From Possums to Sea and a Rainy day parade! Sep/Oct 2014

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

I'm sorry about your migraine. I TOLD you we should have skipped Muppets! One day I'm going to beat Jo at TSM, that will be my goal. It was pretty cool seeing that Frozen area the day it opened. You are right, I did buy a doll for a friend at work. She said it was prettier than any of the dolls she had seen at home. It was fun being out there in the rain. And I would have stayed in the pool if the lightning hadn't started. That CM was so sweet to leave you Mickey and Minnie

Oh believe me ( ask Jo ) I am so stubborn sometimes I hate migraines influencing time I had been looking forward to all year with you! I suffer with enough of other things the migraines are just cruel! So I operate a go till I fall down programme lol. I pushed it too far that day was my own sweet fault!

I am so pleased that your friend liked the doll. Oddly enough this sticks in my mind. I recall thinking how pretty it was

The staff at the BCV were the nicest of any of the DVC resorts we have stayed at so far. And there is some healthy competition there because they are all nice!

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Woo hoo!! Love looking at all the Frozen stuff! It had better still be there next year! Sorry about your migraine, but you were a real trooper to carry on! Loved the bit of pixie dust Claire

Thanks Claire. I can't see them getting rid of that Frozen building at the least upgrading it to more. It looked quite permanent to me. I don't know if Pam agrees? BCV is a charming resort. Def worth a stay

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Newsflash!

Recall that we posted a letter and a postcard on Castaway Cay? There was an Olaf outside the post office with picture of us. Well it never arrived. We gave up. Yesterday the letter arrived at it's destination in Chicago!

So if you post a letter on CC it only takes 46 days to arrive to mainland US lol.

We still wait news from London England for the postcard...

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

MK, EPCOT and the luck of the Irish!

It was now Tuesday. It's the day before my birthday. After a migraine filled night and a nasal dosage of Imitrex I woke up not knowing if I was Arthur or Martha. The first thing I saw when I opened my blood shot eyes was the Minnie and Mickey the kind manager of the BC Peggy had left us in our room the day before! That cheered me up no end!

I was thirsty, hungry and stumbling around like a groom after a heavy stag night. Jo fixed us some breakfast and gave me a big glass of coke. Then some Powerade. Then another coke...Soon I she had the shower running and selected some clothes for me. I started to feel a little better as the Cinnamon Jacks cereal and drink started to kick in.

We were off to MK this morning! We decided to go Disney bus today. We wanted to go to EPCOT this afternoon so it seemed logical to use the monorail from MK to EPCOT then come back to BCV from EPCOT so no car needed.

Soon we were on the bus heading for MK. We excitedly chatted to Pam. Beyond sweet she asked how I was. I assured her I was on the road to recovery. All that day she and Jo made sure I kept snacking and drinking. They were like my guardian angels!

On arrival at MK we marvelled at the halloween displays. So cute. Jo posed nicely for me outside MK ...

Me and Pam outside MK ...

Now I am not sure if it was this day but I kept obsessively going into the Emporium store in Main Street every time we went to MK to check on those fabulous HM limited edition magic bands. But I got used to hearing the words they had sold out the moment they hit the store. But...( dramatic music ) ... one day proved fruitful. It may have been this day! I am a very persistent lass!

We headed to new FantasyLand to score a date with 7 dwarfs through their diamond mine , Pam got some new cards for the MK sorcerers game at one point. It was either entry or exit! She seemed pleased with her new cards.

When we arrived at FantasyLand ( oh boy oh boy Mickey ) this land is real pretty I do love it so! We did 7DMT which we all enjoyed. We all noted it seemed longer today compared to the ride we took in May together. We liked that it lingered at Snow's cottage at the end. For once we saw Snow dancing!

Then we moved across to another favourite. HM. While we waited Jo got a DAS return time for Peter Pan. HM never fails to disappoint. It's such a cute ride. I heard a rumour if you ask a CM for a death certificate when you board they give it to you at the end. I would love to see if that is true. I must ask the CM next time! Pam had a really interesting hitchhiker on her car at the end. I had never seen that guy before he made us all giggle.

We headed over to Peter Pan. Pam had introduced us to this cute ride in May. How could we miss it! It was to become one of our favourites now! Pam showed us a hidden Mickey. Too sweet.

