9.26.02 - 10.01.02 - Beach Club & Polynesian About This Page:

[Carrousel Lover]

Date: September 26 - October 1
Location(s): Beach Club Resort and The Polynesian
Cast of Characters: Nana, 2 Grandkids (5 1/2 and 2 1/2) and Parents

First off, you may be wondering - "Hey, were there other trip reports?"- why is Carrousel Lover starting at Day 6 - the end? Well my trip report has been delayed because I've been doing the Baggage Claim dance with Delta since our return. Daughter's luggage is missing in action and partial Day 6 is posted first for all of you planners out there as a word to the wise.....

Here goes: I used to travel for work every week, heck it's an art - a science - I have the methodology everything... uh yeaahhhh - sure..right. [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img] On our WDW vacations, I always use Jennifer and Daves luggage logs/tags and put what's in the bag if I check them in. (note: we were just there in Feb. and yup I used them)
Guess what I didn't do this trip [img]graemlins/blush.gif[/img]

So let me set the visual, we all come off our pleasantly uncrowded, early arriving flight into Logan - head downstairs to Baggage Claim - wow, there is our luggage coming off as we are approaching.. Bag 1.....2.........3...... (wow, this is great) ...4.....5.....6......6..comeon' 6, here 6... (uhhhohhhhh) [img]graemlins/ukid.gif[/img]

Not only am I thinking, where is my daughter's bag, but where is my daughter's bag which contains the Bear in the Big Blue House figures that she has used every night in her bath? We are in serious trouble folks...

So you planners out there do not forget:
http://www.passporter.com/wdw/luggagelog.htm

[ 10-26-2002, 10:19 AM: Message edited by: Carrousel Lover ]

[Suzy Q'Disney]

Too bad about the bag and the dance. Can't wait to hear about the trip!!! Hope it was better than the bag stuff.

Susan

[musicteachermom]

Hey Carrousel Lover, I guess you are from New England as well. I hope that Logan doesn't lose our luggage on our trip in April. I hope that they locate Bag #6 ASAP! I am looking forward to your trip report because we are also staying at the Beach Club, and the last time we went to Disney, way back in '98, we stayed at the Polynesian. I still have the leis hanging from my bedroom mirror!

[PS - I LUV WDW]

Oh no [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] I hope the rest of the vacation was better than the end in Logan. Can't wait to read the beginning! What part of New England are you from????

[Carrousel Lover]

I'll post rest later this afternoon (I hope). Don't worry the trip had it's bizarre moments but it was terrific. MIL is still saying what a great time she had - which makes it all worthwhile!

[Debo2]

Sorry about bag #6 [img]graemlins/pout.gif[/img] But I'm looking forward to reading about the rest of the trip. [img]graemlins/read.gif[/img]

[Carrousel Lover]

PRE-TRIP - Wednesday Night September 25

The counting down, the x'ed out calendar and it's almost zero hour. We are all psyched, over excited, you name it. This is MIL's first trip since 197? when she went to Florida with her brother to settle their father's estate and her brother "allowed" her to see The Hall of the Presidents and a GE exibhit..boy is she going to be in for a shock. Our nephew (5 1/2) is coming and it will be his first trip to our special place and his 2 1/2 yr old cousin can't wait to show him everything..but not Peter Pan "It's too dark in Peter Pan for me, I didn't like it" she told him.

The night before we picked him up to spend the night due to the early flight. His parents had a brave face as we pulled away and his mother made DD "pinky promise" that she would look after him. He cried when we drove off and it was sweet to see the little one rub his back and tell him it would be "ok". [img]graemlins/cry2.gif[/img] It was heart wrenching for 15 minutes and then as kids do he started to become more excited vs. apprehensive (suddenly he needed her to let go of his hand..) [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] and questions started flowing.."We'll be at The Beach Club first, that has the slide right..." "Nana is meeting us at the airport" "Uncle is coming the day after..."

