richjive
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2014
First Trip Report, First DVC Stay, Longtime Disney Fanatic
Hello Everyone,
I want to start off this post by thanking everyone who has ever written a TR or contributed to this the forum. I am a fairly recent Disboard member but longtime Disney fanatic. I never knew of the site until I started doing research on DVC properties a visit a took last year during Food and Wine Festival.
Background:
I would like to start off with some background on me. I am currently in my young 30's and have been going to WDW since I was 10. During my early years, I was fortunate enough to visit WDW at least once a year if not twice for our family vacations. I was also lucky enough to experience the true magic and wonder of Disney via the old Gold Key Plans (the orginal Magic-your-way packages, except it was truly all inclusive with rooms, park passes, all onsite entertainment from golfing to firework cruises and everything in between, and most importantly breakfast, lunch and dinner at ANY and all property restaurants with tax and gratuities included). The Disney Gold Key plans were truly amazing and it was when they started changing the package towards the current Magic-your-way that our family trips started to dwindle.
I had a 10 -15 year break from Disney when I was in High School and college. Life also just seemed to get in the way. The Animal Kingdom was just built when I started my break. I always wanted to visit but just couldn't find the time. During those many years, I found my great DW, got married, found a home and had our first DD whom is turning 2 in a few months.
My first trip back to WDW was last year during Food and Wine Festival. It was the DW, DD and I on our first family trip and what better place then WDW. We stayed 6 nights in a Hilton Grand Vacation room which I got at a steep discount because of the obligatory Timeshare pitch from them. I enjoyed the room, but felt something was missing. We purchased 10 day Park Hopper Water park and fun no expiration tickets back then and only got to use two park day visits on the trip.
This meant we were committed on having to come back and during one of the visits to the parks, I took notice of the DVC stands, took a tour @ Saratoga Springs and immediately loved the idea of DVC (as compared to HGVC or any other timeshares) but thought the prices they wanted for Alunani and GF were too high. Luckily I did my research when I returned, found this site and closed on my DVC property earlier this year.
First DVC Trip:
I found the DVC members' website slow at times but everything was well presented. I was able to clear my schedule decided to visit from June 14th to June 19th. I booked the trip about two months in advanced and was glad to find Deluxe Studios available. The only problem was it would be at two different properties. We started our stay at BWV on Sunday, Monday and moved to BLT for Tue, Wed and Thurs.
Since our trip was broken up between the two properties I scheduled all the events around our rooms. I was able to secure our dinner reservations and plan out our trip fairly quickly.
Sunday:
We took the early flight out of LGA and arrived at MCO by 1100. As we were picking up our Rental Car, I got a welcomed text from DVC saying our room was ready (love the online check-in and notification system). It was great to know our room would be waiting for us as soon as we arrived and sure enough we made to our room before 1230. My first impressions of the Studio was how dated the room felt and it wasn't the most welcoming. I found out via the forum there were renovated rooms recently and proceeded to the front desk to request one. The receptionist my have been new because it took her a long time to get an answer and eventually the floor manager had to come over to help. No renovated Studios were available. I then asked the manager if renovated 1BR was available and suggested I would pay the cash or point difference for the upgrade. Another long wait with system, no information available and the manager said he would call me later in the day with my options as he could tell I wanted to get on with my day.
With the disappointment of the room fresh in our heads, we headed to Downtown Disney to do some shopping. It was my first time taking the Disney Bus and I was very surprised at how fast and prompt the service was. If I had known in advanced how effortless the transportation was, I would have saved the money from the car rental. We walked around Downtown and I picked up a Tables in Wonderland card (Great benefits/savings) as well as some small gifts. We had a quick late lunch at Ragland Road (not super impressed by the food, should have gone to Portobello's) and then headed over to Disney Quest. It was my first time in Quest and I wasn't sure if the baby would enjoy it much. It turns out we were able to do a few activities with DD and especially enjoyed the Rowing Raft ride.
We then headed back to our room to get ready for dinner at Yatchsman Steakhouse. The stroll along the Boardwalk was great and checking in at Yatchsman Steakhouse was a breeze. As we were waiting to get seated, I received a phone call from the floor manager and he says a newly renovated 1BR is available and because of the long wait and time wasted earlier in the day, he was upgrading us for free. This was very welcomed news and the perfect way to start off our first dinner.
The service was great but the food was excellent. I ordered the Lobster Bisque and Lamb Chops, DW ordered the Land Salad and Fliet Mignon and we got the grilled chicken dinner for the DD. The Lobster Bisque was amazing but the Land Salad was the star. We were both in agreement it was one of the best salads we have ever had. The ingredients consisted of items harvested right from "The Land" in Epcot, very fresh and tasty. The lamb chops and filet mignon were great and went very well with the suggested wine pairings. We ended dinner with an ice cream sundae, with DD eating the most. I used the TiW card and received the 20% discount (keep in mind they add 18% gratuities and taxes)
We then made our way back to our Studio to pack and as the DW was finishing the packing, I took care of the room change down at the front desk. The service was quick and we were in the newly renovated 1BR shortly after.
