gtrist4life
Choose wisely
- Joined
- Mar 4, 2003
- Messages
- 787
THE CAST
Our Group - Disney nuts and recently new DVC members
Me (The planner of all this, Age 39)
DW (Co-planner and voice of reason Age 39)
DD (Age 15 at start of trip, Age 16 at end of trip)
DS (Age 8 and overall good sport)
The Outlaws - Last time at WDW in 1996 with Our Group
MIL (Mother in Law Age 65)
FIL (Father in Law Age 74)
3 Sisters Group - (Mom and Aunt M went with us last year, Aunt D and Rhon havent been since early 70s)
Mom (My mom Age 65)
Aunt M (My moms sister Age 69)
Aunt D (My moms sister Age 62)
Rhon (Aunt Ds daughter Age 42, has MS, but you wouldnt know it from seeing her)
SILs group (Never been)
SIL (DWs sister age 40 Did visit MK once in the early 70s)
BIL (age 38, self proclaimed Not a Park-er)
Niece (age 18 months)
Nephew (age 3)
M&J Brother and Sister in law from NYC (Have been a couple times over the last 10 years)
M (DWs brother age 36)
J - (Ms wife age 41)
DAY 1 - Lets have a 14 people party in One Room!
Plane trip went very smooth. Love having a direct flight from Dayton to Orlando. Left at approx. 7:30 am and touched down at approx. 9:30 Friday Dec. 12. Realized when we deplaned that DS did not have his coat. Determined that he left at the Dayton gate and not on the plane. Quick call from the Orlando gate to look for the coat and if found, wed pick it up on Wed. night. Made our way to baggage claim, FIL tried to get smashed by the shuttle tram doors, but he failed. Safety mechs saved the day.
Once in baggage claim, Renata from FL Tours was waiting for us, she led us to our luggage carousel and went to get the van. Went outside to stop 13 and the van arrived shortly after. Loaded up, popped in Lilo and Stitch and away we went! Stopped at a Publix close to SeaWorld. We stopped at this one in June and its perfect for what we needed. Loaded up on bottled water, pop tarts, and snacky stuff for the trip and then were back on the road, probably less than 30 minutes. Were a bit rushed as Renata had to get back to the airport to pick up SIL and fam at approx. 11:30.
Arrived at CSR at about 11:10, load bags up with Bell Services and then on to check in. With our mixed group of reservations, methods of payment, and requests, the CM was a bit overwhelmed, but with patience we were able to straighten things out. Couple of notes, we had requested that all rooms be in Casitas buildings 2 or 3. My group of 4s room was listed as Ranchos and not ready, we switched that to Castias 2156 and it was ready. Unfortunately none of the other 3 rooms needed that day were. So off we cart everyones luggage to our room to wait for the other rooms, explore the resort, rest etc. Walked to the Dig Site and enjoyed the landscaping, fountains, and pool views. Oh, we also got our CSR Pepper Market mugs!!
By 3:15 none of the rooms were ready, and some of the 3 sisters group were getting a bit frustrated, plus we had to get going for our 4:40 PS at 1900 Park Fare. After everyone shared our vanity it was pretty trashed. We also had used the ice bucket to store Milk-ham-and Rhons MS shots (they need and get a fridge for their room). This also contributed to the party mess to our room.
Okay off to Park Fare with a party of 10 (SIL group ate at Pepper Mkt and did not go-plus they got up very early to arrive from Minneapolis and were tired) We planned to hit whichever came first the Studios bus or the MK bus, the Studios bus arrived and off we went (probably should have waited for the MK bus). Hopped the Contemp-Poly-GF bus at Studios and by about 5:00 we arrived at GF ( at about 4:35 when I knew we were going to be late, I called WDW Dining, they said they would hold our PS ). By this time 3 of the Sisters group decided they did not want to spend the bucks on a buffet as they thought it was too pricey and were not hungry enough to eat buffet style. They went off to explore the beautiful decorations and eat at GF Café.
