Let me see if I can answer all these questions.
First let me say that this has been a dream of mine since it was first built to stay here facing the castle. We were on the 7th floor room 4326. It was the next to the last room the farthest away from MK. Could still see everything just fine. The pictures of the rooms do not do justice. This may seem weird but when you are sitting on the toilet and looking at the wallpaper, it gives this unique light reflection. I don't know how to explain it. It is really cool. Also, if you have only the lights on around the mirrors, it is also cool. The mosiac beneath the TV lights up. We discovered this a few days into the trip. I also really liked the reading lights over each side of the beds. They can be dimmed as low as you want. Oh, there is a mirror that goes across the wall up over the sofa. You can see the reflection of the Castle in it. We also had a computer with internet access, still free.
Never paid a whole lot of attention to the construction. The big crane catches yor eye but did not notice much going on.
The lobby is very spacous and modern. The CMs there were really nice and helpful. Never seemed crowded.
The food court seemed small, but efficient. There is only one counter to order food and sometimes it was backed up.
We ate at Concourse one night. Having heard so much good stuff I was really excited. However, I was disappointed in the steak. I will probably try it again. Right now I prefer LeCellier. That steak could not be beat.
In reference to the gift shop, we went to the one that was partially in a room and partially out in the lobby whichever one that is.
My next dream is to stay concierge. There were times when I would have liked to have just gone into the lounge for a quick breakfast or snack.
And yes, we did walk at night some. The way the whole place is lit up is beautiful especially the blinking lights on the trees.
This trip was a one on one trip with my 11 year old grandson. Next year will be one with my 9 year old but he is a real animal lover so we will stay at AKL. I even had him over to see the fireworks from the balcony (the rest of the family was at WL). He still wants AKL!! I have a third grandson to work on to get back to CR.
Whew!! Anothing else? I could go on and on about the CR.