GrumpyDad's Family's Last Hurrah

GrumpyDad · 12-03-2003

It was really touch and go the last couple of days before we left. DD blsitered her foot just prior to her Ice Show auditions, then came down with a sinus infection and accompaning fever and we started looking into canceling or postponing our trip. Like a true trooper she pulled out of it and the night before we were to leave told us in no uncertain terms that we were going.

The flight was uneventful, zipped right thru security, even after asking to have my film hand checked. ( "Yes officer, I know it is a slower film, but X-rays are cummulative and I would rather not risk my vacation pictures" )

As we are approaching the baggage area my daughter notices a limo driver holding a placard with someones name on it. I explain that the driver is waiting to pick someone up and take them to their resort, she replies that she wished we were doing that instead of the shuttle. then she notices the driver from Tiffeny Towncar holding up a placard with our name on it. Both her and my DW were delighted.

A word on Tiffeny Towncars, if you have never used one What are you waiting for. The cost is very reasonable, cars are spotless inside, the drivers are polite and informative. They even asked us if we would like to stop at the grocery on the way to the resort. I would have to say the magic started right there for us.

It was early evening by the time we arrived at the Caribbean Beach, but we were still able to get a good feel for the place. At check-in I asked if they had received our fax request and they said they had and were able to put us in the building we wanted but that they had no open water view rooms available ( we paid for a standard room so I was not really expecting a water view ). The young lady who checked us in told us that once we were settled we should head over to Old Port Royal to eat and then hang at the beach and watch the fireworks.

Afterwards I walked back to the Customs House ( check-in area ) to purchase our park-hoppers. Man this is not a short walk! I should note that you can hop on a bus and ride to the customs house, but I was in the mood for a walk, elapse time to pick up the tickets was around 1/2 hour.

I will be writing a full review of the Caribbean Beach later, but I will say this much. On the plus side the atmosphere was nice, the Jamaica 45 building is perfectly situated, the food court is very adaquate, the pool is clean and large enough, and the general staff was all you would expect. On the downside houskeeping really was subpar, the foodcourt ran out of many breakfast items by 10:00, the drinks at the pool were very very weak, and rooms with adjoining doors can be very noisy (depending of course on your neighbor).

Of the three moderates that we have stayed at, the Old Dixie Landings, Corranado Springs, and Caribbean Beach, I would rate this one last, but you still feel that you are immersed in the Disney Magic and I would still rather stay here again vs staying off site.

Back in the room DD turned on the resort channel, shock of shocks, it is no longer a Zipiddy-do-dah day. There is a whole new schtick featuring a bubbly 20-something named Christa whose neck I was ready to ring by the time we left. Seriously I miss the old tip-of-the-day. My DD did find that the spanish version features the old format and we watched that quite a bit ( she is taking spanish in school so we felt it was worth it for the instructional value anyhow). We got to bed about 11:00 that first night with dreams of the Parks dancing in our heads.

DisneyAnne · 12-03-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by GrumpyDad
On the downside houskeeping really was subpar, the foodcourt ran out of many breakfast items by 10:00, the drinks at the pool were very very weak, and rooms with adjoining doors can be very noisy (depending of course on your neighbor).

GrumpyDad... so glad you are back!!! But I must say I am a bit alarmed with the downsides of CBR... especially *gasp* :nooo: the weak drinks at the pool :nooo: If the rooms with adjoining doors are noisy, I'd best be careful who my neighbors are for the Meet & Greet, huh? :whistle:

Sounds like Tiffany Towncars was ideal. Hope the rest of the trip turns out the same ;) Once again, good to have you "home."

GrumpyDad · 12-03-2003

Anne,

I am a cheap drunk, normally two drinks are all I can handle in an evening,especially rum based drinks, but after two at the pool I didn't even have a small buzz going. On the other hand, and not to get too far ahead of myself, we went to Downtown Disney and stopped into Capt Jack's little stand for a Rum Runner. Man that was good and kept me smiling the whole time we shopped:D . "Sure sweetheart you can buy whatever you want":p .

sandanv1 · 12-03-2003

Two more reasons I love WDW (as if there were'nt a ba-zillion already)

Capt Jack's little stand for a Rum Runner &
There is always someone to drive you home:dazed

I can taste them already!

