The Great Leap into Running and DVC Ownership.

[dizneeat]

So before I get to ADRs, let me just pose a question.

I have been watching the DVC site to see if anything were to open up for marathon weekend.

Meanwhile, Kira and Josh are reconsidering changing dates to when we are not going to be there since their plan was to use Christmas bonus (it is a set account that Josh pays into so they know exactly what his "bonus" will be) in order to pay for their trip. This will come in just after that 45 day window.

Keep in mind Kira does not want to share a room with us since we are leaning toward NOT getting the dp.

So... now I look and see that there are studios available at AK..even a Savannah room. Admittedly, maybe there is one room? I don't know. What I do know that in theory, we could change our room from OKW and get two studios for approximately the same points. (yes a tad more..but two rooms) The draws to staying in the one bedroom was having space to hang out a real place to cook and a spot for Zach and Kimberly should they show up for a few nights.

But it has been the dream of all of my kids to stay at AKL.. and the change could make it so that Kira and Josh wouldn't have to change their dates. Zach and Kimberly are definitely out since she has school and they hope to be going down in the spring. While we wouldn't have the large patio area with the table, we still would have a balcony. And are there connecting rooms? Kira and Josh could still get their dp. We would just have Alex in the room with them and get it for him as well. (he tends to go off on his own and having cs credits would be a good thing for him)

However, AK is far from MK. And we wouldn't have a nice tub. (but a better pool?) We also couldn't make a meal. (we were planning to make one "real" meal in the room)

Can anyone else come up with pros and cons? I can't discuss with Steve cause "it is too far off to think about" and Kira just gets frustrated. I am anxious to stay at OKW... I think my problem is I want to stay everywhere.

Okay, I think I will not be much help here, but ..........

If you all really wanted to stay at AKL than, why not? Two studios would still give you quite some room.
Did you look at Jambo or Kidani. If you are at Jambo House you would have easy access to Mara, which is quite a good CS. From Kidani you could fit in a little run there.

See it like this, OKW will be there next time too. And I have to admit, that once you have stayed at OKW and enjoyed the 1 BR, you will have a hard time staying anywhere else.

See, I told you, I would not be much help!

 

[annmarieda]

Okay, I think I will not be much help here, but ..........

If you all really wanted to stay at AKL than, why not? Two studios would still give you quite some room.
Did you look at Jambo or Kidani. If you are at Jambo House you would have easy access to Mara, which is quite a good CS. From Kidani you could fit in a little run there.

See it like this, OKW will be there next time too. And I have to admit, that once you have stayed at OKW and enjoyed the 1 BR, you will have a hard time staying anywhere else.

See, I told you, I would not be much help!

You were helpful... in helping me to understand that either is a viable choice. I know both will be there in the future. However, the next trip will definitely be a studio since it will be just Steve and I...so no OKW then...but also no kids to share with how cool where ever we do end up staying that trip.

this is gonna take some thought.

 

[annmarieda]

Saturday, 7/13 I woke just before 4am to make sure to get the ADRs I..er, I mean we wanted.

At first I went online. Alas, nothing I did would keep my reservation to AoA linked long enough to make ADRs.

Not wanting to wake anyone by having a phone conversation, I quickly grabbed my info I needed and went downstairs to make the call.

I was able to get all but one on my list for almost the exact times I wanted. The one I didn't get is probably just not quite in the system and the cm told me I should be able to get it as the date got just a hair closer.

Now, I had thought I might string you all along and not reveal all ADRs at once but rather as I added each day's plans. Well, maybe I am just a bit too for that. Instead I will list all the places and as I post daily plans I will share the details of each reservation. (including who I expect to dine) Funny note though... As I mentioned to Steve I booked one for the younger kids and I. He was shocked and said "what about me". Alex was near me and looked at me and said... "I was there when he said he didn't want that one" So apparently I will have to go in and make one change because he definitely doesn't want to be left out.

So in no particular order....

we will be dinning at....

Garden View Tea Room
Be Our Guest
Via Napoli
Ohana
1900 Park Fare
Olivias
Kouzzina
Biergarten
Paridiso 37
50's Prime Time
Tusker House
Coral Reef
Boma

 

[momabaarjo]

Bet I can guess when Kouzzina is... and for which meal!

 

[annmarieda]

Bet I can guess when Kouzzina is... and for which meal!

Yes, I become a creature of habit any chance I get.

