Around the 'World in THREE?! days... Completed 9/18

[onelilspark]

Around May I realized I didn't have another Disney trip planned...my AP would expire at the beginning of August...I was dreaming of Disney (seriously, hard core dreams, Spaceship Earth was a ride in the Castle...) What's a girl to do!?

Book a fix of course! And that's how this trip was born.

Here's the link to my sad excuse for a PTR... Problem is, I've been to Disney more times than is probably healthy, so I never really have much to plan...

A short recap:
This is me:

I'm 24, live in Rochester, NY. I'm a Philly native though, born bleeding green, I warn you now, because as football season starts, I will more than likely have a comment or twenty I live with my boyfriend, but he's sane and decided that the beginning of August was not the ideal time to go to Florida...and honestly? He was right My favorite ride is Haunted Mansion, I love Figment & the villains.

I was going to go down on a solo trip, but my brother has an AP as well, so I invited him along since he spent his first semester abroad and I didn't get to see or talk to him much. He goes to school in Tampa.
Little brother:

He's 21, he'll be a senior this year in school And he's single...any takers ladies? (He gets embarrassed when I try to set him up, it's an amusing pastime.) His favorite rides are the Train at the MK and Peter Pan.

For the most part it's just the two of us, but there will be a guest appearance by our parents:

My Dad's favorites are Small World and the China movie. We don't let him see the movie nearly as often as he wants. My Mom's favorite is the People Mover. They live in FL, so they'll just be up occasionally.

Even though my parents live in FL (45 minutes from the gate!) I wasn't originally planning any more trips, so I wanted to completely immerse myself in all things Disney and chose to stay on-site. After little deliberation I chose Coronado Springs and then added the QSDP onto my package.

So join me as I take on a jam-packed 3 day trip around the World. Including: my first time at Coronado Springs, first time on any kind of DP, and first time using Magical Express!

Helpful, handy-dandy links!
QS Dining Review
Intro-you're reading it!!
What do you mean I'm eager?
Shiny & New
Need a good hug?
Mademoiselle would like to dance with Remy?
Vikings...OIL...Vikings...OIL!!
This is why I stay on property...
Good morning, GOOD MORNING!
And 20 EIFFEL TOWERS!
Taking a Dip
It's EXTRA Magic!
Why is Animal Kingdom 10 degrees hotter than the rest of WDW?
The great snack debacle...

 

[shordiebecka]

Just found your TR (probably bc you just started it!) Can't wait to hear what you thought about Coronado Springs- I'm staying there for my first time in November!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Joining in on this one too!

 

[onelilspark]

Just found your TR (probably bc you just started it!) Can't wait to hear what you thought about Coronado Springs- I'm staying there for my first time in November!

I did just start it! If you want something to keep you entertained, I've finished my Dining Report. I can't do them both at the same time, I get confused

Joining in on this one too!

Welcome!!!

 

[Beauty & the Best]

I'm also doing the world in only 4 days 3 nights at the end of Sept. It's so hard to do these short trips!!

Can't wait to hear more!

 

[DisneyFaeriePrincess]

Hello, I'm here!! Can't wait to hear all about it! I know how you liked the food though!!

 

[onelilspark]

I'm also doing the world in only 4 days 3 nights at the end of Sept. It's so hard to do these short trips!!

Can't wait to hear more!

I know what you mean!! We're doing a 4 day trip in October. I think 4 days is a little better than 3, a little less hectic, but still, I want a week!!

Hello, I'm here!! Can't wait to hear all about it! I know how you liked the food though!!

Hi! Welcome to Part II, aka, "oh, there's more to Disney than just food?"

I guess I'll get started!

 

[onelilspark]

Leading up to this trip I was convinced I was going to take all these pictures leading up to my arrival in MCO. I mean, I've read so many trip reports where people have pictures driving to the airport, of their home airport (and ROC is so clean!!) I was doing it! Nothing could stop me!

...then my alarm went off at 4:30am. Well...it was a nice thought

I had showered the night before so I didn't have too much to get around, my boyfriend whisked me off to the airport at 5am. I had booked myself on a direct JetBlue flight that left at 7am. Early? Yes. But I live 15 minutes from the airport, and it's direct, so convenient and it gets me down to Florida the quickest! (And really, I look at arrival times, not departure times when I book my flight down ) I had decided to check my bag so that ME could take care of it and I could focus on Mickey. I was warned, "what if your bag doesn't make it?" Well then, I'll be smelly...or we'll go to Target, you know, whatever.

