Trip Report:
OKW 9/12-9/17---80 Points
Pop Century 9/17-9/19---$49. + Tax X 2 Nights
OKW 9/19-9/24---80 Points
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<b>Daily Notes:</b>
Left NJ on Friday the 10th of September. Arrived in Disney World @ 11:45pm on Saturday the 11th. Went to Old Key West to wait till we were able to check in. Had to sleep in car till 7am.
<b>Sunday 12th of September</b>
Check In, Food shop, and rest
<b>Monday 13th of September</b>
Rest, Swim
Dinner at Beaches & Cream (used Quick & Casual tickets)
<b>Tuesday 14th of September</b>
Bough Annual Passes
Chef Mickeys at the Contemporary (Character Dining)
Casually went through the Magic Kingdom
Dinner in room
<b>Wednesday 15th of September</b>
Breakfast in room
Lunch at Rainforest Café (used Kingdom Lunch Vouchers)
Casually went through the Animal Kingdom
Dinner in room
<b>Thursday 16th of September</b>
Breakfast Buffet at Trails End
Lunch in room
Dinner at Pepper Market (used Quick & Casual tickets)
Pack up to move over to Pop Century resort for the weekend.
<b>Friday 17th of September</b>
Breakfast in room
Check Out of OKW
Check In to Pop Century
Swim in pool
Dinner at 1900 Park Fare (Character Dining)
<b>Saturday 18th of September</b>
Breakfast at Norway Pavilion (Character Dining)
Casually went through Epcot World Showcase
Left for Magic Kingdom
Saw Spectromagic Parade & Wishes Fireworks
Dinner at Pop Century Food Court
<b>Sunday 19th of September</b>
Check out of Pop Century
Breakfast at McDonalds
Swim at pool in OKW
Casually went through MGM Studios
Dinner at Hollywood & Vine (Fantasmic Dinner Package)
<b>Monday 20th of September</b>
Breakfast in Room
Casually went through MGM a bit more
Saw Stars & Cars Parade
Dinner at Pepper Market (used Quick & Casual tickets)
Casually went through Magic Kingdom a bit more
Saw Spectromagic Parade, & Wishes Fireworks
Went to Downtown Disney for shopping
<b>Tuesday 21st of September</b>
Casually went through Epcot a bit more
Lunch at Mitsukoshi Japan (used Kingdom Lunch Vouchers)
Finished Epcot
Dinner at Beaches & Cream (used Quick & Casual tickets)
Went to Downtown Disney for shopping
<b>Wednesday 22nd of September</b>
Breakfast in Room
Went to Animal Kingdom Lodge to see hotel
Casually continued Animal Kingdom
Lunch in Animal Kingdom (Bought Animal Kingdom Lunch Certificates)
Finished Animal Kingdom
Dinner at Pepper Market (used Quick & Casual tickets)
<b>Thursday 23rd of September</b>
Relax in room (prepare for trip home tomorrow)
Lunch at Rainforest Café (used Kingdom Lunch Vouchers)
Boat ride from OKW (small boats)
I was advised that Disney is about to start preparing for Jennie, as it is appearing more that she is coming this way.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am trying to work out a Family Reunion currently. I will be finishing my Disney Forums shortly. The forums will have ride & restaurant rating systems, a DVC point section, and a lot more. See my profile for the website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A full photo album of past trips is available at Http://jscomputer.d2g.com/disneypix.
This years photos have been started being uploaded. I will be finishing them upon arriving home.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am thinking of starting a Disney meet group for New Jersey. If you are interested, or part of one for New Jersey, then let me know. I bring to the table numerous years, and numerous visits. (2-3 visits per year since I was a child.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have been connecting through my Nextel phone during this trip. Word to the wise .
If you have access to other internet providers, then use them. Initial phone connection to dialups is not free from the data port in the room. I used Nextel, and connected my computer to my phone. Ask Nextel about Packetstream. It is high if you keep it for the whole month, but they will let you drop it whenever you want.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disney Vacation Club had to be the most sensible thing that I could have done with my money. I have found numerous ways to take 2-3 trips per year. When doing this I religiously get Annual Passes. If you are looking to join DVC, then call 800-827-3865, and speak to Kelly Jo. Let her know that John Marsden told you to call her, or email me, and I will get the Vacation Club video, and stuff to you.
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I toured the Saratoga Springs Resort. Very nice looking resort. I must say this
I am not a person that particularly likes hotel environments. The majority of the timeshares that Disney has are designed like hotels. (People stacked floor on top of floor.) The OKW resort is the only one that I feel is designed contrary to this method. Saratoga is nice looking, but really looks like a hotel to me.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<b>Brief Notes:</b>
Damage from the hurricanes was mainly horticultural. Various locations had minimal roof damage to buildings
After the hurricanes hundreds of tree frogs were around the main building of OKW. They were probably elsewhere, but dont know, as I was staying at OKW.
For discounted Disney merchandise I went to Beltz mall. They sell items for almost half the park prices. (Off International Drive Near Universal Studios)
The 20K site is still being excavated.
