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

[Buzzsgramma]

Great report so far and i love the pics....keep them coming....i love EE myself,although i must admit i missed the Yeti because i had my eyes closed..

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Wednesday, August 27th
Up and at 'em!! We need to be at the Magic Kingdom by 8AM. So out we go to the bus stop. Not a long wait this morning. Around to the Yacht Club and Boardwalk and then off to MK.

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Slightly foggy picture due to the humidity and going from air conditioned (freezer) busses!
We had a great breakfast here, as we usually do, and caught up with a few characters.

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and then it was off to jump on a few of our favorite rides.

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We were able to do Splash twice each (a total of three trips with different ones on each time) with no lines. Had FPs for Space (which we wandered over to after Splash) and then tried out the Monsters Inc Comedy Club.

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This was our first experience for this show. I think, depending on audience participation, this show could be quite funny. We did not have the best particpants, however, so it wasn't the greatest.
We caught bits of the Castle Courtyard show

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and then decided it was time to head over to the Studios.
DD had been talking about nothing but RockNRoller Coaster since weeks before we'd even left home, so over to Sunset Blvd. we went and did both that one and Tower of Terror. Great drop sequence for us here! Poor DS really didn't want to go, but we convinced him to try it again. He flies up out of his seat a little, so he's afraid of falling out. Wasn't as bad this time, but still not a ride he would pick as a favorite.
Over to the Pixar area:

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The wait for Toy Story is 50 minutes and the FPs long gone. The line is out in the hot sun, so we opt to try to catch this again another morning early and decide it is time for a pool break.
On the way out, we pass by Star Tours as the Jedi Training is going on. DS got to participate in this at DL last year and he had the best time!! So, in spite of the heat (and I was melting) we stopped for him to watch it again. It is more fun at DL, IMHO, and the kids get to do battle with either Darth Vader or Darth Maul. But still a good show. DN DH is a Star Wars buff as well, so he enjoyed watching the show.
Off to the pool. And a little rest!

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Day 4 continues:
After our pool/rest break, we mulled over what we wanted to do for the evening and where we wanted to eat. DN DH said he would like to try out the Boardwalk and see what we could get over there. Great!! Off we go.
We ended up over at Big River Grille. They had some lovely outdoor seating and we had no wait! We had some wonderful sidewalk bicycling piano player serenade us during our dinner. DD thought that was really neat.
We had the Jalepeno Spinach Cheese dip appetizer (wonderful) and then I had the Hickory BBQ Burger, DN had the Mahi Mahi Ceasar salad, her DH had a special (don't remember what it was) and DD had Grilled cheese and DS had a burger. DS was excited because he could finally have a root beer to drink. All the food was excellent.
We enjoyed a little more of the Boardwalk entertainment...

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And then a nice walk back to our resort.

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We made it back just in time to catch a movie on our beach and enjoy in a "Magical Bag" of Smores around our campfire. We hit the MarketPlace to fill up our mugs and sat back in the lounge chairs to watch "College Road Trip". It was a wonderful, relaxing evening.
Tomorrow...no early morning plans, so let's sleep in!
(or not, in my case)

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Thursday, August 28th. Day 5
We have no morning plans today, so everyone is sleeping in. Those curtains at the resorts really keep it dark in your rooms if you want them too.
Being the Disney junkie that I am, being at WDW and sleeping in just do not belong in the same sentence. So, as 7AM rolls around, my eyes pop open ready to begin another day of great, adventurous fun! My companions, however, have other ideas. They are sleeping soundly, and I decided to take advantage of the peace and quiet and go off to explore the resort a little more and take a few more pictures.

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Apparently, the ducks enjoy Stormalong Bay as much as the guests do.

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Then I got this grand idea to climb up the water slide to get some photos from a different perspective. This climb first thing in the morning is not for the weak at heart, let me tell you. I was a little winded when I reached the top. Gave the lifeguard a good laugh. (Note to self..start a work out plan upon return home. )

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These last shots show our location at the Beach club. The one above is our section as seen from the sidewalk, and the one below show our room. We are the second from the left on the second floor and with the full balcony.

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Time to head back in and see if the sleepy heads are coming to or not yet.

 

[piney]

This is our favorite resort - you have me jumping up and down in my seat - I just got my plane tickets this morning for our December trip!
It's so much fun to read you report - I know exactly where you were standing for each picture!