By 5:40 I was through Security and at my gate flipping through my People magazine. It's a habit. I fly, I buy People. I don't read it any other time. We boarded on time, I had selected the aisle seat of the third row. My goal was to book it off the flight before anyone else and get down to the ME line fast. Easy enough to do with one person who only has a purse for a carry on! Flight landed early, about 9:15, I positioned myself squarely in the aisle ASAP (sorry people, I was on a mission!) and I took off...and pulled my camera out!

I made it to MCO! I was on their fake monorail!

Now...here's the thing: I had never taken ME before. So I had the map in my hand of where it was located. I looked like I was traversing a city and not an airport. But I made it and there was no one in line ahead of me...lookin' good

So I stepped up and gave the CM my booklet, because I didn't know what he needed... He asked me "how many are in your party." And I said, "oh, just me for this." He responded with, "Just one princess today then, welcome aboard." I love Disney... Oh, this was off to a good start. So he told me what line to go in.

PSA: When they tell you what line to go in, don't be clever and skip lines...listen to them! They don't all have the same end!

So then I waited for the bus. We were then lead to the right bus:

Bus was leaving around 9:45ish. Not bad. Considering I was in too much of a hurry to look at my phone when we actually pulled up to the gate and I got off the plane. So from wheels down to bus pulling out (for me) it was 30 minutes. Our bus was going to Coronado Springs and Animal Kingdom Lodge. I grabbed a seat on the bus up near the front (are you sensing a pattern here??) so I could grab this picture:

Woo-hoo! Finally made it! It wasn't too long before we were pulling into Coronado:

The bus ride didn't seem to take long at all. I was chatting with the family next to me who hadn't been since 2000! They were nice, but had a lot of questions. Being the good Disney-freak that I am, I shared my knowledge! When the bus came to a full and complete stop, I was up & off! I called my brother as we were pulling in and he was still about 10-15 minutes out. So I was going to check-in for us in the meantime.

To give some background: I did online check-in, I had added a request to my reservation, but I didn't really care...I wanted a renovated room. So I hopped in the online check-in line. And waited...there wasn't anyone helping us The manager was on the phone, but once she got off, she reminded people to take from the online-line first, then the regular line. Then proceeded to help me, apologized for the delay (really it was like 2 minutes...) I was happy to be a guinea-pig for the program and besides, still was waiting on my brother. Check-in was a breeze, everything was waiting for me. Our room was ready, a pleasant surprise considering it was only about 10:30! But it was in Ranchos...I had requested Cabanas. Oh well, I verified it was a renovated room and it was, so I didn't ask to be reassigned.

Called my brother to see if he wanted any coffee in his mug and he did, so I went to get our mugs from Rix Cafe, filled his with Coffee and mine with Diet Coke (I'm not a coffee drinker...but I needed some caffeine!) After grabbing our beverages, I went outside to wait for him, a few minutes later he pulled up. I let him know our room was ready and we headed around back to the Ranchos...

Sorry there aren't too many pictures in this update, I do have a lot (even for my short trip!) My hands were very full after checking in, so I couldn't take very many! Stay tuned, next update I'll have pictures of the refurbed rooms.

 

[shordiebecka]

Being in Ranchos is my biggest fear. I'd be fine with Castitas or Cabanas, but Ranchos is just too far out for me!!! Everything sounds good so far!

 

[that's nice]

Whats up?

I kinda already know your touring plans..

Still looking forward to hearing all about it though!!!

 

[DisneyFaeriePrincess]

Good time for ME! I love using ME, it's so easy and I don't have to worry about a thing! I loved using the online check in too, very quick and easy. I've never stayed at Coronado Springs so I have no idea if the room you got is a good thing or a bad thing! Yeah I definitely had every plan to take pictures of us traveling and of our airport but that didn't happen either! I think those earlier morning flights are what did us in!

 

[onelilspark]

Being in Ranchos is my biggest fear. I'd be fine with Castitas or Cabanas, but Ranchos is just too far out for me!!! Everything sounds good so far!

If you're not going when it's 190 degrees out, Ranchos would be fine, I think it's the prettiest section!

Whats up?

I kinda already know your touring plans..

Still looking forward to hearing all about it though!!!

Hey! You never know, there might just be a surprise or two...probably not, but you never know...

Good time for ME! I love using ME, it's so easy and I don't have to worry about a thing! I loved using the online check in too, very quick and easy. I've never stayed at Coronado Springs so I have no idea if the room you got is a good thing or a bad thing! Yeah I definitely had every plan to take pictures of us traveling and of our airport but that didn't happen either! I think those earlier morning flights are what did us in!

