06/29-07/04 bday @ CSR w/DDP Pre-trip Report

[kindra657]

Joe, you can have the credit ....even though we DID stay a POFQ last July and didn't I plan the entire trip while sitting next to you in your pulpit?? AHEM (clearing my throat)!
This will be our 7th trip to the world and our FIRST time staying at CSR.
You know all that karate chopping stuff and you got too many swords...so the credit is all yours!

oh yeah, plus you scare your own family members too!!


poor lady, rolling her window up cause of you!! you should be ashamed!

 

[jwsteelman]

I don't need cheeseburgers more than I need Biergarten, you know 3 times this trip!! I can't help my family is blind and did not recognize her own nephew!! Anyways we are going to have a blast!!!!!!

 

[shellywalker]

Zumba was AMAZING!! I absolutely LOVE it!! BFF and I were supposed to go earlier this evening but it got cancelled. I did drag my lazy butt up on the treadmill for 20 mins tho...btw, just ruined it with some ihop!!
I'm supposed to be back for zumba in the morn (5 hours from now) but another gf of mine talked me into going to see her husband's band play. Their band is awesome and after a few dirty martinis, 8am Zumba flew out the window! HEEEELLLLOOOO ihop!!! I did dance to a few of their songs though!! (80's band...gotta love it!! )


After I did the online check in today, I really started getting crazy psyched!! it's like everything is becoming more real...it's sinking in that in just over a week, I'll be at my favorite place on earth!!


About DH, last night I started asking him if he was sure about where he wanted to eat for our only TS. I started bringing up some of our other favorites. I said "how bout Yak & Yeti?" and he was like "oooohhhh!" then I said, "OH OH!!! What about 50's???" and he was like "oooohhhh" then I was like, how bout we just do 'em all!?! He started grinning ear to ear and said "I love you baby!" (awwwww ) He's such a sap!!

Pics from my 80's band night out!!

My friend Candy (left) and Kimmy (right)...I think they are trying to make Candy's hair BIGGER....like they did in the 80's. (light weights!)

Candy's Husband Wes. You probably can't see it, but he's wearing a pin from Disney!! They went with us on our last trip in Sept and Candy bought him a Beatles "yellow submarine" pin from United Kingdom

The whole band minus the lead singer. The lead singer is one awesome chick but she had some medical stuff going on and couldn't make it tonight

Whew! we had a blast!! Which is probably why I'm up at 3am DiSing instead of sleeping!

I might have to try this class! We have it at our gym too, and everyone always raves about it! ihop...perfect cure for a hangover! And I also LOVE 80's music! We had a band at our wedding and they play mostly 80's hairband music! Awesomeness! I'm going to go do online check in right now! I'm kind of nervous! I'm not really sure why. haha. Awww...Someday, I swear my DH will love Disney! He doesn't have much of a choice...and he's already well on his way! I already love your DH! I told my DH about ya'll and he was like LET'S meet up for some drinks

 

[kindra657]

I might have to try this class! We have it at our gym too, and everyone always raves about it! ihop...perfect cure for a hangover! And I also LOVE 80's music! We had a band at our wedding and they play mostly 80's hairband music! Awesomeness! I'm going to go do online check in right now! I'm kind of nervous! I'm not really sure why. haha. Awww...Someday, I swear my DH will love Disney! He doesn't have much of a choice...and he's already well on his way! I already love your DH! I told my DH about ya'll and he was like LET'S meet up for some drinks

I'm sure Zumba is GREAT for hangovers....I wouldn't know . Yes, I do have a slight hangover (it doesn't take much)

OOOH! That sounds fun!!! let me know when and where!
Depending on when and where, we can put Ramiah into a kids club for a few hours. She's never been to one but I'm sure she'll love being around other kids for a bit!!
I need at least a 24 notice so that I can book the kids club for her, but I just had a GREAT idea!! How bout you guys come back to CSR for some drinks by the pool!!! CSR's pool is nicer than CR's and it'll give you guys a chance to see a mod resort and room!! then we can have a few drinks while ramiah plays in the pool!! SHE LOVES THE POOL!!
We have some down time Tues evening and thurs morn. I'm on my way to my lil cousin's bday party (90 mins away) and i'm running late or i'd go back and look at your itinerary again. you guys didn't plan much down time that i remember and i don't want u to make any changes on our account!!

