SANDISW's Summer Trip to BCV and BLT - Starts Tomorrow!!

[SusieBea]

more please!

 

[stopher1]

We decided to walk back. While we were on our way, we got the bright idea to have us all enter Epcot and then I would go and get FP's for Soarin to use later tonight. Well, it sounded like a great idea until I was walking through 100 degree heat! But, I got them and headed back to BCV.


We rode Soarin using our FP's and when we got there at 4:30 pm, there were still some left so we got more and rode a 2nd time after dinner.

Sweet! The satisfaction of enduring the heat, and then a surprise that they still had some more available. Very cool!

 

[stopher1]

I have decided that I went in to the wrong profession. I should have been a weather person. They can simply say "Oh, tomorrow will be better and less humid" and be TOTALLY WRONG and simply say "Woops, got that one wrong".

Isn't that the truth?!? And they still get paid for it all that nonsense too

All I can say is that being a DVC member really changes how you look at things. Before becoming members, going to a park to do 1 ride and lunch would have just seemed not right. Now, we don't care as we know we have lots and lots of stays and years to enjoy things. I can honestly say, it really was a great decision to buy!

Very, very true.

Both DW and I grew up in So Cal, and after we were married, for many years lived not 10 mins from Disneyland. We would very often just head over for dinner, or a single attraction, or to people watch. It was a terrific place to take my son when he was little for a fun afternoon, or to just enjoy the morning before the crowds got bad. Heck, my office was also just another 10 mins in a different direction from the park, so I could pop in for lunch during the week too. That was awesome. But the same holds true as a DVC member staying at WDW, just as you described. Lots more trips on the horizons, so many more potential opportunities to take it all in - bit by bit - a little at a time!

Sounds like you all are having a great time so far, despite the heat.

 

[william1375]

Have fun

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I have decided that I went in to the wrong profession. I should have been a weather person. They can simply say "Oh, tomorrow will be better and less humid" and be TOTALLY WRONG and simply say "Woops, got that one wrong".

That is so funny! I am always saying I'm going to change jobs and become a weather person!!

 

[Torgue]

Great report Sandi. We went to AK today and it was very hot and crowded. EE and Dinosaur were down at the same today! Enjoy the rest of your trip!

 

[Sandisw]

Loving your report!! Sounds like you're having a wonderful time. Quick question - I get sick on the motion simulator rides like star tours and I don't handle Mission Space so well either. IYHO do you think Soarin' will make me feel sick or is it different because of the way it moves, etc.?

Have a wonderful vacation!! Any pics??

I don't think so. That is probably my favorite ride. The only thing that bothers me is when my children lean forward. Of course, they do it only because they know it bothers me!!

 

[Sandisw]

Is there any plan for some photo's? Would love to see the view from BLT

Unfortunately, I will have to post when we return. I did not bring the cord to connect and I only have our little netbook with us so there is no slot for a memory card.

We checked in today and have a partial MK view.

 

[LoveKermit]

Joining just for fun.....

Have you noticed that more rides are shut down because of the heat? We always find in summer that TT can't take the heat (I know, it literally cannot). But another time we were there in summer, even Space Mountain had trouble staying open.

Just curious about that. We arrive on Aug. 13 for a long weekend.

Also, could you comment on the size difference on the two resorts? I've heard BCV is relatively small. Does BLT feel huge or not so because it's all in one building?

Enjoying so far. Stay cool.

 

[Sandisw]

Today was my favorite day of the trip so far. We got to check in to our 1 bedroom LV at BLT.

DD and I have been here twice, but only in studios but DH's first time at the resort.

Last night, it rained pretty hard so we didn't do a lot. I decided to take a walk on the Boardwalk while the other two took a nap and almost got caught, but made it back just in time.

We did have FP's for Soarin so around 8:00 pm, we quickly went over to use them up. The benefits again of being so close and having AP's. In and out.

We checked out of BCV this morning and headed to BLT around 8:00 am. We are on the QSDP for this leg of the trip and wanted to have the KTTW cards for the credits for the day. We did not expect the room to be ready.