 

[dizneeat]

Bet I can guess when Kouzzina is... and for which meal!

Yes, I become a creature of habit any chance I get.

........ but so you know, your reviews have inspired us to give it a try for breakfast in August.

 

[MEK]

Cute haircut.

Fun ADRs.

Poor Zoey. OMGoodness. I am sure you mentioned latex allergy before, but I did not know it was that severe. I would absolutely hate to be allergic to foods. I hope you get a definitive answer quickly.

That splash of color race looks like a lot of fun. I used to do races on a fairly regular basis and I was ALWAYS up for the post party. Drinking at 10am? Sure, why not! Now I am just a solo runner who runs almost the same route every day. But at least my neighbors all know me.

A couple years ago I went on a diet and exercise regimen where I was doing conditioning in the morning and interval training on a treadmill or out door running 6 out of 7 days. I didn't listen to my body and I obsessively kept on track, only to get strep throat for the first time in years. I learned my lesson. It really IS possible to over train. So don't be too hard on yourself if you miss a run or really don't feel like you should be running.

 

[Dream426]

Your haircut came out great. I know a couple of people who did a splash of color race or something similar. It looks like a lot of fun and I would totally do it if I liked to run. Great choices for ADR's. I absolutely can not wait to try Be Our Guest.

 

[WDWRids]

Catching up....hate that you've been sick but glad to hear both of you are on the mend. I commend you for keeping up your running and doing the color run. Not sure I could deal with the dust clouds but sounded like an interesting event.

Wow....didn't realize the latex allergy would also include the fruit! Zoe sounds like a real trooper!

I vote for AKL.

Love the ADRs! Have not eaten at some of those and looking forward to your report on them.

Do you do the run walk method or just run? Was wondering if the run walk was beneficial?

 

[WDWRids]

Love the haircut!

 

[annmarieda]

........ but so you know, your reviews have inspired us to give it a try for breakfast in August.

I love the fact that there is your nonstandard breakfast fare at Kouzzina. Yet... it is still eggs and bacon. I tend to crave salt after long runs and I tend to struggle with iron levels. Protein is great for recovery after a long run. Also.. ya need just a bit of carbs to recharge. So my "usual" is the get the spinach tomato and feta scrambled eggs.. I would love to try the country french toast "grilled fig and anise bread with apple fig compote" but I am afraid it would be too much carb, no iron, and little protein. (the salt would still be there though in the yummy bacon )

You should be warned though.. there is not eggs benedict on the menu.

Cute haircut.

Thanks.

Fun ADRs.

I hope so. We have not been to a few of them so I am not sure how they will go. We have stayed away from 50's PT because of the antics. Steve and Alex are not fan of those types of things and will actually have a really bad time if a cm were to try and engage them. However, when looking on the menu... Steve was like "OMG, why have we never ate here" I had to remind him where it was. Now, in that adventurous moment he insisted it would be ok and he really wanted to try it. Just watch though, when the day comes he is going to be all "why did you make me go to a place like that " Just like he was all "I don't want any character breakfasts" "don't include me in any reservations you make for them" Then when he found out I made one for Zoe, Alex and I at TH he was "wait, I can't go with you?" I swear he is getting senile early.

Poor Zoey. OMGoodness. I am sure you mentioned latex allergy before, but I did not know it was that severe. I would absolutely hate to be allergic to foods. I hope you get a definitive answer quickly.

She goes in tomorrow, so I will make sure to update. My thought is that the doctor is going to be "latex fruit syndrome" Yeah... it isn't so mainstream, so it is going to be hard to figure out. I have a feeling there will be a lot of trial and error in Zoe's life regarding what she can eat. The good news is that it is almost unheard of for any of the fruits on the list to cause anything but hives...except kiwi. For some reason kiwi can tend to cause anaphylaxis. I think we will just stay away from kiwi... but will also have it as an "add on" to the allergy screen. My fear though is that since it is a crp and not an allergy to the actual fruit... it won't show.

That splash of color race looks like a lot of fun. I used to do races on a fairly regular basis and I was ALWAYS up for the post party. Drinking at 10am? Sure, why not! Now I am just a solo runner who runs almost the same route every day. But at least my neighbors all know me.

It was fun and as far as events that have some sort of theme and or obstacles... probably more my speed. (like the spartan or warrior I would not be able to do)

After party's can be fun. I normally don't really do them... didn't even do the one after ToT last year. The adventure runs that we have been doing are at night though, so it makes it easier to drink that beer.

