Quick trip to the World and this time I am not nuts

[lisaviolet]

I do have the NBA playoffs to entertain me but really - could we have the last day? Please and thank you.

 

[cj9200]

OMG, DO NOT make me use my brain. It hurts.

Yes, I think it will become one of the "I remember when...". Most definitely right around the sell out. It just doesn't make sense besides as a selling point. I simply don't understand why it can't be open to all DVC members. OMG, do you hear that? Do they have their torches those BLTers? Do not tell them I broke into their fortress - I should have told them on one of their "non BLTers in the house" thread.

Anyway, I am not into exclusivity for buildings/land at all. I don't like the card/security deal at BLT. And it's not because I want in and don't own there. I own at SSR as well as BWV and I cringe when some suggest carding the SSR pool areas and doing some card system on those buses. I'm the kind of person who doesn't mind some problems for ease/freedom. HOWEVER, - so smiling at my hypocrite ways - I do think DVC members access would help the get the crowds up but not have it be too crowded.

Sounds like a very lovely trip CJ. Different for you of course - but lovely nonetheless.

OH NOOOO!!!! Say it isn't so! It can't be over yet!!! I'm not ready!

I do have the NBA playoffs to entertain me but really - could we have the last day? Please and thank you.

It was a different vacation and just the right speed for me at the time. I know it has been a while since the last update but things were crazy busy here. Mostly good stuff though. Promise "The Last Day" will be up later today.

 

[cj9200]

Day 3 Part 1 Tuesday, March 15: AKA I wonder if this would work.

Again woke up about 9:00 after another good night’s sleep. These beds are heaven (not to be confused with Heavenly beds). But this was “the last day.” Notice how everyone is sad when they get last day syndrome? After much whining that I did not want to leave I finally got out of bed. Sat out on the balcony with a breakfast shake and nothing to do but relax and kill time. Did I say that I liked the balcony.

A couple of pics of a paraglider over the lagoon. I did this at Castaway Cay on a Disney Magic cruise. I have a slight fear of heights so this had me nervous before I went up. Of course I was the first person on the excursion boat to fly and that didn’t help. Once I relaxed, it was a lot of fun. Brought a disposable camera and got some nice shots of the ship and island. I think DD would love this so maybe next trip (an update, I just booked it for the next trip).

Decided it was time for lunch so I hopped on the monorail for Kona Café at the Poly. Enjoyed many a breakfast and a couple of dinners here and always had a good meal. First time for lunch.

The take out place. From what I understand, this is one of the rare places that you can good coffee to go. Not that I care. To me any coffee tastes like burnt water. Unless you are talking Cuban coffee. That will get your heart beating.

The entrance to the Café

Did not have an ADR but the place was nearly empty. The hostess made me wait for a few minutes until my beeper went off.

To give you an idea of how empty it was. This was around 2 pm.

After looking at the menu I was indecisive so I asked the waitress. She recommended the BBQ pork tacos (pulled pork slow-cooked in House-made Barbecue Sauce with tomato salsa and Jalapeno-lime sour cream $11.99). Went with it and a glass of iced tea.

The tacos. No, it did not come out looking like this. Had a bite before I remembered to take a picture.

These were really good. You could not say it was Memphis or Carolina BBQ that I am used to. More like an island taste with the salsa and sour cream. Tasty with a slight kick. Good suggestion.

While I was sitting in the restaurant I began to think about the trip. It was relaxing time. I did move around a lot though and the exercise did me good. It was also a nice change of scenery. Almost shouted out loud, “I don’t want to go!” Thought about it some more. No, not possible.

A few pics from the monorail on the way back.

The station at the GF.

The GF

The two sisters.

The MK. Oh well, next time.

The younger sister

The walkway linking the two sisters

Monorails

The game room

Once back it was pool time. The same CM was behind the bar and remembered my beverage of choice. Found an empty table and read a little while soaking up some sun. No obnoxious kids playing lets smash the ping pong. Decided it was time for ice cream and this time a Mickey IC Sandwich. Sat at the table getting a little sun and watching everyone enjoying themselves. Heaven (again, not to be confused with Heavenly beds). Thought about it some more. Well, highly unlikely but maybe a little possible.

