Warning: Dates in Calendar Are Closer Than They Appear!... The TR - UPDATED: 7/3/10 Days 2 and 3 About This Page:

[Jookiba]

Originally Posted by TheMadonna3

I'm incredibly nervous doing this as a single mom, but I see other moms doing it so I figured I can too. I fear that I won't be able to pull this off as often as I would like. I'm going to seize this opportunity because I can and I just don't know when it will come around again. He's only going to be little once and he still believes and I want to hold on to that for as long as I can.

Don't be nervous-I was the first time I went with my kids-Disney is such a magical place and despite my kids' ages and being older than your little guy, they are literally swept off their feet and brought to tears each and every time we go (as am I, but don't tell!! ).

There are times when we've stopped for our dinners when one (or both) have been close to melting down, but that's one reason why we always stop for our big meal daily & usually at dinner. We can rest, relax, enjoy some food, and talk about what we've been doing, going to do next, and hope to do the rest of the trip.

I also know all too well about seizing the day as you never know for sure when you'll get back. I had the heartache of having to cancel a planned trip over Halloween and while it's not the end of the world (as rent and food are kind of important things to have) to us Disney fanatics it's very depressing and disappointing.

I can't wait to hear more plans and hear of what a great time you & your son had!

[Hugmonster]

Great to see you writing a TR again. He has grown so much!

[TheMadonna3]

Originally Posted by lissybri

Maria, I am loving your PTR so far. I am so glad you will be able to go back to Disney with your beautiful little boy. Can't wait to read more and to see the new rooms at CBR since I have a special place in my hear for that resort (that's where DH and I stayed when we got in engaged in 1998 and the first resort we stayed at with our boys). More please.

Ya know, CBR is the resort I have visited most of all the WDW properties. My two "dream" resorts are AKL and Polynesian. I am saving the Polynesian for a "honeymoon" (gotta find a sucker first) and AKL just isn't in the cards yet for me. Besides the size of CBR, I just don't have any complaints about it.

The renovations to the resort have catapulted it back up to my first choice in mods. The zero entry pool is important for me. I am pleased with the subtle Disney theme of the rooms. My complaint with mods was that I always considered it a "middle of the road" option. I expected to see it have some Disney "touches" and it was stripped of them. Putting the Disney theme into the rooms really made me happy. It reminds me I am in the bubble without it being in my face. While I enjoyed my short stay at a value, I still prefer the moderates.

I feel that CBR has good bus service. I've never waited long for a bus, either coming or going. I also like Shutters. They have a wonderful chef in there whom might be unknown now, but makes a wonderful menu and I wouldn't be surprised if we saw him accomplishing great things in the future.

Originally Posted by Jookiba

Don't be nervous-I was the first time I went with my kids-Disney is such a magical place and despite my kids' ages and being older than your little guy, they are literally swept off their feet and brought to tears each and every time we go (as am I, but don't tell!! ).

There are times when we've stopped for our dinners when one (or both) have been close to melting down, but that's one reason why we always stop for our big meal daily & usually at dinner. We can rest, relax, enjoy some food, and talk about what we've been doing, going to do next, and hope to do the rest of the trip.

I also know all too well about seizing the day as you never know for sure when you'll get back. I had the heartache of having to cancel a planned trip over Halloween and while it's not the end of the world (as rent and food are kind of important things to have) to us Disney fanatics it's very depressing and disappointing.

I can't wait to hear more plans and hear of what a great time you & your son had!

I am a little less nervous now, but I am sure as the trip gets closer the nerves will build. Not only do I face the challenge of being the sole caregiver on the trip, but I do so with limitations. Fortunately, I love the adaptation of children. For example, children born to deaf parents quickly learn to use to touch to get their parents attention. Mikey is aware of my limitations and usually is helpful and knows to walk beside me, not infront of me or behind me. He's a good boy, he just gets excited and forgets I don't move as fast as he does.

I am really looking forward to this trip. I feel good about it. I haven't felt this good about taking a Disney trip since 2002. That's a long time! We have a large chunk of this trip paid off and I've threatened Mr. Murphy with a bat to the knees if he comes anywhere near me.

Originally Posted by Hugmonster

Great to see you writing a TR again. He has grown so much!

I know! Where has my baby gone?! I've always enjoyed writing on these boards, but I really had to take a step back and deal with my personal demons. Thanks for the welcome back.

[GoofyCrazy]

Originally Posted by TheMadonna3

That sounds like fun. Friday will be our water park day followed by some EMH in Epcot. I think it's so funny we are a day apart in our plans. Since it's your first time feel free to PM me if you need to know anything. I've stayed at that resort before.

Will do, sure wish I had found you months ago when I started reading and researching CSR. We'll actually be in FL on the 21st but we're spending one night on the beach in Daytona, the husbands only request was one night on the beach. Early on the 22nd we'll head to Disney. Our first day there we're going to DTD for awhile and get our shopping out of the way then we're heading to Epcot. We have ADR's at Crystal Palace on the 23rd at 8:10am, Donald's Safari Breakfast on the 24th at 8:15am and Chef Mickey's on the 27th at 7:00am.

