stopher1's (it was) LIVE "Triple Whammy" Report - THV/AKV/VWL - Jan 11-22

[glennbo123]

I was sent here by my friend Glenn and I owe him BIG. This is by far one of the best DVC reports I have read. I love your photos. Having just bought at SSR last May, I am elated at the prospect of staying at the THV. I too love everything about them!!! They are SO Walt.

I am enjoying how leisurely your trip seems. I need to take a lesson from you and enjoy more outside of the parks.

I am making a print-screen of this right now....

 

[stopher1]

We checked in to Kidani tonight after a long day at the Studios. I need to transfer pics, and will hopefully do that in a little bit. The family is up in the room getting settled (kids to bed, etc), and I had to go down to the lobby for a couple of things...so I grabbed the laptop and am now sitting on the observation patio next to the lobby (not sure yet if it has a name), watching a giraffe amble by, and a Roan Antelope chew some grass. When we first got up there, there were about 8 Ankole Cattle lying down outside our room in a little circle. I can't wait for the sun to come up and be able to see more! I love savannah views!

Quickly though - today we made it for rope drop at DHS! WOW! I have NEVER, and I repeat NEVER been able to get my family to any rope drop at all! I was dumbfounded, truly. On my solo trips I've been there no problem - but my DW is NOT an early riser by any means unless there is some major reason for doing so (i.e. catching a plane or something like that). But I basically had them knowing the park hours were shorter than normal and we had to have our stuff ready to roll by 8 for the bus ride to the park. I called Bell Services at 7:30, figuring it would be about a half an hour to get over there with any other check-outs/transfers that might be happening. The guy showed up at 7:42. We were then able to walk out the door by 7:50, and were on the bus over to SSR by 7:54 (it followed us as we walked around the bend to the stop). After waiting at SSR for about 10 mins, our DHS bus showed up and we were at the park's gate by 8:35. Incredible.

As soon as we were through the turnstiles I got each of their tickets and was headed up Hollywood Blvd. to get FP's for Toy Story. I was just 3 people behind the rope. They sauntered over to Guest Services to check out the big pin book they keep there, and apparently my DD scored with a new Ariel pin. As soon as the rope was removed and the little welcoming ceremony done, I was on the way to get our FP's - along with about of 1/3 of who was there. We got 9:55 - 10:55, so it was off to ToT and RNRC until our time came up. As soon as I was out of the FP distribution line - the Standby time was up to 45 min. After we rode - we got more FP's (2:55 - 3:55) - and we returned for the 2nd go around, the Standby line was up to 110 mins. I still don't like the FP system for many reasons, but since it's there, I'm definitely going to use it, especially for things like Toy Story Midway Mania!

I'll get some photos posted soon, I hope.

 

[arthur06]

We checked in to Kidani tonight after a long day at the Studios. I need to transfer pics, and will hopefully do that in a little bit. The family is up in the room getting settled (kids to bed, etc), and I had to go down to the lobby for a couple of things...so I grabbed the laptop and am now sitting on the observation patio next to the lobby (not sure yet if it has a name), watching a giraffe amble by, and a Roan Antelope chew some grass. When we first got up there, there were about 8 Ankole Cattle lying down outside our room in a little circle. I can't wait for the sun to come up and be able to see more! I love savannah views!

Quickly though - today we made it for rope drop at DHS! WOW! I have NEVER, and I repeat NEVER been able to get my family to any rope drop at all! I was dumbfounded, truly. On my solo trips I've been there no problem - but my DW is NOT an early riser by any means unless there is some major reason for doing so (i.e. catching a plane or something like that). But I basically had them knowing the park hours were shorter than normal and we had to have our stuff ready to roll by 8 for the bus ride to the park. I called Bell Services at 7:30, figuring it would be about a half an hour to get over there with any other check-outs/transfers that might be happening. The guy showed up at 7:42. We were then able to walk out the door by 7:50, and were on the bus over to SSR by 7:54 (it followed us as we walked around the bend to the stop). After waiting at SSR for about 10 mins, our DHS bus showed up and we were at the park's gate by 8:35. Incredible.