Called DD and checked in with her. I asked her if I stayed another night would she be OK? “Dad come on, I’m 17 and I can handle staying by myself. Besides, you have Rose (a neighbor) checking up on me every five minutes.” One obstacle down but still a big one in the way. There are rumors that the HM was having soft openings of the new queue. What is the harm in asking? Finished the ice cream and headed for the lobby.

All the way there, I kept telling myself over and over not to get my hopes up. Not much of a wait so I was soon in front of a CM. I explained what I wanted to do. She played with the computer a bit and then excused herself to the mysterious back room. I would love if they added a resort tour so they could show us the room where magic is made or hopes crushed. All my hopes rested in the mysterious back room.

She came back with the news. “Sorry, we do not have a 1 BR. Lake View available. “Damn.” But… we do have a studio standard view and a studio park view. “I knew it was a long shot. WHAT?” Needless to say, I jumped at the park view room. I have found a long time ago that points are like chips in a casino, they are just points, not really actual money. What was real money was the ticket media I purchased. Seven day, park hopper with no expiration. Don’t remember how much it was but the credit card was screaming with pain as they ran it through.

On the way back to the room, I don’t think my feet touched the ground. Called DD and she was genuinely happy for me. Remember, this trip was only going to be two days but grew into four with a lot of luck and a fair amount of stupidity on my part. Extended vacation, YES. It seems I always try to do this. Sometimes it works, sometimes not.

Spent the rest of the day chilling at the room waiting for the planned evening entertainment. I was headed over to Riverside to watch Yeehaw Bob tickle the ivories. I have always wanted to see his show and today was the day. What a perfect way to end the day.

Got to the Riverside and the lounge. The piano was covered, not many people around and no entertainment in sight. What the….? Before I left, I checked his website and I thought I read he was appearing tonight. Nope. His shows are Wednesday to Saturday. Finished my cocktail and left because I wasn’t excited about the food options. Nothing at the bar and what was left for sale in the food court was unappetizing.

As I drove back to the resort, I should have been down but I was feeling pretty good because I AM STAYING ANOTHER DAY!

At the room, instead of getting ready for check out, I packed everything up to be moved. Why? Because I AM STAYING ANOTHER DAY! Took a few pics of the view at night and went to bed content because I AM STAYING ANOTHER DAY!

A few night pics

The outdoor movie tonight was WALL-E

The view from the room at night

Up Next: My day in the MK or A queue even a Zombie would love?

 

[kikiq]

I don't know why, but when I read you got another day, I was so excited for you. Or maybe because it would mean one more day on your trip report that has to hold me until next year unless I can talk my DH into a WDW trip sooner.

And you're right, those points...they are meant to be used, never thought of it like casino chips

 

[arthur06]

Loving the pics! Thanks for sharing, we just got back last week and I am ready to go again!

 

[Chellymouse]

Thanks for the update! Love all the pics!

 

[cj9200]

I don't know why, but when I read you got another day, I was so excited for you. Or maybe because it would mean one more day on your trip report that has to hold me until next year unless I can talk my DH into a WDW trip sooner.

And you're right, those points...they are meant to be used, never thought of it like casino chips

Thank you for both. I don't know if I can go a year without a trip. It helps that I am only 4 hours away and with DVC our trips are relatively inexpensive.

Loving the pics! Thanks for sharing, we just got back last week and I am ready to go again!

Welcome back. I started reading your trip report but had to bookmark it for a later read.

Thanks for the update! Love all the pics!

Disney is a very photo friendly place. So many different sight lines and angles.

Next update should be up tomorrow. MK and the HM queue.

 

[DenLo]

I've been enjoying your trip report and I'm glad to hear you are slowly improving. Hopefully you are even better now that another six weeks have gone by. It was fun to hear a diehard BWV fan say nice things about our home resort, BLT.

