Beach Club Birthday Bash!!!! Oct. 10 – 15, 2011 (Picture Infused!!!)

This will be my first "in-depth" trip report. Not my total first, because I've done a slight photo report for a Disney Magic cruise ( Here!!!! ). And "in-depth" because it might not be as detailed as some of the other reports here. But we'll see . ;)

Also a point to note..... We're Local!!!! We also have annual passes. So there will not be tons of adventure packed into every second of our trip. This is just our little StayCation of sorts. But I hope you enjoy reading through our little experience anyhow. And the 'We' are me (Scott - 31), my DW Mollie (a lady never tells.... A.k.A a smart husband never tells), and our DD Samantha(1).

We'll be checking in on Oct. 10, and checking out on Oct. 14. When did we book??? You'd have to ask the wife. How much did it cost??? Nunya.... as in nunya business. Plus, you'd also have to ask the wife (I like to keep my cringe moments at a minimum). We did score a nice little discount from her Cousin who’s a long time CM though. Every little bit helps.

This is our first stay at the Beach Club. We have had quick visits to the resort, in the past.... the chocolate carousel during the Holidays, and trying to conquer the Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream. So this will be the first time to really see what the resort has to offer. This is also a combination celebration trip for our DD’s birthday (the 5th) and my wife’s birthday (the 25th)

So what do the locals look forward to when taking a Disney vacation??? Well, my wife absolutely can't wait to check out the 'Forbidden Pool' (and yes, some CM's refer to it as that). And on that pool note, I have to make a point to say 'Hello' to the pool manager, Christina. I actually work with her Aunt. We will also be doing a few characters meals that we haven't experienced before. And since I'm into photography, I'll be looking forward to doing some photo outings, especially at night. Other than that, we’ll just go with the flow, and have a stress-free week.
 
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Matt and Kelly

Matt and Kelly

Well-Known Member
Great start to this report! My wife and I love your pictures. You are definitely one of the best photog's on this site! Keep up the good work...looking forward to more :wave:
 
N

nikpowell

New Member
Love your pictures, Scott. You are giving me such good ideas for my first stay at the Beach Club in February.

I have to say the shots of Samantha trying to escape the hundred acre wood had me laughing out loud.
 
SRisonS

SRisonS

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 3: It's A Small World

Day 3: It's A Small World

IMG_0330 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr

IMG_0337 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr


So Wednesday's breakfast was at the Cape May Cafe, which is located at the Beach Club. We had reservations for 10:55(?), but were able to get in at around 9:30. Our visitors today would be: Donald Duck, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy. As far as the characters were concerned, things went a little smoother with our DD than at Crystal Palace (see Day 2). The food here was pretty much on par with Crystal Palace; and like Crystal Palace, they also had an amazing bread pudding.... but of the French toast persuasion. ;)

IMG_0356 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr

IMG_0366 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr

IMG_0375 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr

IMG_0383 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr

IMG_0387 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr

IMG_0389 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr

So after breakfast, we decide to just take a walk and check out some things around the resort. But before our little stroll, we head to the BC Marketplace to fill up our mugs. And as a complete surprise, I actually run into fellow Flickrite, Random Things (Jen C.); whom I’ve never met in-person before. She noticed the camera hanging around me, and also my wife and daughter (whom I occasionally talk about and show pictures of), and asked "If I was Scott". I originally thought "Is this someone from the Dis???"; but yet she kinda looked familiar (I have yet to actually meet a DISer who isn’t also on Flickr). She then mentioned Flickr and my Human Element group. And when she mentioned her name, I definitely knew who she was. I actually said "Oh, Yeah!!!" out loud, after that realization. I hope she didn't think I was just saying that; because I do know of her and her great work. It then clicked on why she looked familiar to me at first. She used to have her picture...a close-up... as her Flickr avatar (See Jen, remembering that should be evidence enough). And ironically enough, I was even wearing the same shirt as in my Flickr avatar picture. But I thought that was a nice little run-in. I've never been spotted like that before. There was one DISer who might've seen me on a separate occasion, but didn't come up to me. His description of where I was and what I was doing kind of sounded like me though.

IMG_0397 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr
 
SRisonS

SRisonS

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 3: It's A Small World

IMG_0409 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr


So after our tour and a little nap, we headed to Stormalong Bay for some more family fun. We pretty much just hung out like before; so nothing special to report. But my DD did find a little recess near some rocks that she was just enchanted with. It's kinda hard to accurately describe this spot; but most would totally look past this as anything that would be interesting. Gotta love the toddler view of the world!!!! Actually, after thinking back on this moment, I realized that this will probably be one of this little moments that we’ll always remember. I can see us visiting the resort even years from now, and being like “when you were only 1, you used to love that little nook in the rocks over there”.

