***The VWL Groupies & Trivia Thread*** Chapter 2!
- Thread starter Muushka
- Start date
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Laxmom
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 5, 2007
- Messages
- 2,506
This is something Laxdad wanted to do as soon as we purchased. Our points were supposed to be a getaway for just us. So what do we do? Our first trip home, we take the entire family!!!! Oh well! Lots of time left for "us" time and not so much time left before the kids are not interested. But seriously, our DS and DDIL still travel with us to HHI every couple of years and our youngest is a junior in HS. It is great to be able to do this stuff with our kids! We are really looking forward to it and I will have a full report when we return.
Welcome back, Muushka!
Muushka
<font color=red>I usually feel like I just stepped
- Joined
- Aug 16, 1999
- Messages
- 13,845
Thank you for the warm welcome back to reality!
I must confess, I am a news junkie and I think it was a blessing that I was off line for these past 2 weeks!
The cruise:
You all know that we are pretty frugal. And DCL is pretty pricey. But if you got the change, or can find a great deal (like we did
), I highly recommend it. If you have little ones, it is a no-brainer. If you are a lover of Disney, it is a no-brainer. If you like total relaxation with a rare chance of running into children, step away from DCL!
Sail away!
We got a veranda on the 7th deck (cat 5) midship. What a great location this is. Mr Muushka refuses a window (forget inside), otherwise it would have been a cat 9 on deck 2 for me!). It was just 2 flights up to the drink station and the pools and the (thank goodness) adult areas. And just 3 or 4 flights down to dinners and shows. We didn't use the elevators too often.
Our cabin
Our cabin would easily fit 3 or 4. There is so much storage. And the split bath, priceless. We had a huge veranda last cruise (on Celebrity), but this one was very nice. Sadly, no chaise lounges!
The television rocked! Brandy new 22" LCD (seemed larger to me) with wonderful programming. I loved Iron Man and got to see it several times (I told you I loved it!) and Mr M had not seen Kung Fu Panda, so he got to see that in the cabin (along with some other great programming). Celebrity TV is TERRIBLE. DCL is
GREAT!
A performer that we saw on our last cruise was on this one! He is John Charles and he is so great he got a standing ovation on Celebrity and one on DCL! I have never seen a standing ovation for a cruise performer. We didn't do many of the regular shows (like Twice Charmed, Dreams or Golden Mickeys or Till We Meet Again (wow, we skipped 4 shows!)). I guess we didn't do ANY of the regular shows
. Not sure why, but my guess is that while half of the ship is at the show and the others are at dinner, makes for a pretty quiet ship-the way we really like it.
The food. Not my favorite subject. To put it honestly, I did not enjoy 1 meal in the dining rooms for the dinners. But I historically do not like the dinner food all that much (Celebrity is a little better, but still not great). I don't mention this to whine, just being honest. I love seafood and made the mistake over and over thinking it would be good eventually. We did get 2 meals at Palo, which were wonderful. And at the adult beach at Serenity Bay (on CC) they had the best grilled shrimp. Yum. My favorite place to eat was at Goofy's Galley. They had all sorts of wraps that were fresh and delicious. I looked forward to that meal! And the hot dogs and chicken strips at Pluto's were pretty tasty too! Breakfast was not my favorite meal. Usually I just got eggs over medium and left it at that. I did score a couple of cups of coffee from Cove Café. If you are a coffee lover, I highly recommend it.
Anyone want to guess where this was taken?
The ports: we are not port people. We cruise for the ship experience. And when the ship docks, it is usually empty! Getting a theme here???? We did stay at Cozumel till 1 AM one night. We FINALLY got our night shots of the Magic! That was fun doing that.
Isn’t she pretty??
The weather was perfect. There were no waves to be found (well 4 to 8 feet the first night, but that is nothing to these cruisers!).