Can't wait to see your next installment. Thanks for taking the time to share your trip with us.

 

[dairyqueenmom]

I am so glad you were able to add another day last min., that means we get another day of your trip report!!!

 

[cj9200]

I've been enjoying your trip report and I'm glad to hear you are slowly improving. Hopefully you are even better now that another six weeks have gone by. It was fun to hear a diehard BWV fan say nice things about our home resort, BLT.

Can't wait to see your next installment. Thanks for taking the time to share your trip with us.

Thanks for playing along. Each day things get better. I have to get in great shape for our June trip. I really liked BLT. Not quite the favorite that BWV is but close.

I am so glad you were able to add another day last min., that means we get another day of your trip report!!!

I decided to stay another day only because I wanted to expand the TR. Glad you are enjoying it.

I know that an update was promised a couple of days ago, but it was again postponed. Me bad again. Feel free to yell, “Liar, liar, pants on fire.” Next update will be later today. Cross my heart. And no, my fingers are not crossed.

 

[cj9200]

Mickey woke me up at 7:00 and after telling him “Not Now” (what I really told him is not suitable for a family Board), I rolled over and put a pillow over my head. That lasted for a while but I was up dressed and waiting for the bellman to move my bags to storage a little after 8:00. Took the monorail over to the MK where only yesterday I was on the outside looking in. During my many trips on the monorail, I looked for the walkway from the Contemporary to the park. Never could find it. I know it ends near DD’s Elephant topiary (explained in a previous TR). Even if I found it, I was going to take the train to the park despite the many stops because I wanted to limit my walking. I was a little worried because today would be the most I walked around since leaving the hospital.

Went through the quick glance of my camera bag with security and I was soon putting my new park hopper pass in the turnstile. Entered through the right side as usual but instead of the sight of the castle grabbing by attention, it was this.

Faux frontscapes (or whatever they are called). Interesting look but glad it is only temporary.

Walkway around construction for the new Mickey meet and greet

Clomping down Main Street

The long ruined Main Street Cinema. When I was a kid, this was a great theater like experience. Also during hot days it was a dark and cool place to relax. Then they changed it to a glorified gift shop.

Again when I was a kid, I was fascinated watching the artists make glass figurines. It was so cool (hot actually) and I still find myself stopping by other places that do this. There is a big artist district in Brooklyn that features glass blowers. Fascinating stuff.

Finally the Castle. Truly feel at home now. I loved my vacation for the R&R factor but was glad that I got the extra day and decided to hit the MK.

From there it was straight to the Haunted Mansion to see if the new interactive queue was open. First a picture of Donald in Frontierland. Donald in his pioneering garb. I wonder if it is Chip or Dale on his head. I know, me bad for saying that.

A pic of the Liberty Belle Riverboat. You know, the last time I rode this was ages ago. From there it was off to my primary target.

Let me start by saying the Haunted Mansion is an icon. Walt assigned some of the first imagineers to do concept work in the early days when the idea of Disneyland was born. The most memorable part of my first visit to the Magic Kingdom in the mid 70’s (yes I am older than dirt) was our visit to the Haunted Mansion. My older brother, younger brother and I excited with anticipation crammed ourselves into a Doom Buggy. All I can say is that I was in awe. It was the best.

Needless to say, I was leery of a proposed “enhancement” of the ride a couple years ago. But, like the update of Pirates, the imagineers did a wonderful job. A floating Leota and getting rid of the tacky spider scene were a hit. Next, word got out they were now making the queue interactive and the hitchhiking ghosts that bid you goodbye were going to change.

NOTE TO READERS: THE FOLLOWING HAS SPOILERS. IF YOU WANT TO EXPERIENCE THIS COLD, STOP READING.

Granted, this is open now and all over the net but when I saw it, it was still pretty new. So it may not contain spoilers to many of you.

