The Magic The Memories and THOSE people! An Aug PTR **GOING EARLY!!!**

[DisMomAmy]

I will be jumping for joy if I can upgrade, but so far only studios are available. I can't find a 1 bedroom villa anywhere except Boardwalk Villas. I haven't told DH yet. I don't know, I'd love to stay on the Boardwalk if we can get on the pin code rate, but I was really set on being right next to MK for this trip. Getting to MK is harder from the Boardwalk Hotel, I hear bad things about the buses and although we don't mind walking, it might be a bit much to trek all the way through Epcot all the time. If it's even open,would we even have that option if we Epcot closed before MK? Probably not. Ugh.

Would any of you choose the Boardwalk Villas over CR?

I'm sooooo excited to be staying at the Boardwalk Villas in November. But we'll going to Epcot & DHS at least three times each during our five night stay. I also stayed at BWI with a friend last fall but it was a short trip with only one day at MK and no visits to AK so we didn't have to deal with the buses much. I love the whole boardwalk area & it's a good fit with the way we tour. The extra space would be nice but if you are planning to spend a lot of time at MK, it might not be the place for you. Sorry I'm not very helpful...

 

[DrMomof3]

I will be jumping for joy if I can upgrade, but so far only studios are available. I can't find a 1 bedroom villa anywhere except Boardwalk Villas. I haven't told DH yet. I don't know, I'd love to stay on the Boardwalk if we can get on the pin code rate, but I was really set on being right next to MK for this trip. Getting to MK is harder from the Boardwalk Hotel, I hear bad things about the buses and although we don't mind walking, it might be a bit much to trek all the way through Epcot all the time. If it's even open,would we even have that option if we Epcot closed before MK? Probably not. Ugh.

Would any of you choose the Boardwalk Villas over CR?

I would choose a one bedroom villa at Boardwalk over a regular hotel room anywhere on property. We stayed at Beach Club Villas last August and LOVED the location. Yes, it's a little less convenient to get to MK (especially since we had 3 kids, 2 strollers, and lots of gear!) but it is SO much easier to get to Epcot and DHS. We made nightly dinner ADRs in Epcot. It didn't matter where we spent the day. We went back to the room (love the space, the kitchen, and the washer and dryer!) and changed into clean clothes and walked to dinner. SO easy! We spent 2 days at MK and 1 day at AK. Those were the only 3 days we took a bus. The bus ride home from AK was annoying one day because the bus was super crowded and there were a few very rude people on the bus. We made multiple stops before we got to BC. Once the first group had gotten off the bus, everyone left was super friendly and nice and it wasn't bad at all.
We took the monorail from MK over to Epcot and walked through Epcot one day. My DH was NOT happy with me for that idea! First, you have to switch trains at TTC with all the ramps (2 strollers with heavy kids). Then, you have to go through bag check again (diaper bag, camera bag, snack bag, purse). Finally, it's quite a LONG walk from the front of Epcot to the International Gateway. And it was mid-afternoon and blazing hot!
I love the Boardwalk area and I know that as my kids get older and we no longer need strollers (still have a few more years, especially with Zachary's physical disabilities), we will prefer BC/YC and Boardwalk. Even this summer we're only bringing one stroller and I would have chosen Beach Club over BLT except that we would need a 2 bedroom villa and there were no discounts available.
Ok, I've written a novel in your PTR but that's my experience!

Amanda

 

[BerrysGirl]

I will be jumping for joy if I can upgrade, but so far only studios are available. I can't find a 1 bedroom villa anywhere except Boardwalk Villas. I haven't told DH yet. I don't know, I'd love to stay on the Boardwalk if we can get on the pin code rate, but I was really set on being right next to MK for this trip. Getting to MK is harder from the Boardwalk Hotel, I hear bad things about the buses and although we don't mind walking, it might be a bit much to trek all the way through Epcot all the time. If it's even open,would we even have that option if we Epcot closed before MK? Probably not. Ugh.

Would any of you choose the Boardwalk Villas over CR?

I TOTALLY understand your predicament. Boardwalk is awesome. I've stayed there before and DBF's parents own DVC points there and go every Christmas. It's great being within walking distance to two parks and there's an atmosphere over there that's just indescribable.

That being said, the busing IS a bit dicey. The Boardwalk, Swan, Dolphin, Yacht, AND Beach Club all share one bus. So yeah, they do take a while, especially getting to MK and DTD. DBF and I waited over an hour during Christmas once for a bus back from DTD. You could walk through Epcot for the Monorail which isn't too bad but yeah, if Epcot closes first you won't be able to get back that way.

