Trip Report May 2017 Caribbean Beach Resort/ Flower & Garden Trip **COMPLETED**

We're back already!! As always, it went far too fast!

A little intro: We are myhappyplace (Amber) and Mrhappyplace (David). This was our 4th trip to the World as married folks (I've gone over 10 times prior to meeting DH, and he went on one day trips several times as a child).

(from our last trip)



Our Pre-Trip thread for this vacation can be found here: http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/...-pin-code-spring-caribbean-beach-trip.921077/ . Also, if you care to, searching will bring up past trip reports: our Disneymoon/WL trip, our Boardwalk/ F &W trip, and our Christmastime BLT trip.


On to this trip!


When: Saturday, April 29th- Saturday May 6th
(Even through 2 of our days were technically in April, I still referred to this as our 'May trip')

Where: Caribbean Beach Resort (our first moderate!)
Previous to meeting DH, I had only stayed in Value resorts. For our Disneymoon, we splurged (with the help of wedding gift money) and stayed at a Deluxe....well, and got spoiled. Now having stayed at 3 Deluxes, we weren't sure how our stay at a Moderate would go. I was fairly sure that as long as I had a shower and a bed and was at Disney, I was good. DH's main concern was transportation, as we really enjoy those resorts that have choices (boat & bus, monorail & walking, etc). Would we like CBR???

Why: sort of silly, because...why not?? Truthfully, we were going to take a bit of a break after our December trip, but we ended up getting a pin code in the mail, and after price checking, found we could swing a trip to enjoy Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival- a time of year we hadn't ever visited. Booking THIS trip then made us realize that we should upgrade to an Annual Pass in December, which THEN made us book a September and probably December trip to get the most use of the AP. So, thank you pin code!

Here we go!

 

[littleroo]

We had Morimoto last October and loved it. I agree, definitely a must try. It is however, not on our must do every disney trip.

 

[gdisneyfans]

We have stayed at the CBR in the past, but its been several years, so it's nice to see how they've updated the rooms (the last time we were there, they still had the Nemo theme in the rooms). Might have to check that resort out again! Enjoying your report!!

 

[myhappyplace]

We had Morimoto last October and loved it. I agree, definitely a must try. It is however, not on our must do every disney trip.

I would go back just for those ribs! There are just soooo many new places in Disney Springs alone, so it may be a couple trips. The Street Food is always an option for us as well.

We have stayed at the CBR in the past, but its been several years, so it's nice to see how they've updated the rooms (the last time we were there, they still had the Nemo theme in the rooms). Might have to check that resort out again! Enjoying your report!!

I was really pleased with the overall feel and decor of the room! Definitely would stay there again!

Thanks for reading along, both of you I hope to have more up tonight!

 

[myhappyplace]

Sunday, April 30th- Hollywood Studios

Up and at 'em the next morning, and according to the picture we took most mornings of the times screen at the bus stop, it seems we were on the bus at about 8:10, on our way to Hollywood Studios for the day. A little tip, depending on which building you're staying in at CBR, but we were about halfway between the Jamaica and Aruba stops, and since the Jamaica stop was usually the first pick-up, we went there every day after this.

It was extra magic hours for a little longer when we go there, but the line was still non-existant at Toy Story, which is where we headed first. We were in line with a guy and a girl, and when I pointed at the Spin Art in the queue, he got super excited that I knew what it was. Much to our (both DH & I and the guy & girl in line behind us) pleasure, we were directed to the new track, for the first time!



I LOVED this as a child! I can still very clearly remember the smell of the paint...


New track!




Loved the details of Andy's closet door






DH took this picture of me looking around in wonder...




Just before we got on the ride, this repair CM named Dave was needed. Of course we took pictures, cause we're dorks...




DH beat me by 500 points!


When we were leaving, guy & girl from behind us start chatting with us again, telling us trips and tricks for high scores...he was the high scorer in the car.

 

[myhappyplace]

We had a ToT FP scheduled, but DH wasn't feeling it, so as we wandered by The Great Movie Ride, I mentioned we should probably do it one more time, just because I don't know if we'll do it again before it closes. There was no wait posted, so I didn't figure it would be long. It ended up being about 30 minutes, actually. When we made it into the preshow theater, there was a woman sitting on the floor, with some Cast Members around her, offering her bottles of water, so I don't know if that had to do with the wait.

Look what I got @Tuvalu ! Also check out my mermaid-inspired nails (gotta love jamberry)






I just love old era Hollywood








We couldn't help but take lots of pics on the ride, sorry! One of my favorite movies...Gene Kelly was a looker!




The Duke


DH caught a pic of the alien...




Another favorite:


Over the rainbow!

 

[myhappyplace]

Then we needed to make a V.I.S. Very Important Stop.


