We Made It To The Beach Club-for my Chicago Area Disers

[Tiggerrn2]

Hello everyone. I am new to the Trip Boards and, while I love reading everyone's grand adventures, have never been brave enough to set out on one of my own. That said, my Chicago Area Diser friends are quite encouraging, and I tried a mini one out on them last year which they enjoyed. They have given me the courage to strike out on one on this Board.
So, first a little background: we are a family of 4-a Dis obsessed Mom, 2 Disney loving kids, and a Not-Thrilled but will go along with it Dad. (Except for this trip, he decided he was Disney'ed out! ) I'll explain.
This trip began with a postcard from Disney I received back before Christmas.
40% off Your Stay at a Deluxe Hotel!! with a variety of dates to pick from. I knew my best chance at a summer vacation from work was going to be the last week of August-being low man on the totem pole. And one of the choices on the postcard began during that time!! It had to be fate, right?
Now, I have been in love with the Epcot Area Resorts since Swan/Dolphin were built and have always wished for a stay there, but the prices were out of my budget. But with 40% off the room rate . So I made the call, made the reservation, and requested my vacation time!! The Grand Adventure begins.
After Christmas, the invitation arrives: Please come to DisneyLand and share in our Special Wedding Day-at the Grand Californian, no less. The son of our friends that live in CA is getting married and has invited us to join them at DisneyLand. Well, DH says we can't do both. I really want this trip to WDW in August, so I don't cancel, but I do make plans to head out to California for the wedding and a visit with DH sister while we are out there. And I request another week of vacation from work figuring that will never happen.
Low and behold, I get both weeks of vacation granted from work. Now what do I do? DH would like to go to CA, I want to go to WDW and CA. So, he says "go-but I am not doing both. I am Disney'ed out" But our room holds 5?! I think I will invite my niece and her husband to come along and share in the fun!!!! They are excited by the invitation and can't wait to come along. It had been years since either of them had been. I took my niece in 1996 and she hasn't been back since, and her DH hadn't been since he was a kid. Both were looking forward to seeing what was new.
So there you have it. Cast of characters for this adventure: Me, DS-8, DD-10, and DN and her DH.
Oh, and the wedding in CA at the Grand Californian was beautiful, by the way!!

 

[Tiggerrn2]

The dates are set, Sunday August 24th-Friday August 29th. Oh, wait-the vacation request is approved!! Let me call and see if I can add a day. The nice CM says, "You're in luck!!" And she so graciously adds on another day. So now it is Sunday - Saturday, August 30th.
Fast Forward to the week before the trip. Tropical Storm Fay has hit with a vengeance. I am watching every weather report, the weather channel, you name it. My DNephew, his wife and their 2 girls just returned from their first trip and lucked out and missed all the bad weather. How lucky could this family be? The final papers arrive in the mail and I notice it says, "Water View". That's odd. I booked Standard. Could we already be receiving a little extra pixie dust? My friends here on the DisBoards had a giggle with that saying at this point, with Fay there, every room will have a Water View!! So not funny when your trip is occuring in the midst of hurricane season.
Watching flights, getting groceries ordered and packing in between work days and hoping and praying like mad that the bad weather will subside just in the knick of time for us.
And like a miracle, Sunday morning arrives and Fay has moved on!!

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Sunday, August 24th. Day One:
We arrive at MCO about 10:30AM along with about a million other Disney-Bound guests, and as I make my way to the first Monorail of the trip, make a quick call to my DN and her husband. Thankfully, they had arrived a little before us, so I asked her to get into the DME line and I will catch up to her there. Hurray for that little plan. The line for DME was huge! I think everyone that had postponed because of Fay had rescheduled for this week. Here's hoping this won't predict the park crowds. The line went quickly and soon enough....we were in another line to wait for our bus to the Beach Club! I think it was the longest line there and we must have just missed the last one because it took forever for another bus to arrive for us.
At last, we made it!!!

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[hollyluvsdisney]

Well, I'm not Chicago area DISer, but I'm jumping on board! The words "Beach Club" in your title caught my eye... I too have always wanted to stay at an Epcot Resort. In fact, we spent the last day of our most recent trip just wandering around the boardwalk exploring all of the resorts. They were just lovely, especially the Beach Club. Can't wait to read more!

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Check in was quick and easy. And, it was true, we have a complimentary upgrade to a water view room! The CM says it will be a nice pool view... UMMM, not so much. Room 2621, just up the stairs on the MarketPlace side and down the hall a short distance. We get this....

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[Tiggerrn2]

And it's one of the newly renovated rooms so we also have this..