There is also just a different feeling over in the Epcot resorts compared to the MK ones. Definitely not saying it's a bad feeling, but there's something about being so close to the castle, seeing the water parade, and hearing wishes that's just so... magical!

 

[DisMomAmy]

I TOTALLY understand your predicament. Boardwalk is awesome. I've stayed there before and DBF's parents own DVC points there and go every Christmas. It's great being within walking distance to two parks and there's an atmosphere over there that's just indescribable.

That being said, the busing IS a bit dicey. The Boardwalk, Swan, Dolphin, Yacht, AND Beach Club all share one bus. So yeah, they do take a while, especially getting to MK and DTD. DBF and I waited over an hour during Christmas once for a bus back from DTD. You could walk through Epcot for the Monorail which isn't too bad but yeah, if Epcot closes first you won't be able to get back that way.

There is also just a different feeling over in the Epcot resorts compared to the MK ones. Definitely not saying it's a bad feeling, but there's something about being so close to the castle, seeing the water parade, and hearing wishes that's just so... magical!

I think BerrysGirl sums it up well! There is an indescribable atmosphere over there!

As far as the buses, I've read that the sharing varies. When I was there last year (last weekend of Sept/first weekend of Oct) the buses did share between resorts. I've heard they don't always share though (Boardwalk/Swan/Dolphin always share - BC/YC sometimes doesn't). I agree that the DTD buses are by far the worst. I've actually budgeted for cab fare for at least our return trip from DTD in November. We didn't have any trouble with the MK buses last fall. Like I said, we only visited MK once but we didn't have any problem with the buses on the trips to & from MK. I'm hoping the buses will work out OK for our trips to MK & AK this year.

Does the new free dining offer come into the picture at all?

 

[beebeeryan]

I TOTALLY understand your predicament. Boardwalk is awesome. I've stayed there before and DBF's parents own DVC points there and go every Christmas. It's great being within walking distance to two parks and there's an atmosphere over there that's just indescribable.

That being said, the busing IS a bit dicey. The Boardwalk, Swan, Dolphin, Yacht, AND Beach Club all share one bus. So yeah, they do take a while, especially getting to MK and DTD. DBF and I waited over an hour during Christmas once for a bus back from DTD. You could walk through Epcot for the Monorail which isn't too bad but yeah, if Epcot closes first you won't be able to get back that way.

There is also just a different feeling over in the Epcot resorts compared to the MK ones. Definitely not saying it's a bad feeling, but there's something about being so close to the castle, seeing the water parade, and hearing wishes that's just so... magical!

I love Epcot and have always wanted to stay on the Boardwalk from our honeymoon, we accidentally walked out the International Gateway one day and found ourselves on the Boardwalk. Had no idea any of that was there and we ended up having lunch at ESPN. This was 13 years ago mind you and I believe it was fairly new back then. And DHS is becoming a more fun park for the kids too. But they are still young enough that MK is THE park to be at and we just loved being able to go over there, if even for a few rides and get back to the hotel quickly when we stayed at the VWL last summer. It was so convenient hopping on the boat. This trip was all about seeing Eric up on the castle as much as possible although knowing DH he'll be over it fast and I'll be lucky to get them to watch it twice. Hoping for 3 times! I've been psyched up being within walking distance of MK for 6 months now. I don't know. I tried calling yesterday to check if I could even get the Boardwalk for the 40% but could not even get a line through, I didn't realize free dining or something came out for the fall and so the lines were jammed. I'll try again today. Just to see if it's even an option to mention to DH. I just have to convince myself before I tell him incase he says he wants to do it. Next trip, I'll be all about the Boardwalk! LOL

I'm fairly convinced though that when I explain the bus situation to him, he'll agree with it not being the best place. But the pull of the separate bedroom and washer/dryer is tough.

I think BerrysGirl sums it up well! There is an indescribable atmosphere over there!

As far as the buses, I've read that the sharing varies. When I was there last year (last weekend of Sept/first weekend of Oct) the buses did share between resorts. I've heard they don't always share though (Boardwalk/Swan/Dolphin always share - BC/YC sometimes doesn't). I agree that the DTD buses are by far the worst. I've actually budgeted for cab fare for at least our return trip from DTD in November. We didn't have any trouble with the MK buses last fall. Like I said, we only visited MK once but we didn't have any problem with the buses on the trips to & from MK. I'm hoping the buses will work out OK for our trips to MK & AK this year.

Does the new free dining offer come into the picture at all?

