Who Invited My Mother In Law? A Moderately Deluxe TR All New X 3 & PTR Link 2/3 !!

[megan511]

That is the impression I am getting from Chad too. The "I think you are being crazy but I guess I can sit with you while you blab about your irrational fears while I vaguely listen & nod occasionally," impression. I think I will just send him on to work.

Aww it is a big adjustment! I don't blame Maddie, it is a lot of change for little ones. I think our biggest issue will be, "What? I have to go to school AGAIN?" every morning. I hope Maddie gets into a routine soon.

I am going to try & wrap up my TR before I start the PTR. It's hard though, I really want to spill the beans!

 

[smidgy]

I think my favorite would be beach club. I liked it better than BLT. we didn't like the theming (or LACK of theming, I should say). too much like any old fancy hotel. pool was small. didn't like the kitchenette. it was GREAT, tho, to walk to MK. we really wanted to try a monorail resort once, and it was kinda silly to use the monorail to MK.
and one time the monorail was closed anyway, and we took a bus to the TTC to go to epcot. but location is the best for that resort.

we did view the halloween wishes from the top of the worl lounge. that was kinda "eh" for us. but we aren't big on far views of fireworks, we like to be up close. not thrilled with viewing wishes from the poly beach, either.

oh! we got to watch the electric water pagaent from our balcony about 4 times!

at BC, the pool is sand bottom, and winds all over. the lazy river section is 8 ft deep. there is a samll section with a whirlpool (eddy). our boyw when they were teen swould have loved it! if you want a table you really need to get there when it opens. there is also a sep section with sand for the kids to play in.. we really liked the villa pool.. nice and quiet.
ironically, when we wereon the dining plan and ate at yachtsman steakhouse, we stayed elsewhere. when we werre at BC, we ate cheaply in our room and didn't get the DDP. (we really try to make use of the microwave and toaster while we have it.)

I guess the thing we dislike about renting the most is not having control of the reservation. if you want to change anything, the member has to do it. DVC members (and their renters) are not eligible for free dining, but they can now purchase the dining plan. I think they don't have to buy it for the whole trip though! or can switch it up (but the deluxe Dp one night, nothing the 2nd, the regular on the 3rd night. not sure. someone will correct me!

 

[amandaw]

I am going to try & wrap up my TR before I start the PTR. It's hard though, I really want to spill the beans!

Spill 'em....spill 'em!

 

[shan23877]

Day 5 of the trip found us up bright and early once again. We had a date with some of Maddie’s favorite people-aside from Princesses of course.

We got ourselves together and woke Maddie to tell her the big news. She’d be breakfasting with non other than Jake (of Neverland Pirate fame).

You see, Jake is sort of a rock star to Maddie.

When she heard the news that he would be at breakfast she resembled a preteen girl who’d just found out that her crush would be at a party-besides the wardrobe drama. Maddie always thinks she looks cute. Upon hearig the news, she squealed and jumped up and down, and then wanted to know what we were waiting for. She wanted to get going!

We were at the bus stop by 7, having been almost late for several ADR we weren’t taking any chances. We knew that the earlier we got into H&V, the better off we’d be fighting the crowds for TSMM FPs.

The DHS bus pulled up right away, and since we were the only people on it the driver offered to take us wherever we needed to go. It was much too early in the morning for us to come up with a clever response. We just thanked him and said we’d be good at DHS.

The bus gods were certainly smiling on us that day, but they needn’t have been. We arrived at DHS at 7:30 am, and were the only people there for at least 15 minutes. We passed the time chatting with the CMs, and Maddie spent quite a while “attacking mommy with kisses”.

We were lucky to make it in with the gates so mobbed!

I attacked with some kisses of my own

Finally, at 7:50 they let us in the gates.



Not quite the same as an empty Main Street, but still nice

​

We were the first to check in, and first to step inside Hollywood and Vine right at 8 am where we were announced as the Family of the Day. We received a certificate and some applause.

Disney Jr. Play and Dine at Hollywood and Vine

Adult price range: $26.62-$30.88; Child (ages 3-9) price range: $14.90-$17.03

Tax is included; gratuity is not included. A standard, non-alcoholic beverage is included in this price.