We completed online check in for this part of our stay as well. There was one person checking in at the desk when we arrived (but three in the regular check in line) so we had to wait about 5 minutes. As expected, the room was not ready but I asked if they knew whether or not our request had been fulfilled. The CM said that it looked pretty good that it would be. We had only requested an even #'d room so that we were on the outer crescent.

We had decided, since it was a "homeless" day, we would sign up and attend the member event at TOWL at 1:00 pm and figured it would kill time after our morning in the MK.

Once we were all checked in, we headed right to MK. We left the resort at 8:35 am and were standing in the hot sun, waiting for the opening show by 8:45 am. We didn't even walk fast. I love how easy it is!!!

It seemed crowded at first, but we got a lot done in the short two hours we stayed--Buzz, Transit, Pooh, Peter Pan, Haunted Mansion, Pirates, and Big Thunder. We also collected FP's for Splash, Space, and Buzz to use tonight (which we may or may not do--it is open until 11:00 pm so we have time to run over if we want).

We decided to eat the the Contempo Cafe and then go to the member event. DH was getting a bit restless about the room and I reminded him that check in is after 4:00 pm, to which I receive his famous "I am not happy" face. Of course, I am at BLT, my favorite place, so I just smiled and said "I know!!".

We checked in for the event and just as we did, I got the text that our room was ready!! This was at 12:45 pm!!! If it wasn't for the FP's we would be getting for the event, I think DH would have hightailed it right up to the room.

The member event was fun and the snacks were yummy. It only took about an hour and we got lanyards, DVC tote bag (like the kind you get at Target), and some pins, as well as our FP's. Did not win the $100 GC--which would have been nice.

Anway, the room!! WOW!!!! The 1 bedroom is wonderful and having been in a studio for 3 nights, it seems like we died and went to heaven. DH said no more of those for us!! I agree and my DD is so happy to have her own space. And, we did get our even "d room and even ended up with a partial MK view.

As you know, DH decided the other night that maybe an add on is in order. Now, he is really considering doing one here for around 50 points and doing a BCV in a few years, closer to when we would want it for F & W. For someone who felt more points were not needed, he has now changed his mind. Staying in a 1 bedroom will do that to you. So, if you have not stayed in one yet, beware, as it is filled with that highly contagious diesese called addonitis and there is no way to avoid it once you do.

We went to dinner at Whispering Canyon and the food was great. We were waiting for the boat when all of sudden a tremendous thunderstorm rolled in. I have never heard thunder so loud. DD does not like these at all and sitting on a shaky dock, with lightening coming down did nothing to ease that fear. We made it back under cover just as the downpour started. In 20 minutes, it was gone and back to being hot and sticky.

We have decided to watch the fireworks from our balcony tonight and then DH and I are heading up to TOWL for a night cap. I really do love this place and it still remains #1.

 

[mdsd8700]

Glad to hear that everything is continuing to go well! Your trip sounds wonderful and glad to hear that DH is still wanting to add points. Not going home till next June but hoping for the same reaction from my DH. Looking foward to hearing more, thanks for sharing. Enjoy!

 

[KYCruiseCrazy]

Unfortunately, I will have to post when we return. I did not bring the cord to connect and I only have our little netbook with us so there is no slot for a memory card.

We checked in today and have a partial MK view.

Can't wait to see the views. What is the room # at BLT? We are going in Dec and a partial MK view is better then nothing!!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Glad you got your room request met!

 

[snorris49]

Great trip report! You are making me even more excited for my first trip home to BLT! Can't wait to see some pics!

 

[Sandisw]

Joining just for fun.....

Have you noticed that more rides are shut down because of the heat? We always find in summer that TT can't take the heat (I know, it literally cannot). But another time we were there in summer, even Space Mountain had trouble staying open.

Just curious about that. We arrive on Aug. 13 for a long weekend.

Also, could you comment on the size difference on the two resorts? I've heard BCV is relatively small. Does BLT feel huge or not so because it's all in one building?

Enjoying so far. Stay cool.

So far, nothing has been down for any length of time. TT did stop while we were on it but only for about 5 minutes and then it was up and running again. Everything else has been fine!

