The Twelve Days of Swinter: From Castaway 'Key' to a Partridge in a Palm Tree!

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Well, that was just perfect! I went out for a walk at lunch and it's kind of cool, breezy and gray outside. I came back in and I get to see sunny CBR pool pictures!!! Thanks! So pretty and I can't believe how few people were around!

I laughed at the look on that boy's face at the top of the slide - "lady, what are you videotaping up here???"

I'm now in the mood for marshmallows...too bad there's none in my lunch!

I'm glad I could brighten up your afternoon!

I didn't even notice that little boy until you said something. Then I had to go back and watch it. He sure was checking me out! He was probably wondering some some old hag was planning on going down the slide.

The latest updates were fantastic! The pictures were so great and you could tell that ya'll were having a wonderful time.

Ummm, I am with you on the chicken. Who the heck leaves a neck on a chicken when they cook it? Seriously?

We did have a wonderful time. I'm so glad I caved in and we didn't go back to MK.

That chicken was crazy!

What a great update! I know it's hard to pull away from the parks, but sometimes the greatest memories can be made by simply taking it easy. I've got a lot more down time planned for September. I figure if I am going to spend the $$ on the BC we are darn sure going to enjoy it's amenities!

I know I've said it before, but I must say again, your DD is absolutely adorable. I love, love, love her freckles!

Ummmm, the chicken with the neck still attached.......ewwww

I totally agree with you. What's the point of paying for the nicer resorts if you don't spend some time there. I absolutely plan on relaxing more at the resort from here on out! If I was staying at BC, it would be hard to tear myself away from SAB! I don't think I'd have a problem ditching the parks for that resort!

Thank you for the nice comments about DD. She is definitely my pride and joy!

You mean you didn't find that chicken appealing? I just couldn't believe they displayed it like that. I felt like they probably didn't serve it that way, but I still couldn't order it.

I loved all the pool pictures. They made me regret that we did not spend any time at the pool the last time we stayed at CBR.

That is pretty awesome! Sounds like you have a good excuse to go back there some day!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

This is such a great picture! I hope you frame it!

What a lovely, perfect afternoon and evening! Wow - it looks like you have the whole place to yourself!

I have to agree with you on your love for the mods! Before I joined DVC I could not think of 4 more perfect resorts. The CBR pool area really is awesome and that hot tub - Score on the marshmellows and movie!

I like that picture too. My two favorite people in the whole world in one spot!

CBR was never crowded the whole time we were there. We always felt like it was empty. I'm not sure if it's always like that b/c it's so big and spread out or if it was the time of year. Either way it was great!

I really have fallen in love with the mods. I still think the deluxes have the advantage in location and on-site restaurants, but I think the mods offer a lot for the price. I don't forsee us buying DVC any time soon, so we'll probably continue staying at the mods and values for now. I might rent points eventually though, so who knows. I know you must enjoy the DVC resorts though. They are all fabulous!

 

[MeMom]

I was very tempted to get one of the meat and veggie dinners because I am a serious vegetable lover! These were the choices:

We really enjoyed eating out on the patio while watching the movie. It was such a great evening!


I’m always drawn to these for some reason…

I seriously thought about buying this print for our office, but once again, I left empty handed.

After so many trips in go-go-go mode, swimming, roasting marshmallows, and movies under the stars can be some of the nicest memories of a trip. We are learning more and more to slow things down and just enjoy hanging out.

We almost always make a trip to CBR to eat at their food court, because we like their meat and vegetable meals and the food court atmosphere.

We love to look at the bead animals, too!

You needed that print. I sure do enjoy my Animal Kingdom lodge one. Like you, though, I am guilty of looking and looking and then leaving without something.

 

[sjs314]

Rinky Fantastic update! Loved the video, the CBR pool. is great and I do think you are right about staying at the Mods for the small difference in price makes total sense.