Her little nook….
IMG_0417 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr

IMG_0422 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr

The Watcher by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr

IMG_0428 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr

IMG_0434 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr

A creepy spider we saw on the way to Epcot..
IMG_0442 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr

For dinner that night, we decided to hit up Epcot. Now with Food & Wine going-on, my mind is totally set on trying a couple of the special offerings. I'm someone who can be completely happy with not having a complete meal, if circumstances prohibit it. My wife is not of that mindset. So we make our way to The Land to possible grab a full meal. My wife instantly knows what she wants, while I kinda just wander around thinking if I REALLY want something there. With my brain completely focused on what I could possibly get at F&W, I decide not to get anything at the Garden Grill. Plus, my wife always has a little something left over when she eats there, so I just use those leftovers to tide myself over. (I went a little overboard with all the ‘overs’ in that sentence.)

IMG_0453 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr

IMG_0457 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr

IMG_0459 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr

So back to World Showcase to visit a couple of the booths on the way back to the resort. This year, I figured that I'd use that little F&W gift card to make my food purchases. Just seemed a lot easier to deal with, and actually helped to keep me budgeted (which I didn't necessarily plan to do). We took the short path back to the resort (from Canada to the U.K., and just stopped at 2 of the places along the way (well, 1 along the way, and the other just a little past). But I got the Lobster & Scallop Fisherman's pie from Ireland, and the Coq au Vin sur Gratin de Macaroni (Red Wine Braised Chicken, Mushrooms, Pearl Onions and Macaroni Gratin) from France. They were both pretty good, and surprisingly pretty hearty. So I was definitely happy. Again, I wasn't full at all. But I was content. So that was all that mattered.
 
SRisonS

SRisonS

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 3: It's A Small World

IMG_0476 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr



Like the previous 2 nights, this is another one (and the last one) that would be dedicated to photography. Epcot was having Extra Magic Hours that night, so I definitely felt the need to walk over (WALK over.... HA!!!.... gotta love it) and take advantage of the opportunity. To keep away from the crowds, I got there at 9:30, and stayed until about 11:45. And in this 2 hour span, I made the long trek from France to Italy. I don't know how efficient other people are at night shooting, but it's not something I do a lot of. Doing different setups for just slightly different angles can take some time. Heck, in the daytime, I could easily make my way through all of Epcot in those same 2 hours. But like I said, since I don't shoot the parks at night often enough, I really try to tackle some of the countries pretty hard. I'd rather spend more time in one area trying to "perfect" my vision, than to run around just grabbing quick shots from all over the place (remember that glass from the bridge that I mentioned!?!?! Sheesh!!!). That extra time goes a long way into making a shot a true keeper, rather than something that I think is just 'ok'. Even in those 2 hours, most of my time was spent in France and Italy. So on the way back to my room, I make a quick stop at the ‘Quiet Pool’ of the Beach Club. This area is actually open 24 hours; so it would’ve been hard for me to pass up the chance to get at least a couple of shots. The pool isn’t really anything fancy, but the rooms surrounding it made for a nice setting. So this was a pleasant little stop.



IMG_0491 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr

IMG_0495 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr


IMG_0500 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr

The Gate by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr

IMG_0517 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr

IMG_0526 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr

End of the Shift by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr

IMG_0568 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr

IMG_0587 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr
 
Aurora79

Aurora79

Member
Your pictures are absolutely amazing..I am totally guilty of "drunk modeling" how embarrassing :lol: I can't wait to read more.
 
SRisonS

SRisonS

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 4: The Extended Stay Program

Day 4: The Extended Stay Program

IMG_0592 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr

IMG_0596 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr



So, our final character meal (scheduled up to this point anyway) is at 1900 Park Fare; which is located at the Grand Floridian. This was my first time dining there. In fact, I never even knew about it before this trip (it's amazing all the "new wonders" you experience when you become a parent). During this morning, we would be dining with Mary Poppins, the Mad Hatter, Alice, Tigger, and Pooh. Food-wise, this was probably the better of the 3 breakfasts we attended. The eggs benedict with lobster sauce was a fitting menu item for this flagship character breakfast. And you can't go wrong with a carving station of freshly sliced ham.

But the food wasn't the only unique part of our experience here. This was the first time our DD (1) actually got really scared of a character. She was not mad about the Mad Hatter.... at all!!!! Seeing him from a couple tables over, she had no real reaction. But once he started to approach us.... Oh buddy!!!! She didn't want anything to do with him. Not sure if it was the big nose or the big hat, but she was not a fan. He even knelt down to her level and tried to make her smile; but she wasn't havin' it. But true to Mad Hatter form, he perfectly just accepted it; and in his words pronounced, “Well, I know where I’m not wanted". Poor little Hatty even cried himself (terrific performamce... BRAVO!!). And from that point on, my daughter kept a constant eye on him, to make sure he wasn't coming back. Made me think of the phrase, "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer".

Other than that, everything else was quite nice. Also, for anyone who might attend, don't forget to check out 1900 Park Fare's Mary Poppins topiary that is outside. I probably wouldn't have seen it if I didn't have to park the stroller out there. But it seemed like a nice little secret that most would never know about. Just so you know, it’s right outside of the doors to where you get your photo taken.



