Smelling the Roses before Sailing the Seas-Live **Updated 6/22** About This Page:

[RobDVC]

You took some terrific photos of the resort. Those icons are great, and the details make the theming really stand out!

[DawnDenise]

Great pictures of Pop Century!! I so wanna stay there or at least visit. I loved AS Movies too!! Glad the baggage issue is moving smoothly.

[piratefreak]

Terrific shots of the hotel and grounds. I am always amazed at how gorgeous the landscaping at Disney is. Can't wait to hear more.

[momtolexi]

Great update and beautiful photos Lesley. Looking forward to more.

[MickeyMAC]

Great pictures Lesley..................I especially love the one of 1955, that was a very good year.

[lindawdw]

Glad you were happy with your evening at Pop but really looking forward to hearing about your stay at the BCV! Hope your check in went smoothly

[WDWfan]

The cab ride to BCV didn't take long. I had a very friendly cab driver who was from Kingston Jamaica. We chatted What?!?! Me chat with a stranger? about my DS's recent trip there, Chicago and his upcoming trip to Las Vegas. The fare with tip came to $12. Certainly worth it as opposed to hauling my stuff on buses/boats!

We pulled up in front of the BC and a Bellman pointed me over to the BCV lobby to check in. I headed over checking out the Ariel statue and the Welcome Home placque on the way.



When I walked in I was immediately greeted by a CM who walked me over to a podium where a CM was signing onto a laptop. They were setting up a second check in station in the lobby. I waited a few minutes while she got organized and then we began. She was a CM in training so the CM who greeted me stood with her in case she had any questions. After inputting my information she handed me my room key and told me my room was ready! It was only 10:00 am! I had planned on leaving my bag with Bell Services and heading over to Epcot, but this was better!

I headed up to the 4th floor noticing the Hidden Mickey in the carpet on the way.



I was in room 450 - a studio with an Epcot view! It was quite a walk down winding hallways with lots of turns. I think it took me a couple of days to be able to walk there without looking at the room number signs on the walls. When I got to the room the Mousekeepers were just finishing up. They greeted me warmly and welcomed me home. I those words! My room was in great shape.

This greeted me when I walked in:


Room pictures:


Toiletries on the sink:


And yes - there are ceramic/glass mugs and glasses back in the studios:


The balcony from the room and the view from the balcony. Epcot is just visible through the trees.


I unpacked my carry on and signed onto my computer to see if I could really get free internet service. This was supposed to be the day it started according to the DVC website so I wanted to check it out. Success! I was in and I posted my first live update!

Then it was off to Epcot via BC Marketplace to fill up my resort mug. Since this was my first stay at the BC I strolled around taking some pictures as I went.

the HM in the fence:


I know the F&G Festival was at Epcot, but the flowers were in full bloom at the BC too!


I walked by the beach and noticed the signs for the beach activiities being offered:


It's a beautiful walk on the way to the International Gateway.



Up next: My first "glow" cube!

[tammyd_rn]

Great Pictures. Glad that your room was ready and you were able to get some what settled before you headed off to see the Flower and Garden Show.

[TinkerBelz]

Your room is BEAUTIFUL. What a gorgeous walk. Just bringing back so many memories to our first trip "home".

[WDWfan]

I went into Epcot and could feel my self grinning from ear to ear. I was finally in one of the parks. My plan was to spend some time looking at the F&G displays in WS and have some lunch at the R&C Pub. I've eaten at the R&C Dining room before, but never the pub. I stopped by to see when it opened and figured I would have a little time before I needed to be back. I went over to Canada to start my tour at Victoria Gardens. I Victoria Gardens in any season, but they were even more beautiful during the F&G Festival.



I then headed back on the path to O Cananda. WDW does such a wonderful job of transitions.



Back to the UK where I stop into the Pub to see if they're ready to open. The bartender is there, but the place is empty. He told me he overslept and they would be opening a half hour late today. I decided to check out some of the displays in the UK and come back in 15 minutes to get a table.

The hopscotch diagram they draw on the street every day always makes me smile.


When I headed back into the Pub - It was full and they still weren't taking orders yet. I decided to head over to the R&D Dining room and see if they could seat me. Score! They could sea me immediately outside looking over WS lagoon. My server was Christina and she was a delight! I decided I had to try a Blue Glowtini. When it came I raised a toast to Karen (mattnkatsmom) for her birthday.



I had an ADR at California Grill for dinner so I didn't want to over do it. I ended up ordering 2 appetizers for my meal. The Rose and Crown Cheese plate and the Crab Timbale.



I am a cheese lover and have had the R&C Cheese plate before. As usual it did not disappoint. The Mushroom Brie, Irish Cheddar and Stilton Pastry were served with Candied Pecans which had quite a kick, Carmelized Onion Jam that was absolutely delicious and grapes. I could make a meal out of this by itself! The Crab Timbale was made with lump crabmeat, a hint of curry surrounded by a fresh fruit salsa topped with watercress. It made a perfect light lunch. I also really enjouyed the rolls and butter. I the way they make a Hidden Mickey with the butter! My DDE card saved me $6.18.

I was heading back to the BC, but wanted to check out the Tea Garden at the UK before I left. They had tea cups in the garden filled with the different plants they make all of Twinnings teas from. It was really interesting and beautiful.



Of course as a tea lover I had to browse through the Twinnings store.



I then headed back out the International Gateway snapping a few pictures along the way.



This time I took the path under the bridge next to the canal. I really enjoy this walk.


Up next - Stormalong Bay and California Grill!

[chezp]

What wonderful updates Lesley - you're making me quite homesick, with all those great shots of the Beach Club Villas and Epcot.

Your lunch sounded lovely, although as I read about it, I couldn't help but think, not very British - especially the candied pecans.

[luvdduck]

Originally Posted by Caldercup

(Especially as Disney math convinced you to go a day earlier! )

Gotta love that Disney math!!!!


Hi Lesley!!!! Glad all is well with you! I SO hope we end up at WDW at the same time again sometime. (when are you going back?? I have 2 trips in the works, so maybe...) I really enjoyed meeting you, and ever since the IllumiNations meet a couple of weeks ago, Caroline has been asking me when she can meet more of my 'Disney friends'!!
Finally had time to sit down and read your TR!! Sounds like a great trip so far! love that you got to upgrade to first class! You GO girl!!!
Lesley, I just love your photos- they are beautiful!!! Looks like you are thoroughly enjoying F&G festival- I absolutley F&G festival!!!!

Oh and I enjoyed your photos and description of POP too. I've never been there or stayed there, but it does seem like the theming is top-notch. I love the details at the bowling pin pool- that is one of my favorite things about WDW- the details. Nobody does it better than WDW.

Can't wait for more!!!!

[Colexis Mom]

Great updates Lesley!! What a great room you got at BCV (and congrats it was ready so early) And what great pictures of Epcot Glad you were able to get a table at R&C outside and had a nice lunch More please

[CountryTink]

What a great morning! Looking forward to more.

[Jillybean]

What a wonderful way to start your day - - with a glowtini and a cheese plate! You are my kind of woman!

Jill