I can't express how glad and amazed we were with the 1BR. The newly redone room looked GREAT and made a huge difference. It had a soaker tub which my DW quickly filled took a bubble bath in. The bath was a great way for my DW to relax as I gave my DD a shower and put her to bed. The bed was super comfortable and we were both asleep within minutes.
Monday
We all wake up fairly early and get ready for our long day. We have Epcot planned and decide on walking over to start it all off. It was an enjoyable walk but with the sun and heat starting, we decided to not walk back and take the ferry. We Fastpassed Test Track, Spaceship Earth and Character spot. This made the morning very efficient as we made our way over to the attractions from international gateway. We were also able to take advantage of the Chase Visa character greeting (which happened to be Pluto and Minnie).
After the rides we started our way around the world showcase. We stopped in Norway, China, France and UK before we headed to the Ferry. After a quick ride we were back at the Boardwalk and into our room. The ferry was very convenient and I was happy to not have to drive. We got back to the room around 1600 and didn't have dinner until 1900 at Flying Fish. We decided to use the pool and spent the next few hours playing in the sun. The water slide was small but fun and to my surprise, my DW tells me it was her first time on a water slide. I couldn't believe it. Looks like I will have to take her to Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach soon. Too bad River Country no longer exists. It was my favorite water park.
We wash up and head over to Flying Fish for dinner. I loved how quick and easy it was to get to the restaurant. Our table was ready upon arrival and we were seated and ordering food within minutes. We had the Clam Chowder(good but a bit salty) Mixed Field Greens Salad(great but not better than yatchsman steakhouse) Tuna Tartare(loved it) Yellowfin Tuna Filet (great if you like Tuna) and Sea Scallops (great as well). Our DD got the fish sticks and goobled everything up fairly quickly(food must have been great because she is usually a slow eater). We skipped dessert and once again took advantage of the TiW discount. After a short walk we were back in our room. We quickly showered and then started packing, as we were checking out and moving over to BLT.
Tuesday
Today is a R&R day for my DW as I have a spa package booked for her at VGF from 1200-1715. We also have a character breakfast at 1900 Park Fare @ 1030 and dinner at Narcoosee's @1730.
We sleep in until 0900, check out of BWV and head over to BLT. When we arrive at BLT, it was still early and the receptionist mention we will get a text when our room is ready. We get back in the car and head over to VGF for breakfast at 1900 Park Fare. It was our first Character meal together as a family and our DD loved it. She took pictures with Mary Poppins, Alice, Mad Hatter, Pooh and some others. A very nice facility, good selection for breakfast and great family atmosphere. I highly recommend a character meal if you have kids with you. After breakfast, my DD and I walk my DH over to senses spa. I originally booked the "me time" package which I was told got a DVC discount. Upon arriving and looking at the receipt I noticed the price was higher then expected. The receptionist explained the DVC discount didn't apply to the package because it was already discounted. I asked if it was more beneficial to book all the items separate and after working it out, the price turned out to be almost $100 less. The lady then changed the reservation to have everything separate and I was able to save some more money with the DVC card.
Since I had the DD and our BLT rooms still were not ready, I decided to go and visit AKL. After a short drive we arrived at AKL. I headed over to Kidani, took a short tour of the rooms available and then walked around and animal watched. The facilities are very nice and there were many view spots which my DD and I both enjoyed. I finally get a text for DVC informing my BLT room is ready with the room number. We head back over to BLT and go directly to our room. It was a pleasure to see my magic band already setup and very convenient for me to get into the room. I used the bell hop service and waited for the luggage to arrive. I placed my DD down in bed while waiting and sure enough, within 5 minutes, she was snoring like a little pig. After the bags arrive, I joined my DD in a quick nap.
I get my DD ready around 1630 and we head over to the monorail and take it back to VGF. We meet up with my DW at 1700 in the main lobby. We love ambiance of the lobby. The pianist was on the grand piano and he sounded great. Perfect family moment. We promptly head over to Narcosee's and are the first to be seated.
We order the Lobster Bisque(perfect flavor) Debby's Salad(great but still not as good as Yatchsman) Calamari(love the jalapenos), Alaskan Halibut(great flavor) and Key West Shrimp and Garganello Pasta(good dish) and the Candy Bar desert(Yummy). I was able to once again use my TiW card and received a nice discount. We trek back to the monorail and head back to our room. Another great day in the books, what will Wednesday hold? Stick around to find out
Hello Everyone,
I want to start off this post by thanking everyone who has ever written a TR or contributed to this the forum. I am a fairly recent Disboard member but longtime Disney fanatic. I never knew of the site until I started doing research on DVC properties a visit a took last year during Food and Wine Festival.
