Trip Report The something something SunPass something something maybe LIVE DVC Beach Bash trip report.COMPLETED

Hello all! It’s about that time again. We have just over 10 days until we find ourselves back in the bubble again! I’ve been holding off on starting anything for this trip because it took me soooooooo long to finish the last TR . We’re heading down again for the DVC neighborhood beach bash at Typhoon Lagoon. We went last year and had a great time while seeing some shocking things on castaway creek . So that is the “what” now for the rest. We are breaking from tradition on this trip and actually talked one of our DD’s friend’s parents into letting us take their kid on a trip! We figured this would aid in keeping the level of ornery teen we have to deal with at a minimum since they can go off and be ornery together. So the cast is:

DW(Laura), Me(Sean), and DD(Sophie)

The DD’s friend(Anna) will be tagging along too for the ride.


The original plan was to get up super early on Thursday and head down for a lunchtime arrival and come back on Saturday. But seriously, who comes back from Disney on a Saturday when there is always Sunday!?!?! Cough cough Disney vacation creep cough @bee cough. So it happened again, I can’t seem to go to the bubble without adding a night to the stay. I’ve been quietly monitoring the DVC point rental boards for a good deal and just yesterday one popped up for $8.50/point! I checked the DVC availability and a 1-bedroom at Kidani was available! So, about 5 IMs back and forth and we have now extended our AKL stay by another day! NOW, the plan is:

AKL Jambo 1-bedroom Thursday-Saturday

AKL Kidani 1-bedroom Saturday-Sunday



The plan is to relax at the resort for most of the day Thursday until it is time to head to TL for the party. We plan on hanging at the party most the evening before coming back and resting. Friday is dedicated to all day at HS, 9-midnight. We’ll probably come back at lunchtime to nap and clean up before going back for the evening and our 8:00 ADR ad Sci-Fi. The DD and her friend each have a one day ticket while the DW and I have APs. This means on Saturday, they will have themselves a day of pool time at Kidani while the DW and I hit a park in the morning. We promised the girls some mini golf so we will squeeze that in either on Thursday or Saturday. We have some meals open right now and a TiW card burning a hole in our pocket so I wouldn’t be surprised if we add an ADR Saturday night too.



I’m mostly sure this will be a live TR at least that is my intention so I don’t have another lingering project like the last TR.



So there you have it, less than two weeks until the funtivities!

 

[MinnieM123]

SPCTC fees are due...but I'm not paying!

Wait a minute. If the members of the SPCTC are tightwed cheapskates, what makes you think that any one of them would ever agree to joint the club, if they had to PAY dues??!!

 

[epcotisbest]

Wait a minute. If the members of the SPCTC are tightwed cheapskates, what makes you think that any one of them would ever agree to joint the club, if they had to PAY dues??!!

Yeah, the guy in charge of collecting dues has a difficult job.

 

[lostpro9het]

So I need to wrap this up with some final thoughts. Firstly, thanks to all those that followed along I hope you took something away from it. It certainly has been a busy Disney year for us and in a way it has changed our Disney side, at least for me anyway. Here are my cheers and jeers for this trip (yeah Im old and so are you if you get where that reference came from)
Cheers: Sanaa is amazing and there really is something for everyone there. Don’t be afraid to branch out and travel to the no man’s land of AKL…

Jeers: Sci-Fi is just awful plain and simple. This was our third attempt to find a silver lining in that place but no more.

Cheers: CM Jolene at EC. She bent the Mouse’s rule and allowed the DW to redeem her AP renewal voucher without having her picture ID on the first night. This was the first night of the trip and we popped over there to redeem our AP renewals; AKL->MK->EC. When we arrived she informed us we needed a picture ID, well I had mine but DW did not. I thought the DW was going to lose it. I mean this is not how we wanted to start our trip. I asked her to go ahead and redeem mine and while she was doing so she asked the DW’s name, DOB, and address and went ahead and redeemed her pass but was pretty serious “about next time”

Jeers: The mouse has pushed me to my limit of comfort in most all things food and drink related. I truly wonder how much further they can push it. Cooking at the resort is now a serious consideration.

Cheers: Despite my previous jeer, the food carts on Echo Lake might very well smash the food offerings at Sci-Fi, 50’s, and Hollywood and Vine. A little pricy but the waffle Sammy portions are LARGE and make for a perfect lunch.

Cheers: The number of motorized scooters still seem to be very low in respect to two years ago.

