mickey0216
My kids and my money go to Penn State (and Walt Di
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2001
- Messages
- 889
The DW and I didn't decide to go to WDW until Nov 18th, so there was very little planning for this trip, and while we had more rain showers this trip than all other previous November trips combined, it was a good trip.
Financials: Considering that we didn't make hotel reservations and buy airline tickets until 11/18, things worked out pretty well. I was able to buy two non-stop roundtrip tickets from BWI (Baltimore) to MCO on Southwest for $211.10 each (incl taxes and fees). I was able to make reservations at the Beach Club Villas, in a "Studio" for $1053 (incl taxes) for the 4 nights.
Beach Club Villas:
Since we had never visited the Yacht and/or Beach Club Resorts on any prior trip, I was unsure if the DW and I would fit in My initial thought was that you had to wear Chaps, Ralph Lauren, Nautica and/or Polo to fit in. The experience of DIS community came thru and assured me that we would be fine. As usual - they were right! The location of the BCV makes it ideal if your favorite theme park is Epcot and you don't mind a 5 minute walk to the International Gateway (back door) entrance to Epcot. Heck, our walk to the bus stop at CBR was longer than the walk to Epcot. You also have the advantage of being able to walk to or take a boat to the Disney-MGM Studios, it's about 20 minutes either way.
Also, when I made my room reservation I asked if we could have a room that faces Epcot. Much to be surprise we got it. We were in room 322, which has a small balcony. The wife and I were able to watch and take a few pictures and videos of the fireworks from the balcony. The only way it could have been better is if we were on the 4th or 5th floors in the same location. And finally, I really appreciate how peaceful it can be in your room at night. We have visited WDW 6 times in the last 11 years, this is the only time that I was not disturbed by noise from other guests.
The Suitcase:
Sometime between when we checked our suitcase at BWI and when it arrived in our room, our suitcase was damaged beyond repair. I called the front desk to see if they were aware of the situation. They knew nothing, but passed me over to bag services. To my dismay, they also knew nothing about the damage, but said that they would be contacting a manager to investigate. Further, a manager would be in contact with us. I then called the Southwest 800 number about the issue, and they routed me to the Southwest location at MCO. After placing me on-hold for a few moments, the person on the phone told me that they had spoken to a Disneys Magical Express employee who happened to be in the area. The DME employee shared that I should call the front desk and that Disney would take care of the issue. Less than 5 minutes later there was a knock at the door. Joel Diaz, Guest Service Mgr for Y&BC Resorts, came to the room to handle the situation. After looking at the bag he described what he believed happened, and stated that Disney would take care of everything. A few items in the suitcase were destroyed (travel hairdryer and a pair of blue jeans). Joel offered to go to a local mall and buy replacement jeans. We told him that it was not necessary. He gave us a credit on our account to compensate us for the damaged items. He said that normally when a suitcase is as damaged as ours was, that they normally shrink-wrap the damaged suitcase and provide a replacement suitcase with the damaged suitcase when your luggage is delivered to your room. He told us that a new suitcase would be delivered to our room on Thursday, he was off on Tuesday and Wednesday. The new suitcase was delivered to our room on Tuesday The suitcase was equivalent to slightly better than our damaged suitcase.
Food and Spirits:
-- In the past I have read rave reviews about Beaches and Cream. While I am not overly impressed with the food at B&C, the 2 scoop hot fudge sundae (DW) and the "No Way Jose" sundae that I had were outstanding. They weren't cheap, but the size and quality was quite impressive.
-- We ate a three different eating establishments at the Y&BC. While none of the food was bad, beyond the sundaes at Beaches and Cream the food was just okay.
-- ESPN Club - We spent a few hours at the ESPN Club on Wednesday night. While we were there, a live show was underway that apparently is broadcast to the other ESPN Clubs. While the pitcher of beer was cold and tasty, the highlight of the evening was our roast beef sub/sandwich. The meat in the sub was the most tender roast beef that I have ever had. Delicious!!
-- Mama Melrose - Our waiter, Jose, was amazing. The wife is not a big eater and didn't want a full salad in addition to her meal. I asked her if I ordered a caeser salad would she like to share. To our pleasant surprise, when Jose brought the salad to our table it was on individual plates. Did I mention the delicious bread and spread that you get with you meal - Yummy!! The DW had chicken parm and I had the spicy italian sausage with rigatoni. Since I am not a fan of mushrooms, onions, and peppers; I really liked it that I was able to order my meal without the items that I avoid. Jose paid the right amount of attention to us, followed up when needed, checked on how everything was, and our drink glasses never got more than half empty. At teh end of the meal I thanked him for his outstanding service and gave him the largest percentage tip that I have ever given. Thank you Jose - Great Job!
--Oktoberfest If you have never eaten at Oktoberfest - - - > do it. While I can strike up a conversation with anyone anywhere, my DW tends to be in the quiet side. Therefore, when we learned that we were going to be seated at a table for 10, I was concerned for her. Much to my surprise, she joined in on the conversation and had a great time. We tried nearly everything, and enjoyed nearly everything. Make sure you have the apple strudel!
