I thought I might hijack your thread and let everyone know we just returned as well....probably saw you there and didn't even now it!
We arrived at 8:30 am using the ME....loved it. After a very long night of traveling we asked if it might be possible to get a room. Of course, no problem. The staff was wonderful and had us on our way in no time. We were sent to a room in Cabanas 9B on the back side (not facing the main lake). I was fine with this as it was close to El Centro and I had not requested a certain place. When we arrived the room had not been cleaned yet from the departing guests. The maid offerred to make it the next room cleaned, but would take about a half an hour. We were sooo tired, so off to check in again. I explained to the CM and he said "just a moment" and went in the back. Out he comes with two managers. They said that we should have never been sent there. I explained it was fine, I was just wanting a room, any room to rest. They were so nice and gave me room 9607, with two windows facing the main lake. Then they said "THIS IS NOT THE DISNEY WAY" and we are giving you a $50.00 credit to your acct to use anywhere. WOW! I was totally blown away. The pixie dust was already flying our way. We loved the room, the view, how beautiful and quiet it was here. Loved the privacy curtain (why don't all hotels have these?) and the room darkening shades too. My DD14 would spend hours late at night on her cell chatting with her freinds from the hammocks on the beach. It truly felt like vacation from this spot!
The bus service was GREAT! I had to take a couple of other resort buses during the week. It took us 45 minutes to get from Epcot to The Grand Flor. on their bus. Yuck.
We ate at the pepper market three times. The food was good, except for breakfast (although the pecans roll and muffins were very good). I threw away most of it. We did not really use the pool much, but the kids there were having a blast and I really loved the Dig Site. I did not think I would really get any use out of a refillable mug, but went ahead a bought one. I'm really glad I did. It was nice to not pay $2.19 everytime you wanted some lemonaid or a pop, especially poolside. I recommend at least one for your trip.
Wish I would have had the energy for the workout room....it looked really nice.
We had requested a microwave for our room, but it never came.
We left mousekeeping a tip daily and got great service, but never any towel animals. My DD14 was a bit disappointed, but this did not make or break our trip. I did see them in other sections on the Cabanas. Looks like it depends on the mousekeeper. One area had all the same little birds in every window. The shampoos, etc are pretty nice. My DD noticed on the last day that they had shower gel too, but we never got any.
I ordered a case of water from costco and it was there on arrival. This was a very smart move! What we did not use, we gave to the room next door. They were very happy!
We were only asked once if we needed a ride on those cars that come around. They normally just buzzed past you and never looked back. The one time I did flag one down he said he was going the other way. Oh, well.
I had read how you might need to override the AC to keep it on. Never had to do this...stayed nice and cool the entire trip.
We used our
DDP snack credits in the gift shop and bought donuts and milk. If you get milk....get it in the gift shop, not the little store. Much better deal in the shop.
Would I stay here again. You bet! I just can't justify paying $250-$400 a night when you spend so much of it away at Disney World. But that's me. My DD14 saw Wilderness Lodge and wanted to jump ship from CSR immediatly. I told her she better marry a rich man! lol. For all those concerned about your choice of resorts.....you need not be......you made a great choice!
