Three resorts and a DCL cruise - time to do a trip report

Have been reading and enjoying everyone else's trip reports for some time, and figured it was time to actually put the time in and enter one of my own - I've only been threatening my family for the past few years to do one - and figured this traveling odyssey would be the perfect one to enter.

For the cast of characters on this adventure, it will be just the family of three - me, my spouse and our little princess (ok, not so little anymore - 12 yrs old and a Disney veteran in her own right with 18 trips to the world).

We usually do a nice long, end of summer trip all in the world, splitting the trip between Pop and Beach Club, and always look to try something new every trip. In the past, it's been the Aqua Seas tour one year, Hoop Dee Do another, MNSSH the ony time it was offered before Labor Day. We were not sure what this year would bring, but after doing a May cruise on the Magic, we found what DCL considers a sale on the summer cruises and jumped again at the boat.

Because the princess is a sand and water rat, the decision was made to tag two days at Vero after the cruise before heading back to the parks for the rest of our trip.

We're flying into MCO from Philly on Southwest next Thursday for three days @ Saratoga in a studio. After than comes a 5-night cruise on the Dream, 2 nights in an inn room at Vero Beach and then 8 nights at Beach Club in a 1 BR villa. All the rooms will be on DVC points.

I'll be adding the updates at the end of each portion of the trip so enjoy as this could be interesting.

 

[iloverags2]

Oooooh! Vero Beach - total love! If you can request a room, ask for 2423. It's on the 4th floor, has an awesome view, a bit larger of a balcony, and a few extra square feet in the room.

Sounds like a most incredible vacation! Enjoy!

 

[joanna71985]

Wow, sounds like a great trip!

 

[wiigirl]

Sounds like an awesome trip! Thanks for sharing!

 

[Tusportsfan]

Well, it took a little while after we got back to actually find the time to begin putting this trip report together and get it posted. I had thought there would be time to post as we were in Florida, but an active 12 yr old and one tropical storm have a way about altering plans. I'll get all of this posted over the course of the next few days so ........

As what seems to be the norm for travel these days, our flight to MCO from PHL was over sold (surprise). By the time we had boarded (mid B numbers), the cabin crew was still looking for volunteers to delay their departure - the offers were up to $300 in vouchers, full credit for the cost of this flioght and southwest would get you to Orlando on the next possible flight. Try as I might, even with no rental car and ME taking care of the luggage, I could not convine my spouse to take the offer (we would have basically covered two trips worth of airfare here ....) so I was forced to pass.

The flight itself was smooth and uneventful, and we actually got into Orlando 30 minutes early - and had an available gate. As soon as we were off the plane - straight to the Earport for the first of what would turn out to be quite a few amazing Vinylmation trades. First guess in their mystery box - Park 10's Phantome Manor piece - yes of course I'll trade and thank you very much!!!

From there it was across the airport to check in for ME - and our journey to the World. Our bus was strictly Saratoga, so it was smooth sailing and we checked in right away - Paddock, 6400's. We had not had a real meal since breakfast, so rather than head to Downtown Disney, we simply had dinner at the Turf Club (cheeseburger flatbread for the 12 yr old, the pork loin special for me and a salad for the spouse). Food was mostly good, but too much mustard for the 12 yr old. Tried for a Vinyl trade, but nothing really available, so we simply headed off to the room and crashed.

Friday is MK and Saturday is DHS / EPCOT (or at least the plan) .....