BLT -- A Sandwich or a Resort? Nov 09 TR (12/9 Lessons Learned)

[Leger13]

I'm here and great start Marshay!!

Although I can't give you any advice on the baby aspect of things I can't wait to hear how it all turns out for you.

You should have a BLT in the BLT

[leamom2princesses]

Hi there! I'm subbing! I lurked on your Everything is coming up Roses report. I was just figuring out the boards then. Congratulations on your beautiful new addition.

My youngest is 3.5 now but we took her to WDW at 8 mos, 20 mos, 2.5 and starting this weekend at 3.5. I found it to be very easy at 8 mos. She was happy just looking at people and all the wonderful colors. Like you said though all children are different. Luckily my youngest is low maintenance-always has been. The time of year that you are going should be nice because the temps should be mild. We went Memorial Day week in May-it was HOT.

Can't wait to read all you have in store!

[Marshay]

Originally Posted by Leger13

I'm here and great start Marshay!!

Although I can't give you any advice on the baby aspect of things I can't wait to hear how it all turns out for you.

You should have a BLT in the BLT

Hey, if they have a BLT then I will!! Maybe I can get a picture of me eating a BLT in front of the BLT sign!! That would be and a great pic for my scrapbook!

Originally Posted by leamom2princesses

Hi there! I'm subbing! I lurked on your Everything is coming up Roses report. I was just figuring out the boards then. Congratulations on your beautiful new addition.

My youngest is 3.5 now but we took her to WDW at 8 mos, 20 mos, 2.5 and starting this weekend at 3.5. I found it to be very easy at 8 mos. She was happy just looking at people and all the wonderful colors. Like you said though all children are different. Luckily my youngest is low maintenance-always has been. The time of year that you are going should be nice because the temps should be mild. We went Memorial Day week in May-it was HOT.

Can't wait to read all you have in store!

Well Hello!! I'm so glad you came out of your lurkdom! It's funny b/c I look at the view count on my threads and then compare to the posts and gotta think that there are lots of lurkers out there.

When I first joined I was so scared to make my first posts too but eventually just joined in.

That's good to know about your 8 month looking all around and stuff. So far Elie is really low key, too, so I'm hoping that as long as we don't 'go commando', and just take it easy, that we'll be alright.

Yeah, going in late May/Summer with an baby would not be that fun. Elie is already getting so hot in her car seat and it hasn't been that hot around here.

I just looked up the average temp for Orlando in November:

High 79
Low 59

This sounds delightful to me!

[Marshay]

OH Leamom: Have an absolutely wonderful vacation!! I just re-read that you leave this weekend. Woo Hoo!!

My parents are at Boardwalk Villas right now and go over to Beach Club Villas next week. They said the weather is warm to hot but a nice breeze. They don't think it's that crowded -- some rides were 5-10 minute waits and other like TT and TSM were 30-45 minutes.

[Trentmom]

Originally Posted by Marshay

I'm definitely considering it. We are still hoping to do some Table Service though. I'll go ahead and make ressies when I can and I'll just have to cancel them if we don't use them.

The more I think of it, the more I think we'll just do OOP. And of course I'll save my receipts and then compare to the three different plans.

Hmm, I see a trivia question for my TR already -- which dining plan would have been the best way to go?

You are too funny..


decisions, decisions

I did enjoy your trivia questions on your last report...will be looking forward to more

[Leger13]

Originally Posted by Marshay

Hey, if they have a BLT then I will!! Maybe I can get a picture of me eating a BLT in front of the BLT sign!! That would be and a great pic for my scrapbook!

heck yeah that would be an awesome picture!!!!

[leamom2princesses]

Originally Posted by Marshay

OH Leamom: Have an absolutely wonderful vacation!! I just re-read that you leave this weekend. Woo Hoo!!

My parents are at Boardwalk Villas right now and go over to Beach Club Villas next week. They said the weather is warm to hot but a nice breeze. They don't think it's that crowded -- some rides were 5-10 minute waits and other like TT and TSM were 30-45 minutes.