My worry is the buses getting back, since I'd like to be there at least 2 nights for Memories & Wishes and I want to be up in the hub no lingering at the entrance like last year and it'll be closing time when it ends so a mad rush for the buses. If it takes forever the first time we do it, DH will say we're not doing it again and I'll miss out on the castle show with Eric in it the rest of the week.

Nah, free dining does not come into it. We booked the 40% off hotel only deal, it's much better for us. The dining plan does nothing for us and the 40% is a much better deal cause we can get into the deluxes.

 

[beebeeryan]

I just did online checkin!!!!!!

Excited much?

So, I called yesterday again to check on the BLT villa because I saw something opened up halfway through our stay and DH said he wouldn't mind moving since it's just next door, shouldn't be too much of a hassle. Of course, was told it was not available on the pin code I have. UGH!!! WHY??? The other villas were, the ones I don't want. Oh well, I checked in now and I am done with checking. I think. Maybe. Although the girl I got on the phone kept trying to check the previous Monday not the one in the middle of our stay so maybe I should call and check one more time, she wasn't totally with it. I am totally fine with it really, but DH keeps harping on it and I feel like now he's going into this thinking it's going to be awful because of all being in one room and if he goes in negative, well that's just never good.

Our dryer died last week and now I've been away, when I get home from this latest jaunt away tomorrow they'll be delivering the new one. A lovely unexpected expense. Good times. Probably a good thing we can't upgrade since we bought a new dryer.

Here is a random photo, WL Geyser in the wee hours of the morning...for Kat...enjoy you stay there!

 

[BerrysGirl]

Ahhh you're so close!!! It's almost time to do the single digit dance

Have a great time!

 

[PixieMama]

Woohoo for online check-in!

Great pic of the geyser... love the sunlight streaming in.

 

[Kat in GA]

I can't believe how far behind I am. But I'll just blame you since you haven't changed your title - and it says you haven't updated since June 30th

I love the Vera bags you posted. I hate to carry a purse too - so I usually use a backpack - or one that I can use as a sling. I actually bought a Vera when I was there in June/July - after my brighton demagnetized my tickets not once but twice! However. The one I got is really too small. I need something a little larger. But then I still have to figure out my camera issue. I could just take my little point and shoot - but I love the pictures from my big camera. But lugging it around. Ugh. What to do?! (Oh, and I was carrying my tickets in a lanyard - guess it was still too close to my purse!!)

10 more days!!

 

[Kat in GA]

I just did online checkin!!!!!!

Excited much?

Here is a random photo, WL Geyser in the wee hours of the morning...for Kat...enjoy you stay there!

A geyser photo, just for me?! I can't wait to be there - a week from Saturday!!!

 

[beebeeryan]

I can't believe how far behind I am. But I'll just blame you since you haven't changed your title - and it says you haven't updated since June 30th

I love the Vera bags you posted. I hate to carry a purse too - so I usually use a backpack - or one that I can use as a sling. I actually bought a Vera when I was there in June/July - after my brighton demagnetized my tickets not once but twice! However. The one I got is really too small. I need something a little larger. But then I still have to figure out my camera issue. I could just take my little point and shoot - but I love the pictures from my big camera. But lugging it around. Ugh. What to do?! (Oh, and I was carrying my tickets in a lanyard - guess it was still too close to my purse!!)

10 more days!!

HAHA You are right I never did change my title...I did it now, just for you. LOL The Vera I got is a little small, it's fine for most things, but not the big camera but I do have a small backpack for it. I don't plan on carrying the good camera too much though, mostly at night for night shots since the P&S sucks at the night shots. I'll just carry it around my neck if it's not gonna rain and that's it. My Vera has no magnets so hopefully I'm good there, but chances are I won't even use it.

 

[Disney9.9.10]

It is so close now! Doesn't it feel great to have the online check in done? Good luck with all of your last minute preparations, and if I don't make it on again soon, have a great trip!

 

[Kat in GA]

HAHA You are right I never did change my title...I did it now, just for you. LOL The Vera I got is a little small, it's fine for most things, but not the big camera but I do have a small backpack for it. I don't plan on carrying the good camera too much though, mostly at night for night shots since the P&S sucks at the night shots. I'll just carry it around my neck if it's not gonna rain and that's it. My Vera has no magnets so hopefully I'm good there, but chances are I won't even use it.

A geyser photo AND a title change - all for me?? I'm honored

I can't imagine going to the parks without a purse. Or a backpack. I was hoping that the lanyard would help with that - I could put my tickets, some cash, id, credit card in there - but I have a hard time just getting the tickets to fit. It needs to be a wee bit wider! Then I have to have my cell - but it's in an otter box, so sliding it into my pocket - it's just too bulky. And I want a poncho. And I really don't carry a lot - but it's too much for pockets!