Castaway Cay
Disney world
We got a 2 bedroom at OKW for the 4 of us. Plenty of room to cook and relax. Mr M, my cousin and I went to Islands of Adventure on Monday. We had such a great time. Virtually no lines. I had a roller coaster partner (my cousin) and Mr M didn’t have to feel bad for me going on them alone like I usually do. He is such a patient man, waiting for us to go on coasters all day long! The next day we did Universal and rode the new (to me) Mummy and Simpson rides. They were great! The parks were a tad busier on Tuesday, but still great. We did both parks in 4 hours each day. We have APs so we will be back.
On Wednesday my friend Debbie from S FL and my sister’s friend from the Tampa area drove to stay with us a few days. They checked into ASMo. We had the free dining (don’t ask!) so we had a few meals out. We got that waterfront table at R&C for Illuminations. Wonderful. We also ate at Wolfgang Puck Café. Slow service but the food was great. Best chicken I ever et! Some of us (not me) did Cape May breakfast and then we finished up with dinner at Chef Mickey’s (our first time). That was fun, but we probably won’t do it again.
We did MNSSHP one night. I am not a big candy eater, but really wanted an Almond Joy. All night long, that is what I asked for (more for fun, ‘cause I knew they didn’t have any.) I learned that my cousin is a lover of Tigger. So I bought him a stuffed Tigger after we rode Pooh. He was like a kid, so happy with his Tigger. When we got home, he and my sister fought (in a child-like manner of course) over candy.
I donated my bag to my cousin to bring back to his employees. The next morning I woke up to a trail of miniature Almond Joys leading from our bedroom out to the living room where Tigger was sitting so cute in a chair with a bag of them and a big candy bar of the Joy. It was so cute!
We bought a new tripod. Finally got one of the castle. Our camera is so dang heavy we could never get a clear shot with our old tripod.
Funniest moment. Gift shop at AKL. Large table with carved giraffes when you first enter. My poor cousin looked under one to see a price and went to replace it and ended up playing Dominos with them! About 15 fell down. Legs, heads, necks, giraffe bodies everywhere! Mayhem! Oh the humanity!!! The CMs were so sweet. They told us the same thing happened yesterday. Apparently the MFG’r has been notified that the bottoms of them are very uneven, and prone to tipping. When we were leaving, my cousin decided to re-visit the scene of the crime. He was just looking at the table and a woman commented “did you see the mess that someone made here a little while ago??” My poor cousin, just shook his head. Too funny.
We booked a studio at BCV for 2 nights. I love that place. Almost as much as VWL! We swam at SAB twice and had a great time.
My kitties were well cared for, as usual. I love my neighbor!
Thanks for reading!
I must confess, I am a news junkie and I think it was a blessing that I was off line for these past 2 weeks!
The cruise:
You all know that we are pretty frugal. And DCL is pretty pricey. But if you got the change, or can find a great deal (like we did
), I highly recommend it. If you have little ones, it is a no-brainer. If you are a lover of Disney, it is a no-brainer. If you like total relaxation with a rare chance of running into children, step away from DCL! Sail away!
We got a veranda on the 7th deck (cat 5) midship. What a great location this is. Mr Muushka refuses a window (forget inside), otherwise it would have been a cat 9 on deck 2 for me!). It was just 2 flights up to the drink station and the pools and the (thank goodness) adult areas. And just 3 or 4 flights down to dinners and shows. We didn't use the elevators too often.
Our cabin
Our cabin would easily fit 3 or 4. There is so much storage. And the split bath, priceless. We had a huge veranda last cruise (on Celebrity), but this one was very nice. Sadly, no chaise lounges!