The line began just past the Riverboat but it was moving pretty quickly. The new queue begins just to the right of the right of the main entrance. You have the option to go to the right entrance were the interactive queue I or stay to the left for the regular queue. That is, when they are open. Which it wasn’t this time. There was “shrubbery” blocking the interactive entrance. There were also a lot of “suits” around many I assumed were imagineers. The good news is that the new additions were visible. The bad news is that nearly all the effects were not working. My camera batteries were also dying so I was only able to take a few pictures.

The hearse looks good. I wonder if they rent it out for parties. Or maybe weddings?

As you enter, you are greeted by these memorial statues. Rumor has it that they will be whispering to each other and their engravings are “who did it” clues. The twins, Wellington and Forsythia are on the far right. Cousin Maude is not pictured.

A closer view of Aunt Florence and Uncle Jacob

Bertie, a noted huntsman

This is the back of the Ravenscroft piano (organ?) honoring the GERRRATE voice actor Thurl Ravenscroft (think Tony the Tiger and many Disney voices including the Grim Grinning Ghosts song the busts sing in the ride). This is the back of the organ (piano?). It plays grim grinning ghosts when you touch one of the instruments. They are all synched so if you are playing the bag pipes and someone comes up behind you and starts playing the harp, it will start to play at the same place you are in the song. So no row, row, row your boat on steroids. Again, not working but I have seen it on the net.

The old cemetery. The three headstones are from the original cemetery. The spire is new.

Master Gracey has his own plot now and the Captain is new. Gracey must have been a short fellow because the plot isn’t very big. When working, kids and kids at heart try to plug leaks in the Captain’s crypt only to have water spring out somewhere else.

The pictures of the “front” of the piano (organ?), the bookshelf from the library and what I call the book did not turn out. I am blaming bad batteries for the formatting errors.

A warning for the front of the organ (piano?). Don’t press the keys because it will squirt water at you. At the top is a cool sculpture of a raven.

There is also a bookshelf duplicating the library scene. The books move out and in as if the ghosts were going to read them. The books that move have a kind of rune on them that once deciphered supposedly leads to a hidden message. I didn’t try because left my decoder ring at home.

Near the end of the queue is a book of poetry by Prudence Pock. You look at an open book with blank pages. Prudence begins reciting a poem that her quill pens on the pages. At the last line, a pause lets guests finish it by calling out the last rhyming word. Again, I did not see it in action.

So what were my reactions? I am a bit of a purist and tear up every time I walk past Pooh remembering the demise of Toad. I mean, where else at WDW do you end up in hell? The thing I liked about the new queue is they kept the spirit of the attraction. This is going to be popular. The only negative is what they did to the original gravesite. With only four headstones, the area looks bare. It is an easy fix with the addition of a few more creative memorials.

So it is now time to enter the attraction. As always a great ride. Not any real good pics here.

Blurry photo of Madame Leota

As the ride is ending and we enter the hitchhiking ghosts' scene. The new ghosts appear similar to the ones they replaced except these are highly animated. They are color and almost 3D looking. Instead of all three initially presenting themselves as a group, they pop up individually. They look really cool and I think improves the scene. But (there is always a but) I was really disappointed the scene where they appear with you in your doom buggy was still covered over. From what I hear, they are now open with really cool affects. Don’t tell me what it does. Can’t wait to see it on the next trip because that was my favorite effect in the whole attraction. We shall see.

A blurry pic of one of the hitchhiking ghosts

Overall, I think the imagineers did a fantastic job with the update. As I mentioned, they keep the spirit (just realized the pun) of the original but put in some cool effects that are now technology possible. There are some out there that say there is no way you should touch a classic attraction. This refurbishment shows that if done right, you can even make these classics better. Hope you get to experience it yourself soon.

Not enough picture space for the rest of my Magic Kingdom visit. So it is coming up next.

 

[kid-at-heart]

Thanks for playing along. Each day things get better. I have to get in great shape for our June trip. I really liked BLT. Not quite the favorite that BWV is but close.



I decided to stay another day only because I wanted to expand the TR. Glad you are enjoying it.

I know that an update was promised a couple of days ago, but it was again postponed. Me bad again. Feel free to yell, “Liar, liar, pants on fire.” Next update will be later today. Cross my heart. And no, my fingers are not crossed.