Breakfast Buffet Selections
Seasonal fruit
Freshly baked pastries
Assorted yogurts
Breakfast Meats
Scrambled Eggs and Frittata
Mickey Waffles with assorted toppings
Oven Roasted Potatoes
Sausage Gravy and Biscuits.
Children's options available​

I’d read some pretty bad reviews of H&V here on the DIS, so I was a little apprehensive. I couldn’t have been more pleasantly surprised.

The decor at Hollywood and Vine was pretty much a standard Diner atmosphere. It's cute, but nothing spectactular.

The food selection was pretty standard as well. There were waffles, scrambled eggs, lots of fresh fruit, cheesy breakfast potatoes, sausage, bacon, biscuits and gravy, bagels, Danish, and yogurts. It may not have been anything new and different, but it was all hot, fresh, and tasty.

We filled our plates right away, and as soon as we sat down the characters were upon us.

First to stop by was Special Agent Oso. Maddie had only seen his show a handful of times, but she seemed to enjoy getting a hug and an autograph.

​

Once he wandered off, Maddie resumed her Jake stalking. She had her eyes locked on him the entire meal, trying to gauge how soon she’d get to meet her beloved.

Unfortunately for Mads, she’d have to wait a bit longer. June was next. Maddie watches Little Einsteins about as often as she watches Oso, but she is never going to turn down the chance to meet a new character.

About that time, the dance party was getting under way. Bryan and I marveled at the incredible high energy that the young woman hosting the party possessed at such an early hour. She was great at her job, but wasn’t going to get Maddie out of her chair. Jake was 2 tables away.

Finally, finally it was her turn to meet him. She hugged him for a while, got his autograph, and then gazed lovingly at him. I never did get a decent photo of the two of them because Maddie wouldn’t stop looking at him long enough to smile at the camera.

"Moooommmm, you're embarrassing me in front of my new friend!"

​

We’d been enjoying the food-I had waffles, eggs, sausage, and potatoes- my standard Disney breakfast. Bryan had also stuck with his tried and true. He enjoyed the biscuits and gravy, had some waffles, and a Danish. Maddie ate her weight in watermelon while Jake stalking. But, Bryan noticed that he’d overlooked something at the buffet.

“Shan, are those tortillas?”

“Looks like it honey. In the mood for a breakfast burrito?”

“Does the Pope sh*t in the woods?”

He got his breakfast burrito.

While we munched some more, Handy Manny came by. Maddie likes him and his show, so they chatted for a bit. (Last week Mads had Bryan cracking up because she was identifying his flat and phillips head screwdrivers by calling them Turner and Phillipe.)

​

The Dance Party girl finally tempted Maddie out of her chair, and Maddie was rewarded with the chance to dance with Jake. The party was cute! Maddie really enjoyed it.

​

There was also the standard character/children parade. Maddie liked that too, but not as much as the dance party.

H&V was not even half full, so the characters began to make their way back around. We met Oso, June, and Manny again, but by the time we were done Jake hadn’t made it back. We offered to wait, but Maddie said she was good.

"That's nice June, but where's my man Jake?"

​

So we’d eaten several plates of food, seen 3 of the characters twice, had a nice long visit with Jake, had a dance party and a parade.

It was 8:35.

One last photo before we go!

If you have a little one who loves Jake and the Disney Jr. characters, book an ADR for Hollywood and Vine’s breakfast. The food was really good, and the character interaction was outstanding. Of the 30 minutes we were there we were with characters for about 20 of them. The service was friendly and efficient, and the overall experience was very positive. Maddie can't wait to go back to H&V!

Best of all? We were way ahead of the game for TSMM!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I'm glad you guys enjoyed your breakfast at H&V. It definitely does get mixed reviews, but I've been reading better things about it lately!

Yay for Maddie getting to meet her beloved Jake!! You can clearly tell which character she was really there to see!

 

[PrincessAmongPrinces]

Great update! It looks like Maddie loved H&V. Jake is quite popular in our house too!