Its a Small World is totally closed up so you cant see a thing.
A wall is now around the old skyway entrance.
Carousel of Progress is still in full operation.
Fast Pass was pretty much shut down for most of my trip. I was advised that this was due to the low volume of people.
Most of the Disney property was dead. Employees as usual, but other than that it kinda seemed like a private party.
During my boat ride from OKW I noticed that most of the Treehouse villas have sustained some damage from trees falling on the roofs. By the way The boats in OKW are very slow.
Fort Wilderness reopened within 2 days of my initial arrival. They still have quite a few loops closed due to tree problems.
Stitch is still not looking like much of a ride.
The Tommorrowland Stage is temporarily closed.
Alladins Flying Carpets are temporarily closed.
Goofys Hoedown is temporarily closed.
Lights, Motor, Action is proceeding. Most of the superstructure is finished.
Driver training has started, and the cars, and motorcycles are visible on the MGM Backlot tour.
The new section of Animal Kingdom is being worked on diligently.
Animal Kingdom Lunch Certificates are good buys. You get a entrée w/ drink, a coupon for another drink anywhere in park, and a coupon for either popcorn or ice cream anywhere in park.
Pop Century is still not completely finished. Several buildings are still being worked on.
Epcot is currently preparing for the Food & Wine festival.
Tom Sawyer island in Magic Kingdom sustained a little damage to the buildings during the hurricanes. Repairs have been started.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<b>Voucher Usage:</b>
Rainforest Café (Usage of Kingdom Lunch Voucher)
Very worth it. I particularly ate a meal that had a pricing of @74.00.
Yet the vouchers were bought for less than that.
Shrimp Cocktail - @9.00
Lobster & Steak - @35.00
Drink
Desert - @9.00
Tax / Tip
Beaches & Cream / Pepper Market (Usage of Kingdom Lunch Voucher)
Very worth it. I particularly ate a meal that had a pricing of @55.00.
Yet the vouchers were bought for less than that.
Prime Rib, Vegetables, Fries - @25.00
Drink
Desert
Tax / Tip
Mitsukoshi (Usage of Kingdom Lunch Voucher)
Worth it. I particularly ate a meal that had a pricing of @60.00
Shrimp
Lobster & Steak
Drink
Desert
Tax / Tip
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<b>Disney Vacation Club notes:</b>
The pool at OKW is definitely closed. Work has begun. The most I saw done while there was the kid section was dug up, and a mound of dirt now sits in its place. The big pool has been started draining. Construction is supposed to be starting shortly. Site cleanup is commencing fast from what I was told.
OKW 9/12-9/17---80 Points
Pop Century 9/17-9/19---$49. + Tax X 2 Nights
OKW 9/19-9/24---80 Points
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<b>Daily Notes:</b>
Left NJ on Friday the 10th of September. Arrived in Disney World @ 11:45pm on Saturday the 11th. Went to Old Key West to wait till we were able to check in. Had to sleep in car till 7am.
<b>Sunday 12th of September</b>
Check In, Food shop, and rest
<b>Monday 13th of September</b>
Rest, Swim
Dinner at Beaches & Cream (used Quick & Casual tickets)
<b>Tuesday 14th of September</b>
Bough Annual Passes
Chef Mickeys at the Contemporary (Character Dining)
Casually went through the Magic Kingdom
Dinner in room
<b>Wednesday 15th of September</b>
Breakfast in room
Lunch at Rainforest Café (used Kingdom Lunch Vouchers)
Casually went through the Animal Kingdom
Dinner in room
<b>Thursday 16th of September</b>
Breakfast Buffet at Trails End
Lunch in room
Dinner at Pepper Market (used Quick & Casual tickets)
Pack up to move over to Pop Century resort for the weekend.
<b>Friday 17th of September</b>
Breakfast in room
Check Out of OKW
Check In to Pop Century
Swim in pool
Dinner at 1900 Park Fare (Character Dining)
<b>Saturday 18th of September</b>
Breakfast at Norway Pavilion (Character Dining)
Casually went through Epcot World Showcase
Left for Magic Kingdom
Saw Spectromagic Parade & Wishes Fireworks
Dinner at Pop Century Food Court
<b>Sunday 19th of September</b>
Check out of Pop Century
Breakfast at McDonalds
Swim at pool in OKW
Casually went through MGM Studios
Dinner at Hollywood & Vine (Fantasmic Dinner Package)
<b>Monday 20th of September</b>
Breakfast in Room
Casually went through MGM a bit more
Saw Stars & Cars Parade
Dinner at Pepper Market (used Quick & Casual tickets)
Casually went through Magic Kingdom a bit more
Saw Spectromagic Parade, & Wishes Fireworks
Went to Downtown Disney for shopping
<b>Tuesday 21st of September</b>
Casually went through Epcot a bit more
Lunch at Mitsukoshi Japan (used Kingdom Lunch Vouchers)
Finished Epcot
Dinner at Beaches & Cream (used Quick & Casual tickets)
Went to Downtown Disney for shopping
<b>Wednesday 22nd of September</b>
Breakfast in Room
Went to Animal Kingdom Lodge to see hotel
Casually continued Animal Kingdom
Lunch in Animal Kingdom (Bought Animal Kingdom Lunch Certificates)
Finished Animal Kingdom
Dinner at Pepper Market (used Quick & Casual tickets)
<b>Thursday 23rd of September</b>
Relax in room (prepare for trip home tomorrow)
Lunch at Rainforest Café (used Kingdom Lunch Vouchers)
Boat ride from OKW (small boats)
I was advised that Disney is about to start preparing for Jennie, as it is appearing more that she is coming this way.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am trying to work out a Family Reunion currently. I will be finishing my Disney Forums shortly. The forums will have ride & restaurant rating systems, a DVC point section, and a lot more. See my profile for the website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A full photo album of past trips is available at Http://jscomputer.d2g.com/disneypix.
