The Darling Family June Beach Club Trip:Hugging Ewoks and Finding Peter Pan

[Villainess]

Great update - I'm looking forward to staying at BWV in a few weeks and being able to walk to DHS and Epcot!

 

[Disneyvirg]

"Borocco" - very funny!

Paris, France, then Paris, WDW? What a lucky lady you are! So, which did you prefer? It's been ages since I did the France version. I think I prefer WDW! I did love the French countryside and the chateaus. Paris just didn't do it for me like I would have thought - maybe my expectations were too high.

Beach Club's location and Stormalong Bay - sounds like the perfect spot for a family! No wonder thos BCV DVC are harder to come by!

 

[hhockman]

Hi Jenny! I finally made it over here (actually I've been here for 2 or 3 days, but I had to read through the whole TR).

Loved every minute of it so far. Your family is adorable and your boys remind me so much of mine (which are the same ages 7 and 4). My DS7 is my timid one and my DS4 is the crazy one. They both are completely obsessed with SW too (remember our conversation on Lisa's TR-which is why I came over in the first place). I guess I'll be making them shirts (even though I can't TELL you how many SW shirts we already have). I just hope they both get picked. Cole (Will's friend that's coming with us) doesn't care for SW near as much as my boys, but would still probably like to be picked...and I kind of doubt they'll pick all three of them...so I see a couple of Jedi Training Acadmeny sessions in our future.

Beach Club is my absolute FAVORITE resort (even though we've never stayed there. It stems from my original love of Yacht Club-where I stayed a whole 1 night-and the tour I took of BC during the 4 months I actually worked for Disney). If we ever get to where we can afford it, we are SO there.

We are also doing a photo shoot at Beach Club (hopefully). I prebought the CD (who wouldn't?) and my dad wants a family picture to give my grandma for Christmas. Since we will all be there, it seemed like a no brainer. I don't know how the Photog is going to feel about there being 15 of us though. I've already called and asked and they said it doesn't matter how many people, but we only get our 30 minutes. So we'll probably have almost all of the shots in the same place. I'm coming with a list because there are so many different groupings we want. I can't wait, though. DH and my boys and I did it last time at the Grand Floridian (for free!) and we got some great pictures (you didn't get prints when it was free, or a cd, just the pics on your photopass, but it was still AWESOME). We wore the white and khaki then, and I think we will be again. It's just the easiest thing to do. Do you happen to know if I can make the ressies when I'm 30 days out from my trip, or do I have to wait until 30 days from the day we want to have the session done? We really need to do it that day, as it's the only day that set of grandparents will be there (the other set will be there too, but are staying longer). If not, I'll try to find the thread. Thanks!

We've only be to SWW once and it was when we were there for DS4's 1st birthday. Even DS7 wasn't really into SW then, so I'd really like to go again. We're supposed to be meeting some friends next June for birthdays (they all have kids born the same month as DS4, so we're celebrating all the kids' 5th birthdays) and I'm hoping to work a SWW into that too (right now I'm thinking June 8th-15th. The last SWW is that weekend, I think. DS4's birthday is the 9th, but it depends on what my friends can do...and DS7's baseball).

Anyway, there's so much more I could comment on (don't worry, you are not the ONLY PP obsessed person!), but I don't want to hijack your TR. I'll be reading though!

 

[Dizneydaz]

More great updates!

Wendy sounds like a sweetheart! You are very lucky!

Back to your comment few pages back, the Jedi stage at DLR is the Tomorrowland stage that usually has a band on it and the stages rises up from the underground. Pretty impressive when Darth and DM arrive but I like the background of the one at DHS better. Just don't know if I can talk DD10 into trying for Jedi in Sept.

I too would like to know more about KP Mission. I can probably get DD to do it this year but I know I could have for sure 2 years ago.

 

[dismagiclover]

Great update, must be so cool to be able to walk 5mins to Epcot (I love the WS and it is one of my fav parks to visit on the second day, MK is first).

I so want to try Kim Possible mission when we go, how long does it usually last for?

Thanx for the info about FP's forgot whether you could get more than one at a time. I'll bet RnR and ToT is quiet what with the crazy crowd at TSM. Wonder if you ever get surprise FP's for TSM (we got one last year for PhilharMagic).

