Heat, humidity and a great Mother/Daughter trip! A May TR **TR Update 12/10**

[PhoenixStrength]

Just joining in. I also am in Maryland (Severn). Your Sweetie looks a lot like my Morgana (she's 13) and we have a Maine Coon cat mix as well, Amadeus who is 8. Both were rescue cats.

Welcome! I know a few people who live in Severn. And thanks for rescuing your kitties, it's a cause that is close to my heart!

 

[mickeystoontown]

ROAD TRIP! I do not know how you were running on so little sleep. Oh yeah, I know...you had that "I'm going to Disney excitement". I've seen pictures of the South of the Border but have never been there. From what you described, it doesn't sound like I'm missing much.

 

[PhoenixStrength]

ROAD TRIP! I do not know how you were running on so little sleep. Oh yeah, I know...you had that "I'm going to Disney excitement". I've seen pictures of the South of the Border but have never been there. From what you described, it doesn't sound like I'm missing much.

I can function on little to no sleep as long as I don't stop. Once I do I'm done! The Disney excitement definitely helped! I will say that I stopped at South of the Border about 17ish years ago, so it certainly could be much better now, but I'm not taking chances to find out!

 

[Pluto0809]

Wow, that's a lot of driving! I've only done the drive from GA once and it's only about 8 hours. I am just not a fan of driving far so I will take flying over driving any day!

 

[afwdwfan]

My Mom did try to get pictures but as you can see from this one taken when we entered North Carolina, that didn't work well.

Well, as long as it is just her picture and that isn't what it looked like to you as you were driving...

That is actually how I like to do our trips too. I don't sleep well in a car so I always go to bed sometime in the afternoon, get a few hours of sleep and then wake up to drive through the night.

 

[PhoenixStrength]

Wow, that's a lot of driving! I've only done the drive from GA once and it's only about 8 hours. I am just not a fan of driving far so I will take flying over driving any day!

I actually don't mind driving at all, though I do prefer more sleep usually beforehand. I do like flying more, but my Mom cannot fly. She is afraid of heights and claustrophobic. Last time she tried to fly they almost had to divert the flight and did have to meet the flight with EMTs at MCO to make sure she was okay as they thought she may have had a heart attack. Thankfully it was just a panic attack and she was okay once she got off the plane. But definitely no more flying for her!

Well, as long as it is just her picture and that isn't what it looked like to you as you were driving...

That is actually how I like to do our trips too. I don't sleep well in a car so I always go to bed sometime in the afternoon, get a few hours of sleep and then wake up to drive through the night.

I would never drive so fast as to make the signs look like that!

I have found that is the best way for me to do longer driving days as well.

 

[KatMark]

Yay...you've started.

So how long of a ride is it altogether from where you are?

Seems like our drive when we used to drive...lots of trees and cows.

Can't wait to hear more.

 

[PhoenixStrength]

Yay...you've started.

So how long of a ride is it altogether from where you are?

Seems like our drive when we used to drive...lots of trees and cows.

Can't wait to hear more.

It's about a 13 hours drive, but with stops for gas, food, bathroom etc it usually takes about 15 hours.

Yeah, not much scenery at all on our drive, lots of trees and fields the whole way.

 

[PhoenixStrength]

DAY ONE, TUESDAY MAY 20TH, PART 2

A few minutes after 3pm we saw this:









And right after that we saw this!






We were there!!! There was a little weirdness going on as we drove past DTD due to the constructions, but before long we pulled our car into Caribbean Beach Resort!






We quickly went thru the guard gate and to the Custom House. The parking lot was pretty empty, but when we walked in there was a line at the online check in desk. After getting in line a CM grabbed us and escorted us over to an open concierge desk to be checked in. The woman there was very nice, took my ID then walked over to grab our check in packet. When she brought over our packet and told me where our room was I was thrilled! We managed to get a 2nd floor, corner room in Jamaica 45! For those that don't know CBR that is pretty much the best standard room building you can get, being the closest to Old Port Royale without paying for preferred. Here is the CBR map showing where we were staying






I happen to prefer corner room and 2nd floor too, and didn't request either of those things. So I was so happy right away with our vacation. My Mom had never stayed at CBR before, but was quite happy when I explained how good our room was and was even happier when she saw where we were.