Did I miss it? Where are you going in June? Back to WDW?
By the way, your daughter is looking very lovely and very mature. Will you be ok when she is away at college? Has she narrowed down her university choices?

 

[podsnel]

YAY!!!! An extra day!!!!!! That has to be the BEST way to end a vacation there could ever be!

 

[cj9200]

Did I miss it? Where are you going in June? Back to WDW?
By the way, your daughter is looking very lovely and very mature. Will you be ok when she is away at college? Has she narrowed down her university choices?

No you didn’t miss it unless you are on the Dis Dads Board. Heading to the World June 12th splitting between Kidani and Boardwalk.

Thank you for the comments on the child. She has matured nicely. The problem is she thinks she is 25, not 17. Currently prepping for the SAT. Her choices right now are to apply to the Florida schools, Notre Dame and St. Johns.

It is going to be a change for both of us but that is the way life goes. Her growing up went way too fast as I am sure you are also experiencing. We are really close especially the last few years. Already thinking about trips (including non-Disney ones) for when she is in school. I have very close friends in NY, Chicago and DC. Plus I haven’t been out to the California wine country in a while. No more tied to a school calendar.

YAY!!!! An extra day!!!!!! That has to be the BEST way to end a vacation there could ever be!

Yay is right. I didn’t think of it that way but it is a good way to end a vacation.

Next update later today or more probably tomorrow.

 

[lisaviolet]

Did not have an ADR but the place was nearly empty.

I will never ever understand this - the food is beyond fabulous there. So strange. I guess it's the look that keeps people away. No idea.

I don't know why I'm complaining - more delicious food for myself. I can still remember what I had on Christmas Eve. Crab cakes, steak and fruit/chocolate fondue.

On the way back to the room, I don’t think my feet touched the ground.

The best. I adore spontaneity. ADORE it.

I once pulled off the 95 at Savannah on the way home from a WDW March Break - it was still warm - I was heading north - my heart said "no" and did HHI for the a day and a half. Lovely memory.

During my many trips on the monorail, I looked for the walkway from the Contemporary to the park. Never could find it.
.

I've tried to stop myself from typing - I have. I promise Really. but I couldn't do it.

Harriet Tubman had moss in the dark - you have this MASSIVE STEEL MOUNTAIN and you couldn't find it.

I'm sorry

Sort of

The problem is she thinks she is 25, not 17. .

You do realize that every 17 year old thinks they're 25, right? Including those born - hmmmm - I'l stop now.

 

[lisaviolet]

I wonder if it is Chip or Dale on his head.

OMG.

 

[lisaviolet]

Mickey woke me up at 7:00 and after telling him “Not Now” (what I really told him is not suitable for a family Board)

Overall, I think the imagineers did a fantastic job with the update. As I mentioned, they keep the spirit (just realized the pun) of the original but put in some cool effects that are now technology possible. There are some out there that say there is no way you should touch a classic attraction. This refurbishment shows that if done right, you can even make these classics better. Hope you get to experience it yourself soon.

.

Why the heck was that annoying rodent waking you up at 7:00 am?

Thanks for the Haunted Mansion post. I loved it. It's been a tough week and that post was a great escape - thank you. I really thought about not reading it and waiting to see it but I didn't have enough willpower to stop myself. I first went in 1974? 75? - that ride mesmerized me then and every single time after - never gets old. I wish I still had my souvenir from that original trip - it was a Haunted Mansion pop-up book.


I'm unsure about changing the hitchhikers - I guess I will have to seeit in person.

They did it so right.

 

[cj9200]

Day 4 Part 2 Wednesday, March 16: The Magic Kingdom AKA The rest of the story.

Exiting the HM, I spent a little time looking at the pet cemetery. The batteries were dead by now so I do not have any pictures. The cat is still there though.