The television rocked! Brandy new 22" LCD (seemed larger to me) with wonderful programming. I loved Iron Man and got to see it several times (I told you I loved it!) and Mr M had not seen Kung Fu Panda, so he got to see that in the cabin (along with some other great programming). Celebrity TV is TERRIBLE. DCL is
GREAT!A performer that we saw on our last cruise was on this one! He is John Charles and he is so great he got a standing ovation on Celebrity and one on DCL! I have never seen a standing ovation for a cruise performer. We didn't do many of the regular shows (like Twice Charmed, Dreams or Golden Mickeys or Till We Meet Again (wow, we skipped 4 shows!)). I guess we didn't do ANY of the regular shows
. Not sure why, but my guess is that while half of the ship is at the show and the others are at dinner, makes for a pretty quiet ship-the way we really like it.The food. Not my favorite subject. To put it honestly, I did not enjoy 1 meal in the dining rooms for the dinners. But I historically do not like the dinner food all that much (Celebrity is a little better, but still not great). I don't mention this to whine, just being honest. I love seafood and made the mistake over and over thinking it would be good eventually. We did get 2 meals at Palo, which were wonderful. And at the adult beach at Serenity Bay (on CC) they had the best grilled shrimp. Yum. My favorite place to eat was at Goofy's Galley. They had all sorts of wraps that were fresh and delicious. I looked forward to that meal! And the hot dogs and chicken strips at Pluto's were pretty tasty too! Breakfast was not my favorite meal. Usually I just got eggs over medium and left it at that. I did score a couple of cups of coffee from Cove Café. If you are a coffee lover, I highly recommend it.
Anyone want to guess where this was taken?
The ports: we are not port people. We cruise for the ship experience. And when the ship docks, it is usually empty! Getting a theme here???? We did stay at Cozumel till 1 AM one night. We FINALLY got our night shots of the Magic! That was fun doing that.
Isn’t she pretty??
The weather was perfect. There were no waves to be found (well 4 to 8 feet the first night, but that is nothing to these cruisers!).
Castaway Cay
Disney world
We got a 2 bedroom at OKW for the 4 of us. Plenty of room to cook and relax. Mr M, my cousin and I went to Islands of Adventure on Monday. We had such a great time. Virtually no lines. I had a roller coaster partner (my cousin) and Mr M didn’t have to feel bad for me going on them alone like I usually do. He is such a patient man, waiting for us to go on coasters all day long! The next day we did Universal and rode the new (to me) Mummy and Simpson rides. They were great! The parks were a tad busier on Tuesday, but still great. We did both parks in 4 hours each day. We have APs so we will be back.
On Wednesday my friend Debbie from S FL and my sister’s friend from the Tampa area drove to stay with us a few days. They checked into ASMo. We had the free dining (don’t ask!) so we had a few meals out. We got that waterfront table at R&C for Illuminations. Wonderful. We also ate at Wolfgang Puck Café. Slow service but the food was great. Best chicken I ever et! Some of us (not me) did Cape May breakfast and then we finished up with dinner at Chef Mickey’s (our first time). That was fun, but we probably won’t do it again.
We did MNSSHP one night. I am not a big candy eater, but really wanted an Almond Joy. All night long, that is what I asked for (more for fun, ‘cause I knew they didn’t have any.) I learned that my cousin is a lover of Tigger. So I bought him a stuffed Tigger after we rode Pooh. He was like a kid, so happy with his Tigger. When we got home, he and my sister fought (in a child-like manner of course) over candy.
I donated my bag to my cousin to bring back to his employees. The next morning I woke up to a trail of miniature Almond Joys leading from our bedroom out to the living room where Tigger was sitting so cute in a chair with a bag of them and a big candy bar of the Joy. It was so cute!
We bought a new tripod. Finally got one of the castle. Our camera is so dang heavy we could never get a clear shot with our old tripod.
Funniest moment. Gift shop at AKL. Large table with carved giraffes when you first enter. My poor cousin looked under one to see a price and went to replace it and ended up playing Dominos with them! About 15 fell down. Legs, heads, necks, giraffe bodies everywhere! Mayhem! Oh the humanity!!! The CMs were so sweet. They told us the same thing happened yesterday. Apparently the MFG’r has been notified that the bottoms of them are very uneven, and prone to tipping. When we were leaving, my cousin decided to re-visit the scene of the crime. He was just looking at the table and a woman commented “did you see the mess that someone made here a little while ago??” My poor cousin, just shook his head. Too funny.
We booked a studio at BCV for 2 nights. I love that place. Almost as much as VWL! We swam at SAB twice and had a great time.
My kitties were well cared for, as usual. I love my neighbor!
