Fortless- A TCD Trip Report with a twist.

[AC in A2......Aaron 693]

At least I am the first on the waiting list! Yeeeeee-hawwwww.

I was like 9000th on the Wolverines football waiting list.

Congrats Stef on your recent adoption. I'll even give a Gator chomp with my hands if that will get me in faster!

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

I really don't think it's a direct comparison to a 1 BR DVC unit. A 1BR DVC unit has a full kitchen, a jacuzzi tub in the master bath, and a washer/dryer. Although 1BR DVC units normally only sleep 4 (maybe 5).

I am just not impressed with the Value Suites, especially now that they are putting fridges in the regular value rooms. Two connecting value rooms get you two bathrooms, two fridges, and beds for 8 at a lower cost. With the value suites you gain a microwave, and a queen size bed in the "master", but you lose the separate entrance to the "adult" room, so if you have to leave the room, you walk through the kids sleeping area to enter/exit, potentially disturbing them. You also only can sleep 6 instead of 8. The layout just doesn't work for me.

I feel the same way about the cabins and the 1BR DVC units, the layout and the price is just high to have folks sleeping in the "Living Area"

You are right. The DVC's do have a full kitchen plus the washer and dryer and jacuzzi tub. But, they only have one bathroom, right?

I agree with you- if you have more than four folks in your party, it is hard to justify the cost of a suite over two value rooms.

TCD

[stefa70 205]

First off, welcome back Dad!! Hope you had a good weekend.

Just for sh*ts & giggles, I briefly checked online for 1 night at AOA for our anniversary. 1 night at the end of July = $444.00 :holysheep:

Uh...no thanks.

[AC in A2......Aaron 693]

DVC 1BR has two bathrooms....at least at BLT.

I can't vouch for all the other resorts.

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

There isn't much more to this trip report, so let's get 'er done!

We left off at the Polynesian sushi bar.

From here we planned to head over to Hollywood Studios.

Would this be where our transportation pixie dust ran out?

Let's see. . .

We headed down to the Poly bus stop.

I have to say, I almost laugh out loud whenever I see the Poly bus stop.

Boy, do they have a crappy bus stop.

Remember how the bus stop at the AoA resort is covered?

This one just sits out in the open:

Before we could even sit down, look what came along:

I swear that Disney must have implanted a GPS tracking device in me and that they send buses, trains and monorails on demand. That's the only explanation that I can think of for what we experienced this day. We did not have to wait for a ride once.

The Poly guests have to share their bus with the Contemporary and Grand Floridian guests. So, our next stop was the lovely Grand Floridian. They have a much nicer bus stop than the Poly guests do. You can't see it in the photo, but they even have a TV a their bus stop:

We arrived at Hollywood Studios 15 minutes after we walked out of the Poly.

They let some folks with RV's have sweet spots here in the Hollywood Studios parking lot:

Both times that I showed up towing my trailer here, they had me park at the end of a parking row. That is a bad deal. I don't know how you score one of these sweet parking spaces, but it would be nice to have one some time.

It was around 6:30 when we entered Hollywood Studios.

The plan was to use our Toy Story Fastpasses at 6:45 and then find a place for Hyperspace Hoopla.

As we headed past the stage, they were preparing for the Padawan Mind Challenge:

We had not seen this before, so we decided to hold off on Toy Story and stop to take a look. We were able to find a spot really close to the stage:

I didn't know that they use the same hosts for this as they do for Hyperspace Hoopla, but they do:

This ended up being a pretty cute little activity. They had all of these kids up on stage to answer Star Wars trivia questions:

C3P0 came out to help:

The questions got asked to the group, and the padawans had to raise either their red or blue light saber to answer the question (each question had just two possible answers):

The questions got progressively harder, so the kids were just guessing.

After everyone got out, they brought them all back in line and asked an easy question. The kids who had the wrong light saber up were told to "use the force," so they all passed the challenge. They were then escorted off the stage, and each was presented with a small Star Wars toy. So, this is a free activity for the kids where they get a small toy. If my kids weren't too old, they would be all over this.

It was here that we made an uncharacteristic mistake in our planning.

This event ended a few minutes before 7. If we stayed where we were, we would have had an awesome spot from which to watch Hyperspace Hoopla.

But, we had Fastpasses for Toy Story. And, we wanted to use them.

It didn't seem too terribly busy, so I said we should pop over there, ride Toy Story, and then come back. We knew we would be back in the crowd, but that would be OK.

Well, it wasn't.

In the brief time that we were gone, a mob moved in.

It was way, way busier than it had been when we were there just two weeks earlier.

There were no spots anywhere that we could see the stage.

As we weaved through the crowd, I heard my name being called. I turned and saw that it was fellow Fiend, YensidCamper. He and I had texted through the day to try to meet up, but we hadn't. Now I saw him, but he was in the middle of the crowd, and there was no way to get there.

We circled around to over in front of American Idol. They show Hyperspace Hoola on the big TV screen there. But, that was super crowded too.

So guess what we decided to do?

We left.

To heck with being packed in like a sardine to see a show we had already seen twice.

That's how we roll.

It was around 8 as we headed out.