**Dana** · 12-03-2003

Harry -

I missed your posts and am glad to have you home. Sorry to hear about the weak drinks. When I stayed at WL, one drink had me buzzing...and I can handle my drinks usually. Subpar mousekeeping? Wow sorry to hear. I hope the rest of the trip was magical. I can't wait to read the rest.

**DisneyTeacher** · 12-03-2003

I am glad to have you back Harry. I can't wait to read about the rest of your trip. I just loved Jamaica building 45 at CBR, it was by far our favorite.

ajbdk5 · 12-04-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by sandanv1
Two more reasons I love WDW (as if there were'nt a ba-zillion already)

Capt Jack's little stand for a Rum Runner &
There is always someone to drive you home:dazed

:laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh
I heartily agree with you Sandy!

WELCOME BACK Harry!:) I'm looking forward to your report!
Especially your pics, you always have GREAT ones!

mickaholic4077 · 12-04-2003

welcome back,Grumpy!! What exactly was sub-par baout Mousekeeping? I'm starting to get a little apprehensive about staying there for the meet-n-greet!!!

GrumpyDad · 12-04-2003

Mickeyholic , I don't want anyone to think the place was nasty or anything, just less then what I have come to expect from Disney. If the choice came between staying at the CBR and staying off site I would choose the CBR in a heartbeat. This is my overall impressions of mousekeeping where we were. I do intend to send a letter off to the manager, but I want a little distance before I write it.

Plus side: Each day the beds were made and new towels were brought in. One day they made my daughter a washcloth animal that was really cute.

Minus side: When we checked in the beds were made, but there were beer bottle caps under the beds and a mini-football in the corner of the room that the last person left behind. We were never brought more shampoo even after the little bottle was empty, the mousekeeper told me they were out of "Do Not Disturb Signs", and the garbage was only emptied after we asked. I think that on most days we just got a mousekeeper that was less then into it.

I was also a bit disturbed that even though these rooms were rehabbed less then 6 months ago there was already a lot of "crud" around the window A/C units and along the side of the bathtub.

Again, I would not call this a No-Tell-Motel or anything, just at $125 a night you do expect a lot.

-harry

crystalrp · 12-04-2003

Welcome back GrumyDad! Can't wait to hear (read) every detail. I have to agree with you on CBR. While it is still Disney, which is miles above non-disney, the CBR is my least favorite of all the Moderates we have stayed at. We have stayed at CBR, Dixie Landings, and Port Orleans FQ. The walk just to get coffee every morning was way far. But as we both have stated, any Disney onsite is better than anything off site! (Gotta love that Mouse!) :)

preidel24 · 12-04-2003

Welcome back Harry can't wait to hear all the grand details of your trip.

Paula

MickeyRon · 12-04-2003

Welcome back... enjoying the tirp report so far...

LRTJS · 12-07-2003

Looking forward to hearing more about your trip and to seeing pictures. I know you are a fantastic photographer. All the info you and ohters gave me on the digital cameras really saved the day for me. Sorry to hear about the CBR and Mousekeeping. I am now very glad we stayed at CSR. Mousekeeping was excellent there. We got new shampoo even when we didn't use the others as well as soap...so I had many little mouse soaps to bring home! ;) We asked for extra coffee and it was left every day until we left. The little things really count!

DisneyAnne · 12-07-2003

GrumpyDad... thanks so much for the postcard you sent to the nephews... my sister knew I had put you up to it as soon as she saw it... The youngest is now very concerned that Buzz Lightyear reports directly to Santa... LOL!!!

When things calm down for you, we'd sure love to hear some more about your trip... Stay warm and thanks again

**Dana** · 12-08-2003

Yeah Harry...What she said. I am also interested in how your DD made out. I want to hear about the rest of your trip too....demanding little thing arent' I? Take your time Harry. It will give me something to look forward to when I get home from work or the place from down below...which ever way you'd like to say it.:laugh :laugh

