Stayed at CR from Feb 22 to Mar 2!! Any ???

[suevee]

We stayed at the North Wing courtesy of SoG and it was great. Especially the time we spent with my parents. We had AP passes and that took a lot of stress off of us because we could do the parks as we wanted to and never felt we were wasting a pass. We usually spent only four hours a day at the park. The rest of the time was swimming, enjoying the weather, and reading! That's right we went to WDW to read! No one can believe it, but it was one of the most relaxing time we have ever had. We treated it like the beach. Parks in morning then pool, dinner, books, relaxing in afternoon and evening. Some evenings we would go to Epcot, once we did an Illuminations cruise. Loved watching fireworks from resort!

The night we arrived home, we got a phone call that my mother had had a heart attack. Later we found out she has multiple blocked arteries and an aneurysm close to her heart. She is not a candidate for open heart surgery and has to use medication to moniter her situation. Luckily, after some close calls she is all right for now.

Knowing that now my mom's time with us will most likely be limited, the time we spent at WDW with four generations will be a priceless memory. Especially for my 7 year old granddaughter. The relationship she built with her great-grandmother during this trip will enrich her forever.

 

[Nolcrest]

It sounds like you have a wonderful time. Just what a vacation should be like. How nice that you were able to create such special memories of your time together. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Trinity721]

Thanks for sharing your precious moments! My daughter and I will be visitng DH in May (he is in the Navy, stationed in Florida... we only see him every other month ). We'll be staying at CR too. It's her first time, and I know it will be special and memorable.

Your story brought tears to my eyes! May you have many more wonderful memories at WDW!

 

[CarrieAP]

Sounds like my kind of trip! We follow your trip plan almost exactly. Yes, to have down time to read, relax and soak up the atmosphere is one of my vacation delights. I will say though that the experience is enhanced by a frozen tropical drink in hand!

Wishing luck your mother's way. We too will be with my parents part of our trip and I know that I am trying to create as many family memories as possible. Life is too short.

 

[KelliR]

How wonderful you have those magical memories! I send wishes for your mom to feel healthy and live long!

 

[MELSMICE]

suevee - First, I certainly hope your mom is feeling better. She is lucky to be able to spend time with children, grandchildren & great-granchildren. We took my grandmother about 18 months ago & she still talks about the trip & what a great time she had with everyone.

Also, I'm glad you said you relax, have reading time & down time at Disney. We do exactly the same thing you do. We get AP's, just do a few hours in the parks, enjoy the pools, read a book, enjoy each other's company, eat dinner in or out of the parks & just enjoy the evenings.

So many people think I'm crazy when I say we actually find WDW relaxing. They think we go commando style on each trip. I try to explain that to us Disney is a resort & we go to relax & enjoy ourselves. It is so much more fun & I think the reason my family looks forward to each trip more than the last one.

 

[jaysue]

How were the rooms, was it clean and reasonably up to date, did you have a pool, lake or garden view etc. How were meals and where did you eat?

Thinking of going to CR in May instead of WL

Thanks
Jason

 

[suevee]

First, thank you for all the kind wishes for my mom. She is doing better and is in rehab now. We just know that our time is limited, so keep us in your prayers. Everyone please don't take your time with your parents for granted. It does end. I am just so glad we had that time at WDW together!

Now, at the CR - Our rooms were very clean and huge! We were on the first floor facing the playground. We asked for this side as we wanted to be able to sit outside while our granddaughter played. I don't think there are any bad views here. Even if you get the parking lot you then face the Castle and have a view of the fireworks at night. It is just a nice resort.

Meals were expensive, but we were prepared for that. We really enjoyed the Concourse Steakhouse at CR for a late meal. We would order the French onion soup, crab cake appetizer, and a salad. It was just perfect for a light late night meal.

We also ate at breakfast at Chrystel Palace, Cindy's Castle, Epcot Princess Breakfast, Dennys of Rt 192, Kona's, and then light munchies. Dinner was at Ohana's, Bomas, Garden Grill, Trail's End Buffet and Concourse Steakhouse. Lunch was at RFC at AK, Kona's, Morocco's Tangeriene Cafe, and L'Cellier's.

We will not return to ANY Princess breakfast. Just not worth it. Boma's was great for me, but my poor husband was so glad they had Prime Rib and fresh fruit. He didn't even like the breads. Definitely not a meat and potatoes place. We enjoyed all the other restaurants.

Best surprise was watching the fireworks of MK from the beach at Trail's End Buffet! Fantastic! And the restaurant was a pleasant and reasonable (for WDW) surprise! Any more questions?

 

[Trinity721]

I already posted to this thread, but I'll post again. I'm glad you had such a wonderful experience. We also got placed in the North Garden Wing, and your positive experience has really made me feel much more at ease. I've heard not so great reviews about that wing and I was worried. But I think it'll be great.

You are right, life is too short. So everyone should remember to take time out and enjoy it, whether at WDW or anywhere else.
Your mother and family are in our prayers.

 

[MELSMICE]

suevee - we also love Trail's End Buffet, especially for breakfast. I really think this is the most reasonable restaurant in all of WDW & they have good food. Mostly comfort food, which we all enjoyed. I especially love the peel & eat shrimp - even though they are tiny!

Trinity721 - We were in the North Garden Wing last year on a SoG relocation & loved it. We will be leaving in another 12 days & will be back in the NGW. We requested 1st floor facing the playground like suevee had so our kids can go outside to play while we relax on the patio. Hope we get it (we paid the extra $10/day for it so we should).

Anyway, I'll think you'll enjoy the NGW of the Contemporary.