Thanks for reading!
cheer4bison
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2007
- Messages
- 341
Thanks Muushka, for the great trip report! Halloween at WDW sure does look like fun!
eliza61
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Jun 2, 2003
- Messages
- 21,023
We got a veranda on the 7th deck (cat 5) midship. What a great location this is. Mr Muushka refuses a window (forget inside), otherwise it would have been a cat 9 on deck 2 for me!). It was just 2 flights up to the drink station and the pools and the (thank goodness) adult areas. And just 3 or 4 flights down to dinners and shows. We didn't use the elevators too often.
Our cabin
Our cabin would easily fit 3 or 4. There is so much storage. And the split bath, priceless. We had a huge veranda last cruise (on Celebrity), but this one was very nice. Sadly, no chaise lounges!
Disney world
We got a 2 bedroom at OKW for the 4 of us. Plenty of room to cook and relax. Mr M, my cousin and I went to Islands of Adventure on Monday. We had such a great time. Virtually no lines. I had a roller coaster partner (my cousin) and Mr M didnt have to feel bad for me going on them alone like I usually do. He is such a patient man, waiting for us to go on coasters all day long! The next day we did Universal and rode the new (to me) Mummy and Simpson rides. They were great! The parks were a tad busier on Tuesday, but still great. We did both parks in 4 hours each day. We have APs so we will be back.
On Wednesday my friend Debbie from S FL and my sisters friend from the Tampa area drove to stay with us a few days. They checked into ASMo. We had the free dining (dont ask!) so we had a few meals out. We got that waterfront table at R&C for Illuminations. Wonderful. We also ate at Wolfgang Puck Café. Slow service but the food was great. Best chicken I ever et! Some of us (not me) did Cape May breakfast and then we finished up with dinner at Chef Mickeys (our first time). That was fun, but we probably wont do it again.
We did MNSSHP one night. I am not a big candy eater, but really wanted an Almond Joy. All night long, that is what I asked for (more for fun, cause I knew they didnt have any.) I learned that my cousin is a lover of Tigger. So I bought him a stuffed Tigger after we rode Pooh. He was like a kid, so happy with his Tigger. When we got home, he and my sister fought (in a child-like manner of course) over candy.
Laugh at these now, they will be deleted soon!
I donated my bag to my cousin to bring back to his employees. The next morning I woke up to a trail of miniature Almond Joys leading from our bedroom out to the living room where Tigger was sitting so cute in a chair with a bag of them and a big candy bar of the Joy. It was so cute!
We bought a new tripod. Finally got one of the castle. Our camera is so dang heavy we could never get a clear shot with our old tripod.
Funniest moment. Gift shop at AKL. Large table with carved giraffes when you first enter. My poor cousin looked under one to see a price and went to replace it and ended up playing Dominos with them! About 15 fell down. Legs, heads, necks, giraffe bodies everywhere! Mayhem! Oh the humanity!!! The CMs were so sweet. They told us the same thing happened yesterday. Apparently the MFGr has been notified that the bottoms of them are very uneven, and prone to tipping. When we were leaving, my cousin decided to re-visit the scene of the crime. He was just looking at the table and a woman commented did you see the mess that someone made here a little while ago?? My poor cousin, just shook his head. Too funny.
We booked a studio at BCV for 2 nights. I love that place. Almost as much as VWL! We swam at SAB twice and had a great time.
My kitties were well cared for, as usual. I love my neighbor!
Thanks for reading!
Hey Muushka,
It sounds like you guys had a fabulous vacation. Welcome back
Love the cruise pictures. I'm determined to get "The old guy" on one.
So disappointing about the food, we are a bit of food junkies, so that would drive us batty.
Your family looks and sounds like they are a lot of fun.
That is a wonderful thing. Unfortunately for my waistline I am a candy junkie so it may be a good thing I haven't been to a holloween party at the world.Glad to have you back.
Granny
Yeah, I'm a guy
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2001
- Messages
- 14,433
Joe...it's been great following your trip with all the photos as a bonus. Great job on the "live" report!!
