[DVC Mike]

Well, we arrived today at the Boardwalk Villas. We’re here at BWV for 8 nights, followed by 4 more nights at Saratoga Springs Resort (got to use those Bay Lake Tower developer points I got from DVC), for a nice 12 night stay.

I did the online check-in, and told them we’d be there at 12:30pm. We arrived at 12:15pm, and the online check-in key pickup area was not immediately apparent. We asked the Bell desk, and they pointed us to the far end of the check-in area. I think the online check-in saved maybe 1-2 minutes (we didn’t have to give them a credit card). However, our room was immediately available. There wasn’t a line at either the regular check-in or for the online check-in key pickup. They gave me a birthday pin, since we noted my birthday in the celebration link on the DVC member web site.

We booked a standard view 1-BR room, and got an immaculate room (looks like this room had recently received a soft refurb). The carpet appears to be new, and it appears to be freshly painted.

We have lovely view of the valet area (hey, it’s a standard view). This is our first time trying the points saving standard view. I think I’m going to miss our regular boardwalk view room! However – no long hallways! We step off the elevator, take a right turn, and we’re the 4th door down. That is very convenient, but I think I prefer having the great view of the Boardwalk.

The weather is fantastic. It was around 77-78 when we got here, and the weather report for the short term shows around 80-82 degrees and no rain. Since it just snowed in Charlotte over the weekend, it’s a nice change of pace.

We booked a free stay for our neighbors at SSR (again, those BLT developer points). They arrive tomorrow. They’ve never been to Walt Disney World.

I’m off to walk around Crescent Lake and maybe peek into Epcot. Tonight, we’re having dinner at Le Cellier. I’m looking forward to some cheddar cheese soup and some filet.

Ahh, it feels good to be here!!