 

[shellywalker]

I'm sure Zumba is GREAT for hangovers....I wouldn't know . Yes, I do have a slight hangover (it doesn't take much)

OOOH! That sounds fun!!! let me know when and where!
Depending on when and where, we can put Ramiah into a kids club for a few hours. She's never been to one but I'm sure she'll love being around other kids for a bit!!
I need at least a 24 notice so that I can book the kids club for her, but I just had a GREAT idea!! How bout you guys come back to CSR for some drinks by the pool!!! CSR's pool is nicer than CR's and it'll give you guys a chance to see a mod resort and room!! then we can have a few drinks while ramiah plays in the pool!! SHE LOVES THE POOL!!
We have some down time Tues evening and thurs morn. I'm on my way to my lil cousin's bday party (90 mins away) and i'm running late or i'd go back and look at your itinerary again. you guys didn't plan much down time that i remember and i don't want u to make any changes on our account!!

Alright, that's it. We are staying at CSR instead of CBR! I can't listen to you talk about how awesome it is anymore We will make time for drinks...who are you kidding! I do hear there is a lot of bird poop in the CR pool! I think hanging out by the pool would be perfect! I might jump in with her! I think Tuesday night would be good? Can we play it by ear? That's our arrival day...and well we didn't really have any set plans other than late lunch at 50's at 3:00! Then we'll walk around DHS for awhile. I'm thinking about junking all the plans and just doing whatever happens! Wish me luck with that!

 

[kindra657]

UPDATE!!!!

I called CSR today and spoke to Eunice, who told me that all rooms at CSR are renovated!!! They weren't supposed to be done until Oct! Hopefully Eunice knew what she was talking about and realized I was not just referring to the queen sized beds (cause I already know those are done).
We did request to be near the dig site!!

 

[KatMark]

UPDATE!!!!

I called CSR today and spoke to Eunice, who told me that all rooms at CSR are renovated!!! They weren't supposed to be done until Oct! Hopefully Eunice knew what she was talking about and realized I was not just referring to the queen sized beds (cause I already know those are done).
We did request to be near the dig site!!

Eunice is wrong!!!! They are NOT all renovated. They still have one building to go in the Ranchos section (I believe it is either 7B or 7A...and it is currently shut down); they also have the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors of Casitas 1, 2 and 3 to do.

Sorry to burst your bubble.

 

[kindra657]

Eunice is wrong!!!! They are NOT all renovated. They still have one building to go in the Ranchos section (I believe it is either 7B or 7A...and it is currently shut down); they also have the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors of Casitas 1, 2 and 3 to do.

Sorry to burst your bubble.

k, Joe (JWSteelman) called me and told me bout your post KatMark. I called CSR back. Here comes a frustrating story
At 8:15p, I called CSR directly and spoke to Marriam at the front desk. I told her that I was trying to get some information about the renovations at CSR. You see, Eunice didn't put down a request for a renovated room (cause she said they were ALL renovated). I explained to Marriam that I just wanted to make a request to help guarantee a renovated room. She placed me on hold. 10 minutes later...yes, 10 minutes, she came back on the line. I was thinking that she must've walked around the entire perimeter of CSR and checked all the buildings for me. I was wrong . She said that she couldn't discuss that information with me and that she would transfer me to guest services, who could help me further.
At 8:30 I got transferred to guest services and spoke to Libby. I explained this to Libby. Libby stated: "Let me transfer you to guest services. Thank you for calling guest services and have a good day."
Now I'm confused. I waited on the phone (my cell) for about 2 minutes and I noticed that no Disney music was playing...I took a look at my phone and saw that the call was over!! Did she hang up on me or was there a bad connection ?
At this point, I called my hot-headed friend back (JWSteelman) and he, of course, said "that's b*llsh*t!!!" He told me to call central reservations. I decided to do that, even though someone told me it was better to call the resort directly. I called central reservations and spoke to Joshua...this is where the conversation gets funny!