 

[beebeeryan]

It is so close now! Doesn't it feel great to have the online check in done? Good luck with all of your last minute preparations, and if I don't make it on again soon, have a great trip!

Thank you!

A geyser photo AND a title change - all for me?? I'm honored

I can't imagine going to the parks without a purse. Or a backpack. I was hoping that the lanyard would help with that - I could put my tickets, some cash, id, credit card in there - but I have a hard time just getting the tickets to fit. It needs to be a wee bit wider! Then I have to have my cell - but it's in an otter box, so sliding it into my pocket - it's just too bulky. And I want a poncho. And I really don't carry a lot - but it's too much for pockets!

I got our lanyards at Office Max or Staples or something they are big enough for tickets, FP's, and room keys. I wore the dreaded fanny pack last year which I hate but it was perfect for what I needed. I could stash my iPhone and the small camera in there on rides. I might just have to resort to that again as it's out of the way and easier to deal with really than a purse. I would take it off and hide it behind my back for photos usually. I had ponchos and stuff too and the one time in threatened rain DH and the kids said they weren't wearing one, they'd rather just get wet, it's hot anyways. So I am not even gonna bother this year. If we must we'll buy them there, but I think they'd rather just get wet and that's fine with me. I'm bringing a lot less. My DH had a water bottle in his pocket and his iPhone which is in the Otter Box case. Guys have big pockets. LOL

The TO DO LIST is coming along...
Mousekeeping envelopes DONE
Buy park tickets from UT DONE
Epcot Passports DONE
Photopass Pre-order DONE
Tweak ADRS DONE
Park bag DONE
Jibbitz for kids Crocs DONE
Try for CR upgrade to Tower or BLT again (no go) DONE
Alien Green Mickey Heads from Home Depot DONE
Book Happy Limousine transfers DONE
Order Disney Visa Redemption card DONE
Underwater Camera? DONE
Online check-in hotel DONE!!!

Prep all the camera, recharge, empty pictures, etc...
Check-in for Flight (24 hours before)
Stack packing... DOING

Speaking of cameras...this is the photo book I made of last year's trip, I can't wait to start working on this years! Not sure I can top the cover I did though, I still love it so much. I blended a photo I took of the castle with some digital scrapbooking elements and other pictures and textures to make it look all fairytale-y, is that a word?

Oh and some old neighbors (who moved a few streets away) just got back from their Disney trip and stopped by the other day and said they saw Eric up on the castle in the Memories show!!!

 

[Kat in GA]

yeah...no big pockets here - and I even have some capris that have no pockets at all. I can't pull off a fanny pack - with these hips, the last thing I want to do is point them out to anyone

I love your check list. Between you and Pixie Mama - I am thinking that I should have a check list. Perhaps I need to make one to be sure that I get everything packed. But with only having to worry about myself...it just seems simpler!

 

[DisMomAmy]

You're getting so close!!!

I know they are ugly but I'm a fan of the fanny pack... I've used a Vera Bradley Hipster for the past few trips but the fanny pack is the best - no weight on your shoulders, everything is right there where you need it & you can keep it right where it is on the rides.

Your scrapbook is beautiful! And your to do list is looking fantastic!!!

 

[BerrysGirl]

Yaaay he's still on the castle! I love your photo book! What company did you use?

 

[beebeeryan]

You're getting so close!!!

I know they are ugly but I'm a fan of the fanny pack... I've used a Vera Bradley Hipster for the past few trips but the fanny pack is the best - no weight on your shoulders, everything is right there where you need it & you can keep it right where it is on the rides.

Your scrapbook is beautiful! And your to do list is looking fantastic!!!

Yeah, the more I play around with options, the more it seems the fanny pack just is the easiest and most convenient thing.

Yaaay he's still on the castle! I love your photo book! What company did you use?

I used a company called CherishBOUND for the book, the quality is top notch on those books and they are guaranteed for life. I designed all the pages myself in Photoshop though, they don't really have many great options for ready made page designs. It's a direct sales company and I am a "consultant" but I have never sold them, I just use the personal discount for myself.

 

[DrMomof3]

HOORAY for online check-in and the final countdown!!!
I still bring a small purse and a large diaper bag so I'm no help with that.

Amanda

 

[PixieMama]

Great idea about the photo book! I've made them before using Snapfish and Shutterfly... I'll have to keep them in mind and make books from our trips!

Your checklist is coming along nicely... almost finished! Doesn't it feel great to mark things off your list!