Can't wait to hear about the rest of your DHS morning!

 

[CandleontheWater]

We had a similar experience in April at H&V, the food was fine and the character interaction was fun. I'd definitely do it again!

Maddie is too cute with her crush on Jake, that is hilarious!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I certainly don't blame Maddie for having a crush on Jake. He's a hottie!

I've read mixed reviews about H&V too but the dance party and the character interaction have gotten pretty good reviews. I'm betting that Maddie got her groove on during the party. We know how that girl likes to shake her booty!

 

[megan511]

What a cute update! I'm glad you all liked H&V. We had an 8am breakfast there last year & had the same opinion as you. Love the pics of Maddie & Jake! They make a cute couple. I at your comment that Maddie always thinks she looks good. Gotta love the confidence of 5 year olds!

Spill 'em....spill 'em!

 

[jedijill]

Awww...young love is so precious.

Jill in CO

 

[pkondz]

Day 5 of the trip found us up bright and early once again.

I can always get up early... it's the bright I have trouble with.

We got ourselves together and woke Maddie to tell her the big news. She’d be breakfasting with non other than Jake (of Neverland Pirate fame).

You see, Jake is sort of a rock star to Maddie.

Sounds good... but I have no idea who Jake is or any of the other characters you'll meet at breakfast.

I'm gonna have to rent smaller kids or something...

When she heard the news that he would be at breakfast she resembled a preteen girl who’d just found out that her crush would be at a party-besides the wardrobe drama.

Try teen. Oh, no. Really. Lots of fun.

Really.

Honest.

:

Maddie always thinks she looks cute.

And so she should!

Upon hearig the news, she squealed and jumped up and down, and then wanted to know what we were waiting for. She wanted to get going!

Yeah! Stop holding up the line, mom!

We were at the bus stop by 7, having been almost late for several ADR we weren’t taking any chances. We knew that the earlier we got into H&V, the better off we’d be fighting the crowds for TSMM FPs.

Which came first? The chicken or the egg? The idea of early breakfast to get TSM passes or Maddie seeing Jake?

The DHS bus pulled up right away, and since we were the only people on it the driver offered to take us wherever we needed to go. It was much too early in the morning for us to come up with a clever response. We just thanked him and said we’d be good at DHS.

There goes your chance to say, "Great! Universal Studios!"
Seriously though, if you got on a bus that said DHS, there's a good chance that you might want to go... oh, I don't know... maybe to DHS?

Maddie spent quite a while “attacking mommy with kisses”.

Were you able to fend her off? Or were you powerless to defend yourself?

We were lucky to make it in with the gates so mobbed!

I hope Maddie didn't get trampled under foot!

I attacked with some kisses of my own

A good defence is a good offence.

We were the first to check in, and first to step inside Hollywood and Vine right at 8 am where we were announced as the Family of the Day. We received a certificate and some applause.

That's cool. Nice little keepsake for ya.

I’d read some pretty bad reviews of H&V here on the DIS, so I was a little apprehensive. I couldn’t have been more pleasantly surprised.

I've read those reviews too. Maybe they're coming around.

First to stop by was Special Agent Oso. Maddie had only seen his show a handful of times,

Which is a handful more then me.

Once he wandered off, Maddie resumed her Jake stalking. She had her eyes locked on him the entire meal, trying to gauge how soon she’d get to meet her beloved.

Wouldn't you feel uncomfortable in a similar situation?

"Mary, is that kid still staring at me?
"Let me check."
"Don't look!"
"Relax, I'll pretend I'm fixing my makeup and look in the mirror... Yeah, she's still staring."
"OMG, I'm so freaked out! Let's get out of here... if we can!"

Maddie watches Little Einsteins about as often as she watches Oso,

Me too! What are the odds of that??

She hugged him for a while, got his autograph, and then gazed lovingly at him. I never did get a decent photo of the two of them because Maddie wouldn’t stop looking at him long enough to smile at the camera.

I disagree. The shots you got were great! It more accurately showed how she felt.

