We arrived at BCV on Monday, 11/11 about 2 p.m. No line at check-in. We were checked in by Angela who gave us our first welcome home. We got our requests for first floor, non-smoking but didn't get pool view although we could have had room 176 which was over the canal. We decided to stay with studio #131 which looked out at the woods/courtyard. Could see some of Epcot's fireworks at night through the trees. It was a perfect location. Just about 4 doors down from the Rotunda and then out to the quiet pool or across the courtyard to BCV. It was a dedicated studio and was very quiet!!!
Didn't miss housekeepking at all! Like several have said it was nice not having to worry about them coming in when you were in the room. With just DH and myself, we had plenty of towels but would probably buy an extra set if our teenage DD was with us. We did try to get our trash and towel day changed to Day 3 since we left on Day 5 but Angela at check-in must not have got it changed. She didn't act like she knew how to change it but it wasn't a big deal.
The refrigerator and microwave were really nice to have. Wish we would have had them when our kids were little. Did have to ask maintenance for a sink stopper as ours was missing. They were there within a few minutes.
Christmas decorations were up at BC and BCV. Beautifully decorated trees!!! We resort-hopped on our last day and thought BC's decorations were the next best after the Grand Floridian's.
We loved our first Epcot Food and Wine Festival! We sampled several dishes and wines/liquers from many countries. We also enjoyed Chubby Checker's show. He was a little before our time but he really involved the audience and watching/doing the twist was hilarious.
We also had a magical moment at MK! We were the first ones on Splash Mountain and we got a free picture of us going down the long drop, a certificate saying we were the first family of the day on Splash, and then we were escorted to BTMRR and got to bypass the line and choose where we wanted to sit. We chose the back row of course! The faster, the better!!! Our DD was really jealous as this was our first trip without her to WDW! If we had been chosen to be in the parade, I don't think she would have let us come back home!!! LOL!
We had beautiful weather except for the evening we had planned to go to PI. After we finished eating at Cape May Cafe, it started to rain and turned a little cooler. As I already had a slight cold, I didn't feel like going out and getting wet so we watched tv and then went to DD to shop about 9 p.m. I couldn't see paying to get into PI then as I knew we wanted to get up early to go to Epcot on Wednesday. Definitely plan on bringing clothes for all types of weather, if you go in November. On Monday and Tuesday it was upper 80s but on Wednesday and Thursday it was lower 70s. I was able to wear shorts everyday but needed a sweatshirt the last two days. One night I wore jeans and another capris.
We ate at Bomas which was very good except we didn't go on a night they have our favorite--flank steak. We had planned on eating at Yachtsman but after being seated and waiting for 15 minutes with no sign of our waiter even though several were standing around, we left and went to Cape May Cafe. Not exactly what we wanted but the ribs and chicken were good and service much better. We also ate at Cape May Cafe's breakfast and was disappointed as they don't have as many choices as they have had in the past. Food could have been a little warmer also. We also ate at Olivia's Cafe, Pecos Bill's, Boardwalk Bakery, Beaches and Cream, Hurricane Hannahs, Jungle Jims and Prime Time Cafe. Food was pretty good at all of them but service wasn't quite up to par. I base my opinion on service partly on whether or not they keep my tea glass filled. At every sit down restaurant, my tea glass was empty before I could get our server's attention.
We rented a Jeep from Dollar using the 50% off coupon. Also just applied for my Fastlane # on Thursday before we left. Called on Friday to get the number and applied it to my reservation. No problems on Monday at airport. Very fast and efficient. Would have had to pay $5 per day for an extra driver, including spouses, but decided to skip that as I know my way around WDW better than my DH and I don't mind driving.
All in all, we had a very enjoyable time and we felt the magic is still there even without kids. Any questions?
Donna
Didn't miss housekeepking at all! Like several have said it was nice not having to worry about them coming in when you were in the room. With just DH and myself, we had plenty of towels but would probably buy an extra set if our teenage DD was with us. We did try to get our trash and towel day changed to Day 3 since we left on Day 5 but Angela at check-in must not have got it changed. She didn't act like she knew how to change it but it wasn't a big deal.
The refrigerator and microwave were really nice to have. Wish we would have had them when our kids were little. Did have to ask maintenance for a sink stopper as ours was missing. They were there within a few minutes.
Christmas decorations were up at BC and BCV. Beautifully decorated trees!!! We resort-hopped on our last day and thought BC's decorations were the next best after the Grand Floridian's.
We loved our first Epcot Food and Wine Festival! We sampled several dishes and wines/liquers from many countries. We also enjoyed Chubby Checker's show. He was a little before our time but he really involved the audience and watching/doing the twist was hilarious.
We also had a magical moment at MK! We were the first ones on Splash Mountain and we got a free picture of us going down the long drop, a certificate saying we were the first family of the day on Splash, and then we were escorted to BTMRR and got to bypass the line and choose where we wanted to sit. We chose the back row of course! The faster, the better!!! Our DD was really jealous as this was our first trip without her to WDW! If we had been chosen to be in the parade, I don't think she would have let us come back home!!! LOL!
We had beautiful weather except for the evening we had planned to go to PI. After we finished eating at Cape May Cafe, it started to rain and turned a little cooler. As I already had a slight cold, I didn't feel like going out and getting wet so we watched tv and then went to DD to shop about 9 p.m. I couldn't see paying to get into PI then as I knew we wanted to get up early to go to Epcot on Wednesday. Definitely plan on bringing clothes for all types of weather, if you go in November. On Monday and Tuesday it was upper 80s but on Wednesday and Thursday it was lower 70s. I was able to wear shorts everyday but needed a sweatshirt the last two days. One night I wore jeans and another capris.
We ate at Bomas which was very good except we didn't go on a night they have our favorite--flank steak. We had planned on eating at Yachtsman but after being seated and waiting for 15 minutes with no sign of our waiter even though several were standing around, we left and went to Cape May Cafe. Not exactly what we wanted but the ribs and chicken were good and service much better. We also ate at Cape May Cafe's breakfast and was disappointed as they don't have as many choices as they have had in the past. Food could have been a little warmer also. We also ate at Olivia's Cafe, Pecos Bill's, Boardwalk Bakery, Beaches and Cream, Hurricane Hannahs, Jungle Jims and Prime Time Cafe. Food was pretty good at all of them but service wasn't quite up to par. I base my opinion on service partly on whether or not they keep my tea glass filled. At every sit down restaurant, my tea glass was empty before I could get our server's attention.
We rented a Jeep from Dollar using the 50% off coupon. Also just applied for my Fastlane # on Thursday before we left. Called on Friday to get the number and applied it to my reservation. No problems on Monday at airport. Very fast and efficient. Would have had to pay $5 per day for an extra driver, including spouses, but decided to skip that as I know my way around WDW better than my DH and I don't mind driving.
All in all, we had a very enjoyable time and we felt the magic is still there even without kids. Any questions?
Donna
while their mother watched silently from the lounge chairs. I have no problems with kids playing, but 1) it was 11PM and I was looking for quiet time in the QUIET pool, and 2) would you let your children cannonball complete strangers?!!!! Mom and I ended up going back to the room and having a glass of wine on the balcony which wasn't any better, because we were right over the pool and got to listen to them some more, but at least we weren't getting splashed
Other than that we had a great trip and really enjoyed the Food and Wine Festival. 