Muushka....great to see you back home safely and that you had a wonderful trip.
I think the trip list on page one is up to date...let me know if any omissions or mistakes!
eliza61
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Jun 2, 2003
- Messages
- 21,023
This has no WLV redeeming value what so ever, except to say that if we all come up with a crazy idea like this we can market it and retire at the lodge.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHiqVygN-w0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHiqVygN-w0
Muushka
<font color=red>I usually feel like I just stepped
- Joined
- Aug 16, 1999
- Messages
- 13,845
You are welcome to steal any pictures I post.
Hula Hula! Looks like fun!
Thank you! We are still in negotiations. It is difficult thinking that we would miss a Christmas tree at VWL. I think you might be there to witness the "Un-Christmassing of VWL". If we were going I would bribe anyone I could to find out what time they are taking down the decorations, set up my camera and take pictures every 15 minutes.Muushka...
Love the pictures and your trip report. So sorry that you may be changing your January dates. We'll keep the Lodge safe for you though!
Eliza, about the food on DCL, I think that there is a lot of hype surrounding cruise food. On our first, all I had heard was how great the food is. So my expectations were pretty high. But when you consider how many people they are feeding at the same time, you end up with wedding reception type of food. Not my favorite. But as long as I can get something good to eat (wraps and fresh fruit and salads on the 9th deck!), I am happy. I just go to the dining room and order, but not eat that much. And then there is Palo, which is pretty darn tasty!
First time back in a few days, didn't realize our dates were not in the last post, they are 11/4 - 11/10 VWL!!! 1 two bed and two studios plus a site @ FTW. 15 all together going,
I know I have to grab a groupie sig, I will get to it!!! I promise.
I know I have to grab a groupie sig, I will get to it!!! I promise.
Disney loving Iowan
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 10, 2007
- Messages
- 3,657
Oops, we may be changing that date, stay tuned....
I enjoyed reading all the new stuff. Add ons! Dates! Great!!
Island Mouse, if you are there, I hope your wedding is beautiful.
OK. We just go in about an hour ago. Just a quick report
We loved the cruise!!!
Calm waters, blue skies, and Mickey. Who could ask for anything else????
Muushka!!! Welcome back! Glad you had such a great time and thanks for the report and pictures! How did you like OKW? We stayed there 2 years ago and it's not VWL but we really liked it. Glad you liked BCV.
Oh how I used to enjoy the Philly music scene back in the 80'S!!! I sure miss those bands and my Philly sport teams!!
mickeymorse
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2007
- Messages
- 819
Thanks for the great TR Muushka. I'm a big Almond Joy fan as well.
I haven't cruised yet but was also under the impression that the food was fab. Thats okay cause I know lots of great places to eat in WDW.
Thanks for the laugh Eliza. I have to show my DW that one.
Speaking of Hall & Oates, they are playing Caesars Windsor in a couple weeks. Don't have tix but we are going to see Blue Man Group end of Nov.
Granny, I don't know if you want to add to my summer trip but we booked through til Sept 4th at the Lodge. Planning on trying for VB the last 6 days though. No flames please.
I haven't cruised yet but was also under the impression that the food was fab. Thats okay cause I know lots of great places to eat in WDW.
Thanks for the laugh Eliza. I have to show my DW that one.
Speaking of Hall & Oates, they are playing Caesars Windsor in a couple weeks. Don't have tix but we are going to see Blue Man Group end of Nov.
Granny, I don't know if you want to add to my summer trip but we booked through til Sept 4th at the Lodge. Planning on trying for VB the last 6 days though. No flames please.
Granny
Yeah, I'm a guy
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2001
- Messages
- 14,433
I've amended your trip on the list.
No problem, just let us know when you've changed your reservation and I'll be happy to update it.
No flames please.
Flames??? Here on The Happiest Thread on Earth???
Not gonna happen.
mickeymorse
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2007
- Messages
- 819
Flames??? Here on The Happiest Thread on Earth???
Not gonna happen.
I know, what was I thinking. Everyone here is like family. Thanks Granny
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