LadyTrampScamp&Angel
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2001
- Messages
- 3,093
Ok, I know Im super slow at getting this report done! Sorry, but picking up where I left off in Part I . . .
I got the family to freshen up, change clothes and out the door in a hurry as there was no way I was going to miss the Illuminations cruise too, besides the fact that at this point Id have to pay for it whether we showed up or not. Told DH I needed to drive and headed for the Yacht Club under the pretense of eating at Beaches and Cream. Drove up to the Yacht Club gate, told the guard and he tells me we should park at the Beach Club instead since thats closer to the restaurant. Oops, another goof on my part, I guess I shouldve picked the Yachtsman Steakhouse for my ruse, I wanted to park closer to the marina. I say ok though because Im trying not to give the surprise away and drive down to park in the Beach Club lot, by the villas a longer walk but I like to check out the resorts anyway so no real problem.
I love the Beach Club, the atmosphere is so calm and pretty. As we enter the lobby I realize that in my hurry Ive forgotten our digital camera! Its back at the cabin
We go into the gift shop at the BC and buy a disposable flash camera, thats why my pics are not great. I then send hubby on an errand with the kids so I can go to the marina and pay for the cruise, make sure everything is set up. I find that they are just opening up for the cruises, about 8pm I think. I ask about the birthday decorations and am told that they dont know why people at the recreation number offer that on the Breathless theres no where to really hang the stuff. Yep, thats true as I take a look at the boat, no matter - as long as Im not charged for it. No, they say, so all is well. The Breathless cruise with tax is right at $250.00. Price went up along with the rest of the cruises last Fall. I get the cruise paid for and see DH and kids making their way toward the lighthouse. I call them over to the boat dock and they begin to realize we are going for a ride 
!
We all meet Captain Scott, a friendly and fun guide, and the kids got fitted for a life vest. They were so excited. http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b235/ladytrampscampandangel/199379-R1-32-36A.jpg DH is excited too but he doesnt have any clue we are going to see the fireworks, they all think were just going for a cruise. It was a cool night and our captain had placed a blanket for us in the second seat section. He asked DH if he wanted to ride shotgun but DH said let DS do it. This just thrilled DS. http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b235/ladytrampscampandangel/199379-R1-31-35A.jpg DH, DD, and I sat in the section directly behind them. There is a couple of feet of boat and then another seating section in the rear. There had been some fireworks in the direction of Disney Studios and we started off that way. It was so pretty and what great views to see the Swan, Dolphin, and Boardwalk Resorts from the waterway. After we got over toward the dock of the Studios, our captain waited until the Friendships werent around and did some bursts and big turns. My 9 yr old DS thought this was just wonderful! He had the biggest smile on his face! We were all yelling and laughing and having the best time. DS kept asking for more!
Then Captain Scott said weve got to make our way over to EPCOT now for the fireworks. I watched the realization go over DHs face that we were going to see Illuminations from the Breathless - priceless! Captain Scott explains that the Breathless gets to park in the very front, the pontoons will be a little to the side/behind us. Whoo Hoo! Another nice cruise by the resorts and we head to the bridge by the International Gateway. Captain Scott told us some stories and jokes along the way, he really was fun. DS was talking about some body of water, I think maybe the English Channel as we were approaching the bridge, Captain Scott said do you know what this body of water is called? The Disney Channel! It was cute.
We do arrive before the other boats and Captain got out of the boat, standing on the base of the bridge column, used the rope to pull us around so were looking out the side to view where the fireworks will be, instead of having to look through the windshield. http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b235/ladytrampscampandangel/breathless1a.jpg He tied the boat up there. I see people on the bridge checking all this out and Im sure some were thinking how do you get to do that, we waved, a few waved back. What a great spot! When the other boats arrive I realize that the Breathless really needs to be in the front as its much lower to the water than the pontoons, if the Breathless wasnt in front its passengers wouldnt be able to see.
There were no snacks or drinks carried on the Breathless. Captain Scott asked us what wed like and he walked across the base of that bridge column to one of the pontoons to get our stuff, and brought it back to us. He then told the kids that when he counted down they should take a big breath and blow out the torches around the lake. Sure enough he timed it perfectly, and they blew out the lights at the beginning of Illuminations.
