[MJD]

I'll start off with the morning. This trip is somewhat monumental because it is our Anniversary Trip and the first time back on a air plane since 9/11. Let me tell you the plane ride was much better than the road. The kids loved it and we got there in three to four hours rather than 19 hours.

We booked our plane tickets through American Express (They are extremely helpful!) and flew with US Airways. The whole experience was great, I would recommend it to everyone. I think even Jenny would like US Airways.

Needless to say we will be flying to WDW this Christmas!

US Airways ROCK!!!!!!!!

[Dana]

oh yes!!! you are doing your report... I am staying on here till you finish..

[Dopey]

Alrighty then, no slacking. Dana wants that report and her time to read it is getting shorter by the minute...

Sounds like you had a great start to a great trip....

[MJD]

This year we stayed at Coronado Springs and used Magical Express! What a place! It reminded me of CBR! The place is awesome. The reports are true about it being a BIG resort. They have golf carts driving around the resort to pick up guest. The CM’s are very accommodating and are always willing to give you a helping hand or a word of advice!

We ended up at CSR because the DVC program was full at the time! I would definitely recommend this resort.

[MJD]

The pool is awesome and the Margarita’s are cold! DW & I stayed by the pool that afternoon and watched the kids! OMG! It was hot. It felt like July weather in October.
The bartender was pretty cool guy. He gave some advice for places to visit for New Years Eve. He mentioned California Grill. DW is looking into it for ADR’s.

[Dana]

That pool is awesome!

[MJD]

This should give you an idea of the size of the resort. We stayed in the Cabana section. Kind of in the middle of the action.

[tiggerlover1971]

Great trip report Michael so far I cant wait to hear all about it sounds like CSR is really nice

[Dopey]

Good good. Love the photos. In the last photo, the one of the resort, what is that in the foreground? A sculpture of some sort, it looks like.

[MJD]

Originally Posted by Dopey

Good good. Love the photos. In the last photo, the one of the resort, what is that in the foreground? A sculpture of some sort, it looks like.

It’s some type of Mosaic art from the Mayas & Aztecs. It is through out the entire resort and really neat to look at. Even the pool area is based on a Mosaic theme.

[MJD]

SPOODLES

On the first day we had plans for MK & dinner at ESPN. It didn't go that way. Let me tell you what happen! The kids stayed in the pool a little longer than usual and the Margarita’s were flowing like the Nile. Well, ME takes a little longer to get your bags to the room, we expected that to happen. When the bags got to the room we got ready to go out for the night. All excited and ready for a little MK action. MK closed at 5 to reopen for 6 for Halloween special hours and tricker treating.

Change of plans went to Epcot for a bit and than went to ESPN. The Sox were playing(RED Tink67) and I was really excited until I noticed they were losing and I was the only Sox fan in the building. NO one was leaving before the game was over and the kids were hungry!

We went to Spoodles!
BIGGEST MISTAKE EVER!!!!!!!

The place was slow (no crowds), the menu was limited ($$$$$) and the service was horrible. Dinner came out before the appetizers and the waiter thought that was funny. DS’s steak was literally raw!!! My DW mentioned it to the waiter and he actually winked at her and smiled.

I am not the type of person to complain nor am I afraid to spend some money on vacation! But it was horrible! The matradee actually was watching us as we left and stopped us! Great DW is ticked and as Irish as the day is long with a hot temper ! I figure he’ll attempt to take care of it or a least say sorry for the POOR service. NOT A CHANCE!!!! The kids left the restaurant hungry. Spoodles is not to Disney, no wonder why they had no crowd. Don’t waste your money!

We should have gone to Big River!!! I love that restaurant!

I’m ranting!!! Enough of the bad stuff, on to the Happiest Celebration on Earth!!!!

[tiggerlover1971]

oh so sorry Michael about spoodles but I am glad that you let us know because I was going to try this place in the future

[PrincessJill]

I LOVE your report!! I feel like I'm watching a slideshow. :) I love all the pictures. Can't wait for more!!

[kizzmitt]

Oh MY! What's going on with the steaks at WDW! We got black and blue steaks at CG when we ordered Medium! We were looking for the hidden camera's for "Smile your on Candid camera!" When DD's filet came back cold and raw afer being sent back 3 times! This happened to her again at CS after we carefully explained how she wanted it done! I also got a black and blue (raw) filet at CRT! We had none of these problems last may, I think the staff must of been overwhelmed.

Spoodles should have done something to make it up to you! I'm sorry your meal turned out bad, I hope the rest were OK.

[Dana]

michael-
I am so sorry to hear of your bad experience at spoodles. That is no way to start of a WDW kick off meal. I hope your DW gave it to him good..lol There is no excuse for bad service. Mistakes happen, but bad service can be helped. I hope the rest of your trip was perfect. I love your TR presentation with the little pictures after the information. I agree, it's like a slide-show. Nice touch.