because we had done the QSDP for night one of two at BWV but had also done two TS meals, using TIW (I love that card!!!).

Deb and the girls all wanted to hit DHS before we left so they headed out at 8:30 am while me, my aunt and my cousin finished things up.

We had decided that we would send the luggage through Bell Services and simply taxi over to BLT. The move went smooth and the girls took a cab ride from DHS and met us there. While they were waiting for a taxi, they ended up finding a car service that had a van for 10 and took that. It worked out great because we then scheduled him to drive us to AK on Sunday.

We got 1 of the 2 requests at BLT (were 2nd floor but facing the lake). The room was in good shape with just a few minor dings and damages--yes, I reported them. The only big problem for me was that the master bedroom was warm and the living room was cold. The 4 teenagers were sleeping in there and froze at night while I was having hot flashes in my room. Not sure why but it just never seemed to be cool enough in that room.

Once we got to BLT, I remembered why it is my favorite place in the world. I just love the relaxing atmosphere of the place and the ease to MK. I actually feel at peace looking up and seeing the castle and Space Mountain. I am a little sad today that I have to wait 6 months to see it again.

We went to MK and my cousins went to lunch at the castle while the rest of us went to Liberty Tree. Because we were on the deluxe plan, we got apps and dessert with our meal. It was WAY too much food and I left overstuffed! But, I had the pasta and it was wonderful. I am not a huge red sauce lover (and I am 100% Italian--go figure) so I wasn't sure based on the description what it would be like. But when it arrived, it was more of a cream sauce with a hint of tomato so I was overjoyed.

It was very hot and humid and we decided as we headed out that we should probably just head back to BLT to swim as we waited for the room. We caught up with my cousins in the Rapunzel line. They were very lucky and walked up to find there to be only 20 minutes until the next segment and they were only second in line. Little Gia really wanted to meet her and we had prepared her before hand that it might be tough (had read about 2 hour waits) but the stars were aligned and the magic happened.

While we were waiting, we got the text that the room was done (2:00 pm) so the older girls headed back. We ended up doing Splash Mountain as Gia really wanted to and then got back around 4:00 pm. Our plan was to rest and swim all afternoon, head to TOTWL for fireworks and then go to MK for night hours from 12:00 - 3:00 am.

Unfortunately, the summer heat decided swimming wasn't in the cards and just as we got to the pool, they closed it. Within 15 minutes, a really bad storm blew in--so much so that the chairs flew in to the pool. It took them a while to get it all cleaned up and we never made it back in.

TOTWL was pretty well attended when we arrived at 9:30 pm. My guests were impressed with it all and I really hope this remains available to us. The front desk only asked for one KTTW card and did not require my membership card.

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After we enjoyed a drink and the fireworks, we headed to MK. Now, I have never done EMH night hours before but I have to say that I found the best kept secret to touring MK in the hot, humid and unbearable summer. Just go when everyone else is asleep!!! It was wonderful. The crowds were light and we got on every ride without much wait. We even got to walk right on to the teacups, something I have not done in years. The girls wanted to have a spin off so they climbed into one while the 4 middle aged woman all climbed into another one. Let me just say that the teacups were NOT meant for 4 adults. The CM comes over and nicely lets us know that we could split up. We laughed and told her we were fine--of course, she then said she had to close the door so I am sure it was a sigh watching us try to shift in order for her to do that. Of course, we lost--its a little hard to spin it when knees are in the way--but the girls got a big kick out of it. After that, we finished up the rest of the park. Even the little one stayed awake the entire time! I don't know if I have ever enjoyed it as much.

Due to the monorail change, our only option at 3:00 am was to walk or take the bus. A few of us decided to walk it while the others took the bus just to see who would get there first. They were the only ones on it but the walkers won.

At 3:45 am, I flopped in to bed, with the intention of not getting up until noon. All and all, it was a great day with lots of things accomplished.

 

[WAWDWLUVER]

Just wanted to say I'm enjoying your report. I, too, own BLT and BWV; best of the "world" in terms of convenience to the parks! I'll be there in a couple of weeks with hubby and friends, one of which last visited WDW with me in 1972 and hasn't been back since!!! I told her it has changed a little. LOL!