By now we were hungry. We headed to that fabulous eatery Pesco Bills. Jo was worried that Pam would not find anything of interest on the menu and whispered to me but I assured her I had already asked Pam this. It seemed the taco salad made a nice lunch choice for our Pam. I had a turkey sandwich and Jo had a burger. We love all the help your self salad , mushrooms etc. Do you know what..we did.

After lunch we headed out the park.

Next up...afternoon it's EPCOT in the rain, then to Ireland and Raglan Road and then Co-Op for shop shop shop!

 

[Pinkocto]

I am loving reliving those days!

Yes, you're totally right, both you and Jo scored the HM MBs that day right after we got into the park. And I got the sorcerer cards right before that. Good memory! I forgot to check the journal last night, I'm sorry.

The 7DMT definitely felt longer that second time.

Love that taco salad. Too sweet Jo checking on me.

Yes, I think the Frozen area will be there for a long time to come.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

I am loving reliving those days! Yes, you're totally right, both you and Jo scored the HM MBs that day right after we got into the park. And I got the sorcerer cards right before that. Good memory! I forgot to check the journal last night, I'm sorry. The 7DMT definitely felt longer that second time. Love that taco salad. Too sweet Jo checking on me. Yes, I think the Frozen area will be there for a long time to come.

thanks Pam. I want to relive it again and again! I think I will string it out to the max

Thanks for confirming timing! I am not 100% sure! Be sure to chip in if I get anything wrong in the timeline or forget something of interest.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

More on this fabulous day in a moment but first I need to mention airing some dirty laundry...

We always do laundry at DVC resorts. Coming for two weeks we only bring clothes for one to save space ( more lucky charms on the way home! ) . So off I went on my scooter to the BCV laundry.

Oh my! We have front loaders in the UK but what I saw here was two machines that looked like they came from a spaceship! I couldn't tell the washer from the drier they looked the same! Two front loaders. I looked carefully at the dials wait one was slightly different. No instructions on the wall.. What amuses me is at DVC with top loaders ( so easy ) there are instructions but not with these digital devices of the future..

So thinking I must have the washer I put our clothes in, open the drawer and guess from my machine at home which the liquid goes in. Then it starts weighing the items, digital displays appearing. Will it wash my clothes or take them to the moon?

It says it is going to take 50 mins. So I clock the time and get Jo to come back and stick it in the dryer for amusement. Well do you know Pam and I never saw Jo again. Some say they see her if they look closely on the moon surface waving....

 

[Pinkocto]

More on this fabulous day in a moment but first I need to mention airing some dirty laundry...

We always do laundry at DVC resorts. Coming for two weeks we only bring clothes for one to save space ( more lucky charms on the way home! ) . So off I went on my scooter to the BCV laundry.

Oh my! We have front loaders in the UK but what I saw here was two machines that looked like they came from a spaceship! I couldn't tell the washer from the drier they looked the same! Two front loaders. I looked carefully at the dials wait one was slightly different. No instructions on the wall.. What amuses me is at DVC with top loaders ( so easy ) there are instructions but not with these digital devices of the future..

So thinking I must have the washer I put our clothes in, open the drawer and guess from my machine at home which the liquid goes in. Then it starts weighing the items, digital displays appearing. Will it wash my clothes or take them to the moon?

It says it is going to take 50 mins. So I clock the time and get Jo to come back and stick it in the dryer for amusement. Well do you know Pam and I never saw Jo again. Some say they see her if they look closely on the moon surface waving....

I did laundry before moving resorts and thanks to you going through this earlier I was able to figure out the moon launchers. I still managed some confusion though, they really need instructions!

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

I did laundry before moving resorts and thanks to you going through this earlier I was able to figure out the moon launchers. I still managed some confusion though, they really need instructions!

lol. I know right! One should not require a degree in engineering to get ketchup from her shirt!

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

EPCOT, Raglan Road and Co-op!

Bye bye MK!

We took the monorail to the TTC then onto EPCOT. At the TTC Pam said we might be able to cross the platform to change trains without having to go up and down the slope. We found we could! I was super pleased because those slopes are not easy for me!

We arrived at EPCOT but it had begun to rain. Not like UK rain oh no ...serious big drop Florida tropical rain. We were told by a helpful CM to follow under the monorail to stay dry! Good tip! An extra bone-us ( he he ) waiting under the monorail tracks in the dry was this friendly dog....