I was so impressed with ME, I couldn't get over the whole thing, and though I won't get to it for a while...RAC?! Oh. M. Gee. Newest fan, right here.
I think CSR has a few kinks with online check-in to work out, at least with the crew that was on duty when I checked in, but eh, I had to wait for little brother anyway. And I'd rather me be a guinea pig for it since I've been entirely too many times (scratch that, no such thing! ) than someone who's never been. Though we're using it for our trip in October for Pop...another new resort Which I'm psyched to stay at!
As I just mention, I think Ranchos is the prettiest section, it's just the furthest from El Centro (the main building.) I had requested Cabanas. Oh well, it was only for 3 days!

Onward? Ok.

 

[onelilspark]

We drove all the way around to Ranchos 7A, room 7380. Now, I have a confession (of sorts.) I have the worst luck with rooms...as evidenced by Ranchos, no? I usually wind up facing the parking lot. I've learned not to care so much when in a value or moderate because well, there's no balcony. Not like I'm going to sit outside my room with coffee. I mean, I guess I could, but that'd be a little weird. So we found the elevator (I had a lot of stuff, and my brother had his luggage from driving) and followed the signs to our room. Score! It faced the courtyard

And then I went a little snap happy...a "few" pictures of the room...enjoy:
New beds

Notice the doors closing off the bathroom here...they slid across. They were awesome in the morning. I could get ready and it didn't wake my brother at all.

Other way:

More beds:

What the luggage rack looks like:

Bathroom area:

Almost like what we've seen before, but not quite:

Another bed:

Coffee Maker (not NesCafe...)

Toiletry photos, lotion:

Soap (I unwrapped it!)

Shampoo and conditioner...in other mods & values you get the combined stuff

Shower curtain

I'm sorry, I forgot to take a picture of the Mickey on the mirror I don't know what I was thinking!!!

We dropped our stuff off, and I unloaded some of the things that were in my purse, like my book...and we turned around and left. Enough wasting time, it was time to go to the parks!!!

 

[that's nice]

When we went in March we were told that we were the first people to do online check in at CSR! They had our packet all ready for us and it took about 3 minutes. There was also only a few people in line for regular check in.


Here is a pic of your Mickey mirror!!!

 

[onelilspark]

When we went in March we were told that we were the first people to do online check in at CSR! They had our packet all ready for us and it took about 3 minutes. There was also only a few people in line for regular check in.


Here is a pic of your Mickey mirror!!!

Maybe I just hit a weird day then, or new people I'll give it a try again at Pop. Still didn't take that long, so no biggie.

And thank you for the picture I don't know how I missed that one I mean, I got all the others...

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

I'm in!!! First off, GO EAGLES!!! YAY so happy to see another fan on the boards!!!

Loving the report, CSR is my fav!!! Just stayed their in Dec, but didn't get a refurbed room!

 

[DisneyFaeriePrincess]

I was so impressed with ME, I couldn't get over the whole thing, and though I won't get to it for a while...RAC?! Oh. M. Gee. Newest fan, right here.
I think CSR has a few kinks with online check-in to work out, at least with the crew that was on duty when I checked in, but eh, I had to wait for little brother anyway. And I'd rather me be a guinea pig for it since I've been entirely too many times (scratch that, no such thing! ) than someone who's never been. Though we're using it for our trip in October for Pop...another new resort Which I'm psyched to stay at!
As I just mention, I think Ranchos is the prettiest section, it's just the furthest from El Centro (the main building.) I had requested Cabanas. Oh well, it was only for 3 days!

Onward? Ok.

I love using ME! Soooo easy! I'm glad you liked it! Oh I hope you like Pop! We looooved Pop! We used the online check in and it worked perfectly for us. But then again it was at least like 2 months since they had been using it so they probably worked out a few kinks. You're room is so pretty! I love it! I had never seen the rooms there and they are so pretty! I love the sliding door! Oh well, hey you got a very good view! I always take pics of the room and I'm glad you did too because I really like the room!

 

[MyBuddyBaloo]

Thanks for the great room pics!!
Looking forward to reading the rest of your report!

 

[onelilspark]

I'm in!!! First off, GO EAGLES!!! YAY so happy to see another fan on the boards!!!

Loving the report, CSR is my fav!!! Just stayed their in Dec, but didn't get a refurbed room!

I think they're just about all done now, so if you were to go back you'd get a refurbed room

I'm so excited for Football season It's a little ridiculous.