12-03-2003	#1 (permalink)
GrumpyDad Mouse Meister Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Oak Park, IL Posts: 1,182	GrumpyDad's Family's Last Hurrah Preamble It was really touch and go the last couple of days before we left. DD blsitered her foot just prior to her Ice Show auditions, then came down with a sinus infection and accompaning fever and we started looking into canceling or postponing our trip. Like a true trooper she pulled out of it and the night before we were to leave told us in no uncertain terms that we were going. The flight was uneventful, zipped right thru security, even after asking to have my film hand checked. ( "Yes officer, I know it is a slower film, but X-rays are cummulative and I would rather not risk my vacation pictures" ) As we are approaching the baggage area my daughter notices a limo driver holding a placard with someones name on it. I explain that the driver is waiting to pick someone up and take them to their resort, she replies that she wished we were doing that instead of the shuttle. then she notices the driver from Tiffeny Towncar holding up a placard with our name on it. Both her and my DW were delighted. A word on Tiffeny Towncars, if you have never used one What are you waiting for. The cost is very reasonable, cars are spotless inside, the drivers are polite and informative. They even asked us if we would like to stop at the grocery on the way to the resort. I would have to say the magic started right there for us. It was early evening by the time we arrived at the Caribbean Beach, but we were still able to get a good feel for the place. At check-in I asked if they had received our fax request and they said they had and were able to put us in the building we wanted but that they had no open water view rooms available ( we paid for a standard room so I was not really expecting a water view ). The young lady who checked us in told us that once we were settled we should head over to Old Port Royal to eat and then hang at the beach and watch the fireworks. Afterwards I walked back to the Customs House ( check-in area ) to purchase our park-hoppers. Man this is not a short walk! I should note that you can hop on a bus and ride to the customs house, but I was in the mood for a walk, elapse time to pick up the tickets was around 1/2 hour. I will be writing a full review of the Caribbean Beach later, but I will say this much. On the plus side the atmosphere was nice, the Jamaica 45 building is perfectly situated, the food court is very adaquate, the pool is clean and large enough, and the general staff was all you would expect. On the downside houskeeping really was subpar, the foodcourt ran out of many breakfast items by 10:00, the drinks at the pool were very very weak, and rooms with adjoining doors can be very noisy (depending of course on your neighbor). Of the three moderates that we have stayed at, the Old Dixie Landings, Corranado Springs, and Caribbean Beach, I would rate this one last, but you still feel that you are immersed in the Disney Magic and I would still rather stay here again vs staying off site. Back in the room DD turned on the resort channel, shock of shocks, it is no longer a Zipiddy-do-dah day. There is a whole new schtick featuring a bubbly 20-something named Christa whose neck I was ready to ring by the time we left. Seriously I miss the old tip-of-the-day. My DD did find that the spanish version features the old format and we watched that quite a bit ( she is taking spanish in school so we felt it was worth it for the instructional value anyhow). We got to bed about 11:00 that first night with dreams of the Parks dancing in our heads. __________________ . Jan 2008 Yacht Club ~* Jan 2007 Caribbean Beach Dec/Jan 2005/2006 Disney Poly / Disney Wonder New Years Trip Nov 2003 - Caribbean Beach ~* Nov 2002 – Coronado Springs ~ Feb 2001 – Boardwalk Feb 2000 – Swan ~~~~~ Feb 1999 – Yacht Club ~~~ Jan 1998 – Boardwalk Feb 1997 – Yacht Club ~~~ Jan 1996 – Beach Club ~~~ May 1995 - Swan Feb 1995 – Dixie Landings ~*~ May 1994 – Dolphin

12-03-2003	#3 (permalink)
GrumpyDad Mouse Meister Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Oak Park, IL Posts: 1,182	Anne, I am a cheap drunk, normally two drinks are all I can handle in an evening,especially rum based drinks, but after two at the pool I didn't even have a small buzz going. On the other hand, and not to get too far ahead of myself, we went to Downtown Disney and stopped into Capt Jack's little stand for a Rum Runner. Man that was good and kept me smiling the whole time we shopped:D . "Sure sweetheart you can buy whatever you want":p . __________________ . Jan 2008 Yacht Club ~* Jan 2007 Caribbean Beach Dec/Jan 2005/2006 Disney Poly / Disney Wonder New Years Trip Nov 2003 - Caribbean Beach ~* Nov 2002 – Coronado Springs ~ Feb 2001 – Boardwalk Feb 2000 – Swan ~~~~~ Feb 1999 – Yacht Club ~~~ Jan 1998 – Boardwalk Feb 1997 – Yacht Club ~~~ Jan 1996 – Beach Club ~~~ May 1995 - Swan Feb 1995 – Dixie Landings ~*~ May 1994 – Dolphin