I think they say the KP mission should last 45 minutes, but it never took us that long. It seemed like each one took around 20-30 minutes. They really do add a little fun factor to the WS. I think it's a great addition

Great update - I'm looking forward to staying at BWV in a few weeks and being able to walk to DHS and Epcot!

BWV is in an awesome location. Your walk to Epcot may be a little longer, but the walk to DHS is just a hop, skip, and a jump. That is going to be awesome for you! Can't wait to hear about it!

"Borocco" - very funny!

Paris, France, then Paris, WDW? What a lucky lady you are! So, which did you prefer? It's been ages since I did the France version. I think I prefer WDW! I did love the French countryside and the chateaus. Paris just didn't do it for me like I would have thought - maybe my expectations were too high.

Beach Club's location and Stormalong Bay - sounds like the perfect spot for a family! No wonder thos BCV DVC are harder to come by!

Wendy still keeps calling it Borocco Now I think she just does it so she can get me to roll my eyes I have been really lucky with traveling this year. It was just me and my mom that spend a week in Paris and we had a great time together. We went out of Paris for a couple of days, but we spent most of our time right in Paris. Which do I like better, the France version or the WDW version. Shhhh don't tell DH but probably the WDW version We dropped into Disneyland Paris for a day too. That is a beautiful park. The Fantasyland there is just incredibe

More great updates!

Wendy sounds like a sweetheart! You are very lucky!

Back to your comment few pages back, the Jedi stage at DLR is the Tomorrowland stage that usually has a band on it and the stages rises up from the underground. Pretty impressive when Darth and DM arrive but I like the background of the one at DHS better. Just don't know if I can talk DD10 into trying for Jedi in Sept.

I too would like to know more about KP Mission. I can probably get DD to do it this year but I know I could have for sure 2 years ago.

Oooh that sounds cool to watch Darth Vader and DM rise up for the floor They only have DM in Florida during SWW. I wonder why I think your DD would really like Kim Possible. It isn't like the clues are babyish at all. You have to pick up a fastpass from one of the kiosk scattered around the parks. There are kiosks in Innoventions, right before you leave Future World, at the International Gateway and then in some different countries (Italy and Norway for sure). The fastpass gives you a time you can go back to pick up the Kimmunicators (it's a cell phone). I think they try to regulate the times so you don't have too many people doing the missions in each country at one time. After you finish one country you can either elect to do another one or put your phone in the deposit box. Just don't do it when it's too hot because most of the mission is outside

 

[dismagiclover]

Hi Jenny! I finally made it over here (actually I've been here for 2 or 3 days, but I had to read through the whole TR).

Anyway, there's so much more I could comment on (don't worry, you are not the ONLY PP obsessed person!), but I don't want to hijack your TR. I'll be reading though!

I cut out some of your post so that this post didn't turn into a book. That's funny that your oldest boy is the more timid one and your youngest is the daredevil too! Sometimes I wonder if it has something to do with how we parented or if that is just the way they came Probably a little bit of both. Anyway, I really hope the boys get picked. I'm going to check out your PTR. Post the pictures of your shirts when you get them made. Beach Club is my favorite resort too Though we've only stayed at 2. I just can't imagine anything topping that pool and the location And you worked at Disney for 4 months I'm jealous! I'm pretty sure you have to wait until 30 days out from the day to make your resort photo shoot appointment. If I'm remembering correctly I called 30 days out from my arrival and they told me to call back. I really don't see you having any trouble getting an appointment though. I could pretty much do it whenever I wanted when I called at 30 days. I don't think many people know about it. Most of the people that do it schedule it once they arrive and see it is an option. I recommend doing it as early as you can so that the sun isn't too bright. And tell them you want to go down to the beach. I think those are the best backgrounds. And I totally recommend SWW. It was crowded but it was the highlight of the entire trip for all 3 of my boys. Your boys will be the absolute perfect age for it. I'm going to head over to check out your report now

 

[hhockman]

I remembered something else we have in common (wait till you see my PTR, I can TALK) while I was getting the boys from school today. We were listening to the HSM3 soundtrack in the car. I have a slight (or not so slight) crush on Troy Bolton (and his alter ego) too.

 

[luvdumbo]

I love rope dropat Mk we always get alot done in a little time!

 

[luvdumbo]

I love rope drop at Mk we always get alot done in a little time!

 

[cjackearl]

I love your ping-pong story. How sweet that a random stranger wanted to help your boys learn.