I love using ME! Soooo easy! I'm glad you liked it! Oh I hope you like Pop! We looooved Pop! We used the online check in and it worked perfectly for us. But then again it was at least like 2 months since they had been using it so they probably worked out a few kinks. You're room is so pretty! I love it! I had never seen the rooms there and they are so pretty! I love the sliding door! Oh well, hey you got a very good view! I always take pics of the room and I'm glad you did too because I really like the room!

The sliding door I think was my favorite part So much better than the curtains.
Thanks for the good word on the online check-in, we'll give it another go. We've got time to kill anyway. Mainly we're hoping the room is ready so we can drop things off and hopefully take a nap before MNSSHP that night!!

Thanks for the great room pics!!
Looking forward to reading the rest of your report!

Thanks for joining along!! I'm about to start the next bit!!

 

[onelilspark]

We headed over to MGM/Disney Studios/Hollywood Studios I wanted to do more here than we actually did...oh well. One thing my family has always done is say, "if we don't do it this trip, we'll get it on the next one." It's saved a lot of stress & disappointments. No worrying about not getting to everything at Disney in one trip...we all know it's impossible!

We walked in around 11 and headed towards TSM. I figured the stand-by line would be pretty lengthy, but why not check the FP? We had lunch in Epcot at 230, so as long as we could get one starting at 1:30, we'd be fine. On our way, we passed some Streetmosphere, which I love, so we paused for a little bit:

By the time we made our way back to TSM, this is what greeted us:

...hmmm, doesn't quite fit into our plans. So we had a choice to make: we could come back after lunch, or we could scrap it and I'd do it in October, my brother would do it some other time. We decided to scrap it. It was too hot to be walking back and forth.

Next order of business was a snack. I didn't really eat breakfast, just some cookies on the plane from JetBlue. I was rather hungry, but we had the late lunch scheduled. I didn't want to ruin my lunch, but at the same time, if I didn't eat, I was setting myself up for a rather nasty headache. So we set our course for Starring Rolls.

We passed this on our way:

We sat down to our snack (I have more pictures over on my Dining Review...)

YUM! My brother thought I was crazy for splitting it, but he wasn't overly hungry, and I really just wanted something to hold me over. While we sat, we talked over our plan of action. We figured where we were would be a good place to walk down to Tower and RnR. Onward! ...maybe we'll actually do something...

The standby line at Tower of Terror was only 15 minutes. So we jumped in line, didn't bother with FP. In line, my Mom called. Apparently they got to the parks early (they were just going to join us at Epcot for lunch) and were over at TSM getting FPs...oops! They decided to do Great Movie Ride and we were going to meet at RnR after they were done.

Some pictures in line at ToT:

...so my brother has this thing about not smiling in pictures. He's having a good time, I promise!

After our Terror filled ride, we grabbed FPs to do ToT again (never know when that short wait will jump, and the FP time was good) and headed over to RnR to await the arrival of our parents. We found a ledge with some shade, so I was happy. I wasn't dealing well with the sudden heat. So far that summer, we only had a handful of days in the 80s, I think maybe 1 day where it hit 90, let alone above that!! I was dying...and downing water.

When my parents got there, we all jumped in the single rider line. I love the single rider line! It's so much faster than the other line! Plus, because of the way the line moved, we somehow managed to ride with each other. Talk about great timing

My Dad isn't the biggest fan of ToT (heights!) and my brother wasn't feeling doing it again, so they set off for Muppets, while my Mom and I did ToT again. After our ride was done, we went back to the main street of HS, and started to get anxious about time. Meanwhile, Leroy Smalls and his newest talent were out in the street, so we were passing the time watching & listening to them. At some point, the guy who is the "new talent" decided that another lady was his one true love...well, she was wearing a "just married" button, which Leroy Smalls pointed out. The new talent was 'devastated,' and decided that my Mom would comfort him. He goes, "oh, ma'am, you give great hugs, it just cheered me right up, Leroy, come give this lady a hug, she'll cheer you right up." Right at this time my Dad and brother come walking down and my Mom says, "oh great, here comes Larry." (names changed to protect the innocent ) Leroy Smalls goes, "Larry!!!!" Screaming it down the street, "Who's Larry?!" It was hysterical My Dad's all about Disney, so he played along, but of course he was like, "What the heck is going on??" And of course we were running a little late, so we were trying to gracefully leave, finally my Mom just said, "We're having lunch in France, we've got to be going, it's a long swim." ...nice one Mom

Moral of the story: watch the Streetmosphere! We didn't have the most exciting start to the trip, but they just made the whole morning!!