Who cares about Lorraine ( the rain ) ?

Too cute! We headed to Figment and Jo took a detour to get a DAS return time for Soarin'

Jo and I had never done Figment so we were curious. Peter Pan was a winner so would Figment be the same? As Pam and I waited outside Figment it rained like we should have been building an arc! Where is Noah when you need him! We thought oh my poor Jo! We noticed a CM was asking guests to remove ponchos entering the attraction. I enquired why this would be. The CM told me much to my shock there was an incident on ToT where a Mom took an infant under her poncho on the ride! Pam and I were stunned. Also stop the poncho getting trapped in the ride.

A while later a drowned rat in a poncho appeared called Jo. She wasn't worried about being wet she was delighted with a return time for Soarin' we could sure do with that SoCal weather right now!

Figment well...I guess you had to be there lol. Jo and I did not get it. We concluded it must be an American thing lost in translation...

Next up we did the beloved Soarin oh how I love this ride! Right at the front we were. Legs dangling weeee...here comes the golf ball.. Love the bit at the end with MK

I always think they should add The Vegas Strip. I know it's Nevada but be such fun. I hear they are changing it to Orlando soon. Maybe they should reverse them. Orlando in DisneyLand and Cali in Orlando

We then headed back to the BCV. We had a date tonight at Raglan Road to celebrate the eve of my birthday!

Via UK.. What a surprise it's raining...

Next up the luck of the Irish..

 

[Pinkocto]

Sorry you didn't like Figment, at least you tried it

That rain was something else! I've never been to WDW when it rained so much!

Jo was wonderful getting us Soarin

Too cool we happened upon Pluto

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Sorry you didn't like Figment, at least you tried it That rain was something else! I've never been to WDW when it rained so much! Jo was wonderful getting us Soarin Too cool we happened upon Pluto

we were pleased to try Figment! You don't know till you try! We have never been there in so much rain either. Thank goodness for the 3 day cruise 3 days of glorious sunshine! Pluto was worth the rain

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

That evening we were off to celebrate an early birthday for me with Pam! We had booked Raglan Road in DTD. We drove to DTD and parked up which is no easy achievement right now with the building work going on for The Springs development!

I choose Raglan Road because I was curious about this place. My parents are both Irish Mum from Dublin and Dad from Tipperary. So obviously I just adore all things Irish and have been to Ireland multiple times. Jo and I have been to Dublin together, the place that Raglan Road is modelled on.

As we entered I was actually amazed and how authentic it looked as an Irish pub. It sure was cute! I understand they had taken some of the woodwork from the original Raglan Road pub in Dublin and placed it on the walls here.

We were lead to our table...looks there is Pam and her lovely hair...

They had a delightful live band playing on the stage

The menu was good. Some not what I would call authentic Irish but it is a theme pub so I enjoyed it for what is was. The restaurant is charming and the staff very helpful and nice. Jo and Pam had the fish and chips and I had a variation of fish from the kids menu.

I have to say the food was top notch. Very good quality. The lovely ladies with me agreed. The fries were good, the fish delicious. They served soda bread with it. I grew up with soda bread and just adore it. My Nan cooked it in her Aga but it was always white. This was a brown a variation but I can't eat brown bread so I cannot say how nice it was. Pam and Jo said it was nice.

Here we all are..

Jo and Pam had a chocolate creation for dessert.

I don't think it was as nice as dinner was it Pam?

Me at the table like a pig in mud...

My Mum was an Irish dancing champion. Has several medals at home. At Christmas at the age of 71 with a glass of sherry in her she will still perform River Dance for you lol. So imagine my delight when the dancing began..

I really enjoyed this restaurant and can't wait to go again! I would recommend it. It's fun, as a great menu, good atmosphere and lovely staff. Just like Ireland.

I bought my Mum and Dad some gifts in the gift shop. Some Irish items. Then we hit the stores...

To be continued....

 

[franandaj]

Nice score on the HM MBs!
I'm glad you enjoyed the 7DMT.
Sorry you didnt like Figment. From what I hear, the original ride was much better.
we've been to Raglan Road and Cooke's of Dublin and I must say their Fish and Chips are top notch! In fact now im craving some Fish and Chips!

