Fatalbie
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Dec 12, 2006
- Messages
- 299
Hello All,
I have threatened my wife that I was gong to do this. Here is the pre-trip and trip report hope you enjoy, sorry if it's lame.
Little long for a start but I am going to include some dining info as well.
Pre trip
I was thinking about surprising my wife and daughter, I feel a little funny using DW and DD2 but will try to get used to it, with a trip to Disney. I hadn't been since 8/85 when my dad, a science teacher, my brother 10, and I at 15, spent half the summer camping down the eastern seaboard. We then spent 10 days at Fort Wilderness, and camped back up eastern states a little inland through the various mountain ranges. I digress. So we take my daughter to Chucky Cheese and she gets so excited to see the character walking around I realized it was time to scratch my itch and disguise it as a surprise for them. So as I stated in another thread I set out to do some planning. I typed into google "best time to visit Disney", the info came up and I was off and running. I clicked on a link saying read my tips and save a bunch. By the time I was done reading the introduction I figured for $20 there is a sucker born every minute and this must be my minute so I paid the $$ and got the e-book. It was there that I was introduced to renting points. Hi my name is Jim and I am a points renter turned owner. No flames or opinions on renting please. I ventured onto the rent/trade board full of fear and having no idea what I was getting into, literally. Well after reading some "sticky" info I made a post- and went to bed. The next day I had a handful of responses, replied to all so as to not be rude, and struck up a conversation with a DVC member who was looking to rent points. The rental transaction went very smoothly, despite what I was reading in some threads at the time. This was the beginning of the end or renting. I was consumed instantly with an insatiable appetite for Disboard info. I soon started a 3-ring binder very neatly divided into sections with different tabs, reservation, MME, DDP, Tips & Tricks, Tix's, etc...I could probably sell an e-book of my own to suckers like myself, but I'll just give the info away for free since all the people here have been so kind as to do that for me.
Reservations made, and still a little hesitant because I have no control over what happens to my ressie and the associated needs/requests. So I start lurking on the boards and gaining "knowledge". Now I am dangerously informed and very curious about the DVC program and stumble onto the DVC related forums. An eye opening to say the least, but very intriguing none the less. I start asking some Q's, gaining more "knowledge", and begin the quest for ownership. I call the 800 # and they immediately ask if I have a referral. Not knowing if I was getting the DVC member renting me points in trouble I thinly, and fictitiously, disguise him as my friend. They inform me that as a referral I get $15 discount for F&F, and if I become a member he will receive a gift. I tell him what I did expecting him to cancel my ressie, and he says thanks. Well he lives in NC and is not eligible for gifts, too bad.
SSR is booked
Flight is booked
10 day MYW Premium no expire, booked. Foreshadowing to say the least.
I am now trying to figure how to surprise my DW and DD2. I read on the Disney site somewhere that they will call on Xmas if I have a ressie # on property. I figure I'll give it a try.
I give my wife luggage,, sunscreen, an MM ornament and other hints but she just thinks I'm dying for a vacation because we havent really been since the honeymoon. After all other gifts are opened I give her a manila envelope filled with the printed pages of these forums and the ressie copies and she is floored. "Get out of here. We're going to see MM. I was going to surprise you Oct 30th with a trip there". We have the same B-day 6 years apart. I totally forget the call is coming. Full house sitting down for Xmas dinner and the phone rings. Caller ID says 800 something and I think who the heck is calling on Xmas. Instead of answering and giving a piece of my mind, I figure they are having a worse day than I am and let the call go to ans machine. As I walk away I hear prepare for a call from MM and realize what is going on.
Here is the photo of the reaction to the call from Micke-priceless
OK my guide is on vacation but they send me a nice hardcover book of information. I start reading it, in my spare time from reading these forums, and I am now on a mission-Convince my DW we should own.
I ask some questions related to resale and TTS. Get some response and even a pm from Tom, unsolicited, explaining the process and that the F&F promo is difficult to beat if I want SSR. The people at TTS seem like they run a great business, and thanks again to them for the info!!! I would encourage anyone thinking resale to use their services.
