We Shared a SWW...and more! Done...At Home! (10/17)

[TinksThree]

Oh my! What a rough start!! I would have lost my joy too!!

I always take over the shoulder shots...and some are good while others are not!! Such suspense!! What can happen next???

 

[jmskinner]

I think I have gotten spoiled with having AP's and not having to deal with tickets. I'd be a little frustrated myself.

But you made it.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Oh my! What a rough start!! I would have lost my joy too!!

I always take over the shoulder shots...and some are good while others are not!! Such suspense!! What can happen next???

I think I was really tired and frustrated...and hungry. I forgot to mention that our dinner consisted of sandwiches we quickly bought from a little vendor at the Atlanta airport -- don't ever do that. They were $8-9, and the bread was so dried up and it had sat for so long...I didn't eat a 4th of it, and no one else much enjoyed what they got, either. When we got to Orlando, everything was closed. Hunger probably attributed to this mood.

I think I have gotten spoiled with having AP's and not having to deal with tickets. I'd be a little frustrated myself.

But you made it.

Yes, eventually it starts to sink in that "we made it..." -- but I really felt badly for such a rough start. It was worse in that I had made all these plans, and the plans fell to pieces.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

DH and I begin with a room I had seen pictures of -- and definitely wanted to see more of! To get the scale, I had to back 'way off this picture:

It was soooo quiet, tho. I kind of liked that. I think we needed the peace, since we'd had enough turmoil for the day. Since DH wanted a picture with me in it, I told him I wanted that humongous picture in the background...I really like it.

You know, it almost looks like there's someone in the pool in this picture, but it seems like we were all alone!!

Okay, there are obviously people in this picture. I find myself asking: why didn't we just get some swimsuits on and come back? We had them in our carry-on! But you know -- I knew Storm-Along Bay was somewhere close, and I really wanted to see it...if I had only known how little of it we would see!!

In the dark, Ariel seems a little possessed.

I thought my camera did a pretty good job with this photo:

DH and I find ourselves back in the lobby. I'm not particularly fond of this place, now, but he convinces me to sit in this chair.

I liked this one better (farther away, focus on flowers):

It was at this point that the girls came into the lobby; they were going back to the room for something, but I don't remember what. DH and I went out the "back door" and found this view of the back:

This didn't come out as well as I hoped. Also, when DH leaned on this light, it...um...leaned a little TOO much with him...scary!!

Seeing this sign was another reminder of how poorly I planned this section of the trip.

Some pics of the view across the water:

More to come!!

 

[jmskinner]

You are so right about that Ariel statue. The EYES!!!

And I like the pic of you in the chair. From that angle it looks like part of a boat, you don't see it from further away.

And that big room is really cool. I need to go over there and look around.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

There are so many things to look at -- you could be busy for a long time, Melissa!
We went out and found the Storm Along Bay pirate ship/slide! Everything was closed.

We walked out to the little lighthouse on the water. Something was being worked on! Isn't this sign cute??

We decided to do a self-portrait!

After looking around at the pool, going back the other way, we decide that it's 10:45pm, and there's not much else to look at. We returned to the room, only to find that the girls had decided they were done, too! Hey, and 15 minutes early?

I began to pull out the couch for them to get their bed ready -- and looked around the room for the bedding/pillows. Couldn't find anything. Now, if I had been less tired, I might have remembered an obscure thread about BCV and where these items were stowed...as it was, I didn't, and DH called Mousekeeping. Or, someone...and was told everything was UNDER the couch! Oh, yeah!!! (slap on forehead, as I look under the couch bed, and pull out the stuff) Oy. Just one more thing...

I put the bed together, and took a pic.

And, got going...

Hee -- you can see my hand/camera peeking around the corner, here...

Now...what next? Our luggage hadn't arrived. No one had PJs. We had turned the TV onto this channel that had various clips of Disney shows, etc., and all of us plopped onto our beds, bleary-eyed. DH finally called the bellhop to ask when we could expect to get our luggage, as it was 11pm, and we had arrived at the airport after 9pm.

"Three hours," was the answer.

"Is that the best answer you have?" my DH asked. They put him on hold.

"Actually, we think we have your luggage in this last shipment," they told him after about a 5 minute wait. "We will try to get it to you as soon as possible. How many pieces do you have?"

"Four," my husband answers.

"Oh, we only have 3 of your pieces," they said. "The other should be along in the next shipment."

This was weird -- why would they be split up? But, having no choice, we just fell asleep in our clothes, on top of the beds.

Now, this is where my husband and I disagree. All of a sudden, my DH jumps up from the bed, and I hear him answer the door. The very fact that he heard the door knock and I didn't, was weird. He believes this happened at 3am. I think it happened at 1am. And guess what -- they had all 4 pieces of luggage -- HOORAY!!

