Let's see what this family does flying solo - the POST trip report!

[Queenofallthings]

I'm here on MEK's recommendation also, and boy does that girl know a good TR when she reads one! So happy I listened and popped over....FANTASTIC TR!!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Yep, I'm another one of MEKs readers jumping on board. I'm so glad I followed her recommendation and came over to check out your report. I've been reading off and on all day and you've had me laughing out loud several times!

Your kids are adorable, and being a redhead myself, I especially love your little girl's hair. I can totally appreciate the fact that she has two personalities......

Oh, and I'm a Vikings fan too

 

[FlightlessDuck]

Mary Poppins is hot.

I mean... that getup in the heat, right? Gotta me hot.

 

[nilla]

LOL, Duck

Oh, and a big THANK YOU to MEK for increasing my fan base! With Vikings fans, no less! Keep 'em comin'!

Back to our show...

Kristin's thirsty for a margarita, so we head over to Mexico. I get a Dos Equis Amber. More importantly, on the way over, we spot this outfit:

All I can say is "it's original". Once inside, we made Emily try on a sombrero (sorry - dark pavilion + our camera = no good pictures), did the Mexico Kim Possible missions, and waited as Kristin got a drink in the tequila bar. While inside, another woman sent her drink back because it was "too strong". She asked if they had anything weaker. They said, "not really", but she ordered a different drink anyway.

Now, to me, this is IN-SANE. There's little worse than getting a mixed drink and having it be light on the alcohol. It makes you think you're wasting stomach space on the mixer. In fact, I've gone so far as to think that the more booze the better; if you gave me a rum and coke with the coke added via ear dropper, I would call you the best bartender ever. I've gotten enough weak drinks in the Disney resorts to appreciate how they "get it" here in Epcot, so there's no way I would ever send a drink back for being "too strong".

After Kristin told me this, we did some shopping, then spotted the same woman, throwing the second drink IN THE GARBAGE. Are you serious? Who knew Tequila had a kick? Learn to love it or get out of Epcot, honey! Where do you think you are - Disney World? Oh, wait...

Of course, the conclusion to this story may be that it's me who has the problem, but I happen to like myself just fine and will continue to critisize the lightweights all I want, thank you.

Up next, we rode El Rio Del Tiempo (or whatever they call it now), even though Emily inexplicably did not want to. This is a fun ride, but I must say I liked it much, much more when it was just "It's a Small, Mexican World" than in its new Three Caballeros form. What happened to the catchy theme song? Where is the pushy market salesman, following us along the wall? Don't get me wrong, I'm a HUGE Donald Duck fan, but I don't see why they needed to change this. I used to look forward to this one. Put Donald outside in a sombrero and be done with it, just don't mess with my rides.

Oh, before I forget - Kristin wanted me to tell everyone that they should check out the video of the new World of Color show at Disneyland, which I unfortunately don't have a link to due to the fact that I just too darned lazy. It is exceptional; much better than that water show in Hollywood Studio, IMO.

Anyway, back to Epcot. It's almost dinner time, so we head over from Mexico to Germany, and fortunately, there's no Arizona pavilion between the two to complicate things. I'm HOPING there will be better beer inside the restaurant than there was outside, since the Spaten Oktoberfest just didn't satisfy me. It's a good beer, but to quote a certain half girl, half fish, "I want morrrrrrre..."

Inside we go, and we're seated with two women, one man, and a very small child (maybe age 1?). For those of you who've never eaten at the Biergarten, one of the gimmicks is that if you are a party of less than 8, you may end up sitting by total strangers. This may bother some, but after an afternoon of drinking my way around the world, this is exactly what I'm looking for.

Unfortunately, the others are quiet. We order our drinks - a Franziskaner Hefeweizen for Kristin and a Spaten Optimator for me, in the liter mugs of course. I eventually notice that the guy at the table is also drinking Optimator, so I offer a toast. He humors me, but they're still relatively quiet.

We go up and get our food, and I'm loving it. I can eat this stuff all day. I don't know what half of it is, but it's soooo good and soooo German, so it doesn't much matter - I'll eat it all the same. I should probably be saving some room for the delicious desserts, but I can't control myself at buffets. Throw in over 32 ounces of dopplebock as well, and I'm about ready to burst. The kids eat very little, but that's ok, because we can enjoy their food without worrying about them, thanks to the dance floor.