(Last week Mads had Bryan cracking up because she was identifying his flat and phillips head screwdrivers by calling them Turner and Phillipe.)

H&V was not even half full, so the characters began to make their way back around. We met Oso, June, and Manny again, but by the time we were done Jake hadn’t made it back. We offered to wait, but Maddie said she was good.

Too bad he didn't come around again, but lucky for you she was okay with it.

If you have a little one who loves Jake and the Disney Jr. characters, book an ADR for Hollywood and Vine’s breakfast. The food was really good, and the character interaction was outstanding. Of the 30 minutes we were there we were with characters for about 20 of them.

You may have just sold me on why not to go!
Sir? Would you like to meet Jake? Or any of these other characters you don't know anything about? (Repeat until I throw my untouched plate of food at someone).

Best of all? We were way ahead of the game for TSMM!

Ah! Well, okay. If TSM is a priority I'll consider it. Thanks for the chapter, Shan-a-lama!

 

[katt789]

ahhh Disney boyfriends, everyone has one! At that age, it was Tigger for me! Lol I'm glad Maddie got to meet him! and that H&V was so much fun! I honestly wish there was another character meal in DHS (Muppets perhaps?) most of the character stuff in that park is just either Star Wars, or Playhouse Disney, and I do neither haha! Awesome that Bryan got his breakfast burrito finally!! Yay!!

 

[theworldneedscolor]

Great update! The youngest in our family will be 15 at the time though, so no Hollywood and Vine for us

Maddy is absolutely adorable, by the way

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

I am SO happy to see this review! I made an ADR here a few weeks ago for our trip (IN THREE WEEKS!!!) and it's all my kids can talk about! Kind of shocks me, honestly! The closer we get, the more excited I get about that breakfast. And making a breakfast burrito?!? PERFECTION! I'll be one happy mama!

 

[KatMark]

Awesome update. What a great early morning experience.

I am one who will NEVER step into H&V again...but we've only done dinner (twice, unfortunately). Being that we don't have little ones, it is an easy one for us to skip (I don't even know who any of those characters are ). But Maddie sure has a "crush" and I feel so sorry for your hubby....he's going to have to have that shotgun ready when she gets older.

 

[marDgreen88]

Yall's 'kiss attacks' are PRECIOUS.

HAHAHA awww. Maddie and Jake, sittin' in a tree. (Or standing on a floor... hugging.)

Hmm... I always thought the Pope would be fond of toilets.

Sounds like a great breakfast! I'm glad yall enjoyed it.

 

[amandaw]

You have made my night with this update!!! I think I'm finally excited about our ADR here! Sounds like a great time. I love all of Maddie's pictures with the characters......you can really tell how she feels about each of them. Reid is going to love this meal....you have made me so happy that I booked this for him. And y'all were out by 8:35?!? I feel so much better about the whole TSMM thing now. Thank you!!!

 

[shan23877]

Hey guys! I wanted to post a picture for Caretames of the skirt that I just finished for her daughter to wear on their upcoming trip, so I thought I'd share a few other pictures as well.


Carey-don't worry. It's longer than it looks. The bottom layer is squished onto the coffee table.

​

Some first day of school pictures.

Maddie and Cooper

​

And, if you'll indulge me for a minute... Our beagle Cooper wouldn't leave Maddie's side all morning on her first day of school. This dog slept curled around my stomach every night when I was pregnant with her, laid with me 23 hours a day when I was on bed rest (he did have to eat and go outside occasionally), and elected himself Maddie's personal security guard when we brought her home from the hospital. I suppose that I shouldn't be surprised that he was keeping such close tabs on her on her big day. He's getting older, and things like this make me a little misty. He's a good boy.

I did get him to back off for a moment

And a few from the baseball game we went to last month

 

[RGirl]

I'm so glad you had a good experience at H&V! I know you were worried about it, so YAY!

And Maddie and Cooper - makes me all teary.

 

[marDgreen88]

Oh my goodness... I didn't even think about the fact that Maddie started kindergarden recently! Around here, school doesn't start until the day after Labor Day.

The pictures are so precious. I hope she's been enjoying school so far!