What Happens at the Beach Club... Travels with Teens, Take Two, (PTR) 4/6 p. 29

[natebenma]

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Thank you for the Thanksgiving wishes Kathy! Looks like your day was nice.




Ours was interesting. We always invite my dad, my brother and kids, Mark’s parents, Mark’s brother, sil and niece and any other family members who are around.

We never know if my brother Marc will show up, with or without our niece and nephew, but this year he called about a week in advance and asked if he could bring someone. His former mother-in-law, Peg! Marc’s ex-wife just moved to Chicago with her new family and Peg wanted to spend it with her grandkids. Fine with me, I like her, but she ended up not coming, spent the holiday with friends and then her son.

Mark’s parents called about 7:30 to say they weren’t coming due to the snow. My mother-in-law always makes the pies. Fortunately, we had purchased one Bumbleberry (mixed berry) pie and my dad had put in a last minute request for Indian Pudding, which I have never made before. Nate and I made that on Wednesday and it came out great.

Then, Thanksgiving morning, we got a call from Mark’s sil saying that she was sick, so they wouldn’t be joining us. We had never heard from them after our invitation so we were assuming they weren’t coming anyway.

But pretty much whoever shows, we feed them. Everything came out great! Possibly best turkey ever.

(This is Nate making Indian Pudding)

 

[natebenma]

What a fun update, Dee. I'm glad you were able to find someone to join you for lunch.

I love your PP pics, and the video is adorable.

Great pictures all around the Beast's Castle. I'm sorry you were not pleased with your meal.

We actually skipped our lunch reservation there (we were wanting to get back to Food & Wine).

Happy Thanksgiving if I don't get back here.

Thanks!

It worked out perfectly to have Nettie and her son join me at BOG.

The Photopass photographers were all great and spent plenty of time getting different shots, even though it was just me. I didn't even know about the video until my friend sent me the Photopass pictures!

I knew it was a gamble ordering the tuna, it was fine, but I know there are other things I would have enjoyed more. I just was not feeling very hungry.

Haha that's my kind of problem solving... Become a hero by inviting others to an already booked meal. Love it!!

Aww that animation Magic Shot is cute. I like how they continue to add stuff like that.

That's true especially for lunch that the Gallery is much brighter particularly more so than the West Wing. That said, the Gallery was still my least favourite in regards to theme. But then I really enjoyed the Ballroom (my one time I was there).

Yes, that Prince sure isn't bashful is he?

It was so nice I was able to find some friends to share the meal with. Not actually all that easy when one is at Disney, because so many plans are usually made in advance. I'm so glad they were free to join me!

I love all the new videos as part of the Memory Maker package. As I said above, I didn't even know they were going to add animation in that shot.

I had fun taking pictures at BOG and of course I needed to get a picture of the prince. Maybe a new category- instead of calling it Food Porn, we can be all-encompassing and call it "Restaurant Porn"

We've had dinner twice at BOG and lunch twice. Dinner has been great each time and lunch has been just meh. My middle daughter got the braised pork. She loved it, but I thought it was horribly salty. She will eat the salt off pretzels and through the pretzel out, for what that's worth. My son tried the croque monsieur. He liked the ham, and that was about it. But he's seven, so I'd take that review with a grain of salt.

We got magic shots at AK for the first time. They are really cute!

I am not a picky eater, so I am not afraid to try anything. It is very rare for me not to be hungry.

What magic shots did you get at AK?

I had no idea this was a possible magic shot. And the animation is too cute! I totally want one of these.

So glad you got to eat at BOG for lunch. That salad looks delish.

You got some great pictures in the restaurant. Nice work. I totally want one of those cupcakes with the grey stuff.

Really fun factoids - thanks for sharing!

It was a new shot to me, too. I don't know if they only do it at that spot in front of the Beast's castle.

The salad was fine. I probably would have enjoyed it more if the tuna had been sliced thinner.

Glad you enjoyed the pictures and trivia!

Dee - And another Happy Thanksgiving to you!

I am so glad you enjoyed your BOG lunch. The Rose room is our favorite as well. It is quiet, light and bright. Oh and I am totally a sucker for the Beast and Belle. I look forward to lunch there next Sunday!

Rebecca

Hope it was a great Thanksgiving for you and yours!

Thanks again for securing the reservation at BOG for us! I really did enjoy the experience of dining and exploring there.