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Day 5 continues..
Everyone is awake and having a little breakfast when I return to the room. The grand plan for the day is to split up and for the kids and I to go to Typhoon Lagoon. DN and her DH will go to Epcot.
The kids have never done a water park at Disney, so this will be a fun day for them. Unfortunately, the pictures for the day are still on my underwater camera or on the Photopass site, so I have none to share.
Their favorite part of the day though had to be the wave pool. I haven't figured out the draw of getting pommeled by a 6 foot wave and knocked to your stomach to be drug along the bottom of a concrete floor, but....they had a great time.
Personally, I enjoyed the family raft ride (can't recall the name) and Crushin' Gusher (the water roller coaster) the best. We also tried out the Lazy River, Humunga Cowabunga (not recommended unless you happen to be in need of an enema), and attempted Shark Reef. The disinfectant used to clean the masks bothered DS so bad, he couldn't do it, and the mask kept leaking on DD so she couldn't do it either. They will, however, let you use your own equipment, so next time we go, I will make sure the kids have their own masks with them. Oh, and that water was COLD!!!
After a long afternoon in the hot sun and chlorine, we headed back to the hotel for a shower and dinner at......

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The food was OK, nothing too fantastic. I had the beef sandwich and kids had the mini burgers. DN and her DH met us there after their nice afternoon at Epcot, and we had dessert. DN DH had the NoWay Jose' Sundae!! It was good, but really rich! He managed to finish it all!! DS had a Root Beer Float, DD had the Mickey Sundae, and I had....DS leftover Mickey Sundae. Kids each got one with their kids' meal, but DS had no room. We did see someone order the Kitchen Sink. I can't even imagine what my stomach would think of something mixed with that many flavors.
After stuffing ourselves with enough ice cream to make Mr. Good Bar sick, we decided we had better take a long walk over to the Studios and watch Fantasmic.
The kids still like this show the best out of all the nighttime entertainment. (I think I am partial to Illuminations-except for this year-no globe).

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I still don't really understand how the Pocahontas story fits in here. Peter Pan is in this place at DL and is a much better fit (and a much better show)

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Another nice walk back to our resort (that should have worn off a few of those calories... ) and a browse around our Market Place, and a refill to our mugs, of course. And it's off to bed.

Up next, our last full day, some Keys to the Kingdom, a battle with a Potato Head and his company, and a trip around the World.

 

[Tiggerrn2]

This is our favorite resort - you have me jumping up and down in my seat - I just got my plane tickets this morning for our December trip!
It's so much fun to read you report - I know exactly where you were standing for each picture!

Thanks for joining in. And enjoy your holiday trip. One of these years, I will plan a trip to see the Christmas decorations.

 

[heaven2dc]

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.

So we paused a bit to let the parade go by...

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Loved your pics of the Lion King show! Congrats on getting picked

I especially loved the pic above where almost everyone has their phone or camera up to take pics - looks like no one is actually "watching" the parade

 

[piney]

I have to ask what kind of camera you use. The pictures are so clear - the one of Splash Mountain is unbelievable.

 

[Tiggerrn2]

I have to ask what kind of camera you use. The pictures are so clear - the one of Splash Mountain is unbelievable.

It is a Digital Canon Power Shot S3 IS 12X optical zoom 6 MegaPixel. I am just learning with it, so it is an easy camera to use. Most shots are in Auto Focus mode. It's a little large to carry, but I love the pictures it takes.

Welcome heaven2dc. Glad to have you along for the trip. It's hard to know what anyone wants to read or if you should keep going. I know I love looking at pictures, so I tried to post those as much as possible.

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Friday, August 28. Day 6 and last full day
I had an early wake up call this morning. I was getting a jump on my morning and catching a cab over to the Polynesian. I wanted to try the infamous Tonga Toast. So, I grabbed my stuff (no cameras because I was doing the Keys to the Kingdom Tour and was told no pictures allowed-so I thought I'd travel light), and headed out early ALL BY MYSELF!!!
I had plenty of time to go to Capt. Cooks and order the Tonga Toast. I browsed the lobby area and then took my breakfast out by the pool to eat. I must say, I think this resort will be on my next place to try list (the next time I get a 40% off code, of course). It was beautiful.
I was not overly excited by the Tonga Toast. Sorry-no flames from the TT fans out there, please. It was just too sweet for me. I am more the salt craver than the sweet craver.
After that, decided I'd better head over to the MK for my tour, so I hopped on the resort monorail and was at the MK in minutes. Headed straight to City Hall and checked in for the tour. They had bottled water or coffee and I got my pass and name tag and then had some free time. I love Main Street first thing in the morning, so I took a little walk, listened to the music, took in the smells and enjoyed the peace. I noticed that Mainstreet was in the process of being decorated with Red, White and Blue balloons, so I approached the Photopass photographer and asked her what was up? She said that Michael Phelps was in the park today for a parade-his first appearance since his return to the States from China. OK pretty neat. Now I was sort of wishing I would have time to see him, but no such luck. The parade was during the middle of my tour time.

