The Adventures of Duffy - Duffy's Return to WDW & First Halloween Party (of the Year)

[luaulei321]

Greetings! Two months ago, I wrapped up the trip report for the Canadian portion of my Toronto–Walt Disney World trip from this past September (I know...this is very delayed! ). It’s been a very hectic past few months – I was busy, busy, busy at work, plus preparing for the Holidays and even departing for a brief trip to Disneyland left me with little time to get the WDW portion of the trip report off of the ground. Now that Christmas is officially behind us, I finally have time to continue what I started. Better late than never, right? It’s a good thing I took notes in September!

My Toronto trip report left off with my arrival to the Walt Disney World resort on Saturday, September 10th.



I got a really good price for a rental car through Alamo (thank you, Costco discount!), so I decided to rent a car rather than travel by Magical Express. I drove myself to Beach Club Villas – my home for the next week.

[luaulei321]

Check-in was a breeze. The helpful Cast Member at the counter confirmed that my request for a 5th floor room “near the Ariel statue” was fulfilled and that the room was ready. Sweet!

After completing the check-in process, I made my way to my studio unit – room # 525. It turned out to be the closest room to the elevator. Shortly after entering my room, I realized that something was different.

It turns out that room # 525 was a Handicap Accessible room. The bathroom configuration was a bit different than the studio unit that I had stayed in the previous September. I noticed that the sinks, counter, and bed were all lower than normal. Rather than a closet, storage space was built into the armoire. Although the lower –height amenities were perfect for someone small like me, I didn’t need a HA room, and I didn’t want to hoard it and prevent someone who really needed it from staying in the room.

I called the front desk to see about switching rooms. No other studios were available that day, but another room in a similar location would be available the next day. I agreed to move in the morning.

I took the opportunity to take pictures of the room before heading out to Hollywood Studios – I had dinner reservations at 50s Prime Time Café later that night.



If you look closely, you'll notice that the bed is low next to the night stand and headboard:





HA rooms have larger bathrooms which extend into the space where the closet would normally be in a studio unit. The dresser/tv unit includes space to hang a few clothing items.









Ahhhhh....

[luaulei321]

The sink and counter in the kitchenette is slightly lower than the ones in a "standard" studio unit.







The safe is the same size as the ones in other studio units. I was able to fit my iPad in there, but it would be a bit small for a laptop or other "larger" items.





The shower head is adjustable, though I found it a bit difficult to secure in place.



The bathroom sink is also lower, though there isn't any counter space to store toiletries. The ledge at the bottom of the mirror is rather narrow.

[luaulei321]

Once I got myself settled, I decided it was time to head over to Hollywood Studios. I made my way over to the boat dock and waited for my ride.

In no time at all, I found myself at DHS. I travel light, so I was able to bypass the bag check.

I entered the park and stopped off at the memorabilia shop at the front of the park. For some reason, I usually bypass this little store during most visits to DHS.





A ride worthy of Prince Ali!







One of my favorite movies!



I finished looking around the rather small store, and then I went back outside.

[luaulei321]

I continued making my way down Hollywood Blvd.

I cut through one of the stores and stopped to look at one of the many Halloween displays along the way:



At that point, I was starving. Unfortunately, I still had over an hour before my reservation time. I decided to make my way over to the Animation building to see if Mickey was available for a quick visit.





The line to see Mickey was fairly long. Being the indecisive little bear that I am, I decided to see how the wait for Star Tours was rather than wait in that line.

The sign out front indicated that the wait was only 10 minutes or so. I made my way for the entrance but was intercepted by a Cast Member who insisted that he check my height.

This was a first time for me, I assure you!



I was successfully able to ride this ride and many other height-restriction rides this past May. Most Cast Member either don't notice me moving through the lines, or they knowingly look the other way because I'm so darn cute.

Not this time, though. I was turned away. Rats!

[kzrooster]

Yea!!!! Duffy's back!!!!!

Bummer about not being able to ride Stars Tours. It probably would have ruined your appetite anyways though.

[Yogi3323]

Pictures look great .. But how do you always seem to find someone to take your picture?

[lghaus]

Originally Posted by kzrooster

Yea!!!! Duffy's back!!!!!

Bummer about not being able to ride Stars Tours. It probably would have ruined your appetite anyways though.

i always enjoy Duffy's TR. love the pics.

[janet1106]

What a great way to start my day.
Happy to see/hear about your WDW trip Duffy.

[luaulei321]

Originally Posted by Yogi3323

Pictures look great .. But how do you always seem to find someone to take your picture?

Disney magic!