Blizzard Beach Do Over - "The Bestest Day Ever!!!! HORRAY FOR HOLLYWOOD! NEW 06/12 Pg 19 and 20

[MAGICFOR2]

Contest Answers: I hadn't meant to do a contest because I can't compete with the Ponz, but the TR took on a life of its own so....

There are actually two things wrong in my first update - 1. The date on the Disney World entrance sign - I re-used a photo from our July 2012 trip because I couldn't take one from my seat on the bus this time. 2. The phrase "ingenious use of space, and a fun destination for one night. We were near the pool, but it was not noisy at all, and it was even cheerleading weekend." was put in twice - This was an accident that Kathy noticed first, but a couple of you also noticed. So:

5 points (half credit) for Kathy for noticing the phrase first
1 point each for Mark and Ponz for also noticing the phrase and
2 points to Mark for saying Beer and Xanax together is a mistake!

 

[pkondz]

I meant to be posting an update sooner this weekend, but we had a sleepover for the grands that involved Tornado warnings, shelter and huge thunderstorms. This resulted in no one sleeping so between being busy and exhausted, it is now Monday afternoon. Good news is I DO have an update now! And here it is - the phone is going off as I type with another warning. Quite the week. Looks like this one is just for flash flood in our area. Earlier today, this same storm touched down with a huge tornado in Mexico.

Yikes! Scary stuff.
I'll just not mind our super cold temperatures now, okay?

1 point each for Mark and Ponz for also noticing the phrase and

Woot for me!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

We all slept well, I think but were up pretty early. We made some coffee to get us started, and once the food court opened at 7:30, Jim and Ryan went down to fill up the mugs with coffee. Once we were all showered and dressed and the beds put away, we made our way down to Intermission for some breakfast.


The boys enjoyed their Mickey waffles and fruit. I think I had the breakfast platter with eggs and fruit. Not sure what everyone else had. I have to apologize that I didn't do very well with the food reports or food porn this trip. I will try to remember what I can.

Looks like Jim took the boys for a little walk




We wanted to get to DTD and use the Groupon I had for the Characters in Flight balloon ride,
so we headed back to the room to get packed up and arrange for bell services to send our bags to SSR. The service at the value resort turned out to be just as prompt as at a deluxe! We had our bags picked up and were on our way to the bus stop in no time!

We only waited about five minutes – difference here – all of the bus stops at DVC resorts we’ve seen have been in a nice shaded shelter with seats. Here, there were long lines out in the sun. We didn’t mind today, because it was early and we were on our way to DTD in short order.
As soon as we arrived, stopped for a pic – maybe a Christmas card??


Jim and I had found these T-shirts at the base and wore them to thank Ryan for his service. He serves in the Air National Guard. He recently got a nice promotion to Quality Assurance, and of course we are very proud of him. Dana is a dental hygienist and just moved to a new practice when her boss retired with almost no warning due to illness. She was thankful they let her take her vacation after only two weeks of working there
Of course it is always Christmas in Arendelle


We headed over to the balloon, only to be told it was too windy to go up right now. We couldn’t even feel a breeze, but I guess it was breezy at ride height. This would be a time sucking quest for our trip, the Quest for the Great Balloon Ride


unfortunately . We were told to try back this evening because it was supposed to calm down then. Oops, we had ADRs at that time.

So we set out to complete the rest of our mission for the day. We found guests services to activate our Military Salute passes and connect all of our magic bands to the photopass. Dana and I took a tour of the Marketplace Co-Op. We had borrowed a little child alarm for Evan, who is known to create his own adventures at times. It is called Buddy Tag. He wore a little bracelet (he didn’t even care that it was pink) and I had a phone app set to alarm if he were a certain distance away or near water. It was on my iPhone because they didn’t have an app for Dana’s android. Anyway, this created some funny moments – the first of which occurred on our little shopping jaunt. As Dana pushed Evan in the stroller and ventured away from me, an alarm in my purse would sound, and everyone around me would stare at me. They probably thought I was shoplifting, because I would walk away and get nearer to Dana so the alarm would stop. At least it worked!

