WHAT A DIFFERENCE 6 MOS. MAKES (or how I learned to love MK) COMPLETE-WRAP-UP 12/29

[amandaw]

I can't get over the steam in your pictures!

It sounds like y'all had a wonderful meal at Via Napoli. That's great that you decided to give it a 2nd chance. After reading your review, I think I'll definitely put it on our ADR list for October 2012.

And a big "YAY!" for booking your February trip! I hope you do a TR for that trip so I can hear what you have to say about staying at Contemporary. I have us booked there in a Bay Lake view Tower room for October 2012.

 

[PirateKate]

Congratulations on booking! I know I always feel better with the next trip securely booked. The Contemporary sounds like a great choice. With a little kid, having the Magic Kingdom so close by would be perfect!

Via Napoli looks great! I'm glad to hear that it's friendly to families with small children.

 

[tinacaplan]

Ok, I read it no backing out.

I'm just not thinking about the money...but I have a very clear plan for how I'm going to pay for it all this time and I'm not going to think about how much cheaper it would be to stay at a mod.

Ya know this is the thing that swayed me against it too...not just the cost. If December was to be warmer I would want to spurge for the pool. Since I don't even know if we will be able to use it...then why splurge?

Well, the Contemporary is actually more (by quite a bit ...might have left that detail out when talking to my husband) than the BC, but I didn't feel that super strong pull knowing that it will be anyone's guess whether or not we use the pool. Plus, I'm just all over being THAT close to the Magic Kingdom, especially given how (relatively) short this trip is going to be.

And btw.. "he might persuade me yet" see my above comment.
I would not be able to wait. I wish I could do surprises, but I get too excited. I hope you can wait.

He won't really grasp that we're going again until it gets a lot closer and I think he just assumes that we're going again, and that we're going again really soon. Trips to Disney are absolutely one area that Max is spoiled about!

I can't get over the steam in your pictures!

It sounds like y'all had a wonderful meal at Via Napoli. That's great that you decided to give it a 2nd chance. After reading your review, I think I'll definitely put it on our ADR list for October 2012.

And a big "YAY!" for booking your February trip! I hope you do a TR for that trip so I can hear what you have to say about staying at Contemporary. I have us booked there in a Bay Lake view Tower room for October 2012.

I know, right? It was so humid out, but it didn't bother me, to be honest. I'm used to humidity...the strength of the sun down there is another matter entirely, though.

We liked Via Napoli so much that this might not have been the only time we ate there this trip!

Wow...can't believe you've booked there, too! I've wanted to stay at the Contemporary since my very first visit to Disneyworld, way back when I was eight or nine. I thought it was so cool that the monorail came right through the building. I also thought you must have to be really rich or some kind of celebrity to stay on-site. Back then, there was only the Contemporary, the Poly, and the golf resort (which very few people knew about). And I actually LOVE the architecture. I would be thrilled if my house were that cool looking.

But I couldn't bring myself to pay the extra money for an MK view room. I know it would be amazing, but for me, staying at CR will be amazing enough in and of itself. And I won't be thinking about the view while we walk (or take the monorail) over to the Magic Kingdom.

Congratulations on booking! I know I always feel better with the next trip securely booked. The Contemporary sounds like a great choice. With a little kid, having the Magic Kingdom so close by would be perfect!

Via Napoli looks great! I'm glad to hear that it's friendly to families with small children.

Thanks, Kate! Its so funny, but I'm thrilled to have another trip booked! It was looking more and more likely,. but until there's some money on the table, it isn't totally real yet.

And yes, Via Napoli is a great TS place with little kids. Very kid friendly menu and it is a pizza place, after all.

 

[amandaw]

I know, right? It was so humid out, but it didn't bother me, to be honest. I'm used to humidity...the strength of the sun down there is another matter entirely, though.

I hear ya! Being in south Louisiana, we NEVER get a break from the humidity.

We liked Via Napoli so much that this might not have been the only time we ate there this trip!

Can't wait to see if it was just as good the next go round!

Wow...can't believe you've booked there, too! I've wanted to stay at the Contemporary since my very first visit to Disneyworld, way back when I was eight or nine. I thought it was so cool that the monorail came right through the building. I also thought you must have to be really rich or some kind of celebrity to stay on-site. Back then, there was only the Contemporary, the Poly, and the golf resort (which very few people knew about). And I actually LOVE the architecture. I would be thrilled if my house were that cool looking.