In any event, I made the girls get up, get their PJs on, and brush their teeth and get back into bed. If it had been 3 am, I don't think I would have made them do this...I think DH hadn't pushed back the time on his watch.

(Sigh.) Our 1st night (can't really say "day") at WDW had ended.

 

[jenniferkeala808]

oh my! so sorry you folks were delayed! glad you made it to the ME counter! And those people did not have to mutter "oh, finally"...kinda rude don't you think?! Oh well, you were on the bus and ready to go! So that's all that matters! aww vickie...so sorry there was all that confusion when you checked in with the dining plan and the park tickets. isn't that so frustrating?! cute pics of your adventure around BCV! and that Ariel does look a little scary! i'm soo glad your luggage all made it there safely! can't wait for next update!!

 

[jmskinner]

Can you tell I'm excited to be part of your TR. I haven't been on the Dis this much in a long time.

Love your pics around the resort and the room looks about the size of the one we had at Kadani.

I'm staying out of the argument over when the luggage was delivered.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

oh my! so sorry you folks were delayed! glad you made it to the ME counter! And those people did not have to mutter "oh, finally"...kinda rude don't you think?! Oh well, you were on the bus and ready to go! So that's all that matters! aww vickie...so sorry there was all that confusion when you checked in with the dining plan and the park tickets. isn't that so frustrating?! cute pics of your adventure around BCV! and that Ariel does look a little scary! i'm soo glad your luggage all made it there safely! can't wait for next update!!

You know, Keala, I wasn't at all put off by the comment on the bus -- after our long waits at the airport, I could completely understand the feeling. I knew it really wasn't directed at us...even if it was, I still forgave them. It made me wonder if they really HAD been waiting on us?

I felt like such an ugly person after all that check-in stuff, and I SO did not want to be like that. I knew it would affect the experience for everyone, and I wanted to be positive. I was truly in conflict, so I was glad when Robert suggested we walk around and look around -- a real stress-reliever!!

Can you tell I'm excited to be part of your TR. I haven't been on the Dis this much in a long time.

Love your pics around the resort and the room looks about the size of the one we had at Kadani.

I'm staying out of the argument over when the luggage was delivered.

Yay! I'm really glad you're hanging in there with me!! Yes, I forgot to mention that this is a studio room, like what you guys had at Kadani.

And, of course, I'm right about the time of the luggage arrival.

 

[Janny]

Hi,
I'm aboard for your TR and hoping and praying the time gets better for you 4 weary travelers!!! We cannot wait to arrive at BC....I hate flying as it is...,you are quite calm about all these obstacles...... my Italian temper would have flared!! Thanks for the beautiful pictures of the resort. Are there alot of pool refurbishments happening at Storm-along-Bayl? Now I'm going to your PTR...Thanks so much for sharing!! Have a great summer!!
janice

 

[jenniferkeala808]

You know, Keala, I wasn't at all put off by the comment on the bus -- after our long waits at the airport, I could completely understand the feeling. I knew it really wasn't directed at us...even if it was, I still forgave them. It made me wonder if they really HAD been waiting on us?

I felt like such an ugly person after all that check-in stuff, and I SO did not want to be like that. I knew it would affect the experience for everyone, and I wanted to be positive. I was truly in conflict, so I was glad when Robert suggested we walk around and look around -- a real stress-reliever!!

You're totally right. What a great person you are! LOL! I'm glad Robert's suggestion relieved your stress...after all, you folks are in Disney...and you made it there safely!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Hi,
I'm aboard for your TR and hoping and praying the time gets better for you 4 weary travelers!!! We cannot wait to arrive at BC....I hate flying as it is...,you are quite calm about all these obstacles...... my Italian temper would have flared!! Thanks for the beautiful pictures of the resort. Are there alot of pool refurbishments happening at Storm-along-Bayl? Now I'm going to your PTR...Thanks so much for sharing!! Have a great summer!!
janice

Hi, Janny -- thanks for joining in!!

I am Italian too, but I guess somewhat mellowed over the years, because my DH can tell you how quickly I could get HOT...! I just kept thinking, "It shouldn't be like this!!" And I know how my attitude can affect the entire atmosphere, so I was really trying to hold back...I think it translated to a little depression.

The work that was being done was around the lighthouse part -- the pool and the slide seemed to be in fine, working order. Unfortunately, we never got to find out how fun it was, and if I had to do it over, I might have mellowed out at the pool first, then went to the park!

But I guarantee -- you will love the resort. There is so much to see, and such beautiful scenery -- wait until you see our BALCONY!!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

You're totally right. What a great person you are! LOL! I'm glad Robert's suggestion relieved your stress...after all, you folks are in Disney...and you made it there safely!

Well... I really have to give credit to Robert...he kept our spirits up!

Ahhhh!!! I want to write more, but I'm at work!!! (bad, bad, bad!!) I'll try a bit more tonight before I hit the hay...!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

The next day started at 6am; Robert turned off the alarm, and it was my job to hit the shower first. It's always the woman's job to start off first in the shower, right? I would be curious to know if any other woman managed to get in some extra sleep instead, if she was quick enough to not be the last one everyone was waiting on to get ready!!