 

[Pinkocto]

That was a very delicious meal

No, the dessert wasn't as good as the fish and chips but it was still very good. It was very rich though, and had some cereal as the crunchy base, corn flakes? It was good but I'll probably try something else next time for variety. But those fish and chips were fabulous! and that soda bread was scrumptious.

Loved the dancers, that was too cool they came to our side room and danced for us.

I never see my hair from the back so I enjoyed that picture It's a bit messy though

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Nice score on the HM MBs! I'm glad you enjoyed the 7DMT. Sorry you didnt like Figment. From what I hear, the original ride was much better. we've been to Raglan Road and Cooke's of Dublin and I must say their Fish and Chips are top notch! In fact now im craving some Fish and Chips!

thanks Alison! Yes the F & C Jo said as good as we have here. Not very Irish though more English in tradition but we won't complain! Nice to have F & C in DTD! I did not realise they had changed Figment so thanks for that. It's such a large attraction I can't help thinking it's days are numbered!

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

That was a very delicious meal No, the dessert wasn't as good as the fish and chips but it was still very good. It was very rich though, and had some cereal as the crunchy base, corn flakes? It was good but I'll probably try something else next time for variety. But those fish and chips were fabulous! and that soda bread was scrumptious. Loved the dancers, that was too cool they came to our side room and danced for us. I never see my hair from the back so I enjoyed that picture It's a bit messy though

Oh yes the corn flake base lol! I will remind Jo of that. Her face was full of surprise at that! Your hair is not untidy lol...you should see my nieces hair! At that age a comb is the enemy we got her a cute brush at WDW hoping this might encourage her!

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

After our lovely meal we went down to check out the stores. Had a look around The World of Disney and in the Co-Op. Jo and I were very surprised by this store because back home the Co-Op is a low price Supermarket chain. Much like your 7-11. So that's what we thought it was! Imagine our surprise to find it was a fabulous department type store.

I love the little stores they have in there. I bought Jo a Vera and Bradley purse for Jo...

We were really impressed with the Dtech store in there. Staff were super helpful and although not a very big store plenty of stock.

Jo bought me this cute Minnie iphone stand from the Dtech store for my birthday the next day..

Also spoilt me with this customised an iphone cover which you design on the screen yourself and they have ready for you in only 15 minutes...

Jo also got these cute plates from another store and surprised me with them when we got home....I use one for my lunch most days. My favourite is the Candy cauldron.

Pam liked this bag....

But it proved to be an unsuitable size. I think too big for a wallet too small for a purse wasn't it Pam? Plus the face on the next size bag was a bit distorted.

I liked these decorations ......

We then went back to the beach club. We loved at the BCV how it has lots a rooms where you can relax with sofas and a TV to sit and chat. The night before I had suffered a migraine we had gone in one of the rooms. Tonight we returned to the same room as Pam had some birthday presents for me but it was the funniest thing. I said to Pam ...was that pool table there last night? One had appeared in the middle of the room. No Pam said equally as surprised. So I wasn't going crazy! When Jo came in she said it was there but covered so it looked like a table!

Pam got me some fabulous birthday gifts. Spoilt me rotten! I will share two of my favourites with you. This lovely Olaf..I put him next to my Lego Harry Potter Knight bus at home...

And also this beloved HM themed blanket ...folk that come to the house are super jealous of this. They say what a beautiful colour and design where did you get it! I watch them like a hawk to check it doesn't go AWOL lol

The picture above the sofa is my birthday present from Jo. It is Thomas Kinkade picture of Peter Pan over London. I wanted it for ages!

Then after this wonderful day we went to bed. Tomorrow was my birthday

Next up checking out of BCV and checking into the VGF! Birthday girl!

 

[Pinkocto]

The Co Op is so cool. A fabulous idea to have that place! I love the plates, and the Minnie stand is too cute!


Love that Peter Pan picture!!!

I thought that Tink pattern was gorgeous but they had the straps cut her face right in half. Saved me a bundle though!

 

[franandaj]

I'll have a hard time keeping Fran away from that store! I have a feeling we may find a lot of items there we woukd like to take home with us. How sweet of Jo to surprise you with all those goodies!

I just wish that the D-tech stuff wasn't so heavily iPhone based. It's hard as heck to find anything for Android phones and I think there are quite a few Galaxy users out there that would happily blow their money on phone cases if Disney offered them!