 

[sharonW]

How can ya beat it...Disney and quality family time
Everything including pics just awesome!! Loved this update
as well as all of them, I really look so forward to your posts!
Keep em coming, I'll hate when its over!!!
That being said, I hope the decision will be WDW instead
of the pool possibility! lol

 

[Woth2982]

What a fantastic update! I love the photo of the campfire with the sun setting over the lake. Makes me wanna book a flight tomorrow! I also noticed DD wrapped up in her throw lol. You all had the perfect end to the day!

 

[marDgreen88]

Loved this update! The pictures are all fantastic and it sounds like yall had such an amazing night! Sometimes it's great just to 'slow down' and have a relaxing evening at the pool. That sounds like something I would LOVE to be doing right now!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

After so many trips in go-go-go mode, swimming, roasting marshmallows, and movies under the stars can be some of the nicest memories of a trip. We are learning more and more to slow things down and just enjoy hanging out.

We almost always make a trip to CBR to eat at their food court, because we like their meat and vegetable meals and the food court atmosphere.

We love to look at the bead animals, too!

You needed that print. I sure do enjoy my Animal Kingdom lodge one. Like you, though, I am guilty of looking and looking and then leaving without something.

It is hard to change your way of thinking when you are a go, go, go type of person, but I learned the error of my ways on this trip. Now if I can just remember it for the next trip. I'm just so drawn to the parks that it's hard for me to get it in my thick head that there are other wonderful things to do at WDW.

I was so dissapointed that they had that nasty looking piece of chicken on display. I remembered you telling me that the chicken and veggies were really good and I already had it in my head that I was going to order that. I am sure they don't serve the chicken looking like that, but it just messed with my head to see that neck still attached. Hopefully next time I can try it!

I am so so so cheap when it comes to buying souviners for myself. I will look at something a million times and still not buy it. I just always think that I'd rather save the money so I can take another trip than spend the money on 'stuff' and then not be able to afford to come back. At least I have a picture of the print though.

Rinky Fantastic update! Loved the video, the CBR pool. is great and I do think you are right about staying at the Mods for the small difference in price makes total sense.

It was only $300 more for us to stay at CBR b/c of how the FD promo came out so it made total sense on this trip. We definitely got $300 worth of enjoyment out of staying there! I think you get a lot for your money at the mods.

How can ya beat it...Disney and quality family time
Everything including pics just awesome!! Loved this update
as well as all of them, I really look so forward to your posts!
Keep em coming, I'll hate when its over!!!
That being said, I hope the decision will be WDW instead
of the pool possibility! lol

Thanks! It was really nice to have that time with my family to just slow down. I'm looking forward to the next time, whenever that may be!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

What a fantastic update! I love the photo of the campfire with the sun setting over the lake. Makes me wanna book a flight tomorrow! I also noticed DD wrapped up in her throw lol. You all had the perfect end to the day!

I know! I'd love to be flying down tomorrow myself! And yes, that is the famous throw that DH swindled out of the Fantasyland CM! We have used it almost every day since the trip!

Loved this update! The pictures are all fantastic and it sounds like yall had such an amazing night! Sometimes it's great just to 'slow down' and have a relaxing evening at the pool. That sounds like something I would LOVE to be doing right now!

Thanks! It was just about as perfect as an evening at Disney gets. I just don't know what took me so long to realize that you can have that nice of a time outside of the parks. It was so relaxing, which is what we needed after 8 days of go go go!

 

[suorkaterina]

Joining in because you post such awesome pics on the CBR thread! Just read the intro and am about to jump into the rest! Glad to read another CBR TR!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Joining in because you post such awesome pics on the CBR thread! Just read the intro and am about to jump into the rest! Glad to read another CBR TR!

Thank you so much and WELCOME! I'm so glad you decided to join in! We loved CBR and we're so glad we gave it a try. It really gets mixed reviews, but after having stayed there, I just can't imagine why. We loved just about everything about the resort and I can't wait to get back!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Can I borrow this photo for my screensaver? Wow, gorgeous Rinky!!!

Your pool video is awesome! I truly felt like I was going down that slide as well!

Were the campfire and marshmallows free? I didn't know CBR did this!

I think the rules at the kiddie pool are a little strict too. I understand the reasoning but there has to be some common sense as well. Bummer!