Hmmm...what would it be??


I dream of this cupcake.


We found a table over by Starring Rolls to sit and relax, and eat cupcake.


Where we watched this squirrel pick up like a 1/4th of a muffin, and try to figure out if it was best to a) hide under the table to eat, or b) run away with his treasure. He did a little of both! (note: We did not feed him, this was already on the ground)


We did a little shopping there on Sunset Ave, to get my niece Avery a gift for her 1st birthday coming up in June. I had planned to get her this since my trip in February...I didn't take a pic, but I got her the Pegasus baby doll, and had it sent back to the resort.

We had a FP for Toy Story, so we headed back in that direction again. On the way, we passed these folks, but they weren't stopping where we were, so we waved and continued on.








We didn't get the new track this time.




This time I won! DH says that because he won the first round, he let me win this one.

 

[myhappyplace]

We didn't have any set plans for our late breakfast/ early lunch, so we scoped out the menus at Min & Bill's, but that didn't grab us. We decided to check out Pizzerizzo. We had never eaten there as Toy Story Pizza Planet but I had been wanting to see the interior at the least.


The menu...we loved the little bit about the Banquet Hall; I already knew I wanted to head up there to eat.


Oh my goodness, what can I say? This was sooo cheesy...and I LOOOOVE cheese! I was so tickled, it all made me smile. I've been to a wedding or two that looked like this in my small town! I don't think DH was feeling the same, and said that he would've sat upstairs, but in the subway section (I think because he's from NY)


I went with the vegetable pizza, with the side caesar's salad. DH went with the meatball sub and side caesar's salad. We split a cannolli.


I walked around to take pictures, and giggled at Phil, Gil, Lil, etc.








Next up, we had a FP for Star Tours! Is it me, or is it ALWAYS hot in there?


After that, we decided a midday break was in order (this will become a theme throughout the week), and headed toward the exit. On the way, I noticed that Olaf's line was short, and I wanted to meet him! I had to give him a warm hug...




On the way out for now...

 

[myhappyplace]

Back at the resort, we tried to take a nap. I think DH succeeded somewhat, but I couldn't fall asleep. I am not normally a napper anyway, but not long after we lay down, what sounded like a herd of young boys came into the room next door to us. There were- I'm guessing- 3 or 4 boys, who were the loudest children in creation. I could just hear entire conversations, if I spoke Spanish. This lasted probably 30 or 40 minutes, until I gave up.

We had a 4:30 meal planned back at Hollywood Studios, so we got re-ready, and headed back. But first, more pictures of flowers on the grounds of CBR on the way to the (Jamaica) bus stop.


See the lizard on the tree? I'm always fascinated by them...we get them every once in awhile here in GA, but there were TONS at CBR.


Right when we entered the park, the March of the First Order was going on, so we paused.







Our meal was here!


We checked in and got a pager, so we waited outside for our table to be ready, which didn't take long.






We were seated in a corner booth, which was a wonderful placement. Looking out over the restaurant:

 

[myhappyplace]

Our server was Moses, from Kenya, and he was excellent!
He explained our Fantasmic package, and we ordered. I decided to order an additional out-of-pocket appetizer because I am a sucker for tomato or mushroom soup!

Roma Roasted Tomato Soup, with gruyere, smoked bacon croquette, and spicy micro greens....delicious! I slurped (not really) every drop!


My appetizer portion of the Famous Cobb Salad...loved! All my favorite things, in one salad! I've had versions, but loved how little everything was chopped so you got good stuff and not just lettuce on your bites!


DH went with the Crispy Jumbo Lump Crab Cake


For mains, I went with the Charred Filet of Beef (with forest mushroom and white truffle oil mashed potatoes) and this was perfection on a plate. So juicy and melty, and yum.


DH chose the Pan-Seared Black Grouper (with Half Herb-crusted Lobster), which he thought was a little bland


Moses kindly took our picture for us:


The Fantasmic package meal includes the Dessert Trio of Chocolate Mascarpone Sphere, the Double Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee, and the Grapefruit Cake (another item they're known for) All were good!! Even the grapefruit cake, which we were not expecting to enjoy...


Then we, of course, had to have fun with the chocolate hat from the dessert!




I stopped in the restroom before leaving, so DH took some pictures of the derby lamps










Overall, this was my favorite meal of the entire trip! I know DH wishes he would have ordered differently, but I did give him some of my meal and he agreed that it was delicious. Would definitely do again, and probably would order the same things again!

We thought we'd take in a show and dragged our full bellies to Voyage of the Little Mermaid, which DH hadn't seen.


While I was in the queue, I sent DH over to take pics of the potted plants because I thought they were interesting

 

[myhappyplace]

I warned DH but this is mostly what he thought...


As usual, Ariel was a wonderful singer, but overall I think this show could be much better.