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[Tiggerrn2]

We spent a little time looking around the resort and went down to the pool for a bite to eat at Hurricane Hannahs. Typical park food and not the greatest. The worst was the line we waited in to get the food and drinks. It took forever, and they way the line crosses the sidewalk, it puts you directly in the way of people heading out to the main walkway or the slide. Here are some pool photos. This pool was one of the best parts of our stay. We loved it!! Loved the sand bottom and the slide. We spent a little time in the lazy river section, but mostly stayed in the area in front of the lifegaurds/pool store. It was the perfect depth for the kids and we loved the afternoon lifegaurd games!

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[Tiggerrn2]

After eating lunch, we headed to the pool for a nice relaxing afternoon. I had made our first ADR for our arrival day at our very own Cape May Cafe for the Clambake. So, around 4:30 we headed up to shower and change.
I thought the dinner was great!! DD did not eat her money's worth though. Now that she is 10, she is an adult on Disney's dining. She eats like a bird. So nowhere is worth an adult charge for her, unfortunately. Which is why you will see the majority of our meals take place as CS choices. I enjoyed the clamchowder soup, clams, mussels, and the ribs and cornbread were awesome. But these little beauties took the cake!!!

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The chocolate ones were Oreo cookies with chocolate mousse on top rolled in chocolate shavings and topped with chocolate frosting. I ate 4 and still would've liked more if I'd had room. Oh, and the little cheesecakes were pretty good, too.
We then headed over to Epcot and waited in the standby line to ride Soarin'. We had quite a wait, not sure if they had a repair job to do or what, but the crowd was kept busy with some interactive games to play while in line. It worked out well for me. Helped to work off some of those little beauties up above.
Then we headed over to the Magic Kingdom for EMH. I love that park at night. We made it in time to catch Wishes and then rode Jungle Cruise, BTMR, Pirates, Buzz, and saw Mickey's Philharmagic. By that time, we were pretty beat!
Time to head off to our resort for bed. Long bus wait. I think our trips to Magic Kingdom had the longest wait for busses we encountered the entire time. Never less than 20 minutes.
That's it for day one. Hope you enjoy the photos and the report.

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Well, I'm not Chicago area DISer, but I'm jumping on board! The words "Beach Club" in your title caught my eye... I too have always wanted to stay at an Epcot Resort. In fact, we spent the last day of our most recent trip just wandering around the boardwalk exploring all of the resorts. They were just lovely, especially the Beach Club. Can't wait to read more!

Welcome aboard hollyluvsdisney. Everyone is more than welcome to join in.
I fell in love with this resort. The location is absolutely perfect! We enjoyed a lot of relaxation time at Disney this trip and took time to take in our surroundings and enjoy so much more than the parks.

 

[Buzzsgramma]

I am loving this trip report and the photos are great....we'll be at the BWV in Dec. 08..with DS and family...been waiting for this report....keep on going girl......can u guess who this is?????

 

[hollyluvsdisney]

The renovated rooms are just gorgeous! And Stormalong Bay looks like a lot of fun. I'm loving all of your photos!

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Monday, August 25th. Day 2
The original plan today called for an early morning at Epcot, but due to our late night doing EMH at the Magic Kingdom, we slept in a little late. Had breakfast in our room courtesy of the box of cereals/snacks I had mailed down earlier in the week and the fridge items from Garden Grocer I had delivered yesterday. Love that fridge in the room! We finally wandered over to Epcot (5 minute walk from our room to International Gateway) about 10:30 or so.
We knew we wanted to do Soarin' again, so we made our way over to the Land and collected some FPs and then headed over to The Seas with Nemo and Friends. We did the Clamshell Nemo ride-same story as the Nemo ride in DL except there you have the added luxury of a submarine ride and a 2 hour wait. Went to Turtle Talk, and then just browsed around in the Living Seas Aquarium area for a bit. The kids wanted to get to Test Track, so we headed that direction next. Not too long of a wait there-20 minutes or so and we get in line for this one. Of course, now that we are in that area, Mission Space is looming large. As is the water area out front. Now this is the end of August and it was HOT!!! So, the kids of course had to splash and get a little wet. I knew I wasn't going to do Mission Space. The last time I took that on, the rest of my day was ruined. And DS wasn't a fan either. So DD went with DN and her DH. They chose the tamer version, but I think DN would have liked to have tried the real deal!! DS and I hung out in the exit area where he could play in the climbing gym and I could sit in the air conditioning.
In all our walking about, I noticed Ice Station Cool. We had never taken the time to go in there before, so I asked if the kids and DN and her DH would like to try some Sodas from around the World. Sure!!!! So we spend the next 30 minutes taste testing and getting sick to our stomaches on carbonated beverages. (of course, I already knew which one to stay away from )More on that little bit of fun at the end of the trip.