 

[ryanshana]

Do you mind me asking how much the cab ride was from BWV to BLT? We were thinking of doing that. Thanks!

Great report so far!

 

[Sandisw]

Do you mind me asking how much the cab ride was from BWV to BLT? We were thinking of doing that. Thanks!

Great report so far!

It was around $14 (not including tip). One time was in a Mears cab and the other time was in the Mears van, that seated 7. We then found the other service who had a van that seated 10, which we used to go to AK one morning.

 

[Sandisw]

Just wanted to say I'm enjoying your report. I, too, own BLT and BWV; best of the "world" in terms of convenience to the parks! I'll be there in a couple of weeks with hubby and friends, one of which last visited WDW with me in 1972 and hasn't been back since!!! I told her it has changed a little. LOL!

Thank you and I love being in both areas. We are already planning Girls Trip, Take 2 for next August and my cousin asked if we would be doing anything else. I shared with her that BWV and BLT are the only places I go so if she wants to hook on with me again, then that is where we will be!

We did stay at BCV last summer and while the walk to the room from Epcot was shorter, I really like how BWV is equally spaced between the two parks. I know we walk alot in the parks, but I enjoy walking all the time. And, walking back to BWV allows me to go by the bakery and of course, for some reason, I always here a cupcake calling my name.

Speaking of the bakery, I found out a new secret this year that I didn't know. They will add a shot of flavor for 50 cents to the coffee they give you for the mug. Now, they didn't actually charge me the 50 cents this time, but even if they had, it would have been worth it. It made it taste much better. I love french vanilla and I actually missed being able to get it at BLT.

 

[Cee]

This is fantastic. I'm having a girls trip in Oct. with my two adult DDs and cannot wait. I'm anticipating much laughing, noshing and adult "bevvies"(F & W Festival!).

I love the idea of this being annual.

 

[Sandisw]

Because we didn't get to sleep until almost 4:00 am, most of the girls slept until at least 10:00 am (some until noon).

I, on the other hand, was up at 8:15 am. I am in Disney and there is just no way I can sleep my time away. Heading to Contempo Cafef to get my morning coffee like drink and a yogurt and headed back. My cousin Deb was up by that time so we got ready and headed to the pool around 10:15 am.

Now, the day before, as I mentioned, we had not been able to stay long because of the storm and had really been looking forward to enjoying a cocktail. So, as soon as the Cove Bar opened, we were there. We figured 11:00 am in Disney had to be "5 o'clock" somewhere, right? Man, those pina colavas are wonderful.

It was hot but we stuck it out until about 12:30 ish. We had reservations at 1900 Park Fare for a 4:30 pm early dinner and I wanted a change to hit the MK for a bit of shopping. I love BLT because I can get in my daily fix at the park easily. I headed back to the room and the girls were finally up moving around. My aunt, Jen and Gia decided to head to the pool (they also had just gotten up) and spend the afternoon there.

The rest of us got ready and headed to MK. We spent the time watching the castle show, hitting some of the shops and a few of the rides--Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain. Just was we got off of the ride, it was about 3:15 pm and the skies got really dark. Since we had to get back to get ready for dinner, we did a speed walk through the park. Luckily, mother nature held off until we got to BLT. We could have waited for the monorail but I just hate staying still--plus, with the arthritis I have in my back, hip and knees--moving is much better for me.

Dinner was fun and Gia really loved seeing the characters. We all got our pictures taken with Prince Charming. I have been teasing my DD 18 that I want her to have a Disney wedding so told her that she at least had to give me one shot with Prince Charming. She obliged!!! I have never eaten here but have wanted to for awhile. Unfortunately, I wasn't as fond of the food as I thought I would be and will probably not go back. Of course, the drink we had to accompany the meal made it worth it--some purple star things filled with rum (are you sensing a pattern here?).

