DisDaydreamer
I have this DIS-ease
- Joined
- Jul 27, 2006
- Messages
- 6,164
This trip was maybe our best weather trip ever. Perfect.
I had contemplated using the online check-in, but had also seen some not happy results or problems posted.
We arrived at around 11 am on Sunday and the fellow who checked us in was either not having a great day or had not yet completed his Disney mindset assimilation program. He wasn't rude, but he wasn't helpful, and/or cheerful, or welcoming. Very unexpected for VB (where is Gail when you need her?). Actually, we ran into her a few times throughout the resort. She is the best, and a true role model.
I had made a real effort to make thoughtful requests that would result in something of a better choice. We ended up with the parking lot view from bldg 12. Bldg 12 WAS part of one of the request choices, but I didn't even know about this view.
In retrospect, I think maybe making multiple requests doomed me. I should have made one specific request and either got it or not. Also, I am now convinced that requests are likely considered in the order they are received (which should be the case) and since we are not owners and have to make our requests at the 7 mo. mark we are 4 months down on the list. It is what it is. Enough with the negative...
As I said we arrived at 11 am and the room was not ready, but we did get to find out what building we would be in and the floor. We told him we wanted to go grocery shopping and were unsure it was smart since he couldn't give us any time line. He said we should go and they could accommodate items needing cold storage. So we gave them our cell phone number and went shopping at Publix.
We arrived back at around 1:30 pm and the room was not ready and they did take our cold storage items. Then about 30 minutes later we got the phone call saying our room was ready. Things were looking up.
We weren't happy with the location, and the view towards the ocean was completely blocked by palms. Still, we were happy to be at VB and happy to have a room early.
We spent about an hour getting unpacked and putting everything in it's proper place. We just chilled after that and walked around the resort and along the beach with a couple drinks in hand. We were floored by how crowded the pool was. After Sunday though, the pool was relatively empty.
We pack just what we need an that just filled up a luggage carrier
The next morning we were up and I was heading down to the pool to secure an umbrella/table at the pool. No problem... had my choice. So I chose one sort of between the slide and the ocean. Kind of away from most traffic. We don't do that reservation by towel thing. We're there in person and stay there for most of the time (one of us).
This pic was real early in the morning.
Here is my rolling everything cart. I have the boogie board, umbrella, 2 chairs, fold-up table, noodles for the pool, usually my drink, camera, binoculars, etc.
So, the weather was perfect. Mid to upper 80's and mostly sunny everyday. The only downside was high winds in the afternoon cut down the waves and made the umbrella a likely missile. Probably for the best though, because the UV index was at "extreme". So, I was not likely to spend the afternoon in the sun anyways.
On my first morning down to the pool someone approached me from outside the pool fence and said something like "I don't usually ask this kind of question, but... are you Rob?"
I knew it was likely Deb (dort) and for a moment, I was frantically trying to think of what I could say to, well... create a shocking moment, but I just said "yes, are you Deb?". So I met Deb and her husband and MB came down shortly after and met them too. We talked a few more times during the stay.
The next morning I was down maybe 30 minutes later. OUR umbrella was waiting for us. So I snagged it and got into the pool. I don't think the pool water was ever the DVC suggested 82 degrees. I don't have a problem with cold water so getting into the pool or ocean is never a problem for me. Though the ocean was on most days 70 degrees, which is about at my tolerance limit. Many times I found myself to be the only one in the ocean as far as I could see north or south. I don't really like that because I feel like a bobbing piece of shark bait with no other distractions. I saw no sharks or PMOW's. Thank you. Here is our beach setup on that day at the end of the rented umbrellas.
I never have liked the way the rental umbrellas go so far from the ramp so for the following days I set up camp right next to the ramp IN FRONT of the rental umbrellas. I don't have a pic for that.
Later that morning in the pool... I was focused on a couple with a child thinking this MAY be Scott (fers31). I knew he said he had an 18 month old boy. Things fit. After about a half hour I swam over and said "by chance... are you Scott?" And it was. Met him and his DW and DS. They were enjoying VB, but they also had a waitlist come through for an earlier day for AKV. Just saw then once or twice again in passing before they left.
Tuesday. I'm in the pool having secured OUR table and umbrella again. I know at this point Maria has a pool view and posted a pic of the pool view so I have some idea of the location. Later in the morning (like around 11am) I saw someone that I recalled from a pic many months ago. I was pretty sure it was her.