I realize here I don't have many pix from today-I was using the video camera more. Sorry.
So we head back over now to The Land and check in on the Stand-by line again for Soarin'. Our FP aren't until 6pm. Line is still too long-that's what happens when you are slow to get moving. But there is only a 5 minute wait for Living with the Land boat tour. Why not? I couldn't believe it. The kids actually enjoyed that little educational expedition. They especially thought it was neat learning how the Mickey shaped items are grown.
Time for dinner. Germany sounds great! So we head of to Sommerfest for a Brat and a beer at Imbiss along with a large pretzel.

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Kids weren't too fond of hot pretzels dipped in mustard, so we told them we could head over to America to get them the usual burger or chicken strips.
After eating in Germany, we wandered around the WS. The clouds were really moving in. Now, mind you, it was a beautiful morning when we left and I didn't throw in the ponchos. Big Mistake!!! I should never forget Florida in August and the tendency to afternoon showers.
While we are in America getting the kids a bite to eat, the downpour begins. No ponchos, FP for Soarin' and no way to get over there without getting soaked! We waited....and waited.....it wasn't giving up. We then made the decision to head back to our hotel for a change of clothes and the ponchos. We figured we could head back for Illuminations if the weather changed or just hang out at the resort for a relaxing evening.
You might know, as soon as we returned to the room, the rain finally slowed up. We decided we would head back for Illuminations and maybe use our FP for Soarin'. But by the time we got our act together, we only had time to get a spot and wait for Illuminations. We should've gone to Soarin'. With all the rain and the high humidity, the fireworks display was more like a cloud of smoke display.
We took the long way around and walked the Boardwalk and around the Swan/Dolphin area back over to the Beach Club. It was a beautiful evening for a walk.

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Back to our resort. The kids had a fascinating conversation at the Pick a Pearl Kiosk with the CM. I thought my DS was going to drive the poor CM insane with all of his questions. But she was gracious and tried to answer them all while helping a paying guest.
A quick stop in the MarketPlace for the refillable mugs and it's off to bed. Big day tomorrow. Up next...Rope Drop at Animal Kingdom and a day of Dreams Come True.

 

[Tiggerrn2]

I am loving this trip report and the photos are great....we'll be at the BWV in Dec. 08..with DS and family...been waiting for this report....keep on going girl......can u guess who this is?????

Gee-no clue!! Glad to have you aboard. Slow start I guess. It's still fun to relive it, though. Hope you stick with me to the end and that I'm not your "put you to sleep" night time reading.

 

[Buzzsgramma]

hmmm u are too smart.....LOVE those pics....and the report is good, we almost did BC but got a studio with AP at BWV so couldnt resist....I love the report so far......

 

[Bunchkin]

Love the TR Tiggerrn!!!!!

And great pics too!!


Too bad you missed Soarin! The last time we were at Epcot it poured like crazy too! .............but at least we had ponchos AND an umbrella!!!


I can't believe you guys walked all day in the park and then think it's a good idea to take an evening stroll!!!! That would never happen with us!!!!

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Tuesday, August 26th. Day 3
Rise and Shine!! We are hitting the bus early this morning. We arrive at AK on the first bus from our resort area. There are plenty other guests already there, but most are in line for Donald's Safari Breakfast. So we head on over to the turnstiles and are the first group there.
We strike up a nice conversation with a CM getting things ready to open. She asks if we'd like a map, and we said we'd love it-get a jump start on our adventure for the day.
Then a few other guests arrive to the turnstiles and we are all visiting and waiting for the park to open. Next thing we know, the CM we were chatting with earlier comes back to us and asks if we'd like to help them open the park!!! OF COURSE WE WOULD!!!

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After the park opening, I headed off to catch up with the crowd to make my way to Everest for FPs. Of course, we were stopped again at the second rope. So as my family was catching back up to me, another CM at the rope asked how many were in our group. I told her 5. My DD came up to the rope at that point and the CM asked her if she would like to help open the Tip Board for the day! DD loves to be the center of attention so she jumped at the chance.

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Finally, the CM then gave us a VIP pass to the Lion King Show and told us to meet at the exit for the 1pm show!
What a great way to start the day at my favorite park!!
Coming Up...how the rest of the day went.

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Love the TR Tiggerrn!!!!!

And great pics too!!


Too bad you missed Soarin! The last time we were at Epcot it poured like crazy too! .............but at least we had ponchos AND an umbrella!!!


I can't believe you guys walked all day in the park and then think it's a good idea to take an evening stroll!!!! That would never happen with us!!!!