I wonder how much the coconut postcards cost to send? What a neat idea!

This update really, really makes me happy that we are planning to stay at CBR in October. I NEED to make sure we book pool time into our schedule! Thank you for your AWESOME update.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Can I borrow this photo for my screensaver? Wow, gorgeous Rinky!!!

Sure you can! And just think, you'll be seeing the real thing in just a few months!

Your pool video is awesome! I truly felt like I was going down that slide as well!


Thanks! We had a good time on those slides. You really should make sure you spend some time there.


Were the campfire and marshmallows free? I didn't know CBR did this!

No the marshmallows aren't free... they were actually $149 a night.

Just kidding! My DH always says that to me whenever I get excited about something being 'free'. He insists on reminding me that it's not really 'free' but included in the price you paid! What a sour puss! But since he isn't around to correct me... YES they are FREE!

I think the rules at the kiddie pool are a little strict too. I understand the reasoning but there has to be some common sense as well. Bummer!

I agree. I'm all for rules, but sometimes common sense should prevail.

I wonder how much the coconut postcards cost to send? What a neat idea!

Going off of memory here, but I think they were $15 just for the coconuts and about $24 total if you wanted it mailed. That would be a cool thing to send back home to the rest of your kids. I don't know if you can actually crack them open and eat them or not though???

This update really, really makes me happy that we are planning to stay at CBR in October. I NEED to make sure we book pool time into our schedule! Thank you for your AWESOME update.

I sure hope you love CBR as much as we did. I really think you will. And yes, make sure you save enough time for the resort. You will be so glad you did!!

replies in blue

 

[SRUAlmn]

I just wanted to give a big hug and shout out to your DD. I was in the same boat when I was her age...tall. People always thought I was older than I really was, and there were many occassions I wasn't allowed to do "kid" things even though I was a KID! I grew up hating it, but now that I'm an adult, I love being tall. Your DD is absolutely beautiful, and I just wanted to encourage her to own her height and beauty and not get discouraged about being special and unique

 

[brookelizabeth]

That afternoon and evening sounded PERFECT. I was so impressed at the CBR pool when I toured it last August, it looked amazing then, and your pictures and experience have convinced me it is one of the best!

Beautiful pictures of CBR...loved the video too!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I just wanted to give a big hug and shout out to your DD. I was in the same boat when I was her age...tall. People always thought I was older than I really was, and there were many occassions I wasn't allowed to do "kid" things even though I was a KID! I grew up hating it, but now that I'm an adult, I love being tall. Your DD is absolutely beautiful, and I just wanted to encourage her to own her height and beauty and not get discouraged about being special and unique

Well thank you for the kind words of encouragement! DD is quite tall for her age. She has always been the tallest one in her class. I personally am so thankful that she got her daddy's height! I have always been very short and that does not help one bit with keeping weight off. My DH on the other hand, eats like a government mule and never gains a pound. He just has much more room for the weight to spread out! I am certain that she will appreciate her height as she gets older though. Thankfully so far, none of the kids have picked on her for that and I hope they don't start.

That afternoon and evening sounded PERFECT. I was so impressed at the CBR pool when I toured it last August, it looked amazing then, and your pictures and experience have convinced me it is one of the best!

Beautiful pictures of CBR...loved the video too!

It was perfect! And I really do think that is one of the best pools. I'd say right behind SAB and the Poly pool. CSR also has a nice one. We really enjoyed those slides too! That was a nice plus over the values. We really had such a good time in that pool that I think we could have skipped the water park. But that was great fun too!

 

[partyof2]

Oh man I was dead set on staying at POR on my next visit but your pictures of your evening at CBR have really thrown me a curve ball!

 

[MickeyMichelle]

Dear RinkyTinky!

Thank you so much for the very comprehensive TR. I have read it & shared it! It is the best!!! Under water photos too boot. I could never be bothered as I don't like going underwater!