I've also always been in awe of the Contemporary. And, it just so happens that I really do like contemporary architecture & design. The other deciding factor for me was that it is the only resort in all of WDW that my DH has any true interest in staying at. He could care less about every other resort. But, he is just dying to stay at the Contemporary....mainly because of the monorail going thru it. And I do think our DS (he'll be 4 next Oct. when we go) will love seeing the monorail all the time as well!

But I couldn't bring myself to pay the extra money for an MK view room. I know it would be amazing, but for me, staying at CR will be amazing enough in and of itself. And I won't be thinking about the view while we walk (or take the monorail) over to the Magic Kingdom.

Me neither! We'll be there 7 nights, with 6 days of tickets & the DDP. The price tag on our package is already enough to make me ! But, I am secretly planning to do some sort of an upgrade (either club level or MK view) if I can get some sort of room discount next year! Here's to my wishful thinking!

 

[tinacaplan]

Hey...I went and checked out your TR and your son is adorable. Also glad to hear that Max isn't the only preschool-aged boy prone to tantrums!

I've also always been in awe of the Contemporary. And, it just so happens that I really do like contemporary architecture & design. The other deciding factor for me was that it is the only resort in all of WDW that my DH has any true interest in staying at. He could care less about every other resort. But, he is just dying to stay at the Contemporary....mainly because of the monorail going thru it. And I do think our DS (he'll be 4 next Oct. when we go) will love seeing the monorail all the time as well!

I know what you mean...awe is a great way to describe it. I actually really love the architectural style, so that and the monorail are enough of a "theme" to me. We really loved the Beach Club and I'd stay there again in a heartbeat, especially in warmer months and/or when our son is older and there's more for him to do at EPCOT. Until he's at least tall enough for Test Track and Soarin' it can be tough to make a full day of EPCOT, even with Max loving Nemo and Spaceship Earth.

I know Max will love the monorail, too! I also think, despite how the lobby appears, that its a great resort for kids. When we visited, I remember being struck by the sheer number of kids running around. They also have a really big arcade and while Max doesn't do a great job with any of the games, he loves pretending and playing some of them, too.

Me neither! We'll be there 7 nights, with 6 days of tickets & the DDP. The price tag on our package is already enough to make me ! But, I am secretly planning to do some sort of an upgrade (either club level or MK view) if I can get some sort of room discount next year! Here's to my wishful thinking!

Believe me...I know! We could have stayed a lot of other places for a lot less but I figured if I can go for it this time, why not? And not to give too much away about our July trip, but my husband and I have basically decided we'd rather spend the bulk of our Disney dollars on the resort rather than food.

And if a discount comes out that I can use, we will be a in a MK view room..and I might upgrade us anyway! We'll have to see...

 

[PlutosRHM55]

I can't believe it...BUT WE'RE GOING BACK!!!! We'll be there February 21-February 25. My husband promised that if we made it through Hurricane Irene unscathed (which we did, thank God), we could make a reservation. I got a good (OK, decent...but it is President's Week) deal on a direct flight through Delta at the time I like (first flight out in the morning, gets us to MCO by ten) and I am booking a Bay Lake view in the tower at the CONTEMPORARY!!!! I was going to save my mod vs. deluxe debrief for later on my trip report, and I still have quite a few things to say about it, but let's just leave it that, yes, I did get spoiled by my first deluxe experience. And, as you can tell from my TR title, we love MK now and know we'll spend most of our time there. So, yes, I can honestly say that the Contemporary makes the most sense for us. We loved the Beach Club and don't have a single bad thing to say about the place, but when given the option, I decided to go for the Contemporary and follow my dream! I can't wait! Now I just have to try and not tell Max for awhile...I actually want to keep it a secret until Christmas.

That's awesome you got another trip booked! I was looking into those days for my next trip, but I think I'm going in April instead (if I go). And I'm totally jealous of you booking Contemporary, monorail and walking to MK YEEESSS... well have an awesome time!

 

[All7OfUs]

I am finally here, Tina- better late than never! thanks for the link- I'd likely have missed it altogether as I'm just not around as much as I want to be....