Suitcases were everywhere, but I managed to get the shower set up and jump in. DH was next, and then he went downstairs to catch the ticket desk personnel while the girls got ready. I stepped outside the balcony to see the first morning light...

wow.

Really...who needs a pool to look at?

DD joins me...

WHOA!!! TAKE A LOOK AT THE REST OF OUR BALCONY!!!

Hmmm...is that the ToT I see?

They may not be so "hidden", but I was excited to see the Mickeys. Jordan pointed out the beautiful magnolias.

Robert came back shortly thereafter, four 8 day tickets in hand -- YAY!! One issue down...I rested a little easier. We got our suitcases packed, and leaving DH with them to wait on the bellhop for transport to AKV, I took the girls to the Beach Club Marketplace to find some breakfast.

Jordan had a yogurt with different mixings; Natalie had the ham/egg croissant.

I had even more basic fare, thinking of my digestion changes ahead. You can see the funny shaped bottle in the top right corner; that's the "Bobble" I bought from JCPenney -- it has a filter in the bottle. I filled it up with water from the soda fountain before we left.

DH came along and had the same as Natalie -- he had to give me a bite or two, altho he wasn't keen to share my cereal...

Jordan was complaining of some stomach pain, so I bought her some Motrin, and we were on our way! As we were walking out of the front of the resort, there was a nice old gentleman, wearing a ship captain's uniform. He greeted us joyfully, and I joyfully greeted him back -- he asked us where we were going, and I replied:

"Animal Kingdom!!"

He said, "Have fun!"

 

[jmskinner]

Nope, I always have to be the first one up. Then get the hubby up and then the kid. The DH rarely gets the kid up and dressed. Seems it would save time to have him do it.

Great balcony! You guys lucked out, too bad you didn't get to enjoy it too long. And I can't believe you all had that little sleep and still stayed up so late...oops, more on that later.

 

[jenniferkeala808]

Yay Vickie! Another update!! Wow great pics of the view from your room! And you could see ToT!! can’t wait to hear about your arrival at Animal Kingdom!!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Nope, I always have to be the first one up. Then get the hubby up and then the kid. The DH rarely gets the kid up and dressed. Seems it would save time to have him do it.

Great balcony! You guys lucked out, too bad you didn't get to enjoy it too long. And I can't believe you all had that little sleep and still stayed up so late...oops, more on that later.

I am blessed that Robert does attempt to get Jordan up & at 'em!! That balcony was HUGE, and I was so sad we had to leave it... But I was glad that the next room was a One-bedroom, with TWO bathrooms!! Woo-hoo!!

Yay Vickie! Another update!! Wow great pics of the view from your room! And you could see ToT!! can’t wait to hear about your arrival at Animal Kingdom!!

It's funny how you get just a little taste of something you really like (BCV), and you decide you want more of it! Although I have to say, we've grown really fond of AKV, and it really is like coming home.

Animal Kingdom next...and just like last year: where we meet my BFF and her family!! Question is: will the previous day make me go commando, or will I decide to relax and enjoy? Stay tuned for tonight's episode!

 

[alliebelle3]

Joining in! I'm sorry your flight was delayed...how aggravating! I love the Beach Club. I've stayed there a few times and can't wait to go back someday. Your balcony is huge!! Wow! And the view...I agree. You don't always need a pool

 

[TinksThree]

I am blessed that Robert does attempt to get Jordan up & at 'em!! That balcony was HUGE, and I was so sad we had to leave it... But I was glad that the next room was a One-bedroom, with TWO bathrooms!! Woo-hoo!!



It's funny how you get just a little taste of something you really like (BCV), and you decide you want more of it! Although I have to say, we've grown really fond of AKV, and it really is like coming home.

Animal Kingdom next...and just like last year: where we meet my BFF and her family!! Question is: will the previous day make me go commando, or will I decide to relax and enjoy? Stay tuned for tonight's episode!

I am always the first up...I think it prompts everyone else because they know I will leave them!!

I tend to go commando...DH forced me into a little slower routine for the most part this time. Can't wait to hear about AK and meeting up with your BFF!!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Joining in! I'm sorry your flight was delayed...how aggravating! I love the Beach Club. I've stayed there a few times and can't wait to go back someday. Your balcony is huge!! Wow! And the view...I agree. You don't always need a pool

Hi, and welcome!!! It gets much better from here on out...

I am always the first up...I think it prompts everyone else because they know I will leave them!!

I tend to go commando...DH forced me into a little slower routine for the most part this time. Can't wait to hear about AK and meeting up with your BFF!!

I like the "I will leave" threat -- but I am almost always one of the last to be ready!! As for the commando mode -- it is usually my default...!