Just back from a wonderful week at the world. We had a BWV standard view 1-bedroom on the second floor, very close to the walkway to the bus stop. I liked the location except for the large tree that blocked part of our view of the fireworks. It was a dedicated 1-bedroom and very quiet. Room was in good shape except for mildew in the shower.
Spent 4 days in the parks, which were crowded as expected. We had not been to WDW for two years, so some attractions were new to us. We loved Soaring but not the long lines - we did this several times in the morning with fast pass. Entered via International Gateway, and found the wait was not too bad right at opening (even though the front gate crowd beat us there). Friday morning at AK was quite crowded (but not early entry) with a huge mob converging on Expedition Everest. We decided to do a fast pass, and then went and rode everything else first with no wait (Safari, Kali River).
Saw the Stunt Show at MGM at 5:30 one afternoon - a very hot experience, shared by 5,000 other sweaty people. Another day there we got caught in a downpour, then went to Millionaire (closing Aug. 19th, sadly). My dripping wet DH got into the hot seat and won a shirt, hat and pins. We also went to Animation, which now offers a short class on how to draw a character. We did this twice (drew Mickey and Goofy).
On Thursday we did breakfast at 1900 Park Fair, which was excellent. My DD (age 12!) is afraid of costumed characters - I felt badly but had to ask Pooh and Tigger to move on quickly. Alice and the Mad Hatter were fine. Later, we rented Sea Raycers, which DD and DS (age 14) were old enough to drive, with adult supervision. This was a big hit with the kids, and we used our DVC discount. That night we we went to the Block Party - it was excellent! Our kids played lots of games and we all enjoyed our Mickey Bars. We had planned to go to the Comedy Club, but DD was exhausted and so we went back to the room and just relaxed for the evening.
On Saturday we went to Blizzard Beach, which was not at all crowded for the first two hours. By the time the crowds began to build around 11:30, we headed out. Saw a movie that afternoon, then went to dinner at Boma, where DS even ate hummus (he only ate mac and cheese and chicken wings here two years ago, so this was surprising to us).
We did most meals in our room, which we found to be a relaxing break from the heat and crowds. Also enjoyed eating take-out from China and Mexico at Epcot. Saw Wishes, Illuminations and Fantasmic, but no parades (by choice). Did Extra Magic morning at MK (great for the first hour, but gridlock by 9:30 a.m.) and Blizzard Beach (great as noted above). Decided against doing any late hours, since in the summer it seems that the morning is best for beating the heat and crowds.
Can't wait to plan the next trip!
Spent 4 days in the parks, which were crowded as expected. We had not been to WDW for two years, so some attractions were new to us. We loved Soaring but not the long lines - we did this several times in the morning with fast pass. Entered via International Gateway, and found the wait was not too bad right at opening (even though the front gate crowd beat us there). Friday morning at AK was quite crowded (but not early entry) with a huge mob converging on Expedition Everest. We decided to do a fast pass, and then went and rode everything else first with no wait (Safari, Kali River).
Saw the Stunt Show at MGM at 5:30 one afternoon - a very hot experience, shared by 5,000 other sweaty people. Another day there we got caught in a downpour, then went to Millionaire (closing Aug. 19th, sadly). My dripping wet DH got into the hot seat and won a shirt, hat and pins. We also went to Animation, which now offers a short class on how to draw a character. We did this twice (drew Mickey and Goofy).
On Thursday we did breakfast at 1900 Park Fair, which was excellent. My DD (age 12!) is afraid of costumed characters - I felt badly but had to ask Pooh and Tigger to move on quickly. Alice and the Mad Hatter were fine. Later, we rented Sea Raycers, which DD and DS (age 14) were old enough to drive, with adult supervision. This was a big hit with the kids, and we used our DVC discount. That night we we went to the Block Party - it was excellent! Our kids played lots of games and we all enjoyed our Mickey Bars. We had planned to go to the Comedy Club, but DD was exhausted and so we went back to the room and just relaxed for the evening.
On Saturday we went to Blizzard Beach, which was not at all crowded for the first two hours. By the time the crowds began to build around 11:30, we headed out. Saw a movie that afternoon, then went to dinner at Boma, where DS even ate hummus (he only ate mac and cheese and chicken wings here two years ago, so this was surprising to us).
We did most meals in our room, which we found to be a relaxing break from the heat and crowds. Also enjoyed eating take-out from China and Mexico at Epcot. Saw Wishes, Illuminations and Fantasmic, but no parades (by choice). Did Extra Magic morning at MK (great for the first hour, but gridlock by 9:30 a.m.) and Blizzard Beach (great as noted above). Decided against doing any late hours, since in the summer it seems that the morning is best for beating the heat and crowds.
Can't wait to plan the next trip!