Got them into bed with less of an issue than I expected - of course they giggled most of the time about I don't even know what - a cousin thing I suppose... then the real fun began - finishing packing...

[Carrousel Lover]

It's Here It's Here - Off to the Airport and Day 1 - Thursday- September 26

I do it every trip. It's become a tradition in fact - who needs sleep the night before Day 1. Everyone's bags (except mine)have been packed and checked. In fact DH's are even done and he's not leaving until Friday late afternoon (un heard of!), and then there is my bag. Per usual I have my clothes on top of the bag not in it and at 2am as I'm checking my itinerary for the 10th time I think - gee I really should pack my things...Finally at 3am I lay down for just a moment.
4:15 AM --Uh oh

Auntie...where are my clothes...? My nephew is up, a little sleepy but up, happy, ready to go. One idea I got from tips on wdwig Board was using ziploc bags and put in complete outfits by day - so pick up a bag and it has everything the kids need to get dressed in it. That worked wonderfully the whole trip. His cousin wakes up and I'm ready for the "not too happy look" and she's fine. The bags (with the exception of mine) are by the front door waiting for the car service to pick them up. My bags...well what do you think I did? Stuffed it into the bag.

5 - 10:30 Travel Time (Home, TTC, Hotel)

Ride to the airport was uneventful after little glitch leaving the house. DD wanted Daddy to come in the car to the airport now not later...The airport situation at Logan drop off is still pretty messy. Our driver had to park at the far island which meant crossing the street with two kids and luggage. The lovely policeofficer would not let him leave his car to assist [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] (yeah thanks buddy) but two lovely women assisted with bags. We have one of those carseat strollers which are terrific and it's enough of a novelty to keep my daughter in it. Also her favorite person - her cousin held her hand across the street. Imagine one adult, 2 little kids, luggage - imagine pack mule.

MIL arrives and the kids are beyond exiting. "Nanna, Nanni, look, look" They walked toward security each holding a hand.

The airplane ride was uneventful. I was worried since my MIL is petrifed to fly and only has flown once previously. She'd go to Florida every year by train! The kids are seasoned travellers so no issue there. She flew like a champ.

MCO Arrival/TTC

Arriving in MCO, we were met at Bsggage Claim by Richard and TTC. We waited while Richard got the van, loaded the car and we were off to The Beach Club.

[ 10-15-2002, 02:10 PM: Message edited by: Carrousel Lover ]

[Carrousel Lover]

Can I see Mickey Mouse Now???/Epcot/Boardwalk

We arrived at the Beach Club. A friend who had just returned warned me that it was "tropic hot", he wasn't kidding. We'd packed appropriately, phew. For the first time in all of our trips, we had to wait for our room, so we got our room keys, took the little number to call to check on the rooms and went back to baggage to get other clothes and the stroller. (Speaking of strollers and tropical hot weather I got a Pepenny sunshade for our MacLaren Stroller and it was awesome). Since the day started at 4:15 am everyone was starting to get ansy and tired and the words were uttered "So, when do we see Mickey Mouse" but I was prepared. We had P.S. for the Garden Grill. Good move. DD didn't want to get into her stroller and after the initial 2 year old reaction, she was in and we were off. We went through the International Gateway and headed directly to the Land Pavillion.

Garden Grill was a wise move - a sit down restaurant. We were going to go to the Annual Passholders room on the 3rd floor while we waited but we were seated within 5 minutes. We haven't eaten there since it became a character meal. We've always found it to be a good place. I was amazed at how few people were there actually. It was also our first family style experience which I admit to having some concerns pre-trip but it was fine. The food was great. MIL loved the stuffing and catfish. All of the food was good actually. I mentioned in a previous post that they changed the price to be the same for lunch and dinner and we spoke to our server who expressed concern that the staff was thinking they were trying to close the restaurant since they were making many changes that were not beneficial to guests (lowering the age of adult meal from 12 to I think it was 10 - that's just wrong) and the same price for Lunch and Dinner. I agree that is a shame since I really think this is such an overlooked place. The character interaction was terrific - my nephew's eyes came out of his head when Mickey Mouse came over. All of his "big kid" sentiments went out the window at the opportunity to rub noses with the Head Cheese. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

After we left the Garden Grill we went to the Annual Passporters Lounge. That was great and a place to rest again out of the heat. The kids played in the kid room and I used the phone to call to check on our rooms (one was ready, one was not). Too bad the Lounge will be gone now - I think it ended September but what a convenience.