Found out later that the errors and dead battery signal were coming from the memory chip. After I downloaded the pictures at home, it was a simple fix of reformatting the card. Like an idiot, I only brought two cards with me thinking I was only going to be there two days. Luckily, I did not lose many of the pictures and was able to keep going with the new chip (which was screwed up but not as badly). I also did not bring the adapter cord so I could fix the problem there.

From the HM, I went by the Liberty Belle as it was docking. You know, I haven’t done that for a while. Last time was when DD was about 3 and the primary reason we did it was they had characters touring with you. Decided to go and give it a try. The boat leaves every half hour and believe it or not it isn’t crowded at all. Shocking.

A few shots of the ship and sights along the way.

Isn’t that cute. Everyone go Awwww.

Entrance to Tom Sawyer’s Island

The Fort at the Island. When I was a kid, my brother and I would have a ball here climbing around and shooting the air guns they had at Riverboat as it went by. That an imaginary bears or Indians trying to storm the fort. I am part Cherokee but saw no conflicts there.

BTMRR or what we affectionately call the spin cycle

The Native American camp. I forgot that some of these were animated.

By the noise coming out of this place, it sounds like they were having a good time.

All good things must come to an end.

Would I do this again? Sure. Maybe in another 14 or 15 years from now. They didn’t have chairs so I had to sit on a container that stored life vests. It is not the most exciting of trips and the narration has not changed since Walt was a pup. If they brought the characters back, it might be worth it if you had younger kids.

Meanwhile, my back was starting to kill me. The legs were fine even with the walking but not the back. I needed a place to sit down in a proper seat. Why not The Hall of Presidents? On the way there the Magic Kingdom band was playing and I took a few minutes to listen to their impromptu concert. One of the things that sets Disney from other parks is the idea that you can turn a corner and a surprise pops up. Of course they have cut back on these entertainers which is a shame. At least there are still some out wandering around.

When I entered the HoP I grabbed a padded bench to sit down. An old girlfriend taught me how to fix my back while lying down. So even though it was embarrassing, I stretched out. I was so self-conscious that I soon sat back up. The back was feeling better but not for long.

I love this attraction. As a history buff, and a reasonably patriotic guy, I am always moved by the experience. After it was over, there were more than a few people applauding.

It was past lunch time so I headed over to Casey’s for a couple of dogs. On the way, I hit Pirates and the Jungle Cruise (an OK but not great skipper). And saw Tiana greeting guests.

The reason, I wanted to try Casey’s is because one of the worst dogs I ever had was from there. It was again years ago when I needed something to eat while we were waiting for the parade. Bought two dogs and it was so terrible that I barley ate half of one and threw the rest away. Haven’t been back since. I read that they had changed their dogs and menu so I gave it another try.

The new menu has some interesting items. I don’t remember exactly what they have but I think one of the items was a Chicago dog. Could be wrong on that. I wanted to experience the taste of the hot dog so no specialty dogs this trip.

OK, it was crowded and the lines long. Of course, I picked the wrong line to stand in. There is a running joke with DD that I am not allowed to pick out which line to enter because invariably it would be the slowest. If you ever see me waiting in a line, chose another one. Trust me you will be better off. Since she wasn’t there, I chose one that looked more promising and as usual, I was wrong.

There were teenagers in front of me texting away while they were waiting and when it was their turn they then studied the menu. It took forever to order. Same with a parent and two children. Come on people. If you are in a line figure out what you are going to eat before you get to the cashier. Very few things tick me more. My turn finally came and it seemed pretty straightforward. Wrong. As I waited for the order to be filled, I noticed my expediter was nowhere to be seen. She finally comes back and naturally lets other CM’s pick up their orders before she got mine. As I saw person after person get their food, I became even more irritated. Right before I was about to shout to get in there and fight to get my order, she picked it up and delivered it.

Not a good start. I knew it was going to be busy but there is no way getting a hotdog and fries should take that long. At the fixing bar, I only added mustard so I could taste the dog. Took a bite while looking for a place to sit. It actually tasted really good. Now that I determined the quality of the dog, I headed back to the fixin bar to load it up. The only other complaint that I had of the place was the lack of seating. Outside was really crowded and I ended up eating on one of their not very comfortable bleacher seats.