Coming up...Keys to the Kingdom Tour

 

[anbouk]

HiHi! Thoroughly enjoying reading your trip report. We were at BC at the same time you stayed there. What made me chuckle was that we were at the Pearl Place near the BC that SAME nite standing right next to you guys. Guess what, and I remember your lil' guy asking the girl, Shea, all of the questions....and yes she so graciously answered them all!!! My DD was interested in a setting but was so indecisive that we let the other youger couple customers (if you remember) go ahead of us while she was deciding what to do with her pearl. Then another family....with a grandpa came and got in front of us and purchased a pearl for his grandaughter, if you remember. Then Finally after waiting a while we were up next. My dd ended up putting her gorgeous pearl on a beautiful gold dolphin setting....which she will receive on Xmas am. However, by looking at your pics of the family, I don;t remember you guys. by the pool...we also hung out in front of the lifeguard pool side gifts area of the pool nearly every afternoon during that week! The kids just couldn't get enough of the pool...lol! We so loved the BC that we are now DVC members. Can't wait till our next magical stay

 

[Tiggerrn2]

That is funny! It is a small world I guess after all.
I hope your DD loves her pearl. I still have one on a whale's tail that I did many years ago.
Yes, that is my son-always asking a million questions, and I did feel so sorry for the CM having to keep answering him.
Thanks for reading along.
I would love to have a DVC at this resort (or anywhere for that matter). Just can't convince the DH that it is a good deal. But I will return to that resort for a repeat stay!

 

[Tiggerrn2]

On with Friday morning of Day 6:
Back to City Hall. The others in the tour are arriving and we are given our portable headsets and are introduced to Jarred, our tour guide. We get a little orientation for the day, choose our lunch choices at the Columbia Harbor House and we are off down Main Street. We learn many little tidbits about the names on the windows on Main Street-many are names of Walt's friends/Imagineers. We also learn that the tunnels tour takes place during "the second half of the tour". Jarred was a great tour guide and obviously enjoys his job with WDW. We go through Adventureland and get a private boat on the Jungle Cruise. We walk into Frontierland and get to go behind the gate where the parade starts and get a tour of the buildings behind the gate where the floats are housed. They were getting the floats ready for the Boo to You Parade while we were back there. On to Liberty Square and a tour of the Hall of Presidents and then over for lunch. Tuna Sandwich was really good.
Up next: part 2 of the tour.

 

[piney]

When we were there in May the ducks were babies; they were swimming in the pool with their mother and they couldn't get out - they were too small to jump up! I wonder if they are the same ones in your pictures

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Day 6 Keys to the Kingdom Tour continues:
We receive our golden key pin during our lunch hour and have a little conversation.
After lunch we learned about the Haunted Mansion and little secrets about the mansion. The obvious hidden mickey in the dining room isn't a real HM at all, but a housekeeping/CM plant. They apparently thought it would be a funny thing to do, and now it just keeps getting repeated. The singing busts near the end (far left one) is also the voice of Tony the Tiger. We then were taken in the VIP guest door and entered the ride.
Upon exiting the ride, I noticed the CM had a tiki pin that my DS was on the hunt for. Unfortunately, I didn't have a trader with me. That will have to wait.
Oh, somewhere before lunch, my headset to hear Jarred gave up the ghost and quit working. So for the remainder of the tour, I got to be Jarred's tour buddy. If I wasn't up front with him, I had no idea what he was saying. Oh, and if you ever do one of these, you are allowed to bring a camera/vidoeo recorder. You just have to turn it off/no pictures in the backstage areas. So I was really wishing I had mine along, because I have, of course, forgotten much of what I learned.
Finally, the part of the tour we'd all been waiting for....the tunnels! We entered somewhere in Frontierland, I do believe, and went down a couple flights. We were shown a video of how they operate cameras and video equipment and parade shows from DEX. You've seen this on the Travel Channel shows. We walked down a few of the tunnels. They are color coded so you don't get lost and so you know what area you will be coming up into. All so a cowboy wouldn't be found wandering around in Tomorrowland or a Space man wouldn't be found in the great Frontier. We did also learn about the great trash compactor, we saw the pin trading center for the CMs and where they pick up and drop off uniforms every day. There is a virtual city down there operating completely separate from all the fun upstairs. But they are, after all, just tunnels.
We came up again on Main Street and made our way back to City Hall. That ends the great Keys to the Kingdom Tour.
It was nice and glad I enjoyed it, but not sure I would pay to do this one again. I still would like to try the longer one, though.