At dinner, the younger girls and Deb decided to head to DHS to see Fantasmic and do the big rides again while me, DD18, Jen and Gia went to MK. My Aunt decided to take it easy and soak her feet!!!

While I would have loved to see Fantasmic, I just can't give up the MK. It's like I have an addiction to it. Truthfully, I could skip both DHS and AK for a few years and not miss them, so it was great that no one cared who did what. I think that is why we had such a great time. There was no pressure to always be together or do the same things. We had the night time to do that back in the room--and stayed up until midnight or 1:00 am when not in the parks that late--so we all felt comfortable touring the way that made sense.

On our way out of MK, I introduced the group to Dole Whip floats. They had never had them before and were an instant hit. We stopped at the bakery on the way out because we had snack credits from doing the deluxe plan for one night that would expire at midnight. We got lots of good pastries that would cover our breakfasts the next two days.

We all ended up back at the room around 11:30 pm. The kids headed right to bed but the adults stayed up talking until 1:00 am! We are a big extended family and have always been close. We realized how much fun this trip had been. It had not started out as a girls only trip--just my yearly Disney one--but eventually turned out that way. We started making plans for next year and will be adding a few more to the group--my sister and niece for starters!

I came home and gave my DH a big hug and kiss for letting me buy BWV this summer. Because of it, I will now have enough points to do this summer girls trips. And, my cousin Deb, as I mentioned, will be buying as well so our hope is to maybe do a GV trip in 2013!!!!

As a side note, I posted in another thread, but the segmented stay that I had went without issue. No trouble with keys or the credits and would do it again next year if need be.

 

[Sandisw]

Today was a rough day for all of us. We had stayed up until 1:00 am talking and laughing about our adventures the night before and lots of family stuff so getting 4 ladies, 4 teens, and a 6 yr old up, ready, and out by 8:30 to meet the taxi van to get to AK for rope drop was a bit stressful. Srgt. Sandi to the rescue though--as you know, I don't sleep my time away at Disney so snap, snap, snap..I had everyone ready!

I don't like riding the buses so we decided to take a cab to the park. I had been told on here that sometimes it can take an hour to wait for a bus and get to MK and that was just not happening. Originally, I was renting a car for this but when we went from 7 to 9 and wouldn't fit anyway, I figured what I was saving on a car rental would more than cover the few trips here and there for cabs. I have to say it did. And, as we walked by ALL those people waiting for the buses--the benches at the CR/BLT bus stop were full--I thought "Not happening".

It was a wonderful way to travel. The van picked us up at CR at 8:35 am and we were at AK by the time they opened the gates. It was easy and not bad for the 10 of us - $30. Would do it again in a heartbeat. The driver said he would pick us up for no charge later on too, but we ended up just taking the bus. I will do it again in a heartbeat!!!

The little one with us has no fear and had decided she would try all the big rides. She had already done Splash and Space Mountain and was excited to go right to Everest. I think her mom was more fearful about it than her but she did great and loved it. I got to ride with her the first time--being the Disney queen as she calls me--so its a memory I will never forget.

She ended up riding it with the big girls 3 times!!! Our group is a bit of a nutcase and one thing people love to do is make strange faces for the pictures. The group was told (I didn't ride that time--once is enough for me in the AM) that if they got a good picture, they could come back in through Fast Pass. That is exactly what they got to do---of course, I am now thinking it has something to do with my cousin who seems to get everything from everyone since she was able to get walk up and get a reservation at Chef Mickey's later in the afternoon--not even a stand by wait, but a time to come back. I have never been able to do that.

Back to AK--it was hot so we headed to the rapids next. We all decided this year to wear our swimsuit tops on the ride so that we could change afterwards. My Aunt and my cousin chickened out and we went on a few times. The first one, not too bad, but the 2nd time we got drenched. It was a good thing we had brought some other things to change in to but I have to say, it feels great to cool down.

By the time we did this and went and did Dinosaur, it was time for us to head to lunch. The girls and I wanted to eat at Tusker House and the rest wanted to go to Rainforest so we split up. I was the keeper of the tickets and never knew that you had to exit the park for Rainforest so I had to meet the group back there after lunch so they could get back in.