Dinner is ready, so I'll have to come back either in the AM or later tonight

 

[tinacaplan]

That's awesome you got another trip booked! I was looking into those days for my next trip, but I think I'm going in April instead (if I go). And I'm totally jealous of you booking Contemporary, monorail and walking to MK YEEESSS... well have an awesome time!

Thanks...I'm really excited. It will get me through the next six months!

I am finally here, Tina- better late than never! thanks for the link- I'd likely have missed it altogether as I'm just not around as much as I want to be....

Dinner is ready, so I'll have to come back either in the AM or later tonight

I'm so glad you're here, Liesa! I had missed you!

 

[amandaw]

Hey...I went and checked out your TR and your son is adorable.

Thank you! And I appreciate you going over to check it out.

Also glad to hear that Max isn't the only preschool-aged boy prone to tantrums!

Oh no, Max is most definitely not alone in the tantrum department! And, of course, they always do it at the most inopportune time & place, right?!?

I know what you mean...awe is a great way to describe it. I actually really love the architectural style, so that and the monorail are enough of a "theme" to me. We really loved the Beach Club and I'd stay there again in a heartbeat, especially in warmer months and/or when our son is older and there's more for him to do at EPCOT. Until he's at least tall enough for Test Track and Soarin' it can be tough to make a full day of EPCOT, even with Max loving Nemo and Spaceship Earth.

Yeah, I definitely want to check out the Epcot resorts once Reid is older. Beach Club & Boardwalk are both on my list. We just spend so much time in MK right now that CR really makes a lot of sense for us.

That's too funny that Max also loves Spaceship Earth....I thought Reid was the only pre-schooler who loves that ride! Maybe it's a boy thing. Then again, I've always liked that ride, too. In fact, tonight Reid was looking at a picture I have framed in the house of him on the teacups. Well, he was talking about how much fun the teacups are & then he busted out with how great "Golfball Earth" (as he calls it) is.

I know Max will love the monorail, too! I also think, despite how the lobby appears, that its a great resort for kids. When we visited, I remember being struck by the sheer number of kids running around. They also have a really big arcade and while Max doesn't do a great job with any of the games, he loves pretending and playing some of them, too.

My only fear with having the monorail always in sight is that Reid will probably always want to ride it. And I have a feeling that it'll be quicker to walk to MK & then ride the monorail back at night. Oh, let the tantrums begin!

You know the best thing about pre-schoolers & arcades? You don't have to pay for them to play. Just let them push buttons, steer, whatever & they think they're really playing! Wonder how long I can get away with that?

Believe me...I know! We could have stayed a lot of other places for a lot less but I figured if I can go for it this time, why not? And not to give too much away about our July trip, but my husband and I have basically decided we'd rather spend the bulk of our Disney dollars on the resort rather than food.

I know....I had also priced a pirate room @ CBR & a princess room (yes, for me ) at POR. WOW! You talk about a price difference! But, I'm like you....if we can afford it right now, let's just do it. Who knows if we'd be a position again to do this. And if somethings happens between now & Oct. 2012, I'll downgrade & be just as happy just to be at Disney. But, I really am hoping it all works out like I'm planning because we are really excited to try CR!

And if a discount comes out that I can use, we will be a in a MK view room..and I might upgrade us anyway! We'll have to see...

I keep telling myself that if a discount comes along, I'll be able to save some money. But, I know myself all too well! There will be no savings I will most definitely use my "savings" to upgrade somehow, someway. I can also see myself, once it's closer, upgrading to the MK view even without a discount. I need help!

 

[Pimama]

Thanks for taking the time to share, I'm so thankful for all these TRs. It sure looks like a lot of work.

Another great looking restaurant! It is so hard to deciide where to eat with so many amazing options.

We're in the middle of planning our first trip and the DP is making me feel tied down already. I couldn't pass up "free" food though and we will definitely eat better than if we were paying OOP. (and more, a lot more!)

Don't tell me 3 year olds have tantrums!! No, I'm still dreaming of pixie dust perfect attitudes for a week. I'm actually most worried about my 5 year old- he has some issues....

Congrat on your Feb trip and the Cont- very cool!

 

[tinacaplan]

One thing I did not get to do during our February trip was see Illuminations at EPCOT, which is by far my favorite fireworks display in all the world. Thus, if we were staying that close to EPCOT I was determined to see it, even if that meant seeing it solo.