I am so excited for you and DH for your upcoming special trip!

Great update!

Love your shot with Lumiere, the animation is cute, but I like the still shot better.

And love the line about the prince not wearing pants. Why must so many disney characters run around pantsless?

I'm not going to complain about the pantsless characters. Just think of what Disney would start charging for admission if they had to fully clothe everyone!

Brilliant update Dee
Saw that first photo of you and laughed out loud
You just had the best craic on this trip and it shows in every photo
I actually cancelled the reservation I had for BOG on our last trip because the boys didn't fancy it but I would love to visit even if just for a bowl of soup. My problem is I'm always too hot for soup in Florida and I've heard really mixed reviews on the other menu items so it's still kinda on my to-do list but not top of it if you know what I mean
You met so many people on this trip it makes it seem much longer than it really was! Kudos to you fitting so much in

Thank you!

I had a really nice morning. For a "solo" visit, I'm sure spending it with a lot of people. Tara and two of her kids and then Nettie and her son.

I'm in the same boat as you. I don't think the boys have any interest in dining there, although maybe I could lure them with the cupcakes!

The trip really did seem longer than the two days it was, in a good way. Guess that's what forgoing sleep can accomplish!

:

I love having lunch at BOG and the Music Room is our favorite place to sit.

By your caption clue I and guessing that you finally got to go on the Mine ride. But what could the other clue be about?

I hope I get a chance to eat at BOG again, but I don't think it will happen on Ben's class trip. Because Boys. Plus, last year, this was not one of the places included on the school's dining vouchers.

If you can't wait for the chapter title reveal, you can get a sneak preview by going to my Table of Contents index in the second post of this report.

I've been to BOG twice. Once for lunch a once for dinner. I definitely liked dinner better. I got that ham sandwich for lunch and it was gross. I got lamb chops for dinner I think. They were good. We sat in the same room as you the first time then in the middle ballroom the second. Looks like you were having a blast solo. DH and I are going down for a few days alone in Feb. I can't wait!!

I have enjoyed all of my Disney trips, either as a family, a couple, solo and even with a group of teenagers!

 

[natebenma]

I apologize for taking so long to update on this report, and even more for getting behind on everyone else's reports.

I was really busy in the week leading up to Thanksgiving, spending every spare moment raking leaves at my house and my dad's. Then every day last week I was working at the middle school at a book fair. With no internet access.

Boo!

Hopefully tomorrow will be a quiet day where I can catch up everywhere.

I was able to write up a rather lengthy continuation of my solo story during a couple of quiet moments at the fair, so I'll go ahead and post that now.

Thanks for all your patience!

 

[natebenma]

Lunch was over and I parted ways with Nettie and her son. I really enjoyed dining at Be Our Guest with them.

Upon exiting the restaurant I saw:







The Mine Train was finally running!!!

But it was time for my Fast Pass at Big Thunder Mountain so the dwarfs would have to wait.

BTM is probably my favorite Disney ride. It never fails to put a smile on my face.

I passed through the entranceway that takes you from Fantasyland to Frontierland and walked by Splash Mountain.













Arrived at Destination:





I took a couple of pictures during the ride.








When I got home after my trip, I posted this last picture on Facebook with the caption

“Mildest Ride in the Wilderness”

When my husband saw this he was livid!

"I can't believe you are making fun of big thunder! Now do your penance and say triple mountain whammy a 100 times."

Ruh-Roh! I’m in trouble…


When my western adventure was over, I walked back to Fantasyland and got into the Fast Pass line for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.





And then I heard someone call my name…

Any guesses?

Earlier in the report, we discussed the chances of finding friends in line behind me at Small World in precisely the exact position to ride with me.

Lightning struck again! It was Tara!!!

She was a few people behind me, so I got out of line and moved back to join her and her daughter. We had a nice time chatting while in line, although I think I was paying more attention to our conversation than any of the theming in the line.

When it was time to board the mine cars, Tara and her daughter were in the front of the train, and I was right behind.






















So, what did I think of the attraction?

It was fun, it was smooth, it was short. I loved the views from the ride. But I don’t think I would want to wait more than 25 minutes standby to ride it. I doubt we will try to get Fast Passes for this when we are on the class trip in June.


