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- Sep 17, 2004
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I am preparing for our FIRST ever trip to WDW
I've read through this entire thread, but have a couple of questions:
1. DH is attending a conference at the Swan/Dolphin and we are staying at the CSR. I'll be with the kids (twin boys, almost 8) flying solo with them virtually the whole time. I'd like to make a room request, to make the most of this trip... if you were staying with 2 8-year olds, where would you request your room? Should I just say "close to dig site" or do you have another suggestion?
2. We have a rental car - Would you suggest the kids and I take the bus, or driving to the parks? Also, I've heard that you need to pay to park at the Swan/Dolphin -- if DH drives himself there, can you suggest a way he could avoid paying for parking?
Thanks so much -- I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with all the reading and planning that I've been doing... I really want to make the most of this trip!
I like Cabanas 8A to be close to the Dig Site. It's also close to the bus stop. We did have problems last March catching a MK bus. It was full and drove right by our stop. We ended up driving. Even parking at the TTC and taking a monorail we beat our fellow bus stop guests into the park. This is a very rare occurance at CSR. MK was listed as the park to avoid in TP, and crowds were particularly high for Mardi Gras break.
Depending on the time his conferences start and the time you plan to hit the parks, it might be easiest to drop him off at his conference and drive to the park, especially if you are heading to DHS or Epcot. Make sure he has good directions how to get to the conference room. Back when they had MouseFest, we got lost finding the conference room. The elevator we got on didnt stop at every floor. It was a maze finding where to go.
I have read there is an overflow lot by the Hess gas station, not sure if this is only for cm or if it is for guests too? He would have a long walk to his conference from there.
DH and I booked a preferred room - are those JUST Casitas 1, 2, and 3 or are any of the Cabanas in that as well?
I've stared at the map for along time and I think Cabanas 8B or 9A are somewhat ideal. Not super close to El Centro, but I can still fill our mugs at one of the QS places by the Dig Site, right?
I've read so much, I can't keep track of what I read anymore!
So my question in less words...preferred room worth the extra money? And Casitas or Cabanas? I'm most concerned with refilling our mugs and getting to buses. While it would be nice to be close to Pepper Market, I only see us eating there once (and probably doing so on the way to or back from a park, so I'd just take the El Centro bus).
Thanks again! 52 more days of research to cloud my head
Casitas 1, 2, 3 put you close only to El Centro. Cafe Rix is where you would refill your mug from there. This is opened much longer at night than the QS at the Dig Site. It's also opened much earlier in the morning, 6am vs 11am at the QS at the Dig Site.
Personally I would not want preferred only for fear of getting "no man's land" in building 2. I don't remember specifically which block of rooms this is.
We stayed in all 3 sections this past year. At least once we walked to El Centro from our building. It's a lovely walk, especially at night when all the lights are on around the resort. If it's hot outside, it can be a VERY HOT walk during the daytime. Our night time ritual is a walk to Cafe Rix for a gelato and a refill!!
The casitas are the most romantic, IMO. Casitas 4 and 5 are not preferred buildings, and they aren't too far from the Dig Site, where the hot tub is.
I don't think I would be disappointed with ranchos, I just think the sites of casitas are prettier.
aholic!