22nd - DTD and Epcot
23rd - Magic Kingdom
24th - Animal Kingdom
25th - Hollywood Studios
26th - Magic Kingdom
27th - Animal Kingdom
28th - Magic Kingdom
29th - Epcot and then heading to the Daytona Speedway for the hubby to have his thrill. Then we'll head toward Tennessee.

We're going to spend the night somewhere in Georgia then stop in Atlanta on the 30th to visit the Aquarium. After a few hours there we'll head on home.

I'm sure on some of those days we'll park hop if it gets crowded. Hopefully we'll run into you guys somewhere. I'm not going to pay for internet access while there. I figured it would be a waste of money since we won't be in the room all that much so I won't have access to the site while we're there. I'll PM you my cell phone number before you leave so if you have some down time you can call or text me and see if we're in the same park. Maybe we can grab something to eat somewhere.

Melissa

[debrabrown]

Somehow I started speaking in a form of binary which happened to coincide with the numbers on my visa and he muttered something about a confirmation number



I am enjoying hearing how your trip came together. Sounds like the 2 of you need a little faith, hope and pixie dust!

[tylerdylansmom]

Great PTR

[Nick and Ryans Mom]

Originally Posted by TheMadonna3

He was excited for a moment and then quickly responded with:

"Can I go outside now?"



Hmmf.

This cracked me up! Kids are so funny!!!

[TheMadonna3]

Originally Posted by GoofyCrazy

Will do, sure wish I had found you months ago when I started reading and researching CSR. We'll actually be in FL on the 21st but we're spending one night on the beach in Daytona, the husbands only request was one night on the beach. Early on the 22nd we'll head to Disney. Our first day there we're going to DTD for awhile and get our shopping out of the way then we're heading to Epcot. We have ADR's at Crystal Palace on the 23rd at 8:10am, Donald's Safari Breakfast on the 24th at 8:15am and Chef Mickey's on the 27th at 7:00am.

22nd - DTD and Epcot
23rd - Magic Kingdom
24th - Animal Kingdom
25th - Hollywood Studios
26th - Magic Kingdom
27th - Animal Kingdom
28th - Magic Kingdom
29th - Epcot and then heading to the Daytona Speedway for the hubby to have his thrill. Then we'll head toward Tennessee.

We're going to spend the night somewhere in Georgia then stop in Atlanta on the 30th to visit the Aquarium. After a few hours there we'll head on home.

I'm sure on some of those days we'll park hop if it gets crowded. Hopefully we'll run into you guys somewhere. I'm not going to pay for internet access while there. I figured it would be a waste of money since we won't be in the room all that much so I won't have access to the site while we're there. I'll PM you my cell phone number before you leave so if you have some down time you can call or text me and see if we're in the same park. Maybe we can grab something to eat somewhere.

Melissa

I tend to park hop a lot. Then again, I've been many times. You sure have a lot of MK days!! I admit I am surprised in your park choices, but if you have the park hoppers then that is really great because if you get to a park and want to leave you can just be somewhere else in a flash.

We are pretty flexible people. As of now I just have my first day planned and I haven't examined the rest of the week yet. I just got off of a 32 hour shift and need some down time, but I'll likely work on the plans this week.

CSR is a nice resort and I'm sure it will be fine for you. Besides, trying a different resort on your next trip is just another reason to come back. Maybe CSR will be your fave and you won't want another one! What are your concerns about CSR?

Originally Posted by debrabrown

Somehow I started speaking in a form of binary which happened to coincide with the numbers on my visa and he muttered something about a confirmation number



I am enjoying hearing how your trip came together. Sounds like the 2 of you need a little faith, hope and pixie dust!

I think we have the faith and hope. We just need a continued light sprinkling of pixie dust.

A new update will arrive soon. I should have the next 3 installments ready in a few days.

[debrabrown]

Here you are...lightly sprikles as requested.

[KMB733]

[lazanya]

Great start! Your dialogue with your son is just like my dialogue with my DD who's now 11 except I call her Bribear. So cute! And that is something her and I do regularly with each other.

sending you a light sprinkling of pixies

[DonaldGirl1]

Great start!! More please!!

Good luck! Most importantly have fun. Don't stress to much!! Everything will fall into place.

[TheMadonna3]

Originally Posted by debrabrown

Here you are...lightly sprikles as requested.

Originally Posted by KMB733

Originally Posted by lazanya

Great start! Your dialogue with your son is just like my dialogue with my DD who's now 11 except I call her Bribear. So cute! And that is something her and I do regularly with each other.

sending you a light sprinkling of pixies

Originally Posted by DonaldGirl1

Great start!! More please!!

Good luck! Most importantly have fun. Don't stress to much!! Everything will fall into place.

You guys are AWESOME!!