A couple years ago I went on a diet and exercise regimen where I was doing conditioning in the morning and interval training on a treadmill or out door running 6 out of 7 days. I didn't listen to my body and I obsessively kept on track, only to get strep throat for the first time in years. I learned my lesson. It really IS possible to over train. So don't be too hard on yourself if you miss a run or really don't feel like you should be running.

It is important to listen to your body! I have to work on that. It is so easy to confuse the negative voices with actual "please I can't" ones. Just yesterday I woke and was thinking I needed to listen to my body. The inner gollum in me who is always telling..rather yelling how "we hates running" was definitely yelling yesterday about how we just ran thursday and we are still sick. I luckily didn't listen and had a really nice run. Finished 8.6 miles and felt great.

Your haircut came out great.

Thank you.

know a couple of people who did a splash of color race or something similar. It looks like a lot of fun and I would totally do it if I liked to run.

It was fun. I just wish that my lungs would be less finicky. I also kinda wish the color was a bit more than powder. Although it didn't create too much of a mess in my car since the powder just brushed right off.

great choices for ADR's. I absolutely can not wait to try Be Our Guest.

We ate lunch there in february. It was good. But dd dreams of dinner there so dinner is a must for her.

Catching up....hate that you've been sick but glad to hear both of you are on the mend. I commend you for keeping up your running and doing the color run. Not sure I could deal with the dust clouds but sounded like an interesting event.

We are both on the mend, thanks. Anything that hits the lungs can linger so long. I have always had asthmatic tendencies. Steve hasn't so this spontaneous coughing fit happening this far out is throwing him.

I really am glad I kept up some with the running, but man! I haven't been sore after runs in some time. I think cutting way back on my distance set me back a bit.

Wow....didn't realize the latex allergy would also include the fruit! Zoe sounds like a real trooper!

Well, it isn't that it includes fruit. It is actually quite rare to be allergic to fruit. (other than maybe say strawberries or kiwis) However there is something called a cross reactive protein. Basically, body knows it is allergic to latex and sees something that looks similar and BAM... reacts.

]I vote for AKL.

One minute my vote is there... and the next it isn't. I am sure by the time I decide, there won't be the choice.

Love the ADRs! Have not eaten at some of those and looking forward to your report on them.

It will be a first for us at some of them too!

Do you do the run walk method or just run? Was wondering if the run walk was beneficial?

I just run. I have found it works better for me. It doesn't for everyone though. Now, when I was first training... I did the intervals that were instructed to do on the C25k program and then again when I went on to a C210k and C221K. I also know that people talk about negative splits being the best way to run..especially run a race. However, I find if I keep my pace even and get into a groove, I feel better then entire run and after. So I think what is beneficial for one person is not necessarily for another. The bottom line is how ever you need to get those miles in is what is beneficial. If that means you run 30 seconds and walk 3 minutes then that is what works. If it means you run until you can't run no more, than that works.

Love the haircut!

Thanks!

 

[lilpixiebabe101]

I love the fact that there is your nonstandard breakfast fare at Kouzzina. Yet... it is still eggs and bacon. I tend to crave salt after long runs and I tend to struggle with iron levels. Protein is great for recovery after a long run. Also.. ya need just a bit of carbs to recharge. So my "usual" is the get the spinach tomato and feta scrambled eggs.. I would love to try the country french toast "grilled fig and anise bread with apple fig compote" but I am afraid it would be too much carb, no iron, and little protein. (the salt would still be there though in the yummy bacon )

Ging has been scouring the menus we are actually ordering from. That's what she's ordering.... She says you can try one bite.... With figs involved that's a big concession! Lol

 

[lilpixiebabe101]

So my last reply didn't send... After deleting all that to try to quote just the top part.... Lol


Ging says that is what she is ordering (the toast from kouzzina). She said you can have one bite to try it.... With fig involved that's a big offer lol! You should feel special!

 

[lilpixiebabe101]

Stupid forum lol

 

[annmarieda]

Ashley....

 

[KatMark]

If you are planning on cooking a meal, I would stick with OKW.

I love your ADR selection. I'm curious to which one Steve didn't want to go to that he now doesn't want to be left out of?

 

[annmarieda]

If you are planning on cooking a meal, I would stick with OKW.

I love your ADR selection. I'm curious to which one Steve didn't want to go to that he now doesn't want to be left out of?