We had a meal in Borocco also and liked it pretty well. The pavillion is so beautiful with all of the tile work.

Sounds like you had a very nice evening.

 

[Angies1274]

It sounds like you had a fun afternoon!! That's so great that someone offered to step in and help the boys understand the game.

That's too funny about "Borocco"!!! It's always nice to try out someplace new!--and even better when your kids proclaim to love it!!

After reading about all the fun your kids keep having with Kim Possible, we are definitely going to have to give it a try!!

Looking forward to MK.....

 

[dismagiclover]

I remembered something else we have in common (wait till you see my PTR, I can TALK) while I was getting the boys from school today. We were listening to the HSM3 soundtrack in the car. I have a slight (or not so slight) crush on Troy Bolton (and his alter ego) too.

What I'm about to post could be potentially embarrassing. It's a couple of little things I've picked up. I could tell you they belong to my daughter, but who would I be kidding. Anyway, I hope all you readers don't think any less of me

I love rope dropat Mk we always get alot done in a little time!

I agree. It's always amazing how much you can get done in that first hour. You'll see we weren't quite as productive as usual today. Wendy and I were on a different mission this morning.

I love your ping-pong story. How sweet that a random stranger wanted to help your boys learn.

We had a meal in Borocco also and liked it pretty well. The pavillion is so beautiful with all of the tile work.

Sounds like you had a very nice evening.

It was really nice of the gentlemen to help the boys. And now John tells me, "I'm not very good at normal tennis, but I'm great at table tennis." So it must have worked The Morocco pavillion is one of my favorites. It has so many beautiful details. The CS was great too. I'd like to try the TS there someday.

It sounds like you had a fun afternoon!! That's so great that someone offered to step in and help the boys understand the game.

That's too funny about "Borocco"!!! It's always nice to try out someplace new!--and even better when your kids proclaim to love it!!

After reading about all the fun your kids keep having with Kim Possible, we are definitely going to have to give it a try!!

Looking forward to MK.....

My kids are going to think deep fried chicken is the meal of choice all over the world Plus I can just see Wendy getting so used to calling it Borocco that she puts it down on an 8th grade geography test You should give Kim Possible a try. Though I've read some reviews here on the boards that weren't that impressed with it. Definitely something you should try and decide if it's for you.

 

[dismagiclover]

(This is another update really short on pictures. Sorry)
It was another beautiful morning as we headed out to the Magic Kingdom bus stop. The bus stop was pretty full. Full enough that it was questionable whether everyone would get on the bus as it pulled up. People began filing on and by the time we made it on all the seats were full and there were some people standing. Now I’m not one to usually complain about people’s behavior, but I’d say some of the people on this bus were a bit clueless. I’m going to chalk it up to not riding public transportation very often. However, if you are standing on a bus the polite thing to do is to move to the back so that as many people can get on as possible. So I herd my clan to the back of the bus. This is when I noticed the thing I am going to complain about. The family behind us did not only not go to the back of the bus, the mother told her two daughters to plop themselves down on the stairs leading to the back of the bus. Consequently, no one else could get to the back of the bus either. This wouldn’t have been a big deal except not everyone at the bus stop got on the bus and the bus pulled away with almost half of the standing room empty. As I said, I like to think the people were just clueless. DH said they weren’t clueless. They just believe the world revolves around them.
Anyway, just remember to please move to the back of the bus (or at the very least do not block the stairway leading to the back of the bus.)
I quickly forgot this annoying episode as we arrived at the Magic Kingdom (Oh that beautiful place.) There is nothing like a Magic Kingdom rope drop. I love watching that opening show knowing that you have a Magic Kingdom morning awaiting. So after going thru the turnstiles we lined up on the left side and I took a look at Wendy. Her hair was bit of a mess. I guess I should have taken a good look earlier. We headed into the shop right there, but no hairpieces to be found. Oh dear. I told her we would hunt some up later. We settled in for the 20 minute wait until open.