This years photos have been started being uploaded. I will be finishing them upon arriving home.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am thinking of starting a Disney meet group for New Jersey. If you are interested, or part of one for New Jersey, then let me know. I bring to the table numerous years, and numerous visits. (2-3 visits per year since I was a child.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have been connecting through my Nextel phone during this trip. Word to the wise .
If you have access to other internet providers, then use them. Initial phone connection to dialups is not free from the data port in the room. I used Nextel, and connected my computer to my phone. Ask Nextel about Packetstream. It is high if you keep it for the whole month, but they will let you drop it whenever you want.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disney Vacation Club had to be the most sensible thing that I could have done with my money. I have found numerous ways to take 2-3 trips per year. When doing this I religiously get Annual Passes. If you are looking to join DVC, then call 800-827-3865, and speak to Kelly Jo. Let her know that John Marsden told you to call her, or email me, and I will get the Vacation Club video, and stuff to you.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I toured the Saratoga Springs Resort. Very nice looking resort. I must say this
I am not a person that particularly likes hotel environments. The majority of the timeshares that Disney has are designed like hotels. (People stacked floor on top of floor.) The OKW resort is the only one that I feel is designed contrary to this method. Saratoga is nice looking, but really looks like a hotel to me.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<b>Brief Notes:</b>
Damage from the hurricanes was mainly horticultural. Various locations had minimal roof damage to buildings
After the hurricanes hundreds of tree frogs were around the main building of OKW. They were probably elsewhere, but dont know, as I was staying at OKW.
For discounted Disney merchandise I went to Beltz mall. They sell items for almost half the park prices. (Off International Drive Near Universal Studios)
The 20K site is still being excavated.
Its a Small World is totally closed up so you cant see a thing.
A wall is now around the old skyway entrance.
Carousel of Progress is still in full operation.
Fast Pass was pretty much shut down for most of my trip. I was advised that this was due to the low volume of people.
Most of the Disney property was dead. Employees as usual, but other than that it kinda seemed like a private party.
During my boat ride from OKW I noticed that most of the Treehouse villas have sustained some damage from trees falling on the roofs. By the way The boats in OKW are very slow.
Fort Wilderness reopened within 2 days of my initial arrival. They still have quite a few loops closed due to tree problems.
Stitch is still not looking like much of a ride.
The Tommorrowland Stage is temporarily closed.
Alladins Flying Carpets are temporarily closed.
Goofys Hoedown is temporarily closed.
Lights, Motor, Action is proceeding. Most of the superstructure is finished.
Driver training has started, and the cars, and motorcycles are visible on the MGM Backlot tour.
The new section of Animal Kingdom is being worked on diligently.
Animal Kingdom Lunch Certificates are good buys. You get a entrée w/ drink, a coupon for another drink anywhere in park, and a coupon for either popcorn or ice cream anywhere in park.
Pop Century is still not completely finished. Several buildings are still being worked on.
Epcot is currently preparing for the Food & Wine festival.
Tom Sawyer island in Magic Kingdom sustained a little damage to the buildings during the hurricanes. Repairs have been started.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<b>Voucher Usage:</b>
Rainforest Café (Usage of Kingdom Lunch Voucher)
Very worth it. I particularly ate a meal that had a pricing of @74.00.
Yet the vouchers were bought for less than that.
Shrimp Cocktail - @9.00
Lobster & Steak - @35.00
Drink
Desert - @9.00
Tax / Tip
Beaches & Cream / Pepper Market (Usage of Kingdom Lunch Voucher)
Very worth it. I particularly ate a meal that had a pricing of @55.00.
Yet the vouchers were bought for less than that.
Prime Rib, Vegetables, Fries - @25.00
Drink
Desert
Tax / Tip
Mitsukoshi (Usage of Kingdom Lunch Voucher)
Worth it. I particularly ate a meal that had a pricing of @60.00
Shrimp
Lobster & Steak
Drink
Desert
Tax / Tip
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<b>Disney Vacation Club notes:</b>
The pool at OKW is definitely closed. Work has begun. The most I saw done while there was the kid section was dug up, and a mound of dirt now sits in its place. The big pool has been started draining. Construction is supposed to be starting shortly. Site cleanup is commencing fast from what I was told.