Overall, the service was bad and the lack of decent seating counted against them, the dog made up for it. The memorabilia and theming is well done. Definitely will come back again. I will just make sure DD pick the line to stand in.

After lunch I was pretty beat so instead of taking the train around the park as planned, I headed out. Saw a little bit of the parade or whatever they call it.

I was then whisked quickly and comfortably back to the resort.

That’s all for now. Next update will be my new room and catching a Wave.

 

[kid-at-heart]

Awwwww.

 

[cj9200]

After monorailing back to the resort, I checked at the front desk to see if the room was ready. It was close to 2:00 and no it wasn’t. Pretty beat so I sat for a while on the couches in the lobby (seems to be this is my home away from home away from home). Got tired of that after a while and decided to grab a snack at the Wave bar. There were limited choices so I ordered another tomato/mozzarella flatbread and a club soda. Just as they arrived, the cell went off and a text told me my room was ready. Just before 3:00. They wrapped it up and refilled the drink. Told bell services the room number and asked for my bags to be transferred to the room.

Hobbling out the back entrance by the Marina, I saw my bags ahead of me. Moving as fast as I could, I tried to catch up and made it because the bellman stopped to talk to another cast member. It was the same guy that brought the groceries to the room a couple of days earlier. He recognized me and decided to wait for me to catch up. He knew the room and said he might be able to get one closer to the elevator. Thanks, but I will take the room that was ready. He was also surprised I got a room and I agreed with him. Seems they oversold cash rooms but had a fe rooms on points available. Really nice guy. Wish I would have gotten his name. Was again on the 12th floor in the South Tower, this time a right off the elevator.

Room 8218, my home away from home tonight

The TV

Bed and pull out couch

The controversial sink/vanity set up. This didn’t really bother me but I read that it does with some people. I can see it would be annoying to try to brew coffee while someone is using the vanity area to get ready in the morning.

Bathroom. Notice no waste basket on the toilet unlike the 1 BR. Housekeeping let me down.

Crummy parking lot view. Ok, not a bad view. The bell hop told one time one time he took a families’ bags to a Grand Villa. He purposely got there before them and closed the blinds. As he was dropping off the bags he said too bad they had that room because the view wasn’t the best. He then pulled open the drapes. He was chuckling as he retold the story. I can only imagine the families’ reaction.

You almost feel you can touch Space Mountain

The Castle is a little further away but not much

Main Street and a back stage area

Took some snacks out and basically watched TV and sat out on the balcony munching on the flatbread.

Sunset from the room. Not a bad view all around.

Nighttime

Starting to get a little hungry so I took a chance to have dinner at the Wave. It was early and the place didn’t look busy. The hostess had me sit for a few minutes and then escorted me to a table. This would be the second time I ate at the Wave. The first time, the food was good but the service was spotty. DD and 1 had one vegetarian choice, a pasta dish but they thought it was good. I had the chicken pot pie and it was delicious. They had this very dry bread thing about the size of a tortilla on top. Tried it dry and it was pretty tasteless. Once you put it in the dish, it would act an expandable sponge and just soak up the broth. Excellent.

Wanted to order it again but alas it was not on the menu. Decided to have the oven roasted chicken with waffles and black eye peas with rice ($17.99). I do not really like waffles but these were made from potatoes so I decided to give it a try. Service was horrible. It took forever before he came over to take my drink order. Didn’t want to wait another 15 minutes for the waiter to deliver it and then take my dinner order so I told him I was ready.

Fellow dinners

Had to flag him down to ask for a drink refill and dinner delivery took another 20 minutes before it finally came. I tested the temp and it was still very warm. If it was cold, it was going back. The chicken was they call an Airline Cut. It is a fancy presentation where part of the wing is left attached to the breast. Food lore says in the early days of airline travel they used this because it was practical (chicken travels well and this cut fits neatly into an airline tray/dish compartments) and artistic (it looks like it's about to take off). Bet you didn’t know that did you? All that time watching the Food Channel in the hospital paid off.

