DeeCee735
"How Do You Know of the Key?"
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2001
Hi everyone. I just got back from a trip to BWV that included just myself and a good friend of mine. I've taken to these "long weekend" trips with just a friend about once a year, and hope to continue in the years to come. Both of us are busy working wives/moms (what mom isn't? 
, and we planned this trip for just the two of us at 11 months out. I am the DVC member, she has only been to WDW once 8 years ago when her kids were little and, according to her description, it was a commando trip! Running to get everything in with one in a stroller, etc. - so we had planned on getting some down time, as well as doing some park stuff - here is the report, starting with our room experience.
Had an early flight out of JFK, went very smoothly. Used a local car service for p/u at MCO, had a stop at the grocery store and headed to the BWV. Both the flight and the car service were great, the stop in the grocery store for water/coffee/beer and laundry detergent a time/money saver in the long run.
Arrived at BWV at about noon. We got three "welcome homes" before we even entered the building! So cool.... Anyway, at check in I had a very friendly CM, sorry I do not recall his name, and as he was punching everything up in the computer, he says to me "boy are you going to be happy!" I said "uh, my room is ready now?" He says "one better, not only is it ready - you got upgraded to a preferred water view!" (I had booked a one bedroom/standard view at 11 months out)! Wow, was he right - I was HAPPY! We got room 2004, not close to the lobby by any means, but that so does not bother me - especially since it's indoor hallways and that means AIR CONDITIONING! It was about 92, partly cloudy and as humid as it can get from arrival to departure. We went ahead to the room, my girl friends first time in a DVC unit, and she was blown away. Room was immaculate, looked new even. Overlooked the waterway between BW and Swan, which is what we were directly across from, right over the new "grassy" area they recently installed. Luggage was practically right behind us, same porter as last year - I am VERY bad with names, again I apologize for not remembering his name, friendly, informative, nice guy. We changed out of our jeans and into shorts and headed out to lunch at Big River Grille and Brewing Works. I had a salad, she had chicken quesidia's (sp?), we each tried a different flavored beer which we both enjoyed, all in all lunch was good, and I'd eat there again (we usually do - DH and I). Then we headed over to MGM as it was an EMH evening and we were only doing 2 park days out of the 3 1/2 days we were going to be there.
MGM - park was VERY crowded, as I expected it to be since it was a Sunday, and the day before a holiday. We got FP to R&RC and waited on line for TOT - both awesome as I'm sure most of you know. Then we headed over to ST and got right on that. We also did the GMR and Sound's Dangerous. Needless to say, we enjoyed our time at the park alot! We headed back to the BW for alittle R&R, and then went back to MGM for the late night, got great seats for Fantasmic (9:00 pm show). I got goosebumps just like a kid when Mickey started the show
, which was awesome! We then attempted some of the rides, but it was SO HOT AND HUMID AND CROWDED, we opted not to wait in the very long lines, grabbed something to eat at counter service, and headed back to the hotel for a late night dip in the pool. We were happy with our decision not to wait on the long lines and enjoyed some quiet time in the pool before going to sleep.
