Sue's Family F&W Weekend

Following…. Always love how you share your trips!

Sorry to hear you started your trip out feeling so unwell. Glad to hear you’re on the upswing and I hope you have a great rest of the weekend with your family! 

DAY 2 – Saturday 11/9/24
Who: Sue (66), DVC Member
SB (67), my husband
Chris (38), son
Amanda (36), daughter-in-law
Ari (8), grandson
Plan: Pool, Paddlefish lunch

Actual: We slept well last night – it was nice & quiet. I’d turned out the lights by 9:30 and didn’t get up until 5:30 this morning. SB was already up. I texted Amanda to let her know the connecting door was unlocked so they could make breakfast before heading out. I think they’re going to MK, where early entry starts at 7:30 today.

I made my cappuccino and brought it back to bed. By 7 the others were up – Ari came in first, hitting SB with a throw pillow and yelling “torpedo”. See what SB started years ago? I got Ari his breakfast – hard boiled egg, sausage links and toast. Chris made his and Amanda’s eggs & toast, then I made my egg and slice of bacon. SB wasn’t hungry so he didn’t eat. They headed out to the Magic Kingdom around 7:45. SB & I changed into swimsuits and headed to the quiet pool around 8:45.

Chris called at 8:30 to say the early entry was really 8:30 (what was on the app) and not 7:30 like was on the tv. That worked great for them since they got there at 8:15 and now won’t miss that first half hour with short wait times. They’re also setting for filming, and I remembered this weekend they’re filming scenes for the Christmas day show. Magic Kingdom will likely be a zoo later, but he said they’ll be gone by then.

The quiet pool was wonderfully quiet at first. A dad was there with 2 well-behaved boys and his infant daughter. SB went into the pool, and I sat on the edge of the pool. After a while I went to my chaise lounge and that’s when a couple other families with multiple noisy children arrived. It was no longer quiet – not by a long shot! The kids were screeching and having fun, but it was not the ambiance expected here. The main pool doesn’t open until 10, which is way too late in my opinion, so I understood why the families were here.

We stayed until just after 10 then headed up for showers. Chris & Amanda texted that they had left Magic Kingdom and were on the bus coming back to the resort. I’d finished my shower, so I let SB know and he jumped in to take his. The Hollands got a lot done in their first hour at the park, pretty much moving from attraction to attraction. They said it was really getting busy when they left at 10, due to the Christmas taping that would be happening.

We headed out to the bus stop, taking the stairwell down near our room and then the walking path across the street to the bus stops. This is a great shortcut vs walking all the way to the lobby and then down the hill to the bus stops. The sky looked dark, so I ran back up to the villa for my umbrella, getting back to the bus stop a couple of minutes before the bus.

As we were riding to Disney Springs it started to rain – hard at times! I was glad I’d gone back for my umbrella, but as soon as we got off the bus the rain had stopped. Go figure. From that point forward it was all sunshine. As we walked in I showed them the new DVC location but learned the new member lounge doesn’t open until noon. We agreed we’d stop back after lunch to take a look at it.

We checked Gideon’s but they were not doing the virtual queue, and we didn’t want to wait in the line (it was to the corner of Morimoto) just yet, so we continued on. It was only 11:35 at this point. SB suggested a drink at Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar but that opens at noon. He next asked about the Boathouse & Chris was willing to go drink with him, so we all went in. The inside bar was pretty much full – just a couple lousy seats way at the end, facing a wall/panel. We decided to try the outside bar, and we found a few seats together at one end. Amanda and Ari sat on a couple of them and the rest of us stood.

The bartender was really great – nice guy, quick service, great personality. SB ordered a light beer, and Chris ordered an old fashioned. Amanda & I decided to wait until lunch – in her case she wasn’t going to chug a glass of wine down in 25 minutes and I didn’t want to push it with 2 glasses just yet. The bartender made Ari a pink lemonade – hand made, in a cocktail shaker along with several chunks of fresh strawberries. It looked great and Ari drank it right down so it must have been good! SB ordered another round of drinks for him & Chris, Chris getting his “to go” and then settled the check so we could head out.

Chris ran back to Gideon’s to see about the virtual queue while the rest of us walked around the corner to Paddlefish and checked in for lunch. Chris came back and said they still hadn’t opened it and likely would not. We were taken to our table, which was in the back room where the paddle wheel is visible. At first, they put us along the wall next to a family with a baby and 2 little kids. Chris asked if we could have a table by the window, so they moved us there. We were the only 2 tables occupied at that point, so I didn’t understand why we weren’t given the window right from the start.

The food and the menu here are very good and service is very accommodating. The portions are pretty large, too. SB was still in his “excess” mode, ordering another round of drinks for him & Chris. Amanda and I each chose a glass of wine and Ari got chocolate milk. SB then ordered the appetizer calamari since Chris said he’d eat some, and a large bowl of New England clam chowder. He said it was great, but it was so thick I don’t know how anyone can eat a meal after that! He then ordered another beer and old fashioned.