IMG_0606 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr

IMG_0600 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr

IMG_0608 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr

IMG_0618 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr

"Something's Quite Peculiar Here" by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr

IMG_0630 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr
 
fractal

fractal

Well-Known Member
Awesome! I was hoping you would pick up your report. That's really funny about the mad hatter! :ROFLOL:

Looking forward to more stories and great pics!
 
SRisonS

SRisonS

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 4: The Extended Stay Program

The Solarium by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr


After breakfast, we decide to head back to the resort. The weather wasn’t all that great this morning, so a little bit of relaxation (A.K.A. napping) was in order. Because it was somewhat early, our room was still in the process of being cleaned for the day. Not knowing where to really go, I suggested to maybe going down to check out the Solarium. During previous days of the trip, I mentioned a couple of times how I wanted to get a picture of the sign at the entrance of the Solarium, including the hall that leads back to the common area. I probably mentioned that more than a couple of times, because my wife thought that I was obsessed with the Solarium, for some strange reason. But I was just photography obsessed.

This would also be the first time we took a real look at what was really back there. Normally passing by this way, you only get a glimpse down the little hall that I mentioned. You can’t see the rest of the area. But this was the perfect spot to just chill and relax for a bit. There is such an inviting look to the room, and comfortable seating is everywhere. There is also a nice sized television, conveniently tuned to the Disney Channel. So while my daughter was watching the many adventures of Oso, my wife and I just relaxed a little (i.e. she played on her phone a bit, while I walked around looking for photo ops). We were also the only ones in the Solarium; so I’m not sure how crowded it usually gets in there. There were a few people that passed through, to get to the Beach Club Villas; but that was about it.


IMG_0648 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr

The Comforts Of by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr

The Disney Prestige Collection - Relaxationville by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr



That little Solarium time-out was indicative of how our remaining days would be measured. We just took it easy. The beauty of being local. ;)
 
N

nicnic

Member
Loving the trip report.
We are hoping to stay at the Beach Club on our next stay, the view you had was fab, what floor/room number was it?
Also what was your room like, I see there was a pull out sleeper sofa, we have 2 dd's one will be 10 and the other just turning 2, was there enough room for a pack'n'play?Without using the daybed.
 
SRisonS

SRisonS

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
nicnic said:
Loving the trip report.
We are hoping to stay at the Beach Club on our next stay, the view you had was fab, what floor/room number was it?
Also what was your room like, I see there was a pull out sleeper sofa, we have 2 dd's one will be 10 and the other just turning 2, was there enough room for a pack'n'play?Without using the daybed.
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We were in room 3641. And it was a pretty nice sized room. We didn't try the pull out; so I couldn't tell you anything about that. But we did have a pack'n'play in there (we just used the one Disney lent us). We found a perfect spot for it, kinda next to where the tv is located.
 
SRisonS

SRisonS

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 4: The Extended Stay Program

IMG_0671 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr


Just to go back a tiny bit.... Earlier that morning, my wife asks me if I had packed extra clothing than the exact allotment of our planned stay. Well come to find out, she went downstairs to book us at the Beach Club for another night!!! We've been having such a great time that she REALLY didn't want it to end. So this extra little something was just a nice topping to the cake. Also as a spontaneous decision, she decides to book us for dinner at the Cape May cafe. Now the extra night thing didn't surprise me at all; but the dinner reservation totally threw me for a loop. It wasn't because I didn't want to do it or anything; but knowing her, it was kinda surprising. For one, there was a strong fishy smell every night when walking past Cape May. In fact, it was almost a little off-putting. Secondly, this was mainly a seafood buffet, and she isn't big on seafood at all (peel 'n' eat shrimp and fish sticks being the exception). But after dinner, we both agreed that this was the best dinner of the trip; and probably one of the best buffets we've experienced on Disney property. The snow crab legs were great, the fried cod was absolutely perfect (my wife even loved them.... again... they were like perfect fish sticks in a nugget form), we loved the desserts, and like our waitress said, the Mac 'n' cheese in the kiddie area was OUTSTANDING (she actually said best Mac n cheese at Disney... Or something like that). So Cape May Buffet is something that we'll definitely consider when we want to do something a little special or different in the future (it's not fancy.... but it sure beats a normal seafood buffet).


There are plenty of pillows for baby forts….

IMG_0669 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr


The lamp in the room. Not sure if they sold these or not?!?!?!

IMG_0680 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr


Wallpaper in the room…..

IMG_0683 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr


A hidden Mickey on the wallpaper…..

IMG_0685 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr


The carpet in the hallways….

IMG_0688 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr


The Captain doing some housekeeping ;)

IMG_0691 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr


Yes, the arcade has skee-ball!!!!!!!!

IMG_0699 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr


Part of the Cape May Café décor…..

IMG_0712 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr
 

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