It would be an idea to have a nice meal as a family in the room. Course, who wants to really cook on vacation? I know I don't. However, when Steve goes on his trips. (we do take "guys only" vs. girls only... except his mom is in on the guys some times) Anyway..he will cook for everyone on those trips...so maybe it is something he enjoys. However, if we didn't have the kitchen we would just skip that. And honestly, since it is post race that we would be looking at doing that... I am not sure how much energy he is going to have to cook a big meal.

As for the ADR that he doesn't want to be left out of.. You will just have to wait and see

 

[eandesmom]

I think you would probably know by now. It isn't a food sensitivity like lactose intolerance that causes digestive issues. It is swelling and hives and such. Have you seen the movie "Hitch" In it Will Smiths character eats some seafood and then gets all gross looking. Zoe's allergy does that to her. She looks like she has been a boxing match and her eye has been known to swell up and out of the socket. So far nothing has impacted her ability to breath.

Do you keep something on hand for the reactions? Poor thing!

I really do like getting out to do these events. Roadrunner in Kent is definitely my favorite store. They are super nice there. They make you feel special. Like... at one check point. One of the workers (I think she is a manager) she asked Kira if I was there. She then ran up to me to hug me. Now... it isn't like I am in that store a lot. How she remembers me (also always remembering my size) is amazing! So next month the theme for the adventure run is super heros. I may or may not dress up for that one.

That's fun that they know you. Mine is a pita to get to though I'm sure nothing compared to yours so it's an only if I have to ordeal. LOL! My sister wants to do an event together but she wants to run together and honestly I'd like one timed just for me so need to figure out how to balance that. And she wants my brother to run with us and he would totally whine about going so slow and...UGH.

I am being lazy and taking her to the pediatrician. I think I am going to waste my money. First we will discuss. Then they will do the standard blood panel for allergies. You know... test for various allergens like pet dander and dust mites. We can have add ons done. So I have to KNOW what of the list on latex fruit syndrome to test for. THEN it may or may not come back with usable data. See... she isn't actually allergic to watermelon or avocado. Her body is allergic to latex. Fruits especially can have a protein that is very similar. Her body then "takes a look at" that protein and thinks "hmm... close enough" and reacts. Kinda like this and this look a lot alike..both with blue tones and a frown. It confuses her body and it thinks it is the same...and maybe it is the "tear" part of the protein that she is actually allergic so when testing this and it doesn't have that tear her allergen score it may show she is not allergic. I am not sure how cross protein reactions are tested for and documented. I suspect it is once all of this comes back with nothing that we will have to go up to childrens.

I would think they'd do a patch test, not a blood test given the strong skin reaction. Or maybe in addition to? Not sure if the ped can do that but a local dermatologist could.

So before I get to ADRs, let me just pose a question.

I have been watching the DVC site to see if anything were to open up for marathon weekend.

Meanwhile, Kira and Josh are reconsidering changing dates to when we are not going to be there since their plan was to use Christmas bonus (it is a set account that Josh pays into so they know exactly what his "bonus" will be) in order to pay for their trip. This will come in just after that 45 day window.

Keep in mind Kira does not want to share a room with us since we are leaning toward NOT getting the dp.

So... now I look and see that there are studios available at AK..even a Savannah room. Admittedly, maybe there is one room? I don't know. What I do know that in theory, we could change our room from OKW and get two studios for approximately the same points. (yes a tad more..but two rooms) The draws to staying in the one bedroom was having space to hang out a real place to cook and a spot for Zach and Kimberly should they show up for a few nights.

But it has been the dream of all of my kids to stay at AKL.. and the change could make it so that Kira and Josh wouldn't have to change their dates. Zach and Kimberly are definitely out since she has school and they hope to be going down in the spring. While we wouldn't have the large patio area with the table, we still would have a balcony. And are there connecting rooms? Kira and Josh could still get their dp. We would just have Alex in the room with them and get it for him as well. (he tends to go off on his own and having cs credits would be a good thing for him)

However, AK is far from MK. And we wouldn't have a nice tub. (but a better pool?) We also couldn't make a meal. (we were planning to make one "real" meal in the room)

Can anyone else come up with pros and cons? I can't discuss with Steve cause "it is too far off to think about" and Kira just gets frustrated. I am anxious to stay at OKW... I think my problem is I want to stay everywhere.

