BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted October 31, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 31, 2016 On 10/29/2016 at 7:43 PM, dvccamper said: Aw, we missed you by a week. We stayed in the DVC studios and loved it. Wasn't sure how we would like it because I had read some negative things about it but we agreed we would definitely stay there again. Never got into Trader Sams so I guess we have to go back! Trader Sams is definitely worth the trip. :) 11 hours ago, LONE-STAR said: Was this your brother and his family's first trip? Their first real trip as a family. They "popped over" to MK for 4 hours a few years ago as an excursion off a cruise, but well... yeah, you can imagine how that went. B was only a toddler at the time and really doesn't remember it. He kept telling everyone this was his "first trip as a big boy." :) 1 hour ago, Momof6....aka Marty said: I think we need to add bread service to the WWW List of Fun (Thank you, TCD family, for the List of Fun idea!!). Yes! It really is worth the trip, plus that resort is gorgeous. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted October 31, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 31, 2016 Our last morning at the Beach Club started with Minnie's Beach Bash Breakfast Buffet at Cape May. I must say as breakfast buffets go, this was a good one. Grits were yummy, and both egg dishes - veggie scramble with goat cheese and black bean quiche - were really tasty. But of course the big draw is the characters. This was our last morning at the Beach Club but we had time for one last trip to the pool. Random Beach Club pic. I have to say staying club level was a very cool experience, especially at the Beach Club. The lounge there was recently expanded and the food there was amazing – huge variety and everything was terrific. We decided that you could seriously eat every meal there if you wanted to and as our room was just around the corner, it was super convenient. They had a full spread out for breakfast and dinner – usually with at least a couple of hot dishes, a full array of lunchtime nibble, and snacks in between. There was pretty much always fruit, cheese, dips and deli meats out, along with cookies and sweets. Beer, wine and cordials were also served in the evening. They poured the wine for you and handed out the beers, but you could go back as often as you wanted and bring anything you liked back to your room. The Pinot Noir they had was actually really good. These pics were taken during breakfast. There was probably twice as much out for dinner. Time to say bye bye Beach Club!! Next up… Honestly, staying here was one of things I was looking forward to the most. Especially when I heard that our room here was “theme park view!” Waiting for Mom and Dad to finish checking in with the concierge. What I didn’t realize was that “club level” here puts you in the Hawaii building, which is right next to the pool, a 5 minute walk to the boat dock, and right on the beach looking out at MK. *swoon* I have a bunch of photos our a-freaking-mazing view coming up. Here’s our room. That couch folded into a single bed, so I didn’t have to share my bed with a kid and his 7 stuffies anymore. Nothing like rolling over and having a giraffe in your face. LOL But seriously… THIS VIEW!! I took this sitting on the end of my bed. I think I took a picture of this view every day – either while drinking my coffee in the morning or watching fireworks before bed at night. I could live here. Forever. A few couple pics of the club lounge, which is 2 stories here and a terrific view. We were told they also pipe the music in here in the evening for Wishes, but we only watched them from our deck. So a tangent for a quick comparison of the 2 resorts – Room at Beach Club = Great Beds were comfy View was lovely Split bath was super helpful with a group Location to Epcot is terrific Room at Poly = FABULOUS Room was larger by quite a bit Beds were more firm but still comfy No split bath was a bit of a bummer, but worked out ok Location is amazing View is unbeatable. Club lounge at Beach Club = Fantastic Huge variety all times of day Lots of space, plenty of comfy seats Incredibly friendly, helpful staff Club lounge at Poly = very nice Food offerings were much less in terms of quantity and quality (Beach Club really spoiled us) Much smaller space that was pretty crowded at night Seemed understaffed at times /tangent Ok so since we had a little time to kill before dinner, we decided to get the “I NEED TO RIDE THE MONORAIL” monkey off of B’s back, so we hopped on and did a loop. First monorail ride!!! Within a day he had all the resort monorail stops memorized in order. 