We love Tusker House! The food is wonderful and not heavy feeling. We all left full but not weighed down, like we did when we left Le Cellier the other day. And, I was impressed with the waiter who reminded me the tip was included in my TIW bill. The first day at Le Cellier, I had forgotten and double tipped. This time, I had remembered but he was so attentive I left extra and was impressed that he just wanted to be sure I knew.

When we exited lunch around 12:30, we checked the return time for the Safari, something most of the group wanted to do. IT was only 1:10 so we got the fast passes and headed to meet the other group at Rainforest. On our way, we saw an African dancer who stopped for a picture. After I took one of the girls, we started to walk away and he grabbed my older one for a picture with her by herself!!

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AK is one of those parks, along with DHS, that I could skip. I do like Everest and the Rapids but that is about it. So the doing the afternoon safari wasn't something I was thrilled about, especially since they say that you don't see many animals then. But, I have to say, it was one of the best. We saw a lot of animals and even though it was a bit bumpy--we were in the back--it was relaxing and beautiful. We had giraffes about 10 feet from the car.

We decided after this to head back and as we headed out of Africa, the skies opened up. Luckily, we found shelter inside a store pretty quickly and waited it out--it lasted 10 minutes.

Since MK had late hours again and it was our last night, we decided to relax at the pool. The rest of the group decided to try for the Chef Mickey's reservation --they had it scheduled for breakfast the last day but really wanted to do DTD if they could reschedule--we opted out because I just could not eat 2 TS meals in one day and we didn't want to give up our Ohana breakfast the next day anyway.

We spent the rest of the afternoon at the pool. It was nice and refreshing. When 1/2 the group went to Chef Mickey's, the girls and I went over to MK to finish up shopping and we all meet back at the room for a trip to TOTWL for fireworks and drinks. It was wonderful way to toast a great trip!!

We did go to MK and closed it down--well, my cousin Jen knew that by 12:45 am, she needed to take the little one back and it was the first time the entire trip that she cried--she wanted to stay with the big girls but was exhausted. Of course, she was out like a light by the time they got to Main Street. But here are the girls already to go!

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I love going to MK in the late hours and I have a feeling it will become a yearly thing. I do have to say that by this time, my feet were really hurting and my ankles were swollen. This has never happened to me before so I was ready at 2:00 am!! But, a trip to the MK for rides would not be the same without a Dole Whip float, so I obliged my tired body and bought it one. What a way to perk you up!!!

Another great day of lots of fun, and lots of things accomplished! It was a little sad knowing we were leaving the next day as it seems like it takes forever to get there and then in a blink of an eye, its over.

 

[Sandisw]

I really hate the last day of a trip. It is simply bitter sweet. The only good part this year was knowing that my DD 15 and I are returning in February for a few days.

We woke up early so that we could have everything ready and sent to RAC by 9:00 am to check in for our flights. We were not leaving until 5:10 pm so had to be back at CR for ME pick up at 2:25 pm.

1/2 the group was heading to DTD to shop and the rest of us were going to breakfast at Ohana. We have never been and the girls picked this for our going away meal.

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I have to say I loved it and they have the BEST scrambled eggs I have ever eaten. The were so buttery, we asked for a 2nd dish!!!! As we were checking in, the CM asked us where we were from and when we told him Syracuse, he said one of the other CM's working was also from there. As we were enjoying breakfast, she came over to say Hi. Well, as we talked, we realized that she grew up right next door to my niece and her family. She grew up with them!!!! I couldn't believe it--the world really is small.

After we finished eating, we had about 2 hours before we needed to be back to CR so we headed to MK for one last goodbye. The crowds were very light but it was really really hot. Since we had read that the Tikki Birds was opening today, we decided to try to see it. We got very lucky and walked right in! It was the same old cheesy show as before but it brings back some great memories that I loved it!