Next Up: Final Magic Moments

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[jwwi]

So happy you were able to experience SN7DMT. We rode twice on our recent trip, 1st in the back, 2nd in the front. Back is much better, just like BTMRR. Sorry you BOG lunch was not great, you should try it again with different selections.

 

[MEK]

I love BTMMR, but my camera had a meltdown during the ride in October and I did not take even one picture. I don't know what was wrong with it, but it just wouldn't work and you KNOW I was starting to panics a bit. When we got off the rid I took the battery out and put it back in and all was good.

Love your pics from the ride. :good vibes

I also love your pics from mine train. I didn't take any when I rode it. I was just trying to enjoy. I agree with you - the views are great and its cute, but its so short. I would like to ride it a few more times to get a better feel for it!

 

[Wood Nymph]

That was nice to run into Tara again. Rides are more fun when you can share the experience. BTW, I don't think there is any theming in the fast pass line.At least, I don't remember seeing any.

We were in the first seats in the car on one of our rides, and it was fun but definitely slower than the back of the train.

 

[tarak]

Great photos of the ride, Dee! It was so funny running into you again. We had FP for it later in the week, too. I agree - it's fun, but without FP, the standby line would have to be less than half an hour. My kids are pretty spoiled going in the winter months when most everything is walk on.

BTMR might be my favorite of the coasters, too. I used to love Space Mountain, but I swear after the last refurb they made it extra jerky.

 

[eandesmom]

I don't think there is theming in the FP line at 7DMT either. I liked it, but unless I had little ones would not wait 25m or more for it. 15 max.

Mildest ride I love that ride, just makes me grin! Hope they do the DL enhancements at WDW.

How fun to run into Tara!

 

[natebenma]

So happy you were able to experience SN7DMT. We rode twice on our recent trip, 1st in the back, 2nd in the front. Back is much better, just like BTMRR. Sorry you BOG lunch was not great, you should try it again with different selections.

I'm glad I was able to get a last minute FP for this. My priorities for this visit to MK were

1) Keep my streak alive of seeing Cinderella's castle every summer for the 6th year in a row
2) Eat at Be Our Guest
3) Mine Train

I am so glad I was able to do all that, and more!!!

I know I would have enjoyed another meal more than the tuna, maybe the quiche and salad. It really was too bad I wasn't hungry enough to try one of the other choices.

I love BTMMR, but my camera had a meltdown during the ride in October and I did not take even one picture. I don't know what was wrong with it, but it just wouldn't work and you KNOW I was starting to panics a bit. When we got off the rid I took the battery out and put it back in and all was good.

Love your pics from the ride. :good vibes

I also love your pics from mine train. I didn't take any when I rode it. I was just trying to enjoy. I agree with you - the views are great and its cute, but its so short. I would like to ride it a few more times to get a better feel for it!

Yikes, I know that "OMG WHAT is wrong with my camera feeling?"

I was not going to take many pictures while on Big Thunder, and for the most part I waited until close to the end.

And I was conflicted about whether to take pictures while on the Mine Train, or just sit back and enjoy, since I knew this would be my only ride for probably a couple of years anyway. But I'm glad I took some pictures because the views are really great!!!

That was nice to run into Tara again. Rides are more fun when you can share the experience. BTW, I don't think there is any theming in the fast pass line.At least, I don't remember seeing any.

We were in the first seats in the car on one of our rides, and it was fun but definitely slower than the back of the train.

It was fun waiting and riding with someone I knew.

I'm glad everyone is confirming that I didn't actually miss many details in the FP line. I wonder if there is much in the regular one.

Great photos of the ride, Dee! It was so funny running into you again. We had FP for it later in the week, too. I agree - it's fun, but without FP, the standby line would have to be less than half an hour. My kids are pretty spoiled going in the winter months when most everything is walk on.

BTMR might be my favorite of the coasters, too. I used to love Space Mountain, but I swear after the last refurb they made it extra jerky.

Planned meet ups are fun, but bumping into someone you know unexpectedly is a special surprise.



Big Thunder has just the right amount of "pep" and there is so much fun stuff to see on the ride. I like Space, and it certainly is thrilling, but there is not a whole lot of variation in what you see.

I don't think there is theming in the FP line at 7DMT either. I liked it, but unless I had little ones would not wait 25m or more for it. 15 max.

Mildest ride I love that ride, just makes me grin! Hope they do the DL enhancements at WDW.

How fun to run into Tara!