Upon exiting, we noticed that the line was much shorter for the Photopass photographer who is nearest the arch, so we had him take some shots for us, which I thought turned out pretty well




After this, we still had some time before we needed to head to Fantasmic!, so we did something which I'm fairly certain I still owe DH for...he hates "Let it Go"


I just love it, I think those historians are hoots! And I love the way the jokes are different each time...the male historian ripped on the Falcons losing the Super Bowl


Our next plan was a Peanut Butter & Jelly milkshake from the Tune-In Lounge to take into Fantasmic!, and while there, we saw Phil!! We loved Phil when he seated us on our trip in 2015. He's just so sweet, I even got a picture with him back then. I didn't do that here, but I did go up and tell him that I remember him from 2015, and he seemed so surprised. Don't go by his expression in the photo (he's calling some kids in for dinner)


Milkshakes to go!


Next up, and onslaught of Fantasmic! pictures...

 

[gdisneyfans]

We had a ToT FP scheduled, but DH wasn't feeling it, so as we wandered by The Great Movie Ride, I mentioned we should probably do it one more time, just because I don't know if we'll do it again before it closes. There was no wait posted, so I didn't figure it would be long. It ended up being about 30 minutes, actually. When we made it into the preshow theater, there was a woman sitting on the floor, with some Cast Members around her, offering her bottles of water, so I don't know if that had to do with the wait.

Look what I got @Tuvalu ! Also check out my mermaid-inspired nails (gotta love jamberry)






I just love old era Hollywood








We couldn't help but take lots of pics on the ride, sorry! One of my favorite movies...Gene Kelly was a looker!




The Duke


DH caught a pic of the alien...




Another favorite:


Over the rainbow!

Great shots in the GMR!

 

[blreinsel]

Oh my gosh I love Phil, too!!! He called us for dinner the first time I ate at Prime Time. He's so fun!

 

[Mrhappyplace]

When we were leaving, guy & girl from behind us start chatting with us again, telling us trips and tricks for high scores...he was the high scorer in the car.

Actually he was the high scorer for the hour.

Then we, of course, had to have fun with the chocolate hat from the dessert!

Technically you had fun with the hat I just allowed it to happen.

I warned DH but this is mostly what he thought...

Not true I liked it well enough but the ending seem to happen rather abruptly and it did seem like the show could easily be improved upon.

After this, we still had some time before we needed to head to Fantasmic!, so we did something which I'm fairly certain I still owe DH for...he hates "Let it Go"

I don't hate "Let it Go" I hate hearing people who have no business singing in front of people singing it. You can blame your sister for that. The show itself didn't really do anything for me but thankfully it didn't seem like anybody in the audience was really singing along. I've got to say though that the video presentation in it was quite stunning, crystal clear picture unlike any I've ever seen before.

 

[myhappyplace]

Great shots in the GMR!

Thank you!

Oh my gosh I love Phil, too!!! He called us for dinner the first time I ate at Prime Time. He's so fun!

He's just so sweet and cute, and you can tell he loves his job!

 

[myhappyplace]

Sunday, April 30th, continued

Armed with our Fantasmic Dining package tickets, we arrived at our section. Even though we got there when they suggested, it was very full. Fuller than I think we expected. Luckily, since we're only a party of 2, we found some seats. Not long after, Fantasmic! began...

The big cheese himself!


This is blurry, but I kind of like it...looks dream-like






Again, blurry.


I feel like Fantasmic is a hard show to get decent photos of anyway, then add in the mist, the fire, the lights, etc and it's darn near impossible, for me anyway. But the wind was blowing juuuust right, and the water was just coming down on us! More than a misting, I'd say. For large parts of the show, we had to cover our cameras. I don't remember getting that wet for Fantasmic before!

 

[Tiggerish]

Tag me in!!!

Random comments:
Love all your photos.

we could swing a trip to enjoy Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival- a time of year we hadn't ever visited.

the BEST time of year, IMO! Love the Flower & Garden Fest.

Booking THIS trip then made us realize that we should upgrade to an Annual Pass in December, which THEN made us book a September and probably December trip to get the most use of the AP.

Is it the AP or the pin code that's the gateway drug? I've never booked a pin code, so I'm going to go with the AP. I once did 6 trips in 12 months. From NY.

pay for our stays via monies made on ebay selling off my comic book collection

I think I need to hire you to consult with my hubby. He's got a very large comic book collection in the basement. Never re-reads anything. I nag him frequently to consider monetizing it.

2018 we will be taking a break from WDW but are planning a DCL trip for late in the year.

We've got an Alaskan cruise already booked for August 2018, and I spent more time than I should have this afternoon at work researching a spring cruise. Found a reasonably priced 5-night with Marvel day at sea. Pretty sure I can easily sell that one.