DAY 2 - R & R day/AKL evening. We chose to hang poolside (quiet pool). Great decision, as we don't see each other often, we live far away from each other. We had some drinks from Leaping Libations, enjoyed talking like only best friends do (for hours), while relaxing by the pool or floating around in it with those floaties from Community Hall. Pool was not crowded, but we did meet and speak with a woman from NJ who was there with her husband, kids and in-laws. She was very nice, but I had to laugh when she heard we were there without the DH's and kids - her jaw literally dropped! We did some shopping at Thimbles and Threads - they had DVC windbreakers 50% off and I bought one for DH, then got ready for dinner at BOMA at AKL. I made last minute PS's and could only get 9:20 p.m., but since time doesn't matter when you're chillin, it was fine by us! We did get there about 8:15 (we took a cab from BW - $10.50 each way plus tip - alittle more than I expected but pampering was the theme of the trip - so so be it
My friend has never seen this resort, which is one of my favs, and it was awesome to see her response when we entered that grand lobby. I love this resort, it is a great thing to do on non park days, and I'm happy to say she loved it too. It's great to have a buddy that is interested in stopping to take in the little things like I want to do so many times but cannot with DH and kids (such as the little room off to the side of the lobby that has pictures and items from Africa, speaking to the CM's about where they are from, and checking out the architecture/furnishings, etc.) We headed out to the viewing area (last time I was here with a friend there were no animals around - that was earlier in the afternoon), and much to our surprise and delight there were ANIMALS EVERYWHERE 
Zebra's, gazille's (sp?), wildebeasts, OH MY! And so close to the fences! It was awesome. We met a CM out there and spoke to him in some length about the animals and his home of Botswana - very friendly, informative and a pleasure to speak to - his name - if my horrible memory for names serves me right is KAE BE (sp?). We asked him about the night vision glasses and he explained that they could be found on the savannah behind the pool. We did not know how to get there, so he walked us over! And there, much to our great pleasure were the beautiful, graceful giraffe's, just past the fences grazing and walking about! Bongo's abound as well! What a trip to be so close to such awesome creatures and in the middle of FLA in Disney! No one does it better IMHO. It was getting very close to our ps time, so we went in to eat, but he explained to us that if we got back to the savannah before 10:50 we could still use the night goggles (which we did not need at that time since the animals were so close). We had dinner in BOMA - absolutely delicious - everything we tried we both enjoyed. We had a great server (for the drinks - it's buffet), who gave us a couple of tips about WDW, some I knew, some were new! After dinner we went back to the savannah and got to use the night vision goggles - that was fun and we did see the giraffes off in the back of the savannah, as well as more bongo's. We browsed the gift shop, if I had more "carry on" room for the trip home, I really could have done some damage in there! By the time we left it was almost midnight. It was a great experience!
DAY 3 - EPCOT - We hoped to be able to participate in some of the F&W beer or wine tasting demo's but the times did not mesh with our lunch ps's at LeCellier, which is a must each time I go, it's such a great place to eat, and the fact that Soarin was a priority. So, we headed to the front of the park, waited on Soarin because the return time for FP was around our lunch ps's. It said 60 minute wait but we were on the ride in 35 minutes, not bad. The ride is AWESOME, we loved it and it was worth the wait. I am surprised, however, that Disney did not think to add more sensory stuff to it, such as water sprays, and scents - it would have made the ride even better - maybe in the future. We then jumped on the Land ride - it's a boat ride that takes you through some of the greenhouses. This was very interesting, and it made my friend realize that Disney is not just about commercializing and money making. We then did The Universe of Energy, and headed back to WS for an amazing lunch at LeCellier. Headed back to BW for a nap and then went back to Epcot to browse the different countries. We stayed for Illuminations, which was awesome and headed home. Stopped at the bakery, open til 11 p.m. (is this something new? I remember it closing early in the day?), picked up some muffins and carrot cake for the next morning, and changed into our bathing suits. We headed to the quiet pool, sat in the spa just next to it, and then went in the pool til about midnight - it was sooooo relaxing.
Day 4 - coming home. Always a bummer when it's time to leave. We took our time in the morning, relaxing around the room and lobby. Car service was right on time and we headed to the airport. Always a bummer trying to get back into NY, no matter what type of transportation it is. I've done it by car, plane and boat and it always stinks (for want of a more "adult" word that I won't use on these boards
) Our flight was delayed 2 HOURS due to the intense rain at JFK. We sat on the plane til 3 (supposed to take off at 2) they let us off for a stretch at 3 because we couldn't take off til 4). We were supposed to be home by 4:30 but got in a 6:30 instead. Airline (don't know if I'm allowed to mention the company on the boards) was awesome, offering free movies and extra snacks on board. Captain did a great job of getting us home safe and sound - flight attendants were friendly, and funny. My poor girl friend had to drive 3 1/2 hours to get home once we got back to JFK - in this pouring rain with flooded streets. She made it home safe and sound as well. So even though it was a bit trying, getting home - we had an awesome (although short) trip to WDW. I can't wait to go back!