When we were done, we did a bit more shopping and then headed for the front. Along the way, the girls decided to wait in line to get a picture with Peter Pan. We had seen him every single day and the girls figured it would be nice to finally get the picture. As we were waiting, this woman comes up and just tries to cut in front of the line. She just simply did not understand why the CM wouldn't let her take a "quick" picture--she even tried to wait to the side and send her child in as one group was walking away but the CM stood strong and gently reminded her that all of us had been standing and waiting and she would have to do the same. She left in a big huff--I just don't get people. Disney is supposed to be magical and we are all there to have fun and enjoy so why some think their experience should take priority over others is beyond me.

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As we headed out, we got lucky and saw that Daisy was just coming out (the girls had been wanting to see her all trip) so we quickly got in line. We were like the 3rd group. Once again, though, as my girls were heading up, and I was setting myself in the position to take a picture, another person decided that she needed to be first and pushed me right out of the way! I couldn't believe it--twice in one day.

We did make it back to CR without any more issues and as we were riding the monorail back, there was a dad and his 4 month old daughter who was sound asleep on his shoulder. It was the cutest thing I have ever seen--he looked warn out but seeing that made me remember why Disney is the best place on earth.

The trip back to the airport on ME was great and didn't take long at all. Our flight was slightly delayed so we took our time, got something to eat, and headed through security. It didn't take long and MCO really has it down to a science. As we were going through, my little cousin says to me "I love Disney World and I love you. I plan on coming back next year with you, okay?" How could I ever say no to that! That my friends, is WHY I love my DVC!!

 

[disneymomjcs]

I loved reading your report of your trip. Sounds like you all had so much fun.

 

[FindingFigment]

Hey Sandi, I just wanted to pop in and say "hi". I was thinking about you the other day and wondering how your August trip had gone. I really enjoyed your TR and I'm glad to hear you did an add-on at BWV. Our October trip is coming soon. I've got a value room at AKV rented for the first half and a 1BR at SSR rented for the second half (if the last day comes through on the waitlist).

You and your girls really had a great time. Thank you for sharing it with us! I especially appreciated your accounts of when your group split up where some walked and others took the Disney transportation and how the walkers got there faster. Also appreciate the reminder about taking a taxi. We have breakfast scheduled at Ohana while we'll be a AKV and I think taking a taxi there will be good and then we can take the boat over to MK. My little one will love that. So thank you for the reminder!

Stephanie

 

[CarolMN]

Just had to post to say thank you for sharing your trip and the pictures. So much fun to read and perfectly clear why you would want to do it every year!

 

[Disney_Mama]

Thank you for sharing.

 

[Sandisw]

Hey Sandi, I just wanted to pop in and say "hi". I was thinking about you the other day and wondering how your August trip had gone. I really enjoyed your TR and I'm glad to hear you did an add-on at BWV. Our October trip is coming soon. I've got a value room at AKV rented for the first half and a 1BR at SSR rented for the second half (if the last day comes through on the waitlist).

You and your girls really had a great time. Thank you for sharing it with us! I especially appreciated your accounts of when your group split up where some walked and others took the Disney transportation and how the walkers got there faster. Also appreciate the reminder about taking a taxi. We have breakfast scheduled at Ohana while we'll be a AKV and I think taking a taxi there will be good and then we can take the boat over to MK. My little one will love that. So thank you for the reminder!

Stephanie

You'll have a great time! And the taxi was worth every penny! Won't hesitate to do that from now on instead of renting a car.

 

[rascalmom]

What a great trip report - thanks for sharing your fun!! I'd love to do a "girl's trip" sometime....just not sure hubby would go for it. He loves WDW & DVC as much as we do!

 

[DVC_Dreamer]

Looks like we were at BLT at same time. If you left on the Mon Aug 15th, ME bus at 2:25, we just missed being on the same bus. We were scheduled for that one but we got on the 1:55 instead.
It's awesome you had such a large group to enjoy the trip with. Like your split stay. DW's not crazy about a split stay but like the variety. Actually, I think DW could do BLT over and over again.
I'd love to bring a large group next time. I enjoy going on vacations with the extended family and friends.
Hope reality is being good to you since leaving Fantasyland.