Two weeks before we are to go my guide calls me as she is back from vaca. and is very helpful, no pressure, and explains how it works.
One week before vacation I call her, send a deposit to reserve a 150 pt contract, still have not even seen the property. A fed ex package arrives with Temp membership cards and my wife almost has a heart attack.
The Trip
Day 1
The bags are packed, the "boys" are boarded with a friend, and we are up at 5 am to catch a 6am Logan Express-SWEEET!!!, leaving the New England winter behind.
This was taken at Logan by me holding the camera
We have a 9am nonstop and arrive at MCO. Catch the Magic Express and its on to SSR. Talk about a seamless transition, they make it easy!!!
Arrive SSR cannot get CP so end up at springs 3323- very nice room and view. I have posted those photos on the SSR lovers thread if interested.
From the other thread:
"Here are a couple of photos of the studio room we were in. It is completely staged. We had been unpacking for about 20 mins when I said OH @#$# I wanted to take some photos of the room for a trip report. My wife thinks I'm crazy, especially after the food photos to attempt a dining review. Don't look too closely you may see the sneakers and what not stuffed under the sleep sofa."
Here are a couple
One of the room
Some of the wildlife
From springs 3323 Balcony
We get settled in and I get changed. I come out of the bathroom with my swimsuit and a t-shirt on ready for the pool. My wife says the luggage isnt here yet. I know thats why I said pack your bathing suit in carry on for the first day. Needless to say I am "knowledgeable" because I read these forums. No suit for her and DD so its off to the pool for a look and no swim, maybe later in the trip!!!
Pool the day we arrived, no I am not in there.
After a spin around the property for a little while we go back to the room to get ready for our ADR at 5pm
I qualify my dining reviews with the following information. I was a career restaurant person, 15+ years, bussing to Managing, corporate to private, and a stint in formal Dining. I feel very qualified to give an honest review of all things related to dining...take it for what it's worth. As you will read it is all about the eating for me!!! I read many opinions regarding the dining plan. I feel it is a lot of food but if you like to eat and not think while you are on vacation it is a bonus. Yes I gained some weight but no more than a good Xmas or Thanksgiving season, lol. There seems to be some similarity in menus overall, but I had no problem finding unique and enjoyable selections.
We hop on the ferry and head to DTD for our dinner.
Looking back to Turf Club from DTD ferry
On the ferry
5pm dinner reservation
TS-Wolfgang Puck Cafe-DTD
Arrive at the Cafe and are greeted by a cheery hostess. She seats us at a table with a great view of a pole and the bus station with empty dirty dishes. The dining room is 3/4 empty and all of the tables along the windows are empty. I ask if we can move over one table and sit at the table with the great view of the water and SSR. No. We do not have a server for that station. Wrong answer. My server comes over and I explain the upcoming attempt at end running the hostess and ask again. No problem he says.
What a difference a table and the right server make.
Table we ended up at
I ended up giving my server an extra $12 and made sure to let the manager know we had outstanding service. Try letting a manager know some time, you will make someones day.
Food is phenomenal!!! I would go back here to eat again with no questions asked.
Flat and Focaccia bread served with olive oil to start, and believe me we were hungry. Only coffee and pretzels since 5am.
Appetizers
BBQ Chicken Quesadilla
Spicy Fried Calamari with a great garlic dipping sauce
Sorry no photos but we were into it before I remembered
Entrees
DW
Pumpkin Ravioli, Brown butter w/port wine reduction sauce-parmesan cheese and lightly fried sage garnish
Me
Grouper w/warm vegetable cous cous/ lemon beurre blanc infused with olive oil- I think
Dessert
DW
Flourless Chocolate cake with raspberry coulis and fresh berries
Me
Carrot Cake with roasted and sugared pecans
Again no photos we took them to go had to get back to the room to see the Patriots-disappointing loss. Good Luck Colts!!
Stay tuned if youre not already asleep!!!
