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Post by amdev on Oct 9, 2024 6:37:08 GMT -5
Just returned from a 3-night stay in the Treehouses for DH's 50th birthday. We had a lovely time and even after more than 20 years of visiting WDW, we tried several new things we hadn't done before.
We arrived at MCO about 9:00 am on 10/3 and as soon as I turned my phone on, the text was there that our room was ready. We got the rental car and went to the room to drop off bags then headed to AK. DH favorite ride is Dinosaur so had to ride it one last time (since we don't know when it's closing). We then rode Everest and got caught in an afternoon rainstorm (ponchos were left in the room of course!). Then did FOP and headed back to the room to dry off and get ready for the evening. Dinner was at Sebastian's (one of our favorite places) then we went over to the Contemporary for a Fireworks Cruise. If you've never done one of these cruises, I highly recommend. You do get a DVC discount on the cruise and you can have up to 10 people. Since it was a Party night, the fireworks were the Halloween Fireworks. And as often as we've done the Party, we never watch the FW because we're too busy riding rides and getting candy. We arrived at 8:45 and the boat was decorated with a Happy Birthday banner and balloons. There were tons of snacks and non-alcoholic drinks that we were allowed to take with us when we left. We joked that with the prices of soda and water in the parks, we had at least $100 worth of drinks so it brought the cost of the cruise down, LOL. Our guide was fantastic. He took us all around Bay Lake and 7 Seas Lagoon, told us lots of little tidbits and fun facts, and we were on the water to see the nightly electrical water pageant. It was a fantastic night and we had the best seat in the house to see the show. More to come....
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Post by amdev on Oct 9, 2024 6:49:52 GMT -5
Day 2 - 10/4 - After an early flight and late night on Thursday we would have loved to sleep in a bit on Friday but I was able to book a Capture Your Moment session for 10:00 at Epcot. Again, if you haven't done one of these, I highly recommend. We had such a lovely time! We met our photographer at the American Pavilion and she asked if we were celebrating anything special so I told her DH was turning 50, DS is turning 16 next month, and step-son and fiancé' are getting married in March so she made up signs for all of the occasions. Then she asked where we wanted the photos which we were able to pick from 5 of the countries and we chose Morocco. When you book, it's a 20 min session but she definitely spent more than 20 mins with us. We had over 50 pictures after it was done. If you have Memory Maker with your ticket, the phots are included so for $99 it's definitely worth it. DS said he wants his Senior Pictures done there now, haha. After our photo shoot, we walked around to do the Remy's F/W scavenger hunt and then had lunch in the Mexico Pavilion. Lunch was okay, the margaritas were great. After lunch we finished the scavenger hunt and rode Guardian's then headed back to the room. For dinner, we popped over to French Quarter for a quick service and Beignets.
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Post by amdev on Oct 9, 2024 6:56:15 GMT -5
Day 3 - Sat 10/5 - We did get to sleep in today and was just a chill day. I got up and went for a run using the pathway from the Treehouses to OKW. Then some of us went to the pool, did some of the activities in the Community Hall, then headed to dinner at Kona Café. This was our first time here and it was really good. After dinner, we went over to the Contemporary to try the Top of the World Lounge. This was our first time up there and it was nice. Beautiful view of MK and the fireworks. It was smaller inside than I thought it would be but there were lots of people out on the deck to watch the fireworks.
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Post by amdev on Oct 9, 2024 7:03:14 GMT -5
Day 4 - Sun 10/6 - Today we check out and head home, and just in time too. On Friday, I had seen the alert on my phone about Milton and by Sunday, things were already closing. Step son lives in Tampa and he was already called off work and schools were already closing. He and his fiancé ended up staying in Orlando for the week since they live in a mandatory evacuation area. It was raining most of the morning but cleared soon after noon. We had brunch at Olivia's and since our flight wasn't until 5:00 we went to DS to walk around for a bit. It was such a lovely low-key weekend and DH got to be at his favorite place to celebrate.
I can also report that renovations have started on the Treehouses. There were 2 that were blocked off. And during our fireworks cruise, the guide went right past the new location for Reflections so that is already under way.
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Post by tomandrobin on Oct 9, 2024 7:20:18 GMT -5
Safe travels tonight!
Thanks for posting and sharing your DH's Birthday trip!