With our passes settled, it was time for some lunch. Wow – these details can really take up your time. We went over to EOS and Jim and Dana got a table outside while Ryan and I ordered. It was crazy busy in there, and they seemed to be having trouble keeping the orders coming out. Eventually, we had our delicious lunch, and the boys played in the little splash zone for a few minutes.
Next, we were on a mission. I had been waiting to treat Mason and Evan to build a car at RacerZ for a couple of years. I was sure I had seen it listed among the shops at DTD. We had been there before We thought this would be a good birthday treat for Mason – whose big day was coming up in two days. We started out for the place we thought it would be – hmmm, can’t find it. I asked a CM at one of the stores – no, she hadn’t even heard of it. Another one walked up and said that store had closed over a year ago. Doh!

The second best idea was to let Mason choose a Lego set, which he is into right now. So we spent a long time perusing the shelves and meeting celebrity. We decided to keep his options open for a few days and come back later in the week. The boys did choose a gift for a cousin, I think and were rewarded with a very special hat -

Bet you're jealous, huh?

We stopped to check out the Boathouse restaurant and the attraction that goes with it - FUN!







CONTINUED NEXT POST

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I picked up a few gifts for the Texas kiddos and before we knew it it was already 2:30 in the afternoon and we needed to leave for our ADR at about 5, so we were thinking it might be nice to get a little pool time in.

We planned to walk over to our resort, SSR, but we couldn't find the newly constructed foot bridge amongst all the construction so we opted for the boat instead. I always love to see this on our way "home"



When we arrived, we were excited to discover our room was ready! We got my request for the exact location I wanted, except I had asked for ground floor, but I loved our view! We were 3rd floor in a dedicated 2 bdrm near the paddock pool. Here are a couple of pics of the view.









Stock photo of the room – I didn’t actually take any room photos before we had so much stuff around that you couldn’t see the room!















Next Contest Question: Where are our ADRs? What in the room made Mason laugh?

NEXT CHAPTER: FIRST DISMEET OF THE TRIP

 

[pkondz]

Once we were all showered and dressed and the beds put away,

You don't have to do that. You can leave them on the floor in the middle of the room.

That's terrible! Disney's encouraging kids to play with electric guitars in water!

all of the bus stops at DVC resorts we’ve seen have been in a nice shaded shelter with seats. Here, there were long lines out in the sun.

Interesting. I never really thought about that before.

As soon as we arrived, stopped for a pic – maybe a Christmas card??

We were told to try back this evening because it was supposed to calm down then.

Yup. First thing in the morning or around sunset.
Best times for calm winds.

As Dana pushed Evan in the stroller and ventured away from me, an alarm in my purse would sound, and everyone around me would stare at me. They probably thought I was shoplifting, because I would walk away and get nearer to Dana so the alarm would stop. At least it worked!

Another one walked up and said that store had closed over a year ago. Doh!

Oh well. It's the thought that counts?
I think you were a little miffed.

Bet you're jealous, huh?

Yup. Afraid so.

Cool! Did you go for a spin?

I always love to see this on our way "home"

Here are a couple of pics of the view.

Nice view!

Next Contest Question: Where are our ADRs? What in the room made Mason laugh?

Chef Mickey's and the dividing doors between the bedroom and the bathroom.

NEXT CHAPTER: FIRST DISMEET OF THE TRIP

Looking forward to it!

 

[eandesmom]

I am here! I can't promise much, I am a horrible DISer these days but with my travel ramping down for a couple of months I hope that will change. Of course life ramps up around here for the next 3 weeks with the end of year stuff but I still hope to do a little better.

Off to catch up.

 

[KatMark]

Great update, Tammie.

I'm glad the service at the value was as good as the deluxe with the luggage. Yes, I heard those lines for the buses can be brutal out in the hot sun, but luckily you didn't have to wait too long.

That's too bad that the balloon was not operating (every time we plan it is either too windy or storming!).

Cute hats on the boys after their shopping.

The place you were thinking of used to be in Team Mickey and I believe they closed that about 18 months or so ago (we were there I think the last month or two it ws open and got Andy a special engraved bat).

Your pictures as you took the boat over and of the outside of the resort are stunning. Very nice room (layout of the kitchen seems identical to the BWV).

I'm guessing you went to Biergarten in Epcot and that Mason got a kick out of the chairs up at the "kitchen bar."

And for a first DIS meet.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

You don't have to do that. You can leave them on the floor in the middle of the room.