12-03-2003	#4 (permalink)
sandanv1 Mouse Meister Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: 15 miles from WDW Posts: 1,110	Two more reasons I love WDW (as if there were'nt a ba-zillion already) Capt Jack's little stand for a Rum Runner & There is always someone to drive you home:dazed I can taste them already! __________________ Now that we live in near WDW, we stop by every couple weeks! "Of course I don't look busy...I did it right the first time! 2005 - Moved 20 miles from WDW POR (Oct) Fort Wilderness (Dec) 2004 - Pop Cent. (Feb, April) POR(Oct,Dec) Caribbean (Oct) 2003 - All Star Music (Feb.) All Star Sports (April), POR (Oct), CSR (Dec) 2002 - Fort Wilderness (Dec), POR (Oct), AKL (Aug), off site (may):(, CSR (April), Caribbean (Feb) 2001 - Fort Wilderness (Dec), PO Riverside (Oct)

12-03-2003	#5 (permalink)
Dana Super Mod/Packen' Kracken Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Joisey Posts: 23,782	Harry - I missed your posts and am glad to have you home. Sorry to hear about the weak drinks. When I stayed at WL, one drink had me buzzing...and I can handle my drinks usually. Subpar mousekeeping? Wow sorry to hear. I hope the rest of the trip was magical. I can't wait to read the rest. __________________ ~82 off-site~91 off-site~97 ASMusic~ ~00 ASMovies~02 Wilderness Lodge~04 Animal Kingdom Lodge~ ~05 Animal Kingdom Lodge & Polynesian~ ~05 Port Orleans French Quarter~06 Old Key West~ ~07 Port Orleans French Quarter~08 Old Key West~ ~09 Saratoga Springs~10 Port Orleans Fench Quarter~ My Disney Countdown Counting down to: 10 day do all or die trying trip. 268 days 22 hours 55 minutes

12-03-2003	#6 (permalink)
DisneyTeacher Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: WDW in my dreams Posts: 18,310	I am glad to have you back Harry. I can't wait to read about the rest of your trip. I just loved Jamaica building 45 at CBR, it was by far our favorite. __________________ ~Stephanie~ 1993 Caribbean Beach Resort ~ 1996 Caribbean Beach resort ~1997 Caribbean Beach Resort ~2003 Wilderness Lodge ~2004 Beach Club Resort/Shades of Green/Pop Century~ 2005 Wilderness Lodge Resort/Beach Club Villas ~ 2006 Saratoga Springs Resort~2007 Port Orleans French Quarter/Beach Club Villas/Boardwalk Villas ~ 2007 Port Orleans Riverside~ 2008 Wilderness Lodge/Beach Club Villas~2008 Beach Club Villas~2009 Hilton Head Island~ 2009 Beach Club Villas My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Beach Club here we come 238 days 3 hours 55 minutes

		MouseBuzz.com > Mouscellaneous > Trip Reports
GrumpyDad's Family's Last Hurrah

12-04-2003	#8 (permalink)
mickaholic4077 Currently in Timeout! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: 90 miles from The Mick!!!!! Posts: 6,181	welcome back,Grumpy!! What exactly was sub-par baout Mousekeeping? I'm starting to get a little apprehensive about staying there for the meet-n-greet!!!

12-04-2003	#9 (permalink)
GrumpyDad Mouse Meister Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Oak Park, IL Posts: 1,182	Mickeyholic , I don't want anyone to think the place was nasty or anything, just less then what I have come to expect from Disney. If the choice came between staying at the CBR and staying off site I would choose the CBR in a heartbeat. This is my overall impressions of mousekeeping where we were. I do intend to send a letter off to the manager, but I want a little distance before I write it. Plus side: Each day the beds were made and new towels were brought in. One day they made my daughter a washcloth animal that was really cute. Minus side: When we checked in the beds were made, but there were beer bottle caps under the beds and a mini-football in the corner of the room that the last person left behind. We were never brought more shampoo even after the little bottle was empty, the mousekeeper told me they were out of "Do Not Disturb Signs", and the garbage was only emptied after we asked. I think that on most days we just got a mousekeeper that was less then into it. I was also a bit disturbed that even though these rooms were rehabbed less then 6 months ago there was already a lot of "crud" around the window A/C units and along the side of the bathtub. Again, I would not call this a No-Tell-Motel or anything, just at $125 a night you do expect a lot. -harry __________________ . Jan 2008 Yacht Club ~* Jan 2007 Caribbean Beach Dec/Jan 2005/2006 Disney Poly / Disney Wonder New Years Trip Nov 2003 - Caribbean Beach ~* Nov 2002 – Coronado Springs ~ Feb 2001 – Boardwalk Feb 2000 – Swan ~~~~~ Feb 1999 – Yacht Club ~~~ Jan 1998 – Boardwalk Feb 1997 – Yacht Club ~~~ Jan 1996 – Beach Club ~~~ May 1995 - Swan Feb 1995 – Dixie Landings ~*~ May 1994 – Dolphin