, and we planned this trip for just the two of us at 11 months out. I am the DVC member, she has only been to WDW once 8 years ago when her kids were little and, according to her description, it was a commando trip! Running to get everything in with one in a stroller, etc. - so we had planned on getting some down time, as well as doing some park stuff - here is the report, starting with our room experience.Had an early flight out of JFK, went very smoothly. Used a local car service for p/u at MCO, had a stop at the grocery store and headed to the BWV. Both the flight and the car service were great, the stop in the grocery store for water/coffee/beer and laundry detergent a time/money saver in the long run.
Arrived at BWV at about noon. We got three "welcome homes" before we even entered the building! So cool.... Anyway, at check in I had a very friendly CM, sorry I do not recall his name, and as he was punching everything up in the computer, he says to me "boy are you going to be happy!" I said "uh, my room is ready now?" He says "one better, not only is it ready - you got upgraded to a preferred water view!" (I had booked a one bedroom/standard view at 11 months out)! Wow, was he right - I was HAPPY! We got room 2004, not close to the lobby by any means, but that so does not bother me - especially since it's indoor hallways and that means AIR CONDITIONING! It was about 92, partly cloudy and as humid as it can get from arrival to departure. We went ahead to the room, my girl friends first time in a DVC unit, and she was blown away. Room was immaculate, looked new even. Overlooked the waterway between BW and Swan, which is what we were directly across from, right over the new "grassy" area they recently installed. Luggage was practically right behind us, same porter as last year - I am VERY bad with names, again I apologize for not remembering his name, friendly, informative, nice guy. We changed out of our jeans and into shorts and headed out to lunch at Big River Grille and Brewing Works. I had a salad, she had chicken quesidia's (sp?), we each tried a different flavored beer which we both enjoyed, all in all lunch was good, and I'd eat there again (we usually do - DH and I). Then we headed over to MGM as it was an EMH evening and we were only doing 2 park days out of the 3 1/2 days we were going to be there.
MGM - park was VERY crowded, as I expected it to be since it was a Sunday, and the day before a holiday. We got FP to R&RC and waited on line for TOT - both awesome as I'm sure most of you know. Then we headed over to ST and got right on that. We also did the GMR and Sound's Dangerous. Needless to say, we enjoyed our time at the park alot! We headed back to the BW for alittle R&R, and then went back to MGM for the late night, got great seats for Fantasmic (9:00 pm show). I got goosebumps just like a kid when Mickey started the show
, which was awesome! We then attempted some of the rides, but it was SO HOT AND HUMID AND CROWDED, we opted not to wait in the very long lines, grabbed something to eat at counter service, and headed back to the hotel for a late night dip in the pool. We were happy with our decision not to wait on the long lines and enjoyed some quiet time in the pool before going to sleep.DAY 2 - R & R day/AKL evening. We chose to hang poolside (quiet pool). Great decision, as we don't see each other often, we live far away from each other. We had some drinks from Leaping Libations, enjoyed talking like only best friends do (for hours), while relaxing by the pool or floating around in it with those floaties from Community Hall. Pool was not crowded, but we did meet and speak with a woman from NJ who was there with her husband, kids and in-laws. She was very nice, but I had to laugh when she heard we were there without the DH's and kids - her jaw literally dropped! We did some shopping at Thimbles and Threads - they had DVC windbreakers 50% off and I bought one for DH, then got ready for dinner at BOMA at AKL. I made last minute PS's and could only get 9:20 p.m., but since time doesn't matter when you're chillin, it was fine by us! We did get there about 8:15 (we took a cab from BW - $10.50 each way plus tip - alittle more than I expected but pampering was the theme of the trip - so so be it