I'll have an update today. I always like to include pictures so its taking me some time to find exactly what I want. Check back in later! Don't forget to subscribe

[GoofyCrazy]

Originally Posted by TheMadonna3

I tend to park hop a lot. Then again, I've been many times. You sure have a lot of MK days!! I admit I am surprised in your park choices, but if you have the park hoppers then that is really great because if you get to a park and want to leave you can just be somewhere else in a flash.

We are pretty flexible people. As of now I just have my first day planned and I haven't examined the rest of the week yet. I just got off of a 32 hour shift and need some down time, but I'll likely work on the plans this week.

CSR is a nice resort and I'm sure it will be fine for you. Besides, trying a different resort on your next trip is just another reason to come back. Maybe CSR will be your fave and you won't want another one! What are your concerns about CSR?

I've already changed our itinerary twice since I posted that. I'm sure we'll not follow our plans down to the letter. Once we get there and see how things operate we'll adjust. One of those MK days is my picture day. I'm a photographer so I plan on spending one day there just taking pictures.

CSR wasn't our first choice. We had planned on staying at the Wilderness Lodge Villas but figured it was a waste of money since we wouldn't be spending a lot of time in our room. I chose CSR because of the queen size beds. I really don't have any concerns about CSR. I did at first but I've researched and read a lot about it. The only concern I have is the Pepper Market. I've heard so many mixed reviews about it. Have you eaten there? Is the food as bad as some people say?

Thanks for all your advice, if I have any questions I'll come to you, if that's ok.

Melissa

[TheMadonna3]

Originally Posted by GoofyCrazy

I've already changed our itinerary twice since I posted that. I'm sure we'll not follow our plans down to the letter. Once we get there and see how things operate we'll adjust. One of those MK days is my picture day. I'm a photographer so I plan on spending one day there just taking pictures.

OH MY!! That's wonderful. I cannot wait to see the pictures that you take. Maybe if I plan it right I can sneak in on a few of them

I *think* I have a plan going. I am sure of the first day and sure of the last and the stuff in the middle seems to be forming. I'm doing A LOT of park hopping and plan on taking my time in Animal Kingdom for once. I normally race in there, do the big thrills and race out. This time I really want to stop and experience what the park has to offer.

Originally Posted by GoofyCrazy

CSR wasn't our first choice. We had planned on staying at the Wilderness Lodge Villas but figured it was a waste of money since we wouldn't be spending a lot of time in our room. I chose CSR because of the queen size beds. I really don't have any concerns about CSR. I did at first but I've researched and read a lot about it. The only concern I have is the Pepper Market. I've heard so many mixed reviews about it. Have you eaten there? Is the food as bad as some people say?

Depends.

The variety is certainly there. You walk in and are given a card with a map of what is at each dining location. You go to whichever station has your items of choice, order what you want and hand the card to the attendant. They will mark off your choices. Hold onto the card. Receive your food, get a drink, find a table, and eat. Once you are finished, as you walk out, hand your card to the cashier. They will enter in your choices and provide you with the total for the meal.

My family and I do off dining times. Meaning, we were hunting for dinner around 9pm sometimes. We noticed that a few stations (like soup, salad, and sandwiches) were out, or the food was old, or the stations were unavailable. I believe that when you advertise a closing time of 11pm, all items should be available until closing time. It really irked me because all I wanted was a soup, salad, or sandwich. The italian and chinese stations were always available, but it would be chaotic at times. Normally there is a large area for people to disperse in and in Pepper Market, it was quite small. It just seemed less organized than the way things are normally done. Some of the stations were just a mess and the bakery station hardly had anything left for dessert. They advertised all these wonderful items, but they were in short supply. It's just not what I expect from Disney. I can walk into the bakery at Epcot in the French pavilion and always find mousse. I just expected better.

As far as the quality: it was ok. It was mostly cooked to order, so it was always hot. The flavors were what I would expect from standard food court fare. I think I was served one meal I didn't care for and I don't attribute it to the cafeteria. I think I just didn't like it.

Next door is a little quick service snack place. They offer fresh gelato and some pre-packaged sandwiches and pieces of fruit. When nothing at the food court appealed to me, I just went over there. You can use snack credits in there if you are on the DDP.

Overall, the Pepper Market wasn't my only deciding factor for not choosing CSR. There were many more reasons. I wouldn't suggest to someone not to stay there solely because of Pepper Market, but I am more partial to the menus at other resorts. My fave menu is at PoR. I think they have the best food court offerings. Pepper Market is only part of the experience and I think out of all the meals I had on the vacation, only 3 came from the food court so I just don't put a lot of emphasis on it. There are hundreds of places to dine at in WDW. If I was really that hungry, I hopped the bus to DTD.

Originally Posted by GoofyCrazy

Thanks for all your advice, if I have any questions I'll come to you, if that's ok.

Anytime. That's what we're all here for. I'll gladly exchange numbers with you and even while you're on vacation you can call me if you get stuck.