 

[Sandisw]

Can't wait to see the views. What is the room # at BLT? We are going in Dec and a partial MK view is better then nothing!!

I'll share that on our check out day. Some might have an issue with the straight on view as we do look at trees and think that would qualify it as a SV room.

However, since I have a nice view of the lake to the right and MK to the left, and a beautiful view of the fireworks from the balcony, I feel I got MK view with my LV points.

 

[Sandisw]

Today was a long day and I have just gotten a chance to post so I will post more details tomorrow.

We did hit AK, DTD, and MK today and once again, it was hot. We spent the afternoon at the resort and I spent two hours in the pool, up to my neck relaxing. It was heaven!

Since tomorrow is our last full day (boo hoo), we are planning to visit MK again first thing so its off to bed for now.

I know we will be back by 11:00 am (just too hot for anything else) so will post about today then.

I can say we watched the fireworks from TOTWL and that is just a wonderful perk that I hope we don't lose--and yes, we enjoyed ourselves with a cocktail or two!

 

[Sandisw]

Who knew laundry could be so easy (DH does it at home!!)? Having the washer/dryer right in the room is a god send!!! I love not having all those sweaty, dirty clothes hanging around.

On Monday night, we ended up not going back to use our FP's for MK. We had the instant FP cards from the DVC member event so no worries. We watched the fireworks from the balcony of the room and it was beautiful and enjoyable. I couldn't find the channel for the music but it was still nice.

My DD got a kick of all the car alarms set off during the show for cars parked at BLT.

Yesterday morning, we got up and decided to go to AK again to do a few things we didn't the other day. We have a rental car so we drove. I always think it will take longer than it does. We left our room at 8:15 am and were going through the gates at 8:45 am. We have AAA so parking in the diamond lot is great. They opened the park a few minutes early so we headed to EE to get FP's. We then went and did all the things in Dinoland. As we headed back to EE to use up FP's, DD decided that she didn't want to do it again so I rode by myself and then we headed to do the safari. By 10:00 am, the wait was 40 minutes so we opted out. Of course, as we got to the gate, I remembered we had the instand FP's and could have used them. But, it was way to hot to trek all the way back so we headed to DTD.

It is great that we are getting 10% off everywhere with the AP! DD got her new hat (she gets one every year) at WOD and I got a really cute new Mickey purse.

We decided to go to WPE for lunch and it was yummy!! Definitely a deal when you are on one of the dining plans. We have decided, however, that DD and I do not eat enough to make the plans really work. I love the convenience of it and knowing that I can get a dessert and eat only two bites. But, I also realize that I like to have a day in between TS meals so next summer, we are going to just put the cost of the plans on gift cards and use those. We will see how it compares. We may even do the TIW card.

The afternoon was spent very lazily around the resort as it was just too hot to be in the parks. I spent two hours just submerged in the pool!!!! Vacation does not get any better than this!!!

We decided to head back to MK tonight but it was very busy. We got FP's for Buzz and did COP but then DD and DH were hot so they left. I walked around, had an iced cappuchino and enjoyed people watching. I went back to Buzz to use up my FP and that line was out the door. I have never seen the FP line so long, but I rode anyway, gave the other two away, and headed back. I think everyone had the same idea as us--stay at the resort during the day and hit the parks late.

DD and I used the pool again before heading up to TOTWL for the fireworks. There was about 30 people in the lounge when we arrived at 9:20 pm. We enjoyed a few drinks during our stay and left about 10 minutes after the fireworks. There was still about 20 people hanging out in the lounge when we left. Just an FYI, I was asked only for my card and how many people. I had the others in my hand, including my DVC member card, but was not asked to show it.

We have decided that touring has to take a different tone when it is this hot during the day, especially since DH really can't take the heat. Next summer, he said maybe we will try to do EMH at night and sleep in.

Today is our last full day so we are off to MK again. This really does remain my favorite place and the reason why BLT remains my favorite resort. The only change we will make next summer is that we will do 2 nights at BCV and 4 nights at BLT.

Off I go!!!

 

[bobbiwoz]

...
Off I go!!!

Have a great day!

 

[SusieBea]

Tell me about the Diamond Parking and AAA, please ...