Now, off to buy a pin and head back to the HM to find that CM. I have a trade to make.

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Day 6 continued:
I found a "cheap" pin to buy so I could head back to the HM and find the CM with the pin I really needed. You see, DS and DD were on the hunt for series pins this year. Whew!! What work that is, let me tell you. DD had completed her series a day before-she was doing the Teddy Bears. We even managed to get a completer pin for her. DS was after the TIKIs. His were proving harder to locate. I knew I had to find the CM for that one and had to hope she would be kind enough to trade with me.
Trekked back to the HM and darn!! She wasn't at the entrance any longer. I knew they traded spots every couple hours, so I got in line to ride again and hope she would be inside. No luck. Well, I tried.
Hold up!! There she is outside gathering up the strollers!! And she is willing to trade. DS will be so excited! I get the Tiki pin and then debate heading back to the resort or wandering the MK by myself for a bit.
Of course, being the Disney Addict that I am, the ability to tour on my own won out! In 2004 we'd ridden Stitch, and I didn't think it was all that great. It's been awhile. Let's give it another chance. Bonus, I saw a Dreams CM go in the back entrace. Maybe I'd get lucky. After riding, the thought I'd had previously still held. Not that great. No Dream Team member on exit either. Well, let me head out of here. I hit the afternoon parade as I am exiting, so I stop and watch that for a little while. Definately prefer the evening parades. Guess I wasn't missing much always going back to the resort mid-day for a swim.
OK, out to wait for the bus. Another longish wait. Don't know what it is about the busses to Epcot area from MK, but they just weren't timely.
My DN and DD were headed to the pool. DS and DN DH were found relaxing in the room playing Nintendo DS (as they did during every free moment-what is it with boys and these toys? We're at Disney!!!)
I went on down to the pool with DD and DN. It was very warm today, so I thought a jump in the pool would be great. The water was so warm it was like hopping in a bath. Oh, well. DS finally decided to come down for a swim for a little while. We had no great plans for the evening, but decided it would be nice to go back to Epcot to eat and then watch Illuminations again. Hopefully, it would be a better show since it wasn't so humid.

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Day 6 completed.
During the day, DN, her DH and the kids went to DHS while I was on my Keys Tour. They managed to get FP for Toy Story and then saw Lights, Motors, Action Stunt Show, and a few other things over at the Studios before heading back to the resort.
So, now we've all showered and decided to go to Epcot. I wanted to get some pictures of the kids around the resort that I might use as our Christmas photo this year. So, we tried a few around the beach, but the sun was pretty bright and made it hard for photos.

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But I tried a few. I forgot that tonight was EMH at Epcot. We got our bracelets and then headed to the UK for dinner. We wanted the fish/chips. DN and her DH tried the beer there. I knew I wanted to sample the Orange Grand Marnier slush in France. The kids didn't want fish/chips, so after getting our drinks, we wandered over to Morroco for them. They got the usual chicken strips and they got to try the fruit slushes. These were really good for the kids. We were entertained at dinner with some music. Then we wandered to Japan. The kids wanted to shop for Pokemon stuff. Japan had a nice kids' toy area. Bakugon, Avatar, and Pokemon as well as a lot of Hello Kitty items. Then we headed over to find a spot for Illuminations. We found a great seat in the Germany/Italy area and had a great view of the show. DN DH went back to Germany for a cookie treat (they have the best CC cookies over there!) And then sat back and enjoyed the show. Still no globe in Illuminations (I found out later that the globe is undergoing some refurbishments). Not the same show, but still nice.
We headed back over to Future World to do Soarin' and Test Track again before heading back to the resort. It was a beautiful night and we enjoyed our last late night walk "home". One last Market Place run for mug refills and off to bed.
Next up.....last morning, some sleepyheads and one early riser (guess who?)