The seven remaining party members ( Our 4, the Outlaws, and my Mom ) arrived at the 1900 Park Fare. Took pics with FG in the lobby before we were seated. Upon seating, one of the mice came over for pics, then on to the food! The buffet was set up nice, and most everything tried was very good. Highlights were the baked cod with spinach topping, pork chops with sauce and sausage tops, cheese lasagna, pasta from the pasta table, strawberry soup of course.
Lowlights, Prime rib too rare for our party. Also some poor CM toppled about 30 (sounded like that many )plates onto the floor and the crash was loud! Got pics with Cinderella and Prince Charming and after topping off our full tummies with desert, settled up and out to the lobby to find the other 3. Found Aunt M looking tired on a couch as we all were getting that way too.
We enjoyed the atmosphere and decorations then decided to round everyone up to take the boat back to MK. Rhon and Aunt D outside, Rhon bought a big green Goofy hat and was enjoying the laughs from everyone at the sight of her.
Head out to the boat about 6:40 and since the suns gone down, its a bit chilly!
Take the boat from the GF to the Poly. When docked, they told us to stay on the boat, then go to the back, theres a maintenance issue. The CMs board, open the hatch, twiddle a bit, walkie-talkie a bit, then we get the clear to sail on. Tree in front of Contemporary very pretty all lit up. Arrive at MK about the time MVMCP is about to start so were walking against the big crowd. Pass by a few of the Mickey Statues then make our way back to CSR yay! We arrive at about 7:30 and all the rooms are ready. SIL said her room was ready by about 4:00, shes in 2182, 3 Sisters are in 2181, and the Outlaws are in 2184. We all like having first floor rooms and after we clean up the party- wait mess, we decide to call Mousekeeping for more towels. An hour after the first call, we call again, they say well put an urgent message on it. An hour after that, were ready to hit the sack and shut our eyes. I guess about a half-hour after lights out, Mousekeeping finally knocks on the door with towels. Better late than never.
After the late check in, late towels, being a bit farther than we wanted to be from El Centro, DW says she wont stay here again (this changes later in the trip
). I personally love the appearance of the resort and dont mind the walk, but agree service so far, could be a bit better.
Animal Kingdom tomorrow!
Peace
G4L
Our Group - Disney nuts and recently new DVC members
Me (The planner of all this, Age 39)
DW (Co-planner and voice of reason Age 39)
DD (Age 15 at start of trip, Age 16 at end of trip)
DS (Age 8 and overall good sport)
The Outlaws - Last time at WDW in 1996 with Our Group
MIL (Mother in Law Age 65)
FIL (Father in Law Age 74)
3 Sisters Group - (Mom and Aunt M went with us last year, Aunt D and Rhon havent been since early 70s)
Mom (My mom Age 65)
Aunt M (My moms sister Age 69)
Aunt D (My moms sister Age 62)
Rhon (Aunt Ds daughter Age 42, has MS, but you wouldnt know it from seeing her)
SILs group (Never been)
SIL (DWs sister age 40 Did visit MK once in the early 70s)
BIL (age 38, self proclaimed Not a Park-er)
Niece (age 18 months)
Nephew (age 3)
M&J Brother and Sister in law from NYC (Have been a couple times over the last 10 years)
M (DWs brother age 36)
J - (Ms wife age 41)
DAY 1 - Lets have a 14 people party in One Room!
Plane trip went very smooth. Love having a direct flight from Dayton to Orlando. Left at approx. 7:30 am and touched down at approx. 9:30 Friday Dec. 12. Realized when we deplaned that DS did not have his coat. Determined that he left at the Dayton gate and not on the plane. Quick call from the Orlando gate to look for the coat and if found, wed pick it up on Wed. night. Made our way to baggage claim, FIL tried to get smashed by the shuttle tram doors, but he failed. Safety mechs saved the day.
Once in baggage claim, Renata from FL Tours was waiting for us, she led us to our luggage carousel and went to get the van. Went outside to stop 13 and the van arrived shortly after. Loaded up, popped in Lilo and Stitch and away we went! Stopped at a Publix close to SeaWorld. We stopped at this one in June and its perfect for what we needed. Loaded up on bottled water, pop tarts, and snacky stuff for the trip and then were back on the road, probably less than 30 minutes. Were a bit rushed as Renata had to get back to the airport to pick up SIL and fam at approx. 11:30.