Wonder when the hype and lines on this ride will die down. It should be a relatively fast loader.

I thought the "Mildest Ride" caption was cute, but I guess I needed to be sensitive to the fact that I got to go to Disney, while my family stayed behind.

(How dare you make fun of BTM- we didn't even get to go)

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Wow, I realize that it's been ages since I rode Big Thunder. I'm thinking April 2013. I love that so many have such a fondness for it though. For me, it's night time or nada.

Oh wow, ANOTHER spontaneous meet up at a ride. That is impressive. Clearly you're a DIS magnet Dee.

And WOW, you got some GREAT photos on the Mine Train. I'm regretting not taking my camera out.

Yup, pretty much the same impression as me. Fun, smooth, and short, and not one I would particularly want to wait for. FP? Absolutely. But no stand-by.

 

[natebenma]

Wow, I realize that it's been ages since I rode Big Thunder. I'm thinking April 2013. I love that so many have such a fondness for it though. For me, it's night time or nada.

Oh wow, ANOTHER spontaneous meet up at a ride. That is impressive. Clearly you're a DIS magnet Dee.

And WOW, you got some GREAT photos on the Mine Train. I'm regretting not taking my camera out.

Yup, pretty much the same impression as me. Fun, smooth, and short, and not one I would particularly want to wait for. FP? Absolutely. But no stand-by.

That makes me sad I could ride BTM morning, noon and night and sometimes I do!!! I think on our single MK day during our Universal trip in 2011, we rode 4 times.



Yes, ANOTHER unplanned meet. And just wait until you see how many more play out in the few hours I have remaining in Florida that day.

I am pretty happy with the Mine Train Photos. I love the one of Beast's castle.



I don't think the teen boys in my group in June are going to be interested in the Mine Train, so I doubt it will make the cut. More Space Mountain and Big Thunder for us!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I thought that I was only one update behind but then realized that I didn't read about your lunch at Be Our Guest. I've heard a lot of reviews that recommended the pork for lunch but I don't like to eat a big heavy lunch so I would have done as you did and ordered something else. It's too bad that you didn't really enjoy your meal but at least you had good company to even out the experience.

Your selfie pictures on Big Thunder Mountain are a whole lot better than mine. At least there are no straps criss crossing your face.

We really enjoyed the new mine train but we also thought that it was a bit too short. Despite that fact, I'd still use a Fastpass on it just so we wouldn't have to wait in the line. I'm betting that the wait times won't be getting shorter any time soon.

 

[sheri18]

Just joined in....great report...I am from north of Boston...going to DW to the BC in may for my sons wedding....

 

[KatMark]

I love your sequence of photos from Splash Mountain.

Great selfies on Big Thunder.

I'm glad you finally got on the Mine Ride. I agree...I wouldn't wait over 20 minutes or so for it, but I'll definitely be attemption Fastpasses for it as I really like it.

 

[natebenma]

I usually do replies first, then an update, but I had an opportunity to put this one at the top of the page, so here ya go.

I also realized last night that after this update, I think I only have two more before this report is over!

It is like my wonderful trip is ending all over again!

But I will manage to squeeze 33 chapters out of a trip that was about 48 hours long. Not bad, huh???



It was 12:45. My ride on the Tragical Depress was scheduled for 4 pm, so I had a few more hours to play, but as I may have mentioned once or twice- it was HOT!!! I decided a final swim at Stormalong Bay sounded better than staying at Magic Kingdom, so I headed towards the exit.

And then, all of a sudden it hit me.

I almost forgot to ride the Peoplemover!!!

Another favorite of mine.



























I’m glad I stopped to ride the TTA, but it was time to leave for realsies.

However, it is still really hard to leave the Magic Kingdom for the final time during a trip.

So I meandered down Main Street at a leisurely pace.











Still not quite ready to call it quits, I ascended the stairway at the Train Station to take one last look.

And a picture or two.









A guy who was up on the platform offered to take my picture, so I gave him my point and shoot. Bummer that I came out so dark in the picture because the background is spectacular.



Selfie


Stranger-assisted photo


And now, it’s time to say goodbye, to all the family…

And figure out how to get back to the Beach Club.

My normal method of returning to the BC from MK is to take the Monorail to EPCOT, walk through the park and stop and do anything that interests me, then return to the resort.