12-04-2003	#10 (permalink)
crystalrp Mouse Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: skowhegan, maine Posts: 1,235	Welcome back GrumyDad! Can't wait to hear (read) every detail. I have to agree with you on CBR. While it is still Disney, which is miles above non-disney, the CBR is my least favorite of all the Moderates we have stayed at. We have stayed at CBR, Dixie Landings, and Port Orleans FQ. The walk just to get coffee every morning was way far. But as we both have stated, any Disney onsite is better than anything off site! (Gotta love that Mouse!) :) __________________ 1972~off site 1982~Contemporary 1998~Port Orleans 1999~Caribbean Beach/Disney Magic 2001~Dixie Landings/Disney Wonder 2003~Wilderness Lodge/Disney Wonder 2004~POFQ and AKL

12-04-2003	#11 (permalink)
preidel24 Big Cheese Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 902	Welcome back Harry can't wait to hear all the grand details of your trip. Paula __________________ ^i^ * Postcard Pixie * ^i^ ~ Sharing the Disney magic ~ Discover the Magic - and you'll be hooked for life!!!

12-04-2003	#12 (permalink)
MickeyRon Grand Sorcerer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,353	Welcome back... enjoying the tirp report so far... __________________ Mickey Fan! Planned Nov/Dec 2007... BWV, Shareton Safari, SSR... 2007... WLV (Rented Points!!) 2006... ASMOV and RENTING DVC POINTS @ SSR 2004... ASMOV -- ON SITE!!! FIRST TIME! 2003... Silver Lake Resort (off property) 1982... Epcot Only Trip (off property) I forgot about this trip! 1976... Camping somewhere in Orlando (off property)

12-07-2003	#13 (permalink)
LRTJS Southern Disney Belle Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Alabama Posts: 2,403	Looking forward to hearing more about your trip and to seeing pictures. I know you are a fantastic photographer. All the info you and ohters gave me on the digital cameras really saved the day for me. Sorry to hear about the CBR and Mousekeeping. I am now very glad we stayed at CSR. Mousekeeping was excellent there. We got new shampoo even when we didn't use the others as well as soap...so I had many little mouse soaps to bring home! ;) We asked for extra coffee and it was left every day until we left. The little things really count! __________________ Laughter is timeless,Imagination has no age, and dreams are forever! SUPER SOAP WEEKEND!!!!! DW Trip 30 ....CSR ROCKS!! French Quarter All Star Sports All Star Music Pop Century ^i^ * Postcard Pixie * ^i^ ~ Sharing the Disney magic ~ My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Thanksgiving Trip what a way to give thanks!!

12-07-2003	#14 (permalink)
DisneyAnne Palmetto Pixie Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 2,148	GrumpyDad... thanks so much for the postcard you sent to the nephews... my sister knew I had put you up to it as soon as she saw it... The youngest is now very concerned that Buzz Lightyear reports directly to Santa... LOL!!! When things calm down for you, we'd sure love to hear some more about your trip... Stay warm and thanks again __________________

12-08-2003	#15 (permalink)
Dana Super Mod/Packen' Kracken Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Joisey Posts: 23,782	Yeah Harry...What she said. I am also interested in how your DD made out. I want to hear about the rest of your trip too....demanding little thing arent' I? Take your time Harry. It will give me something to look forward to when I get home from work or the place from down below...which ever way you'd like to say it.:laugh :laugh __________________ ~82 off-site~91 off-site~97 ASMusic~ ~00 ASMovies~02 Wilderness Lodge~04 Animal Kingdom Lodge~ ~05 Animal Kingdom Lodge & Polynesian~ ~05 Port Orleans French Quarter~06 Old Key West~ ~07 Port Orleans French Quarter~08 Old Key West~ ~09 Saratoga Springs~10 Port Orleans Fench Quarter~ My Disney Countdown Counting down to: 10 day do all or die trying trip. 268 days 22 hours 55 minutes

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