I explained to Josh what had happened up to that point. I told him that I just wanted to get in a room that was renovated so I asked him to request the Cabana section for me. He asked me how I knew so much about the renovation process and he told me that all rooms had queen beds. I stated that I knew that but I wanted a fully renovated room. He said WHERE ARE YOU GETTING THIS INFORMATION FROM!?!?!? I just simply stated that I had a 'friend' who frequents CSR and passes along important information. He said "so not a CM?" I said "nope, but CMs don't always know everything. One CM told me that CSR still has standard sized beds." He said "good point!" We both started laughing, he put in my reservation request and it was a positive phone conversation


Somebody send me some extra pixie dust so that we will get that renovated room!!!

 

[shellywalker]

k, Joe (JWSteelman) called me and told me bout your post KatMark. I called CSR back. Here comes a frustrating story
At 8:15p, I called CSR directly and spoke to Marriam at the front desk. I told her that I was trying to get some information about the renovations at CSR. You see, Eunice didn't put down a request for a renovated room (cause she said they were ALL renovated). I explained to Marriam that I just wanted to make a request to help guarantee a renovated room. She placed me on hold. 10 minutes later...yes, 10 minutes, she came back on the line. I was thinking that she must've walked around the entire perimeter of CSR and checked all the buildings for me. I was wrong . She said that she couldn't discuss that information with me and that she would transfer me to guest services, who could help me further.
At 8:30 I got transferred to guest services and spoke to Libby. I explained this to Libby. Libby stated: "Let me transfer you to guest services. Thank you for calling guest services and have a good day."
Now I'm confused. I waited on the phone (my cell) for about 2 minutes and I noticed that no Disney music was playing...I took a look at my phone and saw that the call was over!! Did she hang up on me or was there a bad connection ?
At this point, I called my hot-headed friend back (JWSteelman) and he, of course, said "that's b*llsh*t!!!" He told me to call central reservations. I decided to do that, even though someone told me it was better to call the resort directly. I called central reservations and spoke to Joshua...this is where the conversation gets funny!

I explained to Josh what had happened up to that point. I told him that I just wanted to get in a room that was renovated so I asked him to request the Cabana section for me. He asked me how I knew so much about the renovation process and he told me that all rooms had queen beds. I stated that I knew that but I wanted a fully renovated room. He said WHERE ARE YOU GETTING THIS INFORMATION FROM!?!?!? I just simply stated that I had a 'friend' who frequents CSR and passes along important information. He said "so not a CM?" I said "nope, but CMs don't always know everything. One CM told me that CSR still has standard sized beds." He said "good point!" We both started laughing, he put in my reservation request and it was a positive phone conversation


Somebody send me some extra pixie dust so that we will get that renovated room!!!

I'm sending all the pixie dust ever created (except for the portion I need to get an upgrade at CR!) It highly irritates me that when you call Disney...you can ask ten people the same question, and probably get nine different answers! I mean really, aren't they all told the same things and go through the same training? UGH! I'm glad it worked out in the end for you though!

 

[kindra657]

Thank you so much ShellyWalker!!!

 

[KatMark]

I have been told that even though you THINK you are calling the resort directly that you are REALLY going to Central Reservations. I don't understand the whole thing. I don't think they tell the CM's half the stuff that they should know. Someone just did a review (he didn't like the CSR or his trip at all--too crowded, too hot, no fast passes...he complained a lot) and he was in a room in Casitas 2 and it was NOT renovated. So the information I gave you is the most reliable I am sure.