Oh! That would have been so much easier

That's terrible! Disney's encouraging kids to play with electric guitars in water!

They're Disney guitars - they can't shock you

Yup. First thing in the morning or around sunset.
Best times for calm winds.

Noted
Oh well. It's the thought that counts?
I think you were a little miffed.

Frustrated because the trip before it was Build a Bear that was missing. Hard to make plans when they keep moving your stores

Cool! Did you go for a spin?

We did not. It was a little spendy for 6 with the balloon ride already in our pockets. I have a feeling it is probably cooler from the outside - although I guess the controls are probably pretty realistic.
Nice view!

I think I would ask for that view every time now!

Chef Mickey's and the dividing doors between the bedroom and the bathroom.

noted

Looking forward to it!

Hopefully it won't take as long the next time.

I am here! I can't promise much, I am a horrible DISer these days but with my travel ramping down for a couple of months I hope that will change. Of course life ramps up around here for the next 3 weeks with the end of year stuff but I still hope to do a little better.

Off to catch up.

Cynthia!!! So happy you're here! I totally understand. It will be nice to see you here whenever you can find the time. I am behind on both of yours, too. I keep trying to catch up but it's like a hamster wheel!

Great update, Tammie.

I'm glad the service at the value was as good as the deluxe with the luggage. Yes, I heard those lines for the buses can be brutal out in the hot sun, but luckily you didn't have to wait too long.

Me too. It's not like value should be lesser - I just hadn't experienced it at all. I did not in any way mean to come off like a snob. We are pretty much value to middle of the road guests in any other setting, but we have gotten spoiled by DVC for sure.

That's too bad that the balloon was not operating (every time we plan it is either too windy or storming!).

Cute hats on the boys after their shopping.

The place you were thinking of used to be in Team Mickey and I believe they closed that about 18 months or so ago (we were there I think the last month or two it ws open and got Andy a special engraved bat).

I thought it was a stand alone place - they have one in California at DTD. Maybe I had the two confused, but I know I had been in there prior to purchasing at the one in Cali.

Your pictures as you took the boat over and of the outside of the resort are stunning. Very nice room (layout of the kitchen seems identical to the BWV).

Thank you. I'm not usually a good photographer - those are probably Jim's. We did love our room - I think most of the DVC is laid out like that - just a little different décor. Very good use of space.

I'm guessing you went to Biergarten in Epcot and that Mason got a kick out of the chairs up at the "kitchen bar."

And for a first DIS meet.

I have noted your guesses! Thanks for reading - need to catch up on yours now - you are a speedy writer!

 

[pkondz]

Oh! That would have been so much easier

A public service. That's what I offer.

They're Disney guitars - they can't shock you

Really? Shocking!

We did not. It was a little spendy for 6 with the balloon ride already in our pockets. I have a feeling it is probably cooler from the outside - although I guess the controls are probably pretty realistic.

<sigh> Yeah, I guess it would be. Still cool to see.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

2 points to Mark for saying Beer and Xanax together is a mistake!

The service at the value resort turned out to be just as prompt as at a deluxe!

Excellent! Always glad to hear things like that.

We headed over to the balloon, only to be told it was too windy to go up right now. We couldn’t even feel a breeze, but I guess it was breezy at ride height. This would be a time sucking quest for our trip, the Quest for the Great Balloon Ride

Man, that bites. I have had the same experience there--I still haven't actually been up in the balloon! Every time I have tried it's been too windy.

As Dana pushed Evan in the stroller and ventured away from me, an alarm in my purse would sound, and everyone around me would stare at me. They probably thought I was shoplifting, because I would walk away and get nearer to Dana so the alarm would stop. At least it worked!

Another one walked up and said that store had closed over a year ago. Doh!

Oops. My boys will not be happy to hear that.

We stopped to check out the Boathouse restaurant and the attraction that goes with it - FUN!

Cool! I wonder what it costs to take one of those for a spin.

Here are a couple of pics of the view.

Looks like a great spot!

Next Contest Question: Where are our ADRs? What in the room made Mason laugh?

Shoot. I think @pkondz beat me to the punch. But I'm guessing it was a non-park day, so Chef Mickey's seems logical for the kids. And the window between the bedroom and bathtub caught my eye as something a kid might think was funny.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Excellent! Always glad to hear things like that.