Thanks for the info! Looks like we will be there the same time as your folks. I'm so excited to go-the time is dragging. The idea of short lines makes me really, really happy. UG has been showing 8's and 9's for next week.

BTW, your trip report was the first I read and what got me hooked on the boards. I loved the airplane book you made. Inspired me to make some books for my girls. Thanks for the idea! You are so creative. I'm hoping your PTR will help with the post Disney depression.

[betsywdw]

Originally Posted by Marshay

Yes, I plan to give my pre-BLT thoughts and definitely will do so afterwards.

Oh, so you took an 8 month old to WDW? I need to know EVERYTHING. I'm wondering if it makes sense to do the dining plan or not...I'm figuring that an 8 month's old schedule will make it difficult to enjoy the dinner (sit-down at TS), so maybe we should just skip it.

Also curious how scared she may be of the noises, dark, etc. I know all babies are different but any advice would be greatly appreciated.

That was the one trip that I basically had set in my head to not go well. Turns out it was our best trip we have had! It was so good that DH decided to join DVC on that trip (after many years of begging from me!).

Honestly, there was nothing I can really put my finger on to say that we did other than follow her lead. We would get up early since that was her normal pattern and go to the parks and usually stay until after lunch then go back for a nap. Maybe swim in the late afternoon and then head back out to do whatever we wanted. We just didn't push her. It was a VERY different trip because we barely did any of our regular things but we still had the most awesome trip. She loved the characters so we did a few of the meals. We also met as many as we could the different meet n greets. DH and I had never really had a lot of character interaction at that point so it was a new thing for us too.

As a previous poster said, there are so many things to observe at Disney, I'm sure it will keep her occupied just watching and observing everything. I bet she will have a blast!

[Tat2ddisneymom]

Whoops, I'm slacking. I found you.

[Marshay]

Originally Posted by Trentmom

You are too funny..

decisions, decisions

I did enjoy your trivia questions on your last report...will be looking forward to more

Deal! And I still owe Mickey Ice Cream bars to those who answer all trivia questions correctly! We just got to be at WDW at the same time...

Originally Posted by leamom2princesses

Thanks for the info! Looks like we will be there the same time as your folks. I'm so excited to go-the time is dragging. The idea of short lines makes me really, really happy. UG has been showing 8's and 9's for next week.

BTW, your trip report was the first I read and what got me hooked on the boards. I loved the airplane book you made. Inspired me to make some books for my girls. Thanks for the idea! You are so creative. I'm hoping your PTR will help with the post Disney depression.

Hey, your trip is nearly here!!

Thanks for the compliments on the airplane book...it was a lot of fun to do and I think I'll just update that and for our next trip and do a small autograph book.

Not to brag (TOO MUCH ) but did you also see the Disney ABC book? That was fun to do as well.

If you have a link to your books, I'd love to see them. I love to get ideas from others.

Originally Posted by betsywdw

That was the one trip that I basically had set in my head to not go well. Turns out it was our best trip we have had! It was so good that DH decided to join DVC on that trip (after many years of begging from me!).

Honestly, there was nothing I can really put my finger on to say that we did other than follow her lead. We would get up early since that was her normal pattern and go to the parks and usually stay until after lunch then go back for a nap. Maybe swim in the late afternoon and then head back out to do whatever we wanted. We just didn't push her. It was a VERY different trip because we barely did any of our regular things but we still had the most awesome trip. She loved the characters so we did a few of the meals. We also met as many as we could the different meet n greets. DH and I had never really had a lot of character interaction at that point so it was a new thing for us too.

As a previous poster said, there are so many things to observe at Disney, I'm sure it will keep her occupied just watching and observing everything. I bet she will have a blast!

Yes, since we are planning to get an AP again, I always feel so much more relaxed with it. And this trip will definitely be going at baby's speed.

Although I also see DH and I each taking a kid and doing something that they can enjoy.