I always forget about that $99 Capture Your Moment photo session. Such a good deal, in the WDW world. Something I need to consider for our December NYE trip.
We talk about doing this all the time, but for one reason or another, we never make it over.
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Post by fuzzylogic on Oct 9, 2024 7:43:57 GMT -5
Neat! We always love staying at the Treehouses. All these years and I've never really noticed Sebastian's. I looked into this, and now I have to try it when we stay at CBR next year!
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Post by tomandrobin on Oct 9, 2024 7:48:18 GMT -5
Neat! We always love staying at the Treehouses. All these years and I've never really noticed Sebastian's. I looked into this, and now I have to try it when we stay at CBR next year! I have stayed many, many times at SSR and yet, have never stayed in a Treehouse. I have booked a few times in the past, but either canceled the trip or moved to another resort. Sebastian's is another place I have never eaten. I have read good things about the menu and pricing, but we never add it to our list of "must try" restaurants. |
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Post by Adelard of Bath on Oct 9, 2024 11:04:45 GMT -5
Last time we were down there, the bus line for our resort was huge and there was a Riverside bus sitting there, so we hopped on. I like the moderate food courts, and Riverside has scenery I like. I ended up getting some sort of special they were running that was some kind of Louisiana-style thing, I really enjoyed it. Can I remember what it was? Hah
Leaving Riverside, wife was none too happy when she realized we had to wait for a bus at like 9pm to go to Springs and then wait for another OKW bus. I don't remember that taking terribly long, though, I guess, unless I blocked it out. Could have sprung for an uber I guess.
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Post by sherrih on Oct 11, 2024 6:47:26 GMT -5
We check in to the Treehouses on Saturday, 10/19. It will be our first time staying there. The bedroom configuration is perfect for us along with my son/daughter in law and two grands, 5 & 2. We stayed in a BWV grand villa in March, so I wasn't up for that kind of points again. I'll have to check out Sebastian's too. It will be fun to try a new place to stay and maybe a few new restaurants.
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Post by Hi from RI on Oct 11, 2024 16:21:16 GMT -5
Thanks for posting your report! Leaving in 4 weeks and cannot wait!
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Post by Eli's Nana on Oct 12, 2024 14:41:45 GMT -5
I enjoyed your trip report - sounds like a wonderful trip. Thank you for sharing!
We never seem to think of the treehouses but have stayed (and enjoyed staying) at SSR several times. I am going to keep the treehouses in mind - they sound so relaxing!
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Post by bakerworld on Oct 13, 2024 9:16:06 GMT -5
Day 4 - Sun 10/6 - Today we check out and head home, and just in time too. On Friday, I had seen the alert on my phone about Milton and by Sunday, things were already closing. Step son lives in Tampa and he was already called off work and schools were already closing. He and his fiancé ended up staying in Orlando for the week since they live in a mandatory evacuation area. It was raining most of the morning but cleared soon after noon. We had brunch at Olivia's and since our flight wasn't until 5:00 we went to DS to walk around for a bit. It was such a lovely low-key weekend and DH got to be at his favorite place to celebrate. I can also report that renovations have started on the Treehouses. There were 2 that were blocked off. And during our fireworks cruise, the guide went right past the new location for Reflections so that is already under way. Did you ever sit outside on the deck? We found we were attached by biting bugs but I am not sure what kind - they sort of look like small bees but the bites were like Miskito. We only experience bugs while on the deck so we only used it once. |
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Post by Brian5581 on Oct 13, 2024 13:54:52 GMT -5
Thanks for sharing, sounds like a highly enjoyable trip! Love the fireworks cruises. Tried Sebastian’s several months ago, quite good. Not a must for me, but I shall return,
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Post by disneyspaz on Oct 13, 2024 17:56:02 GMT -5
Loved your trip report and glad you were able to get out before Milton hit. Our DD did her senior pictures in Japan and Epcot and LOVED it. They all turned out amazing and I would highly recommend them.
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Post by amdev on Oct 14, 2024 6:08:29 GMT -5
Loved your trip report and glad you were able to get out before Milton hit. Our DD did her senior pictures in Japan and Epcot and LOVED it. They all turned out amazing and I would highly recommend them. That's exactly where he said he wants to do his, in Japan. He loves the archway and wants a photo with Spaceship Earth in the background. I'll have to tell him it's recommended! |
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