Trip Report-Disney Dream, BLT, Animation resort and SSR.

[kyl]

 

[kyl]

 

[kyl]

Kyl I just caught up. Castaway cay sounds awesome!!! I cannot wait until our turn. I felt your panic when reading about the rocky conditions! On our cruise, it was also very windy. The captain tried for over an hour to dock and finally had to abandon castaway cay. I was so disappointed.

Sorry to hear about the food poisoning that must have been awful. It's not being ill especially when you're away from home.

Loving the BLT! Glad to hear the rental went well.

Shhhhh castaway cay was awesome....you seriously need to return and do it

 

[kyl]

once you stay at DVC you cant go back to normal resort rooms....so expect to buy into dvc soon

I've always wanted to stay at AK...jealous....so excited for you..when do you find out??????

We near bought into it Karen...signed the paper work and all. Then pulled out once we realised that the points needed to cruise were really not worth it for us....after having the kids in those kids clubs for four days me wants more cruise time

 

[australiankaren]

I am looking at staying in mermaid room for a few nights....what do you think????

thanks for the report...still reading...

 

[kyl]

I am looking at staying in mermaid room for a few nights....what do you think????

thanks for the report...still reading...

Its a fun resort...but one you go to have a room to rest your head at night. You wouldn't sit around the pool all day and read a book sort of a thing, unless you can read while children splash and play around you. I would say do it but just make sure the days you stay there are not "rest" days but park days

 

[kyl]

There is also another site through pumkins called DVC rental.....he is cheaper and someone on here went through him

 

[kyl]

Must quickly mention we got a tiny look at Buddy from cake boss at epcot....we went to join the line and the person from disney told us sorry but people have reserved numbers to see him. They had been in the que for two hours that morning...fair enough as we just walked in at the allocated time on the food and wine map. But obviously others had done this before. I was kinda bummed as we were all excited to meet him and buy his cook book. He finished seeing the last person when DS5 screams out buy buddy...it was so cute. Buddy turned around and looked at him and said "goodbye". Pretty special....

 

[australiankaren]

AoA never seem to be included in the package deals...so its possibly back to pop for us..I dont mind, we love the quiet computer pool.....and after 2 weeks on a boat I'll have heaps of laundry to do...so thats one day by the pool

I would have liked to stay at AoA...but maybe the next next time

 

[kyl]

 

[Marlea98]

So I've just had a look at David's for our time next year when we're booked into Wyndham Kingstown reef (30/11-7/12) and a couple of days after our cruise (14/12-18/12) and woah is the post cruise date expensive! I tried to have a look at California for Jan '14 but it's not up yet. I'll have to wait and have a look. Thanks for the recommendation.

ETA - how do you manage to get free dining plans using David's? I looked at the prices for the quick service and I'm not sure that between the 4 of us we'll eat that much food each day.

 

[kyl]

It's not free!! You have to pay extra for the dining plan

 

[WanderlustNZ]

once you stay at DVC you cant go back to normal resort rooms....so expect to buy into dvc soon

I've always wanted to stay at AK...jealous....so excited for you..when do you find out??????

The website said that most applications are processed within 24hrs. I was checking my emails all day at work today, but no such luck. Hopefully (fingers crossed) I'll know by this time tomorrow.

I just love the look of the AK. Decor wise, it's my favourite. Location wise, my second choice of the BW would probably be much better. I'm trying not to get too excited in case I end up disappointed, but I would be SO happy if I got either.

 

[kyl]

He will get back to u don't worry I know he is at WDW ATM! So he maybe out in the parks but he will get back to u as he was on holidays when I booked! He has a good life u can friend him on pumpkins ;-)

 

[WanderlustNZ]

I love doing the grocery thing...it was healthier and the kids had yogarts etc to snack on. Cereal etc for breakfast. The only recommendation I would have is if you are staying for 10 nights or longer do two deliverys as I ended up having to do another one when we got to SSR.

What about necessary basics such as toilet paper, dishwashing liquid, laundry powder, soap etc? Do Disney provide any of these in their villas, and if so, are they in quantities long enough for a week plus stay?

Thanks for all your info and advice Kyl. So helpful!

 

[kyl]

Enough toliet paper yes everything else they give u enough for one day the rest I ordered with my grocery order. Also on day 4 u get a towel and trash change they also give u more washing powder etc but again enough for one night

 

[WanderlustNZ]

He will get back to u don't worry I know he is at WDW ATM! So he maybe out in the parks but he will get back to u as he was on holidays when I booked! He has a good life u can friend him on pumpkins ;-)

Cool. How wonderful to have a job that revolves around your passion.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Enough toliet paper yes everything else they give u enough for one day the rest I ordered with my grocery order. Also on day 4 u get a towel and trash change they also give u more washing powder etc but again enough for one night

Cheers for the info

 

[Travel Mum]

Kyl what is this "pumpkins" website you are referring to? PM me please if you can't post on here

 

[Oz-kateer]

Hi Kyl, I have been reading your posts with interest as we plan on doing a Bahamas cruise and AofA stayimmediately afterwards.

If I could ask a few questions regarding the cruise?

First is about tipping. I note you said it is customary to tip the servers in one go. Is this done at the end of the cruise? Is it done by cash? How much is "recommended"? (cruisers will be self and one primary school aged child)

Second is about the luggage. I think you noted you needed to have your bags ready the night before disembarkation? I know this is probably a no-brainer question but does that mean you have to bring an overnight bag/carry on big enough to hold clothes and toiletries etc for that night and the next morning? Just checking as I don't normally travel with a bag of this size and want to be sure I put one in if required.

Thanks in advance!!