3 days in he had a good chunk of the schpiel memorized and was reciting it while playing with the monorail set mom bought him (more on that later). By day 5 he was spitting out his version of “Por Favor Mantengase Alejado de las Puertas” which I think he’s got down now. Lunch was Kona. Here is the volcano roll and the oh-so-yummy Kona salad. We ate at Kona a lot (shocker). In fact after the first time, we started getting a card from Mickey on our table saying "welcome back!" LOL Next up... Magic Kingdom! Avatab.... Steve 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DaveInTN 3,247 Posted October 31, 2016 Report Share Posted October 31, 2016 Ok, my mouth is watering. I may need to get sushi for lunch. I'll be back in Chevy Chase in a couple of weeks and hitting my spot there....but now I can't wait. Thanks, Mo. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tri-Circle-D 2,059 Posted October 31, 2016 Report Share Posted October 31, 2016 I've been lucky enough to get a few one night stays in a Club Level room, but it's so awesome that you got to enjoy Club Level at both Beach Club and the Polynesian in one trip! I love that view, but it still bugs me that those bungalows are intruding in it. Think about how awesome it would be if they weren't there. TCD Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Travisma 1,317 Posted October 31, 2016 Report Share Posted October 31, 2016 Did you ever see anyone in or around the bungalows? The times I've been near them, they always look deserted. If i was paying that much to stay in one i would be perched on the deck all day and night with the patio doors open the A/C on high, the music blasting while drinking numerous adult beverages. Tri-Circle-D, PureTcrazy...rita and Tony 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tri-Circle-D 2,059 Posted October 31, 2016 Report Share Posted October 31, 2016 11 minutes ago, Travisma said: Did you ever see anyone in or around the bungalows? The times I've been near them, they always look deserted. If i was paying that much to stay in one i would be perched on the deck all day and night with the patio doors open the A/C on high, the music blasting while drinking numerous adult beverages. Good question. On July 4th this year, we decided to watch the MK fireworks from the TTC, then hop the monorail to Epcot to see Illuminations with the special July 4th overlay. We took the last ferry from the MK to the TTC before they shut down boat transportation for the fireworks. On the way to the TTC, I checked out the bungalows. Surely there would be guests enjoying the view from the decks on the 4th of July, right? Nope. I didn't see one guest in or around any of the bungalows. Not one. TCD Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted November 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 1, 2016 23 hours ago, DaveInTN said: Ok, my mouth is watering. I may need to get sushi for lunch. I'll be back in Chevy Chase in a couple of weeks and hitting my spot there....but now I can't wait. Thanks, Mo. I'd give my left pinkie toe for that volcano roll right now. 18 hours ago, Tri-Circle-D said: I've been lucky enough to get a few one night stays in a Club Level room, but it's so awesome that you got to enjoy Club Level at both Beach Club and the Polynesian in one trip! I love that view, but it still bugs me that those bungalows are intruding in it. Think about how awesome it would be if they weren't there. TCD Agreed. 18 hours ago, Travisma said: Did you ever see anyone in or around the bungalows? The times I've been near them, they always look deserted. I did see people going in and out a couple of times. 18 hours ago, Travisma said: If i was paying that much to stay in one i would be perched on the deck all day and night with the patio doors open the A/C on high, the music blasting while drinking numerous adult beverages. Ditto!! With as much time as I spent on the deck of our room, I might never leave that bungalow. Ever. :) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted November 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 1, 2016 After a delicious lunch, we had to go back to our room for something, so when it was time to head out to Magic Kingdom, we grabbed a boat. From the MK boat looking up at our room on the 3rd floor. Watch out for crazy drivers! Hey kid! No food and drink on the People Mover. In the "you 2 really are related dept" - that's one of those Minute Maid frozen lemonades. B had 2 at AK the day before. I love them too and generally