Originally Posted by Tat2ddisneymom

Whoops, I'm slacking. I found you.

Yeah! You made it!

[Marshay]

The main reason for taking this trip (besides just having fun at Disney, of course!) is to check out Bay Lake Tower. It is scheduled to open on Aug 4th so we'll be getting there about 3 months after it opens.

Hopefully, this is enough time to get all the "kinks" out and the resort will run smoothly.

My thoughts on BLT, prior to experiencing:

1. The ability to walk to MK is an AWESOME perk. This is truly the highlight for staying at BLT. No having to fold up a stroller. No waiting for a bus or driving to the TTC and then getting on yet another vehicle to get to the MK.

2. Playing devil's advocate: Will the walk from door to door (BLT room to MK entrance) become a hassle? You still have to negotiate the hallways, elevators, cross-over bridge, more hallways, more elevators, the parking lot, the road, pass the bus stops and boats to the entrance...

3. The room decor is rather UGLY. Most people who have seen the room in photos believe that Disney dropped the ball on the design/decor of the room. However, those who have seen this in person, say that the pictures don't do it justice and it is nice. We'll see.

4. The prime location at BLT is to get a Magic Kingdom view. Next is a Lake view. We are in a standard view which basically means overlooking a parking lot. Will the standard view be good enough?

When we go to Animal Kingdom Villas, we love having the savanna view to watch all the Watusi, Zebras and Giraffes. What about watching the Odysseys, Camrys and Cherokees??

5. Will we regret not having a car? Is Magical Express all that magical??

The last 4-5 trips or so, we've gotten a rental car and it was wonderful. We like to visit the restaurants at the resorts, we like to go to Wal-mart for essentials and groceries and I don't like waiting in line. I actually do like driving and it's nice to pack some extras like snacks, food, change of clothes, water stuff (ponchos, umbrellas, etc) if we need them.

6. If you don't get your own MK view at BLT, then you can go to the BLT Lounge to see the fireworks along with the piped in music. However, since there are more people who won't have MK view then will be allowed in the lounge, I'm wondering how crowded this will be. Will there be plenty of chairs or will it be SRO? If SRO, will there be a special place so the kids can see the fireworks?

I wonder if this is just a room or if there will be any amenities there like food or drinks to purchase.

7. Disney's newest DVCs are changing up the 1BR. They are now sleeping up to 5 (one bed, one sofa bed and one sleep chair). They are also putting in a 2nd bathroom in the 1BR. I'm sure we will come to love the 2nd bathroom. It will certainly make getting ready easier in the mornings and after swimming in the pool.

8. Amenities: BLT is going to have its own pool and slide. I'm hoping that we'll get a chance to use this...however, weather in November can start to get cool, and even if the pool is heated, it can be a long, cold walk back to your room. So we'll definitely pack a swimsuit and at least walk around the pool area.

Also BLT has all the water sports and beach area that the Contemporary Resort has, so I definitely see those "water mice" in our future!

[Leger13]

I'll be curious to see how it all turns out. I've never stayed at a resort while it's still in it's first few months of operation. I really hope they work out the kinks (if their are any). And I hope that if the rooms are ugly that the comfort of the beds make up for it.

[Marshay]

Originally Posted by Leger13

I'll be curious to see how it all turns out. I've never stayed at a resort while it's still in it's first few months of operation. I really hope they work out the kinks (if their are any). And I hope that if the rooms are ugly that the comfort of the beds make up for it.

yeah, the beds should be good...not too many will have used them.

We did stay at AKV the month that it opened and everything was fine so I'm not expecting any kinks, to be honest.

[Leger13]

Originally Posted by Marshay

yeah, the beds should be good...not too many will have used them.

We did stay at AKV the month that it opened and everything was fine so I'm not expecting any kinks, to be honest.

yes very true

oh that's good So there is hope.

[Tat2ddisneymom]

My thoughts...yes you will regret not having a car. Disney transportation is not all its cracked up to be. But you know what they say about opinions.