The Ingredients for Pixie Dust, a June 2010 TR - 10/2 DIsney Halloween PTR started!

[2xcited2sleep]

Hurrah! We're at the Beach Club!! What a view from your lounge. Awesome! Isn't it great to be able to do laundry while on vacation? Seems silly to say but makes a difference to me so can only imagine with two boys that you'd appreciate it!

I SO love the Beach Club. But I do wish they'd rehab the villas along the same lines that they've rehabbed the hotel rooms.

Oooh... can't wait to hear what you think of BlueZoo...

 

[Lady Lallie]

Stormalong Bay just looks so relaxing and inviting. I want to be there....right NOW.

I'm really apprehensive about Expedition Everest. Marc really wants me to go on it with him at least once but I'm scared out of my mind. I'm just not a thrill seeker.

 

[Happydog]

So.... once back upstairs, we both hopped in the shower, the boys got cleaned up too, and we took the kids to the kids club.

I have to say Disney is our great family vacation. But, it also permits us to have a dinner or drinks, alone, without us feeling guilty about leaving the kids... frankly, I think the Kids Club rates quite high in their book! Dinner is included in the Kids club, in case you didn’t know that, so for the rate, it is pretty reasonable. With two kids it still isn’t a bank breaker. They charge $11 an hour, for each, so we did 2.5 hours. It was $55.00 for the two of them.. Not cheap, but I still think it is a great deal especially if dinner is included! The meal choices are pretty standard QS fare, and really it is a couple CMs who do activities, let them play games, whatever. Great attention, one on one time -- they don't just sit there, and my kids have been three times to three different locations and loved it! They allow you to order dinner for service between 6pm and 8pm, so there is flexibility there, which is nice. My son had reported that they pretty much expected him to eat dinner, as in, no Wii until you eat!!! , so that makes me feel that they are attentive and will do what you ask!

So anyhow, we dropped them off, and headed out of the resort for a quick stroll over to the Dolphin. It was a hot evening, but the sun was low, and so it was nice to be out and walking at this point. We had a reservation at 8pm. If you go the kids club route some time, do pick a restaurant close in, so you don't pay for the time it takes you to get there... Last summer we booked the kids club at the Poly, and rode the monorail over to Cali Grill. That works too.

So HOW about that BLUE ZOO ?????

Well first let me simply say I wasn’t going to be taking photos inside this place. It was a dimly lit environment and that flash would have been WAY obvious!! Not to say what my DH would have done to me!! So I can’t share any pictures, really, but I will tell you to visit the WEBSITE!!!

Check it out! Here are a few photos I can share, courtesy of others, but the restaurant site is cool! This just gives you a taste of the theming, this first picture is misleading b/c it was very dim inside... maybe this was taken earlier... looking at the windows I see more light... but there were the LED candles on each table, and the high ceilings, plus the fabric on the walls, etc, muffles noise... and the music gives great ambiance..

A close-up of the light fixtures.... Here I think you can really get a sense of the lighting and the feel of the restaurant in the evening...

I had read a lot about this place. We decided against it for Christmas dinner b/c we of course wanted a kid friendly place, so I knew that this summer it was going to be our date night spot.

From the beginning, we had already decided that we were not going to have a full blown dinner here. We just wanted to sample some starters and drinks. We had a QS meal late in the afternoon knowing that this was the case, so we could get along with something light and have a couple rounds of drinks.

Let me say, if you find yourself with time for a before or after dinner drink, or two, go to the Blue Zoo. Go here, go here, go here! You won't be disappointed!! You can sit at the bar, I think walk ins are easy to get, generally, and it is SO worth it.

I cannot remember for the life of me what we both ordered from the cocktail menu, but I know DH had an Orange theme going on in both drinks… something of a margarita I think, was the first one, with a cinnamon and sugar rimmed glass… and the second was something that had “burnt” orange or caramelized orange, and tasted like a creamsicle. It was AMAZING. I had a mojito of some kind (it sounded great and it was great) and then the Zooberry martini, which was delightful... that second round was really practically dessert! Their bread basket was amazing too!!!! I know that sounds silly but there were four different types of bread, each unique, and we really enjoyed the raw seafood appetizer platter we ordered (it is meant to be shared) and we ordered a salad that had endive and such… we had just exactly what we wanted for the evening, something light, and each others company in a very low key, nice adult meal place!! We had a perfect corner booth so we could see throughout the restaurant, the décor is just whimsical and striking. We even saw the glow from Illuminations through the window, when the fireworks were going off! But the whole vibe is just too cool!!!

I have recently read that there is two hours of complimentary kids care at the Dolphin club or something like that. One kid per adult entrée… NOT sure if this is true, or what the fine print entails (like if you have to be staying AT the Dolphin, etc.) but if it is true, dining here is a no brainer! Not sure what is involved but I am curious…

So that was the evening. We picked up the guys, they were happily playing, and had made us “sand filled key chains” – too cute! And with our family back together again, we headed upstairs for bed! We were on our way to the Magic Kingdom for the day! I was really looking forward to being there for the opening show!!!