Dylan and Emily head down together, leaving us at the table, and instantly find friends as the music starts. Hey, it sounds like Martin Gross might have a new CD out, since I'm not hearing "Die Kleine Eisenbahn", "Gruss Gott", "Zirkus Renz", or any of the other classics of "Germutlichkeit!", the one CD I own by them and my favorite soundtrack for homebrewing. The new stuff is great, too, so I'll; have to remember to pick up this CD.

Down on the floor, Emily is dancing with a grown man I don't know. Awesome! Wait - it's just the dad of the girl she's been dancing with. I'm guessing Emily interjected herself into a father/daughter moment and stole the dance, so I can't really take issue with this guy.

Wait - they're playing "Prosit!" Helllllll yeah!! My mug's a-swinging, and I'll blow out your eardrums when I shout "Hoi! Hoi! Hoi!" The others at the table are a bit more alive now, which adds to the fun. Turns out one of the women is actually here by herself, and does so quite frequently, being a local and all. While I don't think it would be the same as coming here with family or friends, I can't say I wouldn't do it in a pinch. I know I almost always fight the urge to ride an attraction alone when I'm coming back from getting Fast Passes, so who's to say?

Dinner was AWESOME as usual - the Biergarten is definitely my favorite "experience" restaurant in WDW, even if it's topped by others in the food department. Highly recommended to any who haven't eaten here before. And those who have. Prost!

 

[nilla]

Who wants another update? Me!! What - no one else? Oh well. I'll type one up anyway.

Loaded down by 5 pounds of German food and more beer that I care to remember, we decide to explore Italy to help walk it all off. Oh, what the hey - I'll grab a Moretti while we're here, but first, let's get some pictures!

***WARNING - PHOTOPASS PLUG!!!***

Here we are in Italy, and who shows up, but Seth.

...

C'mon, guys, Seth!

What - you don't know who Seth is? Ok, I'll fill you in.

While all of the Photopass CMs we've met on our trip so far have been great, seth is without a doubt the greatest. We loved his pictures so much we stalked him all through Epcot. We considered offering him money to fall us all day. Kristin even wrote a letter to the Photopass contact saying how great he was. Here's some of his work:

Anyone who can make me look remotely like a tough guy has got to have talent. After thanking him excessively, we take some shots of our own...

...then get closer to the water, for even more shots.

We got a TON of great shots in the last fifteen minutes. It's starting to get late, so we start thinking about wrapping the night up.

 

[nilla]

After having beaten down World Showcase once again, we decided to go back to CSR, skipping Illuminations, which we already saw once. But first, we headed over to Test Track, where we got to ride alone...

...then decided to close out the night on Soarin'. In line, we met a couple, probably in their 70s, who were waiting for row B1. We decided to as well, and struck up a conversation. They clue us in on several Hidden Mickeys we had no idea existed, such as:

- the hedges behind the house during the baloon scene
- a Mickey balloon being pulled into a golf buggy on the Pebble Beach scene
- Mickey waving up during the Main Street scene

Dylan sits next to the man on the ride, and they have a blast talking. Afterwards, we learn even more about them. The man (I can't believe I didn't ask his name) has been coming to Disney parks ever since Disney LAND opened in 1955, and obviously shares the same enthusiasm for it as we do. We talk about how he's been in Disney Parks hundreds of times and never saw a single fight, how great the CMs are, how all the little details make the experience, etc, etc. He tells me he really enjoys when he gets to talk to people like us, who enjoy it as much as they do. They were such a nice couple, and it's rare you run into people like this who remind you that you're not crazy for obsessing over a fantasy land in Florida centered around a cartoon mouse. Ok, maybe you ARE crazy, but it's ok to be crazy. Whatever - another truly magical experience, and one that Disney had no direct hand in creating.

Afterwards, we head back to CSR, take a few snaps on the way to the room, and pack it in around 9:45. Forgive the night shots and just enjoy the view. This place is spectacular, day or night.

