3/1-3/5...DAY ONE...Jiko, CSR, CM inside facts

angey77

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First let me say this was my first time doing Disney in just four days and I'm crying like a baby...TOO SHORT!
We arrived at CSR at 9 a.m. Saturday (we forgot to set our clocks forward and got there a LITTLE early...oops!). We did get our room request of a king, waterview room in the Cabanas..more on that later. Needless to say, our room was not ready so we bought our ENight tickets for 3/4 and hopped the bus to MGM. MGM was nice that day, well, the lines were. We did pretty good, knocked out RnRC, ToT (love the new drop sequences), Backstage Tour, Animation Tour, Muppets, Star Tours and Indiana Jones by day's end. We weren't hurrying to see and do all as we were just there five months ago and going back in nine. MGM crowds were no October crowds, but lines generally ran about 15 minutes. We skipped the last showing of Tapestry, which I now kinda regret, but the day was great anyway.
Back to CSR, and I do have to say, rooms at POFQ were nicer than CSR. Our room was clean, but it looks like the carpet was cut too big and appeared to just be folded over one inch up the wall. Our view was gorgeous though...Cabana 8B, room 8608. We then headed to Jiko to meet up with a CM friend. The food was awesome! Appetizer included the Kalamata Olive Flatbread and entrees Grilled Buttermilk-Curry Shrimp, Pan Roasted Monkfish (that was me!), and Berbere Braised Lamb Shank. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meal (and wines!).
So, my CM friend gave me some inside scoop. First off, yes, the Great Movie Ride will soon see its demise and in will come the villains. sigh. I'm not sure of the date, neither is she, but she said they have been notified it is a go. It will no longer look like the Chinese Theatre either, so get pics of it while you can!
She has ridden Mission Space...LUCKY!!
Pirates of the Caribbean is haunted! Yes, haunted. Her sister is a manager in training and has been told and does tell that an Imagineer by the name of George helped develop the ride. While the ride was being built, George died and now haunts the attraction. If CMs do not say good night to George as the last thing they do before leaving the building, there are technical difficlties the next morning and a delayed opening...spooky.
We also learned based on height and build, my boyfriend could only be cast as Genie, Beast or Goofy.
Day 2 and more, soon to come. California Grill, Disney Quest, Le Chefs de France, RnRC WITHOUT THE AUDIO (ugh), ENight....Like sands though the hour glass....Better get back to work now!
 
Excellent report.

Big news about the Great Movie Ride. Sounds like that changeover will definitely take some time. Doubtful it will be done when we go at Christmastime.

Thanks again for the info!!
Peace
G4L
 
We must have checked in right after you!!! We were also in Cabans 8B-room 8560. Firs floor facing quiet pool.

I agree about the rooms. they were a little worn.

We just LOVED the resort.

Jiko is one of our favorites!!!

can't wait to read more!
 

Sounds like a great beginning to your trip!

So sad about the great movie ride! That's a classic!
 
Thanks for the review! You are off to a very good start! I had the monkfish at Jiko, as well, and it is delicious!!!!
 














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