DAY SEVEN – Arrival day at Beach Club!! Animal Kingdom morning and SAB afternoon! Blue Zoo dinner!

1. Check out from BLT, and QS breakfast at Contempo Cafe (DDP for all four of us) -- they have great QS breakfasts, btw!!! Breakfast burritos!!! Quite tasty!!
2.A wonderful late morning arrival at the Animal Kingdom catching up where we left off the day before!
2. QS Lunch at Flame Tree BBQ (DDP) Ribs and Chicken... and Mousse... YUMMMM.... (just two meals -- we all split it).
3. Check in made easy at the Beach Club!! great room!
4. Fabulouse afternoon at SAB, and another QS meal at Hurricane Hannah's!!! (DDP for all of us) and Gelato for all!
5. Kids Club and Date night at Blue Zoo... Perfect. Not much more to say!!

HIGHLIGHT: Getting to the beach club and kicking it at the pool! and of course dinner...

CHALLENGE: having to do laundry... HA! But at least we had the machines in the villa!!


Stay tuned for a great day at the Magic Kingdom…

 

[Happydog]

Hurrah! We're at the Beach Club!! What a view from your lounge. Awesome! Isn't it great to be able to do laundry while on vacation? Seems silly to say but makes a difference to me so can only imagine with two boys that you'd appreciate it!

I SO love the Beach Club. But I do wish they'd rehab the villas along the same lines that they've rehabbed the hotel rooms.

Oooh... can't wait to hear what you think of BlueZoo...

Oh yes, definitely!!!! I did a load of laundry every day!!!! I loved it!

It is really pretty. I am sure they are moving into the villas next. Based on the Boardwalk villas getting done. that would make sense. they do need it I agree. BUT it is still the beach club

Blue Zoo =

Stormalong Bay just looks so relaxing and inviting. I want to be there....right NOW.

I'm really apprehensive about Expedition Everest. Marc really wants me to go on it with him at least once but I'm scared out of my mind. I'm just not a thrill seeker.

Oh you and me both!!!! EE is crazy. But if you do okay on roller coasters you should be fine. I don't know what your tolerence level is. I think it is a bit rough. BUT I am not an expert. I don't mind riding it, once a trip. But that is it.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

So glad to hear that you guys enjoyed date night there. I've heard that their flatbreads are really yummy too. I'm planning on trying the spa over there so maybe I will pop in for a cocktail and snack afterward.

If the Dolphin really offers "free" childcare for each adult entree purchased they really need to advertise that more!!! I have heard great things about a few of the restaurants over there. Blue Zoo, Fountain (which I think is supposed to be akin to Beaches 'N Cream) and Il Mulino (Italian) but I think they are often forgotten by most WDW visitors. But I suppose there is no harm in keeping good places secret amongst us DIS'ers...

 

[Happydog]

So glad to hear that you guys enjoyed date night there. I've heard that their flatbreads are really yummy too. I'm planning on trying the spa over there so maybe I will pop in for a cocktail and snack afterward.

If the Dolphin really offers "free" childcare for each adult entree purchased they really need to advertise that more!!! I have heard great things about a few of the restaurants over there. Blue Zoo, Fountain (which I think is supposed to be akin to Beaches 'N Cream) and Il Mulino (Italian) but I think they are often forgotten by most WDW visitors. But I suppose there is no harm in keeping good places secret amongst us DIS'ers...

I think so!! Il Mulino looked good too, I agree! I read that bit about the comp child care and valet parking on another site.. I will go back to look for it, but it really struck me as a good move for business, b/c besides large #s of convention folk, pretty much everyone else has their kids with the... it may only be for those staying there... which may keep it limited, but I would take advantage of it, for certain! Everything on the menu looked fabulous. We are going for dinner during our short stay after Thanksgiving. Already made reservations!!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

We are going for dinner during our short stay after Thanksgiving. Already made reservations!!!

Awesome! Are you SURE you don't want to make a quick Food and Wine visit??? A quick solo trip perhaps? Not that I wouldn't love to hang with all three of your boys as well.

No pressure and certainly no enabling going on here...

 

[jenjolt]

WOOT for arriving at the Beach Club!! Those villas are gorgeous!!!! And I have to tell you Stormalong Bay is the coolest pool ever!!! I really enjoyed the time I was able to spend in there at May!! The boys look like they were having a blast playing in the pool!!!!

Oh and yay for laundry!! I love being able to do laundry!!

Hmmm...the Blue Zoo sounds awesome! I will have to try that some day!! Sounds like a great time!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Hurray for reaching the Beach Club! What a perfect way to spend the afternoon (after getting the laundry started ) -- just relaxing at Stormalong Bay! I am with LL -- I want to be there right now!

Blue Zoo and your date night sound just heavenly!!!

I want to see the keychains your boys made.

 

[Happydog]

Awesome! Are you SURE you don't want to make a quick Food and Wine visit??? A quick solo trip perhaps? Not that I wouldn't love to hang with all three of your boys as well.