I had already been out to the ocean and back to the pool and when I decided to go back to the ocean I passed Deb's husband and he said "Maria was looking for me" and told me where their umbrella was.
I walked up to their umbrella on the beach and shouted out her name... no response... maybe not the right umbrella... shouted "Maria" again and really startled her... but her response said she was responding to the name... I said "I'm Rob" She jumped up, gave me a hug and introduced me to her husband "Rob". We ran into each other by the Inn when MB and I where together and Maria was just like... "You must be Mary Beth". I think it may have made MB feel good that my DIS friend knew who she was.
I know this is not you typical TR and it is long, but for once I got to meet some of my DIS friends in person. So let me get in some FYI stuff:
The campfire is on the north side of the resort
A nice permanent location.
For those studio stayers... the laundry is on the garage floor and has a washer and two dryers, vending, and Ice.
The lake has a grill and picnic table on both the north and south sides.
The Jungle trail is about a half mile away from the resort. You can travel many mile either north or south.
Here is a pic of the greens in front of the inn. Many times we see people playing bocci ball, or football, or catch or tag in this areas
The room is renovated. New furniture, new carpet, new shades. Here is a couple pics that people have been asking about... the sleeper chair that seems to make it a room for five people.
The mattress seems pretty think (3" maybe). But, I have to say, the chair and sofa seating cushions are very deep and tend to slop downward to the front and making it a bit awkward to sit on. Not sure I like the avocado green either.
We came to a decision that maybe the OVIR is better for us... we really missed the sunrise and the ocean sounds, and the ocean view. We found ourselves not getting up to greet the sun and miss that. Here is a pic that was our last morning there about 15 minutes after sunrise.
After getting home I realized how many no-see-um bites I had... Maybe 20 or so. DON"T touch them... once you touch or scratch them it is hell...
Rambling, rambling, rambling... Not the best Trip report.
We had a great time and can't believe it is done and gone. Sooo very glad to meet Deb (dort), Scott (fers31), and of course Maria (MiaSRN62)... and their spouses.
Mission accomplished... Just wish the shuttle had launched a week earlier.
Still... a very great trip.
I had contemplated using the online check-in, but had also seen some not happy results or problems posted.
We arrived at around 11 am on Sunday and the fellow who checked us in was either not having a great day or had not yet completed his Disney mindset assimilation program. He wasn't rude, but he wasn't helpful, and/or cheerful, or welcoming. Very unexpected for VB (where is Gail when you need her?). Actually, we ran into her a few times throughout the resort. She is the best, and a true role model.
I had made a real effort to make thoughtful requests that would result in something of a better choice. We ended up with the parking lot view from bldg 12. Bldg 12 WAS part of one of the request choices, but I didn't even know about this view.
In retrospect, I think maybe making multiple requests doomed me. I should have made one specific request and either got it or not. Also, I am now convinced that requests are likely considered in the order they are received (which should be the case) and since we are not owners and have to make our requests at the 7 mo. mark we are 4 months down on the list. It is what it is. Enough with the negative...
As I said we arrived at 11 am and the room was not ready, but we did get to find out what building we would be in and the floor. We told him we wanted to go grocery shopping and were unsure it was smart since he couldn't give us any time line. He said we should go and they could accommodate items needing cold storage. So we gave them our cell phone number and went shopping at Publix.
We arrived back at around 1:30 pm and the room was not ready and they did take our cold storage items. Then about 30 minutes later we got the phone call saying our room was ready. Things were looking up.
We weren't happy with the location, and the view towards the ocean was completely blocked by palms. Still, we were happy to be at VB and happy to have a room early.
We spent about an hour getting unpacked and putting everything in it's proper place. We just chilled after that and walked around the resort and along the beach with a couple drinks in hand. We were floored by how crowded the pool was. After Sunday though, the pool was relatively empty.
We pack just what we need an that just filled up a luggage carrier
The next morning we were up and I was heading down to the pool to secure an umbrella/table at the pool. No problem... had my choice. So I chose one sort of between the slide and the ocean. Kind of away from most traffic. We don't do that reservation by towel thing. We're there in person and stay there for most of the time (one of us).
This pic was real early in the morning.