Tomorrow is our "open day", which means it's up in the air about what we're going to do. It was originally intended to be a short Hollywood Studios day with dinner at the Cape May Clambake, but Kristin's thinking we may just bum around at the resort until dinner, then try to get into the Maya Grille, with no park visit whatsoever.



...but not if I have anything to say about it!!


Up next - ???

 

[nilla]

True story: Around the age of 8 or 9, I decided the Vikings had the coolest helmets, and became a fan. And it stuck. That's all - no connection to Minnesota whatsoever

I feel I must point out that while I have no ties to the state and became a Vikings fan in a rather silly way, I 100% bleed purple, to the point where it's an obsession. Sort of like Disney. I think if I ever ran into a Vikings player at WDW, I would pass out.

I will seriously need to consider getting down here next year for the parade after they win the Super Bowl. Skol Vikings!

 

[SoonerGirl]

I loved the margarita that I got at the tequila cave - I can't imagine paying $11 for a drink and throwing it in the trash!

I've never been drawn to Biergarten, but it sounds like fun, we may have to give it a try sometime.

On the Vikings - my parents were both born and raised in Minnesota so I've been a fan my whole life. We got to meet Adrian Peterson at an OU/TX game after his rookie season in the NFL. My boys were on top of the world excited!

 

[KatMark]

MEK (Mary Ellen) sent me over and said what a great writer you are. I also see you stayed at our favorite resort. Okay, back to the beginning to catch up with your family.

 

[Wicket's Mom]

Saw a recommendation for your TR from MEK. Once I saw your avatar I had to check it out. Anyone that is a fan of Bucky has to be good! Now to catch up.

 

[lshaw6]

Ok, started reading your TR last night and finished it up today. LOVE IT!! It has certainly kept me laughing and your pictures are great. Your family looks like they are having a great time. We love Cosmic Ray's too!! Their burgers are fantastic. Can't wait for your next installment. It looks like you have picked up quite a fan base. Did I mention, once again, to give MEK credit for me being here?! So glad she stumbled upon your TR and suggested we give it a read.

 

[MEK]

All I can say is TOLD YOU SO!

 

[MEK]

While inside, another woman sent her drink back because it was "too strong". She asked if they had anything weaker. They said, "not really", but she ordered a different drink anyway.

Now, to me, this is IN-SANE. There's little worse than getting a mixed drink and having it be light on the alcohol. It makes you think you're wasting stomach space on the mixer. In fact, I've gone so far as to think that the more booze the better; if you gave me a rum and coke with the coke added via ear dropper, I would call you the best bartender ever. I've gotten enough weak drinks in the Disney resorts to appreciate how they "get it" here in Epcot, so there's no way I would ever send a drink back for being "too strong".

After Kristin told me this, we did some shopping, then spotted the same woman, throwing the second drink IN THE GARBAGE. Are you serious? Who knew Tequila had a kick? Learn to love it or get out of Epcot, honey! Where do you think you are - Disney World? Oh, wait...

Oh Nilla - I think we are all going to like you even better after that commentary! A "too strong" drink in the garbage!!!!!!! HORRORS! That is so wrong on so many levels!

 

[nilla]

Wow, look at the turnout! THANK YOU again, MEK - they more people I have to listen to my mundane ramblings, the better!

KatMark - YOU were extremely helpful in us choosing Coronado Springs, since you answered a ton of questions Kristin had while we were still debating between that and Caribbean Beach. It's our favorite resort now, too, so a big thank you to you.

SoonerGirl - our friends are friends w/ one of the Vikings asst. coaches, so when we went out this year for the Detroit game, we got to hang out in the coaches' and players' lot after the same. We saw just about everyone! We didn't want to seem like groupies, but I did get to meet Percy Harvin and Kristin met Peterson. What a great experience!

Wicket's Mom - love your avatar, too! I got the black Maneki Neko solar bobbleheads this year from the store in the Japan Pavilion. I have them on my desk at work and turn them on when I need to ward off evil spirits

Glad everyone's having fun. I may just be feeling inspired enough to keep this ball rolling tonight.

 

[Nora03]

I've come out of lurkdom to tell you how much I'm enjoying your trip report. Thanks Mek for sending us over. I'm not sure if I've posted on Mek's, but loving both your reports and writing style. So much fun. It's great to share with others who love Disney too.

