[MissDisney]

We had been warned by the boat captain earlier in the day that the last boat would be leaving at 9:30 and that after that, the dock would be closed and everyone would have to walk the path home. We made it onto the very last boat to BWV, and we were sort of amazed that once we got on and the dock was clear, they turned off all the lights to the dock and shut the whole thing down in complete blackness. If we had been a few minutes longer, we'd be stuck walking that path to BWV, which is incredibly long and remember that once you arrive, you'd still be talking about taking four flights of stairs or opting for the elevator followed by 278 more steps! WHEW!

The MGM tree was really beautiful this year, and we noticed that it had all those new lights on it, the kind that use very little energy. So we started to check out all the decorations all over the parks, and they are all that kind of bulb now. Beautiful and green!

[MissDisney]

Day 3 a little later...

[WishUponAStar]

Originally Posted by MissDisney

They gave us room 4129, which is 278 steps from the elevators... that's right, count them yourselves... 278!!!

I have bigger feet & longer legs than you, I am going to estimate about 240 steps for me. Don't worry, next time I am there I'll test it.

[WishUponAStar]

Originally Posted by MissDisney

How is it possible that this view is "standard" instead of preferred? We have had this view once before, and you see fireworks at EC if you look to your left, and when Sorcery In The Sky was running, you had a perfect view of that, as well!

I lvoe this view, even if it is a hike and a half from the elevator. We use the stairwells to get to the pools and buses, to make the walk a little shorter!

When we stayed at Boardwalk in a "standard view" I personally thought it was a beautiful view too. Everything is just gorgeous around the Boardwalk area.

[WishUponAStar]

Originally Posted by MissDisney

We've never had a towel critter before, and so it was a real treat to have one waiting for us when we arrived! I am not sure if it is a baby doll or a clown, but it was cute and DD set it out in different rooms each day. We really ought to name it, right?

Anyway, I wasn't sure if we were supposed to take it, or what. So I left a HUGE tip on the last day for the Mousekeepers, and we took the doll. I really, really hope it's the honest thing to do.

It looks like a rainbow alien, albeit a really cute one! I don't think there is anything wrong with taking them. I sure HOPE they wouldn't re-use a towel animal that's already been touched and used by another family. Right?

[WishUponAStar]

Originally Posted by MissDisney

When we arrived at our beautiful room, I found all the groceries I had ordered were in place -- I ordered via mail through BWV, and the sodas were already cold in the fridge, the food was put away in the pantry, and we were all set.

I LOVE that!! We do the same thing every trip & they set it up so nice in our kitchenette & leave a little thank note with your receipt in it. I love how everything is already cold & ready for you to enjoy. I love DVC's grocery service.

[WishUponAStar]

Originally Posted by MissDisney

The Munchkin in the top window of this house always freaks me out...

All of those Munchkins freak me out.

[lovemysons]

Oh wow, MissDis, I had no idea you had taken a trip! The decorations are just beautiful, sounds like you got out of town just in time! Looking forward to the rest of your report.

[ddoll]

Hey, GREAT TR, MissDis! I'm getting quite the chuckle out of it.

Will we finally get to see a picture of you?

[PhilliesFan]

Welcome back! Nice TR and photos.

[llama]

Oh my goodness, what a wonderful report and pictures!

We've had that same view at BWV! It's wonderful - why oh why won't people listen to us when we tell them to get a standard view. It's really one of the best deals of DVC.

MissD, I'll have to pm you about the grocery thing...sounds perfect for us.

The pictures are fantastic - I love your writing style - well, naturally! The snow tasted like soap! Please Miss, I want some more.

[MissDisney]

Originally Posted by WishUponAStar

I sure HOPE they wouldn't re-use a towel animal that's already been touched and used by another family. Right?

I never even thought of that... ew. Imagine little kids carrying this doll around, playing with it on the bathroom floor and dragging it through mac'n'cheese at mealtime. Ick.

[MissDisney]

Originally Posted by ddoll

Will we finally get to see a picture of you?

Never. I don't allow photos to be taken of me. Even the kids know that to snap a pic of mom is punishable by total parental torture till the end of time. But I can describe myself for you -- I am the shortest one in any room. I have brown hair and hazel eyes. That ought to do the trick!

[MissDisney]

On one night we had an extra studio room across the hall so the kids could sleep in regular beds for a night instead of on the pullout (remember in my first post, when I said it's better to always book a 2-bedroom at the 11-month window and then downsize later if you have to? I had booked a 1-br then decided to trade up to an extra bedroom but they were all gone!). It was the only night the whole week that there was an extra room available, so we grabbed it.

Anyway, it was preferred-view Room 4136, and this is what's out the window. You can see MK fireworks from the balcony, which is an extra cool perk! And the bathroom had beautiful tiles!

[MissDisney]

Originally Posted by llama

The pictures are fantastic - I love your writing style - well, naturally!

Thanks. I use too many exclamation marks. I am addicted. I will go back when this whole TR is finished and count them all for you. It's a sickness and there doesn't seem to be a cure.