While we never made it then, but I had a plan this time. First of all, we somehow got Max to do something during this trip that we had failed at in February: he napped! In February, I had made ADRs in the five o’clock range, thinking that best for a three year old. Which it was, in theory. As it happened, the weather was brilliant and we spent our afternoons in the pool at Coronado, not leaving a ton of time for naps.

I did not make that same mistake during this trip and had made much later ADRs, say more in the seven o’clock range. By the time we were done with dinner, we didn’t have nearly as much time to kill before Illuminations. And, as I said, I did have a plan.

And this plan included a stop here:

Oh, how I love this place!

And so does Max, obviously! There are so many amazing things to choose from, each more delicious than the last. We’ve not sampled a number of their delicacies and not a bad one in the bunch. Who am I to complain about fresh caramel and chocolate?

I believe we ordered our favorites from February: a rice krispie treat drenched in chocolate and caramel and a bag of fresh, warm caramel corn. Treats in our posession, we started walking toward Spaceship Earth.

And we arrived at our destination:

Like so many things at Disneyworld, I am not entirely sure why I love this ride as much as I do. It is a mixture of nostalgia and hope, I suppose. Nostalgia for those trips we took in 80’s, when EPCOT seemed a beacon of all things futuristic. I remember being a perpetual state of wonder back then that I would be alive for the year 2000. It was also one of my dad’s favorite rides, and what he likes forever seems to affect my judgement. As a history buff, there is something about taking a journey through time, via Disney animatronics, that I just LOVE, no matter how much artistic license they often take. What perplexes me even more, though, is how much Max loves this ride. Weird, right?

Max waiting for us all to catch up:

I apologize for how blurry this picture is, but this shows you how empty the queue was:

For some reason this was the one and only time they let all three of us sit together on this ride. And we made a grave error. We somehow were not paying attention and let Max start using the touch screen. Needless to say, he had no clue what he was doing and before we knew it, we were launched into a world where all communication would happen in...FRENCH! Wha??? I do not know a single word of french (OK, aside from food terms, but that doesn’t count). It ended up being pretty funny, but I spent the ride wishing we could just do it again and make up for our mistake.

I would love to think this is what our future will really look like...sigh...

Once we were off the ride, it was getting closer to that time, so we made our way back to the lagoon.

We found a spot behind the Passport shop and Max made fast friends with a woman near by. Since she was sitting on the ground, he decided that it would be a good idea from, as well. He was quite enamored of his new light saber.

I was amazed that he was still in great spirits, particularly given how early we’d woken up that day.

I am certain that this picture was taken mid-sentence:

Our not so prime viewing location:

“Get me down, Mama.”

For some reason, Max has developed a profound fear of sitting on Mark’s shoulders, which is too bad, particularly in situations like this. He got down pretty soon after I took this and spent the remainder of the night perched on my shoulder like a parrot.

And soon enough, the fire was extinguished and we were looking into the sky:

We were tired and had a full Disney day under our belts. We went to bed that night feeling blessed and showered with pixie dust. Our vacation was off to a wonderful start!

 

[tinacaplan]

Thank you! And I appreciate you going over to check it out.



Oh no, Max is most definitely not alone in the tantrum department! And, of course, they always do it at the most inopportune time & place, right?!?

You're welcome! Oh, do I have a story coming up involving Max having a tantrum at the MOST inopportune time possible. I can laugh about it now, but then...well, I ended up in tears, too.

Yeah, I definitely want to check out the Epcot resorts once Reid is older. Beach Club & Boardwalk are both on my list. We just spend so much time in MK right now that CR really makes a lot of sense for us.

I think they'll be great with slightly older kids or when you go at a time when the pool will be a major bonus. The area is so beautiful. I loved it, truly, but being that close to EPCOT made me think it would be amazing to be that close to the MK!

That's too funny that Max also loves Spaceship Earth....I thought Reid was the only pre-schooler who loves that ride! Maybe it's a boy thing. Then again, I've always liked that ride, too. In fact, tonight Reid was looking at a picture I have framed in the house of him on the teacups. Well, he was talking about how much fun the teacups are & then he busted out with how great "Golfball Earth" (as he calls it) is.