On the trip back to the hotel we happened by the FOUNTAINS!!! We walked quickly by them going to eat but the looks on the kids faces were so longing so...away they went. It was the perfect weather to jump in there - we wanted to do it ourselves. Such joy! Some great photos.

Heading back toward the International Gateway we stopped in the UK to listen to the "Beatles" sing - they were very good and then realized around the corner Pooh and Piglet were signing autographs and taking pictures. Another score!
Called number again and both rooms were now also ready and they were just as requested by the quiet pool right by International Gateway entrance. This has the added benefit of being by the single elevator bank.

Back to hotel to unpack and check out room. The connecting rooms were a big hit with the kids... [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Balancing Knives, Lasso's on the Boardwalk
We ended the day on the Boardwalk. We haven't stayed at the Beach Club since the Boardwalk was completed so it was great to walk across the Boardwalk with MIL and kids. Of course, my memories of the "real" Boardwalk ages ago consist of the Mr. Peanut man - was there a factory in NJ and a Bruce Lee picture playing and the hotel pool - so I can't compare. [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img] MIL was in Atlantic City the previous month and she remarked about how things used to be there when you could leave the Boardwalk. Dinner ended up being to-go pizza from Spoodles window. No, it's not the best but it wasn't aweful, cardboard. We watched Carlo and his amazing balancing act with swords etc. We spoke to him for a while. Then we saw the Cowgirl from Poland (related to Carlo??), with her lasso.
Stopped on way back to room to give slice to DD as she appeared to be fading fast but oops - she faded first. Sat on Boardwalk benches for a bit - mosquito warning - nice bite on face of DD, and legs before I noticed behind and saw what looks like stagnant water (too late). So bring spray if you are going to be in area there.

Back to the hotel to crash, with an early night to prepare for MGM tomorrow.

[ 10-17-2002, 09:23 AM: Message edited by: Carrousel Lover ]

[Carrousel Lover]

Man, I hope I'm not boring anyone. I didn't realize how difficult it is to condense things as you write. I thought my issue would be writing anything at all vs. writing too much. I'll try to write synopsis vs. novelette. [img]graemlins/blush.gif[/img]

[PS - I LUV WDW]

Not boring at all! I love reading trip reports and the more details the better [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] It helps to pass the time while waiting for the next trip or gives some new ideas for future trips.

Sounds like a great first day. Can't wait to read more.

Pam

[tikibird]

Enjoying your report - don't worry about writing too much - we love detail!

Where, exactly, is the Passholder lounge in the Land? We never did find it! [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img]

Looking forward to more.... [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[Carrousel Lover]

Thanks for the encouragement. If you are facing the Garden Grill check-in area, the waiting area is to the left and the elevator there took you to the third floor which was the Passholders Lounge. As soon as you got off the elevator there was a table in front of you to check in etc. It was very nice.

[Carrousel Lover]

Friday, September 27 - MGM, What's that in your hair, Daddy's Here, Spoodles, Boardwalk

(I'm editiing the last trip report as I forgot to mention Boardwalk and Spoodle's pizza - duh and I'll come back here and finish this afternoon - my boss expects me to actually work - )

[ 10-17-2002, 09:24 AM: Message edited by: Carrousel Lover ]

[Carrousel Lover]