Hey Bunchkin! Thanks for joining in! We walked a lot this trip. The evenings were just too beautiful not to take advantage-and we had the best area for late night strolls.

 

[hollyluvsdisney]

Love this photo. The boardwalk is just gorgeous at night!

How awesome that you guys got to help open up AK!

Can't wait to read more.

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Day 3 cont.
The second rope drops and the race to Everest is on...

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I go ahead to get the FPs and tell the rest of the group to meet me in the standby line. Works like a charm. Only problem with getting there early is you don't get to enjoy the artifacts and displays in the stand by line because you pass through so fast. We were on in less than 10 minutes! Everyone loves it and we will definately be heading back later.
Off to Dinoland USA. And there is virtually nobody here!

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No line for Primevil Whirl. This is the first year the kids are tall enough to experience this ride, so they are really excited. I couldn't understand why this has a different height restriction than Mulholland Madness at DCA-same ride (so I thought). Now, DN's DH has a little motion sickness problem and wasn't sure this was one he could do, but I also don't care for dizzy rides and assured him this wasn't all that bad. After we ride, I totally get the height restriction difference. This one spins a whole lot more than MM!! As we exit, the kids are like, "Let's do it again!" We were all like, "go right ahead. We'll wait at the exit and get some photos." Still no line, so they hit it again!
Then we head off to Dinosaur. In 2006 DH and I drug the kids on this ride, and I think they feared for their lives! So I didn't have the heart to torture them again. So DN and her DH rode while the kids and I walked the little trail next to it. In CA we had become Hidden Mickey hunters and we had the book to hunt for them here. There was one located here on this trail and we were determined to find it!

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Found it!!
Let's head off now for a Safari, shall we? We crossed the park over to Africa and checked out the stand by times. 30 minutes it says. Why not? We aren't in any great hurry. It definately didn't take 30 minutes. More like 15. I videotaped this adventure this year so I don't have any pictures to post, but we saw a ton of animals out this time. Of course, the lions were still sleeping on their rocks. I sometimes wonder if they are real. I have never seen them moving.

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Off we go to the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. I have walked this one before, but DN and her DH have never been to this park, so we head on in. The gorillas were beautiful here today!

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Anybody getting hungry? Off to Pizzafari for a bite to eat. I keep meaning to try Flametree, but somehow, this never happens. Then we hit the shops while we wait for our time for The Lion King!
Next up.... a great seat, and some Warthog fun!

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Day 3 cont.
We arrive at the exit and the CMs take our little reservation card. We are waiting for a few other families to arrive. When they take us into the theater, we are the only ones inside. The kids get to trade pins a bit with some of the CMs and we get our seats down in the front.

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My DN DH is picked from the crowd to participate. We learn we are in the Warthog section, so he has to instruct the crowd in Warthog sounds. Thankfully, he is a good sport and goes along with the audience participation.
As usual, it is a great show.
Time to make our way across the park again. So we work our way over to see Nemo. The Tree of Life looms large on our walk across the Oasis.

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This is our first ever viewing of Finding Nemo the Musical, and I have to say, I thought it was wonderful. I video taped much of the first part of the show so these couple pix are towards the end. And they weren't turning out the greatest.

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I thought it was incredible how the puppeteers worked their puppets and yet did their own acting. They really give life to their characters.
Now it's time to head back to use our FPs for Everest again. We all agree, this ride it the best coaster ride. Of course, DS still isn't too fond of the Yeti.
After that we debated Kali, but really didn't want to be wet just before heading out to get to dinner. So we paused a bit to let the parade go by...

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and then we made our way into the big tree to check in on some bugs. In 2004, DS was tortured by this 3D movie. It was the first thing we had done on vacation that year and the spiders freaked him out so bad that it was difficult to get him to do anything else that might be in the dark or be a "movie". Thankfully, he is willing to try again, and loves it now! I really think this is one of the cuter 3D movies Disney has. (though nothing tops Philharmagic IMHO).

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The park is closing. Time to put an end to a most wonderful park day here in the Animal Kingdom. We all agree, best day yet!!
Off to AKL for a nice, relaxing look around the Lodge and a great dinner at BOMA!
Checked out the lobby here. This is still one of my favorite resorts! Hunted up some Hidden Mickey's. (can you find this one?)

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And then we headed out to Arusha Rock to gaze at some animals.

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After dinner, we hopped a bus to Downtown Disney and did some shopping. We were all getting pretty tired, though, so it wasn't long before we decided to head back to the Beach Club to retire for the night. (After our evening trip to the Market Place to fill our mug!)
Tomorrow: Another early morning to have breakfast with a little character-or 4.