Well you summed it up. For me it would really come down to whether or not Kira and Josh will be mad about not getting the DDP and let that impact the trip. Also...sometimes, with that many adults, separate space is not a bad thing so the 2 studios could be good. I love the OKW 1b big time and we really enjoyed having a few meals there and enjoying the patio but it does depend on whether you'd actually use and enjoy that aspect or not.

However, am I missing something? Don't you have 6 people? You, Steve, Kira, Josh, Alex and Zoe. You won't all fit in a 1B at OKW, it only sleeps 5. If your dates aren't the same time it doesn't matter but

I wouldn't say it's a better pool, we love the OKW pool as much and the E's liked it more than Jambo (but liked Kidani equally). Studios do not connect.

Saturday, 7/13 I woke just before 4am to make sure to get the ADRs I..er, I mean we wanted.

At first I went online. Alas, nothing I did would keep my reservation to AoA linked long enough to make ADRs.

Not wanting to wake anyone by having a phone conversation, I quickly grabbed my info I needed and went downstairs to make the call.

I was able to get all but one on my list for almost the exact times I wanted. The one I didn't get is probably just not quite in the system and the cm told me I should be able to get it as the date got just a hair closer.

Now, I had thought I might string you all along and not reveal all ADRs at once but rather as I added each day's plans. Well, maybe I am just a bit too for that. Instead I will list all the places and as I post daily plans I will share the details of each reservation. (including who I expect to dine) Funny note though... As I mentioned to Steve I booked one for the younger kids and I. He was shocked and said "what about me". Alex was near me and looked at me and said... "I was there when he said he didn't want that one" So apparently I will have to go in and make one change because he definitely doesn't want to be left out.

So in no particular order....

we will be dinning at....

Garden View Tea Room
Be Our Guest
Via Napoli
Ohana
1900 Park Fare
Olivias
Kouzzina
Biergarten
Paridiso 37
50's Prime Time
Tusker House
Coral Reef
Boma

I have a lot of those same ADR's! Very fun. I will look forward to hearing how Paradiso 37 is and am very interested to see what it is that Steve didn't, then did want. I have my guesses but...

I am a little sad as I think I'm going to go with Captain's Grille breakfast over Kouzzina. Now that the group is looking larger for our red eye arrival I think it's more flexible.

Oh and btw I don't know if you saw the DL corral assignments but I will have to get a LOT faster to have hopes of making it into B.

 

[annmarieda]

Do you keep something on hand for the reactions? Poor thing!

An epi.. but thankfully we have never had to use it.

That's fun that they know you. Mine is a pita to get to though I'm sure nothing compared to yours so it's an only if I have to ordeal. LOL! My sister wants to do an event together but she wants to run together and honestly I'd like one timed just for me so need to figure out how to balance that. And she wants my brother to run with us and he would totally whine about going so slow and...UGH.

I think running with someone takes a specific kind of person. I am not so competitive with others...but definitely with myself. So I think running with someone would case me to feel anxious...or guilty if I was not going fast enough. Then again, Steve and I stayed together the entire last 5k we did (well except when he left me on the hills and I had to catch up ) However, I went into it with the mind set of "this isn't to challenge myself...or time myself" "It is just to have fun" So maybe I need to work on that.

I would think they'd do a patch test, not a blood test given the strong skin reaction. Or maybe in addition to? Not sure if the ped can do that but a local dermatologist could.

They took blood yesterday. We are gonna doing a couple normal panels and then some add on foods. However, I think I am wasting my money since even the doc feels it is unlikely to show positive. She has a similar thing going on and she herself tests negative for specific items that she absolutely reacts to. So like I suspect... since it is a crp and not a true allergy to the actual food.... it is unlikely that we will see it show a positive.

Well you summed it up. For me it would really come down to whether or not Kira and Josh will be mad about not getting the DDP and let that impact the trip. Also...sometimes, with that many adults, separate space is not a bad thing so the 2 studios could be good. I love the OKW 1b big time and we really enjoyed having a few meals there and enjoying the patio but it does depend on whether you'd actually use and enjoy that aspect or not.

Kira needs her dp. And since she ultimately needs control of her reservation, I have decided to not try and book something for them. I think I waffle with where to stay because I always want to stay where I have already come to love, but also want to try every other place out. I think this is why split stays are a nice thing for me. Steve however hates them.