Arrived at CSR at about 11:10, load bags up with Bell Services and then on to check in. With our mixed group of reservations, methods of payment, and requests, the CM was a bit overwhelmed, but with patience we were able to straighten things out. Couple of notes, we had requested that all rooms be in Casitas buildings 2 or 3. My group of 4s room was listed as Ranchos and not ready, we switched that to Castias 2156 and it was ready. Unfortunately none of the other 3 rooms needed that day were. So off we cart everyones luggage to our room to wait for the other rooms, explore the resort, rest etc. Walked to the Dig Site and enjoyed the landscaping, fountains, and pool views. Oh, we also got our CSR Pepper Market mugs!!
By 3:15 none of the rooms were ready, and some of the 3 sisters group were getting a bit frustrated, plus we had to get going for our 4:40 PS at 1900 Park Fare. After everyone shared our vanity it was pretty trashed. We also had used the ice bucket to store Milk-ham-and Rhons MS shots (they need and get a fridge for their room). This also contributed to the party mess to our room.
Okay off to Park Fare with a party of 10 (SIL group ate at Pepper Mkt and did not go-plus they got up very early to arrive from Minneapolis and were tired) We planned to hit whichever came first the Studios bus or the MK bus, the Studios bus arrived and off we went (probably should have waited for the MK bus). Hopped the Contemp-Poly-GF bus at Studios and by about 5:00 we arrived at GF ( at about 4:35 when I knew we were going to be late, I called WDW Dining, they said they would hold our PS ). By this time 3 of the Sisters group decided they did not want to spend the bucks on a buffet as they thought it was too pricey and were not hungry enough to eat buffet style. They went off to explore the beautiful decorations and eat at GF Café.
The seven remaining party members ( Our 4, the Outlaws, and my Mom ) arrived at the 1900 Park Fare. Took pics with FG in the lobby before we were seated. Upon seating, one of the mice came over for pics, then on to the food! The buffet was set up nice, and most everything tried was very good. Highlights were the baked cod with spinach topping, pork chops with sauce and sausage tops, cheese lasagna, pasta from the pasta table, strawberry soup of course.
Lowlights, Prime rib too rare for our party. Also some poor CM toppled about 30 (sounded like that many )plates onto the floor and the crash was loud! Got pics with Cinderella and Prince Charming and after topping off our full tummies with desert, settled up and out to the lobby to find the other 3. Found Aunt M looking tired on a couch as we all were getting that way too.
We enjoyed the atmosphere and decorations then decided to round everyone up to take the boat back to MK. Rhon and Aunt D outside, Rhon bought a big green Goofy hat and was enjoying the laughs from everyone at the sight of her.
Head out to the boat about 6:40 and since the suns gone down, its a bit chilly!
Take the boat from the GF to the Poly. When docked, they told us to stay on the boat, then go to the back, theres a maintenance issue. The CMs board, open the hatch, twiddle a bit, walkie-talkie a bit, then we get the clear to sail on. Tree in front of Contemporary very pretty all lit up. Arrive at MK about the time MVMCP is about to start so were walking against the big crowd. Pass by a few of the Mickey Statues then make our way back to CSR yay! We arrive at about 7:30 and all the rooms are ready. SIL said her room was ready by about 4:00, shes in 2182, 3 Sisters are in 2181, and the Outlaws are in 2184. We all like having first floor rooms and after we clean up the party- wait mess, we decide to call Mousekeeping for more towels. An hour after the first call, we call again, they say well put an urgent message on it. An hour after that, were ready to hit the sack and shut our eyes. I guess about a half-hour after lights out, Mousekeeping finally knocks on the door with towels. Better late than never.
After the late check in, late towels, being a bit farther than we wanted to be from El Centro, DW says she wont stay here again (this changes later in the trip
). I personally love the appearance of the resort and dont mind the walk, but agree service so far, could be a bit better.Animal Kingdom tomorrow!
Peace
G4L