Sorry for the rambling, and runon sentences...
Financials: Considering that we didn't make hotel reservations and buy airline tickets until 11/18, things worked out pretty well. I was able to buy two non-stop roundtrip tickets from BWI (Baltimore) to MCO on Southwest for $211.10 each (incl taxes and fees). I was able to make reservations at the Beach Club Villas, in a "Studio" for $1053 (incl taxes) for the 4 nights.
Beach Club Villas:
Since we had never visited the Yacht and/or Beach Club Resorts on any prior trip, I was unsure if the DW and I would fit in My initial thought was that you had to wear Chaps, Ralph Lauren, Nautica and/or Polo to fit in. The experience of DIS community came thru and assured me that we would be fine. As usual - they were right! The location of the BCV makes it ideal if your favorite theme park is Epcot and you don't mind a 5 minute walk to the International Gateway (back door) entrance to Epcot. Heck, our walk to the bus stop at CBR was longer than the walk to Epcot. You also have the advantage of being able to walk to or take a boat to the Disney-MGM Studios, it's about 20 minutes either way.
Also, when I made my room reservation I asked if we could have a room that faces Epcot. Much to be surprise we got it. We were in room 322, which has a small balcony. The wife and I were able to watch and take a few pictures and videos of the fireworks from the balcony. The only way it could have been better is if we were on the 4th or 5th floors in the same location. And finally, I really appreciate how peaceful it can be in your room at night. We have visited WDW 6 times in the last 11 years, this is the only time that I was not disturbed by noise from other guests.
The Suitcase:
Sometime between when we checked our suitcase at BWI and when it arrived in our room, our suitcase was damaged beyond repair. I called the front desk to see if they were aware of the situation. They knew nothing, but passed me over to bag services. To my dismay, they also knew nothing about the damage, but said that they would be contacting a manager to investigate. Further, a manager would be in contact with us. I then called the Southwest 800 number about the issue, and they routed me to the Southwest location at MCO. After placing me on-hold for a few moments, the person on the phone told me that they had spoken to a Disneys Magical Express employee who happened to be in the area. The DME employee shared that I should call the front desk and that Disney would take care of the issue. Less than 5 minutes later there was a knock at the door. Joel Diaz, Guest Service Mgr for Y&BC Resorts, came to the room to handle the situation. After looking at the bag he described what he believed happened, and stated that Disney would take care of everything. A few items in the suitcase were destroyed (travel hairdryer and a pair of blue jeans). Joel offered to go to a local mall and buy replacement jeans. We told him that it was not necessary. He gave us a credit on our account to compensate us for the damaged items. He said that normally when a suitcase is as damaged as ours was, that they normally shrink-wrap the damaged suitcase and provide a replacement suitcase with the damaged suitcase when your luggage is delivered to your room. He told us that a new suitcase would be delivered to our room on Thursday, he was off on Tuesday and Wednesday. The new suitcase was delivered to our room on Tuesday The suitcase was equivalent to slightly better than our damaged suitcase.
Food and Spirits:
-- In the past I have read rave reviews about Beaches and Cream. While I am not overly impressed with the food at B&C, the 2 scoop hot fudge sundae (DW) and the "No Way Jose" sundae that I had were outstanding. They weren't cheap, but the size and quality was quite impressive.
-- We ate a three different eating establishments at the Y&BC. While none of the food was bad, beyond the sundaes at Beaches and Cream the food was just okay.
-- ESPN Club - We spent a few hours at the ESPN Club on Wednesday night. While we were there, a live show was underway that apparently is broadcast to the other ESPN Clubs. While the pitcher of beer was cold and tasty, the highlight of the evening was our roast beef sub/sandwich. The meat in the sub was the most tender roast beef that I have ever had. Delicious!!
-- Mama Melrose - Our waiter, Jose, was amazing. The wife is not a big eater and didn't want a full salad in addition to her meal. I asked her if I ordered a caeser salad would she like to share. To our pleasant surprise, when Jose brought the salad to our table it was on individual plates. Did I mention the delicious bread and spread that you get with you meal - Yummy!! The DW had chicken parm and I had the spicy italian sausage with rigatoni. Since I am not a fan of mushrooms, onions, and peppers; I really liked it that I was able to order my meal without the items that I avoid. Jose paid the right amount of attention to us, followed up when needed, checked on how everything was, and our drink glasses never got more than half empty. At teh end of the meal I thanked him for his outstanding service and gave him the largest percentage tip that I have ever given. Thank you Jose - Great Job!
--Oktoberfest If you have never eaten at Oktoberfest - - - > do it. While I can strike up a conversation with anyone anywhere, my DW tends to be in the quiet side. Therefore, when we learned that we were going to be seated at a table for 10, I was concerned for her. Much to my surprise, she joined in on the conversation and had a great time. We tried nearly everything, and enjoyed nearly everything. Make sure you have the apple strudel!
Sorry for the rambling, and runon sentences...