As we were driving over to the parking lot we passed the construction area for the room refurbishment and I snapped a quick picture:






The area was large, but nicely fenced off so it didn't look messy or unattractive. And it was in the parking lot right in front of the rooms they were refurbing, so I doubt they obstructed anyone from having a nice view from their own room.

We were able to find a parking spot right by the stairwell closest to our room, so we got our things up in just 2 trips. I only took a few room pictures before we started getting settled into the room.












And a shot from the sidewalk below our room. Our room was the one on the second floor, with the door being just behind the palm tree.






We quickly unpacked and organized our things, then Mom wanted to see the resort so out we went!

Oh, I forgot to mention something really quick. My Mom has bad knees. She's had surgery on one of them and the other is pretty bad too. She can walk pretty well but needs to go slower and cannot do long distances without breaks. Which was another reason I was happy with our room location, easier for her getting to OPR and back to our room!

So, we walked out our room with our cameras and headed toward OPR. The first picture is the Jamaica beach from the bridge to Caribbean Cay, then a few more we both took on our way.

































Once in Old Port Royale we walked around the food court first, just looking at the options. Then we made our way into the gift shop and looked some more. We also bought some postcards and stamps to send to friends and family, which is a tradition. We filled them out and mailed them from OPR before heading out to the OPR bus stop. We were starting to get hungry but my Mom had another place in mind instead of OPR's food court.



CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST



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[PhoenixStrength]

We didn't have to wait long for a bus to our destination, which was:






We walked right to our dinner locale, which was a repeat for me but new for Mom






It was still on the earlier side of dinner time so they were pretty empty. While we were both hungry neither of us thought we could eat a big meal on our own, so we decided to share a pepperoni pizza, vanilla bean cheesecake and got an extra drink (which the cashier refused to charge us for) for a QS credit. I was so into the food that I completely forgot to take pictures. I know, I'm a bad DISer! We did both enjoy all the food though and then headed out to do some shopping! We stopped in the Disney at Home store first but didn't buy anything Arribas Brothers store was next and I found a wolf carving that I knew George would love (he LOVES wolves!) and was able to get it engraved with his name. They said it would be an hour until it was ready so I left it there while we continued to shop.

I was talking to my Mom so much about our plans for the week that the only picture I took while we walked around was this:






We headed into World of Disney next since they have the best selection. We both walked around for a while, trying to find things for my Dad, 2 sisters Heather and Lisa, Heather's husband Jimmy, George and my cousin's daughter whose 8th birthday is coming up and loves all things Disney! I easily found a shirt for George with Donald on it (his favorite character) and a book for Lisa. I cannot remember what I got Heather now, though I'm sure I will right after I post this. I decided I'd get Dad something in the Star Tours shop since he loves those movies and Jimmy something in China at Epcot since he collects dragon items and they always have a ton. The only person I could find something for still was my cousin's daughter Kimberly. Everything was either too childish for her, too grown up or she already had it! My Mom wound up giving me the idea to get an autograph book and get a bunch of autographs for her since she's never been to WDW herself to get them.

While I shopped my Mom did too, and she also took a bunch of pictures of the things hanging from the ceiling in World of Disney.






























Once we made our purchases I headed back over to Arribas Bros and picked up George's wolf. We debated walking around more, but we were both so tired from being up since 11pm the night before so instead we walked back to the bus stop and quickly got on a bus back to CBR. We did stop at Pleasure Island, but thankfully there was no shift change so we left again and got back to CBR with only a minimum delay from the construction.

We got off at the Jamaica bus stop and walked straight to our room. We were really exhausted at that point, despite it only being around 8pm, so we put away our packages and headed to bed, looking forward to our first park day the next day!


NEXT TIME: GAMES, COWBOYS AND SPACEMEN!



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[mickeystoontown]

What a great room location Steph! I don't think that you could have asked for any better location for you and your mom. Your pictures of the resort and so good and I would love to be on the Jamaica beach right now.

You two are just like our family...itching to get in some Disney time even if you are too tired to even breathe.

 

[PhoenixStrength]

What a great room location Steph! I don't think that you could have asked for any better location for you and your mom. Your pictures of the resort and so good and I would love to be on the Jamaica beach right now.