Man, that bites. I have had the same experience there--I still haven't actually been up in the balloon! Every time I have tried it's been too windy.

I found it to be pretty hard to see it up, which is funny because it seems like I saw it flying plenty of times when I wasn't trying to ride.

Oops. My boys will not be happy to hear that.

Bummer


Cool! I wonder what it costs to take one of those for a spin.

$125 for a boat captain and up to 3 people

Looks like a great spot!



Shoot. I think @pkondz beat me to the punch. But I'm guessing it was a non-park day, so Chef Mickey's seems logical for the kids. And the window between the bedroom and bathtub caught my eye as something a kid might think was funny.

Great minds think alike! Thanks for reading and commenting, Mark!

 

[MEK]

Can you believe I'm behind already?

Yay for an uneventful flight and ride to the resort. The suites at AS Music look so cool. I was tempted to book one for one night in August prior to our BWV stay, but they are pricey and we will have a car so we can save major bucks by staying off site. Still.....

What a lovely room view at SSR. That is why I like high floors so much better than ground floors. Very nice.

Boo to not being able to go up in the balloon. I really hope you got to experience it. Denny and I did it a few summers OK and it was pretty darn cool.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Can you believe I'm behind already?

Yay for an uneventful flight and ride to the resort. The suites at AS Music look so cool. I was tempted to book one for one night in August prior to our BWV stay, but they are pricey and we will have a car so we can save major bucks by staying off site. Still.....

What a lovely room view at SSR. That is why I like high floors so much better than ground floors. Very nice.

Boo to not being able to go up in the balloon. I really hope you got to experience it. Denny and I did it a few summers OK and it was pretty darn cool.

Can you believe I'm behind already?

Yay for an uneventful flight and ride to the resort. The suites at AS Music look so cool. I was tempted to book one for one night in August prior to our BWV stay, but they are pricey and we will have a car so we can save major bucks by staying off site. Still.....

What a lovely room view at SSR. That is why I like high floors so much better than ground floors. Very nice.

Boo to not being able to go up in the balloon. I really hope you got to experience it. Denny and I did it a few summers OK and it was pretty darn cool.

Hi Mary Ellen! I can - I am behind everywhere! We had a dinner party last night, so that took up Fri night and all of yesterday - I am behind on my own report!

The ASMU resort was fun! It wasn't bad for one night for us as it was cheaper to share a family suite than book two rooms off site.

I would enjoy that view again, for sure!

Thanks for being here when you can!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Hello readers? Sorry I am so neglectful. Have had a really busy week and weekend. We're on our way out to see Tomorrowland, but I promise to be back soon with a an update! Thanks for your continued patience!

 

[Poolrat]

Next Contest Question: Where are our ADRs? What in the room made Mason laugh?

NEXT CHAPTER: FIRST DISMEET OF THE TRIP

I think I might know the answer.......

 

[pkondz]

Hello readers? Sorry I am so neglectful. Have had a really busy week and weekend. We're on our way out to see Tomorrowland, but I promise to be back soon with a an update! Thanks for your continued patience!

Going out to see Tomorrowland is an excellent reason to postpone the chapter.
Enjoy the movie!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Hello! I'm back! We went out to see Tomorrowland yesterday - the 4:45 show like most senior citizens. I was sure I would be back to post after a quick dinner. Ha! I was freezing during the movie, which was lots of Disney fun, but obviously taken from a book or script written for a 10 yr old audience. It was a little slow at times, but we did enjoy it. So since I needed to be warmed up, I requested dinner at El Chapperal, which I knew would allow patio seating. I wanted no more A/C for sure. We ended up taking 2 hrs for a simple Mexican meal, including the 45 min. wait for a table. So needless to say, we came home at bedtime. That is my excuse for ditching all of you last night. 5:30 am comes pretty early for us old people, you know.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Now back to business!
FIRST DISMEET, COCONUTS AND GIGGLES


In our last episode, we were splashing around in the pool when we discovered it was time to dry off and change for our ADR. When planning together back in August, each person in the family named a “pick” or must do. Jim’s pick was to go to OHANA for dinner! He loves the Polynesian flavor and the all you can eat meat! I love the banana bread pudding and the lapu!lapu! We thought we would have plenty of time to get ready after relaxing at the pool all day, remember?