My friend has never seen this resort, which is one of my favs, and it was awesome to see her response when we entered that grand lobby. I love this resort, it is a great thing to do on non park days, and I'm happy to say she loved it too. It's great to have a buddy that is interested in stopping to take in the little things like I want to do so many times but cannot with DH and kids (such as the little room off to the side of the lobby that has pictures and items from Africa, speaking to the CM's about where they are from, and checking out the architecture/furnishings, etc.) We headed out to the viewing area (last time I was here with a friend there were no animals around - that was earlier in the afternoon), and much to our surprise and delight there were ANIMALS EVERYWHERE Zebra's, gazille's (sp?), wildebeasts, OH MY! And so close to the fences! It was awesome. We met a CM out there and spoke to him in some length about the animals and his home of Botswana - very friendly, informative and a pleasure to speak to - his name - if my horrible memory for names serves me right is KAE BE (sp?). We asked him about the night vision glasses and he explained that they could be found on the savannah behind the pool. We did not know how to get there, so he walked us over! And there, much to our great pleasure were the beautiful, graceful giraffe's, just past the fences grazing and walking about! Bongo's abound as well! What a trip to be so close to such awesome creatures and in the middle of FLA in Disney! No one does it better IMHO. It was getting very close to our ps time, so we went in to eat, but he explained to us that if we got back to the savannah before 10:50 we could still use the night goggles (which we did not need at that time since the animals were so close). We had dinner in BOMA - absolutely delicious - everything we tried we both enjoyed. We had a great server (for the drinks - it's buffet), who gave us a couple of tips about WDW, some I knew, some were new! After dinner we went back to the savannah and got to use the night vision goggles - that was fun and we did see the giraffes off in the back of the savannah, as well as more bongo's. We browsed the gift shop, if I had more "carry on" room for the trip home, I really could have done some damage in there! By the time we left it was almost midnight. It was a great experience!DAY 3 - EPCOT - We hoped to be able to participate in some of the F&W beer or wine tasting demo's but the times did not mesh with our lunch ps's at LeCellier, which is a must each time I go, it's such a great place to eat, and the fact that Soarin was a priority. So, we headed to the front of the park, waited on Soarin because the return time for FP was around our lunch ps's. It said 60 minute wait but we were on the ride in 35 minutes, not bad. The ride is AWESOME, we loved it and it was worth the wait. I am surprised, however, that Disney did not think to add more sensory stuff to it, such as water sprays, and scents - it would have made the ride even better - maybe in the future. We then jumped on the Land ride - it's a boat ride that takes you through some of the greenhouses. This was very interesting, and it made my friend realize that Disney is not just about commercializing and money making. We then did The Universe of Energy, and headed back to WS for an amazing lunch at LeCellier. Headed back to BW for a nap and then went back to Epcot to browse the different countries. We stayed for Illuminations, which was awesome and headed home. Stopped at the bakery, open til 11 p.m. (is this something new? I remember it closing early in the day?), picked up some muffins and carrot cake for the next morning, and changed into our bathing suits. We headed to the quiet pool, sat in the spa just next to it, and then went in the pool til about midnight - it was sooooo relaxing.
Day 4 - coming home. Always a bummer when it's time to leave. We took our time in the morning, relaxing around the room and lobby. Car service was right on time and we headed to the airport. Always a bummer trying to get back into NY, no matter what type of transportation it is. I've done it by car, plane and boat and it always stinks (for want of a more "adult" word that I won't use on these boards
) Our flight was delayed 2 HOURS due to the intense rain at JFK. We sat on the plane til 3 (supposed to take off at 2) they let us off for a stretch at 3 because we couldn't take off til 4). We were supposed to be home by 4:30 but got in a 6:30 instead. Airline (don't know if I'm allowed to mention the company on the boards) was awesome, offering free movies and extra snacks on board. Captain did a great job of getting us home safe and sound - flight attendants were friendly, and funny. My poor girl friend had to drive 3 1/2 hours to get home once we got back to JFK - in this pouring rain with flooded streets. She made it home safe and sound as well. So even though it was a bit trying, getting home - we had an awesome (although short) trip to WDW. I can't wait to go back!
NO WAY! This is not a commando weekend.