You two are just like our family...itching to get in some Disney time even if you are too tired to even breathe.

I agree, the rookm location was definitely ideal and we were quite happy with it the whole time. I'd like to be in the Jamaica beach right now too, or any of the other village beaches!

Yeah, I'm all about starting the Disney fun right away even if I'm a zombie while doing it,

 

[afwdwfan]

I'm glad that your room was basically the room you'd ask for if you could request a specific one.

I think your dinner choice was excellent. I love WPE. Getting some dinner, shopping and getting to bed at around 8pm seems like a great idea after driving all night.

 

[Pluto0809]

You did get the ultimate location at CBR! That's the building that I tried to get for Mom and I when we went in 2012. Unfortunately we were there during Pop Warner and the resort was crowded. We ended up in Jamaica 42 which wasn't too bad.

I have yet to make it to WPE. I've had it on the schedule for the last two trips but ended up changing plans both times. One of these days I have to make it there!

I don't blame you for going to bed so early after being up for that long! Did Illuminations wake you up? I remember hearing the show from CBR and it was pretty loud.

 

[PhoenixStrength]

I'm glad that your room was basically the room you'd ask for if you could request a specific one.

I think your dinner choice was excellent. I love WPE. Getting some dinner, shopping and getting to bed at around 8pm seems like a great idea after driving all night.

We were really lucky to get such a great room!

I love WPE too, it's one of my favorite QS options. We definitely wanted to get some stuff done, but still make sure we got plenty of sleep since we were so tired.

You did get the ultimate location at CBR! That's the building that I tried to get for Mom and I when we went in 2012. Unfortunately we were there during Pop Warner and the resort was crowded. We ended up in Jamaica 42 which wasn't too bad.

I have yet to make it to WPE. I've had it on the schedule for the last two trips but ended up changing plans both times. One of these days I have to make it there!

I don't blame you for going to bed so early after being up for that long! Did Illuminations wake you up? I remember hearing the show from CBR and it was pretty loud.

You do definitely need to eat at WPE, the food is great (meals and desserts!) and it's like BOG lunch where you order, sit and they bring the food to you.

I was actually still awake when Illuminations started and I could definitely hear it. I was so tired though that I fell asleep while it was still going!

 

[KatMark]

Steph, I'm playing catch-up again (sorry).

Beautiful pictures of your room and around CBR. It really is a very pretty resort. Great location too!

for going to DTD and Wolfgang's for dinner.

Nice that you found a wolf for George and found things for the others on your list. Great idea from your mom about the autograph book.

I'd be in bed too if I had been up since 11:00 the night before.

 

[ZehnJahren]

Just wanted to pop in and say I'm here reading. I love mother/daughter trips; my mom and I have done a couple of short ones but are doing a full week this October so I'm excited! We have some special things planned and I am planning on another trip report when I return.

I haven't ever really seen many pictures of your resort; I am enjoying yours!

I want to go to DTD when we go for our trip this fall, but man I hear terrible things about the construction. Our hotel isn't far from DTD either, so I hear traffic is bad around it as well. I've never been to Wolfgang Puck Express either; I'd like to try it some time already! We want to go to the Co-op for the Disney Dooney selection; I guess we'll just see how bad it is when we get there.

I stayed at BWV on my November trip and when Illuminations started I got annoyed because I didn't know what it was! As soon as I realized it, I went right to sleep.

 

[PhoenixStrength]

Steph, I'm playing catch-up again (sorry).

Beautiful pictures of your room and around CBR. It really is a very pretty resort. Great location too!

for going to DTD and Wolfgang's for dinner.

Nice that you found a wolf for George and found things for the others on your list. Great idea from your mom about the autograph book.

I'd be in bed too if I had been up since 11:00 the night before.

No need to apologize, I'm glad you made it over! I'm behind on yours too, which I will catch up on as soon as I'm done replies here!

Thank you, CBR is a very pretty resort for sure. And I definitely loved our location!

WPE is my favorite QS option at DTD by far. And I was so happy to find good souvenirs for most of my list, and I agree that my Mom's idea for Kimberly was a good one. Her birthday is this Sunday so we will find out then how much she likes it!