But there were a couple of issues with doing this- it takes a lot more time to get back this way (in theory) and it was HOT!

I really wanted to get back for a swim.

So I went to bus stop to wait. And wait I did! It was probably 35 minutes or so, with no bus for the Beach Club appearing.

As I was waiting, I saw some familiar faces approaching the stop- Janet and her husband were ready to head back to the Beach Club after their (hot) morning at Magic Kingdom on the Keys to the Kingdom Tour. I said that I hoped they had good bus karma, and guess what?

They do!

Along came a bus.

It was nice to share the ride back talking to them. When we arrived at the Beach Club and got off the bus, we passed by Ninja Mom who was waiting for the bus to the MK for the evening. We said quick hellos, and walked toward the lobby entrance.

And ran into Rebecca and her mom, who were waiting for that cruelest ride of all, the Tragical Depress.

We said “final” goodbyes.

I think it was a little after 2. Did I have time for a swim?

Next up: Let it Slide!

 

[natebenma]

I thought that I was only one update behind but then realized that I didn't read about your lunch at Be Our Guest. I've heard a lot of reviews that recommended the pork for lunch but I don't like to eat a big heavy lunch so I would have done as you did and ordered something else. It's too bad that you didn't really enjoy your meal but at least you had good company to even out the experience.

Your selfie pictures on Big Thunder Mountain are a whole lot better than mine. At least there are no straps criss crossing your face.

We really enjoyed the new mine train but we also thought that it was a bit too short. Despite that fact, I'd still use a Fastpass on it just so we wouldn't have to wait in the line. I'm betting that the wait times won't be getting shorter any time soon.

Not loving my meal at BOG was all on me. I knew I was taking a risk ordering the tuna. It turns out that selection was not my kettle of fish. Loved the restaurant though!

Well, my selfies may have been better than yours, but not more interesting. "Clarice" sluuuurrrrp!

Mine Train and Peter Pan- two I will not attempt without FP.

Just joined in....great report...I am from north of Boston...going to DW to the BC in may for my sons wedding....

to this report!

That's exciting that you are not only planning a Disney trip, but helping with a Disney wedding, too!



Send me a PM if you want to share where North of Boston you live. I am North Shore MA. I always wonder where people are from. Turns out one infrequent poster to the BC FAQ thread actually lives in my neighborhood and "recognized" me here on the DIS.

I love your sequence of photos from Splash Mountain.

Great selfies on Big Thunder.

I'm glad you finally got on the Mine Ride. I agree...I wouldn't wait over 20 minutes or so for it, but I'll definitely be attemption Fastpasses for it as I really like it.

The Splash Mountain Montage was made possible because I was solo. I was able to stop, position my camera on the bridge, and stay until a complete cycle of logs came down the drop. Not able to do this when I am with family!

Thanks! I am not used to taking selfies, and my phone did not take decent pictures, so I used my camera instead.

I'm glad I rode the Mine Train, but I won't be doing it again unless I have a FP or the hype dies down.

 

[Wood Nymph]

It wasn't until I joined the Dis forums that I realized that there were a lot of people who loved the TTC as much as we do. It is the one ride we always have to ride - multiple times. Since it is usually a walk on I assumed that it wasn't appreciated by the masses. But obviously the fan club for this ride is pretty big.

The long wait times for a bus back to BC can be very annoying. It usually only happens in that dead time of the afternoon, usually between 2 and 3 pm, when the bus drivers have a shift change and the new driver has to do a quick maintenance check. It is one of the reasons we like taking the monorail to Epcot and walking through the park to the BC.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Not gonna lie Dee. When you get the top of the page all to yourself... you take it!

Phew, glad you made the PeopleMover. Catastrophe averted.

Oh boy do I fully understand how hard it is to leave. Magic Kingdom especially for me. It's just so unlike any other place (not named Disneyland).

 

[KatMark]

Wow....that was a close one Dee. I can't imagine NOT riding the Peoplemover at least once on a trip. And great pictures as you rested your feet on the ride.

I love your pictures down Main Street.

That is too bad that the picture at the top of the train station came out dark because it really is a great background.

And therein lied my problem with the Beach Club...the bus wait. I have never had that issue at any other resort. An dit wasn't just once, it was every day of the trip. But if we can get a room, we will be staying there in October...but using our car.

Let It Slide...yep, I'm guessing you had time to go swim.