For the entrée Ari had kids’ pasta alfredo w/chicken, SB had the 9-ounce burger with fries, I had the caprese sandwich with the kettle chips, Chris had the cajun chicken sandwich with the kettle chips, and Amanda had fish tacos with roasted red-skin potatoes. Everything was delicious. Chris’ sandwich was huge, and Amanda had 3 large tacos plus a plate full of potatoes. The fish was a mix of mahi mahi & swordfish, and she liked it. Chris ate her 3rd one and although the potatoes were great many were left behind. I ate more than half my caprese sandwich and Chris finished it – he agreed it was very good.

We settled the checks, which took a while because both Amanda & I had a $15 birthday credit but they only do one per table so our server had to settle one check before she could apply the credit to the other check. We also had the passholder discount to apply to both. Our check was still ridiculous thanks to all the stuff SB ordered (including the expensive cocktails). Chris still had 1.5 old fashioneds left so he poured them into the empty “to go” cup from Boathouse and took them with him.

We walked over to Gideon’s and the line was like it was before, so we joined the queue and SB sat on a bench. He was fading fast (he doesn’t typically drink 4 beers at his age) so I went over to him and gave him the option of going back to the resort and we’d meet him there later. He liked that idea, so I steered him towards the bus stops and hoped for the best.

The wait at Gideon’s was probably 30-40 minutes but at least it was shady and with a nice breeze. When it was our turn, I got a pistachio toffee for me and the banana bread chocolate chip for SB. I’m not sure what the others got. From there we went back to the DVC location and got signed in to be brought upstairs to the lounge. It was much nicer than the dvc member lounge in Epcot! They really made this one right. There’s also a model of a Riviera 2-bedroom villa there but we wondered why they did Riviera rather than the new Polynesian Tower villas.

We hung out for a little bit, the Hollands got some snacks and a beverage, then we headed out. Amanda wanted to try on boots at the Rothy’s store and once that was done, we went to the bus stops. Our bus stop was pretty full and when a bus came, we didn’t initially get seats. Some of the men in the back were insistent that Amanda & I take seats even though I was gesturing that it was fine. In the end we went up there and sat down. I know the old chivalry thing is to offer seats to ladies (especially old ladies) but I don’t agree age or gender entitles me to someone’s seat.

The bus back stopped at Yacht, Beach and finally Boardwalk. SB was laying on the murphy bed watching football. The others went into their bedroom, to lay down for a bit and I started working on the trip report. Chris came over and asked if I wanted to go see the gingerbread house at Grand Floridian and anything at the other monorail resorts, so I figured what the heck. Of course, when I asked SB, he was willing but really wanted to just lay there watching football. Knowing the walking involved would have him complaining I told him it was fine if he stayed behind.

The rest of us headed out and walked over to the Skyliner. It was busier than I’ve ever experienced, but then I don’t have to take it at the end of an Epcot evening. It’s much worse then. We rode over to Caribbean Beach and the line of people waiting to board was massive! We said no way were we coming back this way! We transferred to the Hollywood Studios line (no wait) and from there went to the bus stops and rode to Polynesian.

As expected, there’s no holiday stuff here. The lobby is pretty but it’s so crowded. I can’t imagine once the new DVC tower opens in December – it will be even worse. We hopped on the monorail to Grand Floridian, which was mobbed. The gingerbread house looks nice and of course there was a huge line of people waiting to buy something from the shop inside. We took some pictures and headed out. The line for the monorail here was ridiculous, but they seemed to be running extra trains. No sooner did one leave then another pulled up.

We got off at Contemporary and saw their new gingerbread display, found a lot of the hidden Mickeys and Amanda bought a linzer cookie (short line here). After that we walked over to Magic Kingdom and took the bus back to Boardwalk. All this took quite a bit of time – it’s amazing how transportation eats up your time here!

The Hollands headed for Epcot, so I took Amanda’s cookie to put in their room. SB was still laying on the murphy bed watching football. I swear he hasn’t moved! I asked him about his chicken, but he didn’t want to walk over there. He asked about something closer, so I pulled up the Boardwalk Deli menu. He still didn’t seem to want to get up so I went into the bedroom and updated the report. I’m still full from lunch, so I don’t need anything.

Of course, sometimes you don’t “need” anything but then “want” something. In my case it’s the double dipped chocolate covered peanuts at the Screen Door. They sell them in the bulk candy section – no doubt overpriced, but I buy a small quantity. I knew they’d have milk for SB to have with his Gideon’s cookie (he’d eaten a piece of it earlier with water – I haven’t touched mine yet) and I’d get a discount buying it there.

I asked once more what he planned to do for dinner and he just plain didn’t feel like getting up but hoped I would get him something. He decided the Rueben from Boardwalk Deli would do the trick, so I mobile ordered it. He wanted a diet coke but I figured I’d get that at the Screen Door as well (for the discount). I headed out and as I stepped into the Screen Door I hit the “I’m here, prepare my food” button.