Because of our previous discount, our agent didn't think we would get this, but she also said "you never know"...well...we were SO pleased to find out that not only did we get this gift card, it was for all 7 nights, not just the 5 nights after May 1st! So this trip became so much more affordable because of our pin code + nightly discount + gift card!! On top of that all, we learned that the closure of the food court was pushed back a week and wouldnt really affect us anyway! Disney magic!!

Woo-hoo! Disney magic for sure!

I will say while pretty, I didn't quite feel the grandeur of a deluxe,

Snob.

Namely that it did not have a microwave (though the refrigerator was quite nice with a glass door on it) also lacking was a alarm clock.

Well, call me a snob, too. I'm totally shocked at the lack of microwave. I don't think any resort room has an alarm clock anymore, which I also think is a drawback/mistake.

The walls in the stall (yes I know it's weird to take photos in the restroom but it was pretty!)

I have taken photos in almost every DCL restroom I've been in. They're just so gorgeous and well-themed.

I just love old era Hollywood

I particularly love those Chinese lanterns in the GMR lobby. I remember similar ones being sold in local home goods shops back in the late 60s (I was a small child then, but they made an impression!). Lots of people had them in their homes, likely as a result of then-popular movie theater décor.

Gene Kelly was a looker!

He was. And that AA doesn't do him justice.

I dream of this cupcake.

When you said "guess which one", that's the one I was hoping for!!!

This time I won! DH says that because he won the first round, he let me win this one.

Yeah, right. Sounds like something a husband would say.

I don't think DH was feeling the same, and said that he would've sat upstairs, but in the subway section (I think because he's from NY)

Wait, there's a subway room??? The banquet room looks like every other wedding hall in Queens, so I thought I'd have to sit there (although I'm from The Bronx), but if there's a subway room, that's where I'd have to be!!

DH went with the meatball sub

Of course he did, because if you're from New York, what they serve in PizzeRizzo isn't actually pizza.

Technically you had fun with the hat I just allowed it to happen.

And I enjoyed the fact that you allowed it. Those were some dang funny pictures!! Well done, both of you!

 

[myhappyplace]

And then the big character boat came out!




I like Bert in this picture

















After the show, we were directed to exit, not out onto Sunset Blvd, but backstage. We came out between the scooter rental place and the restrooms on Sunset. I never knew they did that, but it makes sense, given that the Star Wars fireworks were going on at the same time.

I know I shouldn't but I did take a couple of pictures...they're incredibly blurry because it was while walking.




And with that, we walked to our bus stop. It was near the crosswalk to the disabled parking lot, and the crossing guard was very adamant about her job. She had a microphone on, and was guiding people where they needed to go. She was NOT a fan of people walking in front of the bus stops instead of behind on the sidewalk (strange notion, right?)

Anyway, we made it back to the resort on the first bus, and went to bed.

Coming up, Day 3-Animal Kingdom day!

 

[MinnieM123]

Wow! Those were fantastic pictures of Fantasmic!

 

[myhappyplace]

Is it the AP or the pin code that's the gateway drug? I've never booked a pin code, so I'm going to go with the AP. I once did 6 trips in 12 months. From NY.

Um, yes. Both! I guess I would say the pin code- we get them frequently. So we booked that first, but then figured, hey why not get the AP?

I think I need to hire you to consult with my hubby. He's got a very large comic book collection in the basement. Never re-reads anything. I nag him frequently to consider monetizing it.

It's been a wonderful supplement, but it can be very time consuming. DH does try to have the books we're selling coincide with whichever movie is out at the time, that seems to drum up some more interest.

We've got an Alaskan cruise already booked for August 2018, and I spent more time than I should have this afternoon at work researching a spring cruise. Found a reasonably priced 5-night with Marvel day at sea. Pretty sure I can easily sell that one.

Nice!

Snob.

I freely admit this

When you said "guess which one", that's the one I was hoping for!!!

I want one right now

Wait, there's a subway room??? The banquet room looks like every other wedding hall in Queens, so I thought I'd have to sit there (although I'm from The Bronx), but if there's a subway room, that's where I'd have to be!!

I guess that's what I would call it, right, @Tuvalu ? The restrooms were themed that way, and so was the staircase.

Of course he did, because if you're from New York, what they serve in PizzeRizzo isn't actually pizza.

This is true, and I'm not even from NY. But I did like that it had all the veggies I like on my pizza.

And I enjoyed the fact that you allowed it. Those were some dang funny pictures!! Well done, both of you!

He is a good sport most of the time for me

Thanks for reading Siobhan!!

 

[myhappyplace]

Wow! Those were fantastic pictures of Fantasmic!

Thank you! I was pretty happy with them, given the difficulty with the water!