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Day 7, Saturday August 30th.
Our last day arrived. I had decided before going to bed last night (as I was packing up everything to go home) that we would have a relaxing morning, have breakfast at Cape May (DN DH enjoyed the breakfast at CP earlier in the week and wanted one last nice breakfast-so why not try our own resort), do a little shopping and hit the pool before we left. DN and her DH thought they may head to DD to shop. Mother Nature had other ideas!!

Instead of sleeping in, I was awake with the sun early. Everyone else was still out, so I decided I would head to EMH at the Studios. As you recall, I was the only one missing out on taking on Potato Head and company! I had a warm, moist walk to the Studios. The air was really still and heavy and it didn't look like it was going to be the nicest day. I knew I needed to hit the park fast and hard to get to my ride and get out to head back for shower/breakfast.
There was already quite a few people lined up at the kiosks, and I was there 15 minutes before EMH opening. Park opens and we head to the ropes-half to the right for RNR Coaster/TT and the other half to the left for Toy Story. The CMs go on about no running, stay behind the CMs, blah, blah, blah...Nobody could really hear well what they were saying as they weren't using a microphone and it was loud with the crowd. But I have heard this speech before.
And then, we're off!! I am almost run over by a women on her scooter. I wanted to say, easy lady, you'll have to go a separate way anyway since you won't be doing the stair portion in that scooter! I go right in and get on the ride in about 5 minutes. The bulk of the crowd headed directly to the FP machines before hitting the ride, but I wouldn't be back so no need for a FP. I was coaching my partner in crime on the fine art of scoring points (I had done this ride in June in DL and knew some of the tricks). Darn if my partner didn't beat me in the end and get the high score to start out the day!! Ride conquered. The wait on my exit was already to 50 minutes and the FP line was at least a 20 minute wait.
A quick stop in the store on the way out and then a brisk walk back to the resort to finish packing and get ready for breakfast.
Still dark in the room when I returned. I had to open the drapes and tell everyone to get up and at 'em. We had a 10:50 ADR for breakfast.

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Chip snuck in and stole DD seat. The characters here were quite interactive and fun!

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We had a great breakfast and then headed back up to our room for the last bit of packing and a last photo op.

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Off to Epcot to do some shopping. Ponchos definately needed! The skies were turning. Gustav is fast approaching. Good day to be going home!

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Day 7 continues:
DN and her DH decided to forgo the DD shopping and just head over to Epcot with us. We wander into MouseGears and no sooner than we do, the rain showers begin. So we shopped, figuring it would stop shortly and we could move on. But it rained...and it rained....and it rained....
We threw on the ponchos and made another trip over to Ice Station Cool at DS request. Another round of taste testing. This time, DD goes to taste the Beverly. I tell her, "Don't do it!! It's nasty!!" She wants to know how I know that. "I have my ways!!" Thank you o DisBoards. But being the kid she is, she has to do it anyway! Video taped this portion, so unfortunately no pix and I do not know how to upload video. She makes horrible faces and then along comes DS. "What are you tasting?" Again, "Don't do it!!" He does it and makes a face. Now comes DN DH. Seriously?!!!! You have to torture yourself. too? Does anyone not trust to take me at my word? My favorite, by the way, was Mexico or Isreal. Both were lightly fruity with carbonated water. DS liked Costa Rica, but that was a little too sweet for me. It was fun, though.
From there, we headed back to the hotel. We kept hoping the rain would subside, but it was not to be. It was thundering as well, so there would be no pool time today. Instead, the lifeguards were in the lobby playing games with the kids.

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And I finally got to meet Art. He is truly a wonderful man!

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We relaxed in the lobby and soaked in our final few minutes. It was time to catch the Magical Express to the airport. Funny how the bus you look most forward to seeing upon your arrival to the airport is the same bus you least look forward to seeing on your last day. They show a cute departure movie on your trip to the airport with the characters involved. And of course, encourage you to return again real soon.
We had a quick dinner in the food court and then it was off to our gates. We have to say good-bye here to DN and her DH. We had a wonderful time with them and would love to do this again! (maybe next year. )
Next up.... last thoughts.