Background:
I would like to start off with some background on me. I am currently in my young 30's and have been going to WDW since I was 10. During my early years, I was fortunate enough to visit WDW at least once a year if not twice for our family vacations. I was also lucky enough to experience the true magic and wonder of Disney via the old Gold Key Plans (the orginal Magic-your-way packages, except it was truly all inclusive with rooms, park passes, all onsite entertainment from golfing to firework cruises and everything in between, and most importantly breakfast, lunch and dinner at ANY and all property restaurants with tax and gratuities included). The Disney Gold Key plans were truly amazing and it was when they started changing the package towards the current Magic-your-way that our family trips started to dwindle.
I had a 10 -15 year break from Disney when I was in High School and college. Life also just seemed to get in the way. The Animal Kingdom was just built when I started my break. I always wanted to visit but just couldn't find the time. During those many years, I found my great DW, got married, found a home and had our first DD whom is turning 2 in a few months.
My first trip back to WDW was last year during Food and Wine Festival. It was the DW, DD and I on our first family trip and what better place then WDW. We stayed 6 nights in a Hilton Grand Vacation room which I got at a steep discount because of the obligatory Timeshare pitch from them. I enjoyed the room, but felt something was missing. We purchased 10 day Park Hopper Water park and fun no expiration tickets back then and only got to use two park day visits on the trip.
This meant we were committed on having to come back and during one of the visits to the parks, I took notice of the DVC stands, took a tour @ Saratoga Springs and immediately loved the idea of DVC (as compared to HGVC or any other timeshares) but thought the prices they wanted for Alunani and GF were too high. Luckily I did my research when I returned, found this site and closed on my DVC property earlier this year.
First DVC Trip:
I found the DVC members' website slow at times but everything was well presented. I was able to clear my schedule decided to visit from June 14th to June 19th. I booked the trip about two months in advanced and was glad to find Deluxe Studios available. The only problem was it would be at two different properties. We started our stay at BWV on Sunday, Monday and moved to BLT for Tue, Wed and Thurs.
Since our trip was broken up between the two properties I scheduled all the events around our rooms. I was able to secure our dinner reservations and plan out our trip fairly quickly.
Sunday:
We took the early flight out of LGA and arrived at MCO by 1100. As we were picking up our Rental Car, I got a welcomed text from DVC saying our room was ready (love the online check-in and notification system). It was great to know our room would be waiting for us as soon as we arrived and sure enough we made to our room before 1230. My first impressions of the Studio was how dated the room felt and it wasn't the most welcoming. I found out via the forum there were renovated rooms recently and proceeded to the front desk to request one. The receptionist my have been new because it took her a long time to get an answer and eventually the floor manager had to come over to help. No renovated Studios were available. I then asked the manager if renovated 1BR was available and suggested I would pay the cash or point difference for the upgrade. Another long wait with system, no information available and the manager said he would call me later in the day with my options as he could tell I wanted to get on with my day.
With the disappointment of the room fresh in our heads, we headed to Downtown Disney to do some shopping. It was my first time taking the Disney Bus and I was very surprised at how fast and prompt the service was. If I had known in advanced how effortless the transportation was, I would have saved the money from the car rental. We walked around Downtown and I picked up a Tables in Wonderland card (Great benefits/savings) as well as some small gifts. We had a quick late lunch at Ragland Road (not super impressed by the food, should have gone to Portobello's) and then headed over to Disney Quest. It was my first time in Quest and I wasn't sure if the baby would enjoy it much. It turns out we were able to do a few activities with DD and especially enjoyed the Rowing Raft ride.
We then headed back to our room to get ready for dinner at Yatchsman Steakhouse. The stroll along the Boardwalk was great and checking in at Yatchsman Steakhouse was a breeze. As we were waiting to get seated, I received a phone call from the floor manager and he says a newly renovated 1BR is available and because of the long wait and time wasted earlier in the day, he was upgrading us for free. This was very welcomed news and the perfect way to start off our first dinner.
The service was great but the food was excellent. I ordered the Lobster Bisque and Lamb Chops, DW ordered the Land Salad and Fliet Mignon and we got the grilled chicken dinner for the DD. The Lobster Bisque was amazing but the Land Salad was the star. We were both in agreement it was one of the best salads we have ever had. The ingredients consisted of items harvested right from "The Land" in Epcot, very fresh and tasty. The lamb chops and filet mignon were great and went very well with the suggested wine pairings. We ended dinner with an ice cream sundae, with DD eating the most. I used the TiW card and received the 20% discount (keep in mind they add 18% gratuities and taxes)
We then made our way back to our Studio to pack and as the DW was finishing the packing, I took care of the room change down at the front desk. The service was quick and we were in the newly renovated 1BR shortly after.