Glad to know that Max isn't the only one!

My only fear with having the monorail always in sight is that Reid will probably always want to ride it. And I have a feeling that it'll be quicker to walk to MK & then ride the monorail back at night. Oh, let the tantrums begin!

True enough but I think that's one argument I'd let Max win. But that walk to the CR is really quite short. Not that much farther than you walk from the resort busses. I was shocked when I first made the walk last February.

You know the best thing about pre-schoolers & arcades? You don't have to pay for them to play. Just let them push buttons, steer, whatever & they think they're really playing! Wonder how long I can get away with that?

So true!

I know....I had also priced a pirate room @ CBR & a princess room (yes, for me ) at POR. WOW! You talk about a price difference! But, I'm like you....if we can afford it right now, let's just do it. Who knows if we'd be a position again to do this. And if somethings happens between now & Oct. 2012, I'll downgrade & be just as happy just to be at Disney. But, I really am hoping it all works out like I'm planning because we are really excited to try CR!

I keep telling myself that if a discount comes along, I'll be able to save some money. But, I know myself all too well! There will be no savings I will most definitely use my "savings" to upgrade somehow, someway. I can also see myself, once it's closer, upgrading to the MK view even without a discount. I need help!

I'm afraid that I might have been totally spoiled by our first deluxe stay. Oops! I think my husband was, too, to be honest. Not that CSR isn't great and I'm sure POFQ is lovely, too...its just that the deluxes have a lot going for them!

And if my payment plan works out there will most likely be an upgrade in our future!

Thanks for taking the time to share, I'm so thankful for all these TRs. It sure looks like a lot of work.

Another great looking restaurant! It is so hard to deciide where to eat with so many amazing options.

We're in the middle of planning our first trip and the DP is making me feel tied down already. I couldn't pass up "free" food though and we will definitely eat better than if we were paying OOP. (and more, a lot more!)

Don't tell me 3 year olds have tantrums!! No, I'm still dreaming of pixie dust perfect attitudes for a week. I'm actually most worried about my 5 year old- he has some issues....

Congrat on your Feb trip and the Cont- very cool!

I love new readers! I actually wrote a good bit of this while I was there in July, so the only tough part is adding the pictures. Its really fun to relive the trip, though, and share it with my Dis-friends!

I have to say that after three trips in a year and a half, we're making even fewer ADRs than ever this trip. There just aren't that many places I want to pay that much for, relative to their quality. Free dining seems to be a great deal if you're staying at a mod or value, but we'll get a lot more mileage out of a room discount, should one ever come!

I have to say that a good bit of bribery can be effective, particulary while on vacation. Such as promising lollipops and stickers! You'll be fine and have a wonderful time. Even though Max threw some epic tantrums, I wouldn't trade our memories for anything. He loved so much of it, it definitely overshadows anything negative about the trip.

 

[annmarieda]

I am so glad you got to see illuminations!! I love that show. Course, I love all the shows.

Too funny about the Spaceship Earth getting switched to french. At least your picture looked good. I can't even look at mine I look so horrid. I am not sure if it was last September, or the trip in February, but I was so pale and I kinda snarled. I really looked like a vampire.

 

[amandaw]

Great end to a great day! So glad that Max was able to stay up to watch Illuminations with you. Excited to hear about what y'all did the next day!

 

[eandesmom]

you got to see Illuminations!

I have to admit though, I'm trying to picture how Max could be perched on your shoulder like a parrot.

 

[glennbo123]

Like so many things at Disneyworld, I am not entirely sure why I love this ride as much as I do. It is a mixture of nostalgia and hope, I suppose. Nostalgia for those trips we took in 80’s, when EPCOT seemed a beacon of all things futuristic. I remember being a perpetual state of wonder back then that I would be alive for the year 2000.

This is so true! To think we'd actually see the year 2000 seemed incomprehensible.

I'm glad you got to catch Illuminations.

 

[kimbo0569]

Loving your TR, so envious that you got to stay in one of my favorite resorts (BC)...would love to stay there someday.

And Max is tooo cute!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Look at that face!!!!! What a fantastic idea and a wonderful moment!!

Henry too is a huge fan of Spaceship Earth. He requests to ride it anytime we are in Epcot-which is just fine with me! Though, we haven't yet ridden it in French.