Marv (GOOFYFAN) and I had been talking on FB because he noticed we would be there at the same time as he and Pat(Poolrat Pat) . They were there for a quick weekend race. That night. At 10 pm. They were staying at Poly, and were free, so it was a great time to connect before dinner.


We took the bus to MK, then hopped on the monorail to the Poly. As we came into the building, it was fun to see the Marv and Pat waiting to surprise us right inside the door! We had a quick hug and intros all around, then made our way over to Ohana to check in. Of course when we wanted to have a few minutes to visit, our wait time was very short, and soon our pager was going off. It was fun to actually meet some great DISers, and we of course got the pic to prove it! (Looks like our lighting was a little off, sorry) Pat, how did the race go?




We were led in to our table –where Mason had to stop and giggle for a moment. More on that later. We had a nice table near a window . Ryan had disappeared and came back with a Lapu!Lapu! for himself and myself. Can you say tropical “I’m really on vacation now” drink?





We had great service and soon it was time for the coconut races. Mason was ready to play, and Evan ran up with him, but apparently thought it was just to get flowers around his neck because he promptly threw the lei on the floor and ran back to the table.



A fierce tournament ensued – not sure who won, but I don’t thnk it was Mason



. We enjoyed our dinner of delicious noodles and wings, as well as shrimp and chicken and beef and sausage, cooked on skewers in the fire pit.



At some point they had the kids run up to do some hula lessons, but our boys weren’t wanting to try it. They did do some kind of parade with the cousin lady.








birthdays – Mason had a birthday button on, and he was presented with 3 cupcakes! Looks like he wants some ice cream instead!


We had the heavenly banana bread pudding for dessert. They brought us two for the table, but we barely finished off one – it is soooo sweet but so delicious!

I think Evan was being camera shy, which happens sometimes - he will disappear in the flash of a shutter.


. It was soon time to say goodbye to our Ohana and head for home with our real Ohana. On the way out, Mason stopped to giggle again – 8 yr old boy – need I say more?




We did stop in the gift shop for some H2O lotion, and to model the latest headwear (the things he does to entertain the grandkids)



Looks like someone was off to dreamland


We were feeling like we had had quite a full day and were ready to hit the hay – we had a big day planned the next day! We went home the same way we came. The bus was a little crowded, but only a couple of people were left standing, so not too bad. We were soon all tucked in and sound asleep – dreaming of mice and roller coasters, but not of princesses!

**WHO CAN GUESS WHAT RYAN AND DANA SEE TOMORROW FOR THE FIRST TIME**

 

[pkondz]

I was freezing during the movie, which was lots of Disney fun, but obviously taken from a book or script written for a 10 yr old audience.

So would you recommend not going to see it? Or is it worthwhile?

Jim’s pick was to go to OHANA for dinner!

Good pick. It's on my to do list, too.

I love the banana bread pudding and the lapu!lapu!

I'm not a fan of rum... but I wish I was! Who doesn't want to drink out of a pineapple??

It was fun to actually meet some great DISers, and we of course got the pic to prove it!

DISmeets are great.

Ryan had disappeared and came back with a Lapu!Lapu! for himself and myself. Can you say tropical “I’m really on vacation now” drink?

tropical “I’m really on vacation now” drink

Do I win a prize?
They do look the part, though.

Evan ran up with him, but apparently thought it was just to get flowers around his neck because he promptly threw the lei on the floor and ran back to the table.

We enjoyed our dinner of delicious noodles and wings, as well as shrimp and chicken and beef and sausage, cooked on skewers in the fire pit.

Oh, my. That does sound good!

Someone looks pretty energetic!

Looks like he wants some ice cream instead!

Thus beginith the journey into manhood.
A young boy greedily gobbles up the ice cream.
A man takes his time and eats it all.

On the way out, Mason stopped to giggle again – 8 yr old boy – need I say more?

Yup. I can totally see that!

Looks like someone was off to dreamland

Disney will do that to ya.

**WHO CAN GUESS WHAT RYAN AND DANA SEE TOMORROW FOR THE FIRST TIME**

Oh, Lord. Not a clue.
Jedi training?

 

[dizneeat]

Lovely update! Dinner at Ohana with the Ohana and a DIS meet as well.

Love the Olaf hat photo - looks somehow very familiar.