As soon as we were through the turnstiles I got each of their tickets and was headed up Hollywood Blvd. to get FP's for Toy Story. I was just 3 people behind the rope. They sauntered over to Guest Services to check out the big pin book they keep there, and apparently my DD scored with a new Ariel pin. As soon as the rope was removed and the little welcoming ceremony done, I was on the way to get our FP's - along with about of 1/3 of who was there. We got 9:55 - 10:55, so it was off to ToT and RNRC until our time came up. As soon as I was out of the FP distribution line - the Standby time was up to 45 min. After we rode - we got more FP's (2:55 - 3:55) - and we returned for the 2nd go around, the Standby line was up to 110 mins. I still don't like the FP system for many reasons, but since it's there, I'm definitely going to use it, especially for things like Toy Story Midway Mania!

I'll get some photos posted soon, I hope.

I love TSM, but I wouldnt wait 110 minutes for it! That is crazy

 

[stopher1]

So here are just a few more of the Treehouses before I start showing anything from Kidani.

The Master bathroom - with the different tub/shower configuration

I remember thinking how strange when I first saw photos before they even opened. I wasn't exactly sure what I'd think when I saw them in person. It's still a bit strange, but certainly because of the octagonal shape, I understand them better. What really concerned me more than anything was the window in the shower/tub area... but no more. They did a terrific job with this! It really is beautiful.

Here's some detail on the second bath - I can't remember now if I posted these already or not...but I'm not going back to look - so if I did, here's a second look!

I just love the rich surfaces and variety of textures used.

Finally, here is the beautiful & unique bedspread from the bunkbeds. We really wanted to take one of these home with us! I love the treehouse image in the center, and really hope to get something like that framed one day. We have a framed piece from 2 of our home resorts now, and that would certainly make a nice addition.

 

[stopher1]

I love TSM, but I wouldnt wait 110 minutes for it! That is crazy

Me neither, but many people were! I so wish they could add in a Single Rider line like they have for TSMM out at CA Adventure at the DLR. It really does help fill in those gaps, and offers another option for those that want it.

 

[twinklebug]

I love TSM, but I wouldnt wait 110 minutes for it! That is crazy

I must be the only person I know who doesn't care for TSM - I think the waiting queue is awesome, but the ride is like a jacked up version of Teacups and ring toss combined. And I like the teacups!

I don't blame anyone for missing that line.

 

[itJeff]

Great strategy for the studios. TSM is going to be a big draw for quite a while I imagine. I can't wait to ride it!

It looks and sounds like y'all are having a great time. I like the idea of taking a picture at the same spot each trip. I wish we had started doing that on our first trip. Oh well, I guess it's not too late to start.

You 'da man on keeping up with the Live Report.... and bonus points on all the pictures.

 

[jundland]

Hey Stopher, great report so far and nice pictures too. I must say though I am waiting to see a picture of TEAL.

Keep the great updates coming.

 

[El&Asmom]

I've really enjoyed your TR. The resort specific ornaments you mentioned being discontinued. Are they the oval shaped ones that are a bone color? I have one from SSR, but wanted to get one from HH this summer when we go. I'll be bummed if they don't have them. Dh and I do the same thing when we travel. We have ornaments from pretty much everywhere we have visited.
Can't wait for your TR from Kidani. We'll be checking in there on Sunday after spending two days at CBR starting tomorrow. I'm glad the weather warmed up for us!
Enjoy the rest of your vacation.

 

[stopher1]

I've really enjoyed your TR. The resort specific ornaments you mentioned being discontinued. Are they the oval shaped ones that are a bone color? I have one from SSR, but wanted to get one from HH this summer when we go. I'll be bummed if they don't have them. Dh and I do the same thing when we travel. We have ornaments from pretty much everywhere we have visited.

Can't wait for your TR from Kidani. We'll be checking in there on Sunday after spending two days at CBR starting tomorrow. I'm glad the weather warmed up for us!
Enjoy the rest of your vacation.

Yep. I missed getting one from SSR last Oct. when we were here, so a few weeks back I called the merchandise line to see about getting one mailed to me. NO dice. I then called Days of Christmas directly, again no dice. This time while on site, I asked in person - discontinued is what 3 different CM's told me. I figured asking 1 would be iffy, 2 more probable, 3 - consistent. Ugh.