We had been at it since a little after 7 am.

We briefly debated heading over to the MK to see the changes in The Magic, The Memories and You show, but the MK was going to close at 10, and it didn't seem worth it to head all the way back over there.

So we called it a night.

We were home before 10 pm.

And, just like that, we have reached the end of this trip report.

TCD

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

First off, welcome back Dad!! Hope you had a good weekend.

Just for sh*ts & giggles, I briefly checked online for 1 night at AOA for our anniversary. 1 night at the end of July = $444.00 :holysheep:

Uh...no thanks.

Thanks, Twin #3. We were up in Tallahassee visiting your older sister. Next time, I'll stop by Inverness on the way up and pick you up.

$444? Just for the room? Holy sheep is right. They're crazy!

DVC 1BR has two bathrooms....at least at BLT.

I can't vouch for all the other resorts.

We have stayed in one BR DVC rooms at Boardwalk and Vero Beach. It's been a while, plus I'm old, but I only remember them having one bathroom.

TCD

[Nicki aka Rebelstand 272]

Wow. Over just like that. I see how it is you adopt Twin #3 and it's done (you just don't want to type triplet. Can't say as I blame you as it would take some remembering at this point..... :rofl3: ). I leave this place for a day and we end on a one update day.... You have a new mission. We all need a fix of our favorite lake shot.... :rofl2:

[caveat lector 181]

^{Here's a idea for you Mr. TCD. When you have another jam packed trip like this, have one of the twins load an app to their smart phones that tracks your movement.}

^{I can't imagince the mileage that you all covered in one day.}

^{Power trip.......INDEED!}

[AC in A2......Aaron 693]

Another great TR TCD! A jam packed day and back at home sweet home by 10.....can't beat that with a stick!

[Nicki aka Rebelstand 272]

^{Here's a idea for you Mr. TCD. When you have another jam packed trip like this, have one of the twins load an app to their smart phones that tracks your movement.}

^{I can't imagince the mileage that you all covered in one day.}

^{Power trip.......INDEED!}

that is an excellent idea.

[CKCK 45]

Just like that, it's over.

Bam.

What makes me feel better about it ending is that just like that, another one will start.

Bam.

Woo hoo.

[mgsmom 9]

What an action packed day!!! How fun!!! Thanks for the TR!

[Lou... 3,118]

This one just sits out in the open:

But at least it has a canopy.

It's actually a better bus stop than the one at the GF in terms of efficiency.

Two buses can stop there and if the first bus is loading a scooter, the bus behind it can pull out and go around it.

Not the case at the GF.

That MH was an oldie but goodie. I liked the looks of it.

I must have gone by it a couple of dozen times that day.

It would look great with some restoration work.

[mouseketab.....Carol 1,261]

I've gotten one of the "good" parking spots with the camper at the Studios at least 3 times now.

[Lou... 3,118]

I've gotten one of the "good" parking spots with the camper at the Studios at least 3 times now.

I wonder if those spaces will not be available because starting next week, DHS will be a full bus hub instead of a partial hub.

What that means is that they'll be staging twice as many buses overnight, so those spaces may not be empty until mid morning.

[DaveInTN 3,247]

I would have done the same thing with a crowd that large....just bailed. Sometimes it's just not worth it.

[PureTcrazy...rita 380]

I just would like to toss in that at WL they have what is called a "deluxe room club level" that is actually a 1 bedroom suite. They used to be called Junior Suites. I don't know why they changed the name. We stayed there a while back. It has 1 bedroom with 2 beds, 1 bathroom and a fridge/micro wetbar area and a living room with a sleeper sofa and 2 balconies. It is $580 during value times. It is Club level which means you get food and cocktails free with the room. Their evening buffet and cordial time is nice! Breakfast was pretty decent too! For Stef's anniversary trip the end of July it is $590 per nite.

I think Compared to the over $444 price you'd get a much better deal at WL Deluxe Room/CL, which has more transportation options, food and drinks included! There are only 31 of these rooms at WL.

ETA if you book at the right time with the right discount, you can get up to 40% off deluxe rooms. if AoA is a value that discount will only be up to 20%! WL Deluxe would end up cheaper in that situation!

[Lou... 3,118]

WL Deluxe would end up cheaper in that situation!

You're using fuzzy math, aren't you Rita, or maybe your Abacus needs new batteries?

[PureTcrazy...rita 380]

You're using fuzzy math, aren't you Rita, or maybe your Abacus needs new batteries?

Nope! 40% off 590 = 354, 20% off 444 = 355. Add to that fact that with WL you get food and drinks. WL ends up a WAY better deal! Deluxe resort with deluxe amenities.

[Lou... 3,118]

If you use the lowest rate at the WL, $580, shouldn't you be comparing it to the lowest rate at DARR, which is $248 and not the $444 rate?

I'm not showing the $444 rate at anytime during the year. Maybe it should be $344?

[PureTcrazy...rita 380]

I am using 444 because that was the rate stef was quoted for the end of July and composting it to the rate at the same time at wl. Apples to apples!

[PureTcrazy...rita 380]

I am using 444 because that was the rate stef was quoted for the end of July and composting it to the rate at the same time at wl. Apples to apples!