Jim
I have threatened my wife that I was gong to do this. Here is the pre-trip and trip report hope you enjoy, sorry if it's lame.
Little long for a start but I am going to include some dining info as well.
Pre trip
I was thinking about surprising my wife and daughter, I feel a little funny using DW and DD2 but will try to get used to it, with a trip to Disney. I hadn't been since 8/85 when my dad, a science teacher, my brother 10, and I at 15, spent half the summer camping down the eastern seaboard. We then spent 10 days at Fort Wilderness, and camped back up eastern states a little inland through the various mountain ranges. I digress. So we take my daughter to Chucky Cheese and she gets so excited to see the character walking around I realized it was time to scratch my itch and disguise it as a surprise for them. So as I stated in another thread I set out to do some planning. I typed into google "best time to visit Disney", the info came up and I was off and running. I clicked on a link saying read my tips and save a bunch. By the time I was done reading the introduction I figured for $20 there is a sucker born every minute and this must be my minute so I paid the $$ and got the e-book. It was there that I was introduced to renting points. Hi my name is Jim and I am a points renter turned owner. No flames or opinions on renting please. I ventured onto the rent/trade board full of fear and having no idea what I was getting into, literally. Well after reading some "sticky" info I made a post- and went to bed. The next day I had a handful of responses, replied to all so as to not be rude, and struck up a conversation with a DVC member who was looking to rent points. The rental transaction went very smoothly, despite what I was reading in some threads at the time. This was the beginning of the end or renting. I was consumed instantly with an insatiable appetite for Disboard info. I soon started a 3-ring binder very neatly divided into sections with different tabs, reservation, MME, DDP, Tips & Tricks, Tix's, etc...I could probably sell an e-book of my own to suckers like myself, but I'll just give the info away for free since all the people here have been so kind as to do that for me.
Reservations made, and still a little hesitant because I have no control over what happens to my ressie and the associated needs/requests. So I start lurking on the boards and gaining "knowledge". Now I am dangerously informed and very curious about the DVC program and stumble onto the DVC related forums. An eye opening to say the least, but very intriguing none the less. I start asking some Q's, gaining more "knowledge", and begin the quest for ownership. I call the 800 # and they immediately ask if I have a referral. Not knowing if I was getting the DVC member renting me points in trouble I thinly, and fictitiously, disguise him as my friend. They inform me that as a referral I get $15 discount for F&F, and if I become a member he will receive a gift. I tell him what I did expecting him to cancel my ressie, and he says thanks. Well he lives in NC and is not eligible for gifts, too bad.
SSR is booked
Flight is booked
10 day MYW Premium no expire, booked. Foreshadowing to say the least.
I am now trying to figure how to surprise my DW and DD2. I read on the Disney site somewhere that they will call on Xmas if I have a ressie # on property. I figure I'll give it a try.
I give my wife luggage,, sunscreen, an MM ornament and other hints but she just thinks I'm dying for a vacation because we havent really been since the honeymoon. After all other gifts are opened I give her a manila envelope filled with the printed pages of these forums and the ressie copies and she is floored. "Get out of here. We're going to see MM. I was going to surprise you Oct 30th with a trip there". We have the same B-day 6 years apart. I totally forget the call is coming. Full house sitting down for Xmas dinner and the phone rings. Caller ID says 800 something and I think who the heck is calling on Xmas. Instead of answering and giving a piece of my mind, I figure they are having a worse day than I am and let the call go to ans machine. As I walk away I hear prepare for a call from MM and realize what is going on.
Here is the photo of the reaction to the call from Micke-priceless
OK my guide is on vacation but they send me a nice hardcover book of information. I start reading it, in my spare time from reading these forums, and I am now on a mission-Convince my DW we should own.
I ask some questions related to resale and TTS. Get some response and even a pm from Tom, unsolicited, explaining the process and that the F&F promo is difficult to beat if I want SSR. The people at TTS seem like they run a great business, and thanks again to them for the info!!! I would encourage anyone thinking resale to use their services.
Two weeks before we are to go my guide calls me as she is back from vaca. and is very helpful, no pressure, and explains how it works.
One week before vacation I call her, send a deposit to reserve a 150 pt contract, still have not even seen the property. A fed ex package arrives with Temp membership cards and my wife almost has a heart attack.
The Trip
Day 1
The bags are packed, the "boys" are boarded with a friend, and we are up at 5 am to catch a 6am Logan Express-SWEEET!!!, leaving the New England winter behind.
This was taken at Logan by me holding the camera
We have a 9am nonstop and arrive at MCO. Catch the Magic Express and its on to SSR. Talk about a seamless transition, they make it easy!!!
Arrive SSR cannot get CP so end up at springs 3323- very nice room and view. I have posted those photos on the SSR lovers thread if interested.
From the other thread:
"Here are a couple of photos of the studio room we were in. It is completely staged. We had been unpacking for about 20 mins when I said OH @#$# I wanted to take some photos of the room for a trip report. My wife thinks I'm crazy, especially after the food photos to attempt a dining review. Don't look too closely you may see the sneakers and what not stuffed under the sleep sofa."
Here are a couple
One of the room
Some of the wildlife
From springs 3323 Balcony
We get settled in and I get changed. I come out of the bathroom with my swimsuit and a t-shirt on ready for the pool. My wife says the luggage isnt here yet. I know thats why I said pack your bathing suit in carry on for the first day. Needless to say I am "knowledgeable" because I read these forums. No suit for her and DD so its off to the pool for a look and no swim, maybe later in the trip!!!
Pool the day we arrived, no I am not in there.
After a spin around the property for a little while we go back to the room to get ready for our ADR at 5pm
I qualify my dining reviews with the following information. I was a career restaurant person, 15+ years, bussing to Managing, corporate to private, and a stint in formal Dining. I feel very qualified to give an honest review of all things related to dining...take it for what it's worth. As you will read it is all about the eating for me!!! I read many opinions regarding the dining plan. I feel it is a lot of food but if you like to eat and not think while you are on vacation it is a bonus. Yes I gained some weight but no more than a good Xmas or Thanksgiving season, lol. There seems to be some similarity in menus overall, but I had no problem finding unique and enjoyable selections.
We hop on the ferry and head to DTD for our dinner.
Looking back to Turf Club from DTD ferry
On the ferry
5pm dinner reservation
TS-Wolfgang Puck Cafe-DTD
Arrive at the Cafe and are greeted by a cheery hostess. She seats us at a table with a great view of a pole and the bus station with empty dirty dishes. The dining room is 3/4 empty and all of the tables along the windows are empty. I ask if we can move over one table and sit at the table with the great view of the water and SSR. No. We do not have a server for that station. Wrong answer. My server comes over and I explain the upcoming attempt at end running the hostess and ask again. No problem he says.
What a difference a table and the right server make.
Table we ended up at
I ended up giving my server an extra $12 and made sure to let the manager know we had outstanding service. Try letting a manager know some time, you will make someones day.
Food is phenomenal!!! I would go back here to eat again with no questions asked.
Flat and Focaccia bread served with olive oil to start, and believe me we were hungry. Only coffee and pretzels since 5am.
Appetizers
BBQ Chicken Quesadilla
Spicy Fried Calamari with a great garlic dipping sauce
Sorry no photos but we were into it before I remembered
Entrees
DW
Pumpkin Ravioli, Brown butter w/port wine reduction sauce-parmesan cheese and lightly fried sage garnish
Me
Grouper w/warm vegetable cous cous/ lemon beurre blanc infused with olive oil- I think
Dessert
DW
Flourless Chocolate cake with raspberry coulis and fresh berries
Me
Carrot Cake with roasted and sugared pecans
Again no photos we took them to go had to get back to the room to see the Patriots-disappointing loss. Good Luck Colts!!
Stay tuned if youre not already asleep!!!
Jim
Anyone who doesn't completely light up when they see the photo of your wife and daughter's surprise is actually a robot. How smart of you to grab the camera and snap that moment. It's priceless!