 

[kindra657]

I'm sure the CMs at CSR really don't know what's going on with the renovations. They work the front desks and that's where they focus on, it seems. I'm sure I was calling CSR cause when they answer the phone they say "it's a magical day at CSR...blah blah"
I don't question u at all! That's why I called back. I've had 2 different CMs tell me that CSR was done but they don't understand that I'm not talking about the queen beds.
Thank you for the info provided for me though!! I went back and looked at the cabanas and they look like they will be just fine!! right in between el centro and the dig site

 

[kindra657]

7 more days!!!

 

[kindra657]

i think i have to continue the countdown...just without the trivia

 

[kindra657]

pre-trippy not over...but i do need to spend a lil less time on these boards!! new class looks like it's pretty demanding and I have a lot to do...will continue, without the trivia

 

[shellywalker]

this pre trippy is over. be on the look-out for live reports and a completed trip report.

Oh boo! Now what will I do for a week?

 

[kindra657]

Oh boo! Now what will I do for a week?

Read my pre-trippy!! lol!

Ok, decided to continue with a simple countdown and updates so that the pre-trippy will somewhat mirror the post-trippy....we make a lot of changes...

it's past midnight so.....

5 MORE DAYS!!!

ok, in the last couple days, things have been changed. First, I changed my mind about the luggage issue. We are going to 'attempt' to pack everything into 1 large suitcase and 2 carry-ons. Wish me luck!!! I'm still a lil worried about being laid off and $60 is worth a little inconvenience, IMHO.

ADRs:
We've made final decisions and I am NOT going to change anything else!! (I don't think...)
29th Yak & Yeti 6:00
30th Coral Reef 1:25
1st 50's Prime Time 4:25
2nd Le Chefs de France 5:10 (with Remy )
3rd Kona Cafe 5:35

 

[shellywalker]

Read my pre-trippy!! lol!

Ok, decided to continue with a simple countdown and updates so that the pre-trippy will somewhat mirror the post-trippy....we make a lot of changes...

it's past midnight so.....

5 MORE DAYS!!!

ok, in the last couple days, things have been changed. First, I changed my mind about the luggage issue. We are going to 'attempt' to pack everything into 1 large suitcase and 2 carry-ons. Wish me luck!!! I'm still a lil worried about being laid off and $60 is worth a little inconvenience, IMHO.

ADRs:
We've made final decisions and I am NOT going to change anything else!! (I don't think...)
29th Yak & Yeti 6:00
30th Coral Reef 1:25
1st 50's Prime Time 4:25
2nd Le Chefs de France 5:10 (with Remy )
3rd Kona Cafe 5:35

Yay! Now I'll have something to do for 5 more days

Everything looks good! Are you packing DD's stuff in a seperate or is that included in the one checked and two carry on's? We are shooting for one bag and one carry on! Shouldn't be too hard...although I like to pack shoes

I love your ADR's too! We had Kona for breakfast on the 3rd, but I cancelled it because I didn't think we had enough time to catch our flight

 

[kindra657]

DD's stuff has fit into a carry-on. She's pretty simple.
I'm not sure if DH and my stuff will fit into 1 checked bag and 1 carry-on though. We both have to bring tennis shoes and workout clothes (for running in the morning) and I wasn't considering that. Then we also thought about something...we are going to be alone on this trip, and we can't leave DD in the room while we run, so we are packing her tennis shoes and soccer clothes too so that she can run with us.

She's gotta love mommy! Making her read, do math, and run while on summer break!!!

 

[kindra657]

Hey KatMark, we were looking at crowd reports and we decided to relax at the resort when we first arrive because AK will be crazy crowded!!!
...We decided to go in the evening, right before our ADR, and then enjoy EMH. We also decided to skip on the idea of trying to see Fantasmic as well.

anywho, here is my question:
I will have lots of time to take pictures and go online when we first get to CSR and I was wondering what pictures are we lacking on Dis for CSR? We want to walk all around (if we can stand the heat) and have lunch at Pepper Market after we check in as well.