[stefa70 205]

I am using 444 because that was the rate stef was quoted for the end of July and composting it to the rate at the same time at wl. Apples to apples!

Yep, just to clear this up, I just checked again. July 21-July 22 at AOA= $444.00

That's $395.00 + tax. Nemo, Cars or Lion king, all the same price.

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

Wow. Over just like that. I see how it is you adopt Twin #3 and it's done (you just don't want to type triplet. Can't say as I blame you as it would take some remembering at this point..... :rofl3: ). I leave this place for a day and we end on a one update day.... You have a new mission. We all need a fix of our favorite lake shot.... :rofl2:

I don't like how this trip ended, either.

But, you know what they say:

Wait for it . . .

It is what it is.

The truth of the matter is that we were all pretty worn out at the time. And, I left a little detail out of the story. When we were in the prime spot in front of the stage, Twin #2 wanted to stay put. Twin #1 said no way, we need to use our Toy Story Fastpasses. I was called upon to render a decision. I said that I would rip the Fastpasses in half and give one to each of us. It worked for Solomon. Well, what did he know? I voted to use the Fastpasses. Well, Twin #2 loved rubbing it in that we should have stayed put, so that added to our decision to bail.

^{Here's a idea for you Mr. TCD. When you have another jam packed trip like this, have one of the twins load an app to their smart phones that tracks your movement.}

^{I can't imagince the mileage that you all covered in one day.}

^{Power trip.......INDEED!}

That is an excellent idea.

We actually have discussed getting a pedometer. The App might be a good idea too. We did cover a lot of ground by Disney transportation too.

Another great TR TCD! A jam packed day and back at home sweet home by 10.....can't beat that with a stick!

What can I say?

Go HAAM or stay home!

No, that's not right.

What did IDWD say?

Go HAAM or GTFO?

Yeah, I think that's it.

Just like that, it's over.

Bam.

What makes me feel better about it ending is that just like that, another one will start.

Bam.

Woo hoo.

Thanks for the Woo Hoo.

I hope the next trip to the world is soon, but it may not be.

The TCD twins are actually heading over with their HOSA group for the National Competition at Coronado Springs next week.

I may or may not run over to watch some of the festivities. That is in discussion right now. The last thing the twins want is for the old man to show up and hurt their street cred.

If I don't make it, I will see if the twins will write a report. Or, I will steal their photos and write one for them.

What an action packed day!!! How fun!!! Thanks for the TR!

Thanks for reading.

And action packed it was.

Except for the lame ending.

But at least it has a canopy.

It's actually a better bus stop than the one at the GF in terms of efficiency.

Two buses can stop there and if the first bus is loading a scooter, the bus behind it can pull out and go around it.

Not the case at the GF.

That MH was an oldie but goodie. I liked the looks of it.

I must have gone by it a couple of dozen times that day.

It would look great with some restoration work.

1. I didn't think about the loading ability at each stop. I guess that's another plus for the Fort bus stop.

2. I agree with you on that old bus conversion. That was a pretty nice MH.

I've gotten one of the "good" parking spots with the camper at the Studios at least 3 times now.

What the Fort?

The two times I went, I was there for rope drop. Maybe I was too early?

I wonder if those spaces will not be available because starting next week, DHS will be a full bus hub instead of a partial hub.

What that means is that they'll be staging twice as many buses overnight, so those spaces may not be empty until mid morning.

See, it must be a timing thing.

But, I think I have seen RV's in those spaces early in the morning in the past.

I wonder where they will go if these spaces are being used for buses?

I would have done the same thing with a crowd that large....just bailed. Sometimes it's just not worth it.

Yep.

I hated to do it.

But it was definitely the right move.

Since we have passes, it makes it easier to just leave when it's too crowded.

Yep, just to clear this up, I just checked again. July 21-July 22 at AOA= $444.00

That's $395.00 + tax. Nemo, Cars or Lion king, all the same price.

I was still not believing this number, so I checked myself.

The rate I got was $388 with tax. I could not find any discounts for that date at AoA.

But, there is a summer discount being offered to everyone (just not at AoA for that date). There are probably Passholder and Florida Resident Discounts too, but I didn't check those. Just for comparison, I used just the summer discount, and got the following quotes (all included tax):

-FW Cabin- $270

-Saratoga Springs Studio- $278

-Two rooms at the Pop- $286

-Savanna View Room at AKL- $374

-Standard View Room at AKL-$232

-Garden Wing at Contemporary-$338

-Deluxe Garden Wing at Contemporary- $378

-Tower room at Contemporary with Bay Lake view-$405

Which leads to my point: I think they are crazy for making almost all of the rooms at AoA suites, and for charging what they are charging. Good luck with that. I would choose any of the rooms listed above before I would shell out $388 for one of those AoA suites.

TCD

[Hotmamac aka Misty 11]

Holy cow...you're back and done just like that! Not only HAAM, but WBTYM too (wham bam thank you ma'am). Well it was good while it lasted.

I look forward to the next one.

And I vote for you making a clandestine appearance at the twins' national competition. I have one of those glasses with the mustache attached if you need it. :rofl3: