Hitting the Beach (Club)- Pretrip

[SBETigg]

My husband surprised me at the end of the summer with the idea that we should take a trip, just the two of us, to the Food and Wine Fest for my birthday. My daughter (my youngest) just started college and we bought a new house that we're still decorating, so I had no idea that we would be able to go anywhere this year. Yippee!

Since we love World Showcase and enjoying the Food and Wine Fest is our primary objective, I convinced the husband to try one of the Epcot area resorts instead of our usual favorite, the Grand Floridian. Denise at Magical Journeys helped set us up with Beach Club, Club Level. So excited! We leave tomorrow, bright and early.

I've checked the anticipated crowd levels, and I'm prepared for a busy weekend (Columbus Day) but worth it to be there for my actual birthday, Saturday. It is a free dining time, but I was able to make all of our ADRs without hassle, and even changed a few just yesterday.

Tuesday: Our arrival day. We'll get to the resort for check in at around 11, will probably just check our bags and head off through Epcot to grab a few F & W samples before we make our way to the monorail to the MK(where we always start our vacations). Late lunch at the Grand Floridian Cafe (one of our favorites), and back to Epcot for evening grazing.

Wednesday: Starting at AK with a late lunch at Yak and Yeti (a first for my husband), then back to Epcot for more Food and Wine, some attractions, and late EMH.

Thursday: Spending some time at DHS, MK, and Epcot. We'll play it by ear. Our late dinner is at the Yachstman Steakhouse (a first for us).

Friday: Again, being spontaneous. Could end up at any park but definitely spending some time at World Showcase. We have a late lunch at San Angel Inn (sentimental favorite) and maybe we'll stop in at Cava del Tequila.

Saturday: My birthday! No special plans, still winging it, but late dinner at Bistro de Paris. (our new favorite).

We don't have plans to attend any special F & W events as of now. We would rather not be over-scheduled. And since it is a short trip, we want to have enough time to enjoy the parks as well as browsing around the F & W Fest. Looking forward to it, and I will report back.

[Jennifer_and_Chris]

I'm so jealous that you're leaving tomorrow! Can't wait to read all about it.

We'll just miss each other as we're leaving in 11 days!

[faline]

Enjoy your trip, Sherri! And...happy birthday!!!

[disneymom15]

Happy birthday, have a wonderful time.

[mouseketeer mom]

Happy Birthday!
I wish you a happy trip, and look forward to hearing about your F and W festival experiences. We will be in the World for Halloween and look forward to the festival too. Have a fantastic time!

[Disney4us2]

Have a great trip and a Happy Birthday

[Katzateer]

Have a great trip and a Happy Birthday

Looking forward to a trip report! Have a great time!

[Kairi_7378]

Happy birthday! Can't wait to read about your trip!

[Niecyboo]

Happy travels and Happy Birthday. Have a blast!

[BrerGnat]

Have a great trip and Happy Birthday!

We are headed to Beach Club CL in December, so I'm looking forward to your review!

[Mickey'sGirl]

Fabulous Sherri!! I wish you a fabulous holiday and a very happy birthday!!

[MinnieMommie]

I wish you a magical birthday trip! With your ADRs, CL snacks and F&WF tastings you will have wonderfully yummy offerings. I can't wait to hear more. If you can, please let me know what is on the Bistro Menu when you go. What a nice birthday meal!!

[lynnek]

Looking forward to your dining reviews--found a gem last yr from your recommendation--Sanaa.

[RedSoxFan]

Have a great trip and Happy Birthday!!

[SBETigg]

Quick live report. I'm resting in our Beach Club room (huge corner room, king bed, it's wonderful) after spending the morning/afternoon at the AK. Crowds are moderate. Waits are not too bad. This will change headed into what I expect to be a busy weekend. Weather is gorgeous, just perfect: sunny and hot, but not too hot or humid.

Food and Wine Fest-- too fun, too many great things to try. We started in France and were full by the time we hit Portugal (which is just a small stretch of WS, if you know where the booths are on the map). So far, France is a favorite. So delicious. Had a big and pretty good lunch at the Yak and Yeti, but planning to head back to try some more Food and Wine offerings tonight. EMH at Epcot. More when I get home. Cheers!

[AgentC]

I'm glad you are having a great time and enjoying the wonderful weather. I think this is the first week that has been comfortable in a long time!

I am interested in seeing what you think of the Yachstman Steakhouse. I am still on the fence about booking it for our trip at the end of the month.

Have a fantastic birthday.

[Hammer]

Sherri, we are just going to miss each other! I check in at WDW (staying at SSR (2 bedroom) this time at my sister's request) on Sunday. Glad to hear you are having a great time!

[SBETigg]

Last night, Epcot EMH. We stayed in WS until almost ten. Mexico's F & W booth stayed open at least until then, and Cava del Tequila closes at ten and is pretty empty during Illuminations- just a hint for those wanting to try Cava and finding it too crowded during the day. They stay open until ten and it's pretty empty after 8:45 or so. The bartenders were great. Jaime introduced us to different tequilas and taught us the differences between them. He was very informative, like having a tequila seminar.

Afterwards, we were able to ride Test Track, Spaceship Earth, and Soarin with very short waits. Spaceship Earth, no wait at all. Test Track, we rode a few times. I expected late EMH at Epcot to be much more crowded, from past experience, and we were pleasantly surprised. This morning, off to DHS or MK, we are still deciding.

[Jennifer_and_Chris]

Oh how I wish the kids could stay up for EMH at Epcot! Maybe we'll make it for EMH somehow this coming trip.

Thanks for taking the time during your vaca to report back to those of us that are pining over trip reports to get a piece of whatever magic we can get!

[SBETigg]

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I'm glad you are having a great time and enjoying the wonderful weather. I think this is the first week that has been comfortable in a long time!

I am interested in seeing what you think of the Yachstman Steakhouse. I am still on the fence about booking it for our trip at the end of the month.

Have a fantastic birthday.

Thanks, Cindy. Still here and having a great time. It's raining hard, so we're delaying our return to Epcot this morning. Getting ready to just throw on the ponchos and do it. I did want to let you know that Yachtsman Steakhouse was a disappointment for us. The food and service were just not up to our expectations. It wasn't bad, just not for us. We won't return. We prefer the other Signatures, and even some of the regular Disney restaurants, so much more. Shula's at the Dolphin is a great steakhouse. Yachtsman was more on par with some chain steakhouses.