Here is my rolling everything cart. I have the boogie board, umbrella, 2 chairs, fold-up table, noodles for the pool, usually my drink, camera, binoculars, etc.
So, the weather was perfect. Mid to upper 80's and mostly sunny everyday. The only downside was high winds in the afternoon cut down the waves and made the umbrella a likely missile. Probably for the best though, because the UV index was at "extreme". So, I was not likely to spend the afternoon in the sun anyways.
On my first morning down to the pool someone approached me from outside the pool fence and said something like "I don't usually ask this kind of question, but... are you Rob?"
I knew it was likely Deb (dort) and for a moment, I was frantically trying to think of what I could say to, well... create a shocking moment, but I just said "yes, are you Deb?". So I met Deb and her husband and MB came down shortly after and met them too. We talked a few more times during the stay.
The next morning I was down maybe 30 minutes later. OUR umbrella was waiting for us. So I snagged it and got into the pool. I don't think the pool water was ever the DVC suggested 82 degrees. I don't have a problem with cold water so getting into the pool or ocean is never a problem for me. Though the ocean was on most days 70 degrees, which is about at my tolerance limit. Many times I found myself to be the only one in the ocean as far as I could see north or south. I don't really like that because I feel like a bobbing piece of shark bait with no other distractions. I saw no sharks or PMOW's. Thank you. Here is our beach setup on that day at the end of the rented umbrellas.
I never have liked the way the rental umbrellas go so far from the ramp so for the following days I set up camp right next to the ramp IN FRONT of the rental umbrellas. I don't have a pic for that.
Later that morning in the pool... I was focused on a couple with a child thinking this MAY be Scott (fers31). I knew he said he had an 18 month old boy. Things fit. After about a half hour I swam over and said "by chance... are you Scott?" And it was. Met him and his DW and DS. They were enjoying VB, but they also had a waitlist come through for an earlier day for AKV. Just saw then once or twice again in passing before they left.
Tuesday. I'm in the pool having secured OUR table and umbrella again. I know at this point Maria has a pool view and posted a pic of the pool view so I have some idea of the location. Later in the morning (like around 11am) I saw someone that I recalled from a pic many months ago. I was pretty sure it was her.
I had already been out to the ocean and back to the pool and when I decided to go back to the ocean I passed Deb's husband and he said "Maria was looking for me" and told me where their umbrella was.
I walked up to their umbrella on the beach and shouted out her name... no response... maybe not the right umbrella... shouted "Maria" again and really startled her... but her response said she was responding to the name... I said "I'm Rob" She jumped up, gave me a hug and introduced me to her husband "Rob". We ran into each other by the Inn when MB and I where together and Maria was just like... "You must be Mary Beth". I think it may have made MB feel good that my DIS friend knew who she was.
I know this is not you typical TR and it is long, but for once I got to meet some of my DIS friends in person. So let me get in some FYI stuff:
The campfire is on the north side of the resort
A nice permanent location.
For those studio stayers... the laundry is on the garage floor and has a washer and two dryers, vending, and Ice.
The lake has a grill and picnic table on both the north and south sides.
The Jungle trail is about a half mile away from the resort. You can travel many mile either north or south.
Here is a pic of the greens in front of the inn. Many times we see people playing bocci ball, or football, or catch or tag in this areas
The room is renovated. New furniture, new carpet, new shades. Here is a couple pics that people have been asking about... the sleeper chair that seems to make it a room for five people.
The mattress seems pretty think (3" maybe). But, I have to say, the chair and sofa seating cushions are very deep and tend to slop downward to the front and making it a bit awkward to sit on. Not sure I like the avocado green either.
We came to a decision that maybe the OVIR is better for us... we really missed the sunrise and the ocean sounds, and the ocean view. We found ourselves not getting up to greet the sun and miss that. Here is a pic that was our last morning there about 15 minutes after sunrise.
After getting home I realized how many no-see-um bites I had... Maybe 20 or so. DON"T touch them... once you touch or scratch them it is hell...
Rambling, rambling, rambling... Not the best Trip report.
We had a great time and can't believe it is done and gone. Sooo very glad to meet Deb (dort), Scott (fers31), and of course Maria (MiaSRN62)... and their spouses.
Mission accomplished... Just wish the shuttle had launched a week earlier.
Still... a very great trip.
and perhaps an occasional 
.