The opening show began and though I have no pictures, I loved it. At least once every trip I have to see this. It is just the perfect way to start the day! The show finished up, the rope dropped and the race began. Where were we headed today? To Adventureland of course. We were going to do another family first. We were all going to ride Big Thunder Mountain together. We were stopped again at the entrance to Adventureland where we waited for another rope drop. After this rope drop the dash was on! Most of the crowd was headed to Splash so we pretty much just walked onto Big Thunder. This was good because the kids were nervous and the less time they had to think about it the better. Wendy especially wasn’t too trusting of our judgment after Splash Mountain. Before we knew it we were riding a runaway train through the canyons of the West! What was the verdict here? Three enthusiastic thumbs up! Woo hoo. We scored a hit with this one. Our judgment was redeemed! However, when we got off DH asked if anyone wanted to go again. Wendy and John politely declined. Michael said, “Oh no. I’ve already had too much fun.” So we only did it one time this trip, but next time we’ll have no trouble getting them on it.

DH also tried to talk anyone into Splash Mountain as we walked by, but no luck with that either. So we headed over to Fantasyland. Who did we run into on our way? Why it was our old friends, the Disney’s! (Remember them from day 5?) We were planning on meeting up for lunch (after we all finished our commando time.) They were on their way to Big Thunder, but we agreed to come to lunch with Peter Pan fastpasses in hand. We said goodbye until later. Wendy and I were on a mission. If you remember way back to Day 3, a CM had recommended we be at Toontown by 9:30 if we wanted to see the fairies with no wait. So we were headed off to Pixie Hollow and left the boys to their own devices. The boys had lots of fun on their own. After picking up the Peter Pan fastpasses, they took the ride to Neverland and then took a quick spin on the Carousel. Michael was itching to get back on Goofy’s Barnstormer so they headed to Toontown and rode. And then they rode again. And again. And again. Michael loved the ride and John loved it too. In fact DH said, “I have never seen John have so much fun on a ride.” He does have a little thrill lovin’ in him. (At least for little thrills.)

Meanwhile, before Wendy and I could head over to Pixie Hollow we had to do something about the hair situation. We headed into Tinkerbells Treasures and found the perfect solution.

It says Magic on it. Kinda cute

Then we headed over to Toontown to wait for another rope drop (this is the third of the morning.) We were there early enough there were only a few groups in front of us as we waited. Quite a crowd built up after us. The CM’s came out and asked about everyone’s destination. Of course it was the fairies. Except for Wendy. She told me her destination was the drinking fountain. I’d mistakenly left the water bottles with Michael and the stroller and Wendy was thirsty. I pointed at the large crowd behind us and explained that if she went out of her way to the drinking fountain we would be passed by hundreds of people. She was not very happy with me, but I told her the choice was hers. What would she do? Would my plans be foiled? Would we end up with a 60 minute wait for the Fairies after all?

 

[letstalkboutdisney]

What I'm about to post could be potentially embarrassing. It's a couple of little things I've picked up. I could tell you they belong to my daughter, but who would I be kidding. Anyway, I hope all you readers don't think any less of me


He is really cute isn't he! How could you not like looking at that face!

I think you and Wendy waited in line to see the faires.

 

[Stefy]

I think you stayed in line because there weren't many people in front of you

 

[Happy Elf]

Glad the kids liked BTMRR. We missed that one and I think Hannah would have loved it. She is quite the roller coaster dare devil!

Can't wait to see if you met the fairies!

 

[bballbabe]

If I had been in line with my 2 girls, I would have told them to "suck it up you can get a drink when we are done. Mommy wants to see the fairies!" Actually I probably would have phoned my husband and told him to bring the water bottles over to me.

 

[cjackearl]

Cute hair tie! I bet you get to meet those fairies.

Amelia came off a couple of rides like your kids, yes I liked it, no, I don't want to ride again!

 

[jenjolt]

Awww...I really enjoy MK rope drop too!!!! It's just a great way to start your day!!

So glad your entire family enjoyed BTMRR...that's a great ride!!!

I really hope Wendy decided to wait it out and get to those fairies...that wait can be a killer if you aren't one of the first ones there!!!

 

[Angies1274]

We love being at MK for rope drop!! We were very sad that we missed the opening show this year because we loved it so much last year!! I agree--it definitely is the perfect way to start the day!!!

YAY! I'm glad everyone enjoyed BTMR!! It's such a fun ride!! We managed to ride it 4x in April. I'm sure if it was up to the boys, we would have rode it more but we had to set some sort of limit, if we wanted to see anything else.

Love the hair tie--so cute!!! Hmm.... I'm guessing that you stayed in line for the fairies.