Cheers: Travel time to MK from AKL is about 15ish minutes, not too bad for the desolate outer rim of WDW…

Finally, I’m not really sure where this belongs; things continue to feel different with each trip we take, for me at least. I think back to seven years ago when we were POP addicts going from rope drop to close getting in 27 rides on Christmas Eve at MK and how now we may get to MK sometime and we may ride a few rides. On our last night the DW and I were walking MK, it was dusk, and we had just gotten off of SM and leisurely made our way towards IASM via FL. We were walking hand in hand, because that’s how we role, and I just felt weird. We weren’t rushed and we also weren’t on a mission to ride anything. We were just taking everything in and I felt a little confused and just asked the DW “Why do we like this?” It was a legitimate question because I wasn’t sure if she did and maybe wasn’t sure if I did; or at least was confused as why I did like it. I don’t exactly remember her answer now but it was reaffirming. I can’t explain it but there is something peaceful and pleasant about walking amongst the chaos of crazy moms pushing their kids to the brink, dads weighed down with backpacks and strollers, the smell of churros, the castle views, and some fantastic theming. I think there was a moment Saturday night where I might have been a little afraid that I didn’t like it anymore. The more I thought about it the more I believe I may just like it for a whole different reason now. It’s a reason I just can’t explain to the people around me who exclaim “you’re going again?” and “weren’t you just there?” when they find out we are going back. They don’t get, and sometimes I don’t but it is what it is. So there’s my feels quota for the year, you’re welcome.

The DW and I head back in October to celebrate our 18th with a Dream sammich; AKL/Dream/AKL. A TR may follow. Again, thanks for following along!

 

[Tuvalu]

So I need to wrap this up with some final thoughts. Firstly, thanks to all those that followed along I hope you took something away from it. It certainly has been a busy Disney year for us and in a way it has changed our Disney side, at least for me anyway. Here are my cheers and jeers for this trip (yeah Im old and so are you if you get where that reference came from)
Cheers: Sanaa is amazing and there really is something for everyone there. Don’t be afraid to branch out and travel to the no man’s land of AKL…

Jeers: Sci-Fi is just awful plain and simple. This was our third attempt to find a silver lining in that place but no more.

Cheers: CM Jolene at EC. She bent the Mouse’s rule and allowed the DW to redeem her AP renewal voucher without having her picture ID on the first night. This was the first night of the trip and we popped over there to redeem our AP renewals; AKL->MK->EC. When we arrived she informed us we needed a picture ID, well I had mine but DW did not. I thought the DW was going to lose it. I mean this is not how we wanted to start our trip. I asked her to go ahead and redeem mine and while she was doing so she asked the DW’s name, DOB, and address and went ahead and redeemed her pass but was pretty serious “about next time”

Jeers: The mouse has pushed me to my limit of comfort in most all things food and drink related. I truly wonder how much further they can push it. Cooking at the resort is now a serious consideration.

Cheers: Despite my previous jeer, the food carts on Echo Lake might very well smash the food offerings at Sci-Fi, 50’s, and Hollywood and Vine. A little pricy but the waffle Sammy portions are LARGE and make for a perfect lunch.

Cheers: The number of motorized scooters still seem to be very low in respect to two years ago.

Cheers: Travel time to MK from AKL is about 15ish minutes, not too bad for the desolate outer rim of WDW…

Finally, I’m not really sure where this belongs; things continue to feel different with each trip we take, for me at least. I think back to seven years ago when we were POP addicts going from rope drop to close getting in 27 rides on Christmas Eve at MK and how now we may get to MK sometime and we may ride a few rides. On our last night the DW and I were walking MK, it was dusk, and we had just gotten off of SM and leisurely made our way towards IASM via FL. We were walking hand in hand, because that’s how we role, and I just felt weird. We weren’t rushed and we also weren’t on a mission to ride anything. We were just taking everything in and I felt a little confused and just asked the DW “Why do we like this?” It was a legitimate question because I wasn’t sure if she did and maybe wasn’t sure if I did; or at least was confused as why I did like it. I don’t exactly remember her answer now but it was reaffirming. I can’t explain it but there is something peaceful and pleasant about walking amongst the chaos of crazy moms pushing their kids to the brink, dads weighed down with backpacks and strollers, the smell of churros, the castle views, and some fantastic theming. I think there was a moment Saturday night where I might have been a little afraid that I didn’t like it anymore. The more I thought about it the more I believe I may just like it for a whole different reason now. It’s a reason I just can’t explain to the people around me who exclaim “you’re going again?” and “weren’t you just there?” when they find out we are going back. They don’t get, and sometimes I don’t but it is what it is. So there’s my feels quota for the year, you’re welcome.