We were definitely ready for bed by 8pm, before that really!!

Just wanted to pop in and say I'm here reading. I love mother/daughter trips; my mom and I have done a couple of short ones but are doing a full week this October so I'm excited! We have some special things planned and I am planning on another trip report when I return.

I haven't ever really seen many pictures of your resort; I am enjoying yours!

I want to go to DTD when we go for our trip this fall, but man I hear terrible things about the construction. Our hotel isn't far from DTD either, so I hear traffic is bad around it as well. I've never been to Wolfgang Puck Express either; I'd like to try it some time already! We want to go to the Co-op for the Disney Dooney selection; I guess we'll just see how bad it is when we get there.

I stayed at BWV on my November trip and when Illuminations started I got annoyed because I didn't know what it was! As soon as I realized it, I went right to sleep.

Thank you for joining in! This was our first Mother/Daughter trip. Good for you that you are going to get a long one in October, that is a good time of year at WDW for temperature and Halloween decorations.

There was some construction in DTD when I was there, but I know more has started since then. Maybe it will be less by the time you go, but who knows.

Yeah, when Illuminations first started that night it took me a minute to remember what it was, but thankfully it didn't keep me from much needed sleep!

 

[PhoenixStrength]

DAY TWO, WEDNESDAY MAY 21ST, PART ONE

Mom and I woke up around 6am. She took her shower first, then me. Once we were both done we got our stuff together and walked over to Old Port Royale for some breakfast. I only took one picture on our walk over.






I didn't take a single picture of our food! I know I got the Bounty Platter and Mom got Pancakes with Bacon. We both enjoyed our meals a ton and after a quick bathroom break we headed over to the OPR bus stop.






Our bus was there in less than 10 minutes and was pretty empty, with only a few other groups of people on it. The windows on the bus were too covered in condensation to get any pictures on the drive. We got to our destination with no issues around 7:40am, plenty of time before EMH. The lines were already forming pretty well at the gates, but not too terrible.






Have you figured out where we went yet? How about a hint?






Got it yet? If not, here you go!






We were let in a couple minutes before 8am and the rush began. Since Mom cannot walk too fast we didn't rush over to TSMM, and instead took pictures and got some taken. Today was also the day we accidentally matched!


















First photo was my camera, second was Memory Maker.

We started to walk toward TSMM after getting those pictures, but got distracted along the way by a couple of real characters coming out!















Once we got our pictures with Donald and Daisy we once again started to head toward TSMM












The stand-by line was out the door already, but the line quickly went inside and we found they didn't have most of the line open yet. Posted wait was 45 minutes but we waited more like 30.






A few pictures I took while we waited in line!
























CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST



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[PhoenixStrength]

More pics during our wait for TSMM












We got in our ride vehicle and started zooming around, playing the games as we went. My Mom is, self admittedly, not the best at this attractions but she was happy with her score. Mine score is the left, hers is the right.






Next up we walked right across the walkway to get in line for Woody and Buzz. The line was right at the door with a 50 minute posted wait, which was pretty accurate.

I tried to take a picture of the layout they have at the doorway, but my Mom was in the way!






I think it's cute they included the Binford tool box in the line. For those that don't know Binford is the fictional tool company the Tim Allen's character worked for on the tv show Home Improvement. Tim Allen, of course, voices Buzz Lightyear.









We were, unfortunately, behind an obnoxious family with 3 kids who they let run all over the place, climbing on things and knocking other kids over. A CM finally noticed and came over and told them to keep a handle on them or get out of line. They still were loud, but did keep them all in line with them the rest of the time and kept them occupied with cell phones playing games. Eventually we did make it to take pictures with Woody and Buzz.












It was around 9:35am at that time and we decided to do an attraction that I don't much like, but don't hate either.






It's nicely done for what it is, but what it is is not much. Instead of a line now they give you a flyer telling you when to come back. Our flyer was for 5 minutes from then, so we just stood there until they gathered us all up.






I took lots of pictures while we were recruited by Captain Jack Sparrow!






























Once we defeated the skeletons and took the pirate oath we were out of there. But where to head next?


NEXT TIME: SPINNING, MICKEY, MINNIE AND MOM IN SHACKLES!!




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