Enjoy YOUR stay too!

 

[stopher1]

Hey Stopher, great report so far and nice pictures too. I must say though I am waiting to see a picture of TEAL.

Keep the great updates coming.

I'll try. We'll be heading up that way again on Saturday afternoon. No promises though.

 

[twinklebug]

Hey Christopher, you got me on those totes... I really did believe they were THAT big! Still thinking about getting one though.

This might not be the place for it, but you mentioned with your pics (and it's in your sig) that you were a CM with Disney. What did Disney have you doing?

 

[podsnel]

Count me in as another who loves your TR! Thanks so much for sharing your vacation with us! I love your game nights- can't tell you how many rounds of apple to apples jr we have played in our house! Loveit!!

 

[franandaj]

Great TR, I'm only a few days behind you! We leave in six days, thanks so much for all the great pics. I'll be in one of those accessible units, so we'll see if we get the one close to the road or the others! We plan to make use of the grills as well.

Now you've made me even more excited about our trip!

Thanks!

 

[stopher1]

Day 4 - Thursday

Resort Transfer & Studios Day

I gave a little info above about how we began our day, now here are a few photos to go with it.

While the masses were heading towards Pixar Place for the first rides / FP's of the day at TSMM - I was tickled to see 3 or 4 Green Army Men pop up and throw out commands to the crowds. They were pretty fun.

The guys went on ToT

I just love this kind of attention to detail - this nightlight in "Andy's room" at TSMM was such a kick

The Chinese Theatre & The Great Movie Ride

Our lunchtime destination. Not fabulous, but not bad either. While looking at my order of Fish & Chips when I sat down, I thought 3 pieces of fish would not be enough - I was wrong. I was quite full & satisfied upon finishing my meal and didn't need dessert. Thank goodness we're not using the DDP this trip (we were going to, but opted to go the TIW route instead a couple of weeks ago). I'm happy to not have dessert every meal!

While I truly do love the original version, I can't wait for 2011 and ST2.0! (I do hope, though, that somehow, perhaps one of the screens could still show the original - probably a pipedream, but hey, I can dream can't I?

At least half of the Streets of America are still covered in the Osborne Lights

Once again, Lights, Motors, Action! was quite enjoyable. Indiana Jones was closed today (a great BIG bummer for all 3 kids and the grandparents) - so we enjoyed the cars instead.

My DD was excited to be able to meet Russell & Mr. Fredrickson today! She just adores UP. I think it's pretty cool too.

For dinner tonight we ate at

We arrived a bit early for our ADR, so we got to wait in the "living room".

It was a lot of fun. We haven't been there as a family in years. I've eaten there once or twice on solo trips, but it's been a while. It was every bit as fun as I remembered. The food was ok - the answers varied around the table, but overall quite enjoyable. I had Dad's Meatloaf that came with mashed potatoes and green beans, but I got corn instead. It was the mashed potatoes that bothered me the most - they were covered in brown gravy, from the pot roast that my wife ordered probably, and I just don't like brown gravy - so that kind of made me downgrade my final answer to ok. My folks really liked the comfort selections on the menu. Our server said we could only order dessert if we ate all our veggies. 6 out of the 7 of us all got "Clean Plate Club" stickers. (My DD didn't finish her meal, simply because it was way too much food for her litle tummy. Her meal included an appetizer, entree and dessert. The chicken soup alone did her in before she ever started in on the actual meal. But the server relented and gave her a sticker anyway since she's so cute, or so she said). We all had dessert - but that will be our only ordered dessert - any other desserts will only be if they are part of the buffet selection at the buffet meals we partake of. We have 5 more table service meals planned while my folks are here, and then 2 more after they leave and we move over to the VWL.

I got "in trouble" from our server by having my elbows on the table, after being told numerous times while she was taking our order not to do so - and so she went and made this little hat for me out of a napkin. It was pretty funny.

I loved it. It was hysterical. Others in the room were made to stand up and lead their table in singing "I'm a Little Teapot", or were publically "shamed" for their own indiscretion. Finally - my own son got called out as well - so we had to take this duo picture...since after all, we are, like father, like son here!