I have some Dis Customers that are sailing on the Dream in September so thru your report I was able to get a great feel for the ship. I am like you I HATE CROWDS. It is a funny thing that we DisDevotees love the place that draws more crowds than anything. We spend all our time trying to get there when it is very light traffic and not so hot. We went when DD was 5 in June because it was some business & mostly pleasure. FREE at the yacht club. If I had it to do again I would not have bought park passes and just sat by storm-along-bay. It was miserable and the DD just wanted to go to the pool. Alas we learn from each trip. We should have just thrown the 400 bucks spent on passes down I-75 for the heck of it. See the cars schreaching to hault!

We are going in September to a pin trading event and staying for the first time at a value! It is the Art of Animation new CARS family suite. So excited about 2 bathrooms and different sleeping areas. I have insomnia so that is when I read TR! I will have a section to sneak off and just read, read. We stayed at AKL Jan 2011 our best disney trip ever.

We also plan on more a bit of pool time as the new NEMO pool has Dory talking under water. I suppose I will have to put me head down under! Only for a moment. We will try and take lots of pictures because it may be my one and only experience at a value.

Can't wait to see the new post! I think day 8 is where you are. I am so jealous as we have never had a 12 day vacation what a great thing to do!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Oh man I was dead set on staying at POR on my next visit but your pictures of your evening at CBR have really thrown me a curve ball!

Sorry about that! It is a tough choice between the mods. They all look great. I'm sure you will love any one of them!

Dear RinkyTinky!

Thank you so much for the very comprehensive TR. I have read it & shared it! It is the best!!! Under water photos too boot. I could never be bothered as I don't like going underwater!

I have some Dis Customers that are sailing on the Dream in September so thru your report I was able to get a great feel for the ship. I am like you I HATE CROWDS. It is a funny thing that we DisDevotees love the place that draws more crowds than anything. We spend all our time trying to get there when it is very light traffic and not so hot. We went when DD was 5 in June because it was some business & mostly pleasure. FREE at the yacht club. If I had it to do again I would not have bought park passes and just sat by storm-along-bay. It was miserable and the DD just wanted to go to the pool. Alas we learn from each trip. We should have just thrown the 400 bucks spent on passes down I-75 for the heck of it. See the cars schreaching to hault!

We are going in September to a pin trading event and staying for the first time at a value! It is the Art of Animation new CARS family suite. So excited about 2 bathrooms and different sleeping areas. I have insomnia so that is when I read TR! I will have a section to sneak off and just read, read. We stayed at AKL Jan 2011 our best disney trip ever.

We also plan on more a bit of pool time as the new NEMO pool has Dory talking under water. I suppose I will have to put me head down under! Only for a moment. We will try and take lots of pictures because it may be my one and only experience at a value.

Can't wait to see the new post! I think day 8 is where you are. I am so jealous as we have never had a 12 day vacation what a great thing to do!

WELCOME! I'm so glad you've enjoyed the TR.

I agree that I could never do WDW in the summer. Can't handle the heat or the crowds! I think I could manage hanging around SAB all day though! And to go free... that's awesome!

I think the AoA looks fantastic! That is so neat that they have Dory underwater! I did not know about that! I need to stay there just for that. I've stayed at values twice and really enjoyed both stays. I think you will like it.

I felt very blessed to have such a long vacation. We always do long trips b/c we only take one big trip per year and we want to make it worth the long drive. If we traveled several times a year, we would do shorter trips. But I do look forward to being away for a week and a half. I rarely feel rushed that way which is very nice.

 

[jenseib]

Since you are going with your family, are you staying in one of the suites? I'm considering staying there but the LM area seems so far from the main building so IDK. All the suites look they are in a great location though.

No, we are just doing standard for Claire and I. The rest of the family will be leaving by the time we check in there.
I'm not happy with the distance either, but I am sacrificing it to try a new resort. And Claire is really excited to stay there. We'l lbe fine...I might grumble a bit, but we'll live.

I love all the updates. That video was awesome. I am not to savy when it comes to editing those. I need to learn how to because I would love to make a great video after our family trip......I did hear that Hillybilly talking.

I'm surprised they didn't let your DD in the play area. I had heard they usually didn't monitor it to hard and only when it was crowded did they kick the bigger kids out.