Didn’t really care for the waffles not because of anything other than they tasted like waffles. The chicken was very good, nice and well-seasoned as were the black eyed peas. I noticed they did not have any salt and pepper on the table. Looking around, neither did any other tables. I guess the chef believes he is the seasoning czar and patrons need to eat it the way he prepares it. Either that or they messed up setting up the restaurant. I imagine you could get it if you asked. You might be chastised by the waiter but I doubt they will deny you salt.

Even though service was spotty at best, I enjoyed the dinner. The waiter earned 15% which is way low with me. I used to wait tables in college and you have to be really bad to not make at least 20% off me. I like the Wave and how they embrace the idea of organic foods such as sustainable fish. I would eat here again but probably not go out of my way to do it.

I wanted to get out of there because I had a date to watch Wishes from the balcony.

Wishes from the comfort of a chair on my patio. I heard that they have a TV channel that plays the narration in sync to the fireworks. Couldn’t find it flipping through the channels so had to settle for a hushed narration between the boom of the fireworks. I sat there thinking, “How good is this?” I see a party out on the balcony the next time I stay here. I will make sure you are all invited.

After the show it was close to time for my beauty sleep. Slept well and was up by 7:00. Before I had them take the bags to valet, decided to take a last stroll around. Few of the last pics of the trip.

There were a number of hawks (I think) swooping around the resort. Pretty cool watching them fly around. This is the best shot I could get of one.

The walkway to the Contemporary

The Marina

Driving home I-4 was at a standstill. It took me 30 minutes to go 5 miles. The worst I ever experienced on I-4. At least I was able to take this while on the road.

After I finally made it to the Turnpike it was an uneventful trip home. DD was fine, the house was still intact and the dog wagged her tail as she slobbered on me welcoming me home.

Well, another one in the books. Much different than my usual Disney vacation. Not because the kid wasn’t with me, I have gone solo before. This was a laid back trip. No plans to visit the parks (although I couldn’t resist) and just lounge around. Not everyone’s idea of a Disney vacation but just what I needed.

Highs: BLT by far and away. Love this resort. I heard some people point out wear and tear on the place and not the best housekeeping. I didn’t notice this at all. It still had that new car smell. The location is fantastic, the views (both lake and park views) were really nice. Very relaxing to just sit out there having a beverage watching the World down below you. The Top of the World Lounge is a great place to unwind at the end of the day. Take advantage of it while you can. The Magic Kingdom is the best view of any DVC resort. The Boardwalk view was bumped to second place. Location is great but still I like the EPCOT resorts for nearness to both EPCOT and DHS. Having the monorail to tool around the resorts was a nice way to get around. They were very accommodating getting me a room when I arrived a day early (duh) and the extra day to extend the trip. The CMs were also great.

The Food: Even though most were counter service, I did not have a bad meal the entire trip. The highlights were the tacos at Kona and the Earl.

The price: This was a cheap trip until I bought the 7 day tickets. I can use them over the next couple of trips though. I basically used this as hotel, not a visit to the World. I could have gone anywhere and thought about the beach but it was nice to pay $0.00 for the room. Have to love DVC.

The Lows: The walker. It was a pain to get around with and I am glad I decided to leave it in the room. It forced me to get more exercise which helped in my recovery. The back killing me while walking around the MK and occasionally during the trip was also a bummer. Luckily things are now to the point that I think the June trip will be more active. Valet was also a waste of money and I would have been closer if I self-parked in the BLT lot. Live and learn.

Was it a thrill a minute, no. Was it a nice getaway, yes.

DD and I will be in the World in June splitting time between AKL Kidani and Boardwalk. A few surprises already up my sleeve and maybe more to come. Some centered on food and some off the beaten path activities. This TR took a bit out of me and not as timely as I like so I don’t know about one for the next trip. Maybe a recap of the highlights.

For those of you that read through this drivel, I hope you all enjoyed my little odyssey. A special thanks to all who posted comments.