Here's another traditional photo spot for our kids

And finally a parting shot

Tomorrow will be Animal Kingdom day. Our dining selections are Yak & Yeti, followed by Boma for dinner. The park closes at 5, dinner at 5:45, and it's supposed to be up to about 72 tomorrow... perhaps we'll be able to check out Samawati Springs & Uwanja Camp tomorrow evening... we'll see. Today it was around 65 or more, though for a while it felt even warmer than that. Stay tuned.

 

[stopher1]

Hey Christopher, you got me on those totes... I really did believe they were THAT big! Still thinking about getting one though.

This might not be the place for it, but you mentioned with your pics (and it's in your sig) that you were a CM with Disney. What did Disney have you doing?

Sorry about that! But I am glad it got cleared up. I'd hate to be the one to get you to sign up only be to be disappointed later on! I really do love ours though.

I worked at Disneyland in high school and college. I was in Fantasyland Foods, working primarily at the old Carnation Plaza Gardens at the tip of Main Street, in the hub, right next to the Castle. It wasn't what I wanted, but that's where they wanted me.

 

[stopher1]

Great TR, I'm only a few days behind you! We leave in six days, thanks so much for all the great pics. I'll be in one of those accessible units, so we'll see if we get the one close to the road or the others! We plan to make use of the grills as well.

Now you've made me even more excited about our trip!

Thanks!

I hope you enjoy your stay too! I love AKV - but really wanted to stay longer in the trees. Oh well, there will be more stays in the future as the THV's are now my DW's 2nd favorite.

 

[kdzgon]

Yep. I missed getting one from SSR last Oct. when we were here, so a few weeks back I called the merchandise line to see about getting one mailed to me. NO dice. I then called Days of Christmas directly, again no dice. This time while on site, I asked in person - discontinued is what 3 different CM's told me. I figured asking 1 would be iffy, 2 more probable, 3 - consistent. Ugh.

Enjoy YOUR stay too!

If you are having no success on site, you might want to try the outlet store. I seem to recall seeing some there a couple of weeks ago, though I do not remember which resorts.

 

[christa112]

Yet another great report. Love the pics!!! Especially the Up characters. I cant wait to see them. I love the cane with the tennis balls on them!!!!

 

[stopher1]

I'm wondering if the weather hasn't contributed to the delay in removing all the holiday decorations. Much of the removal takes place over night and the temperatures have been pretty uncomfortable for the average Floridian - perhaps the cold affects the whole process or maybe they were just sympathetic to the people that would need to be out in the frigid weather for a task that was not absolutely time sensitive?

I'm sure that's a lot of it. It was pretty chilly the first night we were here, and that was certainly warmer than the worst of it last week. The workers here certainly aren't used to it.

Great pictures! I LOVE pictures of details like light fixtures. I'm glad I'm not the only one that does that.

Yes, I am a detail guy. Sometimes it drives my DW crazy, but hey, I don't care. That's just who I am. I've got tons of pics of little details. I've already started amassing more here in Kidani, too.

Awesome pictures! I like how you take us around the place with the pictures and then describe what you see and getting your take on stuff. It's nice to have a seasoned traveler's input

Everyone looks like they're having a blast! Hope the weather warms up enough to get in the pool at least once this trip

I need a better camera, but thanks.

The weather is definitely warming up. Thankfully not spring or summer warm, but warm. We'll be in the pool sometime soon no doubt.

I was sent here by my friend Glenn and I owe him BIG. This is by far one of the best DVC reports I have read. I love your photos. Having just bought at SSR last May, I am elated at the prospect of staying at the THV. I too love everything about them!!! They are SO Walt.

I am enjoying how leisurely your trip seems. I need to take a lesson from you and enjoy more outside of the parks.

Well thank you. I do tend to get overly chatty when it comes to talking about my experiences at WDW & DL, and my overall love of most all things Disney. Sometimes it drives my DW nuts, so this is a great outlet...I can share with others who don't get as bothered by it as she does!

We tried really hard to plan out a trip that was a healthy mix of both - go go and relax relax. Today is AK day, but I'm pretty sure there will be more relaxing as well. Even this morning we've been slower in getting ready... of course knowing that there's just a 5 min bus ride to AK helps too!