What a wonderful spot to see this show. I cant recommend it enough. Its pricey enough we wont do it every time, Captain Scott says he gets passengers that do it on every trip, but if you can swing it do it at least once! It was beautiful and perfect for DHs birthday.
A couple of Illuminations pics:
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b235/ladytrampscampandangel/199379-R1-20-21A.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b235/ladytrampscampandangel/199379-R1-18-18A.jpg
Breathless interior:
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b235/ladytrampscampandangel/199379-R1-30-34A.jpg
Sadly, the show finally ended. Captain Scott picked up the drinks and snacks we were done with and took that over to the pontoon too. On the way back DS asked him if we could go back over to the Studios and do more of those turns and go fast. Captain Scott hesitated for just a second and then said sure! So back we went for another bunch of bursts and turns. It was actually better this time as the Friendships had stopped running over there so we didnt have to wait for them to pass. After a bit more fun, us still laughing and having a great time it was time to go back to the dock. One more cruise by the beautiful resorts. It was a lovely night!
Captain Scott shook our hands, we thanked him and I gave him a $37 tip. I was wishing I had 20% on me as he had been so generous to take us back around to the Studios Next time (ok, maybe well do it again . . . Ill be better prepared and will ask for him if possible).
We hadnt had dinner though as we had arrived late and went to the cruise. I suggested we really do go to Beaches and Cream but DH said he wanted a steak. Hey, its his birthday so we walked around to the Boardwalk and ended up at the Big River Grille. Weve never eaten there before but the menu looks good and they said if we wanted to sit outside they could seat us right away. We took that but it did turn out to be a bit cold. After ordering we called DSIL and DBIL in Michigan to thank them for our welcome gifts.
Big River Grille turned out to be one of the better meals of our trip. We had the dining plan (which turned out to be a ton of food) so we got some cheese soup and chicken quesadillas for appetizers. DH got the NY strip and I had the Hazelnut Crusted Chicken for dinner very good. Kids had hot dogs and hot chocolate. We were so full but we tried the cheesecake for dessert. Yum!
We walked across the bridge toward the BCV and back to our car. Drove back to our cabin in the happiest woods on earth and ended the first day of our trip
I got the family to freshen up, change clothes and out the door in a hurry as there was no way I was going to miss the Illuminations cruise too, besides the fact that at this point Id have to pay for it whether we showed up or not. Told DH I needed to drive and headed for the Yacht Club under the pretense of eating at Beaches and Cream. Drove up to the Yacht Club gate, told the guard and he tells me we should park at the Beach Club instead since thats closer to the restaurant. Oops, another goof on my part, I guess I shouldve picked the Yachtsman Steakhouse for my ruse, I wanted to park closer to the marina. I say ok though because Im trying not to give the surprise away and drive down to park in the Beach Club lot, by the villas a longer walk but I like to check out the resorts anyway so no real problem.
I love the Beach Club, the atmosphere is so calm and pretty. As we enter the lobby I realize that in my hurry Ive forgotten our digital camera! Its back at the cabin
We go into the gift shop at the BC and buy a disposable flash camera, thats why my pics are not great. I then send hubby on an errand with the kids so I can go to the marina and pay for the cruise, make sure everything is set up. I find that they are just opening up for the cruises, about 8pm I think. I ask about the birthday decorations and am told that they dont know why people at the recreation number offer that on the Breathless theres no where to really hang the stuff. Yep, thats true as I take a look at the boat, no matter - as long as Im not charged for it. No, they say, so all is well. The Breathless cruise with tax is right at $250.00. Price went up along with the rest of the cruises last Fall. I get the cruise paid for and see DH and kids making their way toward the lighthouse. I call them over to the boat dock and they begin to realize we are going for a ride !We all meet Captain Scott, a friendly and fun guide, and the kids got fitted for a life vest. They were so excited. http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b235/ladytrampscampandangel/199379-R1-32-36A.jpg DH is excited too but he doesnt have any clue we are going to see the fireworks, they all think were just going for a cruise. It was a cool night and our captain had placed a blanket for us in the second seat section. He asked DH if he wanted to ride shotgun but DH said let DS do it. This just thrilled DS. http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b235/ladytrampscampandangel/199379-R1-31-35A.jpg DH, DD, and I sat in the section directly behind them. There is a couple of feet of boat and then another seating section in the rear. There had been some fireworks in the direction of Disney Studios and we started off that way. It was so pretty and what great views to see the Swan, Dolphin, and Boardwalk Resorts from the waterway. After we got over toward the dock of the Studios, our captain waited until the Friendships werent around and did some bursts and big turns. My 9 yr old DS thought this was just wonderful! He had the biggest smile on his face! We were all yelling and laughing and having the best time. DS kept asking for more!