Friday, September 27 - MGM, Rockin Rollercoaster and Tatoos for all

We took the boat over to MGM in the morning and did a few zig zags later in the park to hit the areas everyone wanted. There were really no lines when we were there until later in the afternoon. But, the first stop was Rockin' Rollercoaster (we got right on)! We'd never been on it and to be honest I'm not a coaster person and the only place I do them is Disney. Okay, I'll admit it here, DH loves loves loves roller coasters and the opportunity to go on it before him got my butt in gear. Also DN had whined in that know it all boy voice - "Are these all of the rides...I thought there were all of these cool rides" so I admit it I said hey - let's do it!! Well, three loops and 0-60 later I had to get the pictures in post cards of his horrified face. What the heck kind of Aunt am I to take a 5 1/2 year old on that ride. ....well we love Aerosmith, He's tall for his age (we all are - people think he's 7/8) and frankly he whined...never whine to Auntie. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] I was amused. But don't you know that little brat said next - "I want to go on Tower of Terror next" Well I do truly love him and I could not plead ignorance on that one I said No. I got assistance from the Cast Member at R'N'R by saying "Do you think this face (pointing to the horror in the picture [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] ) would enjoy ToT? I, personally loved the ride, concept, and music by the way and look forward to going on it again and again another trip. [img]graemlins/love.gif[/img]

The highlight for DD was Bear in the Big Blue House. During our Feb trip, DD was not interested in it as she didn't watch bear but this time we went. The 5 year old wasn't really interested until the show started and the streamers fell down and the dancing began. (that Stanley's pretty cool). I laughed with another guest as we noticed by the parents boustrous singing which shows were their personal favorites [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] DD didn't like the gorilla that came out in Stanley which was surprising since she had just seen that episode but she just hid her face and waited for the next show to come on.

We ate an early lunch at the ABC Commissary, another underutilized location if you ask me. Again, being able to sit down, uncrowded decent food. MIL and I laughed as we gave in to the request for "kids" food and the kids ended up eating ours and we got theres. We planned to head back to the room by 1:30pm so we went to Backlot and saw Muppets. Rather MIL and Nephew saw Kermit - "I don't want to see Kermit this time.." DD announced. So we scouted out the area instead and found Tatoos! When they met us we picked out our favorites and were very proud to display to all. Departing the park back to the hotel for rest I'd promised DN he could do The Great Movie Ride with Nanna. This ride ended up the only one that caused the typical MIL, DIL angst and boy was I mad at myself and her after it all - more myself. MIL wanted us all to go on the ride. I told her that not only is the ride dark but the action and "scenes" would be too much for DD. I got the MIL displeased look, guilt trip you name it. Again I said not a good idea. Well you guessed it I caved. DD freaked at everything you'd imagine a 2 1/2 yr old would freak at...and to make it even better - where were we sitting - in the FRONT ROW....enough said. [img]images/icons/mad.gif[/img]
Time to go back to the boat and the hotel.

When we got back to the hotel we rested and I'd reached up to my hair just realizing that it was up and I didn't recall doing that and I feel something in my hair - hmmm not a comb.... [img]images/icons/blush.gif[/img] Don't tell me that I walked around like this all day...a metal colored clothspin. The ones we use for camping and I bring to hang up wet suits etc. Well, that morning I had gotten out of the shower and grabbed one to keep my hair up for a second while chasing the youngest and forgot to take it out...MIL said "Well it looks very nice" Yeah...hey clothspin lady!!

Daddy/Uncle's Here! DH arrived at 5:30 and we went over to Spoodles for dinner. We enjoyed Spoodles. Italians who are fabulous cooks eating Italian food is a risk but it was definately worth it. Better yet, DH took the kids out for a walk on the Boardwalk and left us to finish out meals alone. That was a treat.

We came out to another cowgirl show and other Boardwalk views. The plan for the next day was a non park/rest/Pool day for the kids and 9:30 character breakfast at Cape May. DH had just arrived so he wanted to do Epcot and I told him to take his mother as she had not really been able to see the pavillions and I knew she was dying to see Italy. So Saturday - Storm Along Bay/Downtown Disney for the kids and Epcot for the Grownups