And CONGRATS on going back again!!! And staying at BLT!!! You'll love it! We had a perfect lake view during our stay there in March-I will eventually get there on my TR, hopefully BEFORE this March. I so wish I could say we are going to be there as well during that time, but it's looking more and more like we won't. 2013, same time, same place?

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Mmmmm... Caramel... I must go check that place out now, reminds me a lot of Ghirardelli in DTD

Oh, I just love SE too. History has slowly become my favorite class in school and I think this ride helped propel that. First, there is the fact you are on a ride inside of the EPCOT ball then there is the possibility of you shooting off far into some galaxy (though it's really just back in time on Earth). I also think Dame Judy Dench does a darn good job with her narration, I always seem to be intently listening by the middle of the ride. And glad to see Max enjoys it, a sure sign he truly enjoys WDW. Haha @ the little French mistake

That's awesome you guys got to see IllumiNations after missing it before. I don't think I could ever miss that on any trip, it's such a spectacular show and really brings WS to life. The deep meaning behind the show is also great

Can't wait to read more!

 

[tinacaplan]

I am so glad you got to see illuminations!! I love that show. Course, I love all the shows.

Too funny about the Spaceship Earth getting switched to french. At least your picture looked good. I can't even look at mine I look so horrid. I am not sure if it was last September, or the trip in February, but I was so pale and I kinda snarled. I really looked like a vampire.

Thanks, Ann. I'm trying make myself look better in photographs. Ironically, I have found that smiling helps. Go figure. But you're right, those flashbulbs do nothing for your complexion.

Great end to a great day! So glad that Max was able to stay up to watch Illuminations with you. Excited to hear about what y'all did the next day!

I was thrilled he made it to Illuminations. We go the Magic Kingdom on Day Two, so lots to share about that trip!

you got to see Illuminations!

I have to admit though, I'm trying to picture how Max could be perched on your shoulder like a parrot.

Cynthia...you're back! I can't wait to hear about your cruise.

Very glad we saw Illuminations and were able to cross that off the list so early in the trip.

As for Max, he will sit with his butt on one of my shoulders, but won't sit on Mark's shoulders? Apparently I make him feel safer!

This is so true! To think we'd actually see the year 2000 seemed incomprehensible.

I'm glad you got to catch Illuminations.

Hi, Glenn. Weird, right?

Loving your TR, so envious that you got to stay in one of my favorite resorts (BC)...would love to stay there someday.

And Max is tooo cute!!!

The Beach Club is totally worth it; beautiful resort, wonderful castmembers and it smells incredible!

Look at that face!!!!! What a fantastic idea and a wonderful moment!!

Henry too is a huge fan of Spaceship Earth. He requests to ride it anytime we are in Epcot-which is just fine with me! Though, we haven't yet ridden it in French.

And CONGRATS on going back again!!! And staying at BLT!!! You'll love it! We had a perfect lake view during our stay there in March-I will eventually get there on my TR, hopefully BEFORE this March. I so wish I could say we are going to be there as well during that time, but it's looking more and more like we won't. 2013, same time, same place?

Yes, it was great, Brook. A bit over the top, but great.

And that was the first and last time that I let Max start touching that touch screen before I do!

We're staying at the CR...I know my ticker is slightly misleading. That's the only shot of the CR they have. Am I only the only one who thinks that resort is beautiful??? Either way, I am really looking forward to hearing about your stay there.

Mmmmm... Caramel... I must go check that place out now, reminds me a lot of Ghirardelli in DTD

Oh, I just love SE too. History has slowly become my favorite class in school and I think this ride helped propel that. First, there is the fact you are on a ride inside of the EPCOT ball then there is the possibility of you shooting off far into some galaxy (though it's really just back in time on Earth). I also think Dame Judy Dench does a darn good job with her narration, I always seem to be intently listening by the middle of the ride. And glad to see Max enjoys it, a sure sign he truly enjoys WDW. Haha @ the little French mistake

That's awesome you guys got to see IllumiNations after missing it before. I don't think I could ever miss that on any trip, it's such a spectacular show and really brings WS to life. The deep meaning behind the show is also great

Can't wait to read more!

Thanks...the German carmel shop is unbelievably delicious. You have to try it!

I love Judy Dench's narration, too.