he'd get the pink and I'd get the yellow. Only difference was he eats his from the inside out and I eat mine from the outside in. This photo is indicative of the amazing weather we had all week. We had one quick rain shower as B and I were in line for Kali on Sunday – which was totally appropriate. Oh and for those wondering, the crane was still behind the castle, but was just down. Hitching a ride on Santa’s sleigh. This night the gang had dinner at Cinderella castle. I begged off this one (been there, done that, have the wand) so I was off on my own for dinner. I had a hankering for some vegetables (hey, it happens) so I wandered over to Columbia Harbor House for the Anchors Aweigh sandwich (hummus, slaw and veggies – delicious and super filling) and a side of broccoli. Hey don’t judge. That sandwich is very messy (grab a fork), and pretty darned yummy. Obligatory castle pics. A recurring theme, one that made this trip SO different from our usual adults-only trips, is that we were up early (I’ve never eaten breakfast so many days in a row in my life!) and we were in bed fairly early. As a result, we only saw fireworks in the parks during MNSSHP. But that’s where that awesome room comes in again! Back in the room we were greeted with this. And this view… Not sure how I managed to take this sideways, but here was our nightly fireworks view of “the big finish” (as B called it. Sorry in advance for the crick in your neck! https://ci-29768651024-00000000.http.atlas.cdn.yimg.com/flickr4/40492891@N07/29768651024/29768651024_720p.mp4?dt=flickr&x=1478010072&m=video%2Fmp4&fn=29768651024_720p&bt=0&a=flickr&d=cp_d%3Dwww.flickr.com%26cp_t%3Ds%26cp%3D792600246%26mid%3D29768651024%26ufn%3D29768651024_720p&s=c77f1dc3f1bc347245b925f8752ffe5c 10 minutes later we were all snoring. Seriously. Waking up to this was really just incredible… We had another character breakfast today, this time at 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian. It was very cool to see/hear this play. The carousel theme runs throughout. This is another buffet, but again the food here was really good and there was a great variety. Character interaction here was really fun. Funny Mad Hatter story – B and his dad were in the restroom when Hatter got to our table. We told him “we lost our child” and he said “well you really shouldn’t talk to me about that.” LOL Then he kindly went to the next table and came back. Meeting Alice on the way out. Back to the Poly for pool time!! The splash pad area here is pretty cool and B loved it – especially the slide. The big slide here is actually really fast! (yes, I tried it) And even the pool has a view. :) Afternoon snacks from the club lounge on the deck. We relaxed for a bit before getting ready to head to our next stop... Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! Avatab.... Steve 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
keith_h 420 Posted November 1, 2016 Report Share Posted November 1, 2016 3 hours ago, BradyBzLyn...Mo said: Only difference was he eats his from the inside out and I eat mine from the outside in. I'm glad to see B has learned the correct way to eat them. BradyBzLyn...Mo 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
YJeepgirl32 3 Posted November 2, 2016 Report Share Posted November 2, 2016 Great report. Thanks for sharing and making me extremely jealous. :) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fladogfan aka Gretchen 259 Posted November 2, 2016 Report Share Posted November 2, 2016 The sandwich looked good, messy, but good. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted November 2, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 2, 2016 20 hours ago, keith_h said: I'm glad to see B has learned the correct way to eat them. I beg to differ, sir! Everyone know you eat them from the outside so that you can scoop up the melty bits. 1 hour ago, YJeepgirl32 said: Great report. Thanks for sharing and making me extremely jealous. :) Thanks for reading along! Unfortunately I'm now totally spoiled and trying to find a way to get the folks at the Poly to let me park my RV on the beach and stay there with my 3 dogs. LOL Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted November 2, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 2, 2016 This night was Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Our plan was to get in the park at 4pm, hit a couple of FPs then have dinner at Skipper Canteen, change into our costumes (it was too hot to wear them over) and jump into the party fun. On our way! Finally getting to try Skipper Canteen! Some of you will be not-at-all surprised that I got the whole fried fish – tonight it was Branzino. If having your dinner stare at you makes you squeamish, scroll quickly past this photo. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Yes. It looks gross, but I can honestly say it was really delicious and cooked perfectly. I look forward to ordering it again. Oh and I tried my best not to gross out my dinner companions with it. We were just about the last diners in the restaurant – they closed at 7pm – and they said they didn’t mind if we threw our costumes on there. We went as Andy’s toys – Buzz, Jesse and Mr. & Mrs. Potato head. My SIL booked us the special dessert party, so we hit up a couple of candy stops on our way back to Main Street, as the reserved parade area was in front of the train station. I have to say it was nice to have an area where you weren’t getting crushed in a crowd. We were right at the point where Main St went around the circle, which was perfect for this parade. B was able to stand right at the curb, giving him an awesome view. Video of the headless horseman that my brother took… https://www.facebook.com/justin.provencal.12/videos/315433722166745/ Between the horseman and the parade, there were having impromptu dance parties in the street to keep folks entertained. B couldn’t wait to jump in! Unfortunately I don’t have a photo of that, but add “danced on Main St” to my list of proud aunt moments. Some parade pics… Love the grave diggers! https://www.flickr.com/gp/bradybzlyn/G363E2 After the parade, we were led the back way to Tomorrowland Terrace for the dessert party. What was nice was that the back way was walled off and decorated – no views of the parking lot or dumpsters. Actually the Halloween statues that used to be in the Hub before the construction were back there lining the walkway. Dessert party sweets. That's sparkling cider in the champagne flute - it is the Magic Kingdom after all. Everything was delicious, and probably more sugar than I eat in a year! We watched projection show and Hallowishes from the Terrace – which was nice, although not the most ideal view. At this point it was about 11-ish and the adults were chugging coffee and fading fast. Meanwhile the 7yo decided he really REALLY wanted to ride Splash Mountain. So we had a heart-to-heart about how 1) it was way across the other side of the park 2) there was not to be any whining about being tired on the way there or back. A pinky swear later and we were trekking to Frontierland – hitting a couple more candy stops along the way. On the candy front -- since we didn't cover a lot of ground that night, we only hit about 5 or 6 stops. Still, B's light-up Micky bucket was full, as CMs were stuffing handfuls in there at every stop. He looooooved Splash Mountain. He especially loved the part where we stopped next to the waterfall and his mother was getting wet. (insert hilarious giggles here) So what started out as “we doubt he’ll make it to the fireworks” turned into us leaving the park just before midnight. Next up – we “Let it Go!” at Epcot Food and Wine. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DaveInTN 3,247 Posted November 2, 2016 Report Share Posted November 2, 2016 I didn't realize they offered a special dessert party during the special Halloween party. Double the party. I can't imagine how much that cost. LOL. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Travisma 1,317 Posted November 2, 2016 Report Share Posted November 2, 2016 5 minutes ago, DaveInTN said: I didn't realize they offered a special dessert party during the special Halloween party. Double the party. I can't imagine how much that cost. LOL. They took to heart the old Doublemint ad... Double your pleasure, Double your fun. Of course they added a new line Double your cost! BradyBzLyn...Mo 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tri-Circle-D 2,059 Posted November 2, 2016 Report Share Posted November 2, 2016 Wow, your brother and sister in law sure splurged on this trip! And, great job with group Halloween costumes! TCD Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted November 2, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 2, 2016 29 minutes ago, DaveInTN said: I didn't realize they offered a special dessert party during the special Halloween party. Double the party. I can't imagine how much that cost. LOL. SIL is a TA and I think she worked a little magic with her Disney rep for the dessert party. No idea how much it might have cost out of pocket. As in most things for this trip, I was an epic freeloader. 