Then Captain Scott said weve got to make our way over to EPCOT now for the fireworks. I watched the realization go over DHs face that we were going to see Illuminations from the Breathless - priceless! Captain Scott explains that the Breathless gets to park in the very front, the pontoons will be a little to the side/behind us. Whoo Hoo! Another nice cruise by the resorts and we head to the bridge by the International Gateway. Captain Scott told us some stories and jokes along the way, he really was fun. DS was talking about some body of water, I think maybe the English Channel as we were approaching the bridge, Captain Scott said do you know what this body of water is called? The Disney Channel! It was cute.
We do arrive before the other boats and Captain got out of the boat, standing on the base of the bridge column, used the rope to pull us around so were looking out the side to view where the fireworks will be, instead of having to look through the windshield. http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b235/ladytrampscampandangel/breathless1a.jpg He tied the boat up there. I see people on the bridge checking all this out and Im sure some were thinking how do you get to do that, we waved, a few waved back. What a great spot! When the other boats arrive I realize that the Breathless really needs to be in the front as its much lower to the water than the pontoons, if the Breathless wasnt in front its passengers wouldnt be able to see.
There were no snacks or drinks carried on the Breathless. Captain Scott asked us what wed like and he walked across the base of that bridge column to one of the pontoons to get our stuff, and brought it back to us. He then told the kids that when he counted down they should take a big breath and blow out the torches around the lake. Sure enough he timed it perfectly, and they blew out the lights at the beginning of Illuminations.
What a wonderful spot to see this show. I cant recommend it enough. Its pricey enough we wont do it every time, Captain Scott says he gets passengers that do it on every trip, but if you can swing it do it at least once! It was beautiful and perfect for DHs birthday.
A couple of Illuminations pics:
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b235/ladytrampscampandangel/199379-R1-20-21A.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b235/ladytrampscampandangel/199379-R1-18-18A.jpg
Breathless interior:
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b235/ladytrampscampandangel/199379-R1-30-34A.jpg
Sadly, the show finally ended. Captain Scott picked up the drinks and snacks we were done with and took that over to the pontoon too. On the way back DS asked him if we could go back over to the Studios and do more of those turns and go fast. Captain Scott hesitated for just a second and then said sure! So back we went for another bunch of bursts and turns. It was actually better this time as the Friendships had stopped running over there so we didnt have to wait for them to pass. After a bit more fun, us still laughing and having a great time it was time to go back to the dock. One more cruise by the beautiful resorts. It was a lovely night!
Captain Scott shook our hands, we thanked him and I gave him a $37 tip. I was wishing I had 20% on me as he had been so generous to take us back around to the Studios
Next time (ok, maybe well do it again . . . Ill be better prepared and will ask for him if possible).We hadnt had dinner though as we had arrived late and went to the cruise. I suggested we really do go to Beaches and Cream but DH said he wanted a steak. Hey, its his birthday so we walked around to the Boardwalk and ended up at the Big River Grille. Weve never eaten there before but the menu looks good and they said if we wanted to sit outside they could seat us right away. We took that but it did turn out to be a bit cold. After ordering we called DSIL and DBIL in Michigan to thank them for our welcome gifts.
Big River Grille turned out to be one of the better meals of our trip. We had the dining plan (which turned out to be a ton of food) so we got some cheese soup and chicken quesadillas for appetizers. DH got the NY strip and I had the Hazelnut Crusted Chicken for dinner very good. Kids had hot dogs and hot chocolate. We were so full but we tried the cheesecake for dessert. Yum!
We walked across the bridge toward the BCV and back to our car. Drove back to our cabin in the happiest woods on earth and ended the first day of our trip
over the fact that it was actually "cold" when you ate out on the patio. It was SO HOT when we were there just three weeks earlier. Your husband should not have been complaining by the way...he grew up in a land where it once SNOWED on his birthday! 
- Wow, the weather did change a lot in 3 weeks. Most nights it was very nice at night but there were a couple of chilly ones when we were there. Of course one of them had to be the night we were out on a boat! That blanket came in handy!