The DW and I head back in October to celebrate our 18th with a Dream sammich; AKL/Dream/AKL. A TR may follow. Again, thanks for following along!

Congrats, @lostpro9het...you've become a Disney Maturist. Welcome to the "We stop and smell the roses" club. It's a fine group of folks, right @epcotisbest?

 

[epcotisbest]

Congrats, @lostpro9het...you've become a Disney Maturist. Welcome to the "We stop and smell the roses" club. It's a fine group of folks, right @epcotisbest?

The best. I used to not even realize there were roses. Now, I appreciate them more than ever, and actively, but unhurriedly seek them out. For us, little things have created the biggest, and best, memories.

 

[cgersic]

Congrats, @lostpro9het...you've become a Disney Maturist. Welcome to the "We stop and smell the roses" club. It's a fine group of folks, right @epcotisbest?

Disney Maturist!! I LOVE that!! and @lostpro9het, I have finally found that leisurely pace when I visit and I think it's due to so many trips with the crazy, stressed out, run around the parks feeling that now we are able to enjoy the things that sometimes get bypassed. I find myself smiling so much before, during and after my trips, that I've realized that's why I go. To smile.

 

[epcotisbest]

Disney Maturist!! I LOVE that!! and @lostpro9het, I have finally found that leisurely pace when I visit and I think it's due to so many trips with the crazy, stressed out, run around the parks feeling that now we are able to enjoy the things that sometimes get bypassed. I find myself smiling so much before, during and after my trips, that I've realized that's why I go. To smile.

Smiling is as valid a reason as any. Congratulations on finding that leisurely pace. It makes a World of difference.

 

[imahistorygeek]

I thought the DW was going to lose it.

We were just taking everything in and I felt a little confused and just asked the DW “Why do we like this?” It was a legitimate question because I wasn’t sure if she did and maybe wasn’t sure if I did; or at least was confused as why I did like it. I don’t exactly remember her answer now but it was reaffirming.

Let me provide a further explanation to the AP issue. I wasn’t about to lose anything. I was upset, sure, but didn’t say anything to the CM. She was just following rules. I can’t fault her for that. If ANYONE was going to lose it, it was Sean. The most he gets in these situations is testy. So let’s say he was testy. I was prepared to go back to the resort. When she went ahead and renewed my AP, I really thought I was going to cry because she was being so nice. I thanked her profusely and I believe I was genuine in my appreciation. Sean mentioned she was probably glad we were not screaming her down for doing her job. The lady beside us purchased the wrong tickets, didn’t read the fine print, etc., and was trying to get Disney to add on something or give her something for free. I NEVER want to be that person.

As for the second part, I can’t remember exactly what I said, but it was along the lines of “I don’t know, we just do.” I think it’s because we are there together, spending time together, and just generally enjoying everything that WDW has to offer. It’s our time together away from real life.

 

[jrogue]

Jeers: Sci-Fi is just awful plain and simple.

Unfortunately couldn't agree more. I'm not sure how that restaurant is even still there!

I think there was a moment Saturday night where I might have been a little afraid that I didn’t like it anymore. The more I thought about it the more I believe I may just like it for a whole different reason now. It’s a reason I just can’t explain to the people around me who exclaim “you’re going again?” and “weren’t you just there?” when they find out we are going back.

I can 100% relate and have felt that feeling before. In 2012 I went twice, and then once again in 2013 and I remember walking into the MK and wondering why I wasn't as excited as I should be. However, I realized that it was now a very familiar place to me, and what I was feeling was no longer the novelty of being in WDW and going on rides, etc for the first time ... but it was more of an "at ease" of finally being HOME, and calm, happy, relaxed. It's my happy place, and it's a new experience (even if it's not an exhilarating experience) every time even if I do go there every year. So don't worry, you're not alone in that feeling!

 

[lostpro9het]

Let me provide a further explanation to the AP issue. I wasn’t about to lose anything. I was upset, sure, but didn’t say anything to the CM. She was just following rules. I can’t fault her for that. If ANYONE was going to lose it, it was Sean.

I think my definition of "lose it" in this case was tears and disappointment not outward rage. I was genuinely concerned that Laura was going to start bawling right then and there and I was upset about it.

but it was more of an "at ease" of finally being HOME, and calm, happy, relaxed. It's my happy place, and it's a new experience (even if it's not an exhilarating experience) every time even if I do go there every year. So don't worry, you're not alone in that feeling!

Great analogy and I fully agree!