However, am I missing something? Don't you have 6 people? You, Steve, Kira, Josh, Alex and Zoe. You won't all fit in a 1B at OKW, it only sleeps 5. If your dates aren't the same time it doesn't matter but

You are not missing anything. We do have 6. I think my thoughts regarding the extra space were mainly just as far as having Kira and Josh "over" since they wouldn't share a larger room with us anyway due to Kira needing the dp. If we got two studios, it would fit all of us (we would shuffle Alex into a room with them) and then that room could have dp and the other wouldn't necessarily have to, right? If they are not staying at the same resort with us though, can they be our guests at the pool?

I wouldn't say it's a better pool, we love the OKW pool as much and the E's liked it more than Jambo (but liked Kidani equally).

I think that is what is so nice about Disney resorts, they try and make all the pools appealing.

Studios do not connect.

Are there rooms that do? I have read the term "lock out" (I think that was the term) What does that mean?

I have a lot of those same ADR's! Very fun. I will look forward to hearing how Paradiso 37 is and am very interested to see what it is that Steve didn't, then did want. I have my guesses but...

I am excited for a few of those and Paradiso 37 is one of them!

I still have yet to change the one to add Steve. Ultimately I think he still won't want to do it.

I am a little sad as I think I'm going to go with Captain's Grille breakfast over Kouzzina. Now that the group is looking larger for our red eye arrival I think it's more flexible.

Is Captains Grille a buffet? I see it also has entrees... Having the added buffet seems like you would be able to get some food a bit quicker for those sleepy red eyed travelers. Kouzzina wasn't particularly slow or fast either of the times I went there.

Oh and btw I don't know if you saw the DL corral assignments but I will have to get a LOT faster to have hopes of making it into B.

I haven't! Where did you see the assignments?

 

[eandesmom]

An epi.. but thankfully we have never had to use it.

That's good!

I think running with someone takes a specific kind of person. I am not so competitive with others...but definitely with myself. So I think running with someone would case me to feel anxious...or guilty if I was not going fast enough. Then again, Steve and I stayed together the entire last 5k we did (well except when he left me on the hills and I had to catch up ) However, I went into it with the mind set of "this isn't to challenge myself...or time myself" "It is just to have fun" So maybe I need to work on that.

I think my issue is I really kind of want my first 10K to be solo. So maybe a 5K with her as I don't want to feel my time is held up or stressed out and I do want a "real" time on one. Ugh.

They took blood yesterday. We are gonna doing a couple normal panels and then some add on foods. However, I think I am wasting my money since even the doc feels it is unlikely to show positive. She has a similar thing going on and she herself tests negative for specific items that she absolutely reacts to. So like I suspect... since it is a crp and not a true allergy to the actual food.... it is unlikely that we will see it show a positive.

well hopefully insurance is covering most of it

Kira needs her dp. And since she ultimately needs control of her reservation, I have decided to not try and book something for them. I think I waffle with where to stay because I always want to stay where I have already come to love, but also want to try every other place out. I think this is why split stays are a nice thing for me. Steve however hates them.

You are not missing anything. We do have 6. I think my thoughts regarding the extra space were mainly just as far as having Kira and Josh "over" since they wouldn't share a larger room with us anyway due to Kira needing the dp. If we got two studios, it would fit all of us (we would shuffle Alex into a room with them) and then that room could have dp and the other wouldn't necessarily have to, right? If they are not staying at the same resort with us though, can they be our guests at the pool?

I believe you can add folks as day guests at most of the resorts. OKW will not check though so I wouldn't worry about that one. AKV might be trickier. I get your thinking now...didn't connect the dots on possibly the 1B for a "home base" and let Kira and Josh figure our their own thing.

Are there rooms that do? I have read the term "lock out" (I think that was the term) What does that mean?

A lock out is a 2 bedroom. It's one studio connected to a 1B. The other kind of 2 bedroom is "dedicated". Some villas have both and some only one kind.

Is Captains Grille a buffet? I see it also has entrees... Having the added buffet seems like you would be able to get some food a bit quicker for those sleepy red eyed travelers. Kouzzina wasn't particularly slow or fast either of the times I went there.

Yes, the buffet is definitely a factor in it winning!

I haven't! Where did you see the assignments?

They are all posted on the DVC Central Run Disney page, here is the 1/2

http://as1.wdpromedia.com/media/rundisney/pdf/disneyland-half/2013/CorralAssignmentsDLHM.pdf