I got the milk, got a coke zero sugar, and was at the bulk candy when I got the alert my order was ready! It couldn’t have been more than 2 minutes! I quickly paid for his beverages and my .12 pounds of candy. The gift card wasn’t working so I used my Disney rewards card instead. Once that was done I rushed over to pick up the sandwich.

The boardwalk was extremely busy tonight! There must have been 20 people in line to order at Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs! The line for the pizza window was even worse. All the tables along the lake were occupied, big crowds of people were walking around, entertainers were entertaining – it was just crazy. Thank goodness for mobile ordering, lol! I walked in the exit door, found the bag with my name on it, and headed back out.

The sandwich comes with a side – cole slaw, chips or tomato basil soup. Had I been hungry for dinner I would have gotten the soup, but since I wasn’t he got the chips. The sandwich was impressive – warm, great marble rye bread and a ton of meat! He couldn’t finish it, so we have a bunch of the meat and some of the bread in the small glass bowl with a lid (in the fridge). He can snack on that at some point tomorrow.

We talked about tomorrow and he asked if I wanted to go to breakfast. That means he wants to go, but since I’m wanting a pool day tomorrow breakfast makes sense, so we don’t need lunch. I used the app to make a 7:30 reservation at Trattoria al Forno downstairs – we’ll share the breakfast pizza again.

Today was a nice day – it was fun hanging out with the Hollands. We were impressed with the new DVC member lounge. If they sold wine up here it would be perfect sitting out on the balcony watching the people down below! The gingerbread house is beautiful (the tree is not up yet) and touring the monorail resorts was just as time-consuming as I remembered. The Rueben was a great find for SB – he has several choices he really likes in this Crescent Lake area.

Tomorrow the Hollands head to Hollywood Studios and will meet up with friends of their who live up here after that. SB & I will spend time at the pool, although I won’t be surprised to see him head up to the villa before I do. No doubt he’ll want to watch some football, and we’ll see what the others are up to later.

Continuing to enjoy!

DAY 4 – Monday 11/11/24
Who: Sue (66), DVC Member
SB (67), my husband
Chris (38), son
Amanda (36), daughter-in-law
Ari (8), grandson

Plan: Rainforest Cafe breakfast, drive to Gainesville

Actual: We slept well again. SB was up shortly after 4 but I didn’t get up until closer to 5. After my cappuccino we started getting ready and finished packing up. The others were up by 6:30. They made their breakfast, but SB & I have Rainforest breakfast booked.

I discovered we’re not blocked out today after all, so I booked us a park reservation at Animal Kingdom. That park opens at 7:30 for resort guests so we’ll be able to do the safari before heading out for breakfast. We loaded up the cars a little after 7 and drove both cars to the park. We were parked in the Peacock section and walked up to the entrance, arriving somewhat after 7:30.

The entry area was quite busy! SB & I walked right up to an empty row, but the others followed the herd into a non-moving line. They eventually moved to another and made it into the park. From there we were scanned to prove we were resort guests and then began the trek to Africa. As we approached, I could see a huge mob outside the safari. Turns out it doesn’t open until 5, so this huge line of people was waiting. Ugh.

They started letting people into the queue around 10 minutes before 8 and the line basically filled up the entire queue. It moved pretty steadily and despite them only loading from one side we were on our truck at 8:06. The safari was very good since so many animals were active. Several were literally running around! We saw almost everything (no white rhinos and only 1 elephant). The driver was very knowledgeable but talked really fast. It was fine for us but for a first timer I think it would be information overload!

After the safari we said our goodbyes to the Hollands and went our separate ways. When we were close enough to Rainforest Café I checked in on the app. We had a short wait to be called to our tables and had a terrific waiter. SB ordered the Breakfast of Bandits (2 eggs, potatoes, sausage & toast. I ordered the French toast (they call it Tonga Toast but it’s not like at the Poly). The food came out really quickly and it was all delicious! SB helped with my French toast, but most people could probably share this and be satisfied.

My $25 birthday credit was applied so the check was only around $10. We settled the check and took the tram back to the car and drove home. Although Veterans Day isn’t a holiday everywhere, it was enough that driving was pretty decent. I think we’ll end next year’s trip on Veterans Day as well.

Overall, this was a nice little trip. The weather was really nice! The Boardwalk refurbishment is beautiful, and the location is great. It was nice having the family together and also nice that people came and went rather than everyone hanging together in a group 24/7. I wish SB was more active and less tv-focused but that’s not going to change at his age!

My next trip begins in 11 days. SB & I will be driving to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort to meet cruise buddy Fran and spend one night. The next morning we’ll continue to Port Everglades and all board HAL’s Zuiderdam for 11 nights in the Caribbean. The next WDW trips will be in January – a Jambo House club level weekend in early January and another family long weekend at Boulder Ridge in mid-January.