 

[epcotisbest]

Cheers: Travel time to MK from AKL is about 15ish minutes, not too bad for the desolate outer rim of WDW…

Sitting on the balcony, watching this view, I never even gave it much thought about that travel time that so many proclaim is just so far away. The desolate, outer rim...yeah, I'll risk that extra few minutes bus ride or drive if I must. Oh, and I must have taken hundreds of photos of similar scenes like this one. At home, giraffe, zebra, ostrich etc...rarely walk past the deck. Squirrels and a calico cat with an attitude are regulars though.

 

[epcotisbest]

Sorry, no more trip report hijacking, just wanted to share this one too.

 

[WDW74]

Disney Maturist...we need our own forum !
Another fabulous TR. Keep your eye out for Trois Pistoles at the Canada Kiosk. Its not on tap frequently but gives La Fin du Monde a run for its money...

 

[ScarletBegonias]

Lovely live report! Loved seeing the pictures at Kidani. I know our room at AKL seemed TINY, but the view was awesome.

I love Disney Maturist.. it's funny because the 3x I went before I had kids, I was under 18, and then I went with a 15 mo old and then again when she was 22 mo's old. I never went without a kid, but as an adult. I don't know what it's like to go, go, go! We really love to just SIT in Disney, even with a small child. We couldn't wait for her to fall asleep and have a chance to just sit and take everything in. I'm kind of glad we were never super obsessive about it all.

 

[sheriffwoody]

Great report!! Sounds like it was fun.

If it were up to me, Waldo the spirit of 3-D, or as I like to call him the poor man's Figment, needs to meet an unsavory end

AMEN. "Poor man's Figment" cracked me up

Question: What's the process like for switching rooms? We added some days to our next trip (the creep is real), and we have to do a split stay. I've never done it so I'm nervous! Is there anything I need to do before we go down to prepare for it? I just have no idea how it all works when you don't have a car to transport your stuff or anything.

 

[lostpro9het]

Disney Maturist...we need our own forum !
Another fabulous TR. Keep your eye out for Trois Pistoles at the Canada Kiosk. Its not on tap frequently but gives La Fin du Monde a run for its money...

Trois Pistoles was my Canadian favorite until I had La Fin! I actually had Trois Pistoles in a bottle for the first time in LeCel two years ago I think. Then on the same trip I went to the kiosk outside and asked for it but all they had was a La Fin so I tried it and was blown away! I even talked our local growler shop into stocking bottles of it

Great report!! Sounds like it was fun.

AMEN. "Poor man's Figment" cracked me up

Question: What's the process like for switching rooms? We added some days to our next trip (the creep is real), and we have to do a split stay. I've never done it so I'm nervous! Is there anything I need to do before we go down to prepare for it? I just have no idea how it all works when you don't have a car to transport your stuff or anything.

2 things:
First, if you want to have Disney manage your luggage for you they will. Call bell services and tell them you are switching resorts. They will send a CM up with a cart and some special tags and will take your luggage away for you. You will want to do this as early as possible so your luggage will find its way to the new resort sooner. They had our luggage over to Kidani by the time our room was ready. If you want to take your luggage yourself to the new resort you can and if your room isn't ready just leave it with bell service and they will bring it up when your room is ready.

Second, make a point of going to the front desk of the first resort and "check out" before you leave the resort. We've had issues where our bands would not work at the new resort becasue, according to the CM, we were still checked in at the old resort and they wouldn't allow us to have door opening privileges at two different resorts. So the CM had to check us out then check us back in for the bands to work.

Really split stays are painless, don't sweat it!

 

[sheriffwoody]

Thank you so much for the tips! I hear from everyone that it's totally a smooth process, so I have hope. Normally we drive, and OF COURSE the one time we fly, we wish we had a car to transport our bags We'll definitely make sure we do the checkout thing too!

 

[lostpro9het]

I know I said completed but since the DVC box is still on the kitchen table the cats say "game on". I came home to this today, apparently sharing the DVC box is no longer an option...

There was no winner...

 

[MinnieM123]

Loved your TR!! Thank you for sharing your time with us. And I'm happily joining your new group of "Disney Maturists" as well !!

My pace in the parks has calmed down considerably over the years, despite all the My Magic + hype over getting reservations for attractions and getting dinner reservations, etc. I just ignore all of that (easier when you go solo to do that), and hop on the first bus or boat that arrives. Wherever I end up, I just roam around and take it all in. I still go on plenty of rides, though, and thank goodness for the single rider lines on most of the popular attractions.

 

[coachwnh]

Thanks for the report, Sean!