No pressure and certainly no enabling going on here...

You totally know I would if I could!!!! It isn't a matter of WANT, it is a matter of a timing!!! If I can squeeze anything in, it may just MAY be at Memorial day weekend... that is a huge MAYBE, but with the other fall travel we have scheduled, I know DH would laugh me right out of the house!! So I know we will be there after Thanksgiving for a few days, and he decided that we are going down over President's day, too... that Sat before the cruise which leaves on a Sunday... He says we need to be there a day before the cruise departs and we can take advantage of the shuttle... so....

 

[Happydog]

WOOT for arriving at the Beach Club!! Those villas are gorgeous!!!! And I have to tell you Stormalong Bay is the coolest pool ever!!! I really enjoyed the time I was able to spend in there at May!! The boys look like they were having a blast playing in the pool!!!!

Oh I got some great photos of SAB coming, don't worry! This was just a taste! It is the coolest pool ever, I agree... Though I do really like the CBR pool, BLT, and AK pools as well... Gee, I don't know if I have met a Disney poothat I didn't like!!!

Oh and yay for laundry!! I love being able to do laundry!!

Hmmm...the Blue Zoo sounds awesome! I will have to try that some day!! Sounds like a great time!

YES laundry a MUST The Blue Zoo is definitely worth checking out!!

Hurray for reaching the Beach Club! What a perfect way to spend the afternoon (after getting the laundry started ) -- just relaxing at Stormalong Bay! I am with LL -- I want to be there right now!

Well that would make all of us I think!!!! So lets go!

Blue Zoo and your date night sound just heavenly!!!

I want to see the keychains your boys made.

It was very nice, we are so glad we went, and YES, I have photos, but they are with my souvie pics!!! SO I will post them for you, I promise!! They are these little plastic containers filled with sand


DS5 made them for us. He was so proud of himself!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Well that would make all of us I think!!!! So lets go!

I think there is going to HAVE to be a Beach Club visit somewhere in my future!

It was very nice, we are so glad we went, and YES, I have photos, but they are with my souvie pics!!! SO I will post them for you, I promise!! They are these little plastic containers filled with sand

DS5 made them for us. He was so proud of himself!

So cute!!! Did you put them on your keychain?

 

[Happydog]

I think there is going to HAVE to be a Beach Club visit somewhere in my future!



So cute!!! Did you put them on your keychain?

Yes, definitely!!!!

No, I didn't, I had visions of sand pouring out everywhere!!! in my purse, the car, etc.... they are on the mantle in our sunroom.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Yes, definitely!!!!

No, I didn't, I had visions of sand pouring out everywhere!!! in my purse, the car, etc.... they are on the mantle in our sunroom.

Good thinking!

 

[stace208]

What a great afternoon!
Thanks for the review of the kids club. My kids are actually asking to go when we are there at Christmas. Since dinner is included maybe I should consider it and DH and I can enjoy a little alone time...Off to check the schedule!

 

[Happydog]

What a great afternoon!
Thanks for the review of the kids club. My kids are actually asking to go when we are there at Christmas. Since dinner is included maybe I should consider it and DH and I can enjoy a little alone time...Off to check the schedule!

It is a great set up! Check it out!

 

[eandesmom]

what a perfect afternoon and evening! It has me wondering about sand toys for Eric. I can't see there being room to pack them but don't want to buy them either.

Blue Zoo sounds PERFECT! I miss the days when we could just check the kids in. The teens (and maybe not the tween) would never go for it and we have such limited time with them anyway, we can't do it and feel good about it. When the in-laws were at Disney for the full trip it would have worked but with the shortened time, we just don't feel good about it.

I do think though that we will have to sneak over there for a drink though, maybe after we toss some little ones in bed.

 

[dddisrunner]

I am SO FAR behind!! First I have to say, I about DIED when I read about the pizza FART...I can SO appreciate this whole line of comedy...living in my house with all these boys! I LOVED all of your updates, from the dinner at Cali Grill to the fireworks and your Yak and yeti view and your second day at AK and how absolutely soaking wet the boys were! To the Blue Zoo and how beautiful it is! Looking forward to more!


Oooh, how coll that you get a surprise trip to WDW because of work, you have to be so excited!!!

 

[*dreamit*doit*]

Hi! I know I'm totally late but I just realized that you had a TR. I followed you here from MeMom's & CP's.

Our trips overlapped last month, we were there June 20th-July 1st; I'm curious to see if we're in any of your pics.

Also, I think it was you that wrote on Jackie's PTR that you had the MSEP as your ringtone? How did you do that? I was trying to do that myself.

Okay, going back to catch up now!

 

[disney<333]

What a great day! I LOVED staying at BC! DH and I've ate at Blue Zoo twice and enjoyed both meals. Just to let you know for next time, the Dolphin has a kids care, too. It includes activities, dinner, and dessert. The first two hours are free for two kids if you eat at one of the TS at the Swan or Dolphin and show your receipt.