We're planning to stay at CSR next year too. After a few off-site stays we've now stayed at CBR, POFQ and Wilderness Lodge. I've read good things about CSR and I've read all of KatMark's "unofficial" thread. It looks like you love it as much as Kat.

You have a lovely family and seem to have so much fun together. Raising kids isn't easy, but it looks like you handle the downs as well as the ups very well. Great job!

 

[nilla]

We're planning to stay at CSR next year too. After a few off-site stays we've now stayed at CBR, POFQ and Wilderness Lodge. I've read good things about CSR and I've read all of KatMark's "unofficial" thread. It looks like you love it as much as Kat.

We stayed at WL last year, and with the exception of the boat to MK, we liked CSR much better than WL. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

 

[ForAandA]

Coming out of lurking mode to thank you. Have spent the better part of the evening reading your report, and sharing bits and pieces with hubby. Your writing style is awesome!

Waiting patiently for more

 

[nilla]

As you may recall (or can scroll up a few posts to see), today is our "open day". What that means is that we're going to actually try to stick around and enjoy the resort for a while, then either head over the the Cape May Clambake at the Beach Club for dinner, or try to get into the Maya Grille here at CSR. We don't have any park plans for today.

...

Ok, I should say Kristin doesn't have any park plans for today, because a day in WDW without going to a park to me is like a margarita that's too light on the tequila - almost a waste. Rather than trying to push my opinion, however, I decided to keep my mouth shut and see how the day plays out. I know this family too well to abandon all hope of a late afternoon park visit.

We slept in until around 10:00, then got suited up and headed over to the pool. The pool at CSR is huge and a ton of fun. The slide is better than the ones at Wilderness Lodge and French Quarter, IMO, and the pool itself was laid out in a nice, open, "hey, I can actually see where my son is" way. The theming is great, too.

The kids have been asking to play at the playground all week, and we just haven't gotten around to in until now. They did just that, and for a long time, prior to swimming.

Dylan and I tried to play ping pong, but a broken ball doesn't bounce too well, so I kicked his backside at foosball instead. We swam for a while after that, then headed over to the Pepper Market for lunch. This is an odd counter service restaurant in that they have servers who get you your drinks, so you should tip, even though you pick up all of your food. The food was excellent, though, and the selection was huge. Kristin and I both got the steak burrito and loved it.

Lots of conventioners around today. I believe we're at the start of the "Navigator" conference, which is for emergency dispatch personnel. What this means to us "regular" guests is that if an emergency should occur at the resort during this convention, we have more than adequate resources for dispatching someone to take care of the problem. Who will they dispatch, you ask? Well, let's not worry about that right now, and just rest easy with the knowledge that they COULD dispatch someone, whomever that might be. Sound good? Ok.

After lunch, we went back to the room afterwards and Kristin started packing up a little for the trip home

Afterwards, we took a walk around the resort, taking a boatload of pictures, starting with the Casitas:

Ranchos:

and the Cabanas, where we stayed:

And some various other shots, mostly overlooking the big lake:

Did I mention that CSR is beautiful? We were in awe every time we walked around it. 100% guest satisfaction from our family.

As we look back at the day so far, we can see that this has turned out exactly as Kristin planned - a nice, relaxing day with no real rush to get anywhere.



*sigh*



Ok, now what park are we going to?


Kristin and I start discussing what to do next. We're going to a park; we've settled at least that much, but which one? We could go back to Animal Kingdom and ride Expedition: Everest a few more times. We could go back to Hollywood Studios and ride Rock 'n Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror again. Magic Kingdom is Extra Magic Hours or something, so we want to avoid that. How about Epcot?

Epcot? That sounds like a WONDERFUL idea! I mean, we've only been there 3 times so far this trip, the most recent being a whole 24 hours ago, and aren't scheduled to go back there until tomorrow. Ok, that settles it - we're both in agreement, and Epcot it is!

 

[FlightlessDuck]

Love all the shots of CSR.

 

[nilla]

Love all the shots of CSR.

We took about 4 times as many as I posted. The place is just amazing.