9 minutes ago, Tri-Circle-D said: Wow, your brother and sister in law sure splurged on this trip! And, great job with group Halloween costumes! TCD Oh yeah, they definitely did. All the more reason I couldn't decline the invitation to tag along! The potato head costumes were a big hit - lots of comments as we walked around. I fudged the Jesse a bit - it was too bloody hot to wear a long-sleeve shirt. Actually it was hot enough (for us northern folks) that all the grown-ups shed most of our costumes before we left the dessert party. (I kept the hat/braid.) B was sweating his little head off too, but refused to even take his Buzz gloves off. Now that's commitment! LOL Tri-Circle-D 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tri-Circle-D 2,059 Posted November 2, 2016 Report Share Posted November 2, 2016 7 minutes ago, BradyBzLyn...Mo said: SIL is a TA Aha! This explains a lot. She did a good job. TCD Quote Link to post Share on other sites
caveat lector 181 Posted November 2, 2016 Report Share Posted November 2, 2016 I want to be an "epic free loading" aunt!!!! where is the sign up sheet? Do I need a secret password? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CCIntrigue...aka Gwen 547 Posted November 2, 2016 Report Share Posted November 2, 2016 This sounds like such an awesome trip! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Momof6....aka Marty 769 Posted November 2, 2016 Report Share Posted November 2, 2016 I am loving every single bit of this TR. Keep up the great work!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
WannaBeImagineer 98 Posted November 2, 2016 Report Share Posted November 2, 2016 Wow Mo, this trip was awesome! Thanks for the comparison between the two resorts, I agree about the Poly rooms the size is great. Looking forward to more! WBI Quote Link to post Share on other sites
twiceblessed....nacole 433 Posted November 2, 2016 Report Share Posted November 2, 2016 Okay, somehow I missed this TR, but I am now all caught up. WOW! What a trip! I have to admit, it would be really hard for me to be at WDW and not stay at The Fort...but the pictures of your room (and THE VIEW) at the Poly, mercy...that would help take the sting out. We've never done the character breakfast at the Beach Club; we may need to try that one of these trips! So glad you got a chance to have such a magical trip with your family... the pictures show a really great time!! :) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted November 2, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 2, 2016 6 hours ago, Tri-Circle-D said: Aha! This explains a lot. She did a good job. TCD 6 hours ago, caveat lector said: I want to be an "epic free loading" aunt!!!! where is the sign up sheet? Do I need a secret password? 5 hours ago, CCIntrigue...aka Gwen said: This sounds like such an awesome trip! 3 hours ago, Momof6....aka Marty said: I am loving every single bit of this TR. Keep up the great work!! Thanks Marty! 3 hours ago, WannaBeImagineer said: Wow Mo, this trip was awesome! Thanks for the comparison between the two resorts, I agree about the Poly rooms the size is great. Looking forward to more! WBI It really was - I was so fortunate and grateful to be invited along. 52 minutes ago, twiceblessed....nacole said: Okay, somehow I missed this TR, but I am now all caught up. WOW! What a trip! I have to admit, it would be really hard for me to be at WDW and not stay at The Fort...but the pictures of your room (and THE VIEW) at the Poly, mercy...that would help take the sting out. We've never done the character breakfast at the Beach Club; we may need to try that one of these trips! So glad you got a chance to have such a magical trip with your family... the pictures show a really great time!! :) Thanks for jumping in, Nacole! The Beach Club breakfast was fun. Every so often they'd play some surfing music and invite the kids to "surf along" around the restaurant, kind of like a crazy conga line. LOL I knew this trip would be different, and I was up for whatever they wanted to do. It was a blast and I think everyone had a great time. I usually behave like a 7 year old at WDW anyway, this trip I had an actual 7yo as a partner in crime. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted November 2, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 2, 2016 I forgot these were out there. Here's B riding Everest and Splash Mountain for the first time. I don't know what's going on with that face in the 2nd photo (LOL!) but my bet is the next time he rides those he'll have his arms up. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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