Tinkinparis Return to Neverlandagain
Travel dates: August 18- August 23
Travel method: DELTA
Resort: Coronado Springs and Caribbean Beach
Disney Resort Experience Represented in Group: Extremely with all Parks in the US and Disneyland Paris (except my brother in law)
Cast of characters and Ages in Group: Me (Tink) 34, Sister (B) cant say, Nephew (C) 7, Brother in law (E) 42, niece #1 (T) 22
Comments: I thought I would start by posting the process leading up to the trip before we go.
Planning
I have evolved into a MousePlanet devout follower and was excited to see back in December 2010, Disney released the free dining dates for 2011. I eagerly called my sister and said: Disney released the dates for free dining!!! Lets book our trip. To which she dismissed my enthusiasm by simply stating: Theyll release another set of them in April, we have time. Of course, I trusted her and what happened? Disney decided to slowly start to phase out discounts. Great.
Im not looking to start another debate of whether free dining was worth it, for us it always worked and by splitting the room, I couldnt argue that my share of around $60 a night, including, a CS, TS and a S, was a good deal.
This year, my sister attended Destination D and thankfully received a bounce back offer which brought our room rate down a little. This has affected my trip planning this year drastically since it will be the trip known as the Counter Service Spectacular! Or the year I skipped most of my favorite restaurants. Most notably, Akershus, which as a 1 table service credit restaurant was a steal but at just over $43, I cant justify.
I am looking forward to trying the following CS: Flame Tree BBQ, Yak and Yeti, The Cantina, Tortuga Tavern, Pinocchio Village Haus, Grand Floridian Quick Service Place (cant remember the name)
And re-visiting the following: Sunshine Seasons, Tangerine Caf, Columbia Harbor House, Captain Cooks
To offset some of the cost of food, I chose 4 must-dos that offered a lunch service and booked reservations for the 3 of us at: Les Chefs de France, Raglan Road, Rose and Crown and Boma (dinner)
A Little Pixie Dust
I like to flatter myself at times and believe that my worldly travels and love of language have minutely influenced my nieces in some of their decisions in life. Both of them have acquired my love for France and were thankfully listening when I shared with them that the 1 thing I regretted the most about my university experience was that I did not make time to do the Disney college program. This summer, my niece #1 got accepted into the CP alumni program at Disneyland and worked in Annual Pass Sales, whereas niece #2 got accepted into the CP alumni program at WDW as both a front of the house CM at Beaches and Cream as well as working at her former haunt; Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique. I know you all know what this means? Thats right! Discounts!!!! Niece #1 will be transferring and working at WDW during our stay and probably will be rooming with us throughout portions of the trip and with me when I have a solo room once my sisters husband joins us later on.
I will keep you all posted as the trip starts to unfold more. Usually both my nieces and sisters go on this tripand for the past several years my second sister G, usually surprises us and flies down.
Will that happen this year?
Will I get C to go on Splash Mountain?
Will I open my eyes on Dinosaur? ( I really havent yet)
Will I get sick of Counter Service?
Will I buy a refillable mug? NahIll just bring my old one. Just Kidding!!!!
Update: Discounts from nieces for the room as cast members are not as good as the general public off season discounts. At least when they eat with us we can get a little discount on our food
Any suggestions on adult beverage or counter service ideas is greatly appreciated
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