I can't express how glad and amazed we were with the 1BR. The newly redone room looked GREAT and made a huge difference. It had a soaker tub which my DW quickly filled took a bubble bath in. The bath was a great way for my DW to relax as I gave my DD a shower and put her to bed. The bed was super comfortable and we were both asleep within minutes.
Monday
We all wake up fairly early and get ready for our long day. We have Epcot planned and decide on walking over to start it all off. It was an enjoyable walk but with the sun and heat starting, we decided to not walk back and take the ferry. We Fastpassed Test Track, Spaceship Earth and Character spot. This made the morning very efficient as we made our way over to the attractions from international gateway. We were also able to take advantage of the Chase Visa character greeting (which happened to be Pluto and Minnie).
After the rides we started our way around the world showcase. We stopped in Norway, China, France and UK before we headed to the Ferry. After a quick ride we were back at the Boardwalk and into our room. The ferry was very convenient and I was happy to not have to drive. We got back to the room around 1600 and didn't have dinner until 1900 at Flying Fish. We decided to use the pool and spent the next few hours playing in the sun. The water slide was small but fun and to my surprise, my DW tells me it was her first time on a water slide. I couldn't believe it. Looks like I will have to take her to Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach soon. Too bad River Country no longer exists. It was my favorite water park.
We wash up and head over to Flying Fish for dinner. I loved how quick and easy it was to get to the restaurant. Our table was ready upon arrival and we were seated and ordering food within minutes. We had the Clam Chowder(good but a bit salty) Mixed Field Greens Salad(great but not better than yatchsman steakhouse) Tuna Tartare(loved it) Yellowfin Tuna Filet (great if you like Tuna) and Sea Scallops (great as well). Our DD got the fish sticks and goobled everything up fairly quickly(food must have been great because she is usually a slow eater). We skipped dessert and once again took advantage of the TiW discount. After a short walk we were back in our room. We quickly showered and then started packing, as we were checking out and moving over to BLT.
Tuesday
Today is a R&R day for my DW as I have a spa package booked for her at VGF from 1200-1715. We also have a character breakfast at 1900 Park Fare @ 1030 and dinner at Narcoosee's @1730.
We sleep in until 0900, check out of BWV and head over to BLT. When we arrive at BLT, it was still early and the receptionist mention we will get a text when our room is ready. We get back in the car and head over to VGF for breakfast at 1900 Park Fare. It was our first Character meal together as a family and our DD loved it. She took pictures with Mary Poppins, Alice, Mad Hatter, Pooh and some others. A very nice facility, good selection for breakfast and great family atmosphere. I highly recommend a character meal if you have kids with you. After breakfast, my DD and I walk my DH over to senses spa. I originally booked the "me time" package which I was told got a DVC discount. Upon arriving and looking at the receipt I noticed the price was higher then expected. The receptionist explained the DVC discount didn't apply to the package because it was already discounted. I asked if it was more beneficial to book all the items separate and after working it out, the price turned out to be almost $100 less. The lady then changed the reservation to have everything separate and I was able to save some more money with the DVC card.
Since I had the DD and our BLT rooms still were not ready, I decided to go and visit AKL. After a short drive we arrived at AKL. I headed over to Kidani, took a short tour of the rooms available and then walked around and animal watched. The facilities are very nice and there were many view spots which my DD and I both enjoyed. I finally get a text for DVC informing my BLT room is ready with the room number. We head back over to BLT and go directly to our room. It was a pleasure to see my magic band already setup and very convenient for me to get into the room. I used the bell hop service and waited for the luggage to arrive. I placed my DD down in bed while waiting and sure enough, within 5 minutes, she was snoring like a little pig. After the bags arrive, I joined my DD in a quick nap.
I get my DD ready around 1630 and we head over to the monorail and take it back to VGF. We meet up with my DW at 1700 in the main lobby. We love ambiance of the lobby. The pianist was on the grand piano and he sounded great. Perfect family moment. We promptly head over to Narcosee's and are the first to be seated.
We order the Lobster Bisque(perfect flavor) Debby's Salad(great but still not as good as Yatchsman) Calamari(love the jalapenos), Alaskan Halibut(great flavor) and Key West Shrimp and Garganello Pasta(good dish) and the Candy Bar desert(Yummy). I was able to once again use my TiW card and received a nice discount. We trek back to the monorail and head back to our room. Another great day in the books, what will Wednesday hold? Stick around to find out
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